06 April 2022

"Dastba koru, dilba yor."
"The heart must be with God, and the hands in labor."

These words, world-famous in the world of Islam, belong to the greatest oriental philosopher, founder of the Naqshbandiyya Sufi order, one of the greatest sheikhs, Bahauddin Naqshbandi (1318 - 1389). They became the religious leader's motto of life, vividly characterizing his attitude to life and to God.

Naqshbandi's name is associated with stories and tales of beautiful miracles, and legends about him are passed down from generation to generation. However, the most significant life work was the teachings created by him. The truths of the universe and Islamic dogmas were collected in it and set forth in a manner understandable to an ordinary man.

Bahauddin Naqshbandi Mausoleum

The followers of the Naqshbandiyya order managed to spread their teachings throughout Central Asia and then to other countries: Turkey, India, and the Volga region.

B. Naqshbandi posthumously received the status of saint and patron. After all, he spent all his life in the vicinity of the eastern pearl. At the burial place of the saint (Qasr ul-Arifan) in 1544 a mausoleum was erected by the order of khan Abd al-Aziz, who ruled the state at that time. This place became widely visited by pilgrims from all over the world. And to this day the shrine is visited by many believers.

The simplicity of the mausoleum and its unpretentiousness strikes people who set foot on this sacred ground. The principle of spiritual purity, simplicity often bordering on ascesis, without ostentatious piety and public raptures, was at the core of the teachings and spiritual service of B. Naqshbandi. So asserted his followers and confirmed famous people of our time.

The saint was born in the family of a craftsman where the atmosphere of true faith reigned. In his childhood, he learned the basics of the Muslim religion and its truths through toil and piety. He was nicknamed "nakshband" (chaser) because Bahauddin in his youth had already attained a high skill in weaving and chasing forms designed for the filling of patterns on fabrics. During his life he mastered many other crafts, as well as skills in road building and cattle breeding. That is why craftsmen consider him their patron. All his life Bahauddin had no servants and earned his living by his own labor.

Bahauddin's grandfather had a great influence on his spiritual formation and growth. The path of Bahauddin's ministry was opened to him by Muhammad Baba Samasi, followed by Sayyid Amir Kulal, and Abduhalik al-Gijduvani. The greatest contribution to his religious quest, however, was made by the scholar-theologian Mavlono Orifa Deggaroni, with whom Bahauddin had been in close contact and collaboration for seven years. They lived and worked and studied mystical mysteries, astrology, interpersonal relations and many sciences in Hazar. They also made the haj to Mecca together. After completing their studies, they were still bound together by spiritual values, a common worldview, and life wisdoms. This is described in detail in the written works of Muhammad Baqir. The saint's statements are also quoted there:

 "It is said that when I was engaged in secret radiance, it seemed as if I had uncovered my secret. I needed to unravel this secret. Together with Mavlono Orif for thirty years we were on a quest. We had made the holy haj twice. We went to all corners of the Islamic world at that time. Let everyone who is on his kneeling vigil, wanders through the heavens and is there in his thoughts, but is engaged in God-pleasing deeds here".

The present-day memorial complex with its shrine is extraordinarily popular, as in former times. Admirers of Islam come here from all over the world to touch the shrines, to say prayers and perform rituals. Here come true intimate, pure desires, and prayers will certainly be heard and will not go unanswered by the Almighty. There is a belief that if you visit Naqshbandi mausoleum three times, it will be equal to visiting the holy places of Mecca and Medina. Visitors claim to have experienced peace of mind and tranquility, divine serenity and spiritual realizations while visiting the mausoleum. Even seven hundred years later, this blessed land has not lost its miraculous power.

The government of Uzbekistan keeps the memorial complex in perfect order and beauty. This place is very popular not only among believers, but also among other tourists who want to see something beautiful, to touch something mystical and magical. You can also learn a lot of interesting things about the history of the East and the religion of Islam.

We recommend you to visit this mausoleum in Bukhara. One of our hotel Poykent is located next to the mausoleum of Bahauddin Naqshbandi. Call or book online rooms! We will be waiting for you!