Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Muhammad Munim Pak

Birth and family lineage

Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Muhammad Munem Pak was born in 1082 Hijri (AD 1671) in the village of Pachna in the Shaikhpura district of Bihar, surrounded by mountainous regions. His family lineage meets up with Sufi saint Hazrat Makhdoom Shamsuddin Haqqani whose shrine is located at Billouri in the district of Lakhisarai. Makhdoom Haqqani is a descendant of the Sufi Hazrat Ibrahim bin Adham Balkhi, also known as Abu bin Adham.

Education and spiritual training

Having completed his primary education at his paternal village he went to Deewan Syed Abu Sayeed Jaafer Muhammad Quadri's khanqah at Barh district near Patna, for higher education and knowledge of Sufism. After his death Hazrat Munim Pak received knowledge from his son Deewan Syed Khaleelullah and became his "murid" (disciple) under Quadria Qutubia order and was rewarded with "Khilafah". After finishing his education he moved to Delhi with the instruction and permission of his "peer". or around forty years he taught the students of higher education at the Madrasa situated behind the Jama Masjid in Delhi.

Abulolai lineage

Hazrat Munem Pak went to Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Shah Muhammad Farhad and dedicated himself fully to his service. Biographers say that he remained there in his service for eleven years, practising the spiritual teachings of Naqshbandia Abul-Ulaiya Silsilah. Hazrat Shah Farhad’s peer, Hazrat Syed Dost Muhammad Burhanpuri, was a mureed and khalifa of Hazrat Syedna Ameer Abul-Ula.

He was close to Bade Peer Hazrat Syedna Shaykh Abdul Quadir Jeelani and Makhdoom-e-Jahan Hazrat Shaykh Sharafuddin Ahmad Yahya Maneri.

Nature and conduct

He often fasted, not just during in the month of Ramadhan when it is required. He never built a house, married, or settled down.

Spiritual succession of Hazrat Shah Farhad Dehlavi

After Hazrat Shah Farhad died in 1145 Hijri, Hazrat Munem Pak benefitted from his mureed (disciple), khalifah (caliph) and successor Hazrat Meer Syed Asadullahand. When Hazrat Meer Syed Asadullah died in 1147 Hijri, Hazrat Munim Pak was enthroned as inheritor of Hazrat Shah Farhad

Migration from Delhi to Patna

After several years in Delhi, he received indication from the Islamic prophet Hazrat Muhammad to migrate to Patna. In Patna, he initially stayed at Meer Taqi mosque near Meetanghat and then came to Mulla Meetan’s mosque, known as "Jama Masjid Hazrat Mulla Meetan" and his khanqah got established here.

He died on the eleventh day of Rajab in 1185 Hijri (AD 1771), at the age of about 103 and was buried next to Jama Masjid Hazrat Mulla Meetan. A simple mausoleum was built there, which was later expanded and enhanced.

Spiritual Life

After arriving in Patna he went to Biharsharif and stayed there for three months meditating near the mausoleum of the Sufi saint Hazrat Makhdoom-e-Jahan Shaykh Sharfuddin Ahmad Yahya Maneri.

Followers

Sufi saint Syed Waris Rasoolnuma Banarsi's caliph and Hazrat Hakeem Izzatullah Kareemchaki’s son Hazrat Hakeem Farhatullah Kareemchaki came from Chapra. Sajjada Nasheens (inheritors) of sages like Hazrat Peer Jagjot and Hazrat Adam Sufi also came. Both the sons of the eminent scholar Mulla Ghulam Yahya Bihari, Mulla Kamal and Mulla Jamal came under his supervision and guidance. Hazrat Shah Hassan Ali Shoaibi, who was a descendant of Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Shoaib Firdausi, was his mureed and khalifa. Hazrat Syed Shah Ghulam Husain Danapuri, who came from a renowned Sufi family of Shahtoli Danapur, also got associated with him. Hazrat Maulana Hasan Raza Raipuri, who belonged to a prominent Sufi family of Bihar, was his mureed, khalifa and inheritor. Hazrat Ruknuddin ‘Ishque’ and Hazrat Shah Muhammad Azeem Dehlavi, the descendants of his spiritual teachers at Delhi Hazrat Khwaja Shah Farhad and Hazrat Shah Asadullah, came to Patna to benefit from him. Hazrat Ruknuddin ‘Ishque’ settled here only. His khanqah is situated even today in front of the same Meer Taqui’s Mosque where Hazrat Munim Pak had initially resided after his arrival from Delhi.

Hazrat Sufi Muhammad Daayem came to Patna from Dhaka to meet Hazrat Munim Pak and dedicated himself to his service. There are many khanqahs engaged in promoting this Silsila (order) at Dhaka and elsewhere in Bangladesh.

The total number of khanqahs (abbeys) associated with this Silsila, spread across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma and Sri Lanka, would be around 150 and the number of devotees and people associated with them would come to crores.

According to the contemporary Sufi literature, it was believed that he presented himself in the assembly of Hazrat Muhammad. That is why he was also known as "Haazir-e- Bargah-e- Laulak" (present before Prophet Muhammad).

Works

He wrote three books during his stay in Delhi, "Mukashifat-e-Munemi", "Ilhamat-e-Munemi" and "Mushahidat-e-Munemi" in 1119 Hijri, 1120 Hijri and 1123 Hijri respectively. The manuscripts of "Ilhamat-E-Munemi" and "Mukashifat-E-Munemi" are available at Khudabakhsh Library, Patna and other libraries of the subcontinent. The manuscripts of "Mushahidat-E-Munemi" are not so widely available.

Nature of his Khanqah

Everybody was welcomed at his khanqah, be he Sufi or Yogi (hermit), Hindu or Muslim. He treated his mureeds (disciples) affectionately. A Hindu Yogi who was a follower of Guru Nanak and whose name was Gurbakhsh came to him and made a request. He explained that he was a devotee of Krishna and that he had been earnestly willing for a long time to catch a glimpse of him. He also mentioned that he had traveled all over the country, met a lot of reputed Yogis but nobody could help him make his dream come true. He urged that he had heard many a thing about him and came to him with lot of hope. Hazrat Munim Pak and the yogi meditated; after a while the yogi got up and started dancing until he fainted and fell down. He said that when he meditated he felt as if he had reached Vrindavan and there he saw Krishna with his eyes. He said that Krishna was playing the flute which produced the sound "Laa Ilaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasoolullah", Gopis were dancing and the environment was full of frolic. He affirmed that seeing all this he also got enraptured and started dancing. Thereafter, he became a disciple of Hazrat Munim Pak and attained accomplishment.

Prominent Khalifas

During his stay at Delhi and Patna, many people became his Mureed (disciples), some of them attained accomplishment and became his Khalifa (caliphs). Following are those of his caliphs who are well known and frequently mentioned:

1. Hazrat Maulana Syed Hasan Raza Raipuri: (Death 1215 Hijri)
2. Hazrat Khwaja Ruknuddin Ishque Azeemabadi: (Death 1203 Hijri)
3. Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Hassan Ali: (Death 1224 Hijri /AD 1809)
4. Hazrat Shah Qutubuddin alias Shah Basawan: (Death 1210 Hijri / AD 1795)
5. Hazrat Sufi Syed Muhammad Dayem: (Death 1212 Hijri / Ad1798)
6. Hazrat Syed Shah Ghulam Hussain Danapuri: (Death 1254 Hijri / AD 1838)
7. Hazrat Shah Ahlullah Sani: (Death 1224 Hijri / Ad 1809)
8. Hazrat Shah Khuda Bakhsh:
9. Hazrat Shah Fazil: (1200 Hijri / Ad1785)
10. Hazrat Shah Maneri:
11. Hazrat Shah Wajhullah Talib:
12. Hazrat Shah Muhammad Azeem:
13. Hazrat Shah Raheemuddin:
14. Hazrat Mulla Jamalul Haque:
15. Hazrat Mulla Kamalul Haque:
16. Hazrat Shah Nawazish Ali: (1195 Hijri /AD 1781)
17. Hazrat Deewan Syed Sahib-e-Aalam:
18. Hazrat Shah Ghulam Nabi Alwari:

Noted among the famous disciples (mureeds) of Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak are the names of Quazi of his times Hazrat Quazi Hassan Raza Khan, the Ustaad-e-Shahr of Patna Hazrat Mulla Shoaibul Haque Musafir, the renowned teacher of calligraphy Hazrat Shah Izzuddin, Hazrat Khairuddin Kashmiri and Shah Quamar Ali, the younger brother of Hazrat Shah Kamal Dewarvi. shrine and surrounding Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak left for the heavenly abode in the evening at the time of Isha after the day of 11 Rajab in 1185 Hijri. His abbey (khanqah) is at Meetanghat, Patna City and his grave (holy dargah) is situated in the premises of Hazrat Mulla Meetan's mosque. As per his Will, Maulana Hassan Raza Raipuri became his first Sajjada Nasheen. With the permission of Aalahazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain Munemi, his Tomb (Maqbara) was constructed for the first time by Sufi Shah Dilawar Ali Lahori in 1249 Hijri. In 1285 Hijri, during the period of Hazrat Syed Shah Muneeruddin Husain Munemi Sajjada Nasheen his Tomb was renovated by Hazrat Shah Aleemuddin Raipuri. Hazrat Syed Shah Salimuddin Ahmad Munemi also got the tomb renovated when he served as the Sajjada Nasheen. The magnificent dome of his tomb got ready in 2010. Devotees belonging to all religions and faith can be seen paying their tributes here everyday. Next to his holy Dargah at Khanquah Munemia, there stands the grand historical mosque called ‘Jama Masjid Hazrat Mulla Meetan’. It is very large and the only double storeyed mosque of the Mughal period in Bihar. Mulla Meetan was an eminent scholar (Aalim) and renowned Sufi of the Aurangzeb Era.

Mulla Meetan's Masjid is a unique example of the architectural expertise of that era. This is the place which enjoys the privilege of being Hazrat Munim Pak's sacred place of worship. This is also the place where many supernatural performances/miracles/revelations (karamatein) have been revealed by him. Hazrat Makhdoom Pak used to teach his caliphs the lessons of meditation and penance here.

Next to his grave (dargah shareef), towards the north, there is a beautiful and grandiose building of Khanquah Munemia. This is also an exquisite example of architecture. In the middle of the khanqah, there is a large central hall surrounded by verandahs and rooms in such a fashion that one can move around the central hall while going into these rooms. Earlier its building was small and ordinary. The present building was constructed in place of the old one by the 7th Sajjada Nasheen Hazrat Syed Shah Azizuddin Hussain Munemi.

Spiritual successors

The chain and tenure of the successors (Sajjada Nashins) of Khanqah Munemia Meetanghat Dargahsharif

1. Hazrat Maulana Syed Hasan Raza Raipuri (1185 - 1215 Hijri)

He was born in 1154 Hijri at Fatuha, Raipura village in Patna. His father, Hazrat Syed Abdullah, was a hereditary preceptor (peer). The tradition and order of Sufism was descending in his family from generation to generation. As per tradition he started acquiring education. He attained expertise in Islamic education in accordance with the contemporary curriculum. He then got attracted towards the accompaniment of Aulia Allah. It was those days when Hazrat Munim Pak had arrived at Patna from Delhi and his popularity had spread all over. At the age of 16, he came to Hazrat Makhdoom and, being influenced by him, became a disciple (murid) under his sacred hands. After that he continued to remain in his service for 15 years, attained all around perfection and achieved accomplishment. Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak granted him Ijazah and Khilafah. He was very dear to his preceptor (peer-o-murshid). That is why when Hazrat Makhdoom Munim pak was asked as to which caliph he wanted to be his successor (Sajjada Nashin), he replied that he liked Hassan Raza. When he was 31, Hazrat Makhdoom departed his life on 11th Rajab 1185 Hijri and, on the day of his Chaharum, all the scholars (Ulemas) and Mashayekhs of the city appointed him as the successor of Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak. He ornamented the seat of Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak for 30 years.

He was strictly bound to Islamic canon (Shariah) and he never missed telling the beads (wird-o-wazaif) together with Namaz and other prayers in the silence of the night time. He also used to teach the globally renowned Masnavi of Maulana Rumi to his disciples. He was unconquered by the materialistic fascination of the world. He spent all his life relying on Allah in an ascetic way (faqirana). He liked smoking Hubble Bubble (Hooqa). Whenever he tossed up the smoke from his hubble bubble on someone, he would be lost in pure and unrestrained joy.

Once he went to Phulwari sharif to attend the annual urs ceremony in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. The program of pure Sufi Qawwali was going on and people were delightedly swinging. Two Englishmen came from somewhere and started laughing at the emotions of the people. At that time, he was smoking Hooqa at the veranda next to the hall where Qawwali was going on. Seeing the mock laughter of the foreigners, he drew a pulling from the hooqa and threw its smoke on them. Their laughter disappeared instantly and both of them got carried away by the emotion. They started heaving a sigh, raising slogans and rolling on the floor. Seeing their condition, people somehow removed apart the weapons from their belts so that they might not get hurt or injured while they were elated. After sometime when their condition improved, both of them fell on his feet with extreme veneration and were accepted. Thereafter, they always used to come see him at Meetan ghat and got benefited.

He was very soft-spoken and kind-hearted. A huge number of common people were his disciples (murids), especially the number of his murids in Patna, Barh, Surajgadha, north Bihar and eastern Bihar was very large.

He departed his life on 12 Muharram-ul- Haram 1215 Hijri at the age of 60. His shrine (mazar-e-mubarak) is still a centre of reverence for the people in the premises of his Eidgah at his village Raipura in Fatuha of Patna district. He left after him a son named Syed Shah Ghulam Hassan and two daughters.

His famous caliphs are as follows:

1. Hazrat Syed Shah Ghulam Hasan Munemi Raipuri

2. Hazrat Shah Rahmatullah (Biharsharif)

3. Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdur Rahman Muwahhid Lucknavi (Pandayan, Lucknow, U.P.)

4. Hazrat Syed Shah Shamsuddin Husain Danapuri (the father of Aalahazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain Munemi)

5. Hazrat Syed Shah Abdul Quadir (the maternal uncle of Aalahazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain)

6. Hazrat Shah Ibrahim Hussain Naoabadi (Shah Bhoju Saheb) The famous poet Quazi Muhammad Sadique Khan Akhtar etc. included his disciples (murids)

2. Hazrat Syed Shah Ghulam Hasan Munemi Raipuri (1215 - 1266 Hijri)

He was the son of Hazrat Maulana Syed Hasan Raza Raipuri and, after the death of his father, he became the second successor (Sajjada Nashin) of Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak, at the age of 20, on 16th. Muharram-ul Haram 1215 Hijri.

He received his education and training from his father and he was the disciple and caliph of his father. He was also kind and generous like his father and he was also very punctual about his daily routine of telling the beads and worshiping Allah. He used to organize the urs ceremony of his preceptors (peers) in very orderly manner. He was also a poet of high quality and his literary pseudonym was 'Munemi'. Manuscripts of many of his masnavis and poems are safely preserved at the library of the Khanqah Munemia, Meetanghat.

He departed his life on 24th Muharram-ul-Haram at the age of 76. His shrine (mazar) is situated closely towards the foot of his father's grave at Raipura, Fatuha. He had two sons, Hazrat Syed Shah Muhammad Ahsan (Syed Mian), Hazrat Syed Shah Amanat Hussain and a daughter who was married to Hazrat Syed Shah Alimuddin Raipuri.

3. Hazrat Syed Shah Muhammad Ahsan (Syed Mian) Munemi (1247 - 1248 Hijri)

He was born in 1214 Hijri at Raipura in Fatuha. He was the eldest son of Hazrat Syed Shah Ghulam Hussain Munemi. He had the privilege of being the disciple (murid) and caliph of his father after attaining expertise in Islamic education based on the contemporary curriculum. His father was an intimate friend of Aalahazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain Munemi and an admirer of his personality and greatness. His father had entrusted him to Aalahazrat. Aalahazrat paid personal attention on him and taught him special lessons of spiritualism. That is why he became a Sufi saint of very high standard at a young age. Aalahazrat also granted him caliphate of his order. He was also a protector (Hafiz) of 15 paras of the holy Quran. With the permission of Aalahazrat, he also used to impart education and training and the aspirants of spiritualism were strangely benefitted by him. When his father, Syed Shah Ghulam Hassan, planned to leave for Haj he appointed him his third successor (Sajjaa Nashin) considering him suitable for the job in all respects. At the age of 34 he became a patient of pain in legs and left for heavenly abode on 7th Muharram 1248 Hijri and he was put to grave close towards the foot of the his grand father's shrine. He left a son, Syed Shah Tajammul Hussain Munemi, after him.

4. Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Tajammul Hussain Munemi Raipuri (1266 - 1271 Hijri)

He was born in 1235 Hijri at Raipura in Fatuha. He received his education and training from his father Hazrat Syed Shah Muhammad Ahsan and grand father, Hazrat Syed Shah Ghulam Hassan Munemi. After education he got the privilege of being a disciple (murid) of his grand father. Thereafter his grand father entrusted him to the accompaniment of Aalahazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain Munemi. Aalahazrat took special interest in his training and he got duly benefitted from him. After the death of Aalahazrat he devoted himself to the service of his son Hazrat Syed Shah Mubarak Hussain Munemi and obtained Ijazah and Khilafah from him. He had no issues and generally resided in the north Bihar. That is why he handed over the successorship of Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak and all the concerned authorities to his preceptor in 1271 Hijri. He departed in Jamadi-ul-Ukhra 1273 Hijri.

5. Hazrat Syed Shah Mubarak Hussain Munemi (Tenure 1271 - 1273 Hijri)

His name was Syed Shah Fakhruddin Hussain but his father used to call him Mubarak Hussain. So he became popular by this name. He was born in Shah Mannan Ki Gadhi, Mughalpura, Patna City on 18th Zil Qada 1231 Hijri. He received his education and training from Aala hazrat (his father). Then, as desired by his father, he became murid of his grandfather, Hazrat Syed Shah Shamsuddin Hussain Danapuri. His father granted him Ijazah and Khilafah of all his orders and declared him his inheritor. His father Aalahazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain Munemi gave special attention to ensure his spiritual advancement. He always kept him in his company and made him competent and accomplished in all respects and thereafter granted caliphate of all his orders.

When he was 24, his father, Aalahazrat, departed his life. On the day of Aalahazrat's Fatiha-e-Chaharum, he was adorned with the successorship (Sajjada Nashini) by lots of Sufi saints and Sajjada Nashins who had come from far and near places.

Showing respect to his father when his father was alive, he never accepted anyone as his disciple (murid). After his father a large number of people had the privilege of becoming his disciples (murids). Even the disciples of other preceptors, with their permission, got themselves spiritually benefitted by him. His clothing was truly like that of his father. His manners and conduct reminded of great Sufi saints. Both the young and the old eagerly loved and respected him.

His first wife was the daughter of Hazrat Syed Shah Murad Ali. When she died, he married the daughter of his maternal uncle (mamu), Shah Hassan Ahmad. She also died and he was married to the daughter of Khwaja Zakir at Shah ki Imli, Patna City. He had four sons from her:

1. Hazrat Syed Muniruddin Hussain Munemi 2. Hazrat Syed Shah Azizuddin Hussain Munemi 3. Hazrat Syed Shah Sharfuddin Hussain Munemi 4. Hazrat Syed Shah Raziuddin Hussain Munemi

He earned his bread and butter through the business of hansom (bagghi). Sometimes he traveled to Calcutta for this purpose. Wherever he went people got attracted towards him by seeing his luminous and impressive gesture, became his murids and brightened their future.

He always kept himself away from display of miracles but people used to benefits from his miracles everyday.

In AD 1848, he purchased a plot of land to the north of his Khanqah at Meetanghat and extended its premises. He accepted the successorship (Sajjada Nashini) of Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak on insistence of Hazrat Syed Shah Tajammul Hussain Munemi Raipuri in 1271 and from that time onwards he went on discharging all the responsibilities of Khanqah Munemia, Meetanghat. That is how three successorships got collected in him.

1. He was appointed by his grandfather as the 21st. successor of Quadri Mannani order that descended from Hazrat Shah Abdul Mannan Quadri Dehlavi cum Azimabadi.

2. He is the first successor (Sajjada Nashin) of his father Aala hazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain.

3. He became the fifth successor of the Khanqah-e-Munemia of Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak after Hazrat Syed Shah Tajammul Hussain Munemi Raipuri. He departed his life at the age of 41 on Monday the13th. of Zil Hijja 1273 Hijri at his ancestral house at Shah Toli, Danapur. Next day after the Namaz of Zohr, he was put to grave in the tomb of his ancestors. As those during his lifetime, many miraculous happenings were observed at the time of his death too. His disciples have compiled them separately in the form of a book. His famous Caliphs are:

1. Hazrat Maulvi Syed Shah Hamiduddin alias Maulvi Mangan

2. Hazrat Maulvi Syed Wajid Hussain Balkhi

3. Hazrat Syed Shah Tajammul Hussain Munemi Raipuri

4. Hazrat Syed Shah Muhammad Yahya Abul Olai Azimabadi

5. Quazi Muhammad Ismail Quadimi

6. Hazrat Shah Abul Barkat Madanpuri Danapuri

7. Hazrat Syed Shah Wazir Ata Danapuri

6. Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Muniruddin Hussain Munemi (1273 - 1287 Hijri)

He was born in 1263 Hijri at his paternal house in Shah Toli, Danapur. He was the eldest son of his father, Hazrat Syed Shah Mubarak Hussain Munemi. At a young age he had become the protector (Hafiz) of the holy Quran. When he was only 10 his father passed away. This great tragedy compelled him to take tall responsibilities on his shoulders. He was appointed the successor of the Khanqah Munemia Quamaria on the day of his father's Fatiha-e-Chaharum. In addition to this important responsibility he also had to take care of his three younger brothers who were 7, 5 and 2 years old respectively.

He began the journey of his spiritual education under the patronage of Hazrat Shah Muhammad Quasim Danapuri (the eldest caliph of Aala hazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain Munemi). He became his murid. Hazrat Shah Quasim Danapuri reverently paid special attention to him as he was his preceptor's son which resulted in his very fast spiritual advancement. Hazrat Shah Quasim Danapuri granted him Ijazah and Khilafah and always felt proud of him.

He was married to the youngest daughter of renowned Sufi saint and author Hazrat Syed Ata Hussain Fani Munemi Gayawi. Just one year after his marriage he passed away accidentally at Mohiuddin Nagar in Samastipur district where there were his grandfather, father and many of his disciples on whose invitation he had gone there. This sad incident took place on the 12th of Zilhijjah 1287 Hijri and he was put to grave next to his grandfather's shrine towards its east on the 13th of Zilhijjah.

He spent 14 years of his short span of life of 24 years as Sajjada Nashin and all the young and the old were not only pleased with him but also impressed extraordinarily by his conduct. He is regarded as one of the Sufi saints of the very high standard.

7. Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Azizuddin Hussain Munemi (1287 - 1340 Hijri.

He was the second son of Hazrat Syed Shah Mubarak Hussain Munemi. He was born at Meetanghat, Patna City in 1266 Hijri. He completed his education and training under the supervision of his elder brother.

When he was 21, the incident of sudden and tragic death of his elder brother took place and he was appointed as the 7th successor (Sajjada Nashin) of Khanqah Munemia.

His tenure is very important in the history of the Khanqah Munemia. Talking about him, famous writer and historian Syed Badrul Hassan writes in "Yaadgar-e-Rozgar":

"The seat and Khanqah of Hazrat Munim Pak is situated at Meetanghat. There is a large and ancient mosque which seems to date back to the imperial era. There is Hazrat's grave (mazar) near the premises of the mosque. He was a great saint of the Abul Olaiya order. He is a man of miracles. The writer has not seen the ancient elders but used to hear much of praises of Shah Abul Barkat Saheb and Shah Quamruddin Saheb. These were the saints from this family. The writer saw Azizuddin Saheb at this seat. He was truly a noble man (Jawan-e-Saaleh) and I saw the dignity of asceticism (Faqeeri) in him. He was a simple, good mannered, kind-hearted, friendly and exhilarative. Earlier this Khanqah had ordinary status. Hazrat Shah Azizuddin Saheb shaped it to the present status. (addendum, Yadgar-e-Rozgar, page 8-9)

He became a disciple (murid) of Hazrat Syed Shah Muhammad Sajjad Danapuri and obtained Ijazah and Khilafah from him. Though he was his murid and much younger than him, Hazrat Shah Muhammad Sajjad had unprecedented respect for him. During urs ceremony if someone came for kissing the feet (Qadambosi) of Hazrat Shah Muhammad Sajjad Danapuri, he asked him to kiss the feet of Shah Azizuddin Hussain Munemi instead of him. He also had the privilege of visiting the holy Makka and Madina and performed Hajj along with his preceptor (Pir-o-Murshid), Hazrat Shah Muhammad Sajjad Danapuri. During his tenure, he got constructed a magnificent building of the Khanqah Munemia in place of the old one. He also got the Jama Masjid of Hazrat Mulla Meetan and the tomb of Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak renovated. A large number of his disciples (murids) are spread all over Bihar. He left for heavenly abode right at the time of Iftar (breaking the fast) on the 3rd. of Ramadhan 1340 Hijri. He left after him only two daughters whom he himself got married to the sons of the preceptor (pirzadas) of Khanqah Maulanagar (Surajgadha).

His grave is situated near the graves of his grandfather and elder brother in the premises of Khanqah Munemia, Patna.

8. Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Raziuddin Hussain Munemi (1340 - 1347 Hijri)

He was the youngest son of Hazrat Syed Shah Mubarak Hussain Munemi. He was born in 1271 Hijri at Meetanghat, Patna City. He received his education and training under the supervision of his second elder brother Hazrat Syed Shah Azizuddin Hussain Munemi. He became the successor (Sajjada Nashin) of Khanqh-e-Munemia after the death of his elder brother Hazrat Syed Shah Azizuddin Hussain Munemi. He was a very soft-spoken and kind-hearted man of the Sufi convention. Most often he observed fast and did his work himself. He was married to the daughter of Hazrat Syed Shah Ali Hussain Munemi Danapuri resident of Shah Toli, Danapur. He had two daughters and one son, Hazrat Syed Shah Taqiuddin Hussain Munemi, from this wife. After the death of his first wife, her second wife brought forth a son, Syed Shah Azimuddin, and a daughter, Bibi Zaibun Nisa. In 1347 Hijri (AD 1928) he had the attack of stroke. When he recovered a little from the illness and felt better, he got his son Hazrat Syed Shah Taqiuddin Hussain Munemi seated in his own place as the Sajjada Nashin. He had a second attack of stroke in 1348 Hijri and he departed his life on the 17th Jamadi-ul-Ukhra 1349 Hijri. Two days before his death he had not only informed about the time of his death but also got his grave dug in his presence. His sacred grave is next to the eastern wall of the tomb of Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak.

9. Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Taqiuddin Hussain Munemi (1347 - 1371 Hijri)

He was the eldest son of Hazrat Syed Shah Raziuddin Munemi. He was born in 1295 Hijri at Meetanghat, Patna City. He completed his education and training in the supervision of his uncle and great Sufi, Hazrat Syed Shah Azizuddin Hussain Munemi. He worked as a junior court officer (Peshkar) for sometime at Siwan court. When his father had a stroke in AD 1930, he deserted his job, as asked by his father, and took over the charge as 9th Sajjada Nashin of Khanqah-e-Munemia.

He had got the privilege of being a disciple (murid) of his uncle Hazrat Syed Shah Azizuddin Hussain Munemi. His uncle had granted him Ijazah and Khilafah of all his orders. He loved him very much and often said to him," Hazrat Munim Pak's seat will flourish and prosper with your children. Besides his uncle, he had also received Ijazah and Khilafah from his father. Apart from Patna, a large number of his disciples were found at Giridih, Siwan, Danapur and Mohiuddin Nagar. He was married to Bibi Bani Fatima, the daughter of Hazrat Syed Shah Athar Hussain Arwali who brought forth four daughters and a son. His son died at the age of 10. He also had an attack of stroke in 1371 Hijri and he appointed his eldest son-in-law and nephew, Hazrat Syed Shah Muhammad Manzoor Munemi, as the Sajjada Nashin of the Khanqah-e-Munemia Quamaria on 11th Rajab1371 Hijri. Two years after it, he left for the heavenly abode on the 8th of Safar 1373 Hijri. His grave is situated near that of his preceptor (peer-o-murshid) and uncle. His urs is also organized along with that of Hazrat Syedena Amir Abul Ula Ahrari at Khanqah-e-Munemia on the 8th of Safar every year .

10. Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Muhammad Manzoor Munemi (1371 - 1398 Hijri)

He was born at Khanqah-e-Munemia, Ramsagar in Gaya. His father's grandfather (maternal) and renowned Sufi, Hazrat Syed Shah Ata Hussain Fani Munemi put his pious tongue into his mouth and offered lots of blessings. Seeing his smiling face, he used to call him Masroor (happy) in place of Manzoor. He completed his education and training under the supervision of his father, Hazrat Syed Shah Muhammad Noor. He was the first person in his family to be admitted to the modern system of education after having received complete Islamic education in accordance with the contemporary curriculum. He passed matriculation with first division from Calcutta University in 1948. While his higher education was in progress he got a job as Kanungo with the Land Acquisition Department of the government of Bihar. In 1398, when he became the Sajjada Nashin of Khanqah Munemia, Meetanghat, he resigned from the government job.

He had the privilege of being a murid of his father in the Chishtiya Munemia order and also received Ijazah and Khilafah of all his orders. His father-in-law cum uncle, Hazrat Syed Shah Taqiuddin Hussain Munemi had also granted him Ijazah and Khilafah of all his orders. He was married to Bibi Zohra, the daughter of Hazrat Syed Shah Taqiuddin Munemi, who gave birth to three sons and seven daughters. On the 11th of Rajab 1371 Hijri, on the occasion of the 186th urs of Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak, his father-in-law cum uncle, Hazrat Syed Shah Taqiuddin Hussain, appointed him his successor (Sajjada Nashin) and all the Sufi saints and Sajjada Nashins of various Khanqah from far and near places adorned him with turban (dastaar) and expressed their consent. He devoted his 28 years of tenure of Sajjada Nashini to reverence and service of the people. He spent the last 40 years of his life having relinquished the consumption of non vegetarian food (meat, fish, egg, etc.) and not only regularized bu also limited his daily meal. He never took more than one or two rotis that too not in presence of anyone. Because of extensive Ibadah and Riyazah (worship and observances), his personality became memoir of great Sufi saints. People from far away places used to come to him to find peace in his company and seek his blessings (dua) and he also used to sit along with them till late at night listening to their grievances and consoling them. Not a single day passed without someone praising him and expressing his thanks after having got his wishes fulfilled by the grace of his blessing (dua). People observed manifestation of a number of superhuman acts from him whose witnesses are still alive. He departed his life on 5 Rajab 14 Hijri at the age of 105 years. As desired by him, his grave is situated towards the feet of Aalahazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain Munemi. His urs is organized every year at Khanqah Munemia on the 6th of Rajab together with that of Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz.

11. Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Salimuddin Ahmad Munemi (1398 - 1419 Hijri)

He was the younger son of Hazrat Syed Shah Manzoor Munemi. He received his education and trainning from many scholars (Ulemas) under the supervision of his father. Then he also acquired modern school education. He was the disciple (murid) of his father and had received Ijazah and Khilafah from him.

When his father was leaving for the holy Hajj in AD 1965, he handed over all the responsibility of the Khanqah to him. Right from that time he continued the Imamat (leadership) of the Jama Masjid and service of the Khanqah till he breathed his last.

Owing to his poor health and weakness, his father appointed him, in front of all, the 11th Sajjada Nashin of Khanqah Munemia Quamaria on the 11th Rajab 1398 Hijri. All the Sufi saints and Sajjada Nashins of other Khanqahs who were present there adorned him with turban and expressed their consent. He was married to the eldest daughter of Hazrat Syed Muhammad Shaukat Muzaffarpuri in AD 1959. She brought forth three sons:

1. Hazrat Syed Shah Shamiddin Ahmad Munemi
2. Hazrat Syed Shah Shahab Ahmad Munemi
3. Hazrat Syed Shah Shakil Azimi Munemi

He passed away at the age of 63 years on 27th Rabi-ul-Awwal 1499 Hijri.

He was born on the first night of the month (Chaand Raat). So he was called as Chaand and gradually his face seemed to be glowing like moon. So whoever saw him was greatly impressed by the glow, radiance and glory of his face. He devoted his life to the service of mankind from 1965 to his death. Hundreds of people from all the religions and faith came to him for his blessing (dua) and returned satisfied. His behaviour was very polite and pleasing. Half of the sufferings of the afflicted used to be relieved just by talking to him. He made successful attempts to get some plots of land belonging to the Khanqah extended to its west and north freed from the custody of encroachers. Some disputes were taken to the court and all the decisions were in favour of the Khanqah. It was his tenure when some plots of land were freed after over 50 years of illegal custody and kahanqah got back its embezzled property. During his tenure important construction work took place in khanqah and the Dargah Sharif was also beautified.

He led the prayers (namaz) of 5 times everyday and that of Friday (Juma) and also delivered Khutba (Sermon) on Fridays continuously for forty years. Whatever was uttered by him used to prove true in near or late future. He gave clear clues about his death but people could not understand. Finally when he passed away, the secret of his high spiritual level and his being a Sufi of high standard was revealed.

During his tenure, a monthly magazine,"Al-Mun'im" continued to be published by the Khanqah for four years.

On the 1st. of Rabi-al-Sani 1419 Hijri, on the occasion of his Fatiha-e-Chaharum, his eldest son, murid and caliph (khalifah), Hazrat Syed Shah Shamimuddin Ahmad Munemi was appointed as the 12th Sajjada Nashin of Khanqah-e-Munemia.

Sacred Relics

The following relics (tabarrukat) are displayed on several occasions:

1. The holy hair (Moo-e-Mubarak) of the Prophet (Nabi-e Pak) Hazrat Muhammad (SAL LAL LAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM)
2. Footprint of the Prophet (Nabi-e-Pak) Hazrat Muhammad (SAL LAL LAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM)
3. The holy cap of Hazrat Imam Ali Musa Raza
4. The sacred robe (Khirqa) of Hazrat Ghaus-ul- Aazam, Shaikh Abdul Quadir
5. Girdle (kamarband) of Hazrat Ghaus-ul- Aazam,Shaikh Abdul Quadir, with billori ghundi
6. Leather shoe of Hazrat Ghaus-ul- Aazam, Shaikh Abdul Quadir
7. Robe (khirqa) of Hazrat Syed Shah Abdul Mannan Quadri
8. Cap (topi) of Hazrat Syed Shah Abdul Mannan Quadri
9. The sacred cap of Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak
10. Pushakhara of Hazrat Makhdoom Munim Pak
11. Cap of Hazrat Syed Shah Ghulam Hussain Danapuri
12. Cap of Hazrat Syed Shah Shamsuddin Hussain Danapuri
13. Robe (khirqa) of Aalahazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain
14. Cap of Aalahazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain
15. Tasbeeh of Aalahazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain
16. Clog (khadau) of Aalahazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain Munemi
17. Shawl of Hazrat Hakim Shah Farhatullah Karim Chaki
18. Cap of Hazrat Khwaja Syed Shah Abul Barkat
19. Robe (khirqa) of Hazrat Diwan Syed Abu Sayeed Jafar Muhammad
20. Tasbeeh of Hazrat Diwan Syed Abu Sayeed Jafar Muhammad
21. Cap of Hazrat Diwan syed Khaliluddin
22. Robe (Khiqa) of Hazrat Syed Shah Mubarak Hussain Munemi
23. Cap of Hazrat Syed Shah Mubarak Hussain
24. Tasbeeh of Hazrat Syed Shah Azizuddin Hussain Munemi
25. Tasbeeh of Hazrat Syed Shah Raziuddin Hussain Munemi, etc.

Serial numbers 4 to 6, the relics of Hazrat Ghaus-ul-Aazam (robe, girdle, shoe) are associated with maternal ancestors of Aalahazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain Munemi. His maternal grandfather Hazrat Syed Shah Abdul Mannan Quadri had brought these relics from Delhi to Patna.

In 1240 Hijri when the khanqah of Mughalpura, Patna City, collapsed, the caretaker of the relics moved them from Mughalpura to Danapur.

URS

1. 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal : Urs-e-Mubarak of Sarkar-e- Do Aalam Hazrat Muhammad SAL LAL LAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM
2. 10-11 Rabi-us-Sani : Urs and Display of relics (ziyarat of tabarrukat) of Hazrat Ghaus-ul-Aazam,organized at Shah Toli, Danapur
3. 6th Rajab: Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz
4. 8th Safar : Urs of Hazrat Syedena Shah Amir Abul Ula Ahrari
5. 11-12 Rajab: Urs of Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Muhammad Munim Pak
6. 19-20 Shaban: Urs of Aalahazrat Syed Shah Quamruddin Hussain Munemi
7. 12th Zilhijja: Urs of Hazrat Syed Shah Mubarak Hussain Danapuri and Syed Shah Moniruddin Hussain Munemi
8. 3rd. Ramadhan: Urs of Hazrat Syed Shah Azizuddin Hussain Munemi
9. 17th Jamadi-us-Sani: Urs of Hazrat Syed Shah Raziuddin Hussain Munemi
10. 27th Rabi-ul-Awwal: Urs of Hazrat Syed Shah Salimuddin Ahmad Munemi.