Hazrat Sayyid Sahib Hussaini Qadri: The Sufi Luminary of Tekmal, Telangana and Spiritual Reformer of the Deccan

By Rehan Ahmed Khan, New Age Islam 23 July 2025 Hazrat Sayyid Sahib Hussaini was a much-admired Sufi saint of the 19th century belonging to present-day Tekmal, Telangana. He was a claimed descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and was famous for his devotion, preaching of divine oneness, and service to society. His spiritual heritage and contribution to Sufism continue to guide followers throughout South India. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Sayyid Sahib Hussaini was a Sufi saint of the 19th century from Tekmal. 2. He was a claimed direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 3. Disciple and successor to Hazrat Shah Maroof Qadri. 4. Propounded Wahdat al-Shuhood in Sufi thought. 5. Established Madrasa-e-Hussainiya and Tekmal Mosque. 6. Authored influential treatises on Sufism. ---- Introduction Hazrat Sayyid Sahib Hussaini Qadri was a renowned 19th-century Sufi saint, scholar, and spiritual guide of the Qadri Sufi Order in the Deccan, particularly in Tekmal in present-day Telangana, India. He was a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and was widely respected for his piety, wisdom, and commitment to spiritual and social upliftment. Known for his teachings on divine unity (Wahdat al-Shuhood), he mentored countless followers through his life, teachings, and the establishment of educational and philanthropic institutions. His legacy continues to shape Sufism, Islamic scholarship, and spiritual guidance in South India and beyond. Early Life And Lineage Hazrat Sayyid Sahib Hussaini Qadri was born in the village of Tekmal, now in Medak district, Telangana, India, in 1805 AD (1219 Hijri). His father, Hazrat Sayyid Abdur Razzaq Qadri, was a devout adherent of the Qadri Sufi Order and a spiritually accomplished man. Belonging to a noble Sayyid family, his lineage traces directly to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through Hazrat Fatimah al-Zahra (R.A.) and Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A.). Genealogical records, compiled by his forefathers and descendants, connect him to Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Gilani, the founder of the Qadri Order, as a 28th-generation descendant and 41st from Hazrat Fatimah (R.A.). Migration Of Ancestors His ancestors migrated from the Middle East to Punjab, then to Allahabad, where they lived for nearly 350 years before settling in Hyderabad Deccan in the early 18th century. Prominent relatives such as Hazrat Sayyid Shukrullah Qadri and Hazrat Sayyid Abdul Wahid Qadri are buried in Tekmal and Jogipet, affirming this migratory lineage. Education And Spiritual Journey At the age of 14, Hazrat Sayyid Sahib Hussaini travelled to Hyderabad city to pursue both religious and worldly education. Despite financial hardships, he remained dedicated to his studies for five years. Following his father’s demise in 1824, he returned to Tekmal. In 1825, he had a prophetic dream in which his late father directed him to become a murid (disciple) of the eminent Sufi master of Hyderabad, Hazrat Shah Muhammad Maroof Shahidullah Farooqui Chishti Qadri. He met this saint in 1826 and was initiated as his disciple. That very year, he was appointed as his Khalifa (successor) and Sajjada Nashin (spiritual heir). Sufi Leadership And Service He returned to Tekmal and began teaching and offering spiritual guidance. In 1827, he established the Husayni School, which provided free boarding and lodging to students, soon becoming a prominent centre of Islamic learning in the region. His contributions extended beyond spiritual guidance—he built wells, mosques, and public welfare centres. The central mosque in Tekmal, still the largest in Medak district, stands as a legacy of his service. His spiritual master, Hazrat Shah Muhammad Maroof, passed away in Tekmal in 1834 and was interred there, as per his last wish. In 1854, Sayyid Sahib Hussaini constructed a mausoleum over his teacher’s grave. Spiritual Philosophy Hazrat Sayyid Sahib Hussaini was a firm proponent of Wahdat al-Shuhood, the unity of divine manifestations. Unlike Wahdat al-Wujud, which stresses the ontological oneness of being, Wahdat al-Shuhood is about perceiving the unity of God in a heightened state of spiritual awareness. Literary Contributions He was a prolific author in Persian and Urdu who enriched the literary tradition of Sufism. His notable works include: 1. Masnawi Shahid-ul-Askar Commentary on Khatimah by Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gesudaraz. 2. Shawahid-i Husayni A compilation on creed, law, Sufism, worship, and spiritual devotions. 3. Shahid-ul-Wujud Originally in Persian, translated into Urdu by Prof. Syed Ataullah Husayni in 1986. Focuses on Sufi metaphysics. 4. Nukat-i Shahid Reflections on spiritual life and answers to disciples’ queries. 5. Maktub-i Husayni A collection of his letters to followers. 6. Farhang-i Husayni A Persian grammar book widely taught in schools of Hyderabad State. It was his first work, written between 1827–1831. Death And Descendants Hazrat Sayyid Sahib Hussaini passed away in Tekmal on 9 January 1880. He was buried near his teacher’s shrine, reinforcing their lifelong spiritual bond. He was survived by five sons and one daughter: 1. Hazrat Sayyid Ahmad Badshah Qadri (successor), 1833–1907 2. Hazrat Sayyid Maroof Badshah Qadri, d. 1910 3. Hazrat Sayyid Yasin Badshah Qadri, d. 1914 4. Hazrat Sayyid Muhyi-uddin Badshah Qadri 5. Hazrat Sayyid Abdul Qadir Badshah Qadri 6. Hazrat Sahibni Bi, wife of Khwaja Husayni His maternal grandson Hazrat Qazi Ahmad Muniruddin Farooqui, and great-grandson Hazrat Qazi Syed Shah Azam Ali Sufi Qadri, carried on his spiritual and intellectual legacy in Hyderabad. Legacy Hazrat Sayyid Sahib Hussaini Qadri is remembered as: A spiritual reformer who transformed Tekmal into a beacon of knowledge and interfaith harmony. A Sufi philosopher who shed deep light on both exoteric and esoteric dimensions of Islam. A humanitarian who worked tirelessly for social upliftment regardless of caste or creed. His shrine in Tekmal, along with that of his master, remains a destination for spiritual seekers from across India and beyond. Conclusion Hazrat Sayyid Sahib Hussaini Qadri, a saint of the Qadri Sufi Order, profoundly influenced the spiritual landscape of the Deccan. A descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he embodied humility, erudition, and devotion. Through educational and welfare initiatives, philosophical writings, and his propagation of Wahdat al-Shuhood, he left an enduring spiritual legacy. Today, his life continues to inspire seekers and scholars alike across India and the world. ---- Rehan Ahmed Khan is an Independent Research scholar specialising Muslim Personalities and Communal Harmony. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hazrat-hussaini-sufi-tekmal-spiritual-reformer/d/136256 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