Shah Ruknuddin

Ruknuddin was born in Baghdad in the 13th century. He joined his father, Alauddin, and his brothers, Bahauddin and Shah Tajuddin in accompanying Shah Kamal Quhafa in his quest to meet Shah Jalal and reunite with his father, Burhanuddin Ketan. In 1315, they reached Sylhet and spent some time as a murid of Shah Jalal in Dargah Mahalla.[3]

In June 1315, Jalal then ordered Shah Kamal Quhafa and his 12 dervishes to travel to north-western Taraf and propagate the religion there. The 13 men, as well as Kamal's wife, then set off from Sheikh Ghat along the Surma River in three small bajras known as pangshi (or panshi). The area which they resided in was originally a cluster of islands in body of water called Ratnang. It came to be known as Shaharpara (the neighbourhood of Shahs), on the banks of the Ratna river.[4]

Ruknuddin later moved to Kadamhata where he spent the rest of his life preaching. Kadamhata was originally known as Kadamatka, meaning where the footsteps stopped. It is named after Ruknuddin (where his journeying ends).[5] Ruknuddin then established an eidgah in Kadamhata and it would attract many people due to Ruknuddin himself being the imam.[6]

It is unclear how and what year he died, but he is buried in a mazar in Kadamhata, on Kulaura Road (N208) in Rajnagar Upazila.[7] The mazar is close to the Kadamhata Bazar Jame Masjid and Ruknuddin's own eidgah.[1] His urs take place on 13 February, which is considered his death date. His descendants are known as the Syeds of Kadamhata and the well-known poet Syed Shah Nur is his descendant. His descendants can also be found in Sampasi, Akamura, Kamarchak and Bijli.[5][8]