Syed Shah Muhammad Mahmud Ashraf Ashrafi Al-Jilani

Early Life and Noble Lineage

His Holiness was blessed to be born on July 7, 1964, in the sacred city of Kichhau Sharif, Uttar Pradesh, India. He belongs to the most noble and blessed lineage in Islamic history, being the 40th descendant of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the 27th descendant of Ghaus-e-Pak Abdul Qadir Jilani (may Allah have mercy on him).

Education and Spiritual Training

His Holiness received his foundational Islamic education in the blessed Maktab of Kichhau Sharif, where he was first introduced to the sacred teachings of the Quran and Islamic sciences. He then pursued advanced studies at Jamia Naeemiya Moradabad for a period, gaining exposure to classical Islamic scholarship. Subsequently, he came to the renowned "Jami Ashraf" where he completed his comprehensive studies in Islamic knowledge and the complete Darse Nizamiya syllabus.

Spiritual Initiation and Leadership

After his teaching service, His Holiness took the sacred oath of allegiance (Bay'ah) to his revered grandfather and later to his respected father, receiving spiritual succession in both noble chains. By the blessings and spiritual grace of his elders, His Holiness dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the service of religion and the propagation of authentic Sunni Islam.

After the blessed departure of His Holiness Shaykh-e-Azam (Rahmatullahi Alaihi), he was formally ordained as Sajjadanasheen on June 1, 2012, with the Mashaikh of Khandan-e-Ashrafiya formally acknowledging his spiritual leadership.

Timeline of Major Events

Noble Characteristics and Spiritual Qualities

Allah Almighty has adorned His Holiness with countless blessed qualities, both external and internal. His spiritual personality has been purified with innumerable holy attributes that reflect his deep connection with the Divine and his role as a spiritual guide.

"He is engaged day and night in propagating and spreading the mission of his elders, with the constant purpose of making the activities of this blessed mission permanent and everlasting."- His dedication to the Ashrafia mission

Scholarly Contributions and Research Institutions

His Holiness established the "Syed Mahmud Ashraf Darut Tahqiq" in 2013 and the "Ahle Sunnat Research Center" in 2015 to protect and propagate authentic Islamic beliefs through scholarly works and publications in multiple languages.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

His Holiness Sarkar-e-Kalan loved Quaid-e-Millat deeply, a testament to the special bond and trust that highlighted the spiritual worthiness and capability for his role as a spiritual guide. Now, Quaid-e-Millat is spreading the influence of his elders worldwide, ensuring the continuation of this sacred service.