Bahadur Baba R.A

The Abak Baba: Father of Kaka Sahib and Root of the Abak Khel

Bahadur Baba (Abak Baba) R.A: The Forgotten Sufi Pillar of Nowshera and the Origins of Abak Khel Tribe

 



Explore the life, lineage, and spiritual legacy of Hadrat Sayyid Bahadur Baba (Abak Baba) R.A, the revered Sufi saint of Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and founder of the Abak Khel tribe. Learn about his Chishtiyyah and Suharwardiyah silsila, his contemporaries, disciples, descendants including Kaka Sahib R.A, and the historical tomb complex at Kana Khel. A detailed, authentic account for history, Sufism, and Pashtun heritage seekers.
#BahadurBaba #AbakBaba #AbakKhel #Nowshera #SufiSaint #KakaSahib #PashtunHistory

Bahadur Baba (Abak Baba) R.A — Life, Legacy, and the Abak Khel Tribe

Introduction

Hadrat Sayyid Bahadur Baba, widely known as Abak Baba R.A, was among the most influential yet understated Sufi saints of the former North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). He was the son of Hadrat Sayyid Nadir Shah (Mast Baba) and the father of Kaka Sahib R.A, one of the most celebrated spiritual figures of the region.
The Abak Khel tribe of Nowshera traces its lineage directly to him, preserving a spiritual and genealogical legacy that continues to shape the region’s religious identity.

Early Life and Education

Bahadur Baba R.A was born on 15th Ramadan, 941 Hijri (1524 A.D.) at Khwara, located in the Khattak territory. His earliest education took place at home under the guidance of his father, Mast Baba — himself a respected spiritual personality.

Seeking deeper spiritual knowledge, Bahadur Baba spent time in the company of renowned Sufi scholars, including:

  • Shaikh Muhammad Ghawwath Gawaliori
  • Shaikh Muhammad Ja‘afar of Lahore
  • Shaikh Hamzah Kashmiri
  • Haji ‘Abd al-Wahhab Sahib

These associations profoundly shaped his spiritual outlook and scholarly depth.

Migration to Kana Khel and Missionary Life

After the death of his father on 2 Safar 969 Hijri (1561 A.D.), Bahadur Baba R.A relocated from Khwara to Kana Khel, a few kilometers east of Khwara. He settled in a jungle area near a gorge — a location that later became a major spiritual center.

Here, he devoted his life to:

  • Teaching Islam
  • Spiritual reform
  • Moral guidance
  • Serving humanity

Kana Khel village still exists today and serves as the gateway to his sacred tomb.

Death and Burial

After a life marked by struggle, devotion, and spiritual service, Bahadur Baba R.A passed away on 14 Shaban, 1027 Hijri (1617 A.D.). He was laid to rest at Kana Khel, approximately 15 km southeast of Nowshera, where his shrine continues to attract devotees.

Maslik and Sufi Orders

Bahadur Baba R.A followed the spiritual path of his father and was affiliated with both:

  • Chishtiyyah Order
  • Suharwardiyah Order

This dual spiritual inheritance strengthened his influence across different Sufi traditions in the region.

Contemporary Sufi Figures

He lived during a golden age of Sufism and was contemporary with legendary figures such as:

  • Pir Baba (Sayyid ‘Ali Tirmizi)
  • Akhund Panju Baba
  • Bayazid Ansari (founder of the Roshnai Tehrik)
  • Pir Sabak Sahib

Disciples and Followers

Among his many followers, several rose to prominence, including:

  • Mian Wali Sahib
  • Mian Shadi Sahib
  • Akhund Mian Dad
  • Akhund Sharif Balkhi
  • Shaikh Allah Dad Khattak
  • Shaikh Nask
  • Faqir Malik Meer

These disciples helped spread his teachings far beyond Kana Khel.

Descendants and the Abak Khel Tribe

Bahadur Baba R.A married once and had four sons, one of whom died in infancy. The remaining three were:

  1. Shaikh ‘Affan
  2. Hayat Khan
  3. Kastir Gul (Kaka Sahib R.A)

The descendants of Shaikh ‘Affan and Hayat Khan are collectively known as Abak Khel Miangan, now scattered across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but still united by their ancestral identity.

Among the brothers, Kastir Gul (Kaka Sahib R.A) achieved unparalleled spiritual prominence. His descendants are known as Kaka Khel, primarily settled at Ziarat Kaka Sahib. His tomb was constructed in 1661 A.D. by his son Halim Gul Baba.

Tomb Complex of Bahadur Baba R.A

The shrine complex is enclosed by a boundary wall, with a grand western gate constructed in 1954 A.D., adorned with:

  • Deep cusped arches
  • Floral stucco panels
  • Minarets
  • The name of Bahadur Baba in raised relief

Key Structures Inside the Complex

  • Mosque (modern construction with marble flooring)
  • Langar Khana
  • Visitor accommodation
  • Main tomb building, approached via 128 steps

Tomb Interior and Graves

The tomb chamber is a rectangular hall crowned by a steel dome. Inside are four graves:

  • The central grave of Bahadur Baba R.A
  • His wife
  • His infant grandson (son of Kaka Sahib R.A)
  • One of his devoted followers

The interior features painted floral panels, polychrome designs, stucco rosettes, and colored glass niches — all reflecting deep reverence.

Conclusion

Bahadur Baba (Abak Baba) R.A was not merely a Sufi saint — he was the spiritual root of Abak Khel, a guiding force of Islamic revival, and a bridge between generations of saints. His legacy lives on through his shrine, his descendants, and the enduring spiritual fabric of Nowshera and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.