The first death anniversary of Hazrat Shah Jahangir Tajul Arefin Moulana Sayyid Muhammad Areful Hai QSA, the fourth Sajjadah Nashin of Mirzakhil Darbar Sharif, will be observed on 14 October. It offers an occasion to reflect on a saintly life in which spiritual guidance was inseparable from education, public welfare, social harmony and economic self-reliance.
Remembered as a revered spiritual guide, Moulana Muhammad Areful Hai promoted religious learning through love, compassion and service. His message was neither abstract nor confined to ritual. He called upon people to cultivate noble conduct, honour their neighbours, support the vulnerable, care for the sick and regard honest work as a moral trust. For countless people, the Darbar became a place where worship, learning and concern for ordinary lives found a natural unity.
This outlook was rooted in a distinguished legacy of nearly 250 years. Hazrat Shah Jahangir Shaykhul Arefin Moulana Sayyid Mokhlesur Rahman QSA laid the spiritual and intellectual foundations of Mirzakhil Darbar Sharif. Hazrat Shah Jahangir Fakhrul Arefin Moulana Sayyid Muhammad Abdul Hai QSA deepened its tradition of learning and social awareness, while Hazrat Shah Jahangir Shamsul Arefin Moulana Sayyid Muhammad Maksusur Rahman QSA consolidated its spiritual discipline, institutional strength and culture of service. Moulana Muhammad Areful Hai carried this sacred inheritance into a new era of community-focused work.
Under his guidance, the Darbar developed as both a spiritual centre and a community institution. Its legacy encompasses Qur’anic education, libraries, research, welfare support, health awareness and ethical guidance. He understood that enduring development requires more than material progress; it requires knowledge, compassion, trust and a shared sense of responsibility.
The institution is now led by Hazrat Shah Jahangir Imamul Arefin Dr. Moulana Sayyid Muhammad Maksudur Rahman, its current Sajjadah Nashin. Through education, scholarship, youth development and humanitarian service, he continues to carry forward this inheritance of faith-based welfare.
The observance will remain inclusive in spirit, inviting prayers for the departed and renewing a shared commitment to peace, compassion and responsible citizenship.