The Legacy of Imam Muhammad Taj Faqih Hashmi: A Sufi Trailblazer from Jerusalem to Bihar

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 24 July 2024 In a significant chapter of Sufi history, Imam Muhammad Taj Faqih Hashmi stands out for his remarkable journey from Jerusalem to Bihar in the late 12th century. Arriving in 1180 AD at the age of 50, Taj Faqih Hashmi not only made a profound impact on the region’s spiritual landscape but also established a lasting legacy through his teachings and lineage. He reached Bihar and established the first Khanqah of Bihar. He is also known as the Fore-father of a large Muslim community living in the Magadh area of Bihar. A Journey Across Continents Imam Muhammad Taj Faqih Hashmi embarked on his journey from Jerusalem, a city deeply entrenched in Islamic history, to the Indian subcontinent. His arrival in Bihar marked a pivotal moment in the region's spiritual history. Known for his profound Sufi teachings, Taj Faqih Hashmi engaged in a notable conflict with Raja Manyer, the King of Maner. Taj Faqih Hashmi's success in spreading Sufism in Bihar was a landmark event, establishing him as a key figure in the region's spiritual development. His approach to Sufism, emphasizing the transformative power of spiritual enlightenment and the deep connection to the divine, resonated profoundly with the local population. A Legacy of Spiritual Leadership Imam Taj Faqih Hashmi was not only a prominent Sufi saint but also a family patriarch. His offspring—Shaikh Israil, Shaikh Ismail, and Shaikh Abdul Aziz—continued his spiritual mission and played critical roles in the propagation of Sufism. Notably, Shaikh Israil's son, Hazrat Kamaluddin Yahiya Maneri, also known as Yahiya Maneri, furthered the family’s influence in the Sufi tradition. Yahiya Maneri’s contributions to Sufism are well-documented, and he is renowned for his writings and spiritual teachings. As the grandson of Imam Taj Faqih Hashmi, Yahiya Maneri inherited a rich legacy of Sufi scholarship and leadership. The Broader Family Influence The influence of Imam Taj Faqih Hashmi's family extends beyond Yahiya Maneri. Shaikh Sharfuddin Yahiya Maneri, another prominent Sufi figure, was the son of Yahiya Maneri. Sharfuddin Yahiya Maneri's maternal grandfather, Peer-e-Jagjot Qazi Syed Shahabuddin Suhrawardy, who rests at Kachchi Dargah in Patna, was an esteemed figure in the Suhrawardiyya Sufi order. This connection underscores the extensive spiritual network and influential heritage of Imam Taj Faqih Hashmi's descendants. Impact and Legacy The legacy of Imam Muhammad Taj Faqih Hashmi is a testament to the enduring power of Sufi spirituality and its capacity to cross cultural and geographic boundaries. His journey from Jerusalem to Bihar not only illustrates the dynamic nature of Sufi missionary work but also highlights the profound impact of his teachings on the region’s spiritual landscape. As scholars continue to explore and document the history of Sufi saints like Taj Faqih Hashmi, it becomes increasingly clear that their contributions are central to understanding the development of Islamic spirituality in South Asia. His lineage, spanning multiple generations of Sufi scholars and saints, remains a significant part of the region’s spiritual heritage. In summary, Imam Muhammad Taj Faqih Hashmi's life and legacy exemplify the transformative impact of Sufism across continents and generations. His teachings and the subsequent influence of his family members underscore the lasting significance of his spiritual journey from Jerusalem to Bihar. ------ 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/imam-muhammad-taj-faqih-hashmi-sufi-jerusalem-bihar/d/132772 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