Introduction
His real name is Syed Abdullah Shah, but he is widely known as Haji Bahadur. He was born on July 31, 1581 (900 Hijri) in Agra, India during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. He belongs to the noble Sadat family, and his lineage traces back to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). His father's name was Syed Shah Muhammad Sultan. The family migrated from Ghazni to settle in Agra.
From a young age, he was inclined towards spirituality. He pledged allegiance (Baet) to the renowned Sufi saint Hazrat Syed Adam Banuri (RA) (some traditions mention Shah Bulaq of Deccan) and spent years in spiritual training.
Family Tree (Shajra-e-Nasab)
Father: Syed Shah Muhammad Sultan
Hazrat Syed Abdullah Shah (Haji Bahadur)
1581 - 1691Wife: Hazrat Syeda Rukkia (RA) - From the family of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani (RA)
Sons (Sahibzadagan)
Syed Muhammad Yousuf
Syed Muhammad Qasim
Syed Muhammad Omar
Syed Muhammad Usman
Syed Muhammad Yaqoob
Key Events
Hajj Journey
He performed his first Hajj in 1645. Later in 1657, he performed his second Hajj with his Murshid Syed Adam Banuri, after which he was assigned the mission to settle in Kohat.
Arrival in Kohat
On the order of his Murshid, he migrated to Kohat around 1657 AD. Here he lit the candle of Islam, guiding thousands of lost souls to the right path.
Aurangzeb's Pledge
Historical records state that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir was deeply impressed by his spirituality and pledged allegiance (Baet) to him.
Demise and Shrine
He passed away in 1691 AD (1070 Hijra) at the age of approximately 110 years. His shrine is located at a prominent place in the center of Kohat city, which remains a center of spirituality. Every year thousands of devotees from across the country attend his Urs.