The Extraordinary Life of Sufi Emperor Hazrat Dewanbagi (Rh.)

Founder of Dewanbag Sharif and Architect of Spiritual Revival

Hazrat Syed Mahbub-E-Khoda (Rh.)

Founder of Dewanbag Sharif

Personal information
at a glance

Sufi Emperor Hazrat Syed Mahbub-E-Khoda (Rh.) stands as a monumental figure in the history of Sufism and Bangladesh. Revered as the visionary founder of Dewanbag Sharif, his life story is a compelling blend of noble ancestry, profound scholarship, unwavering patriotism, and deep spiritual insight. He was not solely a spiritual guide but also a courageous freedom fighter, uniquely combining divine service with national duty. This article delves into the rich details of his inspiring life, chronicling his journey from birth through his multifaceted contributions and the enduring legacy he established with Dewanbag Sharif, an institution dedicated to the authentic propagation of Mohammadi Islam.

Biography of Sufi Samrat (Rh.)

Origins and Early Life: A Blessed Beginning

The journey of Sufi Emperor Hazrat Syed Mahbub-E-Khoda (Rh.) commenced on December 14, 1949, in the tranquil village of Bahadurpur, located within the Ashuganj subdistrict of Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh. He was born into a distinguished aristocratic Muslim Syed Family, a lineage directly tracing back to the revered Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Centuries prior, his ancestors had undertaken a significant migration from the holy city of Madina, Saudi Arabia, traveling through Qatar with the express purpose of spreading the light of Islam in the Bengal region. Upon their settlement, they were bestowed with the honorable title ‘Sarkar’. He was the sixth of eight children, the youngest of six brothers, born to the late Hazrat Alahaj Syed Abdur Rashid Sarkar (Rh.) and Hazrat Syeda Zobeda Khatun (Rh.).
holy dream

Naming Ceremony

His Aqiqah, the traditional naming ceremony, took place on the seventh day following his birth. Mawlana Tajul Islam, a prominent Islamic scholar of the era, presided over the ceremony and bestowed upon him the name “Mahabub E Khoda,” signifying “Beloved of Allah.” This meaningful name resonated powerfully with all present, who not only appreciated its depth but also remarked on his inherently adorable face as a clear reflection of divine favor.

Education and Formative Activism

Sufi Emperor Hazrat Shah Dewanbagi (Rh.) initiated his formal education with elementary Islamic studies at the local village maktab. He continued his primary schooling at the nearby Shohagpur Primary School, successfully completing this stage with notable academic distinction. Fueled by an unyielding desire to embody the spirit of a Nayebe Rasul (successor to the Prophet PBUH) through comprehensive Arabic and Islamic scholarship, he enrolled in the esteemed Islamic education center, Talshahar Karimia Madrasa. His time at the Madrasa was characterized by exceptional academic performance, earning him scholarships at every level and culminating in his attainment of the highest degree from Alia Madrasa. Beyond his academic pursuits, his inherent charisma and leadership qualities led him to serve effectively as the Vice President of the Madrasa Students’ Union throughout his student years. His engagement in activism extended to the political arena during the critical initial phase of the liberation movement in 1969. He took the lead in forming and successfully guiding a Students’ Movement Committee, uniting students from various educational institutions in Brahmanbaria’s west zone. Through organized meetings and visits, he passionately inspired and mobilized both students and the local community towards supporting the impending liberation struggle. Even during these student years, Sufi Emperor cultivated a deep spiritual connection with Awliya-e-Keram (friends of Allah). This spiritual inclination often manifested in encounters with various saintly figures, frequently appearing in unassuming guises. It was during this period that he began to experience numerous events widely regarded by those around him as miracles.
talshar karimia madrasa
Freedom Fighter

A Valiant Role in the Liberation War

When the Pakistani Army unleashed their brutal military operation against the innocent Bengali population on March 25, 1971, Sufi Emperor’s dedication to his people transitioned into courageous action. He promptly organized a volunteers’ team from the Students Movement Union to provide essential food and shelter to those displaced by the escalating conflict. Demonstrating unwavering commitment, he joined the freedom fighters’ camp in Brahmanbaria on April 11, 1971, accompanied by his 72 volunteers, to directly engage in the armed struggle for liberation. During the initial months of the war, he bravely commanded a troop of freedom fighters operating under Sector No. 3, actively participating in valiant confrontations with the occupation forces on multiple fronts. His responsibilities also included conducting the ‘attestation parade,’ the solemn oath-taking ceremony, at the sector number-3 headquarters located in Hejamura, India. As a scholarly freedom fighter, he provided crucial morale boosting and spiritual guidance, inspiring the young fighters by elucidating the profound significance of the liberation war through the lens of the Holy Quran and Hadith. Amidst the conflict, he also oversaw the establishment of three mosques in different locations within India.

Foretelling the Victory of the Liberation War

A remarkable testament to his spiritual insight occurred during the Eid al-Fitr prayer held at the Hejamara camp on October 29, 1971. In his heartfelt khutbah (sermon) addressed to the visibly distressed freedom fighters, he uttered the poignant words, “O the Eid crescent! go back to those who are blemishing our mothers’ and sisters’ chastity.” This deeply moving address evoked profound emotion, causing the freedom fighters to weep openly, overwhelmed by the anguish of separation and the suffering of their loved ones back home. Witnessing their raw emotion, Sufi Emperor delivered an extraordinary and prophetic declaration: “Dear fellow freedom fighters! You will be witnesses. Swear upon Allah, we’ll free our country before the next Bakra-Eid (Eid al-Adha) and I’ll offer Eid prayer with you all in the Racecourse Field (present Sowhorwardy Udyaon) in Dhaka.” Astonishingly, this prophecy materialized with the swiftness of divine will, as Bangladesh achieved its hard-won independence on December 16, 1971, a mere 27 days after his declaration. Living up to his prophetic words, he indeed led the Eid al-Adha prayer attended by freedom fighters from all sectors at the historic Racecourse Ground (now Suhrawardy Udyan) in Dhaka on November 26, 1972, offering boundless gratitude to Allah for the nation’s liberation.

Spiritual Journey and the Birth of Dewanbag Sharif

Following the newly gained independence of Bangladesh, Sufi Emperor, recognized for his blend of scholarly knowledge and wartime valor, joined the recently formed 16 Bengal regiment of the Bangladesh Army in 1972. He served as a religious teacher, an appointment made at the request of K.M Shafiullah, the then commander of sector number-3, who would later rise to become the Chief of the Bangladesh Army. During his tenure in the army, he dedicated himself with unwavering focus to intensive research and study of the Holy Quran and Hadith. His insightful and eloquent addresses at various Tafsir Mahfils during this period quickly established his reputation within the cantonment as a deeply wise Mufasser (explanator of the Quran), positioning him as the leading religious teacher across all regiments of the then Bangladesh Army.

Knowing the Identity
of Murshid

A profoundly transformative period in his life began with his embracing of bayat (the vow of spiritual allegiance) to Imam Syed Abul Fazal Sultan Ahmad Chandrapuri (Rh.) on January 6, 1974. Imam Syed Abul Fazal Sultan Ahmad Chandrapuri (Rh.) was widely regarded as the greatest friend of Allah of that era. The spiritual connection between them deepened when Sufi Emperor attended the annual Urs celebration at his Murshid’s darbar on February 23, 1974. It is said that upon their very first meeting, Imam Shah Chandrapuri (Rh.) immediately recognized him as his destined and deserving successor. To ensure their continued spiritual closeness, Imam Shah Chandrapuri (Rh.) arranged for his youngest daughter, Syeda Hamida Begum (Rh.), to be married to Sufi Emperor Hujur Qiblajan. Following his formal initiation into the Tariqa (spiritual path), Sufi Emperor dedicated himself entirely to rigorous worship and intensive spiritual practices as guided by the Tariqa’s teachings. This period of deep spiritual discipline was marked by numerous events that were perceived as miracles. As accounts of these experiences spread, people began to seek him out in increasingly large numbers. Many who received spiritual initiation (bayat) from him reported experiencing a powerful and instantaneous spiritual attachment known as jajba.
babajan in chandrapuri
dhan

Resigning from Army Job and Settling in Murshid's Darbar

Responding to a direct directive from his Murshid, Sufi Emperor Hujur Qiblajan resigned from his esteemed role as a religious teacher in the Bangladesh Army in 1975 and permanently relocated to his Murshid’s Darbar. Subsequently, Syed Abul Fazal Sultan Ahmad Chandrapuri (Rh.) formally appointed Sufi Emperor Hazrat Shah Dewanbagi (Rh.) as his Chief Caliph. This significant appointment entrusted him with the crucial responsibilities of preaching the Tariqa and managing the affairs of the Darbar Sharif. During this time, he engaged in profound spiritual practices, ascending to higher states of spiritual realization. In his capacity as Chief Caliph and Chief of the Olama Mission, he undertook extensive tours across various districts of Bangladesh, delivering inspiring waz mahfils and actively propagating the Tariqa. These gatherings were often characterized by occurrences perceived as miracles, and thousands of attendees, deeply moved by his holy sermons, embraced initiation into the Tariqa. His powerful spiritual influence also led to numerous non-Muslims being inspired to embrace Islam after encountering him.

Accomplishing Infrastructural Development at Murshid's Darbar

Sufi Emperor Hujur Qiblajan after taking charge of his Murshid’s Darbar, at first initiated various development activities.

  • He established a Madrasa and an Orphanage at Chandrapara, Faridpur in 1980.
  • He also established a high school, a hospital, and a post office in Chandrapara in 1982.
  • In the same year, to facilitate people’s movement in Chandrapara, he developed roads and streets and arranged electrification for the area.
  • For research work and widespread preachment of Tariqa, he established ‘Sultanaia Mojaddedia Research Academy’ in 1983.
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Writing Religious Books

Sufi Emperor Hujur Qiblajan, following the direction of his Murshid Imam Shah Chandrapuri (Rh.), wrote a number of books correcting the misconceptions prevailing in Islam for a long time. They are-

  • Eid Moon-Sighting Problem & Solution.
  • The solution to Ferka Problem.
  • Mother’s Right on Her Child.
  • Islamic Laws on Grave & Shrine.
  • The Easiest Way to Get Closer to Allah.
  • Sultania Khabnama.
  • Which is the Way towards Peace?
  • Which is the Way towards Salvation?
  • What is the Way towards Allah?
  • Mohammadi Islam in the Conspiracy of Yazid.
  • Biography of Imam Syed Abul Fazal Sultan Ahmad (Rh.)
  • The Groundbreaking Religious Reforms by Sufi Emperor.
  • Sufi Emperor to Reveal the Reality of the Prophet of the World: Was the Prophet(PBUH) Really Poor?
  • Sufi Emperor to Reveal the Reality of Allah: Can’t Allah Really Be Seen?
  • Tafsir E Sufi Emperor (8 volumes).

Getting Assigned as Reformer before the Demise of Imam Shah Chandrapuri (Rh.)

Sufi Emperor Hazrat Shah Dewanbagi (Rh.) Hujur Qiblajan got assigned as the Reformer of Religion by Allah on 16th December, 1983. A few months after his receiving the charge of religious Reformer, Imam Shah Chandrapuri (Rh.) passed away on 28th March, 1984. After the demise of his Murshid, Sufi Emperor Hujur Qiblajan stayed in the Chandrapara Darbar Sharif for the next one year. Finally, he came back to Dhaka to preach Mohammadi Islam in a widespread manner.

007- Chief Khalifa
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Settling in Dhaka and Establishing Darbar Sharif

Sufi Emperor Shah Dewanbagi (Rh.) came to Dhaka on March 29, 1985 from Chandrapara Darbar Sharif to preach Mohammadi Islam more extensively. On his arrival, his followers and well-wishers in Dhaka gave him a warm reception. The next day, on March 30, 1985, Sufi Emperor observed Urs Mubarak commemorate the first death anniversary of his Murshid Imam Shah Chandrapuri (Rh.) at the residence of Asheqe Rasul Md. Shafiuddin 98 Arambag, Motijheel, Dhaka. In this way, Sufi Emperor Hujur Qiblajan started his new mission of preaching Mohammadi Islam worldwide. For this, at first, he temporarily established a central office at 154 Arambag, Dhaka.

Formulating Wazifa

Sufi Emperor Hujur Qiblajan formulated a Wazifa (daily activities of a disciple) to implement the spiritual teaching and ideals of the Prophet (PBUH) in society in May 1985. By following the activities of his Wazifa, a man can bear the ideal character of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) in him and can communicate with Allah and the Prophet (PBUH) as well.

Wazifa (Rules and tasks to be followed in everyday prayers)
babajan pic history page

Founding Babe Jannat, Dewanbag Sharif

On the day of holy Ashura, the great Reformer, Reviver of Mohammadi Islam Sufi Emperor Hazrat Shah Dewanbagi (Rh.) Hujur Qiblajan founded Babe Jannat, Dewanbag Sharif in Narayanganj on 10th Muharram, 1407 Hijri, 26 September, 1985, 9 Ashwin, Bengali year 1392, Thursday. As the Darbar Sharif is situated in the village named ‘Dewanbag’, Sufi Emperor is well-known as Dewanbagi Hujur all over the world.

Founding Central Darbar Sharif

Sufi Emperor Shah Dewanbagi (Rh.) Hujur Qiblajan, after abolishing the temporary office at 154 Arambag, founded Babe Rahamat, Dewanbag Sharif at 147 Arambag, Motijheel, Dhaka in 1992 as the central office. From then up until his death, he was living here and preached Mohammadi Islam around the country and beyond.

centrarl dorbar sharif
babe morshed (1)

Founding Other Darbar Sharif

In order to facilitate the preaching Mohammadi Islam, Sufi Emperor Hujur Qiblajan founded 11 more Darabar Sharif in different districts of Bangladesh. They are-

  1. Babe Jannat, Dewanbag Sharif in Narayanganj in 1985.
  2. Babe Madina, Dewanbag Sharif at Kamalapur, Motijheel, Dhaka in 1987.
  3. Babe Rahmat, Dewanbag Sharif at 147 Arambag, Motijheel, Dhaka in 1992.
  4. Babe Najat, Dewanbag Sharif at Satdargah, Pirgacha thana, Rangpur district in1995.
  5. Babe Barkat, Dewanbag Sharif at Trishal thana, Mymensingh district in 1998.
  6. Babe Niyamat, Dewanbag Sharif at Aram Para, Chuadanga in 2006.
  7. Babe Morshed, Dewanbag Sharif at Bahadurpur, Ashuganj thana, Brahmanbaria in 2008.
  8. Babe Ferdous, Dewanbag Sharif at Maghbazar, Ramna, Dhaka in 2009.
  9. Babe Magfirat, Dewanbag Sharif at Bhatihari, Chattogram in 2010.
  10. Babe Jannatul Mawa, Dewanbag Sharif at Chayabithi, Gazipur in 2010.
  11. Babe Noor, Dewanbag Sharif at Nowdapara, Rajshahi in 2010.

 Sufi Emperor also established more than a thousand mosques and Khankah Sharif in different districts of the country and overseas in UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, Pakistan, Sweden, Bahrain, Qatar, Greece, Australia, South Africa, Malaysia, Italy, Singapore, Cyprus, Denmark, Kuwait, France, South Korea, UK, USA. With a view to preaching the ideals of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) worldwide, he has formed World Ashek-e-Rasul Organisation and Ashek-e-Rasul Parishad.

Establishing Islamic & Tasawwuf based Research Center

For Islamic research, Sufi Emperor Hujur Qiblajan established some organizations. They are-

  • Sufi Foundation Bangladesh in 1992.
  • Al Quran Research Center in 1998.
reaserch center

Newspaper and Journal

For widespread preaching of Mohammadi Islam, Sufi Emperor Hujur Qiblajan published several journals. They are-

  • Monthly ‘Atmar Bani’ in 1981.
  • Weekly ‘Dewanbag’ in 1989.
  • Daily ‘Insaniat’ in 1991.
  • English weekly ‘The Message’ in 1992.

Reunion with the Almighty Allah

This great man passed away to have a reunion with the Great Lord Allah (s.m.) on 28 December 2020,13 Poush 1427 Bangla, 13 Jamadiul Awal 1442 Hijri, Monday at 6:48 a.m leaving behind his family and more than three crores of his devotees and followers. His Namaz-e-Janaza (funereal prayer) was held the next day after Asr waqt (time) in the presence of lakhs of his followers. Before the funereal prayer, he was offered a guard of honour on behalf of the nation for his valiant contribution to the Liberation War of Bangladesh. It is to be noted that just a day before his demise he made a will in the presence of his family members to administer Mohammadi Islam properly. At the beginning of the funereal prayer, his four sons readout that holy will to the lakhs of his followers gathered there. After the end of the funereal prayer, he was buried in the Babe Madina Darbar Sharif constructed by himself situated in South Kamalapur, Dhaka where his wife (Kutubul Aktab, Khatune Jannat) Hazrat Hamida Begum (Rh.) had been buried.

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holy osiot founder page

The holy Osyoth (Will) by Sufi Emperor Dewanbagi (Rh.)

The Founder of Dewanbag Sharif, Great Reformer, the Reviver of Mohammadi Islam, Imam of the Era, Successor and Friend of the Prophets and Messengers, Reward given by Allah: Reflection of Dewanbagi in the full moon Sufi Emperor Hazrat Syed Mahabub E Khoda Dewanbagi (Rh.) passed away on 28 December 2020, Monday. For the proper administration of Mohammadi Islam, he made a “Will” with some important guidelines in the presence of his four sons, two daughters, his wife, two daughters-in-law and his attendants on 27 December 2020, Sunday. To know about the holy Osyoth (will) of Sufi Samrat Dewanbagi (Rh.)

To read the full Osyoth please click here.