The Legacy of Hazrat Pir Syed Shah Ali Hussain of Kichhauchha Sharif: A Life of Devotion, Poetry, and Universal Love

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 14 January 2025 Hazrat Pir Syed Shah Ali Hussain Ashrafi, Also Known As Aala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan, Was A Great Sufi Saint And Poet Of The 19th Century From Kichhauchha Sharif. He Was The Master Of Chishtia Ashrafia Traditions, Whose Teachings And Poetry Inspire Spiritual Seekers All Over The World. Main Points: 1. Syed Shah Ali Hussain Ashrafi was born in Kichhaucha Sharif in 1850 and received early spiritual initiation and education, excelling in Islamic sciences and Sufi mysticism. 2. He took bay'ah under his elder brother, Hazrat Abu Muhammad Hussain Ashrafi Kichhauchvi, and became a prominent figure in the Chishtia Ashrafia order. 3. Ashrafi is the pen name under which he wrote Persian and Urdu poetry that combined Sufi metaphors with emotional depth, making the Divine the ultimate Beloved. 4. His universal message focused on love, compassion, self-purification, and remembrance of Allah, and it attracted disciples from all over the world. 5. He died in 1936, and his shrine in Kichhaucha Sharif is still a place of pilgrimage, with his teachings being commemorated during the annual Urs Mubarak. ----- Hazrat Pir Syed Shah Ali Hussain of Kichhauchha Sharif ----- Introduction Hazrat Pir Syed Shah Ali Hussain Ashrafi, popularly known as Ashrafi Miyan, was one of the most revered Sufi saints and poets of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on 1 March 1850, in the spiritually vibrant town of Kichhauchha Sharif in Uttar Pradesh, India, he was deeply rooted in the traditions of the Chishtia Ashrafia Sufi order, founded by his ancestor, the illustrious Hazrat Sultan Syed Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Semnani. Early Life and Upbringing From the moment of his birth, Hazrat Syed Shah Ali Hussain's life was imbued with spiritual significance. His father, Hazrat Haji Syed Sa'adat Ali, performed a symbolic initiation immediately after his birth by guiding his tiny hands to write "Allah" and feeding him honey mixed with Zamzam water. This marked the beginning of a life destined for profound spiritual exploration and service. Ashrafi Miyan's formal education began with the Bismillah Khani ceremony, marking the start of his journey in Islamic learning. His early studies included Persian, taught by the esteemed Maulana Amanat Ali Kichhauchvi. He later deepened his knowledge of theology and literature under the guidance of renowned scholars such as Maulana Salamat Ali Gore Khapoori and Maulana Qalandar Bakhsh Kichhauchvi, mastering classical Islamic sciences, poetry, and the subtleties of Sufi mysticism. Spiritual Path and Teachings In 1282 AH (1865 CE), Ashrafi Miyan took spiritual allegiance (Bay’Ah) under his elder brother, Hazrat Abu Muhammad Hussain Ashrafi Kichhauchvi. This pivotal moment strengthened his connection to the Chishtia Ashrafia Sufi order, and he soon emerged as a prominent figure within this tradition. His spiritual wisdom, humility, and deep insight drew seekers and disciples from far-off lands, including Aden, Jeddah, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, Yemen, and across the Indian subcontinent. His teachings emphasised love, compassion, self-purification, and remembrance of Allah. These core principles resonated with countless individuals and cemented his position as a beacon of spiritual enlightenment. Poetry and Literary Contributions In addition to his spiritual endeavours, Pir Syed Shah Ali Hussain Ashrafi was a gifted poet. Writing under the pen name Ashrafi, he composed poetry that expressed his mystical experiences and profound devotion to the Divine. One of his celebrated couplets is as follows: Shah-E-Ḳhūbān-E-Man Rañgīñ-Qabā Nāzuk-Adā Dārad Ba-Har Ġhamza Ba-Har Ishva Jahāne Mubtalā Dārad ("The king of all beauties, my beloved, adorned in gleaming robes and delicate grace, With every glance and playful gesture, a whole world is enthralled by longing.") This verse exemplifies his poetic genius, blending Sufi metaphors with an emotional depth that portrays the Divine as the ultimate Beloved. His poetry, written in Persian and Urdu, continues to inspire and remains a timeless tribute to spiritual wisdom and artistic beauty. The Global Impact of the Chishtiyya Ashrafiya Order The Chishtia Ashrafia Sufi order, which Ashrafi Miyan represented, is renowned for its universal message of love and harmony. During his lifetime, he expanded the reach of this spiritual tradition, offering guidance and hope to those seeking self-purification, ethical living, and a connection to the Divine. His teachings transcended regional and cultural boundaries, making him a unifying figure in an increasingly fragmented world. Passing and Enduring Legacy Pir Syed Shah Ali Hussain Ashrafi left this world on 11 Rajab al-Marjab 1355 AH (1936 CE). His shrine in Kichhauchha Sharif has become a revered site of pilgrimage, where devotees gather to seek solace, blessings, and inspiration. The annual Urs Mubarak (commemoration of his death anniversary) is a vibrant celebration of his teachings and legacy, drawing people from diverse backgrounds to honour his contributions to Sufism and humanity. Conclusion Pir Syed Shah Ali Hussain Ashrafi's life is a testament to the enduring power of spirituality, scholarship, and poetic excellence. His verses, such as the couplet above, reflect his mystical experiences and devotional love for the Divine. His contributions to Sufism and literature continue to inspire countless individuals, serving as a reminder of the timeless relevance of his teachings. His legacy, enshrined in the hearts of his followers and the verses of his poetry, ensures that the light of the Chishtia Ashrafia order will continue to shine brightly for generations to come. --- Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hazrat-pir-kichhauchha-devotion-poetry-universal-love/d/134324 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