Bibi Jamal Khatun: Sufi Mystic, Miracle-Worker, and Divine Servant

By Afroz Khan, New Age Islam 23 May 2025 Bibi Jamal Khatun was a revered Sufi mystic known for miracles like limitless langar, supernatural wheat stores, and divine blessings. Her life of meditation, service, and spiritual powers, documented by Dara Shikoh, made her a symbol of selfless devotion in Islam. Main Points: 1. Born into a spiritually influential family, her brother Mian Mir was a Sufi saint, and her lineage shaped her devotion. 2. Performed miracles like endless food supplies, glowing divine fish, and granting sons through prayers. 3. Lived in ascetic seclusion for years, dedicating herself to worship and meditation. 4. Recognized in Sakinat al Awliya by Mughal prince Dara Shikoh for her spiritual prowess. 5. Used supernatural powers solely for social welfare, never personal gain, leaving a legacy of Sufi piety. ----- Bibi Jamal Khatun was a highly respected woman of spirituality and Sufism, renowned for performing numerous miracles throughout her life. Her entire family stood as a living embodiment of spiritual prowess, social service, and the timeless traditions of Sufism. Bibi Jamal hailed from a lineage deeply rooted in Islamic spirituality and devotion. Her maternal grandfather, Qazi Kadan, was a celebrated Sufi saint whose legacy of piety and spiritual wisdom left an indelible mark on the family. Her mother, Bibi Fatima, was a woman of profound devotion and inclination toward God, a trait that directly shaped the spiritual foundation of her children, including Bibi Jamal. Tragedy struck early in Bibi Jamal’s life when her father passed away during her childhood. Following this loss, her mother, Bibi Fatima, returned to her parental home in Sindh with her children. The household they joined was steeped in an atmosphere of Islam, Sufism, spirituality, and rigorous religious practice. This environment profoundly influenced Bibi Jamal and her siblings, nurturing their spiritual inclinations from a young age. Among her siblings, her elder brother Mian Mir emerged as a towering figure in Sufism, eventually becoming a revered Sufi saint. He took on the role of a spiritual guru to his siblings, imparting the teachings of Sufism and guiding them on the path of divine connection. However, Bibi Jamal distinguished herself as the most accomplished in attaining spiritual powers. Through unwavering dedication and sheer willpower, she cultivated extraordinary spiritual and supernatural abilities, which she selflessly channeled into social service and the welfare of others. Bibi Jamal’s personal life included marriage, but her profound commitment to spirituality made it difficult for her to sustain the marital bond. After spending six years with her husband, she returned to her maternal home. The marriage, which remained childless, eventually ended a decade later, either through divorce or the demise of her husband. Upon returning to her family, Bibi Jamal chose a life of intense seclusion. She locked herself in a room, dedicating every moment to spirituality, meditation, penance, and devotion to Allah. Day and night, she immersed herself in worship, emerging only for the bare necessities. Two maids assisted her with daily chores, ensuring her focus remained undisturbed. Her solitude was so absolute that even when her brother Mian Mir left their ancestral home, she did not step out to bid him farewell, so deep was her absorption in spiritual practices. This rigorous penance and isolation bore extraordinary fruit. Bibi Jamal attained miraculous and supernatural powers, and her connection with God deepened to an unparalleled degree. Her spiritual stature earned her recognition even in historical texts. Mughal prince Dara Shikoh, in his book Sakinat al Awliya, mentioned Bibi Jamal, referring to her as “Rabi’ah” and praising her miracles and contributions to spirituality. Among her many miracles, Bibi Jamal’s operation of a Langar (community kitchen) stands out. She personally initiated the food distribution with prayers, declaring, “Whoever comes should be fed; no one will go hungry. Insha Allah, everyone will be satisfied.” Remarkably, regardless of how many people arrived, the langar’s provisions never ran short. Everyone left satiated, a testament to her divine blessings. Another widely celebrated miracle involved two maunds of wheat stored in pots. Bibi Jamal donated wheat from these pots to the needy for an entire year, yet the quantity never diminished. This endless supply of grain was attributed to her spiritual power, a divine reward for her selfless service and pure intentions. Her intercessory prayers also wrought miracles. The wife of Amir Khan Hakim once approached Bibi Jamal, distraught that only daughters were born in her household. She begged for prayers to bless her with a son. Bibi Jamal prayed fervently, assuring the woman that sons would now be born. True to her word, the family was blessed with five sons thereafter. During one deep meditation, a fish miraculously appeared before Bibi Jamal. As she focused her spiritual energy, the fish began to glow with an ethereal light. Declaring it a blessed object, she instructed her followers to preserve it, and it became a source of ongoing divine blessings. Beyond these, Bibi Jamal’s miracles included communing with departed saints in spiritual states, foretelling future events, multiplying food from a single vessel to feed countless people, curing diseases through prayers, and consoling the distressed by alleviating their sorrows. Her supernatural abilities were never employed for personal gain; instead, she dedicated them entirely to societal welfare and uplifting the needy. Bibi Jamal’s life was a testament to rigorous asceticism, unwavering faith, and selfless service. The death of Bibi Jamal occurred on 2 May 1647. Her extraordinary spiritual achievements and miracles cemented her legacy as an exceptional woman of Islam. She remains an enduring symbol of divine grace, Sufi tradition, and the transformative power of devotion. ----- Afroz Khan is a teacher by profession. She primarily writes about women and Islam. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/bibi-khatun-sufi-mystic-divine/d/135632 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