Mausoleum of Mukhammad Sodiq

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Mausoleum of Mukhammad Sodiq

Mausoleum of Mukhammad Sodiq, Langar village
Mausoleum of Mukhammad Sodiq, Langar village

The Mausoleum of Mukhammad Sodiq, perched atop a hill, is the central attraction for many pilgrims visiting Langar. To reach it, visitors must ascend a flight of stairs often referred to as the “stairs to heaven” or “stairs to God.” These steps wind through a cemetery, and an observation of the graves reveals that many locals enjoyed long lifespans, often reaching 80 years or even exceeding 100 years.

Constructed in the 15th century, the mausoleum was recently restored in 2007. The building features a modest yet distinctive design, with its dome clad in bricks. One of the unique elements is the spire adorned with four spheres, each representing a different path to the divine: Shariah (Islamic law), Tariqat (the path to ultimate truth), Marifat (mystical knowledge), and Haqiqat (the mystical truth of oneness with God).

Inside, the mausoleum combines simplicity with grace. The walls and dome are adorned with Koranic inscriptions and intricate patterns. The interior small hall houses four graves: that of Mukhammad Sodiq himself, his son, Yemeni Sheikh Abul-Khasan who renounced his worldly life to become a hermit, and a woman believed to be a daughter of Amir Temur (Tamerlane). Historically, the mausoleum also contained a chest that held a few pages from the famed Koran of Khalif Osman. Reports vary on the number of pages, with some sources claiming there were 7, others up to 12, and some even suggesting there were as many as 143 pages.

Encircling the mausoleum is a mazaristan, a small cemetery where Sufis who wished to be buried close to their revered teacher were laid to rest. The tombs here often feature elaborate carvings. It is believed that Mukhammad Sodiq attained the highest level of spiritual enlightenment, making it a place where pilgrims’ prayers are thought to be granted. Many visitors walk around the mausoleum three times, focusing on their heartfelt requests to God, and return home with the hope that their wishes will be fulfilled.