Allah says in the Quran:
فِیْ بُیُوْتٍ اَذِنَ اللّٰہُ اَنْ تُرْفَعَ وَ یُذْکَرَ فِیْھَا اسْمُہٗ ۙ یُسَبِّحُ لَہٗ فِیْھَا بِالْغُدُوِّ وَ الْاٰصَالِ
Meaning: (Such niches are) in the houses which Allah has ordered to be raised and that (people) mention His name therein. Exalting (invoking) Him with them in the mornings and in the evenings. (24:36)
Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi articulated that in this verse, ‘houses’ refer to khanqahs. (Awarif-ul-Ma’arif)
Concept Of Khanqah
A Khanqah is any place designed for Sufi gathering. In fact, it is a place for the spiritual training of disciples and devotees. Khanqah originates from the Arabic word ‘Khanegah’ which refers to residence. It is the place of worship for dervishes. The spiritual guide spends time educating his disciples here. Moreover, it is a place where the seekers of Allah practice the invocation (dhikr) of Ism-e-Allah Zaat day and night. Here they get the company and guidance of the perfect spiritual guide which in turn purify their souls. Furthermore, this sacred company of (the Murshid Kamil) enrich the seekers of Allah with the closeness of Allah.
Establishment Of Khanqah Sarwari Qadri
Similar to other spiritual guides of Sarwari Qadri order, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen also laid the foundation of a khanqah for the spiritual training of the seekers of Allah. On the Friday, 23rd October 2009 (3rd, Dhul al-Qadah, 1430 H), Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen established the Khanqah Sarwari Qadri Order. It is located at 4-5/A, Ext. Education Town, Wahdat Road, Lahore, Pakistan. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen set the foundation of this khanqah on the occasion of the Urs (death anniversary) of his spiritual guide Sultan-ul-Faqr VI. This khanqah remained a source of Divine guidance and dissemination of Faqr across the world. It follows the same pattern as of all Sufi Saints of the past. Hence, its doors are open day and night for everyone. It stands as a beacon of inclusivity, devoid of discrimination based on sect, caste, creed, or status.
Objective
The purpose of the establishment of this Khanqah is to educate the seekers of Allah. Moreover, to purge the innerselves the way the previous Sufi saints have done for disciples in the way of Faqr. In this Khanqah, disciples from outside the country also reside for some time. Here they cut off from the world and stay in the company of their spiritual guide.
Use of a khanqah
The main offices of Tehreek Dawat-e-Faqr are currently situated in Khanqah Sarwari Qadri, while the construction of the new offices is in progress at Khanqah Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen. This projection with the grace of Allah is expected to complete in near future, leading to the relocation of the offices at Khanqah Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen (InshaAllah).
Previously, all spiritual gatherings for men took place at Khanqah Sarwari Qadri, while those for women were held at Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s residence. Over time, the male gatherings began drawing large crowds, leading to arrangements being made to accommodate people even on the street. Similarly, the space at Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s house proved insufficient to host the gatherings of women seekers seeking the beneficence of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen.
Why Khanqah Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Was Needed?
The radiant sun of Faqr is ascending with each passing day, drawing thousands of Allah’s seekers towards the benevolence of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, seeking to attain the vision and gnosis of Allah. Consequently, accommodating these seekers within Khanqah Sarwari Qadri became a challenge. Concurrently, the activities and departments of Tehreek Dawat-e-Faqr are expanding, underscoring the necessity for a larger Khanqah.
This is why coherent to the will of Allah, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen directed efforts and arrangements for the construction of a more spacious Khanqah. This comprehensive space encompasses various departments including a mosque, library, Islamic center, computer lab, food and lodging facilities, along with guesthouses for disciples arriving from different cities or countries. The overarching objective of this Khanqah is to familiarize Allah’s seekers with gnosis of Allah and presence in the Mohammadan Assembly, thereby disseminating the true essence of Islam and Mohammadan Faqr worldwide. Indeed, the Faqr which is the true heritage of Prophet Mohammad and is his pride.
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