A rare manuscript of the Naqshbandi lineage is in Uzbekistan!

A manuscript depicting the Naqshbandi Sufi order’s lineage, brought from the prestigious DAVID AARON Gallery in the United Kingdom, has enriched the collection of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. This artifact vividly demonstrates the place of Sufi teachings within the global Islamic context.

One of the most important sources for understanding the history of Islamic Sufism the manuscript reflecting the lineage of the Naqshbandi order is preserved at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. Brought from the world-renowned DAVID AARON Gallery in the United Kingdom, this artifact is not merely a record of religious doctrine or a sequence of shaykhs’ names, but a unique historical document expressing centuries-long spiritual heritage, spiritual authority, and the continuity of knowledge.

The fact that the manuscript dates to the XVII-XVIII centuries, the Ottoman period, is of particular significance, as it provides scholarly confirmation that the Naqshbandi order expanded beyond Central Asia and spread widely throughout the Islamic world. In the Sufi tradition, the concept of “silsila” carries profound spiritual meaning: it conveys not only knowledge or teaching passed from master to disciple, but also spiritual states, moral responsibility, and devotion to the divine path.

In this manuscript, the Naqshbandi lineage is presented in an unbroken chain beginning with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), continuing through the Companions, renowned saints and Sufi masters, reaching Bahauddin Naqshband and subsequent shaykhs. This clearly reflects one of the core principles of Naqshbandi teaching the idea of spiritual continuity and fidelity to tradition.

According to adherents of the order, where the lineage is broken, spiritual trust is weakened. For this reason, such manuscripts have been preserved not only as historical sources, but as sacred spiritual heritage. The manuscript’s association with the Ottoman period further enhances its historical value. In the XVII-XVIII centuries, the Ottoman state held a leading position in the Islamic world not only politically, but also as a religious and spiritual center. The wide spread of the Naqshbandi order within this milieu reflects the significant role of Sufism in state and social life.

It is well known that during the Ottoman period many scholars, statesmen, and military figures were affiliated with the Naqshbandi order or lived under its spiritual influence. Thus, this lineage manuscript serves as important evidence that Naqshbandi teachings were not limited to personal spiritual refinement, but were closely connected with social and political processes.

The fact that the manuscript is written in Arabic also carries deep meaning. As the principal language of Islamic scholarship, Arabic was widely used in Sufi sources. Writing documents of universal significance such as a Silsila in Arabic ensured their acceptance and understanding throughout the Islamic world. Through this linguistic choice, the Naqshbandi order moved beyond a local framework and firmly established its place within the global Islamic sphere, reflecting its universal Islamic character.

Naqshbandi order lineage. Ottoman Empire. XVII-XVIII centuries. Arabic language.

The artifact’s external appearance and calligraphic style are also noteworthy. The manuscript is written in a highly orderly and harmonious manner in accordance with traditional Islamic calligraphic rules. The sequence of names, balance between lines, and overall composition emphasize the sacred nature of the lineage’s content.

In the Sufi tradition, writing is not merely a means of conveying information, but an expression of spiritual state and inner sincerity. Therefore, texts as significant as a silsila were always copied with great reverence and spiritual responsibility.

Khusraw Hamidov, senior research fellow at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan:

“Unlike many other orders, the Naqshbandiyya promotes ‘silent dhikr’ (zikr-i khafi) instead of loud remembrance, and encourages numerous virtuous deeds in everyday life. The shaykhs named in the lineage were not only leaders of the order, but active figures in society and devoted scholars and educators. The Arabic-written genealogy begins with Hasan Razoiy Naqshbandi and traces back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Names such as Yusuf Haqqiy, Khojai Kalon, and Khoja Ahrar are included. Scholars from Baghdad and Bukhara are part of the lineage. After the genealogy, the manuscript also contains texts under three small headings related to the order. The exact date of the manuscript’s writing is unknown. The presence of representatives of various nations in the genealogy shows that the Naqshbandi order promotes tolerance and unites peoples. The order spread throughout the world under the principle ‘Let your heart be with God, and your hands at work,’ a wisdom that remains especially relevant today.”

Today, this artifact serves as an important scholarly source for the in-depth study of the history of Islamic civilization. Through it, one can better understand the geographical spread, historical development, and spiritual system of the Naqshbandi order.

Such manuscripts are of particular importance for rediscovering national and universal spiritual heritage and for studying it on a scholarly basis.

Laylo Abdukakhkharova

P.S.: The article may be republished with a link to the Center’s official website.