Hazrat Khwaja Shah Mahboobullah: The Saint Who Transformed Deccan into a Beacon of Fourfold Sufi Wisdom

By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam 7 August 2025 Hazrat Khwaja Shah Mahboobullah, born as Hazrat Syed Shah Mohammad Siddiq Ali al-Hussaini, was a revered Sufi of 19th–20th century Deccan. Descended from a noble Syed lineage and raised in a spiritually rich household, he became a radiant figure of Ilm, Hikmat, and divine Karamat. Rooted in four Silsilas — Chishti, Qadri, Rifai, and Naqshbandi — his spiritual path reflected both depth and universality. Through teaching, healing, and silent spiritual transmission, he transformed Hyderabad into a living centre of Sufi presence, where seekers from all backgrounds found light and guidance. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Khwaja Mahboobullah was born in 1847 in Qazipura, Hyderabad, to a noble Syed family. 2. He took bay‘ah from Hazrat Shah Shamsuddin Mahboob Chishti Qadri in early adulthood. 3. He received khilafat in the Chishti, Qadri, Naqshbandi, and Rifai Sufi silsilas, and was entrusted with guiding seekers under all four sacred paths. 4. He inspired the Mehboob Journal and the formation of Mohi Academy, both dedicated to preserving his teachings and silsila. 5. He passed away on 18 Dhu al-Qa‘dah 1338 AH (1920) and is buried in Shanker Gunj, where Urs with sama and ziyarat is held annually. ----- Introduction The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked an era of profound spiritual evolution in the Deccan region, especially Hyderabad, where a constellation of Sufi saints reshaped the mystical landscape of the Indian subcontinent. Among them, Hazrat Khwaja Shah Mahboobullah emerged as a multidimensional spiritual guide whose influence crossed social, sectarian, and geographic boundaries. Revered for his profound connection to the Divine, deep scholarship in Islamic sciences, and exceptional healing abilities, he was not only a beacon of Sufi ideology but also a community leader whose teachings continue to inspire across generations. His devotion to multiple Sufi Silsilas, combined with a life of humility and divine service, earned him admiration from all classes of people, including the Hyderabad nobility. Early Life and Family Background Hazrat Khwaja Mahboobullah was born on 29 Sha‘ban 1263 Hijri, corresponding to May 1847, in Qazipura, Hyderabad. He was named Syed Shah Mohammad Siddiq Ali al-Hussaini. His father, Hazrat Syed Shah Parwarish Ali al-Hussaini, also known as 'Rifat Panah', held high administrative posts in the Hyderabad state and came from a noble Naqshbandi-Qadri lineage. His mother, Hazrat Bibi Ewaz Begum, was a descendant of the Siddiqi silsila of Mashaikh-e-Deccan, a prominent family of religious scholars and mystics. Her lineage was steeped in Islamic learning and Tasawwuf. A notable event before his birth was a dream experienced by his mother, in which Hazrat Bibi Fatima Tuz-Zahra placed a radiant child in her lap, stating that he was among the chosen of Allah. His maternal grandfather, Hazrat Mirza Shah Shujauddin, was a respected scholar of his time. From a young age, Hazrat Mahboobullah showed signs of spiritual depth and mystical inclination. His personality exuded calmness and grace, with a luminous presence that attracted attention. Even as a child, his silence had spiritual weight, and elders around him sensed his future greatness. Education and Spiritual Training Hazrat Mahboobullah began his education at home with the memorisation of the Qur’an. He then pursued deeper Islamic sciences including Fiqh (jurisprudence), Hadith, Tafsir, Arabic grammar, Persian language, Hikmat (philosophy), and Tasawwuf. His primary teachers included well-known scholars of Hyderabad such as Hazrat Maulana Shah Nooruddin, Hazrat Maulana Shah Fakhruddin, Hazrat Maulana Ali Bakhsh, and Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Mahdi Hussain. These scholars were known not only for their academic strength but also for their spiritual insight. Many of his peers in study circles went on to become major Sufi leaders themselves. He also received training in Unani medicine from his family and was considered a competent Hakeem. Apart from being a scholar, he was an artist in calligraphy and mastered both the Naskh and Nastaliq scripts. His education was not only textual but experiential — he internalised divine teachings and applied them through zikr, silence, service, and meditation. Bay‘ah and Khilafat His spiritual allegiance was pledged to Hazrat Khwaja Shah Shamsuddin Mohammad Mahboob, a highly regarded Chishti-Qadri saint in Hyderabad. Under the strict but loving guidance of his Murshid, Hazrat Mahboobullah traversed the spiritual path with great speed and depth. Eventually, he was granted full Khilafat and Ijazat to initiate and guide disciples. His inner vision and Kashf connected him directly to Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani, from whom he received Ruhaani Nisbat. Hazrat Mahboobullah’s silsila encompassed the four foundational Sufi orders of South Asia: Chishti, Qadri, Rifai, and Naqshbandi. His broad spiritual affiliations allowed seekers from diverse backgrounds to find a path through his teachings. He received over 25 spiritual laqabs (titles), one of which was "Abdul Qadir Sani," reflecting his close spiritual kinship with the Qadri path. Teaching and Disciples Hazrat Mahboobullah’s influence spread widely through his teachings and the spiritual nurturing of disciples. He trained numerous Mureeds who later became significant spiritual leaders in their own right. Among his most notable Khalifas were Hazrat Syed Shah Osman Hussaini (Fayeq), Hazrat Syed Shah Yahya Hussaini (Yahya Pasha), Hazrat Syed Shah Baqar Ali Hussaini (Faqeer Pasha), Hazrat Syed Mahmood Ali Shah (Makki Miyan), Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Qadeer Siddiqi (Hasrat), Hazrat Shah Abdul Muqtadir Siddiqi, Hazrat Syed Ahmed Ali Shah, and Hazrat Syed Shah Mohammad Omar al-Hussaini. His teaching method combined traditional Islamic scholarship with deep mystical experience. Hazrat often attended sama gatherings anonymously and observed the spiritual states of his disciples. During these gatherings, many experienced Hal (ecstatic states), spiritual unveiling, and inner purification. His gaze and silence were known to produce spiritual tremors in the hearts of seekers. Literary Contributions and Healing Practices Among his literary contributions, Afkaar-e-Ghaib remains a notable spiritual treatise, focusing on inner realities and divine mysteries. He also initiated the Mehboob Journal, which included writings on Tafsir, hadith, poetry, philosophy, and Tasawwuf. He often wrote under the Takhallus "Khulq," producing Urdu and Farsi compositions filled with mystical depth. Hazrat was also widely respected for his healing abilities. Drawing on his knowledge of Unani medicine and spiritual sciences, he would treat the poor and needy at no cost. His healing was not limited to physical ailments; he offered spiritual prescriptions through zikr, gaze, blessed water, and Ruhaani Taweezat. Death and Mazar Hazrat Mahboobullah passed away on 18 Dhul Qa‘dah 1338 Hijri, corresponding to approximately 1920 CE, in Hyderabad. He was laid to rest in Qazipura, Shanker Gunj, at 20-5-286, Arbon Ki Masjid Road. His Mazar was constructed in the architectural tradition of Qadri-Chishti saints of the Deccan, with an ambiance of serenity, simplicity, and spiritual magnetism. Many devotees report feeling inner peace and Roohani connection when visiting his final resting place. Over time, the Dargah has become a sanctuary of prayer, zikr, and interfaith harmony. Urs and Ritual Traditions Every year on 18 Dhul Qa‘dah, his Urs is commemorated with great reverence. Devotees from across India and abroad participate in the rituals. The ceremonies include the sacred Ghusl Shareef (ritual washing of the Mazar), Dastarbandi (spiritual succession turbans), Mehfil-e-Sama, collective Zeyarat, and Langar (community meal). A significant historical note is that Shahzadi Pasha, daughter of the Nizam of Hyderabad, requested to be buried next to Hazrat’s shrine — a testament to his widespread spiritual reverence. The Urs is marked not only by ritual but by spiritual transformation. Many come to renew their Bay’at, seek spiritual counsel, and participate in the sacred ambiance that envelops the Dargah during these days. Family and Institutional Legacy Hazrat Mahboobullah had three sons: Hazrat Syed Shah Osman Hussaini (Fayeq), Hazrat Syed Shah Yahya Hussaini (Yahya Pasha), and Hazrat Syed Shah Baqar Ali Hussaini (Faqeer Pasha). Each of them contributed significantly to preserving the teachings and spiritual energy of their father. The custodianship of the Dargah and Silsila has remained within his family. His grandson, Hazrat Syed Shah Mohiuddin al-Hussaini, established the Mohi Academy, an institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of his spiritual and educational legacy. The official website mahbooballah.com serves as a digital archive for his works, photographs, teachings, and Urs announcements. Influence and Global Reach The spiritual lineage of Hazrat Mahboobullah continues to thrive across India, Pakistan, and South Africa. His emphasis on love, tolerance, and spiritual practice attracted people from all walks of life. Today, his silsila promotes interfaith understanding and spiritual growth in diverse communities. His teachings remain alive through the Mehboob Journal, annual sama gatherings, spiritual healing traditions, and the living example of his descendants. In a world often divided by identity, Hazrat Mahboobullah’s life stands as a bridge between people, hearts, and the Divine. --- Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumnus of CCS University, Meerut. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hazrat-khwaja-mahboobullah-saint-beacon-sufi-wisdom/d/136432 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