The Radiant Legacy of Qutub-ul-Madaar Hazrat Badiuddin Shah Zinda Madaar

By Rehan Ahmed Khan, New Age Islam 26 May 2025 Hazrat Badiuddin Shah Zinda Madaar was a great Sufi saint, scholar, and missionary who propagated Islam throughout India and the world. The founder of the Madariyya order, he worked innumerable miracles, prepared thousands of disciples, and bequeathed to posterity a legacy of divine love, unity, and spiritual transformation that lives on to this day. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Badiuddin Shah Zinda Madaar was a famous Sufi saint and scholar. 2. He established the Madariyya Sufi order in India. 3. He journeyed far and wide, propagating Islam to numerous places. 4. Thousands became his disciples. 5. His legacy instils love, oneness, and spiritual enlightenment. ------- Introduction Hazrat Badiuddin Shah Zinda Madaar, reverentially known as Qutub-ul-Madaar or Shah-e-Madaar occupies a towering position in the spiritual history of the Islamic world, especially within the Indian subcontinent. Revered as a saint, scholar, mystic, and missionary, he served as a beacon of divine light in a time when the message of Islam was yet to flourish in many parts of the world. Through unwavering devotion, miraculous feats, and a life steeped in asceticism and divine love, he inspired generations and established one of the most influential Sufi orders in India, the Madariyya Silsila. Noble Lineage and Early Life Born on 1st Shawwal 242 AH / 857 CE, in the sacred city of Halab (Aleppo), Syria, Hazrat Badiuddin Shah Zinda Madaar hailed from a noble family of Syeds, descendants of Prophet Muhammad. His father, Hazrat Quraish, is said to have traced lineage from Hazrat Imam Hussain, while his mother was from the progeny of Hazrat Imam Hasan. This dual descent gave him the title "Naqib al-Tarafayn", meaning the noble of both lineages. From a young age, he displayed signs of spiritual precocity. He was known to enter long periods of silent contemplation, remain in states of dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and avoid worldly distractions. His noble birth and pure soul made him receptive to deep spiritual truths early on. Spiritual and Intellectual Formation Under the mentorship of Hazrat Shaykh Huzaifa Marashi Shami, a venerated scholar and mystic, Hazrat Badiuddin Shah Zinda Madaar mastered not only the Qur’anic sciences but also comparative scriptural knowledge, including the Torah, Injil (Gospel), and Zabur (Psalms). His breadth of knowledge allowed him to engage with scholars of multiple faiths and convert hearts through reason and revelation. He soon embarked on a spiritual journey that would take him to the heartlands of Sufism. In Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem), he entered the spiritual order of Hazrat Bayazid Bastami one of the greatest Persian mystics of early Islam. Here, he took bay‘ah (spiritual allegiance) and received Khilafah, affirming his status as a spiritual successor and guide. Divine Revelation and the Title 'Shah Zinda Madaar' After performing the Hajj, Hazrat Badiuddin Shah Zinda Madaar secluded himself in the desert, devoting years to prayer, fasting, and contemplation. During this period, he was honoured with divine visions (Kashf) in which he encountered Hazrat Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Ali (RA). In one such vision, the Hazrat Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) placed his blessed hand on Hazrat’s face, illuminating him with such noor (divine light) that his appearance became unbearable to the human eye. To temper this radiance, seven layers of spiritual veils were cast over his visage. It was then that he was conferred the title " Shah Zinda Madar", meaning The Living King of the Spiritual Axis, signifying his timeless spiritual presence. Missionary Journey to India and Beyond In 282 AH / 895 CE, Hazrat Badiuddin Shah Zinda Madaar received spiritual instruction to travel eastward to India, then a land with diverse religious traditions but limited exposure to Islam after the retreat of early Arab expeditions. Obedient to divine command, he set out across Central Asia, Persia, Turkey, Africa, and China, engaging with scholars, sages, and rulers. Upon reaching India, he was welcomed by Hazrat Sultan Ibrahim Sharqi of Jaunpur, who became one of his ardent disciples. Through his unmatched spiritual charisma and miracles (karamat), he attracted scholars, commoners, kings, and ascetics alike. His presence marked the beginning of widespread Islamic spiritual awakening in the Indian subcontinent, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat., and Jharkhand. Founding the Madariyya Sufi Order The establishment of the Madariyya Silsila became one of Hazrat's lasting legacies. Known for its emphasis on: Universal love, Renunciation of materialism, Remembrance of Allah (zikr), Service to humanity this order welcomed people from all backgrounds, including low-caste Hindus and tribal communities who were marginalized in existing social hierarchies. The Madariyya order blended deep Islamic teachings with inclusive spirituality, making Islam accessible, compassionate, and transformative. Miracles (Karamat) and Divine Signs Hazrat Badiuddin Shah Zinda Madaar was known for countless miraculous acts witnessed by his contemporaries, such as: Healing the sick with a mere gaze or prayer, causing barren lands to flourish, walking upon water and crossing rivers without aid. Reviving The Dead Through Divine Permission It is narrated that those who gazed upon his unveiled face would fall into sajdah (prostration) out of divine awe, akin to how angels prostrated before Prophet Adam (AS). These miracles were not displays of power, but manifestations of divine mercy and a tool for awakening faith in people's hearts. Discipleship and Global Influence During his 596-year earthly life, Hazrat Badiuddin Shah Zinda Madaar trained an astonishing number of disciples, including: • 1,24,360 Khulafa (spiritual deputies) • Preachers and mystics who spread Islam in 52 countries, from Spain to China, Egypt, Sri Lanka, and Africa • An estimated 95 million converts during his lifetime alone He mentored not only Sufis but also scholars, warriors, and rulers. His presence shaped the spiritual climate of Asia and deeply influenced other Sufi orders such as the Qadiriyya, Chishtiyya, and Suhrawardiyya. Final Years and Departure from the World On 17th Jamadil Awwal 838 AH / 1434 CE, Hazrat Badiuddin Shah Zinda Madaar left his physical form. His funeral was attended by multitudes and led by Hazrat Hissamuddin Salmati Jounpuri. He was laid to rest in Makhanpur Sharif, near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a site that remains an eternal symbol of spiritual grace and unity. His Urs (annual death anniversary) is observed every year from 17th to 19th Jamadil Awwal. The three-day gathering draws millions of devotees Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and others who come to seek blessings, offer prayers, and experience the inclusive love that marked his life. Scholarly and Spiritual Praise Hazrat Badiuddin Shah Zinda Madaar has been eulogized by numerous saints and scholars across centuries: • Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Ajmeri referred to him as Qutb al-Aqtab (The Pole of all Saints). • Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani acknowledged his elevated spiritual station. • Numerous qasidas (poetic praises) describe his miracles, wisdom, and divine closeness. His spiritual path emphasized Shariah (Islamic law) in harmony with Tariqah (spiritual path), leading toward Haqiqah (divine truth) and Ma‘rifah (gnosis of Allah). Conclusion Hazrat Badiuddin Shah Zinda Madaar was not only a saint but a civilization-builder, whose message of divine love, truth, and equality transcends all boundaries of time, caste, and creed. His life is a testament to the transformative power of spirituality when rooted in sincerity and service. Today, his name continues to echo in the hearts of millions, reminding us that true saints never die, they live eternally through their light, their teachings, and the love they leave behind. ----- Rehan Ahmed Khan is an Independent Research scholar specialising Muslim Personalities and Communal Harmony. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/qutub-hazrat-zinda-madaar/d/135664 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