Al-Idah 35 (Dec.

, 2017) Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhund Darwaiza… 29

Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhūnd Darwezah: Mughal Agents or

Popular Saints

 Shāhbaz Khan
 Dr. Himayatullah Yaqubi

Abstract:

The Sixteenth century proved an eventful period with regard to

the Mughal-Pakhtūn relations in the north-western borderland
region. Besides the political tug of war it witnessed a clash of
religious nature between the two Ṣūfī saints of the area namely
Bāyazīd Anṣārī and Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī Aliās Pīr Bābā. Settled
in the pre-dominantly anti-Mughal Pakhtūn abode Bāyazīd
Anṣārī was an opponent of the Mughals in his political
orientation in religious jargon. Pīr Bābā challenged his Ṣūfic
interpretation based on the Waḥdat al-Wūjūd concept of
Islamic mysticism. Their confrontation of mystic traditions gave
birth to a debate that whether Pīr Bābā had confronted Bāyazīd
for religious reasons or he was working for the interests of the
Mughals. The present article aimed at to investigate the matter
and to establish a factual position. It would further be explored
to understand the nature and contents of the conflict that
whether it was religious or otherwise.

Keywords: Bāyazīd Anṣārī, Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī, Akhūnd

Darwezah, Roshaniyya Movement, Mughals, agents
_________________________________________________

Introduction:
In Islamic mysticism two basic concepts of Waḥdat al-Wūjūd and Waḥdat al-
Shūhūd are much popular among the Ṣūfīsaints and mystics. It was in the middle
of the sixteenth century that the Pakhtūn borderland area witnessed a pro-long
and tough conflict between the two religious personalities. Bāyazīd Anṣārī lived
in Kāṇīgurām who initiated a religio-sufic movement namely the Roshaniyya
Movement. He resisted not only the Mughal dominancy in the area but also


Assistant Professor, Pakistan Study Centre, University of Peshawar

Research Fellow, National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research, Quaid-i-
Azam University, Islamabad.
Al-Idah 35 (Dec., 2017) Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhund Darwaiza… 30

challenged the traditional concepts of Islamic jurisprudence and Ṣūfīorders. His

controversial beliefs stirred strong reaction from the traditional ʿUlamā and
mystics. His religious beliefs came under scrutiny which was often debated
among the ʿUlamā which gradually generated heated discourses. In the initial
phase of his movement he faced tough resistance from his father and local
muftis. A few orthodox religious scholars of his area condemned Bāyazīd for his
wrong religious beliefs. However, his beliefs penetrated into the main stream
Pakhtūn population and thousands of people joined his movement. Gradually, he
mobilized people on two planks i.e. Roshaniyya concept of Islamic Sufism and
anti-Mughal connotation.1
Considerable number of Pakhtūns became followers of Bāyazīd Anṣārī who
were ready to lay their lives for the cause of Roshaniyya movement. He
gradually emerged a popular figure who could challenge not only famous
ʿUlamā but also the Mughal dominancy at least in the borderland areas. Pīr Bābā
in a later stage also opposed him for his controversial Islamic and mystic beliefs.
He was a popular saint who settled among the Yūsufzai Pakhtūns in Buner area.
He wielded utmost respect and influence on his followers. His father was
Mughal commander in the army of Bābur and Humāyūn. Due to this Mughal
connection some of the authors are of the view that as Bāyazīd was an opponent
of the Mughal rule; therefore, Pīr Bābā tried to minimize his influence on the
instigation of the rulers. This charge leveled against Pīr Bābā and his disciple
Akhūnd Darwezah, triggered a discussion whether they opposed Bāyazīd for
religious reasons or they work to protect the interests of the Mughals.
To establish a logical conclusion based on the available sources it would be
rather extremely necessary to understand the nature of the conflict between the
two saints. The matter would be looked from various angles to understand its
different paradigms. To understand the crux of the issue i.e. it is extremely
necessary first to check the relationship between the Mughals with the three
saints who played crucial role in the whole phenomena. These saints were
Bāyazīd Anṣārī, Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhūnd Darwezah. To make the issue
more precise and understandable it is pertinent to discuss brief sketches, political
and religious backgrounds of the three personalities, involved in the issue and
the events which shaped up the problem afterwards.
Bāyazīd Anṣārī:
Bāyazīd Anṣārī was born in 1525,2 in the house of Abdullah, a religious scholar
and local qāzī of Kāṇīgurām, a town situated in the South Waziristan agency of
the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The family of Abdullah was
settled in Jalandhar in the present day Indian Punjab. Bāyazīd was born in
Jalandhar but owing to the Mughal attack on Delhi in 1526 he along with his
mother migrated to Kāṇīgurām. Therefore, he spent his early days in the
company of his father and other relatives in the town. Bāyazīd was an intelligent
boy who was interested in learning from his childhood;3 however, due to
domestic problems he failed to get proper education in his hometown.4
Al-Idah 35 (Dec., 2017) Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhund Darwaiza… 31

There are different versions of Bāyazīd early education. Majority of the Pakhtūn
writers are of the view that he got little formal education in Kāṇīgurām and
Jalandhar. Since, his family environment was tense and acquiring education in
the prevailing atmosphere was rather impossible for him. His father was more
inclined towards his first wife Fatima. This attitude of his parents led to some
sort of internal strife in the family. It was an eventful period for him. At
Jalandhar he was deprived of the love of his father and in Kāṇīgurām he was
dispossessed of the motherly care.5 Although Bāyazīd failed to get formal
education but right from his childhood he showed interest in learning. He used to
read religious texts and mystical literature. He kept himself aloof from the
society and indulged in mystical practices. He underwent excessive meditations
(chillas) in his house. In the field of mysticism he was often in search of "Truth".
With the passage of time he became a mysterious figure in his locality. He used
to avoid unhealthy activities and abstained himself from meaningless gossiping.
He restricted his daily routine only to learning and mystic practices. He often
asked questions like "the heavens and earth are here, but where is God".6
Bāyazīd had heard from some Mashāikh (Saintly guides) that perceiving the
"Truth" is possible through the guidance of a Pīr-i-Kāmil 7 (perfect spiritual
guide). He, in this connection, wanted to become a disciple of Shaikh Ismā‘īl but
his father did not approve this idea as according to him he had more religious
knowledge and considered it shameful for him if his son had become a disciple
of an Ismā‘īlī saint.8
Shaikh Ismā‘īl was the son of Shaikh Khudadād, his affectionate uncle. Owing to
religious differences and family politics he was always opposed by his father in
this adventurism. ‘Abdullah's warning prevented Bāyazīd from doing so;
however, he followed his path in mysticism. He began to eat less, sleep less,
avoiding mixing with people, and remember Allah all the time.9 He had the
divine inspiration suggesting him to seclude himself at home for a period of five
consecutive years, during, which he should remember Allah and get proximity
with him.10 This was one of the longest meditations he underwent at his home.
During this period he was helped by his wife Bibi Shamsu, his first cousin and
the daughter of Shaikh Ḥasan. It was a period of mystical experiences for him.
He observed metaphysical things which drastically changed his ideas about life
and mysticism.
On the authority of Ṣirāṭ al-Tauḥīd, Abdul Akbar Khan reported that Bāyazīd
believed in the concept of Pīr-i-Kāmil. He listened sermons of learned men and
spent life according to the principles of Islam and sayings of the Holy Prophet
(SAW). From the start, a life of austerity was pursued with complete abstinence
from all sorts of sins. Apart from other things he liked Ṣūfīmusic. He held the
belief that truth could not be ascertained without a spiritual guide. He mentioned:
Translation: Understanding and consistent search of truth is
obligatory upon every individual. Worship, obedience, good deeds
Al-Idah 35 (Dec., 2017) Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhund Darwaiza… 32

have no value without knowing of Allah. And achieving this is

difficult without a Pīr-i-Kāmil.11
After a year and a half Bāyazīd heard a Divine Voice "O Bāyazīd if a
sincere seeker comes to you and seeks sincerely the path, which you have
adopted, inform him of the fact that many lamps are illuminated from one lamp
and its light is increased."12 He considered it a call from Allah to propagate his
ideas among the people. After this Bāyazīd claimed himself to be a Pīr-i-Kāmil
and started calling people to his path (his way of Sufism). Many people became
his disciples and took oath of allegiance to him. Many of them used to set with
him in the meditation at his home. Even some women developed interest in his
ideas. It sounds strange that a person who was in search of Pīr-i-Kāmil, suddenly
announced that he himself was Pīr-i-Kāmil.
Some people accepted Bāyazīd's call and became his disciples. They propagated
the ideas among the people through which the popularity of Bāyazīd spread to
far-flung areas. Ulama (religious scholars) like Maulana Zakariya and Shaikh
Awriā accused Bāyazīd for spreading un-Islamic ideas among the public. People
were divided due to some of his religious beliefs. Maulana Zakariya accused him
of claiming himself a perfect spiritual guide and being divinely inspired 13 while
Shaikh Awriā, after meeting Bāyazīd, accused him of creating disruption among
the public by declaring Muslims as disbelievers.14
During this time Bāyazīd also sent one of his disciples Khalifa Dawlat to Mughal
emperor Akbar. He presented him the message of Bāyazīd and his book Sira-tu-
Tawhid. He was received warmly in the court by Akbar himself. He was
accorded royal reception. It is stated that Akbar took interest in his ideas. Khalifa
Dawlat was given with precious gift for his Pīr. Akbar even told him that he is
ready to take the oath of allegiance to Bāyazīd but it would not be possible for
him to formally visit him due to political expediencies.15 It clearly indicates that
even in the start of his movement Bāyazīd established cordial relations with the
Mughals.
Bāyazīd believed in the Islamic traditions of Sunnah and Ijma. In his scholastic
discussions, he argued with examples from history, Sufic traditions, quotations
from Holy Quran and Aḥādīth. He was a perfect religious man with sharp
intelligent and inquisitive mind. His objective was to realize the spirit of prayers
and rituals. He was a bold missionary and practised what he thought to be
correct.
Through meditations, he wanted to find the right path towards Tauḥīd (belief in
oneness of Allah) and passed through different experiences. He became seriously
engaged in invoking mentally the divine name (Ism-i-A‘ẓam). It has been stated
that he heard the voice from the unknown and received inspiration from God. A
number of writers are of the view that he came across various stages and
discovered many new dimensions in spiritualism through revelation from God.
He was instructed to indulge in secret remembering of Kalimah Tayyebah during
Al-Idah 35 (Dec., 2017) Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhund Darwaiza… 33

meditations. Later, he was asked to understand the true meaning of Kalimah and
unshakable faith in the unity of God. In fact, it was revealed upon him that:
In the phase of Sharī‘at the meaning of Kalimah is that there is no
God but Allah. In the second stage which is Tarīqat it means that
there is no endeavour of human being but to seek Allah. In the next
step which was called Haqīqat the meaning of Kalimah is that
nothing exists except Allah16
Bāyazīd, afterwards, left his native land and embarked upon a journey to
enlist more people as his disciples. He visited places like Tīrāh, Peshawar and
Hashtnaghar etc. He was slowly and gradually making followers who would in
coming days give a whole hearted support to him in his political struggle against
the Mughals.
War between the Roshaniyyas and the Mughals:
The term Roshaniyya was coined and referred to the followers of Bāyazīd. The
followers of Bāyazīd called him Pīr Roshan or enlightened Syed. After some
time the movement became popular with the name of Roshaniyya Movement. It
was after this word that Mullah Zangī, an opponent of Bāyazīd, referred to him
Pīr Ṭarīq or Darkened Syed.17 The relations between the Roshaniyya and the
Mughals remained cordial as far as the religious matters were concerned,
however, later on their relations soured when a specific incident took place. A
caravan moving from India to Kabul was attacked by the followers of Bāyazīd
on the pretext that instead of doing business they should be worried about the
Day of Judgment.18 The aggrieved party, after reaching Kabul, reported the
incident to Mirza Hakim, Governor of Kabul, and told him that Pakhtūns had
gathered under the leadership of Bāyazīd Anṣārī and had raised arms.19 The
Governor without any enquiry ordered a prompt action against Bāyazīd.
Although the latter condemned the act of his followers,20 nevertheless, it fell on
deaf ears as the Mughals were bent upon to teach him a lesson.
Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī
Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī Aliās Pīr Bābā, was born in 150221, in the town of Qunduz (a
city in the present day Afghanistan). He originally hailed from the town of
Tarmiz situated in Uzbekistan. His last name ‘Tirmidhī’ refers to his ancestral
area. Syed Qambar Alī Shāh, father of Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī, was a relative of
Bābur and Humāyūn and one of his high ranked commanders in the Mughal
army. When Zahir-ud-Din Babar decided to conquer India, he ordered his son
Humāyūn to join him from Badakhshan. Syed Qambar Alī and Syed ‘Alī
Tirmidhī, along with Humāyūn, came to India. It was in 1526 at Panipat, exactly
one year before the birth of Bāyazīd that Babar defeated Ibrahim Lodhi, the last
Lodhi Afghan monarch and established the Mughal dynasty of India. Syed ‘Alī
Tirmidhī was a witness to that change of dynasties when the Mughals replaced
Lodhi Pakhtūns in 1526.
Al-Idah 35 (Dec., 2017) Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhund Darwaiza… 34

Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī, right from his childhood, was inclined towards religion and
mysticism. The victory of Babar over Ibrahim Lodhi brought a drastic change in
Tirmidhī’s way of thinking. He was surprised that God took the kingship from
one and gave it to other and he came to the conclusion that the world was very
transitory in its nature. After this it was not possible for him to waste his
precious time and in his heart he resolved to travel in the world and search for
eternal solace and satisfaction. He wanted to search the true meaning of Islam
and to indulge the worship of his beloved Allah.22 He, with his father’s
permission, embarked upon on a journey in quest of his mystic goal. Syed ‘Alī
Tirmidhī visited different religious and spiritual persons and Khānqās (shrines).
He met with many sufis in various regions just for quenching his thirst of
knowledge. He finally arrived at Ajmer (India) and became the disciple of
Shaikh Sālār Rūmī. Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī fully benefitted from the company of his
spiritual guide and was able to gain sufficient religious education and spiritual
training from Sālār Rūmī. He was trained in different orders of Sufism during
this period. He learnt Islamic fiqh (Jurisprudence), philosophy, history and study
of Quran and revealed religions. He was a capable disciple who took unbounded
interest in Sufism and mysticism. After the completion of his studies, he was
advised by Sālār Rūmī to guide the people to right path in some mountainous
area. This was proved to be the initial encounter with Sufism in which he
exhibited much interest.
Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī set out from Ajmer towards Kashmir, as he thought that was
the area his Pīr (spiritual guide) had indicated to him. On his way he arrived at
Pind Dado (Pind Dadan Khan) in Gujrat present day Punjab and stayed there for
some time. When the people of that village came to know about the spiritual
stature of Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī, they did not let him go. The people of area
requested him to establish a madrasa and educate them in the true path. He then
started educating people in religious and spiritual matters. It was the time period
when the Pakhtūns in India again resurged under the leadership of Sher Shāh
Suri.23 Initially he defeated Humāyūn in Bihar and then kicked him out form
Agra and Delhi. Humāyūn fled from India towards Persia. Syed Qambar Alī
accompanied him during this journey. It was here that Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī met
his father who, after the defeat of Humāyūn (1540) at the hands of Sher Shāh,
was going back to Persia via Kabul. He received his father who requested him to
go with him to his native land. But Syed Alī refused his offer and decided to
dedicate his life to mysticism and learning.
Afterwards, Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī, decided to visit Shaikh Sālār Rūmī in Ajmer,
but on his arrival there, he came to know about the death of his spiritual guide.
He spent some time in Ajmer and benefitted from the company of Ṣaḥibzādah
Ḥussain, son of Sālār Rūmī. Ṣaḥibzādah Ḥussain, reminded to Syed ‘Alī
Tirmidhī, the instructions of Sālār Rūmī and he once again embarked upon a
journey in search of the desired destination.
Al-Idah 35 (Dec., 2017) Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhund Darwaiza… 35

Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī, on the way to his destination, stayed in Peshawar with two
of his disciples, Saifullah and Malik Gadai, who had met him in his first visit to
Ajmer. They requested him to stay in their area, so that their people may benefit
from his knowledge of Islam. Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī, after a stay of one year in
Duaba (present day Shabqadar, Charsadda) intended to go to Tirmidh, but his
followers requested him not to go on account of the activities of two false Pirs
(guides) who were misguiding people, in Yūsufzai area (Buner), in the garb of
religion. The disciples of Alī Tirmidhī wanted him to go to Yūsufzai area and
help the poor people against the false Pirs. The false Pirs namely Tayyab and Pīr
Walī, would listen to music and arranged gatherings participated by both males
and females. They were also involved in certain other un-Islamic practices.24
Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī, therefore, went to Yūsufzai area and started calling people to
the right path. His efforts bore fruits and people thronged him. It was due to his
dedicated struggle that the influence of the false Pirs diminished.
Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī married the sister of Malik Dawlat Khan of the same area.
Sons and daughters were born to him of that marriage and he then realized that
Shaikh Sālār Rūmī had indicated towards this area for preaching because after
raising a family it had become his permanent abode. He, after a few years, went
to Qunduz, to see his parents but his father had died by that time whereas his
mother was still alive. He spent some time with his mother and with her
permission came once again to the Yūsufzai area, where he died at the age of
eighty one years.
Akhūnd Darwezah:
Akhūnd Darwezah was born in 1533 in the house of Shaikh Gadai. He was a
Turk25 by decent but his forefathers, for a long time, had lived among different
Pakhtūn Tribes. Shaikh Sa‘adi, grandfather of Akhūnd Darwezah, had migrated
with Yūsufzais to modern Khyber Pakhtūnkhwa. When Yūsufzais captured Swat
and Buner around 1514, Shaikh Sa‘adi received share in land along with other
Pakhtūns because of the respect he enjoyed among them. It is not exactly known
that where was Akhūnd Darwezah born but it seems that his birth had taken
place somewhere in Buner.26 Akhūnd Darwezah, from his childhood, had
inclination towards religion. Initially he failed to get proper education but, later
on, he realized his deficiency and went to a few learned religious scholars like
Syed Mesar Ahmad, Mullah Zangī and Mullah Sanjar to make up for his
deficiency and to learn sufism. But his thirst for knowledge remained
unquenched and he, therefore, journeyed to Hindustan as well. Akhūnd
Darwezah, through the good offices of his teacher Mullah Sanjar, has met Syed
‘Alī Tirmidhī, sometime between 1552 and 1554.27 He was extremely impressed
by his piety and knowledge. He afterwards took his oath of allegiance. Alī
Tirmidhī trained Akhūnd Darwezah in his Sufic path and he later on became one
of his trusted Khalifas (deputies).
Al-Idah 35 (Dec., 2017) Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhund Darwaiza… 36

Debates of Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhūnd Darwezah with Bāyazīd Anṣārī
Bāyazīd Anṣārī, as mentioned earlier, had sent a pamphlet regarding his religions
thoughts to Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī. However the latter denounced it and in the
words of Akhūnd Darwezah, said: “The Afghan regions have been afflicted with
mighty trials and tribulations. Only God knows whether or not these afflictions
will be done away with. For such trials and tribulations could not be dispelled
without the mighty force of the Muslim kings. The truth of the matter is that the
independent Afghan regions are devoid of a Muslim ruler. The exposition of
Islam is the task of the Ulama (Religious Scholars) whereas its implementation
is the task of the Muslim kings.28”
Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhūnd Darwezah considered it as their religious duty to
protect the Pakhtūns from the onslaught of Bāyazīd’s religious beliefs. Akhūnd
Darwezah, in his book, referred to the unawareness of Pakhtūns regarding
Bāyazīd’s beliefs and said: “Though they (Pakhtūns) had love for Sharī‘at but
did not know about the wrong beliefs of Bāyazīd Anṣārī.29” They considered
Bāyazīd a heathen saint whose aim was at to exploit the love of Pakhtūns with
the true religion of Islam. In this connection both the parties arranged several
debates (munāẓaras) in various places. The topics of these discussions ranged
from basic Islamic concepts to Sufism, oneness of Allah, Waḥdat al-Wūjūd and
Waḥdat al-Shūhūd.
Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhūnd Darwezah came to Hashtanaghar (Charsadda)
for a debate with Bāyazīd. Akhūnd Darwezah writes that: “he and Syed Alī
Tirmidhī, with their arguments, silenced Bāyazīd but even then he did not leave
his heretic beliefs”.30 Akhūnd Darwezah, for the second time, came alone to
Hashtanaghar and had an argument with Bāyazīd but could not convince him.
Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhūnd Darwezah, once again visited Hashtnaghar for a
debate with Bāyazīd but this time he did not appear before them. It was there that
the teacher (Mullah Zangī) of Akhūnd Darwezah suggested the name Pīr Ṭarīq
for Bāyazīd.31 Afterwards, the opponents called him the Apostle of darkness in
contrast to Pīr Roshan (The Apostle of light).
Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhūnd Darwezah Mughal Connection: Myth or
Reality:
A number of writers have come up with the idea that Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and
Akhūnd Darwezah were playing the role of the agents of the Mughal rulers.
They are of the view that since Bāyazīd was and anti-Mughal Pakhtūn leader
who wanted to revive the Pakhtūn authority on this area, therefore, Mughals
implanted their agents to weaken the Roshaniyya Movement through religion.
Hence they termed Pīr Bābā and Akhūnd Darwezah as Mughal agents. Allah
Baksh Yūsufī, in his book writes that as the mother of Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī
belonged to the Mughal Royal family and his father was an officer in the
imperial army Syed ‘Alī, therefore, had a soft corner for the Mughals in his
heart. 32 He further states that the Mughals wanted to cement their political
position in the Pakhtūn majority areas but could not do so in the presence of
Al-Idah 35 (Dec., 2017) Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhund Darwaiza… 37

Roshaniyyas, although Pīr Bābā (Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī) and his followers tried
their level best to damage this movement on the pretext of its being un-Islamic.33
He has, in fact, tried to give the impression that Syed Alī was planted by the
Mughals to oppose the Roshaniyya Movement as it was a hindrance in the way
of the political designs of Mughals in the Pakhtūns borderland. Abdul Akbar
Khan Akbar, another critic of Syed Alī and Akhūnd Darwezah, is of the view
that both, Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhūnd Darwezah were the well wishers of
Emperor Akbar.34 He, in other words, tries to say that they were protecting the
Mughal interests in the region. The above mentioned claims, however, need
analysis in the face of the new facts.
Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī was so moved by the large scale massacre and changes of
political power from the Pakhtūns to the Mughals in 1526 that he decided to
leave the material world and entered into the spiritual arena. He lost interest in
politics, war games and gaining material advantages out of it. Despite his father
persuasions he declined to accompany him towards Delhi and Agra. This is
evident that he did not, any more, enjoy the temporal affairs, what to talk about
siding with the Mughals. Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī, even before opposing Bāyazīd
Anṣārī, had stood up against Pīr Tayyab and Pīr Walī in the Yūsufzai area when
they were found indulged in some un-Islamic practices. It is a clear proof that
Bāyazīd was not the first one who faced the opposition of Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī
rather; he opposed everyone who went against Sharī‘at (Islamic Code of
conduct). The fact of the matter is that Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī, neither received any
reward from the Mughals nor did he keep any contact with them.35
Yūsufzais, among whom Syed ‘Alī lived, had not raised any objection
against him in spite of the fact that they were deadly opposed to the Mughals.
The Yūsufzais, rather, approved and spread his message. Akhūnd Darwezah, in
his book Makhzan, lamented Akbar for his ignorance of Islam,36 which speaks
for itself that they were not the agents of the Mughals but challenged every
single person who deviated from the right path. It is mentioned by some writers
that when Akhūnd Darwezah failed to defeat him through discussion, he invited
Mohsin Khan, naib governor of Kabul, to take a strong action against Bāyazīd.
Akhūnd Darwezah wanted to punish Bāyazīd for his “un-Islamic” preaching. But
there is no evidence to prove the authenticity of this allegation. Rather Akhūnd
Darwezah himself remained the target of the Mughal atrocities in a number of
times. At the time of the Mughal’s invasion of the Yūsufzai area he migrated to
Peshawar along with other people. Had he been in contact with them then
definitely he would have been rewarded and safely evacuated. These allegations
are polemic which contains no historical truth. Besides, there is no evidence to
support that Akhūnd Darwezah was in constant contact with the Mughals. These
are mentioned in a number of studies which seem as passing references. There is
no evidence to authenticate the claim that he invited the Mughals to crush the
Roshaniyyas. It was rather Bāyazīd’s activities which attracted the wrath of the
authority against him at Kabul.37
Al-Idah 35 (Dec., 2017) Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhund Darwaiza… 38

It is very much evident that Bāyazīd himself wanted to establish relations with
the Mughals. Initially, he has sent his Khalifa towards Akbar who introduced his
message in the Mughal court and then accepted hefty gifts from the side of
Akbar. Contrary to the claims made by these scholars Bāyazīd provided strategic
support to Akbar in replacing his step-brother Mirza Hakim from the throne of
Kabul. Akbar wanted to create troubles for him in the Pakhtūn borderland area
through the tribes. And Bāyazīd served that purpose of Akbar very well.
Secondly, when a number of Bāyazīd’s sons were killed in fighting against
Hamza Khan it was a hard time for the followers and successors of Bāyazīd.
Only Jalālah, Bāyazīd younger son survived during that hour of trials. He took
shelter in the court of Akbar. Jalālah was presented to Akbar at the fort of Attok
by some well-wishers and then Akbar took him away to Agra. So it is also a
clear indication that actually they were in contact with the Mughals not Pīr Bābā
or Akhūnd Darwezah.
The arguments given above prove that Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhūnd
Darwezah opposed Bāyazīd Anṣārī for purely religious reasons and they did not
have any political motives in front of them. At the same time it is wrong to state
that both were planted by the Mughals, because their opponents have failed to
bring forth any documentary proof in favour of the claim.
Conclusion:
The Mughal connection of Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhūnd Darwezah, since
long, has been a debatable issue. The supporters of Bāyazīd Anṣārī consider him
the pioneer of the Pakhtūn nationalism, as he had stood up against the Mughals.
The fact of the matter is that he had launched a Movement, which was initially
religious and Sufic. A specific incident gave it political color otherwise he had
no issue with the Mughals.
As far as the question of Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī's Mughal connection is concerned it
is an undeniable fact that he left the material world after the defeat of Ibrahim
Lodhi, because according to him the world was very transitory in its nature and
he resolved to travel in the world in the search of Allah. It suggests that he had
very little interest in material gains and what to talk about becoming a Mughal
agent.
Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhūnd Darwezah opposed Bāyazīd Anṣārī, for purely
religious reason. Prior to that Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī had taken action against two
false Pirs, who had no regard for Islamic norms and were involved in some un-
Islamic practices. It is also true that Syed Alī had made efforts to convince
Bāyazīd by arranging dialogues with him which indicates towards the fact that
he had opted for a peaceful method for resolving the issue. He, otherwise, could
have opted for an armed tussle with Bāyazīd, as he too enjoyed the support of
Pakhtūns. Akhūnd Darwezah, in his book, has lamented Akbar for his ignorance
of Islam which is yet another proof that both were not the agents of the Mughals
whatever they did was purely on religious grounds. Moreover Syed ‘Alī and
Akhūnd Darwezah inhabited among the Yūsufzais who were the opponents of
Al-Idah 35 (Dec., 2017) Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhund Darwaiza… 39

the Mughals. Had both the above mentioned personalities been the agents of the
Mughals, Yūsufzais would have not tolerated them in their area.

Notes and References:

1
For a detailed study see Himayatullah Yaqubi, Mughal-Afghan Relations in
South Asia: History and Development (Islamabad: National Institute of
Historical and Cultural Research, 2015).
2
Kaikhasru Asfandyar, Dabistan-i-Mazahib, Urdu Trans, Rasheed
Ahmad (Lahore: Idara-i-Saqafat Islamia 2002), 312.
3
Sher Afzal Khan Barikoti, Bayazid Ansari (Lahore: Millat Educational
Printers, n.d), 84.
4
Abdul Qudoos Qasmi, Introduction, Khair-ul-Bayan of Bayazid Ansari,
2nd ed (Peshawar: Pakhtu Academy, Peshawar University), 42.
5
Himayatullah Yaqubi, ‘Conservative Sufism in the Pakhtūn Borderland:
Bayazid Ansari and Roushaniya Movement’ Journal of South Asian and Middle
Eastern Studies, Villanova University USA.
6
Kaikhasru Asfandyar, 312
7
Yar Muhammad Maghmoom Khattak, The Rowshnites & Pashto
Literature (Peshawar: Pashto Academy, University of Peshawar, 2005),
87.
8
Muhammad Abdul Qudoos, Bayazid Rokhan, Vol.11 No.1 (July-October
1957), 24-35.
9
Mir Wali Khan Mahsud, Introduction, Maqsud-al-Mumunin of Bayazid
Ansari (Peshawar: Khyber Printers, 1980), 3.
10
Ibid., 104.
11
Abdul Akbar Khan Akbar, Rokhaniyan da Mughalo Ṭqrīqyan [Pashto]
(Peshawar: Idara Ishaat-i-Sarhad, n.d.), p. 18.
12
Yar Muhammad Maghmoom Khattak, 9.
13
Ibid., 104.
14
Mir Wali Khan Mahsud, 23.
15
Himayatullah Yaqubi, ‘Bayazid Ansari and Roshaniyya Movement: A
Conservative Cult or Nationalist endeavour?’Journal of the Research Society of
Pakistan, Vol. 50 No. 1, 2013.
16
Saif-ur-Rahman Mehsud, Pīr Rokhan ao Rokhani Inqilab (Peshawar: University
Book Agency, 1998), p. 14.
Al-Idah 35 (Dec., 2017) Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhund Darwaiza… 40

17
Himayatullah Yaqubi, Mughal-Afghan Relations in South Asia: History and
developments, p. 190.
18
Akhtar Khan, "Bayazid Ansari", M.Phil dissertation, Department of
Pakhtu, University of Peshawar, n.d, 47.
19
Ibid.
20
Ibid.
21
Syed Taqweem-ul-Haq Kaka Khail, Introduction, Makhzan of Akhund
Darwaiza, 2nd ed. (Peshawar: Pakhtu Academy, University of Peshawar,
1987), 9
22
Syed Abdul Jabbar Shah Sithanvi, Kitab-al-Ibrah (Islamabad: Purab
Academy, 2011), 24
23
Sher Shah Suri was the son of Hasan Khan. He spent some time in the Mughal
army of Zahir-ud-Din Babur. During this time he learnt the weaknesses of the
Mughal army. Initially, he strengthened his position in Behar and Bengal. He
gained much power and authority. During 1538-39 he outclassed the Mughals
and defeated Humayun. he captured the Delhi throne of India again from the
Mughals.
24
Ibid, 35
25
Taqweem-ul-Haq Kaka Khail, 2
26
Ibid, 6
27
Ibid, 13
28
Syed Abdul Jabbar Shah Sithanvi, Kitab-al-Ibrah (Islamabad: Purab
Academy, 2011), 70
29
Akhund Darwaiza, Makhzan, 2nd ed. (Peshawar: Pakhtu Academy,
1987), 130
30
Sithanvi, 72
31
Darwaiza, 132. The nature of the Roshaniyya movement was
directly influenced by the personality and teachings of Bayazid
Ansari, who had proclaimed himself Pīr Roshan or Rokhan (the
apostle of light). However, some of his opponents dubbed him as
Pīr Ṭarīq (The apostle of darkness). Likewise all his followers
were referred to as Ṭqrīqyān. According to Dr. Muhammad Hanif
Khalil the modern intelligentsia including Qalandar Mohmand, Dr.
Yar Muhammad Maghmoom and Dr. Parvez Mahjoor, after
thoroughly scrutinizing the works of Bayazid Ansari could not
find him Pīr Ṭarīq in the light of his beliefs. Dr. Himayatullah,
however, has a different view. According to him it was Bayazid
Ansari who ignited the controversy when he claimed all his
opponents as infidels and declared that following him is
incumbent on all the Muslims. He further states that the opponents
of Bayazid Ansari considered him as Pīr Ṭarīq because of his un-
Islamic methodologies of learning and preaching.
Al-Idah 35 (Dec., 2017) Syed ‘Alī Tirmidhī and Akhund Darwaiza… 41

32
Allah Bakhsh Yusufi, Yusufzai Pathan, 4th ed. (Karachi: Muhammad Ali
Educational Society , 1973), 168
33
Ibid, 169
34
Abdul Akbar Khan Akbar, Rokhanyan Da Mughalo Ṭqrīqyan (Peshawar:
Idara Ishat-i-Sarhad, n.d), 70
35
Main Zahir Shah Qadri, Akhund Darwaiza Baba (Madyan: Maktaba
Ghousia, 2000), 328
36
Darwaiza, 134,5
37
Himayatullah Yaqubi, Mughal-Afghan Relations in South Asia: History and
developments, p. 124.