Panipat’s Sun of Devotion: Hazrat Shamsuddin Turk and the Sabri Flame

By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam 27 Sep 2025 Hazrat Khwaja Shamsuddin Turk Sabri Panipati, a 13th-century saint and the sole khalifa of Hazrat Syed Alauddin Ahmed Sabir Pak Kaliyari, travelled from Turkey to Panipat where he laid the foundation of the Chishti-Sabri order. Renowned for his intense spiritual discipline, including six years of retreat in a grave, created a luminous legacy that transformed medieval Haryana into a beacon of mystical devotion. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Khwaja Shamsuddin Turk Sabri Panipati traveled to India on 12th Zil Hijjah 658 AH for seeking a Murshid. 2. He became the sole khalifa of Hazrat Syed Alauddin Ahmed Sabir Pak Kaliyari and served him devotedly for twenty-four years. 3. Completed six-year mystical retreat inside grave, achieving profound spiritual stations. 4. Hazrat established Chishti-Sabri order in Panipat after miraculous journey from Kalyar. 5. Hazrat passed away in 699 AH in Panipat, leaving enduring spiritual legacy. ---- Introduction Among the luminous figures who carried the torch of Sufi wisdom from Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent, Hazrat Khwaja Shamsuddin Turk Sabri Panipati occupies a unique position as the sole spiritual heir of Hazrat Syed Alauddin Ahmed Sabir Pak Kaliyari. Born in Turkey during the height of the Chishti revival, his spiritual odyssey began with an unquenchable thirst for divine realisation that led him across continents in search of a Murshid. After being directed by Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganj-e-Shakar to Kalyar Sharif, he submitted himself to the rigorous training of Hazrat Sabir Paak, serving faithfully for twenty-four years before receiving the unprecedented honour of being the only khalifa granted succession. His extraordinary spiritual discipline, including six years of retreat in a grave, prepared him for the divine mission of establishing the Chishti-Sabri order in Panipat. Through miraculous experiences, military service under Sultan Alauddin Khilji, and encounters with contemporary saints like Hazrat Bu Ali Shah Qalandar, Hazrat Shamsuddin Turk transformed Panipat into a centre of mystical devotion whilst demonstrating the timeless truth that authentic spiritual seeking transcends all geographical and cultural boundaries. Early Life and Family Background Hazrat Khwaja Shamsuddin Turk Sabri Panipati was born in Turkey during the latter half of the 13th century into a noble Hasni Sadaat family, with direct lineage tracing back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His father, Hazrat Syed Ahmad, was a respected scholar who ensured his son received comprehensive Islamic education encompassing Tafsir, Hadith, and Fiqh. The household atmosphere was steeped in religious learning and spiritual contemplation, which nurtured Hazrat Shamsuddin's early inclination towards mystical pursuits. From childhood, he displayed an extraordinary spiritual temperament, often absorbed in prayer and contemplation rather than worldly pursuits. His education in Turkey provided a solid foundation in Islamic sciences, yet his heart yearned for deeper spiritual fulfilment. The Sufi environment of his homeland exposed him to various orders, but none satisfied his inner longing. His family recognised his inclination and supported his quest, preparing him for the arduous journey ahead with courage and discipline for rigorous training in distant lands. Spiritual Quest and Journey to India Driven by a deep, unending longing for spiritual perfection, Hazrat Khwaja Shamsuddin Turk left his homeland, abandoning family, comfort, and worldly prospects in search of a Kamil Pir-o-Murshid. On 12 Zil Hijjah 658 AH (November 1260 A.D.), he reached Paak Patan and requested Bay'ah from Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganj-e-Shakar. Recognising his true destiny, Hazrat Baba Farid directed him to Kalyar Sharif to become a disciple of Hazrat Syed Alauddin Ahmed Sabir Pak Kaliyari and receive the Chishti silsila’s blessings. Accompanied by 21 dervishes, Hazrat Shamsuddin travelled 24 miles to Kalyar, a region considered inaccessible to ordinary travellers. Upon arrival, Hazrat Sabir Pak was immersed in spiritual absorption. After 21 days, others departed, but Hazrat Shamsuddin remained alone, While reciting the Qur’an, Hazrat Shamsuddin paused from fatigue. Hazrat Sabir Pak instructed him to continue seated. Hazrat Shamsuddin replied, “My master is standing; I cannot sit.” Hazrat Sabir Pak then sat, asked if Baba Farid sent him, and upon hearing his answer, praised him: “As there is one sun in the sky, so on earth this faqir holds a sun.” He was then formally accepted as a disciple and sent back to Paak Patan to serve Hazrat Baba Farid. Khilafat and Spiritual Succession After completing his service to Hazrat Baba Farid, Hazrat Khwaja Shamsuddin Turk returned to Kalyar Sharif, where Hazrat Syed Alauddin Ahmed Sabir Pak Kaliyari accepted him as a disciple. Over twenty-four years, he underwent intensive spiritual training, including dhikr, muraqaba, fasting, night vigils, and complete submission to his Murshid. Hazrat Shamsuddin’s dedication and complete obedience impressed Hazrat Sabir Pak, who prepared him for great spiritual responsibilities and taught him the deeper aspects of the Chishti-Sabri order. On 12 Muharram 661 AH (November 1262 A.D.), following Hazrat Baba Farid’s death, Hazrat Shamsuddin witnessed Hazrat Sabir Pak in deep mujaahida. Recognising his disciple’s devotion and spiritual maturity, Hazrat Sabir Pak conferred khilafat upon him in the presence of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi. Hazrat Syed Alauddin Ahmed Sabir Pak Kaliyari presented the traditional symbols of authority, including amaama, tabarrukaat, and written ijazat, declaring: “O Shamsuddin, I pray that my silsila continues through you until Qiyamat.” This established Hazrat Shamsuddin Turk as the sole spiritual successor, responsible for preserving, guiding, and propagating the Chishti-Sabri order throughout India. Six-Year Retreat and Spiritual Mission On 19 Muharram 684 AH (March 1285 A.D.), Hazrat Syed Alauddin Ahmed Sabir Pak Kaliyari ordered Hazrat Khwaja Shamsuddin Turk Sabri Panipati to undertake a six-year retreat, known as Habse Kabeer. A special grave was miraculously prepared by Hazrat Sabir Pak, and Hazrat Alimullah Abdaal placed half a glass of water and half a loaf of bread for his sustenance. For six years, Hazrat Shamsuddin remained in complete seclusion, enduring extreme austerity while achieving profound spiritual states, mystical visions, and direct communion with God. Upon completion, only half of the provisions remained, highlighting the miraculous nature of this trial. After the retreat, Hazrat Sabir Pak instructed him to join Sultan Alauddin Khilji’s campaign to conquer Chittor fort, declaring that the day Hazrat Shamsuddin manifested his first miracle would coincide with his own death. During the campaign, Hazrat Shamsuddin’s prayers ensured victory, earning him recognition for his karamat and spiritual authority. Following this, he returned to Kalyar, and after Hazrat Sabir’s wisaal on 13 Rabi-ul-Awwal 690 AH, he prepared the funeral rites as per his master’s will. During the ceremony, a mysterious masked horseman performed the janaza prayer; upon revealing his identity, it was found to be Hazrat Sabir Pak himself, teaching his disciple the reality of fana and baqa. This event left Hazrat Shamsuddin unconscious and transported to Firkhaar, Turkistan, where he spent a year performing spiritual exercises on the mountain, further strengthening his mystical abilities and preparation for his future leadership and propagation of the Chishti-Sabri order. Establishment in Panipat and Spiritual Influence After completing his spiritual exercises in Turkistan, Hazrat Khwaja Shamsuddin Turk travelled through Kashan, Tehran, Badakhshan, Qandhar, Kabul, and Lahore, reaching Panipat on 4 Zil Qa’ada 693 AH. He sent Hazrat Bu Ali Shah Qalandar a cup of milk, which was returned with a rose, symbolising acceptance of his divinely granted authority from Hazrat Sabir Pak and the establishment of his spiritual centre in Panipat. There, he founded a khanqah that became a renowned hub of Chishti-Sabri training, combining rigorous practice with service to humanity. Daily prayers, dhikr, instruction, and hospitality drew seekers from across northern India. His leading khalifa, Hazrat Shah Jalaluddin Kabir-ul-Auliya, received complete training and permission to continue the lineage, while countless others benefited from his prayers and guidance. His influence preserved Hazrat Syed Alauddin Ahmed Sabir Pak Kaliyari’s path of austerity joined with love and devotion, gaining recognition from saints, nobles, and common people alike. When Hazrat Shah Jalaluddin completed a six-month Habse Kabeer in 694 AH, Hazrat Shamsuddin held a sama gathering where he entered wajd. During this state, Hazrat Sabir Pak appeared in disguise to greet him, and on learning this later, Hazrat Shamsuddin withdrew from public gatherings, Hazrat Shamsuddin withdrew from public gatherings and met only Hazrat Shah Jalaluddin. Death, Shrine, and Enduring Legacy Hazrat Khwaja Shamsuddin Turk Sabri Panipati passed away on 10 Jamadi-ul-Akhir 699 AH (1299 CE) in Panipat, having fulfilled his divinely appointed mission of establishing the Chishti-Sabri order in India and training a successor to continue the sacred lineage. His death was mourned throughout the region by disciples, admirers, and even those who had only heard of his reputation, as his departure marked the end of an era of unprecedented spiritual illumination. Following Islamic traditions, his funeral was conducted with appropriate dignity, attended by saints, scholars, and common people who recognised his elevated spiritual station. He was buried in Panipat at the location that would become his shrine, immediately attracting pilgrims who sought blessings and spiritual guidance through his intercession. The annual Urs celebration on 15 Jumada-ath-Thani continues to draw devotees from across the subcontinent, maintaining the connection between contemporary seekers and his timeless spiritual presence. His shrine faced various challenges throughout history, including a period of control by Sikh administrators, but was eventually reclaimed and restored by Hazrat Ghulam Jilani Kalyari, ensuring its continued function as a centre of spiritual activity. The Chishti-Sabri order that he established in India continued through his khalifa Hazrat Shah Jalaluddin and subsequent generations, preserving the unique characteristics of this branch whilst adapting to changing circumstances and needs of different eras. His legacy represents the successful transplantation of Central Asian Sufi wisdom to Indian soil, where it took root and flourished, eventually becoming an integral part of the subcontinent's spiritual heritage. Modern scholars and practitioners continue to study his life and teachings as an exemplar of complete spiritual dedication, demonstrating that authentic seeking transcends all boundaries of nationality, culture, and time. ----- Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumni of CCS University, Meerut. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/devotion-hazrat-shamsuddin-turk-sabri/d/137008 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