Overview

Hazrat Shaykh Shahabuddin Umar Suhrawardi May Allah have mercy on him was among the greatest saints, scholars and spiritual reformers of the Muslim world. Through his teachings, writings and spiritual guidance, he established the Suhrawardiyyah Silsilah as one of the major Sufi orders in Islamic history. His masterpiece Awarif-ul-Ma’arif continues to guide seekers, scholars and spiritual aspirants across generations. He was born in the blessed city of Suhraward and received his early education there and in Baghdad, surrounded by faith, knowledge and spiritual inclination from an early age. He is counted among the greatest saints and scholars of the sixth and seventh Islamic century who were known for their deep knowledge, profound wisdom, piety and unwavering commitment to guiding seekers on the path of Allah. He is revered throughout the Muslim world as the leading Shaykh of the Suhrawardiyyah Order.

Full Name

Hazrat Shaykh Shahabuddin Abu Hafs Umar ibn Muhammad al-Suhrawardi.

Titles

Shaykh-ul-Islam. Qutb-ul-Aqtab. Shaykh-us-Suhrawardiyyah. Imamul Auliya. Sadr-ul-Mashaikh.

Date of Birth

539 AH corresponding to 1145 CE.

Birthplace

Suhraward.

Lineage

He belonged to a noble and scholarly family. He was the nephew and distinguished disciple of Hazrat Shaykh Ziyauddin Abu Najib Suhrawardi May Allah have mercy on him, the founder of the Suhrawardiyyah Silsilah.

Early Education

He received his early education in Suhraward and Baghdad. He excelled in both exoteric and esoteric sciences from a young age. He demonstrated remarkable intelligence, piety and devotion.

Islamic Education

He studied and mastered Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Usool-ul-Fiqh, Aqeedah, Arabic Literature, Tasawwuf, Logic and Philosophy under the leading scholars of Baghdad and the Islamic world.

Scholarly Excellence

He became one of the foremost scholars, jurists and spiritual masters of his era. He was recognized as an authority in both Shari’ah and Tasawwuf.

Spiritual Training

He received spiritual training from his uncle Hazrat Abu Najib Suhrawardi May Allah have mercy on him. He succeeded him as the leading Shaykh of the Suhrawardiyyah Order. He spread the Suhrawardiyyah Silsilah throughout the Muslim world.

Sanad-e-Khilafat

He received Khilafat and spiritual authorization from Hazrat Shaykh Abu Najib Suhrawardi May Allah have mercy on him.

Religious and Spiritual Services

He guided thousands of seekers on the path of Allah. He delivered lectures and spiritual discourses throughout Baghdad. He established centers of learning and spiritual training. He combined strict adherence to Shari’ah with authentic Tasawwuf.

Teaching Services

He taught Hadith, Fiqh, Tafseer and Tasawwuf. He trained numerous scholars, jurists and saints. His students spread throughout the Islamic world.

Literary Contributions

His literary works include Awarif-ul-Ma’arif, Adab-ul-Murideen, Risalah fi Tasawwuf and numerous scholarly writings and spiritual treatises.

Awarif-ul-Ma’arif

His magnum opus Awarif-ul-Ma’arif is one of the most celebrated classical works on Tasawwuf. It is widely studied in Islamic seminaries for centuries. It explains the principles of spiritual purification according to the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Prominent Disciples and Beneficiaries

Among his prominent disciples and beneficiaries were Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Ajmeri May Allah have mercy on him through spiritual affiliation and influence, Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariyya Multani May Allah have mercy on him and numerous scholars and saints of the Islamic world.

Influence

The Suhrawardiyyah Order spread throughout Iraq, Persia, Central Asia, India, Syria and Anatolia. His teachings greatly influenced Islamic spirituality and scholarship.

Character and Virtues

He was renowned for humility, wisdom and piety. He combined deep spirituality with scholarly excellence. He was respected by rulers, scholars and common people alike. He dedicated his life to serving Islam and guiding humanity.

Recognition

He is counted among the greatest saints and scholars of the sixth and seventh Islamic century. He is revered throughout the Muslim world as the leading Shaykh of the Suhrawardiyyah Order. His writings remain authoritative references in Tasawwuf.

Wisaal Passing Away

1 Muharram 632 AH corresponding to 1234 CE.

Place of Wisaal

Baghdad.

Mazaar Sharif

Tomb of Shahabuddin Umar Suhrawardi, Baghdad.

Legacy

Hazrat Shaykh Shahabuddin Umar Suhrawardi May Allah have mercy on him was among the greatest saints, scholars and spiritual reformers of the Muslim world. Through his teachings, writings and spiritual guidance, he established the Suhrawardiyyah Silsilah as one of the major Sufi orders in Islamic history. His masterpiece Awarif-ul-Ma’arif continues to guide seekers, scholars and spiritual aspirants across generations.