Biography of Murshid-e-Alam Hazrat Maulana Pir Ghulam Habib Naqshbandi (R.A.) Chakwal Pakistan
His Birth
Hazrat Maulana Pir Ghulam Habib Naqshbandi (RA) son of Hazrat Muhayyudeen was born on 2nd December, 1904 (23rd Ramadhan, 1322 AH) in Koraddhi (District Khushab, Punjab, Pakistan).
His mother named him Habibullah but his father preferred to name him "Ghulam Habib". Allah the Almighty accepted both names and he lead his life becoming the Ghulam (servant) of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam and in the result he became the beloved of Allah (Habibullah).
His Genealogical Tree
Genealogical Tree of Mushid-e-Aalam, Mahboob-ul-Aarifeen Hazrat Maulana Pir Ghulam Habib Naqshbandi (RA) meets with Sayyiduna Hazrat Ali radhiyallahu anhu via Muhammad Al-Hanafiyyah by 34 channel of his ancestors, which is as follows:
(1/34) Ghulam Habib (2/33) Muhayyuddeen (3/32) Qaa'imuddeen (4/31) Ruknuddeen (5/30) Muhammad Ajmal (6/29) Muhammad Azeem (7/28) Ateeq Ullah (8/27) Abdul Ghani (9/26) Hazrat Muhammad Ma'soom (famous as Daada Ma'soom) (10/25) Sulaiman Gul Ahmad (11/24) Kanwar Saleem (12/23) Ameer Khusro (13/22) Daolat Khan (14/21) Kerm Ullah Khan (15/20) Ghulam Haidar (16/19) Sultan Mahmood (17/18) Richcher Khan (18/17) Baaba Raddha (19/16) Sajaawal Khan (20/15) Taahir Ali (21/14) Saarung (22/13) Sayd Muhammad (23/12) Muhammad Khan (24/11) Abdullah Golrah (25/10) Meer Qutub Haidar Shah (26/9) Abul Ya'laa (27/8) Al-Husain (28/7) Zaid Taweel (29/6) Ja'far As-Saalis (30/5) Abdullah (31/4) Ja'far As-Saani (32/3) Abdullah (33/2) Hazrat Ja'far Al-Asghar Awwal (34/1) Hazrat Muammad Al-Hanafiyyah S/O Ameer ul Mu'mineen Sayyiduna Hazrat Ali radhiyallahu anhu
Education
In the early part of his life the schools and Madrasahs were not so much so as of our era. He started his education in his village and memorized the Holy Qur'aan.
His Teachers and Masha'ikh
He memorized the Holy Qur'aan from Qaari Qamruddeen (RA) and acquired knowledge of Deen from Hazrat Maulana Husain Ali (RA) (Wan Bhachran, Mianwali) (1283-1363 AH), Hazrat Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi (RA) (died in 1944), Shaykh-ul-Hadeeth Hazrat Maulana Sayd Ameer (RA) and Shakh-ut-Tafseer Hazrat Maulana Ahmad Ali Lahori (RA) (1304-1381 AH).
His Introduction with His Shaykh
When he was learning the knowledge of Hadeeth from Shaykh-ul-Hadeeth Hazrat Maulana Sayd Ameer Saahib he used to narrate about the life of Imaam-ul-Ulamaa was-Sulahaa Hazrat Khawajah Abdul Maalik Siddiqui in descriptive manner. It is a fact that the narrations of the Auliyaa leave a great effect upon the heart of the listener. So when he heard about this Shaykh from his teacher (Shaykh-ul-Hadeeth Hazrat Maulana Sayd Ameer Saahib, who was the Mureed and Khaleefah of Hazrat Khawajah Abdul Maalik Siddiqui); he became desirous to visit this Shaykh. When the academic year became over, he requested his teacher to make program to visit Hazrat Khawajah Abdul Maalik Siddiqui. One day they both travelled and reached in "Ahmad Pur Sharqiyyah" (District Bahal Pur in North Punjab) where Hazrat Khawajah Abdul Maalik Siddiqui was living at that time. They both met the Shaykh and Shaykh-ul-Hadeeth Hazrat Maulana Sayd Ameer Saahib introduced him to the Shaykh.
Bay'at with Hazrat Khawajah Abdul Maalik Siddiqui (RA)
Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Habib requested to Hazrat Khawajah Abdul Maalik Siddiqui to accept him as his Mureed. Hazrat Khawajah Abdul Maalik Siddiqui took his bay'at and told him the primary wazaa'if. Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Habib Saahib told him "When Hazrat Khawajah Saahib placed his first finger to my heart I felt that something had been inserted into my heart. At night due to the intensity felt in my heart it became difficult to sleep and all night I remained reciting Allah, Allah, Allah. Sometimes I felt that I am saying Allah, Allah, Allah with my tongue but I realized that it was my heart that was saying Allah, Allah, Allah and that was not within my control. After Tahajjud Namaaz I told the situation of last night to my teacher but he remained silent at that time but after Fajr Namaaz he told my Kafiyyat to Hazrat Khawajah Saahib and Hazrat Khawajah Saahib remained smiling and at last just said Masha Allah, Alhamdulillah".
Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Habib Saahib further mentioned that, "We remained in the company of Hazrat Khawajah Saahib for a few days and he pointed with his first finger on the other places of my chest known in Sufiyaa term as Lataa'if."
Love with Shaykh
Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Habib Saahib (RA) says, "After turning back from Hazrat Khawajah Saahib I felt that I can't live without him. It used to happen that while sleeping I used to awaken all of a sudden with the feeling in my heart that my beloved shaykh was here; upon awakening I would in fact find Hazrat Khawajah Saahib had arrived." This was the high esteemed position of Fanaa-fi-Shaykh.
Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Habib Saahib (RA) also says, "I was like a domesticated lamb with my Shaykh."
Khilaafat-O-Ijaazat
A few years passed. Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Habib Saahib (RA) due to his love with his shaykh and doing the Ma'mulaat told to him by his Shaykh with adhesion got high dignity in the field of Tasawwuf and Sulook. His Shaykh, Hazrat Khawajah Abdul Maalik Siddiqui Saahib (RA), was observing all these changes and his highly esteemed conditions and qualities. Then a day came when Hazrat Khawajah Abdul Maalik Siddiqui Saahib (RA) brought him to his own Shaykh, Hazrat Khawajah Fazal Ali Quraysi Saahib (RA) in Miskeen Pur.
Hazrat Khawajah Fazal Ali Quraysi Saahib (RA) is the Shaykh of Hazrat Khawajah Abdul Maalik Siddiqui Saahib (RA) and is the Grand Shaykh of Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Habib Saahib (RA).
Hazrat Khawajah Abdul Maalik Siddiqui Saahib (RA) told his Shaykh about his sincere, honest and devoted Mureed Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Habib Saahib (RA) and requested to grant him Khilaafat with his own pious hands.
After having a deep consideration and meditation of a few days Hazrat Khawajah Fazal Ali Quraysi Saahib (RA) granted Khilaafat to Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Habib Saahib (RA) in four Salaasil and at the same time Hazrat Khawajah Abdul Maalik Siddiqui Saahib (RA) also granted him Khilaafat. It was 29th Sha'baan 1352 AH when Hazrat Murshid-e-Aalam got Khilaafat from His Shaykh and Grand Shaykh.
Mission and Personality of Hazrat Murshid-e-Aalam (RA)
Hazrat Pir Ghulam Habib Naqshbandi Sahib (RA) was given by the Ulaama the laqab (title) of "Murshid-e-Aalam" (world mentor) as he had many Mureeds (disciples) around the world and as he also traveled to many places around the world on his Tablighi missions.
His Personality
Hazrat Maulana Pir Ghulam Habib Naqshbandi Saahib (RA) was indeed a great personality of this time and age. Those who have seen him or met him have commented individually as: "I have never seen or met any greater Pir (Mentor) in my life". "He was the most genuine, sincere and humble person I have ever met". "He was the most beautiful person I have ever seen in my life".
His face was so full of "noor" that one was immediately reminded of Allah by seeing him. He had a naturally fair skin complexion and all his hair was white. Even his eye brows were white. He was tall and of strong built. He was not fat.
His Uncompromising Dedication to Sunnah
He closely observed the Sunnah in every aspect of his life. He was never seen doing anything against the Sunnah and Shariah. He truly practiced what he preached. He had the best and perfect Akhlaq (manners) - rarely found in others in this age.
He was very hygienic and observed cleanliness in every way. His teeth were sparkling white. They were his natural teeth. His clothes and body were always clean and fresh. He never had a foul smell. He was very particular about his personal hygiene. He was never scruffy and used to get angry at those who were.
His Attire
He used to wear a white Kurta (Jubba) with loose sleeves and no collar. The length of his Kurta used to be below his knees but above his ankles (somewhere between his ankles and knees). His Izaar was above his ankles. He used to wear a white Amaamah. He could wrap this neatly and perfectly on his head without looking in the mirror. He also used to keep a white "roomaal" (scarf) with him over his right shoulder when walking. He used to walk with an "Aasaa" (long stick) - like the one used on Jummah for Khutbah. He had a habit of taking long walks regularly. He really had so many special qualities that it is really difficult for me to explain here. In short, all one can say is that he was a true servant and lover of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam. One can just wonder how beautiful and great our beloved Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam himself was, if this was the condition of his simple servant!
His Unique Bayaans
His Bayaans were unique in many ways. His Bayaans were based on only the Qur'aan and Hadith - nothing else. He used to love listening, reading and preaching the Qur'aan. He was a Haafiz-ul-Qur'aan (committed the whole Qur'aan to his memory). His knowledge and understanding of the Qur'aan and Hadith was very extensive. Many great Ulama have also testified to this fact. The people who had remained along with him were convinced that he was the greatest Pir (Shaikh) of this time and age.
The Monuments of Knowledge and Spirituality left behind by Him
Teaching and learning is what makes people to be humans and makes humans rise above the rest of the creation.
The centres of teaching and learning are the Madaaris and the Makaatib. Wherever there are no Madaaris or Makaatib and authentic Ulama, there is total darkness. In these places, injustice, immorality and un-Islamic customs and evil practices are always prevalent.
The habit of the Ulamaa, Fuqahaa, and Soofiyaa has always been to set-up Madaaris for the sake of reforming humanity wherever they lived or went, so that teaching and learning continues.
One such personality of our times was Murshid-e-Aalam Mahboobul-Aarifeen Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Habib Naqshbandi (RA) who was a well-known Deeni personality of our times, who taught the lesson of following the Sunnah for almost all his adult life. The establishment of Masaajid, Madarais and Makaatib was always first and foremost of his goals.
How Hazrat Migrated to Chakwal
Hazrat (RA) was invited to Chakwal by a Bid'ati Maulvi in 1950. Hazrat (RA) arrived in Chakwal at the Maulvi's invitation to talk to people about Islam. As he used to do, he held the Qur’aan in his hands and started the talk. The Maulvi snatched the Qur’aan from Hazrat’s (RA) hands, called him “Gustaakh-e-Rasool” and dragged him down the Mimbar. Hazrat (RA) said:
"That Bid'ati had invited me assuming that I was a Pir like others who narrate the tales and stories. When I started the talk based on the Qur’aan, he couldn’t tolerate it; he snatched the Qur’aan from my hands, grabbed my hands, and dragged me down the mimbar. Then I made du'aa to Allah (SWT) at that very moment to give me the means to do the Da'awah work in that town and area so that the people may learn the message of the Tauheed and the Sunnah."
His Hard Work in Chakwal and its Surroundings
This incident became the reason for Hazrat’s (RA) migration from Wauoolah to Chakwal. In the beginning Hazrat (RA) used to spend a few days in Chakwal. Hawaldar Haji Ghulam Muhammad Khary Wala and Hawaaldaar Haji Ameer Ali (also known as Khaadim-ul-Qa’um) and some of their acquaintances provided a lot of help to Hazrat (RA). In the beginning Hazrat (RA) narrated the words of Qur’aan and the Sunnah to neighbours in the living room of Hawaldar Haji Ameer Ali (a.k.a Khadim-ul-Qa’um). Hazrat (RA) used to try to counter the ways and the customs of the people which they had adopted due to the fabricated tales narrated to them by the Bid'aties. Slowly the attendance began to rise. In the middle of 1951 Hazrat (RA) moved from Wa’ula to Chakwal permanently; a volcano of opposition erupted before him when he started the Tabligh of the Truth and the Sunnah. People of Bid'at started using shameful means and methods in order to stop him. Hazrat (RA) was incarcerated, and fake Janazas of him were sent to his family several times, but Hazrat (RA) remained a mountain of steadfastness.
In the beginning Hazrat (RA) started out from a Masjid in the rear of the college located on Rawalpindi Road. Then he relocated to the present Jamia Masjid (which was small in size and a canine has delivered here). Hazrat (RA) used to call the A’dhan, and wait for someone to show up, but used to end up calling the Iqama and praying himself alone. According to his own words "When times were hard then I would call the Adhan, Iqama, and be the Imam and the Muqtadi myself". The Bid'atis had spread the news far and wide that this man is a “Wahaabi” and Gustaakh-e-Rasool” and whosoever goes to his Masjid or sends his children to his Masjid will become the same, therefore people didn’t associate with him.
Hazrat (RA) used to go around the neighbourhood with a Qur’aan and show people the verses, and say that verses have made me “Wahabi”, if you people don’t want to cooperate with me then take these verses out so no one else can become a “Wahabi”. Hazrat (RA) also fitted a loudspeaker at a high place, distributed Qur’aan with translations wherever the voice of the loudspeakers reached, and then started giving tafseer of the Qur’aan indicating the page number and the verse numbers on the loudspeaker. Gradually people started coming to the Masjid and listening to the Dars (tafseer), some also started sending their children to the Masjid. After a while people became accustomed to Hazrat (RA). Allah (SWT) had blessed Hazrat (RA) with beautiful Akhlaq, and soon people were coming from great distances to listen to the Dars. This was the beginning of the Madrasa.
Establishment of Darul Uloom Hanafiyyah
It was the custom of the time that people only used to listen to individuals who had a few people with him. Therefore Hazrat (RA) asked some of his acquaintances and people from nearby villages to send their children to the Madrasah.
Cloth Shop -- A source of conveying the message of Tauheed O Sunnah
Hazrat (RA) also started a cloth shop at the Chappar Bazar, as a means for some income and to interact with the local folk. Hazrat (RA) used to deliver the message of following the Sunnah to the customers while engaged in trade.
His Participation in Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Movement
The movement of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat started throughout Pakistan in 1953. Hazrat (RA) organised people of Chakwal and presented voluntary arrests in this regard. During this movement people began to realise that this “Wahaabi and Gustakh-e-Rasool” is a true lover of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, and he is a man of action instead of merely providing lip service. The number of students in the Madrasah began to grow. Hazrat (RA) with the Mushwara of his associates decided to purchase the house located in the rear of the Masjid, so the visiting students can stay while engaged in learning. The Masjid was also extended and some rooms for boarding were also added. In 1965 a house was purchased which is now the building for Jamia Aisha Siddiqa, and the department of Hifz was moved into this building. However the department of teaching (Hadeeth et.) remained in the Masjid.
This was the time of great need, and due to constraints Hazrat (RA) was unable to travel. However Hazrat’s (RA) son Hazrat Maulana Abdur-Rahman Qasmi(R.A.) who was 18-19 at that time, now started to help with the responsibilities of the house, the shop and other things along with his studies. The teachers also helped with the administrative affairs, this gave Hazrat (RA) a chance to travel outside. Due to the travels undertaken by Hazrat (RA) people became familiar with the Darul-uloom and the man who was striving to deliver the message of Tauheed and Sunnah in extremely difficult circumstances.
Colonel Fazal Ilahi relates that he visited Chakwal in 1966. Hazrat (RA) was engaged in appointing a Maulana, and offered him Rupees 130.00/month. After the Maulana had left Hazrat (RA) commented that he is a very big scholar indeed. Along with him Hazrat (RA) also appointed Maulana Masood Ahmad Hazarwi and Maulana Shams-uddin.
Maulana Masood Ahmad Hazarwi relates that he was appointed at Rupees 60.00/month. At the end of the month, when he didn’t receive his salary, he sent a note to Hazrat (RA) stating that the salary was the only means of income to him therefore kindly expedite his salary along. In reply to the note Hazrat (RA) came himself with tears in his eyes and explained that there wasn’t even anything to eat at home and apologised for not providing the salary. Hazrat (RA) then asked him to make dua for the situation to get better. From that point the financial situation of the Darul-uloom began to improve and kept getting better and better.
From 1954-1980 renowned and highly qualified teachers served at the educational and the technical departments of the Darul-uloom and hundreds of students graduated.
From March 1980 the second phase of progress dawned at the Darul-uloom. Hazrat’s (RA) personality was introduced to the world, and Hazrat’s (RA) second son Ja-Nasheen Murshid-e-Alam Hazrat Maulana Pir Abdur-Rahim(D.B.) had graduated from Jamia Ashrafia. Hazrat (RA) decided to open various centres for the propagation of Tawheed and Sunnah around Chakwal. Hazrat’s (RA) associates and his son Hazrat Maulana Abdur-Rahman Qasmi(R.A.) provided great support and cooperation in this regard. First and foremost the construction of the present Markazi Masjid Darul-uloom Hanafiya was started which finished in 9 years. A beautiful building was built in the rear of the Masjid encompassing an area of 10 Marla. Another Masjid (Masjid Hamza) was built at a central location next to the government Degree College.
Maulana Pir Ghulam Habib Trust Chakwal:
The property of the Darul-uloom was increasing in value by the day. The department of Auqaaf (Government of Pakistan) is known to take over institutions of this nature. Hazrat Maulana Abdur-Rahman Qasmi(R.A.) advised Hazrat (RA) of the situation and recommended for the continuity of the work in the present format to form a trust. Hence after extensive Mushwara a trust known as Maulana Pir Ghulam Habib Trust Chakwal was formed with the following two conditions:
a) The properties of the trust will be non-transferable and non-sellable.
b) Hazrat’s (RA) children and grandchildren will only be able to run the administrative affairs as long as they stay on the true path and the path of the Ulama of Deoband.
Hazrat’s (RA) intention with these conditions was to continue the propagation of Tawheed and Sunnah through the institutions and to keep his progeny on the same path.
Institutions under the care of the Trust:
Jamia Al-Habib Chakwal:
This Jamia is to be located on Sargodha Road in Habib-abad. The total cost of the program is nearly Rupees 20,000,000. A further 80 kanal of land has been purchased at Chuwasedan Shah Road (5 kilometres from Chakwal in Al-Habib town) for the extension of this project fulfilling one of the Hazrat’s (RA) dreams. This land has been surveyed, and a contract he been done with the infamous engineering firm of Lahore “Gias Associates”. The architectural plans and designs of this Islamic university are still being produced. During the boring process, water was found at 500 feet, which in itself is a good omen of future success, by the grace of Allah (SWT).
This grand university will have an educational system comprising of traditional and secular syllabus. The graduates of this university will be versed with the current fields of knowledge as well as the knowledge of the Deen.
Jamia Aaisha Siddiqah Chakwal:
Women are equal partners alongside men in the acquisition of knowledge. Hazrat (RA) laid the foundation of this institution for the benefit of the daughters of Islam in his last days. In the few years of its establishment, the standard of education has risen to exemplary levels. Students come from great distances due to the unique way of education and Tableegh under the guidance of exemplary teachers. This work is being done in a two-story building of the trust, however a land comprising of 80 kanal has been purchased for the extension project on Sargodha Road. The new institution will be one of a kind in the country, and the total cost is estimated to be in the millions (Rupees). This year 21 students have graduated from this institution.
Until 1988 the Darul-uloom used to teach Hif’z and Nazira Qur’an. Hazrat (RA) wanted to start the teaching of Hadeeth as well. Due to the importance of the task ahead, some of the associates asked Hazrat (RA) to delay this project. However Hazrat (RA) had made strong intentions in this regard, he himself travelled to various locations in search of teachers and started the teaching of Hadeeth in 1989.
The same year Hazrat (RA) announced the establishment of Jamia Aaisha Siddiqah after recognising the need of educating young Muslim girls and delegated the responsibility to the wife of one of his close and trusted Mureed Dr Mursil.
Darul-uloom Gulshan-e-Habib:
The foundation stone was laid down by Justice Mian Mahboob Ahmad approximately five kilometres from Chakwal on Lahore Road (Murshid-Aabaad) on a land comprising of 13 kanals. A grand Masjid by the name of Masjid Usman will also be built on this location.
Darul-uloom at Koraddhi:
This Darul-uloom is being established at Kordhi wadi (District Khoshab) on a land comprising of 40 kanals. The establishment of this institution will be a great boon for the people of the wadi, and Hazrat (RA) himself had dedicated this land for this purpose in his life.
Jamia Masjid Darul-uloom Hanafiyyah:
This beautiful Masjid is a sign of beauty, grandeur, and elegance. This Masjid is a milestone in the history of Chakwal District.
Jamia Masjid Hamza:
Located next to the Government college of Chakwal, this Masjid presents a tranquil environment for the worshipers.
Jamia Masjid Al-Habib:
This Masjid is located nearly two kilometres from the city at Sargodha Road.
Jamia Masjid Habib-e-Khuda:
This Masjid is to be built near general Bus stand Chakwal. Land has been purchased for this project, a well has been dug for water, and construction is to start soon.
Wali Masjid Chakwal:
This Masjid is located in the busy trade centre of Chappath Bazar.
After spreading the light of Qur'aan, Sunnah, spirituality, enlightening the hearts of his disciples with the love of Allah and Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam and preparing them to lead their life according to the Qur'aan and the Sunnah he passed away on 21st September, 1989 (19 Safar,1410 AH) at the age of 85.
To listen to Bayaans by Murshid-e-Alam Hazrat Pir Ghulam Habib(RA) please visit the following link: http://www.pirghulamhabib.com/bayaans_page.htm (This link will take you to another website which has been dedicated to Hazrat Pir Ghulam Habib(R.A.))