Knaja Muhammad Arif Riwgani

 Muhammad Arif Riwgari (may Allah have mercy on him) was born in the village of Rigor approximately 7km from Ghujduwan in the north of Bukhara. He entered into the service of Abdul Khaliq Ghujdawani (may Allah have mercy on him) at a young age. He gave grea

t importance to worship and serving others. He would force himself to remain awake. Seeing this exceptional resolution and effort Khidr prayed that he become a gnostic. By the blessings of this prayer he did in fact become a great gnostic[1].

In his first talk Ghujdawani gave Khwaja Arif (may Allah have mercy on them both) the following advice:

“A traveller on the path to The Real should know the value of his time. He should frequently take himself to account and see what state he is in, as time passes him by little by little. If he spends a moment with his heart in a state of wakefulness and in peace, then he should know that this is a state that requires gratitude and he should give thanks to Allah.

However, if, your moment was passed in heedlessness then you should immediately make amends and seek Allah’s forgiveness”[2].

After the death of Ghujdawani (may Allah have mercy on him), Riwgari (may Allah have mercy on him) started on his own path of guidance and continued for many years. He showed great care in continuing in the same direction as his master.

Towards the last days of his life and because the times required it, he began to teach vocal dhikr, (dhikr jahri) and he allowed it. In this way, the people who had become very distant from dhikr began to hear it and vie for it.

Riwgari was known for his knowledge (‘ilm), wisdom (‘irfan), asceticism (zuhd), God-consciousness (taqwa), abstinence (riyadat), his worship (‘ibada) and his complete devotion to the Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

It was due to his particular care in following the Sunnah that he was raised to such a high rank.

Arif Riwgari, who knew the Sunnah of the prophet very well, and who struggled to teach it and live by it, generally began his talks with the following words:

Hajj Mahmud

 Hajj Mahmud Anjir-Fagnaviy was the most famous Sufi of his time, recognized as the spiritual authority of Maverannahr. He was born in the Vabkent district of Bukhara region in the village of AnzhirFagna.

Hajj Mahmud Anjir-fagnaviy was the successor of the Sufi spiritual tradition. He was a disciple (murid) and a follower of the Sufi HadjiArifaar-Rivgar. He knew the craft of a carpenter and devoted his whole life to work and knowledge of Divine truth.

Haji Mahmud Anjir-Fagnawiywelcomed two types of spiritual ritual in his mystic-ascetic practice. There were khufi, which is quiet (or secret) dhikr of communion with Allah and dzhakhriya, which is collective and loud one.

He was the first who introduced the public dhikr in accordance with the needs of the time and the demands of seekers. When the sheikh was asked about these innovations, he replied: “Let the sleepers wake up.”

Hajj Mahmud Anjir-fagnaviy was the spiritual mentor of the famous Sufi mystic Hajj Ali Ramitani, who had a large number of murids and followers.

Hajj Mahmud Anjir-fagnaviy died in 1286 (or in 1307) and was buried in his native village.

At present, this village is calledAnjirbog. Moreover, a mausoleum and a Friday mosque were built over his grave.

Bahauddin Naqshbandi

 Memorial complex of the great Sufi, asked and saint Sheikh Bahauddin Naqshbandi is near Bukhara. Naqshbandi was born in 1318 in a small village in Bukhara in the family of a weaver, later he had an invaluable influence on the thought formation in Central Asia. In youth, he wove patterned silk fabric. Not for nothing, he was considered the patron of all craftsmen.

According to his studying, if a person works manually it gives him the right to independence in the work, actions and thoughts. His famous statement: “Allah is in mind, and hands – in the work”. There is a wishing stone – Sangi Murod inside the wall of the mausoleum. Believers from different countries come here to ask for the fulfillment of wishes. It is believed that Naqshbandi averts disaster.

Memorial complex Bahauddin Naqshbandi is rectangular courtyard where the tomb of Saint Sheikh. The modern aivan with wooden columns is decored the central courtyard. The decoration of the ensemble is characterized of XVI century. Dakhma with marble fence was erected by Abdulaziz Khan in 1544, and near was built the great building Khanaka. Later here was formed a vast necropolis – tomb of Bukhara emirs. Decorated mosques Muzaffarkhan and Hakim Kushbegi are struck by its beauty, which formed the courtyard with creek around the mausoleum.

At the beginning of our century the Memorial complex Bahauddin Naqshbandi was restored. The arches in national style, blue domes, different gate and columns were built here. One of the most beautiful of architectural ensemble of Bukhara, the complex Bahauddin Naqshbandi meets pilgrims with silence and sol

itude.

Khoja Muhammad

 The mausoleum of Khoja Muhammad Bashoro is located in the Mazori Sharif village in the jamoat dekhot Loik Sherali, Penjikent district, of the Sughd Region of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The mausoleum is located in the eastern part of the village, at the foot of the mountain, on a hill. A peculiar base of the mausoleum is a relatively small area of ​​the cape, which rises significantly above the rather gentle banks of the river. The almost vertical upper part of the steep slope of the hill forms a small terrace in front of the main facade of the building – the terrace is carefully overlaid with large cobblestones. At first it was a square domed building of a mosque, later functionally changed into a mausoleum. The Mausoleum of Khoja Muhammad Bashoro is a multi-level architectural structure, formed out of buildings of different times, but in some places of the same type in purpose, constituting a single monumental complex of 24 x 15 m.

The building seems to consist of the following three parts – the middle one (7.5 x 7.5 m), where the portal leads, and the two lateral, oblong, smaller ones. It is very likely that the middle part is the most ancient, and that once – before the outbuildings – it was a separate equilateral domed building. A high domed hall there occupies the middle part of the building, along its axes wide pointed arches lead to the following various directions: the one directly opposite the entrance – into an open room such as a loggia – an “alcove”; to the left – into a through passage connecting the hall with the lateral three-part room; to the right – into another “alcove”, the side walls of which are cut through with passages, and the back one is decorated with a mihrab niche with decorative finery made of carved unbaked clay. The arch behind the entrance forms a shallow vaulted niche. In the corners of the building there are small vaulted chambers that are connected to the hall by openings on the sides of the two axial arches.

Abduhalik Gijduvani

 The land of Bukhara keeps the ashes of many great figures of Islamic culture. Among them is such an iconic person as the outstanding Sufi Abd al-Khaliq Gijduvani (died 1180/1220). He was born and died in the village of Gijduvan near Bukhara.

Al-Gijduvani was a student of the famous sheikh Yusuf al-Hamadani and the founder of the Central Asian Sufi school "Hajagan" ("the way of teachers"). The followers of the Hajagan tradition were the Bukharian Sufis Amir Kulal and Baha ad-Din Naqshband, who gave rise to the teachings of Naqshbandiya.

In 1432 - 1433 Next to the burial of Sheikh al-Gijduvani, the ruler of Maverannakhr Mirzo Ulugbek (1409-1449) built a small one-story madrasah with a portal facing east. By area, it is four times smaller than the Ulugbek madrasa in Samarkand.

At the entrance to the madrasa of Ulugbek there is a small minaret, similar to the minaret of Kalyan. At the beginning of the XXI century, a modern memorial to Abd al-Khalik Gijduvani was built in Gijduvan. It is an exquisite wooden iwan on ten pillars with a blue dome, under which is the tombstone of Sheikh al-Gijduvani.

The full name of the holy feast is Khoja Abd al-Khaliq Abd al-Jamil Gijduvani. His grave is located in the village of Gijduvan in the Bukhara region. He was born in 1118, when Islam, as a religion, already fully mastered the minds of the inhabitants of the cities and villages of Maverannahr, and Bukhara acquired the status of the recognized capital of the followers of the Prophet Muhammad throughout Central Asia.

Abdulhalik was born into a deeply religious Islamic family and from early childhood was surrounded by the rites and mystery of Islam. His father was the imam of the mosque. By the age of nine, Abdulhalik knew by heart the main book of the Muslims - the Koran.

Such a boy's desire for scripture was a natural need of his developing spirit. From the age of ten he takes an active part in the joy of the dervishes, but after talking with them for about three years, he comes to understand that to improve the spirit in this environment enough true knowledge. And Abdulhalik goes to Bukhara.

Babai Sammasi

Visiting the burial place of Babai Sammasi.

Khoja Muhammad Babai Sammasi - famous Sufi mystic, an adherent of the hadzhagan school traditions, follower and student of the Sufi Khoja Ali Ramitani. He was the fifth of the Seven Saints of Bukhara.

Khoja Muhammad Babai Sammasi made a valuable contribution to the development of the Sufi Hadzhagan School in the development of concepts and techniques of Tasawwuf, which are described in the works of his followers "Makomoti Қulol World" and "Makomoti Shokhi 

  Visiting the Saint Mir Kulal

Kulal ("Hanchar", "potter") - one of the spiritual authority, Sheikh of Sufi Hadzhagan school, sixth in the chain of spiritual succession silsila of this school.

Sheikh Sayyid Amir.

According to various sources, Sheikh Sayyid Amir Kulal was the first pir of the great ruler Amir Temur. They met in 1363

Having a large number of followers, Sheikh often spent time in conversation and instruction. According to tradition, Khoja Sayyid Amir Kulal paid special attention to the prevention of minor misconduct, warning from them his students and quoting the Prophet Muhammad that even minor sins committed by people daily, tend to turn into great sins and lead to hell.

8. Transfer to the burial place of the Naqshbandi Bibi Orif mother.

Visiting the burial place of Saint Bahaaddina Naqshbandi. - The largest representative of the Central Asian Sufi in the XIV century.

From his craft "Naqshband" - "chaser" occurred the name of the Naqshbandi Sufi

Abdurrahman Jami wrote that Bahaaddina "has never had a slave". When Sheikh was asked the reason for this, he said: "Being a servant of God and be a lord is incompatible".

After the death of Bahaaddin, he has been recognized a "saint" (wali), a Miracle-Worker, the saint patron of Bukhara. Bahaaddin Naqshband did not call his followers to asceticism, on the contrary, he obliged them to be diligent farmers, artisans, merchants, peacefully coexist with the official Islam 

Khoja Ali

Most of the pilgrims of Bukhara begin their journey with a blessed visit to the mausoleum of Khoja Abdalkhalik al Gijduvani, a spiritual mentor who paved the path of Nakshbandi teachings. Abdulkhalik al Gijduvani is connected with the spiritual parts of the tenth generation of the prophet. The terrace of the mausoleum with ten columns and props is a symbol of the mentioned dynasty

In the time of Khoja Abdalkhalik al Gijduvani, the mausoleum was a “chillahona”, where people came to pray during forty-day of sweltering heat. The Holy place of prayer then became a cherished place of worship.This sacred place was abandoned for a long time. It took several generations before the mausoleum acquire today’s exemplary appearance. Now the “mausoleum of Abdalkhalik al Gijduvani”, as the part of the ancient East, is the connection of the earth and the sky.The mausoleum of Khaji Mukhammad Arif al-Rivgari is the burial place of Murshid Khaji Mukhammad Arif Rivgari. He was born in the village of Revgar in the middle of the XII century. He was a disciple of the great Murshid Abdulkhalik Gijduvani. After the death of the great teacher, he received permission to be a spiritual mentor for others. For the rest of his life, he led his religious activities. He liked to pray Zikr aloud. There is a legend that Khaji Arif lived for 150 years. He was buried in the village of Shafirkan in the Bukhara region.The mausoleum of Khaji Makhmud Anjir-Fagnavi is the burial place of the great Sufi spiritual master. He was born near the town of Vabkent. At the beginning of his career, he was a craftsman and carpenter. After completing his apprenticeship, he became the Murshid. Makhmud Indir Fagnavi was the first to pray Zikr loudly, believing that “people asleep must wake up”. He was buried in his native village of Anjirbog.The Khaji Ali Ramitani memorial complex is the burial place of the most famous spiritual master of the Khajagan Sufi School. The people called the Sufi “Azizkhon” – the venerable Sheikh. He was born at the end of the XII century in the city of Ramitan. He was professionally engaged in weaving throughout his life. He was a disciple of Makhmud Fagnavi. Ali Ramitani managed the impossible – he converted the Mongols to the Islamic faith. He helped to restore scattered lands after the Mongol invasion, and was engaged in healing. The legend says that the Sufi was able to read people’s thoughts and answer a question before it was asked. Throughout his long and righteous life, he had many disciples, including his sons. He bequeathed his younger son, Khaj Ibrakhim, to continue his teaching.The memorial complex of Khaja Makhammad Babai Sammasi is the burial place of the famous Sufi, a follower of Khaji Ali Ramitani. Khaja Sammasi made an invaluable contribution to the development of Sufism, predicted the birth of a great person, Bakhautdin Mukhammad Nakshbandi. The legend says that once passing by the native village of Bakhautdin Kasri in Khinduwan, the mystery was dawned up. He said that the greatest son of Sufism and enlightenment will be born in this place, and the place will be called “the village of the enlightened”.The teacher died at the age of 95 in 1354. The Holy burial place is located in the village of Simmas, Romitan district of Bukhara region. The mausoleum, the mosque, the well and the beautiful garden were built here – all that this non-trivial man personified with his teachings.The Khajj Sayyid Amir Kulal Bukhari memorial complex is the burial place of Sayyid Amir Kulal. During his life he had the nickname Kalon, which meant “Great”. He was professionally engaged in pottery. He was famous long before he became the Great teacher. He was a well-known and talented potter.Sayyid Amir Kulal was a spiritual authority and had more than a hundred followers, including Bakhautdin Mukhammad Nakshbandi. He acquainted Nakshbandi with the basics of Sufism and the traditions of the mystical way of Khajagan, as well as with the correct reading of Zikr.It is believed that the teacher was acquainted with the great disciple by Sheikh Khaja Sammasi, who already understood that he entrusted the most valuable and expensive spiritual son. Sayyid Amir Kulal was buried in 1370 in his native village of Sukhar.Bakhautdin Nakshbandi complex (XVI century) is a unique memorial complex located 12 km from Bukhara. The complex was built in honor of the famous “Teacher of Sufism” Bakhautdin Nakshbandi. There is a museum in the complex of Bakhautdin Nakshbandi that features interesting exhibits and information related to the life and work of this remarkable man.

Day 4

 Mausoleum of Chashma Ayub

Today we went to practice again with our group, today's destination was Chashma Ayub Mausoleum.The mausoleum of Chashma-Ayub, which is translated from Persian as the "Source of Job", consists of a tomb and a spring, which is considered sacred. An interesting legend is associated with the source. They say that the prophet Job, traveling through Central Asia, ended up in the place where Bukhara later appeared. He was met by thirsty people and asked for a sip of water. The prophet lowered his staff to the ground, and in this place a source of cool water gushed, which still exists today. The locals firmly believe that the water from the spring heals many diseases. The source looks like a well. Every visitor to the Chashma-Ayub mausoleum has the right to try the local water.

Day 3

 Madrasah Modarikhon

Hi all. As usual, our practice continues and today's path we kept on Madrexon Madres. This madrasah was built during the extension of Abdullakhan. He built this madrasah in honor of his mother and if you take the word modar that is taken from the Persian word meaning "mother". After I heard this story, I got goosebumps. To be honest, not all kings at that time did not do such feats among their mothers. It was very interesting and magical. I advise everyone to go and explore this complex

Day 2

 Ulug'bek madrase

Ulugbek Madrasah was found in 1417, as the inscription on the bronze plate of door runs says. There is a name of master in the portal tympanum, which was building this monument – Ismail ibn Takhir ibn Makhmud Ispfargoni. It is possible he was a grandson of one of the masters, who had been captured by Timur in Iran and left their names on the portal of Gur-Amir complex in Samarkand.

Bukhara Madrasah is the first Madrasah, built by Ulugbek. It is comparatively small, but has great forms. This is a building with two-ayvan square yard, surrounded by two-storey hudjrs, with darskhana cupola halls and mosque on the cross of entrance .

Today is the second day of our practice.  Ulugbek madrasah was built in the 14th century and is the very first madrasah in Bukhara.  As always, at 13:30 we gathered near the madrese with the teacher and we went inside this building.  I felt like in a fairy tale because this madrasah has been standing without any changes for almost 10 centuries.  Thank you all for this day

Day 1

 

ABDULAZIZ-KHAN MADRASAH

Built in 1652, a few centuries later than Ulugh-Beg Madrasah (built in 1417), Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah, which stands across from it, is an integral part of Bukhara’s most outstanding architectural ensemble. Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah marks the remarkable progress of medieval Central Asian architecture; it shows us how amazingly high the skills of Central Asian architects, builders and artists were at the time.

Today we started practice days.  As in that practice around the city the historical places of Bukhara.  Our first destination was the Madrasah of Ablulazizkhan.  Our teacher appointed a time at 13:30 and we all gathered in a group near the madrasah.

It was very interesting because I had never been there. I had the feeling that I was at the time when this madrasah was built. The group and I went inside and got acquainted with the monuments that were built in the 16th century. At the end of that day, our teacher asked us for one piece of information about this madrasah. Thank you all for today.