Main Silsila
The Spiritual Lineage of Divine Power and Love
Qadri Sarwari Silsila
The Qadiri Sarwari Silsila represents the perfect synthesis of Divine Power (Qudrat) through Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (RA) and Divine Love (Ishq) through Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA). This spiritual chain carries the light of Prophetic guidance through an unbroken lineage of perfected saints.
🌊 Ocean of Power - Qadri
Rooted in the spiritual authority and divine power of Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA), the Sultan of Saints and Supreme Helper of humanity.
💖 Ocean of Love - Sarwari
Flowing through the divine love and spiritual poverty of Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA), the Sultan of Mystics and embodiment of Ishq-e-Ilahi.
"The Qadri Sarwari is the path where Power meets Love, where Knowledge becomes Light, and where Light leads to Vision."
Key Characteristics of the Qadri Sarwari Path
🕌 Strict Adherence to Shariah
Every spiritual practice is grounded in Islamic law and Prophetic tradition
💫 Emphasis on Heart Purification
Focus on Tazkiyah-e-Nafs (purification of the soul) through constant Zikr
👁️ Direct Spiritual Experience
Path leads to Marifat (gnosis) and Deedar-e-Haq (vision of Divine Reality)
🤝 Service to Humanity
Spiritual progress measured by service to creation and love for all beings
The Qadiri Sarwari Silsila in India
The Arrival of Sarwari Light in Hindustan
Hazrath Masoom Manqarar Ali Sha Qadri Sarwari
Trichy, Tamil NaduThe blessed presence of the Qadiri Sarwari spiritual chain in the Indian subcontinent begins with Hazrat Masoom Manqarar Alisha Hussaini Qadiri Sarwari (R.A) a saint of divine purity and spiritual vision, who was among the earliest Sarwari Sufi saints to illuminate the Indian soil with the light of this sacred path.
He was a devoted disciple (mureed) and successor (khalifa) of Hazrat Peer Masoom Syed Rahim Shah (R.A), both hailing from the blessed lands of Punjab (now in Pakistan). After spending nearly fifteen years in humble service and spiritual discipline under his Peer-o-Murshid, Hazrat Masoom Mankharar Alisha (R.A) was divinely instructed to spread the message of self-effacement (fana) and purity of heart (tasfiyah) across India.
He first resided in the Punjab province and later journeyed southwards, reaching the sacred shrine of Hazrat Nathar Auliya (R.A) famously known as Tablay Alam Badshah in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. His presence there attracted seekers from far and wide, who were deeply moved by his teachings on mortality and immortality, self-realization, and divine nearness. Through his guidance, the Qadiri Sarwari Silsila began to take firm root in India.
Hazrat Peer Ganj Gowhar Alisha Qadiri Sarwari (R.A)
Nagore, Tamil NaduAmong the foremost disciples and successors of Hazrat Masoom Mankharar Ali sha (R.A) was Hazrat Peer Ganj Gowhar Alisha (R.A) of Nagore, Tamil Nadu. Originally from Mahmud Bandar, he was deeply attached to Hazrat Nathar Auliya (R.A) and often visited his shrine.
It was during one of these visits that he was blessed to meet Hazrat Masoom Mankharar Ali sha (R.A) and soon took bay‘at (spiritual allegiance) at his hands. With time, he became one of his closest khalifas and carried forward his spiritual legacy.
Through his profound understanding of tasawwuf and divine wisdom, Hazrat Peer Ganj Gowhar Ali sha (R.A) attracted many seekers of truth.
Hazrat Peer Munawwar Alisha Hussaini Qadiri Sarwari (R.A)
Arcot, Tamil NaduThe luminous chain continued through Hazrat Peer Munawwar Alisha Hussaini Qadiri Sarwari (R.A), the devoted disciple and khalifa of Hazrat Peer Ganj Gowhar Alisha (R.A).
In his early quest for spiritual perfection, he travelled far from Cheen Mahacheen (China) through Pakistan meeting various saints and scholars, yet finding peace only in the company of his destined Murshid in southern India.
A gifted poet and scholar of divine love (‘Irfani o Noorani Ilm), he authored many mystical works among them the revered books "Bahaar-e-Munawwar" and "Bagh-e-Madina".
Under his guidance, the Silsila flourished throughout North Arcot (now Vellore) district. He annually commemorated the Urs and Sandal of his Peer and Daada Murshid, strengthening the unity of the Sarwari disciples.
Hazrat Peer Sultan Gulzar Alisha Hussaini Qadiri Sarwari (R.A)
Kolar, KarnatakaBorn on 19 Shawwal al-Mukarram, 1324 Hijri (19 January 1906) in Ambur, Tamil Nadu, Hazrat Sultan Gulzar Alisha (R.A) belonged to a noble and spiritually enriched family connected to Qutb-ul-Qitaab Hazrat Lateef Shah Qadiri (R.A) of Vellore.
A man of simplicity and lawful sustenance (luqma-e-halal), he pursued education up to the metric level while living in a household steeped in piety. He entered the Sarwari path in 1925, taking bay‘at under Hazrat Sultan Peer Munawwar Alisha (R.A).
After seven years of sincere service and devotion, he received Khilafat-e-Kamila (complete spiritual authorization) at the shrine of Hazrat Sufi Mastan Shah Qadiri (R.A), Gudiyattam, in 1932. For over three decades, he dedicated his life to spreading the Sarwari message of divine love, humility, and self-realization across Karnataka.
He was a beacon of light for countless thirsty souls, guiding them toward Ma‘rifah (gnosis) and Tawheed (Divine Unity).
Hazrat Peer Sultan Chanwar Alisha Hussaini Qadri Sarwari (R.A)
Kolar, KarnatakaHazrat Syedna Sultan Chanwar Alisha (R.A) originally named Sheikh Ahmed was born in Mulbagal, Karnataka, to Pacha Miyan and Mohiyuddin Bi. He later settled in Bylanasapura, living a life of simplicity and devotion for 56 years.
He took bay‘at at the age of 18 on the blessed hands of Hazrat Sultan Gulzar Alisha Hussaini Qadiri Sarwari (R.A) and remained in his service for many years. In 1972, he received Khilafat, becoming a radiant lamp of Sarwari gnosis in southern India.
Throughout his life, he tirelessly served humanity, upholding the path of Shari‘ah, Tariqah, Haqiqah, and Ma‘rifah. He authored 25 books guiding disciples toward spiritual awakening and established 12 Khulafa and 19 Khanqahs — centers that continue to spread the fragrance of Irfan (divine knowledge).
Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA)
The Sultan of Saints — Qutb-ul-Aqtab, Ghaus-ul-Azam, Al-Hasani wal-Husayni
Early Life and Lineage
Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA), known throughout the world as Ghaus-e-Azam, meaning "The Supreme Helper" was born in Jilan (Gilan), Persia (present-day Iran) in 470 AH / 1077 CE. He was a direct descendant of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, tracing lineage both through Imam Hasan (RA) and Imam Husayn (RA), hence the title "Al-Hasani wal-Husayni".
From birth, he exhibited signs of divine grace it is narrated that he refused his mother's milk during the day of Ramadan, showing his innate sanctity.
Education and Early Spiritual Journey
At the age of 18, Hazrat Abdul Qadir (RA) travelled to Baghdad, the capital of Islamic scholarship, to pursue knowledge. There he studied under some of the greatest scholars of the time, including:
- Shaykh Abu Saeed al-Mukharrami (RA)
- Shaykh Abu Zakariya Yahya al-Tabrizi (RA)
- Abu al-Wafa Ali ibn Aqil (RA)
He mastered Fiqh (Islamic Law), Hadith, Tafsir (Quranic Exegesis), and Arabic Literature, eventually becoming a scholar of the Hanbali school of jurisprudence.
Yet, despite his academic excellence, his heart longed for divine closeness. He withdrew from worldly life and entered a period of Khalwah (spiritual seclusion) in the deserts of Iraq, where he spent forty years in deep worship, fasting, remembrance (Zikr), and contemplation.
His Miracles (Karamat)
Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (RA) is known for countless miracles — signs of Allah's favor upon His beloved wali. Some of the most well-known include:
- Control over jinn and unseen beings, who obeyed his command.
- Miraculous healing of the sick and afflicted.
- Provision of food for thousands from unseen sources.
Once, during a sermon, he exclaimed, "My foot is on the neck of every saint (wali) of Allah." In every part of the world, saints of Allah bowed spiritually, acknowledging his rank as Ghaus-ul-Azam — the Supreme Helper.
Titles and Honorifics
Legacy
Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (RA) stands as the Qutb-ul-Aqtab, the spiritual pole of the universe. His light, his silsila, and his message continue through the hearts of his true followers and successors the Auliya-e-Kamilin, including the noble Sarwari Qadri chain.
He is the ocean from which the rivers of sainthood flow the axis around which the hearts of lovers revolve.
"He who attaches his heart to me shall never be forsaken." - Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (RA)
Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA) was not just a saint he was the living embodiment of the Prophet's ﷺ mercy, knowledge, and spiritual power. His legacy continues to inspire millions toward love of Allah, service to creation, and realization of Divine Truth.
Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA)
The Sultan of Mystics - The Ocean of Divine Unity (Tauheed)
The Saint who revealed the secret of Faqr, the path of annihilation in Allah (Fana-Fillah), and whose light continues to awaken seekers toward Divine Reality and Ishq-e-Haqq.
Birth and Lineage
Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA) was born on 1st Jamadi-al-Thani 1039 AH / 17th January 1630 CE, in Shorkot, District Jhang, Punjab (Pakistan) during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. He belonged to the noble Awan tribe, descendants of Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (Karam Allahu Wajhahu) hence carrying the light of Wilayah (sainthood) through his sacred lineage.
She nurtured Sultan Bahoo (RA) with deep love and spiritual discipline, and it is said that from the age of infancy, the Name of Allah would flow naturally from his tongue.
Early Life and Spiritual Signs
From his earliest years, Divine Signs surrounded him. He often entered states of spiritual absorption (jazb), uttering the Kalima and Ism-e-Allah Zaat in deep ecstasy.
He never received formal education, yet he was divinely gifted with the knowledge of Qur'an, Hadith, Fiqh, and Tasawwuf — truly fulfilling the verse: "And We taught him knowledge from Our Presence." (Qur'an 18:65)
"I have never read from any teacher, for my teacher is the Lord of all worlds." - Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA)
The Essence of His Mission — Faqr and Tauheed
Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA) described his mission as the revival of Faqr-e-Muhammadi ﷺ, which he called "the heritage of the Prophet ﷺ."
"Faqr is the path that leads directly to Allah. He who attains Faqr attains Allah Himself."
He emphasized the Zikr of Ism-e-Allah Zaat (The Personal Name of Allah) as the supreme key to self-realization and Divine union.
His teachings call for the purification of Nafs, remembrance of Allah with presence of heart, and annihilation in the Divine Essence (Fana-Fi-Allah).
Core Elements of His Message:
Titles and Honorifics
Legacy and Influence
Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA) is among the greatest saints of the Islamic world his light continues to spread through his writings, his order, and his lovers (Ashiqeen).
He is the Sultan-ul-Arifeen, the doorway to the Reality of Muhammad ﷺ, and the living symbol of Haq-ul-Yaqeen (absolute certainty in Truth).
"Whoever seeks Allah through me shall find Him within his heart." - Sultan Bahoo (RA)
His spiritual fragrance continues through the Sarwari Qadri chain particularly through Hazrat Sultan Sarwar Ali Shah Hussaini Qadri Sarwari (RA), who carried the same Noor of Faqr and Ishq-e-Rasool ﷺ into the modern age.
Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA) stands as a timeless bridge between the seen and unseen, guiding humanity from the illusion of separation to the Oneness of Allah. His teachings of Faqr, Ishq, and Tauheed continue to awaken hearts across the world, calling every soul to the eternal truth:
"Be lost in Allah, and you shall find yourself truly alive."
Meaning of "Qadri" and "Sarwari"
The Two Oceans of Divine Power and Servanthood
QADRI — قادری
Derived from the Arabic root ق د ر (Q-D-R), which carries the meanings of:
- Qudrat (قُدْرَة) → Power, Ability, Divine Might
- Taqdeer (تَقْدِير) → Decree, Destiny
- Qadir (قَادِر) → One who possesses power or mastery
- Al-Qadir (ٱلْقَادِر) → One of the Beautiful Names of Allah "The All-Powerful"
So, the word Qadri literally means: "He who belongs to, is guided by, or reflects the Power and Might of Al-Qadir - Allah Himself."
Spiritual Meaning
In the Sufi context, Qadri refers to the followers of Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA) the founder of the Qadri Silsila.
To be "Qadri" means much more than belonging to an order. It means: "To walk the path of spiritual annihilation and empowerment through the light of Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (RA), who is the mirror of Divine Qudrat."
Summary: Qadri means one who has surrendered his own will to the Will of Al-Qadir (The All-Powerful). He lives by Divine Decree, acts through Divine Permission, and speaks with the light of Truth. His strength is not his own it is the reflection of Allah's Qudrat manifest through the heart polished by Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (RA).
SARWARI — سروری
From Arabic سَرْوَر (Sarwar) meaning: Leader, Chief, Master, One who brings joy and honor.
The word Sarwari (سروری) is derived by adding the suffix -i, meaning "belonging to" or "associated with". Hence, Sarwari literally means: "One who belongs to the Master - the possessor of Sarwar (leadership and joy)."
Spiritual Meaning
In Tasawwuf, Sarwari refers to the followers of the Sarwari Qadri Silsila, established by Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA) a direct spiritual branch of the Qadri Order.
Sarwari indicates that the seeker's allegiance and servanthood are directly to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who is Sarwar-e-Kainat the Leader of All Creation.
"Sarwari" means "one whose master (Sarwar) is the Prophet ﷺ, and whose path is governed by his love and Sunnah."
Summary: "Sarwari means one who belongs entirely to the Sarwar of all worlds - Muhammad Mustafa ﷺ. His path is love, his heart is submission, and his goal is union through Ishq-e-Rasool ﷺ. The Sarwari way is not ascetic withdrawal it is to live in the world yet remain drowned in the remembrance of Allah and the beauty of the Prophet ﷺ."
Qadri Sarwari - The Complete Path
When combined, Qadri Sarwari represents the complete path of Divine Realization the union of two great spiritual oceans:
| Term | Signifies | Spiritual Essence |
|---|---|---|
| Qadri | Connection to Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (RA) | Manifestation of Divine Power and Qudrat |
| Sarwari | Connection to Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA) and ultimately the Prophet ﷺ | Manifestation of Ishq, Adab, and direct Union with Allah through the Noor-e-Muhammadi ﷺ |
Thus, a Qadri Sarwari is: "One who has attained Divine Power through Ghaus-e-Azam's lineage and realized Divine Love through Sultan Bahoo's path standing as a servant of the Prophet ﷺ and a mirror of Allah's Qudrat."
In Simpler Words:
"Be firm on truth, and Allah will make you a manifestation of His Power (Qudrat)." - Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (RA)
"The Sarwari Qadri is he who beholds Allah with the eyes of his heart in every breath." - Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA) (Ain-ul-Faqr)
Qur'an: "And to Allah belongs all Power and Honor, and to His Messenger, and to the believers." (Surah Al-Munafiqun 63:8)
→ This verse reflects both Qadri (Power) and Sarwari (Honor/Leadership) realities.