Ghulam Jilani Rohtaki: A Sufi Saint Embracing Hindu Spirituality

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 16 September 2025 Ghulam Jilani Rohtaki (1749–1819), a Sufi saint, deeply integrated Hindu Vedanta and Yoga into his teachings. His Jog Sagar promotes Hindu practices like ‘Soham’ meditation and Satsang, emphasizing soul transmigration and devotion to Hari for spiritual liberation. Main Points: 1. Ghulam Jilani Rohtaki blended Hindu philosophy, particularly Vedanta and Yoga, into Sufism. 2. His work Jog Sagar reflects Hindu beliefs, terminology, and practices. 3. Rohtaki advocated the Hindu mantra ‘Soham’ and satsang for spiritual growth. 4. He believed in transmigration of the soul and the five agents of Maya. 5. His teachings focused on realising Hari through devotion, not fear of divine punishment. ----- Ghulam Jilani Rohtaki was a renowned Sufi saint whose works reflect a deep integration of Hindu philosophy into Sufism. His teachings and practices show minimal Islamic influence, aligning closely with Hindu ascetic traditions in both thought and practice. He was born in 1749 at Rohtak, Haryana, India. Like Hazrat Bulleh Shah, who embraced many Hindu ideas popular during his time except for the concept of transmigration of the soul, Rohtaki fully accepted this belief. Drawing inspiration from Hindu Vedanta and Yoga Shastras, his work Jog Sagar is filled with Hindu religious beliefs, terminology, and references. His poetry, primarily didactic, focuses on moral and spiritual guidance, though it is considered to have limited literary value. Rohtaki’s verses openly advocate Hindu scriptures and practices without any need for deep philosophical analysis to discern their influence. He directly encourages his followers to adopt Hindu spiritual practices: Te Tur Gae Parlok Andar, Jinhan Jog Marag Chit Dhar Lia; Atth Ang Phir Jog De Samajh Piare, Nit Apna Chit Sudhar Lia. (Those who have adopted the path of Yoga, have realised the Truth; Follow the eight-fold practice of Yoga and thus purify thy mind.) He views the path of Yoga as a gateway to immortality and spiritual truth: Har Dam Shabad Hari De Gavan, Dasven Dvar Ja Asan Lavan. (With every breath they sing the glory of Hari; and sit in the posture at the tenth door.) Rohtaki recommends the Hindu mantra ‘Soham’ for meditation: Ghulam Jilani Jinhan Soham Jap Jape: Bere Unhan De Jap Ne Tar Ditte. (Says Ghulam Jilani, those who muttered the formula of Soham, have been freed from sin.) Following the Hindu Bhakti tradition, Rohtaki emphasises the importance of Satsang (company of the virtuous), unlike traditional Sufism, which often advocates isolation during spiritual training: Alif Ao Bhagato Satsang Karie; Bachan Labhdaik Dassan Piaria Oe; (O Bhagatas, let us sit together and sing the glory of God, I am giving you a piece of profitable advice.) His poetry reflects belief in the transmigration of the soul, the five agents of Maya (lust, anger, greed, attachment, and ego), and the twenty-five elements constituting individual life. He advocates practices like Nam (chanting God’s name), Daan (charity), Gyan (knowledge), and Ishnan (ritual bathing) for attaining happiness. Rohtaki also encourages listening to stories of God’s Lila (divine play) and studying the Vedas and Shastras. He asserts that only those who perform Upasana (worship), path (recitation), and puja (ritual worship) will be redeemed by Hari, a Hindu name for God: Phar satgur de charan, bharam sabh mit jan ge Je hoven satgur di dasi, na bhogen tun jun churasi. Panj pachis de magar na javin. Nam dan gyan ishnan taj ke, Kade rahen na sukhi piaria o; Kiti jinhan upasana path puja, uho Hari ne par utaria o. Ved Shastar katha na kadi sunen, sunada dooma dian phiren kahania o. Unlike some Sufi traditions that invoke fear of death or divine punishment, Rohtaki, like Hindu ascetics, urges people to follow God’s path to achieve liberation. He highlights the fleeting nature of worldly achievements to foster detachment from material life. Rohtaki was initiated into Sufism by his father, Badruddin Chishti Qadri. He authored several works on Sufism, including Jog Sagar, Prem Piyala, Prem Bani, Prem Lahir, Siratul Arfin, Heer Ghulam Jilani Shah, Salwat-e-Qayami, Khatut-ul-Salkin, Tazim Murshid, and Bahisht-di-Kunji. While he believes God pervades all beings like a thread in a garland, his ultimate goal is the realisation of Hari in the heart. He views human existence as essentially divine, a spark of light that merges into the infinite divine light upon realisation, much like sugar blending into kheer (a dessert of rice, milk, and sugar). ---- 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. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/ghulam-jilani-sufi-saint-hindu-spirituality/d/136854 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