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Shah Mohammad Afzal Hussain Qadri
| Shah Mohammad Afzal Hussain Qadri | |
| |
| Title | Sarkar MeemHindi (R.A) |
| Born | 1931, Kudheta, Nawada district, Bihar, British India |
| Died | 16 June 1994, Datraul, Nawada district, Bihar, India |
| Resting place | Datraul, Nawada district, Bihar, India |
| Religion | Islam |
| Denomination | Sunni |
| School | Sufism |
| Order | Qadri, Chishti, Naqshbandi |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Sufi saint, teacher, poet, author |
| Notable works | Maaraka-e-Haq, Harf-e-Lauh, Maghz-e-Quran, Bees Sau Bees Ki Duniya, Kalaam-e-Ajall |
Early life and education
Hazrat Afzal Hussain Qadri (R.A) was born in a poor but religious family. His mother passed away when he was very young, and he was raised by his grandmother. Even in poverty and orphanhood, he grew up serious, thoughtful, and full of curiosity about life.
He first studied in a local madrasa, where he learned Urdu and Hindi reading and writing. Though he did not get higher worldly education, he had a deep thirst for religious and spiritual knowledge. This search for truth took him to Calcutta, where he worked for his livelihood but also began his spiritual training.
Spiritual journey
Search for truth and Bay‘at (initiation)
In Calcutta, he met Hazrat Yusuf Shah (R.A) through Hazrat Ghafoor Shah (R.A). He took bay‘at (spiritual pledge) from him and later also received khilafat (spiritual succession). Hazrat Yusuf Shah (R.A) made him his successor and advised him to return to Bihar to spread the message of Islam. This was the real start of his Sufi and khanqah (spiritual center) life.
Khanqah and religious work
- His spiritual chain (silsila) was connected with Qadriya, Chishtiya, and Naqshbandiya orders.
- After returning to Bihar, he began guiding people in Kudheta and Datraul.
- Soon, hundreds of disciples and followers gathered around him, creating a large circle of faith.
Teachings and philosophy
- His teachings were simple but very deep, always based on the Quran.
- He used to say: “Shariat is the body, Tariqat is the heart, and Marifat is the soul.”
- He believed the Quran is the foundation of religion and quoted it in every advice.
- He stressed that true knowledge of Allah (Marifat) is the spirit of Islam.
- He valued truth and sincerity more than outward rituals.
- He loved the poetry of Allama Iqbal (R.A). There are famous accounts of him meeting Iqbal in dreams and receiving advice.
Writings
Books in prose
- Maarka-e-Haq
- Harf-e-Lauh
- Maghz-e-Quran
- 2020 ki Duniya
Poetry
- Kalam-e-Ajal (includes ghazals, poems, and mystical verses)
Personal life
- He was married once. His wife, Kulsum Bibi, was a role model of patience and simplicity.
- She supported his spiritual and religious work fully.
- He often traveled for preaching, and household matters were run by his wife with patience.
- He lived with honesty, avoided showing off, and always preferred simplicity.
- He taught his disciples: “Die before your death” (meaning: kill your ego and worldly desires before physical death).
- In poetry, he used the pen name Ajal.
Death and legacy
He passed away on 16 June 1994 (6th Muharram 1415 AH) at the age of 63. After his death, people noticed peace and brightness on his face, which was seen as a sign of closeness to Allah. His shrine is in Datraul (Nawada, Bihar), where people still come to visit.
Legacy
- His teachings are carried forward under the Markaz-e-Afzaliya Education Trust.
- Even today, his disciples and family members spread his Sufi path through this center.
- His books and sayings are considered a precious treasure of Sufism and spiritual knowledge.