A Beacon of Faith: Remembering Hazrat Syed Shah Musa Quaderi

By Rehan Ahmed Khan, New Age Islam 9 August 2025 Hazrat Syed Shah Musa Quaderi, being a 21st generation descendant of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, was a Sufi saint of Hyderabad who was highly respected. He was born in 1152 Hijri and spent his life in devotion, spiritual counselling, and service. His shrine close to Purana Pul continues to attract thousands every year, particularly during his Urs, crossing religious lines. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Syed Shah Musa Quaderi was a 21st generation descendant of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani. 2. Born in 1152 Hijri in Hyderabad. 3. Appointed as shrine custodian at the age of 19. 4. Dedicated to Sufi philosophy, Zikr, and nocturnal prayers. 5. Died 1215 Hijri, buried close to Purana Pul. His Annual Urs draws varied devotees. ------ Introduction In the old city of Hyderabad, near the ancient Purana Pul (Old Bridge), stands a sacred shrine that for centuries has been a source of hope, belief, and healing of the soul. The Dargah of Hazrat Syed Shah Musa Quaderi, a 21st direct descendant of the great Sufi saint Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani of Baghdad, remains a magnet for devotees from all over India and outside India — Muslims and non-Muslims alike — who seek blessings, peace, and the realization of their aspirations. A Saint with Ancestral Nobility Born in 1152 Hijri (about 1739 CE) in Hyderabad, Hazrat Syed Shah Musa Quaderi was of a very spiritually inclined family that descended from Hazrat Fatima, daughter of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His father, Hazrat Syed Shah Mohiuddin alias Quader Pasha, who was himself a saint, was the son of Hazrat Syed Shah Tajuddin Abdul Razzaq Quaderi, a great Qutb (spiritual axis) of the Deccan who devoted his life to spreading Islam in South India. At a young age, Hazrat Musa Quaderi showed signs of religious bent. Brought up by his paternal aunt in Mustaidpura, he started to embrace the ascetic ways of his ancestors at the age of seven. Of his own volition, he joined the Qadriya Sufi order, making an early vow of discipleship — a vow many would do in later life, while others maintained it from childhood without break. The Moment of Spiritual Appointment When Hazrat Musa was 14, something dramatic happened. According to the book Miskuwat Nibiya, his father took him on a visit to the graves of his ancestors. There, in an act of humility and faith, Musa touched the feet of his father in reverence. His father, seeing the readiness of the young man in terms of spiritual commitment, took his hand and initiated him into the Qadriya lineage of Sufi order. This led him into becoming a Salik (one on the path of spirituality), thereby taking him into the complex disciplines of Saluk the Sufi way of purification and nearness to God. Custodian of the Shrine At only 19, Hazrat Syed Shah Musa Quaderi was made the caretaker of his family shrine. For the remaining 44 years, until his death, he dedicated himself to two main activities: Riyazat (mystical discipline) and Mujahadat (spiritual striving). In addition to his administrative roles, he taught disciples Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), articles of faith (Aqaid), and Sufi practice etiquettes. Renowned for his profound devotion to prayer, he conducted daily recitations (Zikr) in seclusion, shunning public expressions of his piety. Later in life, he abstained from going to mosques and instead conducted all the prayers at home, frequently participating in voluntary night prayers between Isha and Tahajjud. A length of prayer beads was hardly ever out of his hand. His Final Days On 21st Ramadan, Hazrat Syed Shah Musa Quaderi made what proved to be his final visit to his home. He became ill days later. Eid day (1st Shawwal), in spite of his frailty, saw him greet disciples before withdrawing in agony. Three days of medication — a habit he followed in accordance with the Prophet's Sunnah — later, he declined further treatment, quietly stating he was "on his way to the next world." On 21st Dhu al-Qa'dah, 1215 Hijri, at the age of 63, the saint died. His funeral was conducted at Hyderabad's Makkah Masjid in the presence of huge crowds, and he was buried next to his father at the shrine near Purana Pul. The Shrine Today Architecturally different from the bulbous domes of Qutb Shahi nobles, the shrine's more subdued, elegant shape is set upon a rectangular base decorated with exquisite Persian calligraphy, geometric patterns, and floral designs. No surface remains plain — even the minarets bear heavy stucco carvings. Only through a cramped, high staircase few have the courage to ascend does the upper storey become accessible, where inscriptions and chronograms of rare mention of Hazrat Musa Quaderi are kept. One arresting sight outside the Dargah is the Qashti Hajatmand — a granite boat-shaped structure commonly referred to as the "Ship of Wish-Fulfilment." Believers, having their wishes granted, have traditionally filled it with sherbet to be enjoyed by everyone around. A Living Legacy The spiritual "favour" (Faiz) of Hazrat Syed Shah Musa Quaderi is believed to still pervade the shrine. Saints bear witness to prayers being answered, spiritual elevation, and an atmosphere of peace within the compound. His yearly Urs (death anniversary), celebrated on 21st Dhu al-Qa'dah, attracts hundreds of thousands of followers from all religions in devotion, and it is thus one of the biggest spiritual events of Hyderabad. His grandson, Hazrat Syed Shah Ghulam Ali Quaderi, preserved much of his legacy in the monumental seven-volume Mashkwatun Nubuwat, chronicling Hazrat Musa Quaderi’s miracles, life, and lineage from Huma (Syria) to Baghdad (Iraq) and finally to the Deccan. Conclusion Hazrat Syed Shah Musa Quaderi’s life exemplified devotion, humility, and unyielding service to God and humanity. In a time when religious and social divisions often dominate public discourse, his shrine stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith to unite people across caste, creed, and culture. Over two centuries since his passing, his light continues to guide, his blessings continue to draw seekers, and his name remains etched in the spiritual history of Hyderabad. ----- Rehan Ahmed Khan is an Independent Research scholar specialising Muslim Personalities and Communal Harmony. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/beacon-faith-hazrat-shah-musa-quaderi/d/136448 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism