Khanqah & Talqeen
A sacred journey of spiritual purification, divine remembrance, and closeness to Allah
Introduction
North East India Emarat e Shariah and Nadwatut Tameer firmly believes in Ilm e Tasawwuf, the spiritual science that focuses on the purification of the soul and the strengthening of a believer's relationship with Allah. Spiritual purification is essential for removing the stains of sin from the human heart and for developing sincerity in worship and character.
For this purpose, the organization has arranged various spiritual programs such as Zikr and Azkar, Talqeen e Asbaq, and Halaqah e Zikr. Through Zikr, the heart becomes purified from the darkness of sins and the believer becomes blessed with closeness to Allah. The virtues and benefits of remembering Allah have been repeatedly mentioned in the Qur'an and Hadith.
Allah has highlighted the importance of Zikr in many verses of the Qur'an, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has also emphasized it in numerous traditions.
Through Zikr, spiritual exercises, and the guidance of a qualified Murshid (spiritual guide), a person gradually attains spiritual knowledge and develops a deeper connection with the Creator. Under the direction of a true Murshid, a seeker (Salik) progresses step by step toward spiritual excellence.
Revival of Authentic Tasawwuf
At one time in the North Eastern region, many superstitions and misleading practices were spreading in the name of Tasawwuf. Many people were being misled by false spiritual leaders who exploited them under the guise of spirituality.
Seeing these distortions, the renowned spiritual scholar and reformer Hazrat Maulana Abdul Jalil Choudhury (RA), a distinguished disciple and Khalifa of Shaikhul Islam Hazrat Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madani (RA), became deeply concerned. After the passing of his Shaikh, he took practical steps to revive the authentic teachings of Tasawwuf among the Muslim community.
With this objective, he established a Khanqah (spiritual training center) in 1989 to guide people toward true spiritual discipline and closeness to Allah.
Following the spiritual tradition of Hazrat Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (RA) and Hazrat Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madani (RA), he encouraged people to practice the Isbat–Nafi Zikr of the Chishtiya Silsila. He accepted Bay'ah (spiritual pledge) from seekers and organized Talqeen e Asbaq gatherings at regional, district, and state levels to train the seekers (Salikin) in spiritual practices.
Development of Zikr Gatherings
In the early years, regional committees arranged Halaqah e Zikr in selected mosques of their respective areas. Members of the organization along with the general public participated in these gatherings. Over time, these gatherings expanded significantly. Today, weekly and daily Zikr gatherings are held in many mosques across the North Eastern region.
Training Outreach
From the beginning of the organization, special teams regularly visited different areas to train seekers in the proper methods of Zikr and spiritual discipline. These programs have played a vital role in spreading spiritual awareness and strengthening the religious commitment of the community.
Administration of the Talqeen Department
Hazrat Shaikh Badrpuri (RA) appointed Janab Abul Basar as the Secretary of the Talqeen e Asbaq Department for the entire North Eastern region. He traveled extensively across the region and carried out these responsibilities with dedication until the year 2000.
The renowned Muhaddith and spiritual personality Maulana Faizul Jalal served as the Central Mulaqqin, guiding the Talqeen activities throughout the region.
After the passing of Maulana Faizul Jalal, this responsibility was carried out by the second Naib Ameer e Shariat of North East India, Hazrat Maulana Abdul Mukit, who served from 2010 until 5 February 2015.
The responsibility of conducting and supervising the Talqeen activities is carried out by the Central Mulaqqins, who guide and coordinate these spiritual programs across the region. The department is currently supervised by the Central Secretary, Maulana Choudhury Hibbur Rasul Usama Mabrur.
Central Mulaqqins
Spiritual Training of the Salikin
Members of the organization encourage Muslims to take Bay'ah in the spiritual paths of the Chishtiya, Sabiriya, Naqshbandiya, and Mujaddidiya Silsilas and to pursue the knowledge of Tasawwuf.
Many members of the organization took Bay'ah from the first Ameer e Shariat, Hazrat Maulana Abdul Jalil Choudhury (RA), and later from the second Ameer e Shariat, Hazrat Allama Tayeebur Rahman Barbhuiya (RA), striving to attain closeness to Allah through spiritual discipline.
After the passing of the second Ameer e Shariat in 2019, the leadership of North East India Emarat e Shariah is now carried forward by the present Ameer e Shariat, Hazrat Maulana Yousuf Ali.
To facilitate the spiritual development of disciples, 378 Mulaqqins have been appointed at regional, district, and central levels. The Ameer e Shariat also authored a guidebook titled "Salikin der Tarbiyat Bidhi", which contains detailed instructions for the training of seekers. This book is distributed only to the Mulaqqins, who use it to guide the Salikin in their spiritual practices.
Talqeen gatherings are organized in different regions either monthly or quarterly, through which many seekers are gaining deeper understanding of Tasawwuf and progressing in their spiritual journey.
Khanqah Tradition
The founder of the organization, Hazrat Shaikh Maulana Abdul Jalil Choudhury (RA), established a spiritual training center known as a Khanqah in 1959 for the spiritual development of his disciples and seekers.
The Alakulipur Mosque, located near his residence, was selected as the central Khanqah. Since its establishment, the Khanqah has been organized every year during the last ten days of Ramadan.
Participants performing I'tikaf in the Khanqah follow a disciplined spiritual routine that includes prayer, recitation of the Qur'an, Zikr, spiritual exercises, and guidance from scholars. The schedule is carefully designed so that every moment is spent in meaningful spiritual activity.
Many seekers have experienced spiritual inspiration and blessings in this sacred environment. The practice of Tabir e Ru'ya (interpretation of dreams), a Sunnah tradition, is also observed during the Khanqah. On the morning of 27th Ramadan after the Fajr prayer, selected seekers are granted Ijazah (authorization) in the spiritual path.
Activities of the Khanqah
Network of Khanqahs
Following the model of the Alakulipur Khanqah, several Khanqahs have been established across North East India and Bangladesh. These centers continue to guide seekers in their spiritual journey.