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The Literary Contributions of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen | An Introduction
Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen is the 31st spiritual guide and current leader of the Sarwari Qadri order. He is not only a spiritual figure but also a scholarly, literary, and creative personality. From an early age, he began writing articles for various magazines and newspapers. His spiritual guide Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali was well aware of his literary and creative abilities. So, in November 2001, he entrusted to him the publication department of the reformative team founded in 1994.
He personally authored books on important subjects of Faqr and Sufism after acquiring the throne of Divine guidance and persuasion out of immense grace upon the Divine seekers. He wrote them in a style that is both beautiful and comprehensive in its approach. Sultan-ul-Faqr Publications has published 24 books authored by Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen. Brief introductions of these books are given below.
Sufism-The Soul of Islam
This book is a comprehensive encyclopedia of the teachings of Faqr. It has two parts: the first is Sultan Bahoo’s complete hagiography. The second part first explains the terminologies so it is easier for readers to understand the chapters in the book. Then there are the 42 chapters:
- Faqr
- Seeker of Allah
- Self-Realization
- Ism-e-Allah Zaat
- The Perfect Spiritual Guide
- Divine Love
- Mohammadan Assembly
- Divine Vision
- The Universal Divine Man
- Sultan-ul-Faqr
- Oneness of Allah
- Inspiration
- Unveiling
- Waham
- Ilm-e-Dawat
- Beneficence and Grandeur of the People of Cloak
- Grandeur of Companions of Prophet Mohammad
- Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani
- Sarwari Qadri Order
- Sharia
- Innerself
- Renunciation of the World
- Pretence
- Sincerity of Intention
- Surrender and Submission to the Divine Will
- Trust upon Allah
- Divine Presence
- Arrogance, Pride and Humility
- Loyalty and Sacrifice
- Divine Favour
- Shahada
- Reflection, Concentration and Meditation
- Perseverance
- The Levels of Annihilation in Spiritual Guide, Prophet Mohammad and Allah
- Theophany
- Jamiat
- Knowledge
- Creation of Good and Evil
- Certainty
- The Esoteric and the Exoteric
- Ghanayat
- Human Evils and Sins.
Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen explains thousands of topics related to Faqr and Sufism in the light of the Quran, Hadith, and the teachings of Sufi Saints in all these chapters. He also provides references from Mystics and Scholars of all spiritual sects. This single book grants seekers of Allah the knowledge of thousands of Sufi books if read with sincerity. It makes attaining Divine closeness and gnosis through the path of Faqr easier for them. This book guides seekers of Allah at every stage and level. Sufism – The Soul of Islam is a translation of the Urdu book Shams-ul-Fuqra. The translation has been given special attention and care to meet international standards. This book is truly a great gift for English readers.
The Spiritual Guides of Sarwari Qadri Order
Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s second most important book is “The Spiritual Guides of Sarwari Qadri Order”. In this book he researched and gathered all facts about the lives of the spiritual guides of Sarwari Qadri Order. And he presented the facts in an elegant way. No one else can describe the excellence of these great personalities like he has. This book covers every aspect of the sacred lives of the Sarwari Qadri Saints from birth to passing. So, seekers of Allah have the opportunity to learn about these revered personalities and attain Divine closeness by following them.
These Saints include Sultan Bahoo, Sultan Syed Mohammad Abdullah Shah, Sultan Pir Mohammad Abdul Ghafoor Shah, Sultan Pir Syed Mohammad Bahadur Ali Shah, Sultan Mohammad Abdul Aziz and Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali. Before this, no authentic, complete, and comprehensive book existed on the hagiographies of the Sarwari Qadri Saints. This book is a translation of the Urdu book “Mujtaba Akhir Zamani”
The Mohammadan Reality
It is impossible to encompass in writing the exalted status and pure character of the Seal of the Prophets, Prophet Mohammad. Allah Almighty gave the Holy Prophet an unfathomable rank and glory. This rank and glory is ever-increasing. Only Allah Almighty knows the Holy Prophet’s true rank and glory.
As a poet says:
خدا کی عظمتیں کیا ہیں محمد مصطفیٰؐ جانے
مقامِ مصطفیٰؐ کیا ہے محمد کا خدا جانے
Explanation: Only the Holy Prophet knows the magnitude of Allah’s greatness; only Allah knows the exalted status of the Holy Prophet.
The Holy Prophet himself confirms this by saying: “None other than me and my Lord knows my reality”.
In this book, Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen has unveiled aspects of the Holy Prophet’s spiritual life for which no comprehensive account previously existed. Sufi Saints have alluded the Mohammadan Reality in their works but only Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen has explained it explicitly. This book was translated from the Urdu book “Haqeeqat-e-Mohammadia” for people not well-acquainted with Urdu and searching for the truth.
Celebration of Mawlid Al-Nabi
Allah Almighty said to the Holy Prophet:
“If it was not for you (O My beloved Mohammad) I would not have created the universe.” In joy over the birth of His beloved, Allah Almighty not only celebrated Himself but also had the angels and other creations express their happiness. On the blessed day of the Prophet’s birth, Allah Almighty adorned the heavens and the earth with lights. Both the dwellers of the heavens and the inhabitants of the earth rejoiced. During the lifetime of the Holy Prophet and in the eras that followed, the Divine lovers celebrated his birth with utmost devotion and affection. However, in the present age, some ignorant people label it as innovation due to their lack of knowledge and understanding.
Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen authored a book titled “Haqeeqat-e-Eid Milad-un-Nabi” in support of celebrating the Prophet’s birthday. A study of this book makes it abundantly clear that celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi is a source of immense mercy and blessing, and that people observe this celebration not only in the Muslim world but across the globe.
Imam Hussain and Yazid
The role of Imam Hussain and his companions on the battlefield of Karbala needs no introduction. He granted eternal preservation to Islam by sacrificing his own life. Witnessing the sacrifice of your loved ones before your very eyes is no ordinary matter. Yet imagine what must have passed through the heart of the Leader of Martyrs, Imam Hussain, when he himself carried the lifeless bodies of his sons, nephews, cousins, brothers, and other companions — and ultimately offered his own life as well.
However, with the passage of time, ignorant and malicious people who harbored enmity towards the People of the Cloak attempted to distort the facts of Karbala, claiming it was merely a battle for the caliphate between two princes. Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen authored a book entitled “Syed al-Shuhada Hazrat Imam Hussain and Yazidiyat”, in which he not only unveiled the true facts of the incident of Karbala but also presented the story of Imam Hussain and his companions’ love in a unique way. Moreover, the book exposes the oppression and tyranny of the wretched Yazid, as well as the Yazidi ideologies that prevail in the present age. The life of Imam Hussain and his role in Karbala serve as a guiding light for seekers of Allah walking the path of spiritual wayfaring. This book is a translation of the Urdu book “Syed al-Shuhada Hazrat Imam Hussain and Yazidiyat”.
The Rashidun Caliphate
The great companions are the finest group of the Ummah. The Holy Prophet made following them obligatory. The Rashidun Caliphate have the highest in rank and virtue among them. They sacrificed their homes and wealth for the sake of the Holy Prophet and Islam. And set such eternal examples of love and loyalty that will be remembered until the end of time.
One can gauge the depth of Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s love for the Rashidun Caliphate from the fact that he authored a book entitled “Khulfa-e-Rashideen” on their virtues and noble qualities. He kept in mind the deep love that they had for the Holy Prophet, so that he could encompass the unparalleled stories of their devotion to their spiritual guide. An important and unique aspect of this book is that it also includes the hagiography of the Fifth Rashidun Caliph, Hasan ibn Ali. This is because if people do not acknowledge Hasan ibn Ali as the Fifth Rashidun Caliph and ignore his six-month caliphate, this contradicts the Hadith “After me, the caliphate will last for thirty years.”
This book is a translation of the Urdu book “Khulfa-e-Rashideen”.
Prophet’s People of the Cloak and Companions – A Guiding Light for Muslims
The People of the Cloak are like the Ark of Noah, and the Companions are like stars. Filling one’s heart with love for the People of the Cloak and the Companions increases one’s faith. It is essential for the seekers of Allah to take guidance from the hagiographies of these sacred personalities, as the Holy Prophet has commanded their following. To make the Ummah aware of the exalted status and virtues of these great figures, Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen authored a book entitled “Prophet’s People of the Cloak and Companions – A Guiding Light for Muslims”, in which he has described their merits and noble qualities in the light of the Quran and Hadith. This book is a translation of the Urdu book “Fazayl Ahl-e-Bayt o Sahaba Karam”.
Hayat-o-Taleemat Syedna Ghaus Al-Azam
Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani is the leader of Saints and the vicegerent of the Holy Prophet. No one can attain sainthood without his gracious gaze. His hagiography and teachings provide complete guidance for the seekers of Allah. Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen has compiled a comprehensive book on the blessed life of Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani with great diligence and by referencing authentic sources. This work not only encompasses all aspects of his life but also, in its second part, organizes his teachings according to different subjects. The English translation of this book is in its final stages of preparation.
Sultan Bahoo
Sultan Bahoo is renowned worldwide as both poet and Sufi. His devotees spread across the globe, many of them are not fully aware of his personality, exalted rank, and pure character. Keeping this need in view, Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, as the leader of the Sarwari Qadri order, authored an authentic and comprehensive hagiography of Sultan Bahoo titled Sultan Bahoo. Undoubtedly, no one ever published a book more authentic or comprehensive on the life of Sultan Bahoo. This work sheds light on every aspect of his life. This book is a translation of the Urdu book with the same title “Sultan Bahoo”.
Sultan Bahoo – Punjabi Poetry
Sultan Bahoo’s Poetry is famous across the world and is well-known in literary and scholarly circles. People recite these Punjabi quatrains in all spiritual and literary gatherings, and many authors quote them as references in their own writings. His poetry is in complete accordance with the Quran and Hadith. Over time, countless people published books on these verses; however, during this process, those unfamiliar with the teachings of Sultan Bahoo made significant alterations to the original text. Some less discerning individuals even fabricated verses of their own, which contradict his teachings.
His spiritual successor and the present leader of the Sarwari Qadri order, Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, carried out thorough research on all 201 Poetries, corrected their text, and published them under the title Abyat-e-Bahoo Kamil. One of the most notable features of this book is that it includes the meanings of difficult words and a comprehensive explanation for the guidance of seekers of Allah. At the beginning of the book, a research-based article on the life and teachings of Sultan Bahoo is present to make understanding the verses easier. This authentic work has gained immense popularity in literary and scholarly circles, and Sultan-ul-Faqr Publications received special recognition for this effort.
The English translation has been published under the title Sultan Bahoo – Punjabi Poetry. This edition first presents the verses in their original Shahmukhi script, followed by Gurmukhi, then Roman transliteration, and finally in English verse. After that comes the detailed explanation, and at the end, a glossary is provided in all three scripts.
Iqbal and Faqr
Allama Iqbal, known as Sage of the Ummah and the Poet of the East, inspired the Muslim Ummah, especially the youth, to awaken self-realization and the consciousness of the soul through his poetry. Writers have published countless books on his work; however, Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen viewed Iqbal’s poetry from a unique perspective and compiled his verses on Faqr under various themes such as Faqr, seeker of Allah, self-realization, Divine love, the perfect spiritual guide, Ism-e-Allah Zaat, Divine vision, and the Universal Divine Man.
The general public was unaware of the heritage of Faqr left by the Holy Prophet. They could not truly understand Allama Iqbal’s poetry based on Faqr, nor did they do any further work on it. However, Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, with great diligence and a unique approach, compiled a book in which he not only highlighted the important aspects of Faqr and Sufism but also included Allama Iqbal’s Persian and Urdu verses related to these themes. In the book Faqr-e-Iqbal, Persian poetry is translated into Urdu, while the Urdu poetry includes explanatory footnotes for terms requiring clarification. Sultan-ul-Faqr Publications has published the English translation of this book under the title Iqbal and Faqr.
Life History of Sultan-ul-Tarikeen
After Sultan Bahoo, people were unaware of how the Sarwari Qadri order continued and to whom the trust of Faqr was transferred. As a result, they would seek blessings from the descendants present at the shrine, while in reality, the attainment of Divine gnosis is possible only through the company and spiritual attention of the perfect spiritual guides possessing the light of Divine guidance.
Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen carried out research on the life of Sultan Bahoo’s chief successor, Sultan Sayyid Mohammad Abdullah Shah, and authored a comprehensive book titled “Life History of Sultan-ul-Tarikeen Hazrat Sakhi Sultan Sayyid Mohammad Abdullah Shah Madni Jilani Rehmat-ul-Allah Alayh”. Through this work, the public became aware of the person who served as the leader of the order and the perfect spiritual guide after Sultan Bahoo. The English translation of this book has also been published under the same title.
Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali - Life and Teachings
Due to his closeness with his spiritual guide, Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen was well-acquainted with every aspect of his blessed character. Therefore, immediately after his guide’s passing, he began work on his hagiography. Out of profound love for his beloved guide, he authored an exceptional and comprehensive book titled “Sultan-ul-Faqr VI Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali – Life and Teachings”, which includes not only his blessed hagiography but also his teachings.
Reading this book provides complete knowledge of all aspects of the blessed life and teachings of Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali. Undoubtedly, for those interested in learning about the lives, teachings, exalted ranks, and miracles of saints, this book is an unparalleled gift. The English translation has also been published under the same title.
Kalam Mashaikh Sarwari Qadri
The words and writings of Saints are divinely inspired, which is why they possess worldwide fame. This mystic poetry is a treasure of Divine secrets. Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen compiled the sayings of all Sarwari Qadri Saints—from Sultan Bahoo to Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali. With painstaking effort, he corrected the text and published it along with a glossary. Previously, this spiritual treasure had remained limited.
Books on the Pillars of Islam
Having faith in and obeying the pillars of Islam is absolutely essential for a Muslim. However, the general public remains unaware of the deeper purposes behind these pillars. For instance, the purpose of Salat is ascension and Divine vision. The purpose of Zakat is to diminish love of wealth and instill Divine love. While the purpose of fasting is purification of the self and attainment of piety. The purpose of Hajj is, along with visiting the holy sites, to be blessed with the “Divine presence, observation and unveiling”.
To acquaint the seekers of Allah with the true objectives of these pillars, Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen authored four concise Urdu books: Haqeeqat-e-Namaz, Haqeeqat-e-Roza, Haqeeqat-e-Zakat, and Haqeeqat-e-Hajj. Studying these works enables seekers of Allah to perform their obligatory worship in its complete spirit, thereby gaining Divine closeness and will. Sultan-ul-Faqr Publications also published their English translations, titled:
- The Spiritual Reality of Prayer (Salat)
- Fasting – Sharia & Spirituality
- The Spiritual Reality of Zakat
The Spiritual Reality of Hajj
Purification of Innerself in Sufism
The self creates the greatest obstacles for seekers of Allah on the path of Faqr. It is crucial to understand the schemes and diseases of the self and to know methods of remedying them. If the seeker is unaware of these ailments and their cures, he can never progress on the path of truth. Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen authored a book titled “Nafs ke Nasur”, in which he explains all diseases of the self in the light of Quran and Hadith. He also wrote another book titled “Tazkiya-e-Nafs ke Nabwi Tareeq” out of special compassion for seekers of Allah. So seekers may adopt the prophetic method of purification after recognizing the ailments of the self, remain in the company of the perfect spiritual guide and be freed from the maladies of the self.
The English translations of these two books have been published under the titles:
Purification of Innerself in Sufism
The Prophetic Way of Purgation of the Innerself
The Divine Reality of Ism-e-Allah Zaat
Ism-e-Allah Zaat is the greatest name of Allah and the key to every difficulty. Saints spent years in strenuous struggles searching the greatest name of Allah before attaining it. In the present era, most people are unaware of the blessings of Ism-e-Allah Zaat so they do not strive to attain it. When Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen opened the beneficence of Ism-e-Allah Zaat for everyone, he also authored a book titled “Haqeeqat Ism-e-Allah Zaat” to introduce the masses to the greatest name of Allah. This work explains the blessings and benefits of Ism-e-Allah Zaat in the light of the sayings of Saints from various spiritual orders.
In addition, the book beautifully explains the importance of contemplation, invocation and their interrelationship. The English translation of this work has been published by Sultan-ul-Faqr Publications under the title “The Divine Reality of Ism-e-Allah Zaat”.
The Perfect Spiritual Guide
People are unaware of the importance of the perfect spiritual guide in the present era. Many do not consider the company of such a guide essential and believe that merely studying the Quran and Hadith is sufficient. They do not realize that the Quran and Hadith themselves command to adopt the company of a perfect spiritual guide. Just as all worldly knowledge or skill require a teacher, the esoteric journey toward attaining Divine closeness and gnosis also requires a teacher — the perfect spiritual guide.
Keeping this necessity in mind, Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen authored the book “Murshid Kamil Akmal”. In this book he explains the need for and importance of the perfect spiritual guide, and how one attains Divine gnosis and closeness through him. He does so in the light of the Quran, Hadith, and the sayings of scholars and saints. The book also addresses important topics such as women’s oath of allegiance. Its English translation has been published by Sultan-ul-Faqr Publications under the title “The Perfect Spiritual Guide”.
Risala Roohi Sharif
Risala Roohi Sharif is one of the most important and renowned books of Sultan Bahoo. He explains the difficult points of Oneness of Being in a comprehensive manner. No one before him had done so. Understanding these difficult points is not within everyone’s capacity. Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen not only translated this book but also added diacritical marks for the ease of readers, as people also recite this book as a spiritual litany. Regarding this book, Sultan Bahoo said:
“If any Saint or accomplished spiritual traveler regresses from his spiritual rank in the stages of the angelic realm, then he should take this pure book as his means, for it will serve as his perfect and accomplished spiritual guide.”
Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen also wrote a comprehensive explanation of the difficult terms used in the book, which are present at the end as footnotes. Publishing this important work in such a beautiful manner is indeed a great favor of Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen upon the seekers of Allah. Sultan-ul-Faqr Publications printed it on art paper. The honor of publishing both the English translation and explanation of this book for the first time also goes to Sultan-ul-Faqr Publications.
Conclusion:
The seekers of Allah should read these books of Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen with sincerity and love so that they may become acquainted with the secrets of Divine gnosis, and gain guidance to progress further on the path of Faqr and Sufism. May Allah bless the life and health of Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, so that more and more seekers of Allah and devoted disciples may benefit from his radiant company. Ameen, Sum Ameen.
Questions:
Q 1. How has Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen contributed to Sufi literature?
Ans. From an early age, he began writing articles for various magazines and newspapers. He personally authored books on important subjects of Faqr and Sufism after acquiring the throne of Divine guidance and persuasion out of immense grace upon the Divine seekers. He wrote them in a style that is both beautiful and comprehensive in its approach. Sultan-ul-Faqr Publications has published 24 books authored by Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen.
Q 2. What books has Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen authored?
Ans. Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen has authored the following books:
- Sufism-The Soul of Islam
- The Spiritual Guides of Sarwari Qadri Order
- The Mohammadan Reality
- Celebration of Mawlid Al-Nabi
- Imam Hussain and Yazid
- The Rashidun Caliphate
- Prophet’s People of the Cloak and Companions – A Guiding Light for Muslims
- Hayat-o-Taleemat Syedna Ghaus Al-Azam
- Sultan Bahoo
- Abyat-e-Bahoo
- Sultan Bahoo – Punjabi Poetry
- Iqbal and Faqr
- Life History of Sultan-ul-Tarikeen
- Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali – Life and Teachings
- Kalam Mashaikh Sarwari Qadri
- The Spiritual Reality of Prayer (Salat)
- Fasting – Sharia & Spirituality
- The Spiritual Reality of Zakat
- The Spiritual Reality of Hajj
- Purification of Innerself in Sufism
- The Prophetic Way of Purgation of the Innerself
- The Divine Reality of Ism-e-Allah Zaat
- The Perfect Spiritual Guide
- Risala Roohi Sharif
Q 3. What is the core message behind Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s books?
Ans. The core message behind Sultan-ul-Faqr VII Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s books is that true Islam is a path of attaining Divine gnosis, closeness, vision and love through the guidance and company of the perfect spiritual guide.
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