The Legacy of the decendents of Hazrat Ishaan Mahmud
The rich tapestry of the Pirzada Naqshbandi lineage, traces back to the venerable hereditary leadership of the Naqshbandiyya Sufi Order, which traces its spiritual lineage back to the Prophet Muhammad through the first caliph, Abu Bakr, and the way of Ja’far al-Sadiq. Through Hazrat Ishaan Mahmud bin Sharif bin Zia bin Muhammad bin Tajuddin bin Hussein bin Zahra binte Bahauddin Naqshband (1563–5 November 1642) was an influential Sunni saint from Bukhara, Uzbekistan. His title, “Ginai,” was an honorific used by the Khan of Bukhara, Abdullah Khan bin Iskander, and the Mughal Emperor Akbar to address him due to his spiritual leadership and influence in the Naqshbandi Sufi tradition.
Hazrat Ishaan was born in 1563 in Bukhara and was the second son of Khwaja Sayyid Mir Sharifuddin, who himself descended from a long line of Sufi luminaries. His maternal lineage included Ahmad Yasavi and Imam Hussein, connecting him directly to the Prophet Muhammad. Hazrat Ishaan was an accomplished scholar and received permission from his father to study in a royal college. However, his true calling lay in the mystical path. At the age of 23, he received a letter summoning him to accompany his father in his last days. After his father’s passing, he focused entirely on his spiritual quest.
Hazrat Ishaan travelled extensively, meeting other Sufi masters and deepening his understanding of Tasawwuf (Sufi mysticism). He became Shaykh ul Islam in Wakhsh and later met Khwaja Hajji, who introduced him to his future master, Khwaja Ishaq Dahbidi. After twelve years of spiritual training, Hazrat Ishaan reached the level of a Shaykh in Tasawwuf in 1598. Khwaja Ishaq Wali welcomed him as the “Shahanshah-e-Awliya” (Emperor of all Saints of the time).
On Khwaja Ishaq Wali’s advice, Hazrat Ishaan travelled to Lahore to propagate the Ishaqqiya path. However, he diverted to Srinagar in Kashmir, where he attracted many followers. His piety and teachings spread throughout Central Asia, with hundreds of thousands of disciples in Khorasan, Afghanistan, and other regions. Even non-official patrons were drawn to his teachings, a testament to his magnetic spiritual presence.
Hazrat Khwaja Khawand Mahmud (as he was also known) gained fame beyond Central Asia. He was invited by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir to attend his court in Agra. Jahangir, who believed he was born through Hazrat Ishaan’s prayers, held him in high regard. Hazrat Ishaan’s spiritual legacy continued to thrive, shaping the Naqshbandiyya order for generations to come.
The spiritual and familial lineage of Hazrat Ishaan Mahmud is preserved through his descendants, who have continued to carry forward his legacy. Notably, Ghulam Nabi Ginai (Alias Baba) bin Sayyid Ghulam Rasool Ginai (Alias Baba) bin Sayyid Saleh Agha Ginai (brother Sayyid Mir Fazlullah Agha) bin Sayyid Mahmud Agha bin Sayyid Mir Jan Shah bin Khwaja Moinuddin Hadi Naqshbandi bin Hazrat Ishaan Mahmud bin Sharif bin Zia bin Muhammad bin Tajuddin bin Hussein bin Zahra binte Bahauddin Naqshband. The title “Ginai” is still being used by the descendants and the lineage of Hazrat Ishaan Mahmud, while some choose the title “Baba” after the name given to Ghulam Rasool Ginai, also known as Pir Ghulam Rasool, a very noble man.
Pir Ghulam Rasool was a remarkable figure with significant contributions to his community. Married into the “Dupatta Clan” in Fateh Kadal, he dedicated his life to teaching the Quran, maintaining mosques, and “Darazgahs.” His generosity was evident as he sold his land to invest in water connectivity for Malik Aagan in Fateh Kadal, ensuring women did not have to walk miles to fetch water during harsh winters. His disciples remember him with great respect and admiration.
Ghulam Rasool Ginai bin Sayyid Saleh Agha Ginai was affectionately called “Bab,” meaning the elderly and respected. This title became personal to some family members, while others chose the historical title of Pirzada, from a long line of Sufi luminaries and the Silsila-e-Naqshband.
Mystic at a Young Age
One of the unique stories about Hazrat Ishaan involves his early life when, as a child, he was seen interacting with a great mystic. It is said that even at a young age, Hazrat Ishaan had extraordinary spiritual insight and knowledge. During one such encounter, the mystic prophesied that Hazrat Ishaan would become one of the most revered spiritual figures and guide countless people toward the divine path. This encounter set the course for his spiritual journey and the establishment of the Naqshbandi order.
Vision of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
In one mystical account, Hazrat Ishaan had a vision of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In this vision, the Prophet himself bestowed his blessings upon Hazrat Ishaan, affirming the spiritual legitimacy and the responsibility of leading the Naqshbandi order. This experience deeply solidified his dedication to spiritual teaching and the spread of Islamic mysticism. This vision became a pivotal moment in the life of Hazrat Ishaan, and it is said that he carried the essence of this blessing throughout his life.
Healing
Another unique aspect of Hazrat Ishaan’s life was his reputed healing abilities. There are numerous stories of individuals coming to him with ailments, both physical and spiritual, seeking his guidance and healing. One story tells of a man who had been suffering from a chronic illness that no doctor could cure. When this man visited Hazrat Ishaan, he was healed after a short prayer. The man’s sudden recovery became the talk of the community, further adding to Hazrat Ishaan’s reputation as a saint and a healer.
The profound spiritual legacy of Hazrat Bahauddin Naqshband and Hazrat Ishaan finds a lasting presence in the sacred shrines of Kashmir, particularly the Naqshband Shrine in Srinagar. These revered sites serve as beacons of the Naqshbandi teachings, where followers gather for silent remembrance and devotion, echoing the silent dhikr central to the Naqshbandi path. The shrines continue to be places of spiritual nourishment and reflection, drawing visitors from all over, seeking peace and enlightenment. Generations have upheld the sacred traditions of service, humility, and devotion, ensuring that the wisdom of Hazrat Bahauddin Naqshband and Hazrat Ishaan remains alive. The Pirzada family, as descendants, continue to uphold these values and teachings, maintaining the connection to this rich spiritual heritage in Kashmir, embodying the enduring legacy of their illustrious ancestors