By: Abid Ali Khan
Where the lights of thought and spirituality begin to dim, such fortresses become symbols of enduring illumination. In the spiritual history of the Indian subcontinent, certain places have served not only as centers of worship and remembrance (zikr), but also as the very fountains of ideological and intellectual awakening. Among them, Astana Aliya Shtalu Sharif, located in the serene valley of Srikot in Haripur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stands as a living testament to the enduring legacy of Islam, Sufism, the Two-Nation Theory, Pakistani identity, and the teachings of the Qadri spiritual order. Founding Personality: Hazrat Maulana Hafiz Syed Ahmad Shah (RA) This noble institution is associated with the revered figure Hazrat Maulana Hafiz Syed Ahmad Shah (RA), a distinguished scholar of hadith and jurisprudence, who was a disciple of the renowned Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri (RA) and took spiritual allegiance (bai’ah) in the Qadri Sufi order from Hazrat Khwaja Abdul Rahman Choharvi (RA). At the behest of his spiritual guide, he began preaching Islam in Myanmar (formerly Burma), where through wisdom, ethics, and spirituality, he guided hundreds of followers of Buddhism towards Islam. Intellectual and Spiritual Movement in Bengal After returning from Myanmar, he turned his focus to Bengal—a region then gripped by religious innovations (bid‘ah), superstition, Hindu rituals, and ideological decay. Quietly but effectively, he laid the foundation of a significant spiritual and intellectual movement, rekindling Islamic awareness, the Sunnah, brotherhood, and the spirit of Pakistani identity in the hearts of the people. He reminded the younger generation that the All-India Muslim League was founded in 1906 in Dhaka—affirming that the idea of Pakistan was never merely political, but a spiritual, civilizational, and intellectual reality. Spiritual Succession: Hazrat Syed Muhammad Tayyab Shah (RA) Following the passing of Hazrat Ahmad Shah (RA) in 1961, his son Hazrat Syed Muhammad Tayyab Shah (RA) assumed the mantle of spiritual leadership. In Bangladesh, he established numerous religious seminaries, where—alongside traditional religious education—the Two-Nation Theory and Pakistani ideology were imparted as core tenets. His life was a reflection of devotion, adherence to the Sunnah, Sufism, ideological reform, and the pursuit of unity within the Muslim Ummah. Contemporary Legacy: Pir Muhammad Sabir Shah Hazrat Tayyab Shah (RA) entrusted the spiritual succession to his sons Pir Muhammad Tahir Shah and Al-Hajj Pir Muhammad Sabir Shah. Pir Muhammad Sabir Shah is a unique embodiment of spiritual excellence and political wisdom.
A prominent political figure:
Former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Former Senator
Five-time Member of the Provincial Assembly
Provincial President of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) for over 20 years
He transformed politics into a platform for service and ideological mission, highlighting the religious and intellectual dimension of the Muslim League. Remarkably, there was a time when 36 members of the Bangladeshi parliament were affiliated with his spiritual circle. To this day, his addresses and spiritual gatherings in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the Gulf States continue to attract and inspire millions. He has not only preserved but actively propagated the message of Sufism, patriotism, and the Two-Nation Theory to the younger generation. New Generation Leadership Today, the spiritual and ideological mission of Astana Aliya Shtalu Sharif continues with the same vigor and familial legacy. Sahibzada Qasim Shah currently serves as the Tehsil Chairman of Pakistan Muslim League (N). Sahibzada Hamid Shah serves as the President of PML-N in Haripur District. Both are following in the footsteps of their ancestors in the fields of Sufism, leadership, ideological commitment, and public service. Astana or Ideological Fortress? When nations face ideological decline, it is in their spiritual sanctuaries that the flame of truth is rekindled. And when time erodes foundational beliefs, it is institutions like Shtalu Sharif that remind the world: nations are not built on mere geography, but on ideology. Astana Aliya Shtalu Sharif is not just a spiritual center; it is an ideological fortress—a place where the lamps of love for the Prophet ﷺ, patriotism, and intellectual selfhood continue to shine through remembrance (zikr) and contemplation (fikr). Today, when some circles label the Two-Nation Theory as a relic of the past, the resonating slogan “Pakistan Zindabad” from the heart of Bangladesh stands as a living testimony in the court of history. This is the same Bengal where the tragic events of 1971 led to Pakistan’s bifurcation. And yet, this very region once again bears witness to a renewed ideological consciousness—fueled by the quiet yet profound spiritual efforts of Astana Shtalu Sharif, which for decades has been working to unite hearts, awaken minds, and revive the idea of Pakistan. These efforts stand as a practical rebuttal to the Indian narrative that claimed the Two-Nation Theory had drowned in the Bay of Bengal. Absolutely not. This ideology is not only alive—it is flourishing with renewed spirit, unwavering resolve, and in the consciousness of a new generation. It is not merely a political slogan; it is a spiritual truth, a cultural identity, and a profound symbol of national selfhood. The most luminous evidence of this enduring ideology is the spiritual and intellectual influence of Shtalu Sharif, which has kept the banner of Islam, Sufism, and Pakistanism flying high—from Bangladesh to the Arab world. The Fragrance of Qadri Sufism All the services rendered by Shtalu Sharif are rooted in the teachings of the Qadri Sufi order, which emphasizes love for the Prophet ﷺ, adherence to the Sunnah, worship, humility, service to humanity, and spiritual balance. Those blessed by its teachings become not only ambassadors of Islam, but also loyal soldiers of Pakistan.
Conclusion: A Message, A ResponsibilityIn an age marked by ideological confusion, cultural decline, and weakening religious values, Shtalu Sharif stands as a lighthouse—radiating the message of Sufism, sincerity, moderation, and Pakistani ideology from Bangladesh to the Arab world. This spiritual institution emerged after 1971 as a bridge of ideology between East and West Pakistan. It is now our collective responsibility to transmit this precious heritage to the new generation—so that future generations may continue to draw light and guidance from this glowing lamp of faith, Sufism, and nationalism.
