Hazrat Wajihuddin Alvi: Gujarat’s Mujaddid and Torchbearer of Shattariya Wisdom

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 17 July 2025 Born in 902 or 910 Hijri, Hazrat Wajihuddin Alvi, son of Qazi Syed Nasrullah Alvi, belonged to the Hashmi family and Alvi Sadat Main Points: 1. A key figure in the ancient Shattariya Silsila, linked to Shaykh Sirajuddin Abdullah Sattar and Hazrat Khwaja Bayazid Bastami, he helped spread Islam in India. 2. Received direct knowledge from Hazrat Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in a dream, earning the title Ali Us-Sani for his profound wisdom. 3. Mastered over 60 Islamic disciplines by age 24, founded Madrasa Alia Alvia, and educated 80,000 students, earning the title of Mufti in Gujarat. 4. Transformed by Pir-Murshid Khwaja Ghaus Muhammad Gwaliori, he became a Wali-e-Kamil and Mujaddid, with his Gujarat Astana inspiring generations. ------ Hazrat Wajihuddin Alvi, a revered figure in the annals of Islamic history in India, is celebrated as a towering spiritual and scholarly personality. Known as the Mujaddid, Qutub, and Wali-e-Kamil, his life is a testament to unparalleled devotion, intellectual brilliance, and spiritual excellence. His contributions to the propagation of Islamic knowledge and the Silsila-e-Shattariya have left an indelible mark on the subcontinent's religious landscape. This article delves into his life, lineage, spiritual journey, and enduring legacy. According to historical traditions, Hazrat Wajihuddin Alvi was born either in 902 Hijri or 910 Hijri, a matter of scholarly debate. His father, Syed Nasrullah Alvi, served as the Qazi of Gujarat, a prestigious position that underscored the family's deep-rooted connection to Islamic scholarship and jurisprudence. His name, Wajihuddin, meaning "leader of the religion-serving community," aptly reflected his destined role as a guiding light for the faithful. Hazrat Wajihuddin belonged to the illustrious Hashmi family, tracing his lineage to the noble Alvi Sadat. Despite his exalted ancestry, he maintained remarkable humility, never publicly revealing his status as an Alvi Sadat. This modesty only enhanced his stature as a true servant of Allah, whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of divine truth and the upliftment of humanity. Hazrat Wajihuddin Alvi is intrinsically linked to the Silsila-e-Shattariya, a lesser-known but profoundly significant Sufi order in India. While the general populace is more familiar with the four prominent Sufi Silsilas, Chishtiya, Qadriya, Naqshbandiya, and Soharwardiya, the Shattariya Silsila boasts a rich and ancient heritage. Known as Bistamia in some regions, Ishqiya in Iran, and Shattariya in India, this Silsila traces its origins to Shaykh Sirajuddin Abdullah Sattar, a descendant of Shaykh Umar Sahabuddin Sohrawardy and a caliph of the revered Sultanul Arifeen, Hazrat Khwaja Bayazid Bastami. Shaykh Sirajuddin Abdullah Sattar, the founder of the Shattariya silsila, arrived in India with a mission to spread the message of Islam. Known for playing the Nakkara (a traditional drum), he would attract crowds with its captivating sound and invite them to seek Allah. His powerful call, "Come, if someone is seeking to meet Allah, let me introduce him to Allah," resonated deeply, drawing countless souls to the path of righteousness. As the son of Shaykh Sahabuddin Sohrawardy and a caliph of Hazrat Bayazid Bustami, Shaykh Sirajuddin’s spiritual stature was immense, and his legacy laid the foundation for the Shattariya silsila’s prominence in India. The Shattariya Silsila, alongside Qadriya, Chishtiya, Naqshbandiya, Soharwardiya, and Owaisiya, played a pivotal role in disseminating Islam across the Indian subcontinent. These six Silsilas, through the sacrifices and efforts of their saints, transformed the spiritual landscape of the region, guiding millions towards the light of faith. Hazrat Wajihuddin Alvi’s spiritual eminence earned him the title of Ali Us-Sani (the second Ali), a reference to the unparalleled status of Hazrat Ali Karamallahu Wajhul Kareem. This title was not merely honorific but a reflection of the divine knowledge bestowed upon him. Like Hazrat Ali, who received direct knowledge from the Hazrat Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Hazrat Wajihuddin was blessed with divine wisdom in a remarkable incident. During his education, when his teacher Allama Ilamuddin passed away, Hazrat Wajihuddin was consumed by worry about the knowledge he had yet to acquire. One night, the Hazrat Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) appeared in his dream, addressing him as "Nawase Wajihuddin" and assuring him, "Don’t worry, we have given you the knowledge of everything that even you and your teachers did not know." The Prophet handed him a paper, instructing him to refer to it when questioned about his knowledge. This divine encounter transformed Hazrat Wajihuddin into an ocean of wisdom, earning him the epithet Ali Us-Sani for receiving knowledge directly from the Hazrat Prophet, much like Hazrat Ali. Hazrat Wajihuddin’s family hailed from Yemen, a land the Hazrat Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) described as a "city of angels." His ancestor, Hazrat Syed Bahauddin, migrated from Yemen to Mecca, where he preached Islam before receiving divine guidance to settle in India. This marked the beginning of the family’s illustrious journey in the subcontinent. His grandfather, a Qazi in the court, exemplified the family’s tradition of combining religious scholarship with judicial authority. This legacy continued through his father, Syed Nasrullah Alvi, and his forefathers, Syed Atauddin Alvi and Syed Imamuddin Alvi, who served as imams and Qazis. The family’s intellectual and spiritual influence was profound, shaping Hazrat Wajihuddin’s upbringing and his commitment to the Shariah. Hazrat Wajihuddin’s education began at the tender age of four with the Bismillah ceremony, marking the start of his formal learning. By the age of 19, he had memorized the Quran Majeed, a feat that underscored his prodigious intellect. Raised in a Persian-speaking household, he pursued higher education under the guidance of his uncle, Hazrat Allama Syed Shamshuddin Ahmed, and other family scholars. By the age of 24, he had mastered over 60 disciplines of Islamic knowledge, earning him widespread acclaim. Recognizing his scholarly prowess, the ulema of Gujarat conferred upon him the title of Mufti at the remarkably young age of 24. This was no small achievement, as a Mufti in those times was a figure of immense respect, commanding authority over religious rulings across the region. Hazrat Wajihuddin established the Madrasa Alia Alvia on his own land, where he educated over 80,000 students, transforming them into Alims and hafiz of the Quran. His dedication to teaching reflected the Hazrat Prophet’s saying, “The best of you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it to others.” Remarkably, Hazrat Wajihuddin left the madrasa only four times in his lifetime, such was his commitment to education. His institution attracted scholars and students from far-off places like Lahore, cementing his reputation as a beacon of knowledge. No account of a Wali-e-Kamil is complete without acknowledging the pivotal role of a Pir-Murshid (spiritual guide). For Hazrat Wajihuddin, this guide was Hazrat Khwaja Ghaus Muhammad Gwaliori Sattari. In 948 Hijri, when controversy arose over Khwaja Ghaus’s work Merajnama, with Hazrat Shaikh Ali Muttaqi declaring it un-Islamic, Hazrat Wajihuddin intervened. He met Khwaja Ghaus in Gujarat, spending an entire night in his company. This meeting was transformative, as Hazrat Wajihuddin later remarked that without it, he would not have truly become a Muslim. This underscores the profound impact of a spiritual guide, even on a scholar of his stature. When presented with a fatwa against Khwaja Ghaus, Hazrat Wajihuddin tore it apart, declaring, “We are the people of the past, and they are Arabs.” His decisive action nullified the controversy, earning him the title of Mujaddid from Shaikh Ali Muttaqi. This incident highlighted his ability to balance Shariah with spiritual insight, a hallmark of his legacy. Hazrat Wajihuddin’s piety was evident from childhood. As an infant, he refused to drink his mother’s milk unless she performed wudu, a testament to his innate spiritual purity. This incident earned him immense respect within his family, who recognized his extraordinary connection with Allah. His adherence to Shariah was uncompromising. For two months, he abstained from eating home-cooked food, fearing that his father’s position as Qazi might lead to inadvertently consuming haram provisions. Instead, he sustained himself on grass and leaves from the forest. When his father inquired about his weakened state, Hazrat Wajihuddin explained his concerns, prompting his father to reassure him of the family’s commitment to halal. This incident reflects his meticulous observance of Shariah and his fear of Allah. In his later years, weakened by age, Hazrat Wajihuddin considered retiring from teaching Hadith. However, the Hazrat Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) appeared in a dream, saying, “O Nawase, when you recite Hadith, we sit and listen to you.” Moved to tears, he continued teaching with renewed devotion until his passing. His death sent shockwaves through Gujarat, with millions attending his funeral, yearning to carry the bier of the Naib-e-Gaus-e-Azam and Aashiq-e-Rasool. Hazrat Wajihuddin Alvi’s legacy endures through his contributions to Islamic scholarship and the Shattariya Silsila. His Astana in Gujarat remains a source of spiritual strength, and his teachings continue to inspire generations. Muhaddis Abdul Haq Dehlvi noted Hazrat Wajihuddin was a Wali-e-Kamil who lived a life of rigorous spiritual discipline. Mulla Abdul Qadir Badayuni wrote that no book was beyond his knowledge, and his prayers could bring divine favour to any endeavour. In summary, Hazrat Wajihuddin Alvi was a shining light of the Hashmi family, a Mujaddid, Qutub, and Wali-e-Kamil whose life exemplified the perfect blend of knowledge, piety, and spirituality. His contributions to Islamic education, his role in the Shattariya Silsila, and his unwavering devotion to Allah and Hazrat Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) ensure that his legacy will remain alive until the end of time. ----- A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. 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