Shaikh Ruknuddin Abul Fath was a prominent Sufi saint of the Suhrawardi Order in India. He was also known as Shaikh Ruknuddin Rukn-e-Alam. He was the grandson of Shaikh Bahauddin Zakariya. He was also his spiritual successor. He played a crucial role in spreading Sufism in the Delhi Sultanate period.
1. Early Life and Background
✔ Born in 1251 CE in Multan (now in Pakistan).
✔ Grandson and disciple of Shaikh Bahauddin Zakariya.
✔ Initially, he renounced worldly life and adopted a strict ascetic lifestyle.
✔ Later, he became the spiritual leader of the Suhrawardi Order after his grandfather.
2. Sufi Ideology and Teachings
✔ Emphasized strict adherence to Islamic law (Sharia).
✔ Advocated for spiritual discipline and self-purification.
✔ Promoted charity, social welfare, and education.
✔ Rejected materialism despite being offered royal patronage.
✔ Opposed idol worship and superstitions.
3. Role in the Delhi Sultanate
✔ Maintained good relations with the Delhi Sultans.
✔ Refused the offer to become the spiritual head of Delhi by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
✔ Helped in preserving Sufism in the face of Mongol invasions.
✔ Multan became a major center of Sufi learning and pilgrimage under his guidance.
4. Death and Legacy
✔ Passed away in 1335 CE in Multan.
✔ Buried in the famous tomb of Shaikh Rukn-e-Alam in Multan, a major Sufi pilgrimage site.
✔ His shrine remains a symbol of Sufi heritage in South Asia.
5. MCQs on Shaikh Ruknuddin Abul Fath
- Which Sufi order did Shaikh Ruknuddin Abul Fath belong to?
- (a) Chishti
- (b) Qadiri
- (c) Suhrawardi
- (d) Naqshbandi
- Answer: (c) Suhrawardi
- Where is the shrine of Shaikh Ruknuddin Rukn-e-Alam located?
- (a) Ajmer
- (b) Delhi
- (c) Multan
- (d) Lahore
- Answer: (c) Multan
- Which Delhi Sultan offered Shaikh Ruknuddin a position in Delhi?
- (a) Iltutmish
- (b) Alauddin Khilji
- (c) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
- (d) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- Answer: (c) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
- Shaikh Ruknuddin Abul Fath was the successor of which famous Sufi saint?
- (a) Nizamuddin Auliya
- (b) Shaikh Bahauddin Zakariya
- (c) Salim Chishti
- (d) Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
- Answer: (b) Shaikh Bahauddin Zakariya
- What was the major contribution of Shaikh Ruknuddin to Sufism?
- (a) Introducing Qawwali
- (b) Writing Persian poetry
- (c) Strengthening the Suhrawardi Order in India
- (d) Founding the Naqshbandi Order
- Answer: (c) Strengthening the Suhrawardi Order in India
6. Subjective Questions on Shaikh Ruknuddin Abul Fath
- Describe the role of Shaikh Ruknuddin Abul Fath in spreading Sufism in India.
- How did Shaikh Ruknuddin maintain relations with the Delhi Sultans while focusing on Sufism?
- Discuss the importance of Multan as a center of Sufi learning under Shaikh Ruknuddin.
- Compare the teachings of Shaikh Ruknuddin with those of the Chishti saints.
- Explain the architectural significance of the tomb of Shaikh Ruknuddin Rukn-e-Alam.
7. Conclusion
✔ Shaikh Ruknuddin Abul Fath was a key figure in the Suhrawardi Sufi movement.
✔ He emphasized strict Islamic teachings while promoting spirituality and social welfare.
✔ His shrine in Multan remains a symbol of Sufi heritage.
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