Background & History
Dewanbag Sharif: Unveiling the Legacy of Sufi Emperor Hazrat Dewanbagi (Rh.) and Its Current Direction
‘Dewanbag Sharif’ Dewanbag Sharif stands as a prominent religious institution deeply rooted in the principles of Sufism. Founded by the revered Sufi Emperor Hazrat Syed Mahbub-E-Khoda (Rh.), it was established with a clear vision: to propagate the authentic essence of Mohammadi Islam. This includes emphasizing divine ideals such as peace, harmony, brotherhood, sacrifice, forgiveness, and kindness. What began in 1985 in Narayanganj has blossomed into a movement with a significant global presence, now guided by its present leadership from its central hub in Dhaka. This article will explore the remarkable background and history of the founder and introduce the present director who is now leading the institution’s continued mission.
The Founder: Sufi Emperor Hazrat Syed Mahbub-E-Khoda (Rh.)
The genesis of Dewanbag Sharif is intrinsically linked to the life of its founder, Sufi Emperor Hazrat Syed Mahbub-E-Khoda (Rh.) Born on December 14, 1949, he hailed from an esteemed aristocratic Syed family in the Ashuganj subdistrict of Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh. His noble lineage connected him directly to Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), with ancestors having migrated from Madina, Saudi Arabia, via Qatar centuries ago specifically to spread the message of Islam in the Indian subcontinent. He was the son of the late Alhaj Syed Abdur Rashid Sarker (Rh) and Hazrat Syeda Zobeda Khatun (Rh). His formative years were dedicated to the pursuit of Islamic knowledge. After completing his elementary education, he attended the renowned Talshahar Karimia Alia Madrasah.
Here, he not only achieved academic excellence, earning the highest degree, but also demonstrated innate leadership qualities, playing an active role in student politics during the impactful movement of 1969.22 With the advent of the Liberation War in 1971, he actively joined the freedom fighters, showing a profound commitment to his nation’s sovereignty. Following the war, he served as a religious teacher in the Bangladesh Army, immersing himself in comprehensive research of the Holy Quran and Hadith and earning recognition as a discerning interpreter of Islamic texts.
A pivotal moment in his spiritual journey was becoming a disciple of Imam Syed Abul Fazal Sultan Ahmad (Rh.). Guided by his Murshid, he transitioned from his military career to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to spiritual asceticism. His deep spiritual connection and advancement led to his appointment as Chief Khalifa, entrusting him with the significant responsibility of overseeing the Tariqah and managing the Darbar Sharif. This spiritual authority culminated in the formal establishment of Dewanbag Sharif on September 26, 1985 (corresponding to Muharram 10, 1406 Hijri). While initially located in Dewanbag, Narayanganj, the institution’s activities progressively expanded, eventually consolidating its central operations at Babe Rahmat, Dewanbag Sharif in Motijheel, Dhaka, which now serves as the nucleus for its global endeavors. Throughout his life, Sufi Emperor Hazrat Dewanbagi (Rh.) was widely recognized for his deep religious and spiritual insight, exceptional wisdom, and tireless efforts to restore what he perceived as the authentic form of Islam.
He meticulously identified numerous practices he believed had deviated from the original teachings over fourteen centuries and worked diligently to correct them. Notably, some of his proposed religious reforms reportedly received official recognition and implementation by the Bangladesh government. His dignified character and forward-thinking religious philosophy resonated deeply with many, including prominent educationists, researchers, religious scholars, and intellectuals worldwide. Sufi Emperor Hujur Qiblajan passed away on December 27, 2020, leaving behind a vast global following. The Teachings and Global Impact of Dewanbag Sharif At its core, Dewanbag Sharif is dedicated to disseminating the principles of Mohammadi Islam, emphasizing universal values crucial for both individual spiritual growth and collective societal harmony. The institution is committed to the global implementation of divine ideals such as peace, harmony, brotherhood, sacrifice, forgiveness, and kindness, viewing these as the pathway to salvation granted by Allah through His beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Dewanbag Sharif provides a clear framework for spiritual development, structured around four fundamental teachings: Self Purification, Awakening the Heart, Meditation in Prayer, and striving to become a Beloved of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
These teachings serve as a spiritual roadmap for disciples seeking to deepen their connection with Allah.
The influence of Dewanbag Sharif extends internationally, with 11 main Darbar Sharifs and several hundred associated Khankahs and Jaker Majlishes established across 132 countries. These centers serve as vital points of guidance for spiritual seekers, facilitating the regular practice of Wazifa, the daily spiritual exercises prescribed by Sufi Emperor Hujur Qiblajan. The annual Ashek-E-Rasul (SAW.) conference is a major event, attracting hundreds of thousands of local and international devotees seeking spiritual direction and inspiration. Furthermore, the religious literature published by Dewanbag Sharif offers profound insights into the mysteries of creation, nurturing the spiritual aspirations of devout followers.
The Present Leadership: Continuing the Mission
Following the passing of its esteemed founder, the leadership of Dewanbag Sharif has been entrusted to his second son, Imam Dr. Arsafm Qudrat E Khoda (m.a.). In accordance with the will prepared by Sufi Emperor Hazrat Syed Mahbub-E-Khoda (Rh.) before his demise, Imam Dr. Arsafm Qudrat E Khoda (m.a.) has assumed the responsibility of leading the Mohammadi Islam movement.
Imam Dr. Arsafm Qudrat E Khoda (m.a.) now guides the institution and its multitude of followers, ensuring the continued dissemination and practice of the teachings and ideals of Mohammadi Islam as championed by Sufi Emperor Hazrat Dewanbagi (Rh.). His leadership ensures the continuity of the spiritual lineage and the unwavering commitment to the foundational principles upon which Dewanbag Sharif was built. Dewanbag Sharif stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Sufi Emperor Hazrat Syed Mahbub-E-Khoda (Rh.). His life, marked by profound religious scholarship, dedicated spiritual practice, and unwavering commitment to propagating Mohammadi Islam, has left an indelible impact on countless individuals worldwide. Under the stewardship of the present director, Imam Dr. Arsafm Qudrat E Khoda (m.a.), Dewanbag Sharif continues its vital work, guiding individuals on their spiritual paths and actively promoting the universal values of peace, harmony, and kindness across the globe.
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