A master having no synonym — a brilliant speaker, a devoted follower of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and a fierce commander of the Ashrafi dynasty.
Huzoor Shaikh-ul-Hind, Peer Syed Kumail Ashraf was a master having no synonym. A brilliant speaker, a follower of Prophet Muhammed's (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) teachings and a fierce Commander-in-Chief of the Ashrafi dynasty. Along with that, he is also the powerhouse of the mystic environment.
Born in 1932–33 into the renowned Ashrafi family, Shaykh Syed Kumail Ashraf was a direct descendant of Imam al‑Auliya Makhdoom Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani and the great saint Sayyiduna Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani. He inherited both spiritual radiance and scholarly legacy from a household known for its piety, service, and devotion.
His father, a distinguished scholar and Sufi master, oversaw his early spiritual upbringing. From childhood, Kumail Ashraf displayed remarkable intelligence, sensitivity, and a deep inclination toward Islamic learning and service.
He was admitted to Darul Uloom Ashrafiya, Mubarakpur on 13 September 1949 (20 Zil Qaada 1368 AH). There he studied under leading scholars, mastering Arabic, Hadith, Fiqh, and classical Islamic sciences. He graduated on 12 March 1957 (1 Sha'ban 1376 AH), emerging as one of the most promising scholars of his generation.
During his time at the seminary, he was known for his strong grasp of logic, philosophy, literature, and oratory skills, all of which later shaped his dynamic public presence.
Shaykh Kumail Ashraf received spiritual training within the Aaliya Qadriyah Ashrafiyah and Aaliya Chishtiyah Ashrafiyah orders. His father honored him with khilafat, recognizing his sincerity and spiritual depth. Other prominent masters also reinforced his spiritual authority.
Across India and abroad, he became a beacon of Ashrafi spirituality, guiding disciples with compassion and wisdom.
Known for spontaneous, heartfelt speech, Shaykh Kumail Ashraf's oratory was deeply moving. He was widely celebrated for his majlis on the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Imam Husain, where his words brought audiences to tears.
He also wrote spiritual poetry under the pen name "Kumail", blending devotion with classical literary elegance.
In 2013, during his visit to Iraq (including Karbala, Najaf, and Baghdad), Shaykh Yusuf Ziauddin al-Jilani publicly honored him. In a gathering after Maghrib prayers, he embraced him and declared, "You are Shaykh-ul-Hind". The crowd responded with heartfelt slogans of "Shaykh-ul-Hind zindabad".
A lifetime dedicated to education, spirituality, and building communities across India and abroad.
Founded in Baskhari to provide Islamic education and scholarship to the community.
Built and strengthened this mosque in Mumbai as a center for worship and community gathering.
Established in Baskhari to provide free education to girls — a pioneering step for women's empowerment.
Founded in Mumbra to extend Islamic scholarship and spiritual guidance to the region.
Built significant institutions extending the Ashrafi presence and service to western India.
Played a major role in establishing mosques and spiritual networks in the UAE, especially Dubai.
Birth in the Ashrafi household into a lineage of scholars and saints.
Admitted to Darul Uloom Ashrafiya, Mubarakpur.
Graduated from Darul Uloom Ashrafiya as one of the most promising scholars of his generation.
His father passed away; he became the spiritual successor of the Ashrafi order.
Founded Darul Uloom Mehboob e Yazdani in Baskhari.
Built Al Madina Mosque in Agripada, Mumbai.
Established Aziza Muslim Girls School in Baskhari for free education.
Founded Darul Uloom Makhdoom e Simnani in Mumbra.
Honored with the title "Huzoor Shaykh-ul-Hind" during his visit to Iraq by Shaykh Yusuf Ziauddin al-Jilani.
Passed away in Mumbai during Zuhr prayers. First funeral in Mumbai; second in Kichaucha Muqaddasa, where he rests.
Selected couplets from the pen of "Kumail"
"Rasoolo.n ki saf me chamakte ho aisa, anghuuti me ho jaise sacchha nagiinaa"
"Sab rafiqo.n ne mujhko thukraya, ek tera aasra tufail ashraf"
"Laraz utthe hai asnaam e jahaa.n aiwaan e batil me, nigaah e pur gazab farooq e azam ne uthaali hai"
"Mauj e javaa.n ko qasr ke dhaane ka tha guroor, saahil pe jaake dekha to zulfe.n safed thi"
"Tere aane se raunaq aagayi gulzaar e hastii me, shariik e haal e qismat hogaya phir fazl e rabbani"
"Mila ye rang shayad isliye suraj ki kirno.n ko, sunehri mustafa ke rauza e aqdas ki jaali hai"
Shaykh Syed Kumail Ashraf left behind an unparalleled legacy of scholarship, spiritual upliftment, and community service. His institutions continue to educate thousands of students free of cost, and his spiritual teachings remain alive through countless disciples worldwide.
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This webpage has been lovingly created and maintained by Mohammed Sufian Shaikh in honor of Shaykh Syed Kumail Ashraf — guide, mentor, and master.
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