Hazrat Syedna Shah Ameer Abul Ula: Founder of the Abul Ulaiya Silsila

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 29 July 2025 Hazrat Syedna, a 16th-century Sufi saint, balanced governance with spiritual devotion. Guided by divine visions, he embraced the Dervesh path, received blessings from multiple Sufi orders, and left a lasting legacy at his Agra shrine. Main Points: 1. Born in 1582 CE, Hazrat Syedna was a Sufi saint descended from Hazrat Ali. 2. Appointed Governor of Bengal, he balanced administrative duties with spiritual devotion. 3. Received divine visions, guiding him to embrace the path of a Dervish. 4. Attained Khilafat in Naqshbandi and blessings from multiple Sufi orders. 5. His Agra shrine attracts lakhs, with Urs celebrated from 6th to 10th Safar. ------ Hazrat Syedna Shah Ameer Abul Ula Hasni, Husaini, Ahrari, Chishti Awaisi, Naqshbandi, Quds Sarh-ul-Aziz, revered as Hazrat Syedna Shah Ameer Abul Ula Ahrari, was a distinguished Sufi saint whose life exemplified spiritual devotion, kindness, and service to humanity. His legacy continues to inspire millions, with his shrine in Agra, India, serving as a beacon of success and compassion. Hazrat Syedna Ameer Abul Ula was born in 990 Hijri (1582 CE) in Narela, near Delhi, India, into a family descended from Hazrat Ali Karam Allah Wajhu in the 29th order. His father, Hazrat Ameer Abul Wafa, passed away when Hazrat Syedna was very young, leaving him under the care of his maternal grandfather, Hazrat Khwaja Muhammed Faizi. His grandfather, Hazrat Khwaja Ameer Abdul Salam, had migrated from Samarkand (present-day Uzbekistan) to India during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. He initially settled in Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, before passing away during Hajj and being buried in Makkah Muazzama. Hazrat Abul Wafa continued to reside in Fatehpur Sikri. Judai Mabada Mar Az Khuda Digar Harche Pesh Aaydam Shaaydam (May I never be separated from God, Whatever comes before me, I am content.) Dardam Az Yarrast Wa Dar Ma Neez Hum Dil Fidaaye Oo-Shuda-O-Jaan Neez Hum (My pain is from the Beloved, and it is also within me, My heart has been sacrificed to Him, and my soul too.) Faiz-E-Ruhul-Kudus Ar Baaz Madad Farmayed Deegaran Hum Wa Kunand Aan Che Maseeha Mee Kard" (May the grace of the Holy Spirit (Ruhul Kudus) come to your aid again, Others may do what they will, but it is the Messiah who performs miracles.) These are the couplets that Syedna Ameer Abul Ula used to recite frequently. (Dear readers, please note that the English translation of these Persian couplets has been done through AI. If there are any shortcomings or errors in the translation, I sincerely apologize for them.) Raised by his maternal grandfather, Hazrat Khwaja Faizi, who served as the Governor of Vardhman (Bengal, India) under Emperor Akbar, Hazrat Syedna grew up in an environment of learning and piety. Hazrat Faizi took full responsibility for his education and upbringing, nurturing his spiritual and intellectual growth. Hazrat Syedna Ameer Abul Ula was a remarkable Sufi saint, celebrated for his eloquent speech, profound writings, and boundless kindness. Following the passing of Hazrat Faizi , Emperor Akbar appointed Hazrat Syedna as Governor of Bengal. Despite his administrative responsibilities, he remained steadfast in his spiritual practices, never neglecting his Ibadat (worship) and Zikr-e-Elahi (remembrance of Allah). His ability to balance worldly duties with spiritual devotion was extraordinary. After Emperor Akbar’s demise, Emperor Jahangir ascended the throne and summoned all governors and officials. Initially reluctant to attend and desiring to relinquish his position, Hazrat Syedna participated in the meeting. Impressed by his governance, Emperor Jahangir expressed his wish for Hazrat Syedna to continue as Governor. Though hesitant, he accepted the Emperor’s request out of respect. A pivotal moment in Hazrat Syedna’s life came when Sher-e-Khuda Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Hassan, and Hazrat Hussain appeared in his dream, instructing him to adopt the path of a Dervish (Faqiri). Taking this vision seriously, he left Akbarabad for Delhi, where he paid his respects at the shrines of Hazrat Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki and Hazrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Aulia . He then journeyed to Ajmer, where Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Moinuddin Hasan Chishti spiritually enlightened him by placing a bead of Tasbih in his mouth. This transformative moment unveiled countless spiritual secrets, reshaping his life. Later, Hazrat Syedna sought guidance from his paternal uncle, Hazrat Ameer Abdullah Ahrari , who granted him Khilafat in the Naqshbandi Sufi order, permitted him for ‘Sama,’ and gave his daughter in marriage to him. Through these experiences, Hazrat Syedna attained the esteemed positions of Qutubul Aqtab and Ghaus-ud-Dahr. Hazrat Syedna Ameer Abul Ula received Faiz-Barakat (spiritual blessings) from multiple Sufi orders, including Naqshbandia, Chistia, Qadiriyya, Suhrawardiyya, and Firdousia, making the Abul Ulaiya Silsila a unique confluence of these five great traditions. His spiritual journey was marked by divine visions, including one from Hazrat Prophet Muhammad, which led him to abandon worldly pursuits and immerse himself in deep prayer. In Bihar Sharif, he met Hazrat Shah Muhammed Daulat Maneri , a descendant of Hazrat Makhdum Sharfuddin Yahya Maneri. From him, Hazrat Syedna received the Faiz-Barakat of the Firdousia and Suhrawardiyya Silsilas. Hazrat Shah Muhammed Daulat Maneri prophesied, “Hazrat Ghaus Pak informed me that Abul Ula will be the shining star of Wilayah and will be blessed with the Faiz and Barakat of my silsila.” During a visit to Ajmer Sharif, Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz appeared in a vision, stating, “Taj-ul-Aulia Ali-e-Murtaja Karam Allah Wajhu ordered me to transfer all my spiritual powers to you.” Accordingly, Hazrat Gharib Nawaz bestowed his spiritual authority upon Hazrat Syedna, further elevating his stature. Hazrat Syedna Ameer Abul Ula dedicated his life to preaching as a Sufi saint, performing countless miracles, and guiding humanity towards righteousness. His Silsila is distinguished by its profound love for Allah, His Rasul, the Ahl-e-Bayt, and the Sahaba. He declared, “Only those who love Allah and His Rasul Hazrat Muhammad above all else are worthy of joining my Silsila.” He passed away in the early morning of 9th Safar, 1061 Hijri (1651 CE), leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. His shrine in Agra, India, remains a source of kindness and success, attracting lakhs of devotees who benefit from his spiritual blessings. The Urs of Hazrat Syedna is celebrated annually from the 6th to the 10th of Safar at his Mazar Sharif in Agra, drawing countless followers. The Abul Ulaiya Silsila The Silsila Abul Ulaiya, enriched by the Faiz-Barakat of five major Sufi orders, continues to serve humanity worldwide through its various branches. Its emphasis on Isq-e-Rasul (love for the Prophet Muhammad), Isq-e-Aulad-e-Rasul (love for the Prophet’s family), and Isq-e-Ashab-e-Rasul (love for the Prophet’s companions) remains its hallmark. Hazrat Syedna Shah Ameer Abul Ula, known as Sar-Halkaya Abul Ulaiyan, Mahbub-e-Jala-Ula, and Tajdar-e-Akklim-e-Mashayekh, was a shining star of spirituality whose life exemplified devotion, humility, and service. His teachings and miracles continue to guide and uplift countless souls across the globe. References Syed Amjad Hussain. Bihar Aur Sufivad. Rajmangal Prakashan, Hindi, pp. 83–84. Dr. Zahoor-ul-Hasan Shaarib. Tazkirah Awliya-e Pak-o-Hind. Progressive Books, Lahore, Pakistan, 1999. Digitized by Maktabah Mujaddidiyah. Shaykh Syedna Ameer Abul Ula.” Silsila‑e‑Khushhaliya (Khushhaliya.com), official website of Silsila‑e Aaliya Khushhaliya, includes biography and history of Hazrat Syedna Ameer Abul Ula Hazrat Syedna Shah Ameer Abul Ula (RA).” Sufinama Blog, posted by Raiyan Abulolai on Sufinama.org. ,سیدنا امیر ابوالعلاء." اردو ویکیپیڈیا، 1999، ---- 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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