17th Muharram: Urs of Maulana Shaykh Muhammad Effendi Al-Yaraghi, 34th Grandshaykh of the Golden Chain

Bismi Llāhi r-Raḥmāni r-Raḥīm

The 17th of Muharram marks uroos/passing of Maulana Shaykh Muhammad Effendi Al-Yaraghiق.

Heق was the 34th Grandshaykh of the Naqshbandi Golden Chain.

Maulana Shaykh Muhammad Effendi Al-Yaraghiق was a pious Imam, honored and respected by all. He unveiled the treasures of knowledge and revealed the refined code of conduct that governs the path of spiritual seekers. His many sayings served as a guidebook for those journeying on the way to God.

From his forehead shone the light of heavenly knowledge. He was known for his courage in resisting the Russian imperialists of his time. His faith was pure and his piety genuine. He showed humility to all people and bore the marks of spiritual perfection, having brought his ego under complete control.

He called others to follow the Naqshbandi Sufi path and to support it not only with words, but through action and sincerity of heart. He was like a garden blooming with roses, drawing seekers like bees to gather the nectar of his wisdom and produce the finest honey. People flocked to his door, yearning for the happiness of this world and the next.

He was himself a sign of divine support, with miraculous knowledge of the inner states of his followers. He guided them to attain the perfect station of Divine Love. He was a great Sufi master, a deeply realized knower whose name was known across all the lands surrounding Daghestan. His fame reached Turkey, Persia, and many countries of the Arab world. His heart was filled with sincerity and a gentle, purified spirit.

He was learned in both the outward and inward sciences. He was a scholar of the Qur’an and Hadith and mastered Islamic jurisprudence. Beyond the religious sciences, he also excelled in chemistry, astronomy, and logic. He was considered a reference point in every field of knowledge.

He trained thousands of mureeds. By day, he taught them military strategy for resisting Russian aggression. By night, he instructed them in spiritual discipline. He barely slept, resting no more than two hours each day. His nourishment was often limited to water, and he wore only a single woolen robe. His name was known throughout Daghestan. He lived during the time of the notorious tyrant, Shah Shamus, the Governor of Daghestan.

He was born in Kural, in Shirwan, Daghestan, on a Tuesday, the 2nd of Dhul-Qi’dah in the year 1191 Hijri, corresponding to 1777 AD. He was tall, fair-skinned, with a white beard and green eyes. His voice was soft and gentle.

Leslie Blanch writes in her book Sabres of Paradise that Shaykh Muhammad Effendi al-Yaraghiق was the spiritual guide of Imam Shamil an-Naqshbandiق. During their struggle against the Russians, he directed Imam Shamilق in matters of military strategy and tactics, a role later taken up by Sayyid Jamaluddin al-Ghumuqi al-Husayniق.

Shaykh Yaraghiق was known for his ability to foretell events, and his predictions always came true. When the blind and disabled came to him seeking prayer, they would be healed. When the poor came to him, they would often find their conditions transformed for the better after his supplications.

He passed away on a Wednesday, the 17th of Muharram, in the year 1265 Hijri, corresponding to 1848 CE. Before his passing, he appointed Sayyid Jamaluddin al-Ghumuqi al-Husayniق as his spiritual successor, entrusting him with the secret of the Naqshbandi path, which he had received from their common Shaykh, Sayyidina Isma‘il ash-Shirwaniق, in accordance with the command he had received from him.

Tonight, do send gifts of Surah Al-Fatiha and Yasin to our 34th Grandshaykh of the Golden Chain, Maulana Shaykh Muhammad Effendi Al-Yaraghiق.

With Love, Al-Fatiha.

To learn more about the month of Muharram and the day of Ashura, please click here.

Wassalam.