Introduction: Hazrat Khwaja Qamaruddin Sialvi (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ)
Written by: Syed Hamza Ahmad Shah Bukhari, Astana Aaliya Jalalpur Sharif
Name and Lineage
His name was Khwaja Muhammad Qamaruddin Sialvi, and his title was Sheikh-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen. His lineage is as follows:
Khwaja Qamaruddin Sialvi, son of Khwaja Muhammad Ziauddin Sialvi, son of Khwaja Muhammaduddin Sialvi, son of Khwaja Muhammad Shamsuddin Sialvi.
Birth
Hazrat Khwaja Qamaruddin Sialvi was born on 15th Jumada al-Awwal 1324 AH (1904 AD) in Sial Sharif, District Sargodha, Punjab, in the house of Khwaja Muhammad Ziauddin Sialvi.
Education and Learning
His early education and training took place under the guidance of his grandfather, Khwaja Muhammaduddin Sialvi (Sani La-Sani). Unfortunately, his grandfather passed away when he was only four years old.
At the age of 4 years, 4 months, and 10 days, he was sent to Hafiz Kareem Bakhsh of Pohla for memorization of the Quran. Later, he studied religious sciences at his family's Khanqah's madrasa, Zia Shams-ul-Islam, under Mufti Azam Allama Syed Ahmeduddin Gangohi and other scholars, including his father.
In 1346 AH, he traveled to Madarsa Usmania Dar-ul-Khair in Ajmer, where he became a student of Moinuddin Ajmeri. Later, his father invited Maulana Ajmeri to Sial Sharif, and he continued his studies under him, finally obtaining his graduation certificate in 1351 AH (1932 AD).
During Hajj in 1356 AH (1938 AD), he received Hadith certifications from prominent scholars:
Qazi Sheikh Abu Bakr Al-Nabahi of Andalusia (Madinah Munawwarah)
Sheikh-ul-Hadith Allama Amro Mamdan Al-Makki (Makkah Mukarramah, Madarsa Solatiya)
A Life of Struggle and Devotion
His father trained him in horse riding, archery, and swordsmanship to instill bravery and resilience.
Spiritual Leadership (Bay'ah and Khilafah)
He took Bay’ah (spiritual pledge) in the Chishti Nizami Order under his father, Khwaja Muhammad Ziauddin Sialvi, from whom he also received spiritual succession (Khilafah).
Additionally, Khwaja Muhammad Hameed Tunsevi also granted him Khilafah. After his father’s demise, he became the spiritual successor (Sajjada Nasheen) of Sial Sharif, fulfilling his role with utmost dedication.
Titles and Honors
He was honored with many prestigious titles, including:
Embodiment of Spirituality
Sun of Shariah
Moon of Tariqah (Spiritual Path)
Crown of the Kingdom of Faqr (Spiritual Poverty)
Lover of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
Knower of Allah (Arif Billah)
Man of Reality (Mard-e-Haqiqat Aagah)
Successor of Peer Sial Lajpal
Sheikh-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen
The British government once conferred upon him the title of "His Holiness", which was a great religious honor at that time. However, he tore the letter and said, "I need no honor greater than being a servant of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and being associated with my master Peer Pathan (Khwaja Shah Muhammad Suleman Tunsevi)."
Scholarly Excellence
Khwaja Qamaruddin Sialvi guided thousands of lost souls to the path of righteousness. He stood firm against false sects to protect the faith of simple and devoted Muslims.
He was fluent in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Saraiki, and Punjabi, delivering continuous speeches in all these languages. He had an exceptional memory, recalling details from books he had read years ago.
Additionally, he had profound expertise in comparative religion and engaged in debates with Christian scholars, defeating even prominent Christian priests through his knowledge and eloquence.
Political Contributions
He was a symbol of moral integrity and a true successor to his spiritual ancestors. He was equally respected among scholars and spiritual leaders.
In 1970, amidst a severe crisis in Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan (JUP), he was unanimously elected as its President. Under his leadership, JUP achieved significant milestones.
He played a crucial role in resettling refugees and personally funded the establishment of many homes for migrants.
During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, he donated all his savings to the defense fund and instructed his followers to contribute as well. He even gave up his family's jewelry for the country and advised his disciples to recite Qunoot-e-Nazila (a special supplication during hardships).
He was highly self-respecting and honorable. Despite being a member of the Islamic Ideology Council, he never accepted a salary. He even paid for his travel expenses himself rather than taking money from the government.
Notable Disciples (Khilafah Holders)
Khwaja Ghulam Fakhruddin Gangohi
Justice Peer Muhammad Karam Shah Bhera Sharif
Khwaja Ghulam Rabbani Shah Gilani, Qamarabad Sharif
Khwaja Peer Syed Muhammad Zakir Hussain Shah Chishti Sialvi, Dharkana Sharif, Chakwal
Literary Contributions (Books and Writings)
Mazhab-e-Shia
Balagh-ul-Mubin
Tahqiq Fi al-Talaq
Tanveer-ul-Absar Taqbeel-ul-Mazar
Salah al-Asr
Tableegh-ul-Qaum Fi Itmam al-Saum
Demise
He passed away on 17th Ramadan 1401 AH (20th July 1981 AD) and was laid to rest in Sial Sharif, District Sargodha. His shrine is a center of spiritual blessings for people from all walks of life.
Spiritual Successor (Sajjada Nasheen)
After his passing, his son, Khwaja Muhammad Hameeduddin Sialvi, became the Sajjada Nasheen (spiritual heir) of Sial Sharif.
Role in the Anti-Qadiani Movement (Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Movement, 1953)
During the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Convention held in 1953 at Barkat Ali Islamiya Hall, Hazrat Khwaja Qamaruddin Sialvi, known for his courage and devotion, gave a powerful speech:
"The issue of Qadianis will not be solved through mere discussions. Just give me the command, and I will personally deal with them. Within a few days, I will wipe Rabwah off the face of the earth!"
This statement reflects his unyielding passion for defending the finality of Prophethood (Khatm-e-Nabuwwat) and his readiness to act for the sake of Islam.
Hazrat Khwaja Qamaruddin Sialvi was a legendary scholar, spiritual leader, and patriot, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Muslims worldwide.