Sheikh Sachi Muhammad Naqshbandi

Sheikh Sachi Muhammad Naqsbandi was a prominent 17th-century Sufi saint and Islamic preacher. He played a key role in spreading Sufism and particularly Naqsbandi order across in the Chittagong region. Known for his spiritual wisdom and character, he held a respected place in the society of his time.

Life and Lineage Sheikh Sachi Muhammad Naqsbandi was born around 1686 AD (6th Muharram 1097 AH / 1047 Maghi). His father was Sheikh Bachir Mahmud. He was a direct descendant of Abu Bakr, the first Caliph of Islam. When he was born, the Chittagong region was under the control of the Arakan kingdom. He was a scholar of the Quran, Hadith and Islamic law (fiqh). He played a key role in preaching Islam throughout the Arakan and Chittagong regions, and many people converted to Islam through his teachings and guidance. He was also known for his great generosity- he donated half of his inherited land, 80 out of 160 dauns ( a local unit of land measurement), to religious and charitable causes.

Family life and Descendants He married Sayyida Zobayda Khanam, who was also knows as 'Ma Paran Bibi'. Zobayda Khanam was a descendant of Abdul Qadir Gilani and Abdur Rahim Maghfuri. After their marriage, he settled in the 'Gontobyo Joar' (Sabujgram) area of Chittagong. The couple had a son named Syed Ali Raza (Kanu Shah), who later became a renowned medieval poet and Sufi Saint. Ali Raza wrote a verse biography of his father in 'Shahnama', the third volume of his famous epic Gyansagar. When Ali Raza was just 13 years old, Sheikh Sachi Muhammad granted him the Khilafat (spiritual leadership) and Khilka (spiritual robe), naming him his spiritual successor. Before 1575, Pakha Khan moved from Gaur to the Chakrasala region of Chittagong along with his three sons. His descendant and Sheikh Sachi Muhammad's father, Sheikh Bashir Muhammad Khan al-Naqsbandi , played a leading role in preaching Islam in Chittagong during that period. According to historical accounts, Nawab Khan Bahadur became his disciple and, out of respect, gifted him 160 dauns of tax free land to support his work. Sheikh Sachi Muhammad later inherited this vast estate.

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Death and Burial ​Sheikh Sachi Muhammad Naqshbandi passed away 13 January 1780 AD (14th Muharram 1193 AH / 29th Poush 1141 Maghi). According to his last wish, he was buried on the eastern side of the pond dug by his disciple Buye Khawaja in Oskhain village of Anwara Upazila, Chittagong. Every year on 13 January, his annual Fateha and Urs ceremony are observed at the Gausia Rahmania Maula Manzil of Oskain Darbar Sharif in Anwara, Chittagong. Numerous devotees and followers from home and abroad attend this event.

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