Khoja Bahauddin Naqshband: The Seeker

The Guide’s revelation to Bahauddin was: «Seek the favor of people, and participate in the fate of those left without help and compassion.» For a long time, Bahauddin followed these instructions, eventually being directed to care for sick animals, including local dogs, and heal their wounds, «for they are also creations of God under His protection.» This service was particularly significant given that, according to the Quran, dogs are considered unclean animals, and their presence is thought to pollute food, clothing, and even the person themselves.

Bahauddin dedicated seven years to this work. Reflecting on this lesson, Al-Shah remarked: «Denial, humiliation, and degradation of the self are the foundation of this Path. Only under these conditions does advancement become possible. Through my service to other beings, I saw that they, in their essence, were better than me. Even in those considered impure, I found much good, which I could not find within myself. I entered the state of a dog, not expecting to find anything desirable. Yet I gradually realized that this state was no worse than any other. I know myself better than anyone else; I am worse than a dog. No matter how I viewed my state, it was worth nothing.«

Makamāt also recounts a lesson Bahauddin learned from another living being. During a hot summer day, while walking from Kasr-i-Arifan, he noticed a salamander fixated on the blazing sun. Its state inspired him to seek its blessing. He prayed respectfully, and miraculously, the animal came out of its trance and lay on its back, gazing at the heavens. This episode is particularly enigmatic, as amphibians typically do not lie on their backs; if they find themselves in this position, they usually turn over immediately, much like fish.

For the next seven years, Bahauddin was instructed by his inner Guide to serve by clearing roads and removing obstacles—stones, debris, and trash—that hindered travelers.

«During my apprenticeship, in accordance with Baba Samasi’s instructions, I listened to many traditions and conversed with many learned people. However, my significant achievements on the Path were due to the diminishment of my self. I followed this path, and it was in this way that I achieved all that I have.»

Al-Shah also spoke about another way to attain realization: «If I constantly pointed out my friends’ faults, I would have no friends left. There are no flawless friends. Everyone loves good people. The one who learns to love the flawed will hit the target they seek.«

Sufis believe that the quickest learner is the one who can view any life situation as a lesson. Bahauddin Naqshband remarked: «I learned proper dedication to the search for Truth from a gambler. Once, I observed a gambler lose all his money, but when his friend urged him to stop, the gambler replied, ‘My friend, even if I had to lose my head for this game, I would not act otherwise.’ This response deeply astonished me, and from then on, I sought Truth with the same relentless dedication.«

Bahauddin had the opportunity to study under various Sufi Masters. One of them, Khalil Ata, later became a sultan. Their meeting occurred under mystical circumstances, seemingly orchestrated by the inner Guide of Al-Shah. Bahauddin recounted this encounter as follows:

«One night, I dreamed of one of the greatest Turkish sheikhs, who entrusted me to the care of a dervish. Upon waking, I remembered the dervish’s appearance. My grandmother, to whom I related the dream, said: ‘You have been granted a great blessing from the Turkish sheikhs.’ I longed to meet this dervish. One day, as I was leaving the gates, I encountered him. His hair hung like the branches of a weeping willow, he wore a patched-up cap, and in his hand was a gnarled staff made from the root of the ‘ud tree. I followed him. He did not look back, and I kept pace with him. When he reached a certain street, he entered a house, and I turned back. That night, a familiar came to me and said, ‘A Turkish sheikh named Khalil is looking for you.’ I gladly went there. In a room, the dervish sat in the corner with a group of people. After greeting him, I sat down. I wanted to tell him about my dream. At that moment, he spoke to me in Turkish: ‘The one you think of is known to us, so why the words?’ I was astonished, and my affection for him grew. I began to serve him with reverence. I witnessed extraordinary events in his presence. After six years, he ascended the throne of Maveraunnahr. His name was Sultan Khalil.»

Bahauddin served at Sultan Khalil Ata’s court for six years, becoming the Sultan’s closest and most trusted advisor, learning courtly customs and fulfilling his duties until the Sultan’s adversary emerged. Overnight, the Sultan was defeated, and his realm was obliterated. Through this experience, Bahauddin learned the transient nature of worldly fame and subsequently avoided any further association with the powerful, leading a very simple and modest life as a farmer.

He is known for his words: «For a Sufi, it is crucial to be a simpleton while remaining a person of knowledge. He should be able to appear as a fool because when imitators assume the role of scholars, the bearers of true teachings must do everything possible to preserve it. Thus, let the path that seems worthless from the perspective of imitators and fanatics remain open.»

In the Book of Amudarya, a collection of dervish stories, it is recounted how a scholar-lawyer who became a follower of Bahauddin Naqshband asked him: «You know everything that can be gleaned from books. How did you acquire such knowledge?» Bahauddin replied: «My knowledge came from sources other than books, scholarly debates, and lectures. I gained it by studying people.«

It was only at the age of fifty that Khoja Bahauddin began teaching.