Faith Beyond Boundaries: Remembering Hazrat Baba Qutubuddin Shah Risaaldaar of Kerala

By Rehan Ahmed Khan, New Age Islam 12 May 2025 Hazrat Baba Qutubuddin Risaaldaar, a Sufi saint hailing from Kerala, was transformed into a unifying symbol of spirituality in Ranchi, with his shrine and annual urs being celebrated throughout Eastern India that inspired communal harmony. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Baba Qutubuddin Risaaldaar, one of the most venerated Sufi saints in Ranchi, was initially a military commander. 1. 2 His shrine represents interfaith coexistence, with Muslim and Hindu pilgrims visiting his shrine. 2. He is revered for his religious leadership and community peace initiatives. 3. His annual urs encourages unity throughout Eastern India. 4. Oral traditions keep his memory alive. 5. His shrine is a testament to syncretic spirituality. ----- Introduction Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand, is not just famous for its natural beauty and tribal culture but also for its religious syncretism. One of the lesser-known yet highly revered characters in the region's cultural universe is Hazrat Baba Qutubuddin Saheb Risaaldaar. His shrine welcomes lacs of devotees every year, a trend based on religion and shared memory rather than textual past. This article discusses the life, impact, and spiritual heritage of Hazrat Baba Qutubuddin and how his memory influences communal coexistence in Eastern India particularly Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Historical Background and Origin As per popular traditions and local sources, Hazrat Baba Qutubuddin Risaaldaar was a commander or "Risaaldaar," an expression signifying a cavalry officer during the colonial rule of the British in India. He is known to have born in Kerala, a southern Indian state with a rich scholarly tradition of Islam and ongoing resistance movements against colonialism. How he arrived in Ranchi is the subject of spiritual legend as opposed to historic record, but in the local accounts there runs a consistent emphasis on his military history and spiritual magnetism as central to his acceptance and ascendance in the area. Settlement in Ranchi and Emergence as a Spiritual Leader Upon reaching Ranchi, Hazrat Baba Qutubuddin Risaaldaar established a base that eventually evolved into a significant spiritual center. Choosing Ranchi as his final abode, he gradually became known as a “Qaum O Deen Ka Sipaahi” a commander not just in battle, but in faith and community. The reverence he inspired transcended religious boundaries. Even though he is a Muslim Sufi saint, his contemporary devotees happen to be significantly large in numbers of Hindus too, who visit his shrine with intense religiosity, more often than not outnumbering Muslim visitors. Perhaps the most remarkable known feature of Hazrat Baba Qutubuddin's legacy is the syncretic nature of his spiritual appeal. In a region frequently tested by socio-political cleavages, his shrine is an unusual instance of syncretic spirituality. Followers do Chadarposhi (ceremonial cloth), burn Agarbatti (incense), and engage in annual Urs Mubarak (death anniversary celebrations), irrespective of their religion. The environment at the shrine is characterized by shared prayers, Qawwali recitals, and the feeling of communal solidarity Cultural Significance and Annual Observances There is an annual celebration of the Urs of Hazrat Baba Qutubuddin Risaaldaar every year, with ardent participation by devotees from all over Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The event is not just a religious one. it's a festival of brotherhood and common identity. Local leaders and functionaries tend to patronize the event, recognising its contribution towards peace and brotherhood. Legacy and Continuing Relevance Hazrat Baba Qutubuddin's legacy is not just preserved in religious practice but also in the shared psyche of the populace. His name has come to symbolize justice, safeguarding, and God's favour. In our times, while communal tensions simmer in certain areas of the nation, the continuing faith in such personalities presents an example of respect across religions and common spirituality. Conclusion Hazrat Baba Qutubuddin Risaaldaar continues to stand as a pillar of spiritual and cultural harmony for eastern India. Despite the slender documentation of his life in conventional history, oral tradition and mass devotion guarantee him a lasting memorial. His shrine in Ranchi is not merely a place of religious worship it's a living remembrance of how faith can break down barriers among communities. Future studies can concentrate on collecting oral histories, family documents, and local traditions to further document his life and messages. ----- Rehan Ahmed Khan is an Independent Research scholar specialising Muslim Personalities and Communal Harmony. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/faith-boundaries-hazrat-qutubuddin-risaaldaar/d/135502 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