The Golden Chain

The Naqshbandi Golden Chain began with the Prophet Muhammad, who poured the essence of love from his divine and special being into the heart of his close friend and follower Abu Bakr. This essence of love was then transmitted to the next Master or Shaykh in the Golden Chain by a spiritual ‘heart-to heart’ connection, which has continued for 1400 years in an unbroken transmission to our present day Shaykhs.

The names of the Shaykhs of the Golden Chain, the times they lived and their teachings are still known today. Although they comprise different nationalities and countries of origin, they are linked by this transcending ‘heart-to heart’ connection.

A noteworthy period of the Chain was when it was being transmitted by the Masters of Wisdom of Central Asia, a brilliant group of mystics, known as the ‘Khwajagan’ (the Masters), that had a profound effect on the Order. The Order derived its name from one of these Shaykhs, Bahauddin Shah Naqshband.

The Naqshbandis include some of the greatest Masters, Guides and Saints the world has seen, with their teachings woven through different countries and different times, providing a rich spiritual heritage. Many of these Masters have advised the rulers of their times. This enduring wisdom continues to provide blessings and direction, to spiritual seekers, to this day.