Dewanbag Sharif

Dewanbag Sharif is a tasawwuf-based Islamic institution located in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. It promotes and teaches the principles of the Muhammadi Islam (Islam of Muhammad). It was founded by Syed Mahbub-e-Khoda (known as Dewanbagi).^[1][2]

Its head office, 'Babe Rahmat Dewanbag Sharif', is located at 147 Arambagh, Dhaka-1000.^[3] All the activities of Dewanbag Darbar Sharif are conducted from here.^[4][5]

On 25 September 1985, Sufi Emperor Syed Mahbub-e-Khoda^[4] established a Darbar Sharif called Babe Jannat Dewanbag Sharif in Dewanbag area^[6] located in Madanpur, Narayanganj and from there he was known as Dewanbagi.^[7]

Later in 1992, he established a Darbar named Babe Rahmat at 147 Arambagh, Motijheel, Dhaka. It served as the main administrative center of Dewanbag Sharif.^[8][9]

Also, behind the Bangladesh Bank building in south Kamalapur, Dhaka, there is another establishment called Babe Madina, operating by Dewanbag Sharif, which has a camel farm,^[10][11] and currently Dewanbagi^[12] and his consort Syeda Hamida Begum are engraved here.^[13][14]

With the above consequences, he established Babe Najat in Rangpur at 1995, Babe Barkat in Trishal, Mymensing at 1998, Babe Niamat in Chuadanga at 2006, Babe Morshed at Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria^[15] at 2008, Babe Ferdaus in Moghbazar, Dhaka at 2009, and lastly Babe Magfirat in Chottogram.^[16]

In September 2024, miscreants attacked and torched the Babe Jannat Dewanbag Sharif in the Madanpur area of Narayanganj's Bandar upazila.^[17][18]

World Ashek-e-Rasul (PUBH) Conference^[19] is held^[20][21] almost every year on the birthday of Syed Mahbub-e-Khoda on 14 December on a predetermined date.^[22] This is the largest and most populous event at Dewanbag Sharif, which formerly known as the World Sufi Conference.^[23]

From 1985 to 1988, a total of 4 Grate Holy Ors Mubarak took place. From 1989 to 1997, the name was changed to World Sufi Conference. There were a total of 9 World Sufi Conferences, out of which 4 conferences were held from 1989 to 1992 at Babe Jannat Dewanbag Sharif in Narayanganj and 5 conferences from 1993 to 1997 were held at Arambagh in Motijheel, Dhaka.^[23] From 18 December 1997 until now it was again renamed as World Ashek-e-Rasul (PUBH) Conference.^[24]

From 1989 to 2019, both the World Sufi Conferences and World Ashek-e-Rasul (PUBH) Conferences were held at Arambagh in Motijheel, Dhaka.^[25][26]

Also important days for the Muslim Ummah like Eid-e-Milad an-Nabi (PUBH),^[27] Shab-e-Qadr, Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Meraj, Holy Ashurah, Eid-al-Fitr, Eid-al-Adha, and Weekly Ashek-e-Rasul (PUBH) Mahfil are held every Friday.^[28]

• Syed Mahbub-e-Khoda Dewanbagi (1949 - 2020)
• Arsafm Qudrat E Khoda (b. 1985)

The darbar has 4 principles teachings known as the main teachings of Muhammadi Islam.^[29]

• Tazkiyat al-Nafs — Self-purification

This teaching focuses on cleansing the inner self from negative traits and purifying one’s character to attain spiritual refinement.

• Zikar-e-Qalbi — Heart Awakening

It emphasizes constant inner remembrance of Allah, keeping the heart spiritually awakened beyond outward forms of dhikr.

• Salah with Hujuri — Concentration in Prayer

This teaches performing prayer with full presence, humility, and mindfulness, turning salah into a deeply spiritual experience rather than a mere ritual.

• Ashek-e-Rasul — Being the Prophet Muhammad's lover

This principle highlights developing sincere love and devotion for Prophet Muhammad and embodying his character and teachings in one’s life.

Dewanbag Sharif has faced criticism and controversy at different times, often arising from misunderstandings and differing interpretations of its Sufi-oriented practices. Some groups have questioned its spiritual approach; however, supporters maintain that its teachings remain firmly grounded in the core principles of Islam, emphasizing spiritual purification, moral reform, and service to humanity through its religious and social activities.^[7]

In 2016, the Islamic Foundation sought to counter Dewanbag Sharif founder Mahbub-e-Khoda's "controversial statements" on Islam and Sharia, but did not provide any proof.^[30]

• Babe Najat Dewanbag Sharif, Rangpur
• Babe Morshed Dewanbag Sharif, Brahmanbaria
• Ground Floor or Dewanbag Sharif
• World Ashek-e-Rasul (PUBH) Conference, 2024
• Resting Place of Dewanbagi Hujur and His Consort
• Crowd in Dewanbag Sharif, Dhaka
• Babe Morshed Night View
• Babe Morshed Dewanbag Sharif Top View

• Media related to Dewanbag Sharif at Wikimedia Commons
• dewanbagsharif.org