Hazrat Shah Nijatullah and Khanqah Nijatia town Kursi

Akhtar Jamal Usmani. Barabanki
The region of Awadh is not just a geographical entity in the history of the Indian subcontinent, but it has been a center of civilization, culture, knowledge, literature, and spirituality for centuries, where traditions of knowledge, literature, Sharia, and Sufism have been flourishing. Apart from cities like Lucknow and Faizabad, numerous towns like Rudauli, Satrikh, Dewa, and Kursi are a testament to the fact that this region has been home to not only scholars but also spiritual leaders. This is the land where madrasas and schools, khanqahs and shrines, mushairas and majalis, knowledge and wisdom, and spirituality have been flourishing together.

On one hand, this region is where Goswami Tulsidas wrote the most popular book of the sacred Odia language, the Ramayana, for Hindus, and on the other hand, there have been numerous shrines and spiritual centers. Among these khanqahs, one important name is the Khanqah-e-Najatiya in the town of Kursi, which is associated with the great spiritual personality of the 18th and 19th centuries, Hazrat Shah Najat Allah. Hazrat Shah Najat Allah is among those elders who not only had a profound impact on their time but also on many generations to come.

His family had a strong background in terms of religion, spirituality, and history. According to his biographical account, "Nijat al-Mominin," written by his son and successor, Hafiz Siraj al-Yaqin, his ancestors came to India with Syed Salar Masood Ghazi. After the establishment of peace, they settled in the town of Dewa and were honored with the position of Qazi. His lineage connects to Qazi Yusuf Mahmood, which proves that his family was distinguished in terms of knowledge and religion.

As time passed, his grandfather, Sheikh Jan Muhammad, moved from Dewa and settled in the town of Kursi, Barabanki. This is how the land of Kursi was blessed with a significant spiritual center. His father's name was Sheikh Kifayat Allah. Hazrat Shah Najat Allah was born, raised, and educated in an environment where knowledge, religion, piety, and service to humanity were already present. From a young age, he adopted worship and asceticism as his motto. He had no interest in worldly show or wealth accumulation. His life's purpose was to please Allah, follow the Sunnah of the Prophet, and serve humanity.

Spiritually, Hazrat Shah Najat Allah was associated with the Qadriya order, which is the most popular and influential order in the Indian subcontinent. His spiritual lineage connects to the great elders of the Qadriya order, Shah Shaker Allah, Shah Muhammad Ismail, and Shah Abdul Razzaq, and ultimately to the Prophet. This spiritual order was a legacy that was evident in his practical life. He followed the path of Sufism while fully adhering to the Shariah and taught his disciples and successors to do the same.

One of the most prominent aspects of Hazrat Shah Najat Allah's personality was his universal love and tolerance. He treated every human being with love and compassion, regardless of their religion, caste, or social and economic status. This is why his circle of devotees included not only Muslims but also many non-Muslims. His contemporary, Baba Khadari Ram, who was the caretaker of the sacred Hindu site "Kuti Nanak Shahi," had great affection and respect for Hazrat Shah Najat Allah. This relationship was not just formal but a shining example of mutual respect and spiritual harmony, which can be presented as a symbol of the Ganga-Jamuni culture of that era.

His khanqah, which later became known as Khanqah-e-Najatiya, was not only a center for spiritual practices and remembrance but also a hub for social harmony, moral education, and service to humanity. Everyone, regardless of their social status, was treated with respect and dignity. This characteristic made Hazrat Shah Najat Allah a popular personality. The khanqah was a place where people from all walks of life, including the poor and the rich, would come to seek spiritual guidance and solace.

Hazrat Shah Najat Allah's scientific and spiritual status can be gauged from the fact that the prominent scholars of his time, especially the scholars of Farangi Mahal, had great respect for him. The fact that notable scholars like Maulana Abu al-Baqa Farangi Mahali and Malik al-Ulama Mulla Hyder Farangi Mahali were among his disciples is a testament to the fact that he was not just a Sufi or a dervish but a center of knowledge and gnosis. The scholars of Farangi Mahal, who were the leaders of the scientific community at that time, acknowledged his moral and spiritual greatness.

The Nawab of Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daula, was also among his devotees and would often visit him in person. Despite this, Hazrat Shah Najat Allah did not make the royal court or power his central focus but kept his door open to everyone, from the rich to the poor. He is attributed with many miracles, which are mentioned in his biography "Nijat al-Mominin" and have been narrated by his disciples and devotees for generations. However, his main emphasis was always on self-reformation, purification of the heart, and good morals. In his view, the greatest miracle is for a human being to gain control over their ego.

Hazrat Shah Najat Allah passed away on 5th Shaban 1225 AH (18 May 1820 CE). After his death, his devotees and relatives built a beautiful mausoleum in his memory and constructed a mosque adjacent to it, which remains a symbol of this spiritual center to this day. The mausoleum is a tangible proof of the love and devotion that people had for Hazrat Shah Najat Allah. His death marked the end of an era, but his khanqah continued to thrive, and his teachings and spiritual order remained alive.

Every year, on the 5th of Shaban, his Urs is celebrated with great simplicity and dignity. The ceremony is limited to Quran recitation, remembrance, and service to humanity, without any elaborate lighting or ostentatious rituals. For a long time, scholars from Farangi Mahal, notable personalities, and devotees from far and wide would attend this event.

After Hazrat Shah Najat Allah, his first successor, Hazrat Shah Hamdani, took over as the Sajjada Nashin. He carried forward Hazrat Shah Najat Allah's teachings with great dedication and steadfastness. He was followed by his son, Hafiz Siraj al-Yaqin, who was a prolific writer and authored over 40 books, including "Nijat al-Mominin." His travelogue, "Siraj al-Hajj," was published over a century and a half ago and provides a detailed account of the conditions in Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, and Syria during that time.

Hafiz Siraj al-Yaqin entrusted the responsibility of the khanqah to his son, Maulana Saadiq al-Yaqin, but he passed away during his pilgrimage to Mecca. Maulana Saadiq al-Yaqin's son, Maulana Wasiq al-Yaqin, became the Sajjada Nashin at a young age and managed the khanqah for a long time. Due to the absence of an heir, Maulana Wasiq al-Yaqin appointed his nephew, Maulana Atiq, as his successor. Thus, this spiritual order has been continuing for generations through a well-organized tradition.

The family of Hazrat Shah Najat Allah has been distinguished in both scientific and practical terms. His sons, Shah Muhammad Hamdani, Shah Muhammad Nurani, Shah Muhammad Rohani, and Shah Hizb Allah, carried forward the spiritual legacy through knowledge, piety, and service. Their descendants have made significant contributions in various fields, including religion, education, and social service. Maulana Imam al-Mutaqin and Maulana Mahmood al-Afi were renowned scholars of their time. Shah Muhammad Rohani's grandson, Muhammad Naseem Usmani, was a prominent physician, and his son, Aliim Usmani, was a notable poet.

Another distinguished member of this family is Anwar al-Yaqin, who was a professor of law and authored several important books on the subject that are included in the curriculum of law in many countries around the world. Dr. Ahtram al-Yaqin was a professor of zoology at Patna University, while Dr. Haziq al-Yaqin was a specialist in cancer treatment and made significant contributions to the field of medicine in the United States. Ijaz al-Yaqin served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Karachi and made important contributions to the fields of politics and education.

Maulana Muhammad Abdullah was a prominent scholar of his time who dedicated himself to the propagation of Islam. His educational and religious services are unforgettable, and his son, Maulana Ridwan, is the current Imam of the mosque and continues to work for the reform and propagation of Islam. Thus, this family has been notable not only in spirituality but also in various aspects of practical life.

Among the devotees of Hazrat Shah Najat Allah, the name of Hazrat Khadim Ali is quite significant. His disciples included Hazrat Haji Waris Ali