ShahSufi Habibur Rahman

Shah Sufi Habibur Rahman (1867/1868-1885/1886) was a 19th-century Sufi figure from Chittagong who promoted the Chishti and Madariyya orders. He was the youngest son of Sufi scholar ShahSufi Sharafatullah and the grandson of medieval poet Ali Raza (known name Kanu Shah).

Birth and Family Background

Habibur Rahman was born into Sufi family in Oskhain village, located on present-day Anwara Upazila of Chittagong district. He was the youngest son of ShahSufi Sharafatullah and Syeda Ulfa Bibi. His father, ShahSufi Sharafatullah, was a Sufi figure and scholar of his era, whole his grandfather Ali Raza (known name Kanu Shah) was a prominent personality in Chittagong 's Spiritual and literary traditions. Being the youngest child in the family, he was raised in a religious environment from early childhood.

Literary and Epistemological Contributions Habibur Rahman received his higher education from the religious institution Faizul Bari (established in 1831) in Deyang Pargana, where he gained proficiency in Arabic and Persian. This linguistic background is reflected in his written works. Literary researchers and his followers attribute to him the early usage of Arabic and Persian words in Bengali Sher (one kind of poetry song) and Ghazal poetry. During his lifetime of 35 years, he authored several works, notably "Gyan Pradip", "Dhyan Bahar", and various devotional texts (Wazifa). Additionally, he composed over 200 poems and ghazals set to various musical modes (rags).

Spiritual Life and Philosophy Habibur Rahman received his initial Spiritual education and authorization (Khilafat) from his father, Shah Sufi Sharafatullah. Following his father's death, he succeeded him as the head gaddinashin (Spiritual leadership) . Alongside his regular religious devotions, he frequently visited the shrines of various Sufi saints.

Spiritual attributes and legends Traditional accounts among his followers attribute several miraculous events (Karamat) to his Spiritual life. According to these traditions, the Islamic figure Khidr would appear during his religious devotions to discuss Spiritual knowledge (ilm al-Ma'rifa). Another widely, held belief among his followers is that a distinct fragrance was experienced along the paths where he walked.

Death and Burial Habibur Rahman died on 12 Cahitra 1292 Moghi (C.MArch 1886). He was buried alongside his father, ShahSufi Sharafatullah, in Oskhain village of Anwara Upazila, Chittagong. His shrine (Dargah) is currently located within the Oskhain Dargah Sharif complex.