April 11

Shah Bahauddin Naqshband

April was a day unprecendented in the Naqshbandi Sufi Order, as Mawlana Shaykh Nazim, Mawlana Shaykh Hisham, accompanied by their family members and students, hosted by the Minister of Religious Affairs Dr. Fozilqari Sobirev and the Mufti of Bukhara Shaykh Abdul Ghaffur, proceeded to the Maqam, Madarasa and Mosque of Shah Bahauddin Naqshband Muhammad al-Uwaysi al-Bukhari, for whom the Naqshbandi Sufi Order was named, Master of this Tariqat and the Shaykh of the Golden Chain

It is related that, when Sayyiddina Shah Naqshband was a young man, he went to Mecca to perform his obligatory pilgrimage. When he arrived, he was met by Sayyiddina Khidr, who blessed him with his teachings and granted him a new cane as a gift. In Bukhara, this cane grew into a beautiful tree that gave shade to the area around Shah Naqshband's tomb for hundreds of years. Today, this great old tree lies prone, as a cane set aside while its owner takes rest. [If you follow the gesture of Mr. Darsot, on the right, you can see that the wood of the tree forms the name of God in Arabic.]

A tremendous crowd had gathered at the traditional teaching center (madrasa), awaiting the arrival of the shaykhs. This maqam, and that of Imam Bukhari, are the most respected and most frequently visited among all those in Uzbekistan.

At the graveside of Shah Naqshband, Mawlana Shaykh Nazim made extensive invocation asking Allah for the sake of the saint buried in the maqam for mercy, blessings and safety for the Ummah of the Prophet (s),

As Mawlana continued in long du`a, the gathered people began weeping, sharing in the enormous manifestation of Divine Mercy that showered upon them.

Those who pressed close to the marble walls of the maqam were astonished at the intense scent of musk wafting off the hard rock surface.

Others, fortunate to partake of the blessed waters of the well which emanates from this blessed site, were astonished to find the water tasted just like that of the well of ZamZam, next to the Ka`aba.

These Naqshbandi "old-timers" were overjoyed to see the Shaykh and the mureeds from around the world, gathered at the Grandshaykh's maqam, seeking his baraka.

The Shaykh proceeded from the maqam to the madrasa, still in use as an Islamic teaching institute, passing the large pond of Shah Naqshband. 

Near the pond is an ancient tree, lying flat, whose shape clearly outlines the names "Allah Muhammad".

There Mawlana Shaykh Nazim addressed the gathered attendees, mostly teachers, for lack of space to accommodate the young students.

He spoke as always, of the importance of Uzbekistan in the Islamic situation of the world, and its duty to bear the flag of sincerity and perfect character, based on the Prophetic teachings of tolerance, respect, brotherhood and most importantly, love.

From the madrasa, the entire group moved to the Mosque of Shah Naqshband. This high-domes mosque was endowed with a sublime serenity. 

The mosque quickly filled up for Salat al-Dhuhr.

After Salat everyone present took baya`.

In the women's mosque, the ladies of the Naqshbandi Order of Bukhara sang beautiful salawats in honor of our beloved Prophet (saws). [View Windows Media File] 

The visages of the older, religious men of Bukhara never ceased to impress us - their light, their smiles, their obvious piety, shown forth like lamps.

At the conclusion of the visit (ziayarat), the crowd surged through the gate of the madrasa.

Lunch was served to the official ISCA delegation at the home of Shaykh Abdul Ghaffur.

Traditional clay oven situated in the house's courtyard. Here bread is baked and all the family's food is cooked, as in most Uzbek homes..

Khawaja Ali Ramitani

The tour group then proceeded to the maqam of Khawaja Ali Ramitani, fourteenth in the Naqshbandi Golden Chain, known by the honorific "al-Azizan". His leadership of the lineage was famous for his introduction of loud Dhikr.

There, Mawlana was given an assist up the steep stairs. Entering the maqam, three graves were present, the Shaykh and two of his sons.

There, in the maqam, everyone renewed their oath of allegiance on the Naqshbandi Sufi path.

Sayyid Muhammad Baba As-Samasi

From al-Azizan, the group moved to the maqam of Sayyid Muhammad Baba As-Samasi, his spiritual successor., and 15th Grandshaykh of the Naqshbandi Golden Chain.

Again, here Mawlana Shaykh Nazim made an extended du`a, seeking Allah's mercy and shelter for the Ummah of the Prophet, peace be upon him.

As-Sayyid Amir Kulal

The entire entourage then made their way by bus and limousine to the maqam and mosque of As-Sayyid Amir Kulal, Shah Bahauddin's shaykh and 16th in the Golden Chain. 

First all prayed Salat al-Maghrib. 

Then proceeded to down a long lane, past the waqf gardens...

to the grave of Sayyid Amir Kulal where Mawlana Shaykh Nazim made further du`a.

Following this hectic schedule, the ISCA delegation made their way back to the Mufti of Bukhara's lovely home where a large dinner was served and all were able to relax.