Khademul Fokara Hazrat Moulana Shah Sufi Syed Delawor Hossain Maizbhandari (R) built a multifaceted life dedicated to spirituality, service, and the pursuit of knowledge, emerging from the challenges he faced early on. He was born on February 27, 1893 (Falgun 13, 1299 B.S.) at Maizbhandar Darbar Sharif, the grandson of Hazrat Gausul Azam Maizbhandari (K) and the second son of Hazrat Shah Sufi Syed Faizul Huq (R). Losing his father at just nine years old, he was raised by his grandparents, who showered him with love and care. Tragically, he also lost his grandfather, Hazrat Gausul Azam Maizbhandari (K), at the age of thirteen, exposing him to the harsh realities of life from a young age.
He began his primary education at five, guided by his grandfather, Hazrat Gausul Azam Maizbhandari (K). His education continued under Moulana Waliullah of Babu Nagar Village, followed by Moulana Hafez Qari Tofazzal Hossain of Mirzapur village, where he delved into Arabic, Persian, and Urdu religious texts, as well as works by renowned Islamic thinkers. In addition to his religious studies, he regularly read newspapers, journals, and magazines in Bengali, acquiring a well-rounded education. Hazrat Gausul Azam Maizbhandari (K) was deeply fond of him, affectionately calling him ‘Dela Moina’ (talking bird).
Hazrat Moulana Syed Aminul Huq Wasel Miazbhandari (R) became his spiritual guide (Pir-e-Bait), while Hazrat Gausul Azam Maizbhandari (K) and Hazrat Baba Bhandari (R) served as his guides for divine blessings (Pir-e-Tafaiuz). Hazrat Baba Bhandari (R) was also his father-in-law. Hazrat Gausul Azam Maizbhandari (K) lovingly referred to his grandson as the ‘Nawab’ and ‘sultan’ (king of the spiritual realm). Just days before his passing, Hazrat Gausul Azam Maizbhandari (K) declared Hazrat Delawor Hossain Maizbhandari (R) as his successor (Gadi Sharif).
Hazrat Delawor Hossain Maizbhandari (R) became a pivotal figure in analyzing and elucidating Maizbhandari Philosophy, authoring ten significant books on the subject in Bengali. His magnum opus, “Belayet-e-Mutlaka,” has even been translated into English. In 1949, he founded the Anzuman-e-Muttabeyin-e-Gaus-e-Maizbhandari, an organization aimed at disseminating the teachings of Maizbhandari Tariqa, promoting social justice, and providing humanitarian aid to communities.
Known for his piety, humility, and generosity, Hazrat Delawor Hossain Maizbhandari (R) lived a simple life and embraced people of all backgrounds. He often identified himself as ‘Khademul Fokara’ (servant of the poor) to emphasize his commitment to serving those in need. His dedication to Hazrat Gausul Azam Maizbhandari (K) was unwavering, and he adhered strictly to the principles of Shari’ah, even advising his followers against constructing elaborate tombs or minarets over his grave.
Hazrat Delawor Hossain Maizbhandari (R) passed away on Saturday morning, January 16, 1982 (Magh 2, 1388 B.S.), at the age of 90. He left behind five sons and six daughters. An epitaph inscribed on his grave reads:
“The hard structure of human nature is your drinking pot. The vast body of colorful earth is your garden of flowers.”