In the radiant history of the Exalted Madari Order, among those saints who attained distinction through asceticism (zuhd), piety (taqwa), inner spiritual grace (faiz-e-batin), and service to humanity, the name of Hazrat Sheikh Saif al-Din (may Allah have mercy on him) is mentioned with great respect. He was a saint whose personality reflected a beautiful harmony of knowledge, practice, spiritual poverty (faqr), and generosity.
Spiritual Affiliation with Huzur Madar-e-Pak (RA)
Hazrat Sayyid al-Muwahhidin, ‘Umdat al-Athar, Sayyid Badi‘ al-Din Qutb al-Madar (may Allah be pleased with him), known as Madar-e-Pak, was the founder of the Madari Order and a great exemplar of divine unity (tawhid), spiritual striving (mujahada), and renunciation of the world in the Indian subcontinent. His spiritual grace was so far-reaching that through his successors and sajjada-nashins, the order spread far and wide, guiding thousands of souls to the path of truth.
Hazrat Khwaja Sayyid Abu Muhammad, Muhammad Arghun (may Allah be pleased with him), was the first sajjada-nashin of Madar-e-Pak (RA). He faithfully and honestly transmitted his master’s spiritual blessings and laid strong foundations for the Tabqatiyah branch of the Madari Order. His khanqah was a center of spiritual growth and guidance, where seekers of gnosis found fulfillment. Hazrat Sheikh Saif al-Din (may Allah have mercy on him) was also one of his khalifahs.
The Journey of Bay‘ah and Spiritual Discipline
Hazrat Sheikh Saif al-Din (may Allah have mercy on him) began his spiritual journey in the Chishti Order. He pledged allegiance at the blessed hands of Hazrat Sheikh Shams al-Din Tahir (may Allah have mercy on him) and benefited from his spiritually enriching companionship for some time.
Later, by the command and permission of his own master, Hazrat Sheikh Shams al-Din Tahir (may Allah have mercy on him), he presented himself in the noble service of Hazrat Sayyid Abu Muhammad Khwaja Arghun (may Allah sanctify his noble secret). There, he entered the Tabqatiyah Madari Order, and through spiritual struggle, obedience, and service, he completed the stages of the spiritual path.
This clearly demonstrates that Hazrat Sheikh Saif al-Din (may Allah have mercy on him) possessed the highest degree of sincerity, obedience to his spiritual guide, and earnest seeking of truth.
Wealth, Generosity, and Service to Humanity
Allah Almighty granted Hazrat Sheikh Saif al-Din (may Allah have mercy on him) both outward and inward richness to such an extent that no beggar or needy person ever returned empty-handed from his khanqah.
His heart was filled with the light of spiritual poverty, and his hands flowed like rivers of generosity. Caring for the needy, hosting travelers, and comforting people of the heart were among his distinguishing qualities. For this reason, he was equally beloved among both the common people and the elite.
Passing Away (Wisal)
This man of truth ultimately returned to his Lord.
He passed away in 924 AH, on the 27th night of the blessed month of Ramadan — a night of immense blessings and mercy. Thus, his entire life was spent in worship, spiritual striving, and service to the faith, and its conclusion also came at a moment filled with divine mercy.
Summary
The life of Hazrat Sheikh Saif al-Din (may Allah have mercy on him) teaches us that true spiritual connection, complete obedience to one’s guide, and selfless service to the creation of God elevate a person to the highest spiritual ranks. He is among the luminous lamps of the Exalted Madari Order, whose light continues to serve as a guiding torch for seekers of the heart.
Poetic Chronogram of His Passing
Saif, the unsheathed sword of God — Saif al-Din,
Set forth toward the lofty Paradise.
A heavenly voice declared his year:
Saif al-Din manifested in the Gardens of Bliss.
Book: Sair al-Madar – Zaheer Ahmad Sahaswani Badayuni
Page: 141
