Hazrat Mir Syed Abdul Wahid Bilgrami: A Revered Saint and Scholar of Bilgram, Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 24 July 2025. Known as Sanad-ul-Muhaqqiqeen, A Leading Chishti Saint Main Points: 1. Wrote Sab’a Sanabil Sharif, cherished in the Prophet’s court. 2. Born around 1509-1511 C.E in Bilgram’s Zaidiyyah Syed family. 3. Mastered Shariah and Tariqah, guiding countless souls. 4. Passed away on 14 January 1609 CE; shrine in Bilgram. ------ Hazrat Mir Syed Abdul Wahid Bilgrami, a distinguished Chishti scholar, blended Shariah and Tariqah. His book Sab’a Sanabil Sharif gained divine acceptance. Born around 1509 CE, he passed away in 1609 CE, leaving a lasting legacy at his Bilgram shrine. Hazrat Mir Syed Abdul Wahid Bilgrami, revered as Sanad-ul-Muhaqqiqeen (The Authority of Scholars) and known by his pen name “Shahid,” was a towering figure in the spiritual and scholarly landscape of his time. His life, marked by profound knowledge, piety, and devotion, continues to inspire countless individuals. Hailing from the illustrious Zaidiyyah Syed family of Bilgram, Hardoi District of UttarPradesh. his contributions to Islamic scholarship and Sufism have left an indelible mark on history. Mir Syed Abdul Wahid Bilgrami belonged to a noble lineage that traced back to Hazrat Syedna Imam Zain-ul-Abideen through a few generations. His full lineage is recorded as Syed Shah Abdul Wahid, son of Syed Shah Ibrahim, son of Syed Shah Qutbuddin. The Zaidiyyah Syed family of Bilgram is celebrated for its nobility, scholarship, and unwavering commitment to the service of Islam, producing luminaries who excelled in both Shariah (Islamic law) and Tariqah (Sufi path) in every era. According to the meticulous research of Hazrat Tajul Ulama, Allama Syed Muhammad Miyan Qadri Barkati Marharwi, Hazrat Mir Syed Abdul Wahid was born in either 1509 CE or 1511 CE, with some sources suggesting 1506-1507 CE. Born into a family renowned for its spiritual and intellectual heritage, he was groomed in an environment steeped in knowledge and piety. Hazrat Mir Syed Abdul Wahid received his early education from his esteemed father, laying the foundation for his remarkable scholarly journey. A distinguished scholar of his time, he authored several works, most notably a commentary on the renowned Dars-e-Nizami text Kafiya, which he elucidated up to the discussion on “Ghair Munṣarif” using the terminology of Tasawwuf. Despite extensive efforts, the names of his teachers remain unknown, but his erudition and mastery over Islamic sciences are evident in his writings and legacy. In his pursuit of spiritual excellence, Hazrat Mir Syed Abdul Wahid took the oath of allegiance under the guidance of Hazrat Makhdoom Sheikh Safi. His spiritual stature was further elevated when he was granted Khilafat by Hazrat Sheikh Husain Sikandar Abadi. As a prominent figure in the Chishti Sufi order, he embodied the perfect blend of Shariah and Tariqah, earning him the titles of Raees-ul-Mutawakkileen (Leader of the Devout) and Hujjat-ul-Khalaf (Proof for Successors). The Zaidiyyah Syed family of Bilgram is renowned for its contributions to Islamic scholarship, spiritual reformation, and service to humanity. Hazrat Mir Syed Abdul Wahid stood out as a beacon of this legacy. He was an imam of both Shariah and Tariqah, combining profound knowledge with spiritual insight. His life was a testament to his dedication to upholding the principles of Islam while guiding people toward spiritual enlightenment. His family’s legacy of producing individuals who harmonized Shariah and Tariqah found its pinnacle in his revered personality. The great reviver of faith, Aala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan, held Hazrat Mir Syed Abdul Wahid in high esteem. In the preface to Sab’a Sanabil Sharif, a significant work authored by Hazrat Mir Syed Abdul Wahid, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan described him as: “Syed of Syeds of Bilgram, the refuge of both factions, the confluence of both paths, the ocean of Shariah, the sea of Tariqah, the remnant of the predecessors, the proof for successors.” He further praised the book, noting that its greatest distinction was its acceptance in the court of the Beloved Hazrat Prophet Muhammad. The lofty status of Hazrat Mir Syed Abdul Wahid is beautifully illustrated in an account narrated by Maulana Azad Bilgrami. In Ramadan 1735 CE, while in Shahjahanabad (Delhi), Maulana Azad visited Sheikh Shah Kaleemullah Chishti. During their conversation, the Sheikh recounted a dream he had in Madinah Munawwarah. In the dream, he and Syed Sabghatullah Barooji were present in the sacred gathering of the Hazrat Prophet Muhammad, surrounded by Companions and great saints. Among them was a person to whom the Hazrat Prophet Muhammad was speaking with a smile, giving him his full attention. When the gathering concluded, Sheikh Kaleemullah inquired about the individual and learned that it was none other than Hazrat Mir Syed Abdul Wahid Bilgrami. Hazrat Mir Syed Abdul Wahid Bilgrami passed away on the 14 January 1609 CE in Bilgram Sharif, Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, India where his blessed shrine continues to be a place of solace and inspiration for devotees. ---- 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. 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