Syed Shah Afzal Biabani

Syed Shah Afzal Biabani

Dada Peer
Title Biabani
Born 1795 A.D
Died 1856 A.D
Ethnicity Indian
Era Modern era
Region Hyderabad Deccan Now Telangana
Religion Islam
Jurisprudence Hanafi
Creed Sunni
Main interest(s) Aqeedah, Fiqh, Tasawwuf

Syed Shah Afzal Biabani (1795 – 1856 A.D / 1210 – 26 Safar, 1272 AH) was a Sufi from Warangal, Hyderabad State (now Kazipet 132 km from Hyderabad, India). He was appointed as Kazi of Warangal during the reign of Nizam Ali Khan (Asaf Jah II). His dargah is among the pilgrimage centers of Warangal, Telangana.[1]

The word "Biabani" is a plural of Urdu & Persian word "Biaban" which means soonsan (in Urdu) and uninhabited place in English. He received this nickname because he spent 12 years in Tasawwuf (a form of Sufi meditation) in the caves located in the forest of Battupalli near Kazipet.[2]

Saint By Birth

Hazrath Afzal Biabani Radi Allahu anhu was a saint (Vali Allah) by birth. His mother said that there was something extraordinary in him right from the childhood. Some miraculous incidents were manifested even in his childhood. Once at the residence of her brother, Syed Murtuza Hussaini at Qutbi guda, Hyderabad, playing with children of his age (4 to 5 years old) in the court yard, he dug a small pit (well), like the other children. But to their astonishment water was found in the pit dug by him, where as the other pits were dry. His maternal uncle said that Afzal Biabani would become a saint and a man of miracles in future by the grace of Allah.[3]

Sainthood

Although he was the Qazi of Warangal district and Jagirdar of Kazipet village, he was averse to the life of a feudal Lord and refused to live in the Haveli. He preferred to live in a hut like any other poor man. His mother objected to it. She was of the opinion that he had to maintain the dignity of his social position. He politely convinced her and made the way clear to reside in a hut. This reflected his desire to break the barriers between the life of the master and a servant. He willingly opted for the dress, the food and life style of a poor man.

Soldiers as disciples

Haji Mohibullah Khan Saheb from Delhi and Namdar Khan Saheb, a servant in the army at Bolaram in Secunderabad, wished to join the circle of Hazrath Afzal Biabani as a disciples. When they went to his hut at Kazipet, they were informed that he was in the hut of a Hindu weaver (Padmashali) who was his immediate neighbour and friend, when they found the great Sufi resting his head on a stone and sleeping on ground. The eagerness of the Sufi-saint to live closer to the hearts of the people shows nothing except his willingness to share their joys and sorrows as members of one family and thus strengthen the integrated setting of the society.

Serving as an Imam

Some members of the army contingent stationed at Hanamakonda waited upon the Qazi Saheb Hazrath Afzal Biabani and requested him to lead them in Eid prayer at Hanamakonda. They brought a horse for his ride. He asked for two more horses for his friends. People were taken aback to see that those friends were the Hindu weavers riding along with Hazrath. He wanted to share the joys of Eid with his Hindu neighbours.

Teachings

Hazrath Afzal Biabani used to teach his disciples high morals like simplicity, social equality and to serve people irrespective of their caste, creed, language, religion and region. For this reason lots of people belonging to different religions are devotees and followers.

Thus he proved himself to be a symbol of national integration, communal harmony, social justice and protector of human rights.

Even today, Hazrath's Shrine (Dargah) at Kazipet is much thronged and revered by Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Sikhs alike.

It is observed that most of the Hindu families of Kazipet and neighbouring villages bring the bride and bride-groom to this shrine (Dargah) immediately after the marriage to get the blessings for the newly married couple before they get to their homes.

Family

His father was Syed Shah Ghulam Mohiuddin Biabani and mother Ht Qasim Bibi Saheba. Mir Qurban Ali, the then Collector of Warangal suba was his father-in-law.

Education

Shaha Afzal received primary education from his father, he learned Marifat, Tariqat and Zikar-e-Qalbi from his father and received khilafat (spiritual succession) from him.

He learned Quran and Hadith from the Sufi of Fort Warangal Ht Faqirullah Shah.

Dargah

His Shrine (Dargah) at Kazipet is 2 km from Kazipet Railway Station in Warangal District, which is famous world wide. People come from all parts of the world and from all religions to attend the urs celebrations every year. These celebrations are held for 3 days beginning on 26, Safar (second month of the Islamic calendar), every year.[4] they are attended by the large masses from India as well from abroad.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Warangal 360°: The Kazipet Dargah
  2. ↑ "Hundreds of devotees throng Dargah". hindu.com. March 19, 2007. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
  3. ↑ http://ashraf786.proboards.com/thread/13023/hazrath-syed-afzal-biabani-rahmatullahi#ixzz3mfwKW957
  4. ↑ "Devotees travel on foot, from Pune to Qazipet". siasat.com. 22 January 2011. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
  5. ↑ "Urs at Kazipet dargah begins amid religious fervour and gaiety". hindu.com. March 28, 2006. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
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