Sarkhej Rouza: The Sacred Shrine of Gujarat’s Beloved Sufi Saint, Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Khattu

By Adnan Faizi, New age Islam 13 October 2025 Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Ganj bakhsh Khattu, revered as Ganj bakhsh, Badr-ul-aarifeen, and Malik-ul-Masha’ikh, was born in Delhi in 1338 CE. His life was a testament to resilience, spirituality, and generosity, leaving an indelible mark from Delhi to the sanctified soil of Sarkhej in Gujarat, where seekers still find solace at his shrine. Main Points: 1. He was born in Delhi in 1338 CE and raised by Hazrat Shaykh Baaba Is’haq Maghribi with nurturing care and spiritual guidance. 2. He inherited profound spiritual insight and pursued extensive studies in Hadith, Qur’an, Fiqh, Arabic, and Persian. 3. He took Bay‘ah to Hazrat Shaykh Baba Is’haq Maghribi near Khatu in Nagaur. 4. His spiritual journey took him through Aden, Baghdad, and the Haramain, before he established his spiritual centre at Sarkhej. 5. His generosity, miracles, langar, and compassionate guidance attracted sultans, scholars, and devotees. ---- Introduction Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Ganj-bakhsh Khattu was born in Delhi in 1338 CE. From humble and tragic origins, orphaned in infancy and parted from his parents amidst the chaos of a storm, his journey entered the golden pathway of Sufism under Hazrat Shaykh Baaba Is’haq Maghribi near Khatu, Rajasthan. There, surrounded by the arid yet beautiful landscape of Nagaur, Hazrat Shaykh Baaba Is’haq Maghribi raised and educated the child Ahmad, recognising in him a spiritual lamp destined to illuminate the world.Rooted in the rich soil of Silsila-e-Maghrabia, Hazrat Ahmad Ganj bakhsh’s soul was nurtured with the Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, Arabic, Persian, and practical wisdom of Tasawwuf. His saintly life unfolded through years of study, service, seclusion, and wandering across the Islamic world from Baghdad and Aden to Mecca and Medina, culminating in his the resplendent khanqah at Sarkhej, Gujarat. Here, his doors were never closed; his langar, a beacon of hope for the hungry of every caste and creed; his generosity, the reason for his laqab “Ganj bakhsh”—the Bestower of Treasure. Early Life and Family Background Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Ganj bakhsh Khattu was born in 738 Hijri (1338 CE) in Delhi, then the heart of the Delhi Sultanate’s power and learning. His father, Hazrat Malik Ikhtiyaar uddin, was a man of noble lineage and deep faith, devoted to serving scholars and the path of righteousness. Yet destiny had chosen an extraordinary course for the infant Ahmad. In his early childhood, a fierce storm struck Delhi, during which the young Ahmad was separated from his wet nurse and went missing — a moment that became the first great trial of his life. Days of grief followed for his family, while far beyond the city, a caravan discovered a helpless child beneath the open sky. The travelers sold him to a stranger in a distant town. When word of this remarkable child reached Hazrat Maulana Sadruddin Shaykh Baba Is’haq Maghribi — a saint of immense spiritual stature residing in Khatu near Nagaur, he immediately sensed a divine mystery. He instructed his disciples, “Go, and bring me the child whom the storm has carried away.” Following his guidance, the disciples traced the lost infant and brought him to Khatu, where Hazrat Baba Is’haq Maghribi received him not as an orphan but as a soul entrusted to him by the Divine. Under Hazrat Baba Is’haq’s tender guardianship, Hazrat Ahmad grew in both body and spirit. Hazrat personally oversaw his upbringing, nurturing him with affection and guiding him through the profound disciplines of faith, ethics, and Sufism. From his earliest years, Ahmad displayed a luminous intelligence and an inward stillness that hinted at his spiritual destiny. His education was not confined to books, it unfolded through silent observation of his Pir’s humility, through nights of remembrance, and through service in the khanqah that taught the value of selflessness. Education, Bayah, and Spiritual Training Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Ganj bakhsh Khattu received a deep and comprehensive education, immersing himself in the Qur'an and Hadith, while also mastering Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), as well as the Arabic and Persian languages. His learning was not merely academic; it was woven with practical spirituality, combining rigorous study with heartfelt devotion and Tasawwuf, shaping both his intellect and soul. His Bayah was solemnly undertaken under the guidance of Hazrat Shaykh Baba Is’haq Maghribi, He took Bayah and received Khilafat from Hazrat Shaykh Baba Is’haq Maghribi, formally joining the revered Maghribi silsila. Following his Murshid’s permission, Hazrat Ahmad set forth on a sacred journey to Baghdad Sharif. During this journey, while performing wudu at a spring near Kohe Salli in the Ajmer region, he became deeply absorbed in divine remembrance (zikr). In this state, he experienced a profound visionary dream: Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam Abdul Qaadir Jilani appeared before him, placing a blessed cap and luminous turban upon his head, symbolically affirming his acceptance in Allah’s presence. Upon awakening, Hazrat Ahmad found the sacred cap and turban physically upon his head. Overcome with gratitude, he performed sajda-e-shukr and, with renewed spiritual fervour, returned to his Murshid, carrying the divine blessings and affirmation that would guide the rest of his life. Period of Seclusion and Further Travels After the Wisaal of his Murshid in 775 Hijri (1374 A.D.), Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Ganj bakhsh Khattu withdrew into seclusion for forty days, surviving solely on water and dates. During this time, he immersed himself in intense worship and muraqabah (spiritual contemplation), deepening his spiritual insight and preparing to assume his role as a guide for others on the path of Tasawwuf. In 783 Hijri (1382 A.D.), he embarked on a journey to Adan, where he met Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Lateef Yemen, the khalifa of Hazrat Shaykh Abdullah Yaafai. In 790 Hijri (1388 A.D.), Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Ganj-bakhsh Khattu performed Hajj. When he reached Madina Munawwara with his caravan, he entered the sacred boundaries of the city. As soon as the blessed Roza of Huzoor Sarwar-e-Aalam Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam came into view, Hazrat Ahmad respectfully dismounted from his camel and, reciting Durood Shareef with deep reverence, walked towards the Roza to pay his respects. When locals wished to host him, Hazrat Ahmad humbly replied, “Today, I am a guest of Huzoor Sarwar-e-Ka’inat Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam.” Upon reaching the Rouza, a venerable servant presented him with a few dates wrapped in cloth, saying, “These are from Huzoor Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, as you are His guest today.” This moment of divine blessing left a lasting impression, symbolizing his closeness to the beloved Prophet and the spiritual honors granted to him during his pilgrimage. Life in Delhi, Captivity, and Establishment in Gujarat After nearly a decade of sacred travels, Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Ganj bakhsh Khattu returned to Delhi and took residence in the revered Masjid-e-Khaan-e-Jahaan. His presence there brought spiritual guidance and solace to many. In 800 Hijri (1398 A.D.), when Baadshah Taimur launched his brutal invasion of Hindustan, Hazrat Ahmad foresaw the calamity and warned the people well in advance. Because of his warning, many of his mureeds were able to escape safely. Despite his warnings, Hazrat Ahmad, along with forty of his devoted followers, was captured. Even in captivity, his spiritual baraka manifested miraculously: forty rotis appeared daily, unseen, sustaining all the captives and ensuring their comfort. When Taimur came to know of this divine occurrence, he was moved by Hazrat Ahmad’s sanctity and bowed in respect, releasing him unharmed. Hazrat Ahmad continued his travels across various lands and eventually reached Gujarat in 802 Hijri (1400 A.D.). Invited by Hazrat Muzaffar Shah, he settled in Sarkhej, dedicating himself to spiritual guidance, teaching, and serving the community. In 808 Hijri (1406 A.D.), he journeyed to Haryana to meet Hazrat Shaykh Shahab uddin Khayabani and later traveled to Samarqand for further spiritual enrichment. A historic milestone followed on 4 March 1411 (Zil Qa’ada 813 Hijri) when the foundation of Ahmedabad city was laid in the blessed presence of Hazrat Ahmad. This moment marked not only the establishment of a great city but also the enduring imprint of his spiritual and social influence on the region, shaping the course of Indo-Islamic history. Teachings, Khalifas, and Mureeds Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Ganj bakhsh Khattu's profound teachings, sermons, and discourses were carefully compiled in the works Tohfatul Majaalis and Malfuzaat-e-Ahmad Maghribi, offering timeless spiritual guidance and insight. As the principal khalifa of Hazrat Shaykh Baba Is’haq Maghribi, he carried forward the esteemed Maghribi silsila with dedication and wisdom. Among his own distinguished khalifas were Hazrat Shaykh Salaah uddin, Hazrat Qutb-e-Aalam Syed Burhaan uddin Abdullah Bukhari of Vatva, Ahmedabad, and Hazrat Shaykh Mahmood bin Saeed Irji. His mureeds, including the notable Hazrat Sultaan Ahmad Shah, spread across India, continuing his spiritual and social mission, guiding communities, and preserving the purity, strength, and vitality of the silsila for generations to come. His teachings inspired countless hearts to embrace devotion, humility, and service to humanity. Even centuries later, his wisdom and spiritual guidance remain a beacon for seekers on the path of Tasawwuf. Generosity, Langar, and Miracles Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Ganj bakhsh Khattu was renowned as “Ganj bakhsh,” the Bestower of Treasures. Whatever gifts or provisions came to him, he immediately distributed among the needy and destitute, embodying the highest ideals of charity and compassion. He ran a langar where thousands from all faiths and communities were fed daily, reflecting the essence of Sufi generosity and selfless service. One of the most celebrated karamaat (miracles) of Hazrat Ahmad occurred during his travels when he reached a flood-prone village. Observing the villagers relocating their belongings in anticipation of the river’s overflow, Hazrat Ahmad inquired about the situation. Upon learning that floods regularly submerged parts of the village during the rainy season, he gathered the people at the riverbank and asked them to fix a peg at a specific spot. With faith, he declared, “By Allah’s grace, the waters will not rise beyond this point.” Miraculously, the floodwaters stopped precisely at the marked peg, safeguarding the village for years. The villagers were awestruck, and Hazrat Ahmad reassured them, saying, “With Allah’s help, as long as this settlement remains, this sign will endure.” Through his acts of generosity and divine blessings, Hazrat Ahmad’s life became a living testament to the harmony of spiritual authority and compassionate action, leaving an enduring legacy that inspired countless hearts to serve humanity and seek closeness to Allah. Death and Continuing Legacy After leading Eid-ul-Fitr Namaaz in 849 Hijri, Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Ganj bakhsh Khattu returned home, but his health had become very delicate. On 12 Shawwaal 849 Hijri (January 1446 A.D.), he departed from this world. His funeral prayers were led by Hazrat Maulana Mohammad bin Qaasim, and he was laid to rest in Sarkhej, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Hazrat Ahmad’s mausoleum remains a prominent centre of Islamic spirituality, drawing devotees from across India and beyond. Annual Urs celebrations commemorate his remarkable life with qawwali, langar, gagar, and vibrant mehfils, reflecting the profound and enduring impact of his teachings, generosity, and spiritual guidance. Through these gatherings, his legacy continues to inspire hearts, fostering devotion, service to humanity, and deep love for the Divine. Conclusion Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Ganj bakhsh Khattu's life stands as a luminous example of spiritual devotion, profound scholarship, and compassionate service. His unwavering commitment to Tasawwuf, his tireless guidance of mureeds, and his remarkable generosity earned him the revered title “Ganj bakhsh,” the Bestower of Treasures. Through his miraculous karamaat, selfless langar, and far-reaching travels, he touched countless lives, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire. His spiritual influence was especially significant in Gujarat, where his dargah at Sarkhej remains a centre of reverence and learning, drawing devotees from all walks of life. The remembrance of his life and teachings encourages seekers to embody knowledge, piety, and selfless service, ensuring that Hazrat Ahmad’s light continues to illuminate hearts across generations. ----- Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumni of CCS University, Meerut. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/sarkhej-rouza-sacred-shrine-sufi-saint-hazrat-khattu/d/137208 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