Shaykh Tajuddin Sambhali
Shaykh Tajuddin Sambhali (d. 1642) was perhaps the first disciple of
Khwaja Baqi Billah, having entered his fold during his visit to Sambhal.
When Baqi Billah returned to India and settled in Ferozabad, he visited him
often, though he continued to reside in Sambhal. After Baqi Billah’s death,
he was eclipsed by the fame of Ahmad Sirhindi. Subsequently he went to
Arabia, where he spent most of his life, the remainder of that period being
spent in Egypt. He made a number of disciples and spread the order far and
wide both in Arabia and Egypt. He wrote a number of books and translated
several books from Arabic.
Shaykh Tajuddin’s great success was mostly due to the fact that Shaykh
Muhammad‘Ilan (d. 1622), a famous saint and ascetic associated with Haram
(the Kabah), was interested in the Naqshbandi order and became his disciple.
Even the Governor of Basra came under his influence. Shaykh Tajuddin
ultimately bought a tract of land near the Sacred Mosque and stayed there
for the rest of his life. He died at the age of 99 and was buried in Makkah.
Shaykh Abdul Haqq Muhaddith
Shaykh Abdul Haqq Muhaddith (1551-1642) of Delhi was one of the
most eminent disciples of Khwaja Baqi Billah, though he was also initiated
into the Qadri order.
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Basically a scholar, he concentrated on academic
work. Having developed a special interest in the traditions of the Prophet,
he devoted his entire life to studying and propagating the authentic traditions.
He not only taught at the seminary, but also wrote about sixty books on a
number of religious themes.
As far as the history of Sufism on the subcontinent is concerned, his
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See the chapter on the Qadri order, where Abdul Haqq Muhaddith is also discussed
Th e Na q s h ba n d i Or d e r 168
