Friday, July 4, 2025

Hazrat Syed Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari: The Red-Clad Luminary of Uch Sharif Who Illuminated South Asia’s Spiritual Landscape

By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam 3 July 2025 Hazrat Syed Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari was a 13th-century missionary, reformer, and scholar who transformed the religious and spiritual landscape of Sindh, Punjab, and Gujarat. Known for his red robe, divine insight, and lineage from the Prophet Muhammad, he became the founder of the Jalali branch of the Suhrawardiyya Sufi silsila. His legacy endures through descendants like Hazrat Jahaniyan Jahangasht and Hazrat Pir Shah Jewna, and in hundreds of shrines that still honor his name. Main Points: 1. 1.Hazrat Jalaluddin Bukhari spread Islam in Sindh, Punjab, and Gujarat. 2. Born in Bukhara in 1190, migrated to Uch in 1244 CE. 3. Descendant of Hazrat Imam Ali al-Hadi through Naqvi Syed line. 4. Known as "Surkh-Posh" for always wearing a red cloak. 5. Founder of Jalali branch of Suhrawardiyya; trained many saints. ----- Introduction Hazrat Syed Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari (595 AH / 1190 CE) was a monumental figure in the spiritual history of South Asia. A saint, scholar, preacher, and reformer, he migrated from Bukhara to the Indian subcontinent and became instrumental in Islam’s spread in Punjab, Sindh, and Gujarat. As one of the “Chaar Yaar” of Indian Sufism, alongside Hazrat Baba Fareed, Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya and Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, his spiritual light still radiates through countless disciples and shrines. Honoured with multiple titles by devotees and chroniclers, he was not only a man of miracles but a thinker who balanced knowledge and mysticism with public service. Titles and Honorifics Hazrat Jalaluddin was honoured with many Laqabs (titles) during and after his life, reflecting his spiritual status, lineage, and character. Among the titles associated with him are: Surkh-Posh – “The Red-Clad One,” due to his lifelong habit of wearing red garments, symbolizing divine jalal (majesty). Syed al-Sufiya – Acknowledging him as the leader of Sufis during his time. Qutb-e-Uch Sharif – The spiritual axis of the sacred city of Uch Sharif. Taj-ul-Awliya, Imam-e-Sadiq, Mir Surkh, and Da‘i-e-Kamil – each title reflecting his excellence in different aspects of spiritual leadership, truthfulness, outward appearance, and missionary work. These titles were bestowed by both contemporaries and later generations who were deeply influenced by his scholarship, character, and miracles. Migration and Preaching Mission Hazrat Jalaluddin was born in Bukhara in 1190 CE. Trained in Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, and Sufi philosophy, he was recognized early on for his command over both outward knowledge and inner mystical insight. As political unrest grew in Central Asia and disagreements arose within his family, he migrated to South Asia in search of spiritual and communal peace. His first settlement was in Bhakkar, followed by a permanent shift to Uch Sharif in 1244 CE. Here, he founded a Khanqah and dedicated himself to the reformation of society. He reached out to the masses in their own languages, addressing social injustices while promoting spiritual purification. Hazrat Jalaluddin focused his Da’wah on the tribal regions of Punjab and Sindh. He is credited with the conversion of many tribes such as Soomro, Samma, Sial, Chadhar, Warar, and Daher. His approach was inclusive and compassionate, relying on sincerity and spiritual magnetism rather than polemics or political support. Family Life and Descendants Hazrat Jalaluddin was married three times. His family was central to the continuation of his spiritual lineage. His first wife, Bibi Fatima, bore him two sons: Hazrat Syed Ali and Hazrat Syed Ja‘far. Both remained in Bukhara and carried forward his religious legacy there. His second wife, Bibi Zainab, was the mother of Hazrat Syed Sadruddin Muhammad Ghaus. From this line came the notable saint Hazrat Pir Shah Jewna of Kannauj, one of the most influential Sufis of North India. His third wife, Bibi Zahida, gave birth to Hazrat Syed Bahauddin Masoom and Hazrat Syed Ahmad Kabir. Hazrat Syed Ahmad Kabir became the father of the renowned traveler-saint Hazrat Syed Jahaniyan Jahangasht, who further spread his grandfather’s teachings across the Islamic world. Each of these sons either became spiritual leaders or passed on the lineage through which hundreds of Dargahs and Khanqahs operate today. Many of his descendants known as Jalali Syeds—are still found across Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Bareilly, Amroha, and even parts of Turkey. Ancestry and Lineage Hazrat Jalaluddin belonged to the noble Naqvi Syed family, tracing his lineage directly to the Prophet Muhammad through Hazrat Imam Ali al-Hadi. His father, Syed Ali al-Husaini, was a religious scholar in Bukhara. His simplified family lineage is as follows: Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Hazrat Imam Husayn ibn Ali Hazrat Imam Zayn al-Abidin Hazrat Imam Muhammad al-Baqir Hazrat Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq Hazrat Imam Musa al-Kazim Hazrat Imam Ali al-Ridha Hazrat Imam Muhammad al-Jawad Hazrat Imam Ali al-Hadi Hazrat Syed Ja‘far Hazrat Syed Ali al-Asghar Hazrat Syed Abdullah Hazrat Syed Ahmad Hazrat Syed Mahmood Hazrat Syed Muhammad Abu al-Fateh Hazrat Syed Ja‘far Hussain Hazrat Syed Ali al-Moeed Hazrat Syed Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari Teachings and Mystical Philosophy Hazrat Jalaluddin was an adherent of the Suhrawardi Sufi order but contributed to it a distinct branch known as the Jalali Silsila. His teachings emphasized the union of outward knowledge ('Ilm) and inward purification (Tasawwuf), aiming to form complete human beings who could live ethically and spiritually in the world. He discouraged excessive asceticism and instead advocated for spiritual presence within society. His motto was that real Faqiri is to live among people while remaining inwardly detached. He encouraged Sufis to serve the poor, educate the illiterate, and be models of compassion. His core teachings included: Fuqr with Knowledge: Fuqr (spiritual poverty) must not be ignorant. Without knowledge, Faqr turns into chaos. Without Faqr, knowledge becomes pride. Zuhd and Taqwa: He urged his disciples to live simple, pious lives rooted in taqwa (God-consciousness). Dhikr and Inner Discipline: He promoted silent and vocal remembrance of Allah as a constant spiritual exercise. Service to All: Spirituality, in his eyes, was meaningless if not directed toward helping the oppressed, the sick, and the downtrodden. His teachings left a deep impression not only on his direct disciples but also on the regional culture. He is remembered as a saint who brought dignity to the Sufi path and who practiced what he preached. Disciples and Khalifas Hazrat Jalaluddin’s disciples, or Mureeds, carried forward his vision and teachings across South Asia. Among his most prominent spiritual successors were: Hazrat Syed Jahaniyan Jahangasht – his grandson, famous for traveling across the Islamic world and performing 36 Hajj pilgrimages. Hazrat Makhdum Shah Daulah – a key figure in Bengal, martyred while spreading Islam. Hazrat Pir Shah Jewna – his great-grandson, who established spiritual centers in Kannauj and beyond. Other known disciples include: Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Karim Multani Hazrat Maulana Kamaluddin Lahori Hazrat Syed Muhammad of Cambay Hazrat Qazi Sharfuddin Sindhi Hazrat Sufi Shah Ruknuddin Uchwi Hazrat Fakhruddin of Bahawalpur Each played a role in spreading the Jalali teachings and establishing dargahs and khanqahs in new regions. Death and Mausoleum Hazrat Jalaluddin passed away in 690 AH (1290 CE) in Uch Sharif. Initially buried near the Ghaggar-Hakra river, the site was shifted several times due to flooding. His final resting place was stabilized in 1670 CE when Nawab Bahawal Khan constructed a grand brick mausoleum with Multani blue tilework and a mosque. The tomb is notable for its carved wooden pillars, detailed inscriptions, and spiritual atmosphere. It remains the spiritual heart of Uch Sharif and a key pilgrimage site. Urs and Continuing Legacy Hazrat's Urs is celebrated every year during the Islamic month of Zilhaj or Chaitra in the Hindu calendar. The festival lasts seven days and includes qawwali sessions, dhamaal, communal langar, and recitations of his sayings and miracles. Hazrat Syed Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari’s descendants continue to serve as custodians of his shrines. His teachings still inspire Sufi orders across the region. His red cloak symbolizing spiritual passion remains the hallmark of the Jalali Sufi lineage. He stands remembered not just as a preacher, but as a civilizer of hearts and societies a saint whose light continues to burn centuries after his physical departure. ----- Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumni of CCS University, Meerut. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hazrat-jalaluddin-surkh-posh-bukhari-uch-sharif-spiritual/d/136065 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

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