By Dr. Mehmood Alam Aasi Khurram Jahangiri
In the year 1360 AH, a remarkable life began in the serene gardens of Gulshan-e-Mujtaba, the estate of Nawab Hassan Ali Shah of Hasswah Fatehpur. That life was that of Hazrat Syed Muhammad Murtaza Hassan Ali Shah Abululai Jahangiri, whose spiritual presence would one day span continents, from India to Sindh, and touch hearts across Arab lands. Born into a distinguished family, he was the son of Nawab Syed Mujtaba Hassan and Syeda Shams-un-Nisa, and the grandson of Nawab Syed Atta Hassan. Among his siblings, he had two elder brothers, Syed Ishtiaq Hassan and Syed Mushtaq Hassan, and a sister, Qamar-un-Nisa. Another brother, however, passed away in childhood.
From his earliest days, Murtaza Hassan’s life was shaped by careful guidance at home. His parents instilled in him a reverence for knowledge and devotion. After completing a BA at Aligarh University, his father renounced the family’s Nawabship in pursuit of spiritual fulfilment within the Qadriyya Munamiyya order, under the tutelage of Hazrat Maulana Abdul Shakoor Naseerabadi in Lahore. This act of surrender to faith laid a foundation that would deeply influence young Murtaza. After the family migrated to Karachi, he embarked on a journey of personal and spiritual discovery. During a trip to Sindh with companions, he encountered Hazrat Hakim Ramzan Ali Sanjhoro. This meeting marked a turning point.
Hazrat Hakim Ramzan Ali, a Naqshbandi scholar and a spiritual successor of Pir Syed Jamaat Ali Shah Alipur Syedan, recognized Murtaza Hassan’s potential to emerge as a spiritual guide. Under his careful mentorship, Murtaza underwent years of rigorous training, learning the disciplines of knowledge, cognition, perception, and spiritual realization. At one point, observing his devotion, Hazrat Hakim Ramzan Ali suggested Murtaza could join his family and even succeed him, yet destiny had other plans. He advised the young seeker to pledge allegiance to a perfect Pir-e-Kamil—one who lived by the principles of halal sustenance, deep knowledge of the Quran and Hadith, adherence to Sharia, and a committed practice of the Sunnah.
Returning to Karachi, Hazrat Murtaza Hassan began his search for such a spiritual guide, balancing his spiritual pursuits with his daily work to earn a living. During this period, he came under the influence of a divinely inspired elder, known as a Majzoob, whose presence was overwhelming. Distressed, Murtaza sought divine guidance, invoking Allah through the intercession of his parents. His prayers were answered when a pious figure guided him to Hazrat Rafiullah Shah. Taken into Rafiullah Shah’s care, Murtaza felt an immediate spiritual awakening. He pledged allegiance within the Silsila-e-Qaadriya Abululaiya Jahangiriya and immersed himself in the teachings of Tariqa, meditation, and the authentic practice of Sharia.
In time, he was granted the caliphate and permission to propagate the Silsila-e-AAlaiyya. Hazrat Murtaza Hassan dedicated his life to the service of faith and community. He established Khanqah-e-Amanat-ul-Anbiya and the Abul-Alaiyya Jahangiriya Jame Masjid between Baldia Town and Orangi Town, creating a sanctuary of learning and devotion that has served the public for more than five decades. He urged followers to respect tradition, emphasizing the continuity of guidance from Hazrat Adam to Hazrat Muhammad, peace be upon them. His counsel was practical and grounded: respect your parents, honor your mother, observe marital responsibilities with reverence to Allah, and avoid sectarian extremes.
He often reminded disciples of Sheikh Saadi’s maxim: “The path is not just about serving the people.” True Tasawwuf and Sufism, he explained, are embodied through acts of service, humility, and moral conduct. Through his teachings, Hazrat Murtaza Hassan reformed hundreds of caliphs and inspired thousands of righteous individuals who continue to spread the beauty of Islam and Sufi practice worldwide. He passed away on December 6, 2002, leaving a legacy of spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and dedicated community service. Today, his memory is celebrated annually on the first day of Shawwal.
His eldest son, Syed Ghulam Imam Mahdi, also known as Taha Shah, oversees the observance at Khanqah-e-Amanat-e-Anbiya, while Professor Dr. Mahmood Alam Asi Khurram Jahangiri, a distinguished religious scholar and columnist, organizes the annual gathering and langar. On December 6, 2024, as in previous years, followers and admirers will come together after Isha prayers at Khanqah-e-Gulshan-e-Jahangiri to commemorate a life devoted to the spiritual elevation of humanity, a life that continues to inspire through the enduring fragrance of faith and devotion.
(The writer is a religious scholar, poet and writer, has done PhD, can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
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