Afghan Ruler Turned Sufi, Hazrat Sultan Syed Muhammad ‘Ali ‘Ala Balkhi: Life And Legacy

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 13 December 2024 Hazrat Sultan Syed Muhammad ‘Ali ‘Ala Balkhi, A Former Afghan Ruler Turned Sufi, Became A Disciple Of Hazrat Nuruddin Nurani In Kashmir, Dedicating His Life To Spirituality, Simplicity, And Spreading Islam, Leaving A Lasting Legacy In Pakharpora. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Sultan Syed Muhammad, a ruler of Balkh, renounced his throne after a spiritual vision guided him to pursue the path of God. 2. His vision led him to Kashmir, where he became a disciple of Hazrat Nuruddin Nurani, the head of the Rishis of Kashmir. 3. Settling in Pakharpora, he built a mosque and dedicated his life to spreading Islam and guiding the local community through his teachings and example. 4. Known for his adherence to Shari’at and austere living, he inspired people with his humility and devotion. 5. His burial site at Pakharpora, built by King Zain-ul Abidin, remains a revered shrine and a symbol of his spiritual impact. ----- Hazrat Sultan Syed Muhammad ‘Ali ‘Ala Balkhi, a disciple of Hazrat Nuruddin Nurani, holds a unique place in the spiritual history of Kashmir. Though not a native Kashmiri, he is remembered as a symbol of devotion and humility. According to local tradition, he was a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad and a ruler of the town of Millah in Balkh, located in present-day Afghanistan. In 1417 CE, at the age of nineteen, he ascended the throne following the demise of his father. He ruled his principality for thirteen years, but his heart yearned for a higher purpose. As narrated in Rishi Namah-e-Kashmir by Hakim ‘Ali Shah, his transformation began when his heart was overwhelmed with divine love (‘ishq-e-ilahi). Seeking the true path (rah-e-haq), he experienced a profound dream. In the dream, the Prophet Muhammad, along with his four pious companions (chahar yar), appeared in a magnificent garden encircled by a fierce river of fire. Stranded on the other side were people who dared not cross. A luminous figure appeared, guiding them across the river via a bridge. This same figure helped Sultan Syed Muhammad and introduced him to the Prophet as Hazrat Nuruddin Nurani, the spiritual leader of the Rishis of Kashmir. The Prophet instructed Sultan Syed Muhammad to accept Hazrat Nuruddin as his guide. The following day, Sultan Syed Muhammad shared his dream with his courtiers. Guided by their interpretations, he renounced his throne, distributed his wealth among the needy, and set out on a journey to Kashmir with his wife and two sons. The journey was fraught with hardships. Tragically, his wife passed away, and his children fell severely ill due to lack of food. Stricken by grief, he implored God, surrendering himself entirely to divine will. In a solitary meditation (Muraqba), the Prophet and his companions appeared again, instructing him to return to Balkh, leave his sons behind, and travel to Kashmir alone. Following this divine command, he returned to Balkh, appointing his elder son as ruler and entrusting his younger son with religious responsibilities. Embarking on a solitary journey, Sultan Syed Muhammad braved harsh terrains and freezing mountains for over seven months, eventually reaching Pakharpora in present-day Budgam district, Kashmir. At the same time, Hazrat Nuruddin Nurani, residing in Charar-e-Sharif, sensed Sultan Syed Muhammad’s arrival and, along with his disciple Baba Nasruddin Rishi, went to meet him. Their meeting in the winter of 1430 CE was marked by deep spiritual discussions. Although Sultan Syed Muhammad admired Hazrat Nuruddin’s wisdom, he harboured a subtle doubt about his education. Diplomatic in his query, he asked about the authenticity of a hadith. Hazrat Nuruddin humbly replied, “I am illiterate (ummi). However, your doubt will be cleared when we appear before the Prophet.” As Hazrat Nuruddin held Sultan Syed Muhammad’s hand, they spiritually found themselves in a garden where the Prophet sat. The Sultan recited Quranic verses and hadiths, some of which were fabricated. These were corrected, either by Hazrat Nuruddin or, as another version suggests, by the Prophet himself. This experience affirmed to Sultan Syed Muhammad that Hazrat Nuruddin, despite lacking formal education, was endowed with divine knowledge (‘ilm-e-luddni). Accepting Hazrat Nuruddin as his spiritual mentor, Sultan Syed Muhammad joined him in spreading Islam’s message. Together, they built a mosque at Pakharpora, where the Sultan led missionary efforts. His piety, humility, and dedication earned him the admiration of the local ruler, Zain-ul-‘Abidin. Sultan Syed Muhammad’s influence extended beyond spiritual teachings. Local lore credits him with delivering the people of Pakharpora from the menace of three devils—Kacch Deo, Mom Shah, and Khoon Shah—who destroyed crops and water supplies. His unwavering faith and simplicity resonated deeply with the locals. When asked about his servitude, he humbly replied, “All creatures in the skies and on the earth are slaves of the Merciful One.” Living a life of austerity, Sultan Syed Muhammad adhered strictly to the Shari’at, subsisting on wild vegetables and water. Having relinquished his royal status, he devoted himself entirely to God. As described in the Rishi Namah of Baba Kamaluddin, “A king indeed, but a faqir in reality. He had thrown away his crown, yet his feet were on the throne.” Sultan Syed Muhammad passed away in 860 AH. He was laid to rest at his khanqah in Pakharpora. The funeral was attended by Zain-ul-‘Abidin, who later built a grand tomb complex in his honour, nestled amidst the snow-clad Pir Panjal range. The shrine continues to attract devotees, serving as a testament to his spiritual legacy and enduring influence. ----- A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. URl: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/afghan-ruler-sufi-hazrat-sultan-ala-balkhi/d/134016 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