The term “khanqah” itself is of Persian origin, meaning “house” or “abode.” It signifies a place where Sufis reside, engage in spiritual practices and give and receive education.
During the early development of Sufism, where initial gatherings occurred in private homes and mosques. As a result of which Sufi communities grew, the need for dedicated spaces led to the establishment of khanqahs. This pattern is also followed to this date…..
Khanqah serves as a gathering place for Sufi brethren (follower of sufi order), provide a space for spiritual practices, religious education, and communal living.
As Sufism spread across the Islamic world, khanqahs became integral to the religious and social fabric of various regions. In South Asia, khanqahs played a significant role in the spread of Sufism. They served as centres for spiritual guidance, education, and social welfare. The khanqahs welcomed people from all walks of life, offering free kitchens (langar) and spiritual counselling. These khanqahs became hubs of cultural and religious activity, contributing to the spread of Islam everywhere.
Khanqah Shahe Raza Lucknow is an ancient Khanqah of the country(early twentieth centuary). Its foundation was laid by Hazrat Khwaja Alhaj Muhammad Inayat Hasan Shah Qaddas Sirrahu after the demise of his elder brother and Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Khwaja Muhammad Nabi Raza Shah Almaroof Dada Miyan Qaddas Sirrahu in 1329 Hijri (corresponding to 1911 AD).
Since then, this Khanqah Shah-e-Raza Lucknow has remained a source of guidance for the people. The second Sajjada Nashin of this Khanqah was Hazrat Khwaja Muhammad Rahat Hasan Shah Qaddas Sirrahu and the third Sajjada Nashin was Hazrat Khwaja Alhaj Muhammad Fasahat Hasan Shah Qaddas Sirrahu, while the current Sajjada Nashin is Hazrat Khwaja Muhammad Sabahat Hasan Shah Maddazillahulaali.
Langar service is arranged in this Khanqah throughout the year. Apart from this, On special dates such as 12th Rabiul Awwal Sharif, 10th Moharram, 11th of Rabius saani, 9 Safar, 6 Rajab, 12 Zil-Qada, 17 Zil-Hijja as well as 4th, 24th and 28th of every month and every evening of Thursday, Fateha and Langar is organized. Besides this, Zikr-e-Shohada-e-Karbala is also organized on the ten days of Muharram. And every year in Ramzan Sharif, there is a program of Roza-e-Aftar and Sehri. And on 24th Ramzan-ul-Mubarak a general Roza-e-Aftar is organized which a great example of ganga jamuni tehzeeb.