Syed Waheed Ashraf: Bridging Sufi Mysticism and Academic Scholarship

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 19 October 2024 Syed Waheed Ashraf, A Distinguished Sufi Scholar And Poet, Combined Deep Spiritual Insight With Academic Rigour. His Contributions To Persian, Urdu, And Sufi Literature, Along With His Role As A Spiritual Guide, Left An Enduring Impact On Both Scholarly And Spiritual Communities Main Points: 1. Syed Waheed Ashraf was a prominent Sufi scholar, poet, and academic in Persian and Urdu literature. 2. He authored over 35 books, focusing on Sufi mysticism, Persian, and Urdu poetry. 3. Ashraf’s spiritual allegiance to the Ashrafiya order deepened his commitment to Sufi teachings. 4. He taught at prestigious Indian universities, including Aligarh Muslim University and the University of Madras. 5. Ashraf continues to inspire through his lectures on Sufi texts, including the Masnavi of Rumi. 6. He passed away on Sunday, 21 April 2024, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both academic and spiritual domains. ----- Syed Waheed Ashraf Indian Sufi Saint, scholar and poet In Persian and Urdu ----- Introduction Syed Waheed Ashraf, born on February 4, 1933, in Kichhauchha Sharif, Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, was a luminary in the fields of Sufi scholarship, Persian, and Urdu literature. An academician, poet, and spiritual guide, Ashraf's work was marked by an exceptional ability to blend deep spiritual insight with rigorous academic scholarship. His life’s work created a bridge between the esoteric world of Sufi philosophy and contemporary academic discourse, inspiring both intellectuals and spiritual seekers alike. His contributions to Persian, Urdu, and Sufi literature, as well as his guidance as a spiritual leader, have left an enduring impact on the scholarly and spiritual communities not just in India, but globally. His passing on 21 April 2024 marked the end of a remarkable life, but his legacy continues to inspire those who engage with his writings and teachings. Early Life and Educational Foundations Ashraf's intellectual and spiritual journey was shaped by his distinguished Syed family, deeply rooted in the spiritual heritage of Kichhauchha Sharif. His father, Syed Habeeb Ashraf, was a learned scholar of Ilm-ul-Jafar (Islamic geomancy) and Ilm-ul-Ramal (divination), despite his inability to complete formal education. His mother, Syeda Saeeda, was a practitioner of Unani medicine and known for her philanthropic work in healthcare. After completing his primary education at a local madrasa, Ashraf continued his schooling in Baskhari and Jaunpur. However, his academic progress was interrupted by a seven-year period of ill health. Despite this setback, he resumed his education in 1955 at Aligarh Muslim University, where he earned his undergraduate (B.A.), postgraduate (M.A.), and doctoral degrees. His doctoral dissertation, A Critical Edition of Lataif-e-Ashrafi, laid the groundwork for his lifelong engagement with Sufi literature. Academic Pursuits and Scholarly Contributions Ashraf’s academic career spanned over three decades and was marked by significant contributions to Persian, Urdu, and Sufi literature. He began his teaching journey as a temporary lecturer at Punjabi University, Patiala, before returning to Aligarh Muslim University as a UGC Senior Research Fellow. He later held a permanent position at the M.S. University of Baroda in Gujarat, where he rose to become a reader in Persian, before moving to the University of Madras in 1977. There, he became a professor and led the Department of Arabic, Persian, and Urdu until his retirement in 1993. His scholarly contributions extended beyond traditional literary criticism. Ashraf was a critical editor of several important Sufi texts, including Lataif-e-Ashrafi, a collection of mystical tales from the Ashrafiya Sufi order. He was also a pioneering scholar in the study of Islamic mysticism and Sufi philosophy, focusing particularly on Persian Sufi poets like Rumi, Hafez, and Saadi. His interdisciplinary approach—integrating Persian, Arabic, Urdu, and Islamic philosophy—redefined Sufi literary studies in India. Fluent in seven languages—Persian, Urdu, Arabic, Pahlavi, English, Hindi, and Gujarati—Ashraf had a unique ability to engage with a broad range of texts and traditions, giving him unparalleled access to diverse philosophical and mystical traditions. Over the years, he authored and edited more than 35 works, which continue to be regarded as vital resources for scholars and spiritual practitioners alike. Sufism and Spiritual Journey Ashraf’s spiritual journey was as profound as his academic one. In 1971, after completing his Ph.D., he received spiritual allegiance (Baith) from Syed Qadeer Ahmad Ashrafi ul Jilani in Kichhauchha Sharif, joining the Ashrafiya Sufi order. This moment marked a turning point in Ashraf's life, as he became more deeply involved in the teachings of Sufism. He was later appointed as a Khalifa (successor) in the order, tasked with guiding others on the Sufi path. Under his mentor, Syed Qadeer Ahmad Ashrafi ul Jilani, Ashraf's commitment to the core Sufi principles—such as the unity of being (Wahdat-Ul-Wujood), divine love, and self-purification—grew stronger. His lectures on Rumi’s Masnavi, a magnum opus of Sufi literature, became a spiritual and intellectual centre for many students, where the mystical and philosophical dimensions of Sufism were examined in depth. Ashraf’s ability to weave together spiritual wisdom and academic rigor made his teachings immensely popular among both scholars and spiritual aspirants. Legacy and Influence Syed Waheed Ashraf’s legacy is multi-faceted, marked by his scholarly contributions and his role as a spiritual guide. His works on Sufi mysticism, Persian literature, and Urdu poetry are considered foundational in the study of Sufi thought and Islamic philosophy. He is remembered for his ability to bring together the mystical, philosophical, and literary dimensions of Sufism, making them accessible to both academic audiences and spiritual seekers. Ashraf’s influence extended beyond his written works. His lectures, particularly those on Rumi’s Masnavi, nurtured a generation of scholars and spiritual practitioners. Many of his students continue to carry forward his teachings, including his brother Syed Hameed Ashraf, an expert in Shariah and Arabic literature, and his son Syed Amin Ashraf, an Urdu ghazal poet. One of his devoted students, Mohammed Bilal Ashrafi Qureshi, continues to uphold the spiritual legacy of the Ashrafiya order. Even after retiring from academia, Ashraf remained deeply engaged with both scholarly and spiritual pursuits. In 2023, he returned to Kichhauchha Sharif, where he continued his work until his passing on 21 April 2024. His impact remains profound, inspiring future generations of scholars, poets, and spiritual seekers. Conclusion Syed Waheed Ashraf’s life was a unique convergence of intellectual rigor and spiritual insight. His contributions to Sufi scholarship, Persian and Urdu literature, and Islamic philosophy continue to resonate with scholars and spiritual seekers worldwide. By bridging the worlds of academia and mysticism, Ashraf not only preserved the rich traditions of Sufi thought but also demonstrated their relevance to contemporary issues. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who seek knowledge and spiritual enlightenment in the years to come. ----- Syed Amjad Hussain is an Author and Independent Research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on a book based on Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/waheed-ashraf-sufi-mysticism-academic-scholarship/d/133479 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