Brief Biography of Syed Ahmad Ullah Maizbhandari (RA)

Syed Ahmad Ullah Maizbhandari (RA) (14 January 1826 – 23 January 1906) was a renowned Sufi saint and the founder of the Maizbhandari Sufi Order. He is widely known as Ahmad Ullah Maizbhandari and is revered by his followers with titles such as Gausul Azam, Hazrat Kabeer, Gausul Azam Maizbhandari, Badar Mawlana, Khatemul Awliya, and Shaikh-e-Lillah.

Early Life and Birth

Syed Ahmad Ullah was born on 14 January 1826 (1st Magh, 1233 Bengali year) in the remote village of Maizbhandar, located 40 kilometers north of Chittagong city. His father was Syed Matiullah Maizbhandari, and his mother's name was Syeda Khayrunnesa. His family lineage traces back to Syed Hamiduddin, who was appointed as the Imam and Qadi in Gaur, Bengal. Due to a plague in Gaur in 1575, Syed Hamiduddin migrated to Kanchan Nagar in Patiya, Chittagong. Over generations, his descendants settled in various regions, including Azimnagar and Maizbhandar.

Education and Scholarly Pursuits

After completing his initial education in the village maktab, Syed Ahmad Ullah enrolled at the Aliah Madrasa in Kolkata in 1260 Hijri (1844 CE). He graduated with distinction in 1268 Hijri (1852 CE). During his time in Kolkata, he studied under renowned scholars and became proficient in Arabic, Urdu, Bengali, and Persian languages. He was well-versed in various Islamic sciences, including Hadith, Tafsir, Fiqh, Mantiq, Hikmah, Balaghah, Usul, Aqeedah, and Philosophy.

Career and Spiritual Journey

In 1269 Hijri (1853 CE), Syed Ahmad Ullah joined the judiciary as a Qadi in Jessore, British India. A year later, he resigned and began teaching at the Munshi Boali Madrasa in Kolkata. However, he soon withdrew from worldly affairs to focus on spiritual practices. Under the guidance of his spiritual mentors, he received initiation into the Qadri Sufi Order and attained the highest spiritual stations.

Establishment of Maizbhandari Sufi Order

In 1857, Syed Ahmad Ullah returned to his ancestral village, Maizbhandar, and established the Maizbhandari Sufi Order. His residence became a center for spiritual seekers, and the Maizbhandar Darbar Sharif emerged as a prominent Sufi center. The order emphasizes the teachings of Shari'ah, Tariqah, Haqiqat, and Ma'rifat, promoting love, tolerance, and humanitarian values.

Personal Life

Syed Ahmad Ullah married Syeda Alfunnesa Bibi in 1859, but she passed away six months later. He then married Syeda Lutfunnissa Bibi in the same year. They had three daughters and a son. Tragically, all his children passed away at a young age, except for his son, Syed Fayzul Haque, who also died before his father. Syed Fayzul Haque had two sons: Syed Delowar Hossain Maizbhandari and Syed Mir Hasan.

Spiritual Legacy and Succession

Syed Ahmad Ullah appointed his grandson, Syed Delowar Hossain Maizbhandari, as his spiritual successor (Sajjada Nasheen) before his passing. He also initiated over 200 Khulafa (spiritual deputies) to spread the teachings of the Maizbhandari Order.

Demise and Urs (Annual Commemoration)

Syed Ahmad Ullah Maizbhandari passed away on 23 January 1906 (10th Magh 1313 Bengali year) at the age of 80. His Urs (annual commemoration) is observed every year on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of Magh, attracting thousands of devotees from across the region.

Teachings and Spiritual Practices

The Maizbhandari Sufi Order emphasizes the purification of the self through spiritual practices. One of its distinctive features is the "Saptapad" (Seven Steps) methodology, which includes:

Fana fi Khaliq: Dissolution of the self in the Creator.

Fana fi Hawa: Eradication of worldly desires.

Fana fi Iradah: Surrendering personal will to divine will.

Maut-e-Abiyaz: Spiritual death through asceticism.

Maut-e-Aswad: Spiritual death through self-reflection.

Maut-e-Ahmar: Spiritual death through renunciation of worldly attachments.

Maut-e-Akhzar: Spiritual death through simplicity and humility.

These steps guide practitioners towards spiritual enlightenment and closeness to the Divine.

Final Words

Syed Ahmad Ullah Maizbhandari's life and teachings continue to inspire countless individuals on their spiritual journeys. His emphasis on love, tolerance, and humanitarian values has left an indelible mark on the Sufi tradition in Bengal.