A Journey to Meet Shaikhe Tariqat, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Qamaruz Zaman Sahib (Hafizahullah)
By: Khursheed Alam Daud Qasmi
True Heir to the Spiritual Legacy of Shah Wasiullah:
Shaikhe Tariqat, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Qamaruz Zaman Sahib Allahabadi (Hafizahullah), is a renowned spiritual guide, a distinguished Islamic scholar and the author of hundreds of scholarly and spiritual works. He holds the honour of being both one of the foremost spiritual successors (Khalifahs) and the esteemed son-in-law of the celebrated elder of the Indian subcontinent, Hazrat Maulana Shah Wasiullah Sahib (Rahimahullah). Maulana Allahabadi received his Islamic education directly under the supervision of Hazrat Shah Wasiullah Sahib (RA), within the spiritual atmosphere of his Khanqah. He mastered the sciences of the Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, Tafsir and other Islamic disciplines. Alongside his academic pursuits, he also traversed the spiritual path (Suluk), undergoing inner purification and self-reformation under the close guidance of his spiritual mentor, Hazrat Shah Wasiullah (Rah.). As a result of this rigorous spiritual training, Maulana Allahabadi was granted Khilafah (spiritual succession), becoming the true custodian of his mentor’s spiritual legacy. This time, Hazrat Maulana Allahabadi’s contributions in the fields of Islamic knowledge and spirituality continue to be held in high regard by both the general public and learned scholars. After the passing of Hazrat Shah Wasiullah Sahib (Rah.), Maulana Allahabadi established a spiritual connection with another prominent Shaikh of his time, Hazrat Maulana Ahmad Partabgarhi (RA). He too honoured him with spiritual succession and authorization, thus granting him the distinction of representing two eminent Sufi lineages.
Hazrat Maulana’s Recent Visit to African Nations:
Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Qamaruz Zaman Sahib (Hafizahullah) resides in Allahabad, India, where his Khanqah is established. There, he remains fully engaged in the service of Islam and the spiritual path. Several religious and educational institutions operate successfully under the guidance of this great personality. Beyond India, hundreds of sincere seekers from around the world maintain a spiritual connection with Maulana Allahabadi through the bonds of spiritual allegiance (Bay’at) and guidance. His disciples and spiritual successors (Khulafaa) are actively engaged in spiritual work across numerous countries. In the last ten days of July 2025, Maulana Allahabadi embarked on a tour of several African countries, particularly Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Among his distinguished spiritual successors in Zambia are Hazrat Maulana Iqbal Pandor Sahib (DB) and Hazrat Sheikh Shahid Matala (DB), founder and chairman of our organization, Moon Rays Trust. Both are diligently spreading Maulana Allahabadi’s spiritual and scholarly teachings in the region. During this recent tour, Maulana stayed in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, for five days at the invitation of Maulana Iqbal Pandor Sahib. He arrived in Zambia on 23rd July 2025 and departed on 27th July. During his stay, he conducted sessions of Bayat, spiritual guidance and reformative gatherings, benefiting the people of the locality through his wisdom and presence.
A Journey to Meet Hazrat Maulana Allahabadi:
On the blessed occasion of Hazrat Maulana Qamaruz Zaman Sahib's visit to Zambia, the chairman of our institution, the esteemed Sheikh Shahid Motala Sahib (Hafizahullah), traveled from Mpulungu to Lusaka along with his son, Mufti Abrar Ahmad Motala, to meet the Shaikh. Inspired by this opportunity, Mufti Mohammad Noman Patel, Mufti Mohammad Asif Azmi Qasmi and I consulted with one another and decided to undertake the journey ourselves to benefit from Hazrat’s presence, listen to his words of wisdom and request him for Duaas. Thus, on the night of 24th July 2025, at around 3 a.m., our journey to Lusaka began. The people accompanying were Mufti Muhammad Noman Patel, Mufti Muhammad Asif Azmi, Hafiz Khalid, Sheikh Yaseen, this humble author and some other companions. This was not merely a physical journey for a meeting; it was a spiritual quest, a journey to meet an Ahlullah and to derive benefit from his presence and talks.
Stay in Lusaka:
Our accommodation in Lusaka had been arranged by Mr. Farooq Motala Sahib, a trustee of Moon Rays Trust. However, due to the large number of guests present at the time, we decided to stay at the residence of Maulana Muhammad Akram Qasmi. Accordingly, our lodging was finalized there. We arrived at Maulana Muhammad Akram Sahib’s house around 10 p.m. As he was traveling in India during those days, he was not personally present to receive us. However, we were warmly welcomed by his elder brother Mr. Muhammad Akbar, Maulana Abu Talha Qasmi, Mr. Abdullah, and other friends. Their reception was filled with sincere love and warmth. After settling in and attending to basic needs, we were served dinner. Brother Muhammad Akbar had prepared a wonderful meal with great care, love and attention. The heartfelt hospitality, delicious food and their gracious manner of service left a deep impression on us lifting our spirits and refreshing our hearts. After offering the Isha Salaah, we retired for the night.
Hazrat Maulana Allahabadi’s Address at Masjide Noor:
On the morning of 25th July, we woke up and performed the Fajr Salaah. After a short while, we had breakfast and then set off to attend Hazrat Maulana Allahabadi’s scheduled programme and spiritual gathering. That very day (25th July 2025) Hazrat Maulana Allahabadi was scheduled to deliver a Bayaan at Masjide Noor, located in the Emmasdale area of Lusaka. We arrived at the Masjid before time, performed ablution, offered Sunnah Salaah and engaged ourselves in the recitation of the Glorious Qur’an. Prior to Hazrat’s arrival, the respected Maulana Irfan Achhodi delivered a speech. When Hazrat entered the Masjid, he addressed the gathering for a few minutes with heartfelt sincerity, sharing words of wisdom based on the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS): “Ad-Deen An-Naseehah” (Religion is sincere advice). His brief yet impactful talk offered the listeners a profound reminder. Following Hazrat’s remarks, Maulana Irfan Achhodi delivered the Friday sermon (Khutbah), after which the Friday prayer was performed. Once the Salaah and Sunnah were completed, a large number of attendees eagerly lined up to greet Hazrat. We, too, were blessed with the opportunity to meet and shake hands with him right there in the Masjid.
A Gathering After Maghrib Salaah:
A gathering was held after the Maghrib Salaah at the house of Hazrat Maulana Iqbal Pandor Sahib, where the esteemed Shaikh, Maulana Qamaruz Zaman Allahabadi (Hafizahullah), delivered a discourse. The gathering was attended by a large number of people from all walks of life. The programme began with a recitation of the Glorious Qur’an. Following that, the respected Maulana Irfan Achhodi recited a heartfelt and spiritually uplifting poem. After praising Allah and sending salutations upon the Prophet (SAWS), Hazrat Maulana commenced his Majlis.
The central theme of the gathering revolved around the Qur’anic Aayah: “Success is really attained by him who purifies it.” (Ash-Shams: 9) Expounding on the concept of success (Falaah), Hazrat referenced the interpretation of his own Shaikh, Hazrat Shah Wasiullah (Rahimahullah), who defined Falaah as: “A state in which a person receives sustenance without hardship and is granted the ability to act with sincerity.” Hazrat emphasized the importance of purifying the soul (Tazkiyatun Nafs) and explained that it is through remembrance of Allah that this purification is achieved. While interpreting a Hadith, he stated that among all the false deities worshipped besides Allah, the worst in His sight is a person’s own desires. Hazrat added that as long as one is enslaved by personal desires, attaining closeness to Allah remains extremely difficult.
The Spiritual Session of Bay‘ah:
After the gathering and concluding supplication, an announcement was made inviting those who wished to take spiritual allegiance (Bayah) to come forward. Those who were interested moved closer to Hazrat and sat near him. Hazrat addressed them with humbleness and clarity, stating:
“Taking Bay‘ah is not obligatory, but it is essential to listen to the teachings of religion from the people of knowledge. If your heart inclines toward it, you may take Bay‘ah; otherwise, there is no compulsion.” He then guided those taking the oath through a series of spiritual affirmations. These included: Repenting from all forms of Shirk (polytheism) and disbelief, commitment to regular Salaah and fasting, fulfilling obligations such as Zakat and Hajj and avoiding sin and sincerely repenting for any past transgressions. After this brief yet deeply meaningful exchange, Hazrat offered a short Duaa, marking the conclusion of this spiritually uplifting session.
Dinner and Stay:
After this gathering, we, along with our companions, went to Masjide Noor and performed the Isha Salaah. The dinner invitation was from Hazrat Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Jasat and Uncle Sanaullah Patel Sahib. They took us, accompanied by Maulana Qari Muhammad Afzal Sahib, Head of the Islamic Department, Madrasa Rehmania, Great East Road, Lusaka, to a special dining place where we were treated to a lavish feast with a variety of dishes suited to our tastes. After dinner, they dropped us off at around ten o’clock at night at Maulana Muhammad Akram Sahib’s house, where our stay was arranged. JazahumuAllahu Kheiran!
In this journey, our fellow travellers had already planned to benefit from Hazrat Sheikh’s gathering and sermon, and then proceed to attend the national Tablighi Ijtima to be held in Chapata. Accordingly, the next day, that was Saturday, 26th July 2025, we departed for Chipata. ••••
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