Exploring the Legacy of Hazrat Maulana Burhanuddin Muzaffar Shams Balkhi: A Pioneering Sufi Scholar

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 29 July 2024 Hazrat Maulana Burhanuddin Muzaffar Shams Balkhi, commonly known as Muzaffar Balkhi, stands as a distinguished figure in the annals of Sufism. Born in 1320 CE in the historic region of Balkh, Afghanistan, Muzaffar Balkhi was an eminent scholar and a revered Sufi saint who left an indelible mark on Islamic mysticism. Muzaffar Balkhi, renowned for his association with the Firdausi Sufi order, had a profound connection with Sheikh Sharafuddin Ahmad Yahya Maneri, a prominent Sufi of his time. His early education was completed in Delhi, after which he returned to Bihar to be with his father, Hazrat Shams Balkhi ibn Ali Balkhi. The claim that Muzaffar Balkhi was a descendant of Hazrat Ibrahim bin Adham Balkhi adds a layer of historical depth to his legacy. Upon settling in Bihar, Muzaffar Balkhi became closely involved with the Firdausi Sufi centre in the region, known today as the Bihar Sharif area. His role extended beyond spiritual guidance; he managed the kitchen and performed various duties, including procuring wood when necessary. His relationship with Shaikh Sharafuddin Ahmad Yahya Maneri was akin to that of Amir Khusro with Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, characterized by mutual respect and deep spiritual connection. He used to spend time and pray at his Hujra (room) which is located in the premises of Makhdoom Kund, Rajgir, where Makhdoom-e-Jahan Shaikh Sharfuddin Ahmed Yahya Maneri had prayed for around 12 years. This is place which was known as the Bihiya Jungle. Syed Ghulam Ali, a Sufi saint is also resting in the premises. Premises of Makhdoom Kund, Rajgir. Gate of Makhdoom Kund ------ Muzaffar Balkhi also served as a teacher at the royal madrasa of Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq in Delhi. His influence extended beyond regional boundaries, as evidenced by his correspondence with Sultan Gheyasuddin Azam Shah of Bengal and Hazrat Noor Qutub-ul-Alam. These letters highlight his intellectual and spiritual engagement with other prominent figures of his time. Considered one of the eminent scholars of his era, Muzaffar Balkhi was not only a disciple of Shaikh Sharafuddin Ahmad Yahya Maneri but also inherited the mantle of leadership from him. Following Maneri’s passing in 1381 CE, Muzaffar Balkhi was appointed the Sajjada Nashin (custodian) of the Khanqah-e-Moazzam, a Khanqah built and established by Sultan Muhammad Tughlaq. Muzaffar Balkhi’s scholarly contributions include a collection of letters and treatises, such as "Risala Hidayat Darwesh," "Sharh-e-Aqaid-e-Nasafi," and "Sharh-e-Mashariq-ul-Anwar." His poetry, compiled in the renowned "Majmua-e-Ash’aar," reflects his deep spiritual insights. This work was extensively researched and published in 1957 by Ghalib Award-winning scholar Syed Hasan. Cover page of Majmua-e-Ash’aar ------ In his final years, Muzaffar Balkhi resided in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, spending his last days in 1400 CE. He is resting in Aden, Yemen. His legacy continued through his nephew, Makhdoom Hussain Muiz Balkhi, who succeeded him as the second Sajjada Nashin of the Khanqah-e-Moazzam. For further exploration of his life and contributions, refer to "Manakib-ul-Asfiya" by Shah Shoaib Firdausi and "Maktubat-e-Muzaffar Shams Balkhi," which offer deeper insights into his enduring impact on Sufism. Muzaffar Balkhi's life and work remain a testament to the rich spiritual and intellectual heritage of the Sufi tradition, and his contributions continue to be celebrated and studied by scholars and devotees alike. ------ Syed Amjad Hussain is a Bihar-based Author and research scholar of Sufism. He is affiliated with the Shyama Prasad Institute of Technology and Management, Kolkata. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hazrat-maulana-burhanuddin-shams-balkhi-sufi-scholar/d/132811 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism