Muhammad Maharvi

Khawaja Noor Muhammad Maharvi was born in 1746 at Chhotala near Bahawalnagar of the Sikh Empire.[1]He was a Muslim Panwar Kharal, many native tribes in Punjab region and Sindh became Muslim due to his teachings. He started his early education in the small village of Mahar Sharif at the age of 4 under the supervision of Hafiz Masood Mahar, located near Chishtian. he later pursued his higher education in the cities of Dera Ghazi Khan, Lahore, Delhi, and Pakpatan. He was very popular in region of Bahawalpur that even Amir Bahawal Khan Abbasi II of Bahawalpur became associated with him.[2] Khawaja Noor Muhammad Maharvi was initially given the name "Bahbal" but was later changed to "Noor Muhammad" by his teacher Maulana Fakhruddin.[3] The Dargah of Khawaja Noor Muhammad Maharvi is located in Chishtian, Pakistan.

Khawaja Noor Muhammad completed his education under the supervision of Maulana Fakhruddin. When Maulana Fakhruddin departed to visit Hazrat Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, Khawaja Noor Muhammad pledged his allegiance in the hand of Maulana Fakhruddin on February 1752 AD.[2] Due to this allegiance he belongs to the Fakhri Branch of Chishti Order.In the same year, he arrived at Pakpattan accompanied by his mentor Maulana Fakhruddin. It was confirmed that he had completed his academic and spiritual education. During the Urs of Hazrat Fariduddin Ganjshakar, many individuals expressed their devotion to Maulana Fakhruddin but during this event He instructed specific individuals to pledge their allegiance to "Khawaja Noor Muhammad Maharvi". Later on Khawaja Noor Muhammad Maharvi initiated the chain of devotion with the permission of Maulana Fakhruddin. When he returned to Delhi Molana Fakharuddin gave the responsibility of caliphate after evaluating his devotion to Allah and his Messenger Muhammad. He then instructed him to return to Mahar Sharif and to preach the teachings to the public guiding them toward right path.[2]

He had over 40 disciples in Sufism including Suleman Taunsvi.[2][4]

Khawaja Noor Muhammad Maharvi had 3 sons and 2 daughters. The name of 3 sons are Khawaja Noor us Samad, Khawaja Noor Ahmad, Khawaja Noor Hassan respectively.[5]

The Urs of Khawaja Noor Muhammad Maharvi is observed on 1 to 3 Dhul al-Hijjah every year in Chishtian,Punjab,Pakistan.[3]