Biography
Preserving Sikh history, Punjabi literature, devotional stories and research for the next generation.
Sant Syed Prithipal Singh Ji
From Mushtaq Hussein Shah to Sant Syed Prithipal Singh Ji — a life journey of spiritual courage, Sikh devotion, historical research, and service to Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s universal message.
Life of Faith, Research and Seva
Sant Syed Prithipal Singh Ji, born as Mushtaq Hussein Shah, is remembered as a remarkable Sikh personality who dedicated his life to Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message of truth, equality, humanity and spiritual unity.
According to published sources, he was born in 1902 and completed his earthly journey in Kanpur in 1969 while helping organise Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary celebrations.
Birth and Family Background — 1902
Sant Syed Prithipal Singh Ji was born as Mushtaq Hussein Shah. Published biographical notes identify him as the only son of Mujafar Hussein and grandson of Pir-Bakur Shah, from a well-known family of Mirpur, Kashmir.
Read Full Chapter →Journey for Islamic Education — 1927–1930
The years 1927 to 1930 are described as revolutionary in his life. During this period, his father took him for Hajj and higher Islamic learning in Makkah and Madinah.
Read Full Chapter →Discovery of Siyahto Baba Nanak Fakir
While researching in Madinah, Mushtaq Hussein came across the manuscript Siyahto Baba Nanak Fakir, attributed to the Arabic-Persian writer Taajudin Naqshbandi. This manuscript tradition deeply influenced his spiritual direction.
Read Full Chapter →Return to Kashmir and Inner Change — 1930
After returning to Mirpur, he witnessed communal conflict and violence. Sources describe that he was troubled by persecution carried out in the name of religion and became deeply moved by Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message of humanity.
Read Full Chapter →Move to Lahore and Study of Sikhism
Mushtaq Hussein moved to Lahore with his wife Gulzar Begum and son Mohammad Nazir. There, he studied different faith traditions and carefully researched Sikhism at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, connected with Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom.
Read Full Chapter →Khande di Pahul and New Name — 1935
In 1935, after persistent requests, he received Khande di Pahul from Giani Achhar Singh. From that point, Mushtaq Hussein Shah became known as Syed Prithipal Singh, later honoured as Sant Syed Prithipal Singh of Patiala.
Read Full Chapter →Service to the Sikh Panth
Sant Ji dedicated his life to the service of the Panth. Sources mention his contribution in acquiring land and helping establish a gurdwara at a place connected with Sikh martyrs in Lahore. Around 1950, he worked with Akali Kaur Singh in India and abroad.
Read Full Chapter →Writing and Research at Gurdwara Ghat Sahib
Sant Ji began writing his life experiences and research in March 1950 at Gurdwara Ghat Sahib near Nangal, Punjab. His writings later became important for understanding the Taajudin Diary tradition and Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s travels.
Read Full Chapter →Lectures, Travel and England Connection
Sant Ji became known as a powerful speaker. He travelled widely and is remembered in England for helping with the development of the Southall Gurdwara, including the laying of its foundation stone around the mid-1960s.
Read Full Chapter →Campaign for Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Weapons — 1966
Sources also record that in 1966 he was at the forefront of the campaign connected with returning Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s personal weapons to India.
Read Full Chapter →Final Journey — Kanpur, 1969
Sant Syed Prithipal Singh Ji passed away in Kanpur in 1969 while organising celebrations for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary. His family is recorded as living in England and Patiala.
Read Full Chapter →Legacy
His legacy continues through his writings, lectures, and the preservation of research connected with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s travels. His life remains a powerful example of devotion beyond religious boundaries and service to humanity.
Read Full Chapter →References Used for This Biography
- Taajudin’s Diary: Account of a Muslim author who accompanied Guru Nanak from Makkah to Baghdad, by Sant Syed Prithipal Singh ne’ Mushtaq Hussain Shah, edited and translated by Inderjit Singh.
- SikhChic article: A Man of God Sans Religion.
- Baru Sahib article: How a Muslim Man Turns into a Baptised Sikh, Inspired by Sikhism.
- Gurbani Vichar: Nanak Travels / Taajudin’s Diary.