Mansooruddin Faridi

Khanqah Emadia Qalandaria in Patna occupies a distinguished place in the spiritual and cultural history of Bihar. For centuries, this historic Sufi institution has been a centre of religious guidance, education, social reform and humanitarian service, while fostering communal harmony and national integration.

Today, its 10th Sajjada Nashin (spiritual successor), Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Misbah-ul-Haq Emadi, continues the mission of his illustrious predecessors.

The khanqah was established by Hazrat Khwaja Imaduddin Qalandar, who received the honorific title Badshah from his spiritual guide, Hazrat Fazil Qalandar Sadhori of Sadhora in present-day Haryana. After completing his spiritual training, he returned to his ancestral town of Phulwari Sharif in 1104 AH and dedicated his life to spreading Islamic teachings and uplifting society.

His father, Hazrat Burhanuddin Qadri, bestowed upon him Ijazah (authorisation) and Khilafat (spiritual succession) in the Junaydi order, entrusting him with the leadership of the khanqah. Alongside religious instruction, Imaduddin Qalandar emphasised moral and social reform. His treatise Sirat-e-Mustaqeem, written for the religious guidance of women, is regarded as one of the earliest Urdu works produced in Bihar.

One of the khanqah’s greatest legacies is its remarkable library. Expanded by Hazrat Khwaja Imaduddin Qalandar, it houses nearly 700 rare manuscripts, many handwritten by the Sufi saints themselves. The collection remains an invaluable repository of Islamic scholarship and the intellectual heritage of Bihar.

He also established a tradition of formal learning that survives today through Darul Uloom Emadia, where students from across India receive religious education. The khanqah provides for their education, boarding and welfare, making it an enduring institution of public service.

A centre of literature and spirituality

Successive Sajjadanashins enriched the khanqah’s scholarly tradition. Among them, Hazrat Shah Noor-ul-Haq Tapan stands out as an accomplished Persian and Urdu poet. His four-volume Persian Diwan, preserved in the khanqah library, reflects themes of divine love, spiritual enlightenment and universal brotherhood.

Under his guidance, Khanqah Emadia Qalandaria flourished as an important centre of literary and intellectual activity.

During the tenure of Hazrat Shah Zahoor-ul-Haq, hostility forced the family to leave Phulwari Sharif and settle in Azimabad (Patna City). When he returned to recover their belongings, he discovered that the khanqah, mosque, residential quarters and library had been burnt to the ground.

Although countless rare manuscripts were lost, he succeeded in rescuing several priceless relics, including the Moi-e-Mubarak (the Sacred Hair Relic of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), along with valuable manuscripts that are still preserved today.

A renowned Hafiz, Muhaddith and scholar, Shah Zahoor-ul-Haq is credited with more than 100 works, of which 37 survive. His scholarship earned him a Sanad in Hadith from the celebrated scholar Hazrat Shah Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Dehlavi.

Rebuilding and expansion

The khanqah entered a new architectural phase under Hazrat Shah Ali Amir-ul-Haq, who designed and supervised the construction of the present mosque, assembly hall (Majlis Khana) and residential complex. Despite suffering damage in the devastating 1934 Bihar earthquake, much of its architectural elegance survives.

Later Sajjada Nashins—including Hazrat Shah Rashid-ul-Haq, Hazrat Shah Habib-ul-Haq and Hazrat Shah Sabih-ul-Haq Emadi—strengthened the institution through Qur’anic exegesis, teaching of the Masnavi, theological scholarship, preaching and social reform. Their gatherings of remembrance (Majalis-e-Zikr), Muharram commemorations and Ramadan assemblies drew devotees from across the region.

A modern chapter of service

In the late 20th century, Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Farid-ul-Haq Emadi revived the khanqah’s educational mission by establishing Madrasa Imad-ul-Uloom, later known as Markazi Darul Uloom Emadia. He expanded the mosque, restored historic structures, built the dome over the chamber housing the Moi-e-Mubarak, enlarged the library and revitalised publishing through Idara Rashidia.

Following his demise on 17 March 2001, his son Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Misbah-ul-Haq Emadi became the 10th Sajjada Nashin. A scholar of Arabic with expertise in computer programming, his long association with the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library has further strengthened the khanqah’s academic and literary outlook.

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Today, Khanqah Emadia Qalandaria remains true to its centuries-old mission: promoting religious education, Sufi spirituality, scholarship, communal harmony and compassionate service to humanity. It continues to stand as a beacon of faith, knowledge and social responsibility for future generations.