Draft:Syed Mohammed Arifuddin Jeelani Chishti Qadiri

Sheikh Syed Mohammed Arifuddin Jeelani also known as Syed Noorullah Shah Noori Chishti Qadiri (Arabic: شيخ السيد محمد عارف الدين الجيلاني المعروف نور لله شاه نوري) was a prominent spiritual figure in the Chishti Qadiri Sufi tradition, notably associated with the Silsila Nooria located in Hyderabad, India. He served as the spiritual successor (Jansheen) to Sheikh Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin Noori Shah Jeelani Chishti Qadiri and held the position of hereditary administrator (Sajjadanashin) of Dargah Hazrat Syed Noori Shah during his lifetime.

Born on June 21, 1937 (11th Rabee' al Thani, 1356), in Dabirpura, Hyderabad, Sheikh Arifuddin hailed from a distinguished Syed lineage that connecting to Baghdad, Iraq. Sheikh Arifuddin's ancestry included both Hasani and Husaini lineage from his paternal and maternal sides. His mother, Fatima Begum, was the daughter of Shah Syed Abid Husaini, the maternal brother of the renowned healer Abdul Hafeez Maysoori. Over time, he acquired various titles, including Noorullah Shah Noori, Qutub al Mashaikh, and Noor al Irfan.

Early Life
Sheikh Arifuddin's involvement in the Sufi tradition and structured education commenced under the guidance of his father, Sheikh Syed Ahamed Mohiuddin Noorishah Jeelani who was a renowned 20th-century muslim, sufi, wali, mystic, orator, faqeeh, theologian, mujaddid and highly acclaimed Islamic scholar of the Qadri, Chisti order from the Indian sub continent. He dedicated himself to supporting his father across diverse responsibilities, participating actively in Khanqah operations to ensure the provision of necessities for spiritual disciples (Murideen) and overseeing construction projects.

Education
Sheikh Arifuddin underwent formal education instructed by Ra'ees al Ulama Hazrath Allama Moulana Syed Shah Tahir Rizvi, the son of notable scholar Prof. Syed Ibrahim Adeeb. Through this instruction, Sheikh Arifuddin gained competence across multiple Islamic disciplines.

Initiation and Spiritual Teaching
Sheikh Arifuddin began his spiritual journey under the guidance of his father and spiritual mentor, Noorul Mashaikh. He formally commenced this journey by undertaking Bai'at under his father's supervision in a ceremonial gathering attended by prominent Sufi leaders and poets, signifying the initiation of his spiritual progression.

Khilafat
Sheikh Arifuddin was conferred with Khilafat and the title of Sajjada Nashin (hereditary successor) in 1962. This event was observed by distinguished religious scholars in the region, including individuals such as Hazrat Moulana Sahvi Shah (Sajjada Nasheen, Silsila Kamalia Ghousia, and son of Peer Ghousi Shah), Muhaddis-e-Dhakhen Abdullah Shah Naqshbandi, Sheikh al Islam Hazrath Moulana Syed Muhammed Badshah Husaini, Sheikh al Masha'ikh Hazrath Moulana Syed Farid Badshah Qadiri, Shams al Mufassirin Hazrat Moulana Syed Umar Aamir Kaleemi Shah Noori, Moulana Muhammed Abdul Basheer Faizi Shah, and Hazrath Moulana Syed Mukhtar Hashmi Bilali Shah of Gulbarga.

Legacy and Contributions
Following his assumption of leadership, the Khanqah in the Hyderabad played a pivotal role in facilitating the expansion of Silsila activities and offered sanctuary to individuals seeking spiritual enlightenment. The tradition of conducting Chilla Kashi, a 40-day program of spiritual instruction with the Sheikh, strengthned by his efforts and through this program Khilafat, signifying spiritual succession, was bestowed upon individuals deemed suitable to perpetuate the transmission of spiritual teachings. Many of these successors have diligently served in various regions globally, contributing to the active network of Silsila Nooria, notably in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Sheikh Arifuddin Jeelani played a key role in establishing numerous Masjids, Khanqahs, Madrasas, and colleges, fostering centers for the dissemination of both spiritual and secular knowledge.

Sheikh Arifuddin Jeelani undertook extensive journeys across diverse regions to propagate the message of Tawhid (divine unity), Risalat (the prophethood of Muhammad) and the Sufi teachings. His travels included visits to various parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, as well as cities such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Pune. Additionally, he conducted international visits to countries such as the UAE, Oman, KSA, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, aiming to disseminate Sufi message globally.

Construction of Rauza Nooria
 Construction of the Dargah Hazrat Noorul Mashaikh Syed Noori Shah Jeelani Chishti Qadiri commenced shortly after the passing of Sheikh Arifuddin's father and spiritual guide, Noor al Mashaikh. Over time, the Dargah Sharif has become a prominent mausoleum in India, visited by numerous individuals on a daily basis. In addition to the Dargah Sharif, the presence of Masjid al Arif and Baith al Arif Khanqah adjacent to it has also attracted numerous devotees, offering them places of refuge and spiritual retreat.

Educational and Healthcare Initiatives
Jamia Arifia Nooria was established by Sheikh Arifuddin Jeelani which aimed to provide children with a comprehensive education covering both religious and secular subjects, with degree programs available up to the level of Moulavi Kamil. Additionally, Sheikh Arifuddin established a college dedicated to the memorization of the Qur'an (Hifzul Qur'an) as part of the educational initiative. The Al Arif Unani Hospital and Research Centre established by Sheikh Arifuddin to promote traditional medicine and affordable healthcare for the needy people. Inaugurated by Hyderabad's famous Islamic scholar, Mufti Azeemuddin Sahib, the hospital offers complimentary medical services, serving as a vital resource for underprivileged individuals. Alongside Unani treatments, the hospital also provides allopathic healthcare options.

Pilgrimages
Sheikh Arifuddin established an annual tradition of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages for his followers. These pilgrimages, attended by a large number of participants, including Khulafa and Murids, hold significant spiritual value, reflecting Islamic principles. Additionally, Sheikh Arifuddin led the pilgrimages to renowned Sufi sites such as the Dargah of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani in Baghdad, Iraq, the Dargah of Ajmer Sharif, Gulbarga Sharif, and Hazrat Nizamuddin for Sufi followers. During these journeys, he also engaged in charitable activities as Langar distribution as tribute to his spiritual predecessors.

Family


Sheikh Arifuddin had eleven children from four wives, comprising four sons and seven daughters. Notably, his son Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin Jeelani Noori Shah Saani Chishti Qadiri was appointed as his spiritual successor (Janasheen) in H. 1428 and later conferred with the Khilafat and the title Noori Shah Saani in H. 1434. Additionally, his other sons, namely Syed Muhammed Mazharuddin Jeelani (Madani Pasha), Syed Muhammed Shamsudheen Jeelani (Ali Pasha), and Mohammed Ghousuddin Jeelani (Ghousi Pasha), actively participate in the global dissemination of Sufi teachings.

Death
Sheikh Syed Mohammed Arifuddin Jeelani Noorullah Shah Noori passed away on 13 March 2022 (3 Sha'ban) at the age of 88. His resting place, known as Dargah Hazrat Syed Arifuddin Jeelani Noorullah Shah Noori Chishti Qadiri, is located in Noori Maskan, Bandlaguda, Hyderabad, India.