Ashrafi Miya
By SYED AMJAD HUSSAIN
published May 20, 2025
Abu Ahmad Syed Ali Hussain Ashraf Ashrafi-ul-Jilani, popularly and respectfully known as Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miya, was an Indian Islamic scholar, preacher, poet, author and Sufi saint associated with the Ashrafiyya-Chishtiyya order of Sufism. He belonged to the Sufi lineage of Hazrat Syed Ashraf Jahangir Semnani, a revered saint of the Chishtiyya Silsila and the founder of the Ashrafiyya-Chishtiyya order. Renowned for his contributions to Islamic scholarship and spiritual guidance, he played a significant role in spreading the teachings of Sufism and influencing religious and scholarly circles. He had more than 2.3 million disciples all over the world in the Ashrafiyya order. [a]
He was the founder of Madrasa Jamia Misbaah-ul-Uloom in Mubarakpur, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, which later evolved into the principal Islamic seminary of India, Al Jamiatul Ashrafiya Mubarakpur.
Birth
Ashrafi Miya was born at sunrise on Monday, 22nd Rabi' al-Thani 1266 Hijri, corresponding approximately to December 1846, in Ashrafpur Kichhauchha, Uttar Pradesh, India to Hazrat Alhāj Syed Shah Sādāt Ali and bint Syed Shah Niyaz Ashraf Ashrafi. He was born into a distinguished Sufi lineage and held the esteemed position of Sajjādānashīn (custodian) at the revered Dargah Kichhauchha Sharif, bearing the honorific title Sajjada Nasheen Sarkar-e-Kalan. His literary pseudonym (takhallus) was "Ashrafi". [Ref3]
His birth was commemorated through a significant familial and spiritual tradition. Immediately upon his arrival, his father, Hazrat Alhaj Syed Shah Sādāt Ali, performed a symbolic ritual in which he bathed the newborn and placed a pen in his hands, dipping it into ink and guiding it to inscribe the name of Allah (Ism-e-Jalālat). This act was interpreted as an auspicious sign, indicative of the child's predestined path toward erudition and spiritual leadership. [Ref5]
Following this sacred rite, the father administered honey mixed with Zamzam water to the infant in accordance with Islamic customs for newborns. Moreover, Soorma (collyrium) from the sanctified shrine of Hazrat Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Semnani was applied to his eyes, symbolizing a profound and inherited spiritual bond with his Sufi ancestry. [Ref5]
Education
At the age of 4 years, 4 months, and 4 days, Ashrafi Miya’s Bismillahkhani* was performed in keeping with family tradition by the renowned scholar Hazrat Shaykh Allama Maulana Ghul Muhammad Khalilabadi. [Ref1]
He received his early religious education from distinguished scholars, including Maulana Amanat Ali Kichauchhvi, Maulana Salamat Ali Gorakhpuri, and Maulana Qadir Bakhsh Kichauchhvi. He began with Persian under Maulana Amanat Ali and later studied Fiqh, Hadith, Tafsir, and other Islamic sciences under the latter two. [Ref6]
Through dedication and intellect, he completed his rigorous education by age 16 under various scholars, though not through a formal madrasa. [Ref1].
Ba'it and Sufism
In 1282 AH, He entered the Sufi path by pledging allegiance to his elder brother, Hazrat Abu Muhammad Syed Hussain Ashrafi Kichauchhvi, from whom he also received Khilafat . He was granted Ijazah in 1290 AH, following eight years of spiritual training in the Chishtiyya-Ashrafiyya order.[Ref6]. Following his Baya'h, he received instruction in Awrad-o-Wazaif from Syed Shah Imaduddin Ashraf Kichauchhvi. [Ref7] He also obtained Ijazah from Syed Shah Muhammad Hasan Ghazipuri and both Ijazah and Khilafat in the Qadiriyya–Barkatiyya order from Syed Shah Aal-e-Rasool Barkaati Marehrawi. At age 21, on 3 Rabi al-Awwal 1296 AH (14 June 1861), he was granted Sajjadgi by Ashraf-ul-Awliya Hazrat Syed Ashraf Hussain Ashrafi, formally recognizing him as a Sufi guide and spiritual authority in the Chishtiyya -Ashrafiyya order. [Ref3]. About a year later, on 28 Muharram 1297 AH, he succeeded Ashraf-ul-Awliya as the spiritual head of the order and was bestowed the Khirqa—a sacred cloak once worn by Ghaus-ul-Azam Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani and Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Semnani. [Ref1]
Disciples
He is believed to have had a vast spiritual following, with approximately 2.3 million mureeds (spiritual disciples) across various regions. His influence within the Sufi tradition was far-reaching, and he appointed nearly 1,350 khalifas (spiritual successors) to propagate the teachings of the Ashrafiyya-Chishtiyya order. [Ref1]
Among his prominent successors were Syed Murtaza al-Hasan Makki and Syed Aal-e-Rasool al-Hussain Makki, who were instrumental in disseminating his spiritual message in Mecca. Other distinguished successors included Muhammad bin Ahmad Madani al-Kurdi, Qazi Fakhruddin, Hamza al-Jood, and Salih al-Safi Damishqi, who extended his influence throughout the Arab world.
In the Indian subcontinent, his prominent disciples were as follows:[Ref1][Ref7]
- Syed Ahmad al-Halwani Madani,
- Syed Muhammad Abdullah Yemeni,
- Syed Naeemuddin Moradabadi,
- Abdul Aleem Siddiqui Merathi,
- Syed Deedar Ali Shah Alwari,
- Syed Abul Barkaat,
- Ahmad Yar Khan Naeemi,
- Sardar Ahmad Chishti,
- Syed Shah Raseed Uddin Firdausi Bihari.
Ancestry and Lineage
Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan’s lineage traces back through 24 generations to Ghaus-ul-Azam Hazrat Shaykh Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani, situating him within the spiritual progeny of one of the most venerated figures in Islamic mysticism. This esteemed genealogy not only conferred spiritual prestige but also reinforced his role within the broader Sufi tradition.
He was a descendant of Hazrat Syed Shah Hasan, known as Khalifa-e-Akbar (the principal spiritual successor) of Hazrat Abdul Razzaq Nurul Ain. Consequently, his family came to be revered as "Sarkar-e-Kalan" or "Badi Sarkar"—titles denoting seniority and spiritual eminence. His father, Hazrat Syed Shah Sādāt Ali, was renowned for his profound Islamic scholarship and deep spirituality, traits that significantly shaped his intellectual and spiritual formation. His lineage is recorded from Syed Ali Hussain Ashrafi to Syedna Imam Ali (,Karramallahu Wajhahu), through Ghaus-ul-Azam Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani and Syedna Imam Hasan (R.A.). [Ref1]
Personal life
He was married to the pious daughter of Hazrat Syed Shah Hemayat Ashraf Ashrafi-ul-Jilani in 1285 Hijri. [Ref1]
Contemporaries
He was a contemporary of Aala Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, with whom he had a well-documented bond of mutual respect and admiration. His era also included other notable figures such as Murshid-a-Aala Hazrat, Syed Shah Aal-e-Rasool Barkaati Zaidi Marehrawi, from whom he received Ijazah and Khilafat in the Qadiriyya–Barkatiyya order.
Among his contemporaries were Haji Syed Waris Ali Shah, a prominent Sufi saint known for his emphasis on divine love and humanity, and Maulana Fazl-e-Rahman Ganj Moradabadi, an influential Islamic scholar and Sufi master. He also lived during the time of Shah Nemat Mujeebi Phulwarwi, another respected scholar and spiritual leader from Khanqah-e-Mujeebia, Bihar.
Bond with Aala Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan
The deep spiritual bond between Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan and Aala Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi is well-documented. He with great devotion, traveled to Bareilly Sharif to meet Imam Ahmed Raza Khan, who not only welcomed him warmly but also held him in great esteem. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan deeply admired his spiritual grace and recognized his beauty, exceptional scholarly and mystical stature.
On one occasion, as Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan was leaving the Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan caught sight of his radiant face. Moved by his extraordinary beauty and spiritual aura, he spontaneously recited a couplet in his honor:[Ref1]
Ashrafi Rukha'at Aaina-e-Husn-e-Khubaa'n
Ik Nazar Kardaa Wo Parwardaa-e-Seh Mahbubaa'n
Bond with Alam Panah Haji Waris Ali Shah
The relationship between Haji Syed Waris Ali Shah and Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miya was one of deep spiritual connection and mutual reverence. According to tradition, Haji Syed Waris Ali Shah recognized his elevated spiritual status and openly referred to him as a wali (friend of Allah). Haji Syed Waris Ali Shah is reported to have advised his followers, "Do not pray Namaz behind anyone except Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan." This statement reflected his belief in the subject's spiritual purity and his unwavering adherence to Islamic teachings. He even expressed his own admiration by saying, "If an Imam like Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan leads the Namaz, why wouldn't I join the congregation?"[Ref1]
Miracles (Karamat)
Although Sufis do not always reveal their miracles (karamat) publicly to the people or even to their mureeds (spiritual disciples), some of their miracles have been recorded by their devoted followers and lovers.
Related to sister of Hazrat Syed Shah Muzaffar Hussain Ashrafi Kichauchhvi
The first one is linked with the sister of Mujaahid-e-Daura'n Hazrat Syed Shah Muzaffar Hussain Ashrafi Kichauchhvi, a former member of the lower-house parliament (Lok Sabha). It is attributed that his sister had been in great grief, because none of her children had lived beyond the young age. One day, when Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan went to the residence of the mother of Hazrat Syed Shah Muzaffar Hussain, she requested him humbly to pray for her daughter, that she be granted a child who lives, because all the earlier children had died young.
Hearing this, Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan glanced at her eldest son and said, "Why don't you ask him, he who is always engrossed in muraqaba (spiritual meditation)?" The mother said, "He says it is the will (manzoori) of Allah, and no one can interfere with it."
When Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan heard this, he remained silent for a second and then replied, "The first son will be Ghulam Jeelani, the second will be Ghulam Semnani, and the third will be Ghulam Yazdani."
And so it happened. In due course of time, the woman delivered three sons, and they were named precisely as predicted by Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan.
Brinjal and Mureed
The second famous karamat of him was recorded by his noble son, Hazrat Pir Syed Shah Muhammad Mustafa Ashraf Ashrafi-ul-Jilani. He writes:One day, a very dear mureed (disciple) of Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miya told him, "You do not appear to possess spiritual powers. If you really had them, you could annihilate those people who speak against you and are jealous of you."Gently, he responded, "Go and fetch a brinjal from the field." The mureed went and brought a new brinjal. Aala Hazrat held it in his hand and pierced it with a small hole, and then said, "Now go back and fetch another one."When the mureed went back out to the field, he was amazed; all the brinjals were punctured, every one bearing many holes. There was not a single brinjal in the field, which had no hole. He went back quickly to report to the master, saying, "All the brinjals are full of holes!" The master then said, "Now break the brinjal, the one you brought first." The mureed broke it, and after breaking it, Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan ordered him to go back to the field again.
When he went back, he was surprised to find that all the brinjals in the field were now absolutely fine, with not a single hole or mark. None of them had been affected. With this miracle, the master educated his mureed with a powerful lesson, that religious power (karamat) is not for revenge or ego, but for compassion and divine intelligence.
Establishment of seminary Al-Jamiatul Ashrafiya
He made a notable contribution to the advancement of Islamic education through the establishment of institutions such as Madrasa Misbaah-ul-Uloom in Mubarakpur, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. This institution later evolved into Al-Jamiatul Ashrafiya, one of India’s leading Islamic seminaries, and continues to recognize his foundational role. He personally laid its foundation stone and offered prayers for its future growth and success. [Ref2][Ref4]
The madrasa subsequently came under the patronage of Muhaddis-e-Azam-e-Hind and Alhaj Syed Shah Muhammad Mukhtar Ashraf Ashrafi-ul-Jilani, a former Sajjada Nashin of Khanqah-e-Ashrafiyya. [Ref2]
Literary works
- Sahaif-e-Ashrafi, a biography of Hazrat Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Semnani.
- Tahaif-e-Ashrafi, a collection of poems.
- Wazaif-e-Ashrafi.
Wisal
In 1354 Hijri, following his final Hajj, Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miya returned to India and proceeded directly to the Khanqah-e-Ashrafiyya-Hasaniyya of Sarkar-e-Kalaan, foregoing a visit to his own residence. During a visit to the Dargah of Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani, he was seen in tears, a reflection of his deep spiritual devotion. [Ref1]
That very day, he fell ill and remained bedridden. As news of his condition spread, disciples and devotees gathered in concern. On the morning of 11 Rajab 1356 Hijri, he received wisal, leaving behind a profound spiritual legacy. His passing was widely mourned by scholars, followers, and spiritual leaders. [Ref1]
In accordance with his will, he was buried near the Neer Sharif, adjacent to the Dargah of Sultan Syed Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Semnani. Though he had requested that no dome be constructed over his grave, Syed Shah Izhar Ashraf Ashrafi-ul-Jilani, the then Sajjada Nashin, oversaw the construction of a modest structure that preserved the sanctity of the site while honoring his memory. [Ref 1]
Notes
- Here Sajjadgi means Spiritual authority, whereas Sajjada nasheen means Spiritual heir.
- BismillahKhani is an Islamic ceremony practiced in South Asia, where an imam makes the child recite the Arabic alphabet after saying the word ‘Bismillah.’ It is observed when the child attains the age of 4 years, 4 months, and 4 days.
References
- [a] Aale Rasool Ahmad Katihari "Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan" Jamia Ahsanul Banat Katihar, Bihar p.21 in English
- Ref1: Aale Rasool Ahmad Katihari "Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan" Jamia Ahsanul Banat Katihar, Bihar pp.1-39 English
- Ref2: Muhammad Shahbaz Alam Misbahi "Jamia Ashrafiya Mubarakpur Ki Buniyad Mein Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan Ka Hissa" Urduduniya.com
- Ref3: Chand Ali Qamar Jaamei "Shaikh al-Mashaikh Syed Ali Hussain Ashrafi Miyan Kichhauchhvi" Thoughtofpeace.com
- Ref4: Dr. Fazlur Rahman Sharar Misbahi "Ashrafi, Ashrafiya and Ashraf Ulema"
- Ref5: Aale Rasool Ahmad Katihari "Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan" pp. 1-10. Urdu.
- Ref6: Syed Ali Hussain Ashrafi on Scholars pk
- Ref7: Mohammad Tabeebuddeen Siddiqi Ashrafi "Seerat-e-Ashrafi" Raza Offset, Mumbai