Forgotten Sons of Shahid-E-Salis(Third Martyr)

Blessed Grave of Shahid-E-Salis at Agra

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Qazi Nurullah Shustri is well-known among Imamis as ‘Shaeed-E-Salis’ (Third Martyr).But there is very little awareness about his sons. Even his popular shrine on Dayal Bagh Road at Agra does not have anything to offer details about the worthy sons of the great scholar who was martyred on the orders of Emperor Jahangir on September 7, 1610.After rising to the position of Chief Qazi of Mughal Empire, he attained martyrdom as a result of conspiracy hatched against him by some fanatics. Jahangir had not even allowed his burial and his body lay unattended as no one dared to perform his last rites out of fear. After  a few days, some Iranian merchants buried him near Bhagwan Talkies Crossing .They were camping at Gwalior and one of them  was  directed by Bibi Fatima in a dream  to proceed to Agra immediately with his companions to arrange the burial of her ’ son’.

It is quite strange that his sons remain unknown to the lovers of Ahle-Bait, for neither Jahangir nor his successors persecuted them. Historians could have easily penned down their biographies because all of them were great scholars and pious in nature. His eldest son Allama Syed Sharif was born on 19 Rabi-Ul-Awwal in 992 Hijri (March31,1584).He received his early education from his father. Then, he studied under Muhaqqiq Mir Taqi, Muhammad Nassaba Shirazi and other learned academicians. Mirza Ibrahim Hamadani taught him some portions of the Shark Marat. He specialized in traditions under Mulla Abdullah Shustri. In Fiqh(Jurisprudence), Sheikh Bahauddin Amili instructed him and also authorized him to teach his works to students of higher learning. Sharif left for Iran for further studies. His father regularly urged him in his letters to attain perfection in knowledge. His intellect and knowledge attracted the attention of Shah 'Abbas Safavi who invited him to his court. His father received this news much delight and thanked Allah for the progress of his son. By 1603, Sharif had attained the status of Mujtahid but Qazi asked him not to enter employment at court but devote two more years to higher studies and intellectual debates. Although separation from son was quite distressing, Qazi preferred to face court intrigues alone so as to enable Syed Sharif become a scholar par excellence. However, the mounting difficulties of his father prompted Sharif to return to Agra. He could not bear the pain of his innocent father’s martyrdom and died at the age of 28 years on June 17, 1611.In his brief life, he wrote books like Hashiya Tafsir Bayzawi,Hdshiya on Hashiya-i Qadima, Hashiya Shark Mukhtasar 'Azudi and Hashiya on Hashiya-i Mutfaw. He also composed a treatise on nine religions and other topics. Ironically, none of these works survive but it is evident from the titles that they were meant for higher studies. Sharif was also an accomplished poet.

Graves at Shahid-E-Salis Complex

Qazi’s second son was Syed Muhammad Yusuf. He was also a poet but no details about his life are available. It is assumed that he shifted to Iran and breathed his last there. His third son, Alavi Mulk, also received his early education from his father. He is believed to have left for Iran after Syed Sharif’s death with the whole family. Alavi obtained higher education in Shiraz and then returned to India. He took up teaching as a career in Agra and became tutor to Prince Shah Shuja', the second son of Shahjahan. He also wrote several books .Of these, only Firdaus based on the history of Shiraz survives.

Syed Abul Maali, the fourth son of Qazi , was born in   June,1596. He also reportedly moved to Iran with his family and returned to India with his brother. He spent some time in Qutb-Shahi kingdom where he translated ‘Masaibun-Nawasib’. Then, he moved to Bengal .He died in 1636 after authoring few books, commentary on ‘Surah  lkhlas’ and  treatise on miscellaneous topics. The fifth son of Qazi was born in 1603.His name was Ala-ud Daula. He was alive when his brother wrote Firdausi. He was also a great scholar and poet.(References available on request. The article has been posted to mark the birth anniversary of Qazi Nurullah Shustri’s eldest son, Allama Syed Sharif today i.e.19^th Rabi-ul-Awwal.Photo Courtesy Google Images)      

Relics of Holy Prophet & Ahle-Bait At Jama Masjid

Dargah Assar Sharif-Jama Masjid Delhi 

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

Jama Masjid is famous as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. But very few people are aware that it also houses the sacred relics of holy Prophet and his Ahle-Bait(Family Members).Erected by emperor Shah Jahan in Delhi at a cost of about 1 million rupees in 1656,the mosque  houses some precious relics such as a hair from the beard of the Prophet, his footprint in marble and a shoe made of camel skin. 

Relics of Holy Prophet at Jama Masjid 

The other relics include a 1,400-year-old Holy Quran written on deerskin by the Prophet Son-in-law and commander of the faithful, Hazrat Ali. There is another Holy Quran written on deerskin by the Prophet's grandson. Imam Hasan. But it is only one part at the mosque as the other part is in the Blue Mosque of Istanbul. The holy relics also include a Quran written in Kufi script by Imam Hussain on Egyptian paper with seal of prophet’s ring on it, a  sacred sheet of illuminated grave (Ghilaf -E –Qabr-E-Aanwer) of the  Prophet Muhammad, a blessed shawl o Princes of Heaven (Khatoon-E-Jannat) Hazrat Fatima Zahra , a stone with foot print Maula  Ali and a pair of stones with his  hand prints (left and right both).It is believed that these relics were acquired by Taimur Lane and inherited by Mughal emperors who traced their linage to him. When Shah Jahan founded Shahjahanabad(Delhi) with majestic Jama Masjid in its center on a hill called ‘Bhojla’ with four gateways, he took out the sacred relics from his  treasury  and placed them  at  Jama Masjid. The king wanted someone most eligible and noble to hold the holy relics and take care of them. A Hussaini Syed was known for his concern for the spiritual welfare and prosperity of the people at large in Delhi .The Emperor selected him and honored him by giving custody of the relics. Since then, the custody of holy relics has been the responsibility of his progeny.

These relics are kept in the northern corner of the mosque and that particular part is known as Dargah Asaar Sharif. Jama Masjid ranks among the only three mosques in the world with a hair of the beard of Holy Prophet and his footprint. The other two are Hazrat Bal in Srinagar(Kashmir) and Blue Mosque of Istambul.(References available on request. Photo Google images)

Hussaini Federation - A Dedicated Organization

A Photograph of Hussain Day Function in Kanpur  

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

Kanpur –Based Hussaini Federation has certainly emerged as a vibrant organization dedicated to propagation of ‘Karbala Revolution’ through interfaith understanding. It was evident at the 42^nd ‘Hussain Day’ function organized by the federation at Rajbi ground at Parade in Kanpur city on December 27, 2015.Not only a galaxy of religious scholars from different faiths assembled at the function but people from all walks of life also attended the twin sessions dedicated to the various aspects of Hussaini ideology. In their addresses, the scholars condemned perpetration of violence in the name of Islam by terrorist outfits and declared that more awareness about the sublime sacrifice of Imam Hussain and his teachings can pave way for the world peace. Prominent among those who addressed the sessions included Maulana Athar Abbas, Maulana Aijaz Hasnain, Hindu scholar Pramod Krishna, Dr. Naiyer Jalalpuri and many others. The distinguished guests also felicitated meritorious students and distributed sewing machine and blankets to down trodden. The federation also organized ‘Hussani Langar’ to serve free food to the attendees and brought out a souvenir containing messages and articles on Imam Hussain and Karbala from eminent personalities in Urdu, Hindi and English languages.The federation has also established a book bank for economically weak students of class 6th to 12th.Every year,it distributes sewing machines and thousands of blankets to destitute during its annual function. 

Former Union Minister Sri Prakash Jaiswal, A Hindu Sage & Clerics 
at Hussain Day Function

The federation traces its origin to 1974.It was founded by Marhoom Asghar Zaidi Sahib who had a shop in the parade market and traded in Ice. He roped in people from different faiths in the organization and began organizing ‘Hussain Day’ function annually. Asghar Sahib had visualized the organization to serve as a platform where people of all faiths could deliberate and discuss for developing a society based on the principles of justice, equity and harmony. As Imam Hussain had raised voice against oppression, falsehood and protected human values, he has traditionally been perceived as a savior of humanity in Indian sub-continent. Hence, the initiative of Asghar sahib evoked response from all quarters. The first ‘Hussain Day’ function attracted speakers and participants from different parts of the country.



Since then, the program has been growing in terms of stature and popularity. It is considered to one of the most awaited functions. In the past four decades, almost all the renowned scholars of Imami faith, Union Ministers, Top Bureaucrats, representatives of Uttar Pradesh government, leading industrialists and philanthropists have graced the function. The publication of the souvenir has also remained uninterrupted and considered to be a repository of Karbala literature. Apart from ‘Hussain Day’ function, the federation also extends help to programs organized by various Anjumans during Ayam-e-Aza, Rabi-Ul-Awwal, Rajab, Shaban and Ramzan. The federation also has an ambitious place to establish a community Hall and center for studies of comparative religions. For the past several years, the federation has been functioning with complete transparency under the watchful eyes of Mr.Kabir Zaidi, Mr. Israr Hussain Zaidi,Mr.Musheer Abdi, Mr.Qamar Abdi,Haji Munsif Ali Rizvi, and Mr. Raisul Hasan. Eminent Industrialist Padamshri Irshad Mirza Sahib has been generous to the activities of federation since its inception. May Allah bless all the members of the federation with strength to preserve Hussaini Ideology with the cooperation of all.(The article is based on the personal information and participation of the author in a number of Hussain Day functions. Photo Courtesy-Google Images & Website of Federation)     

Bibi Umme Kulsum & Her Lifesketch

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Today is the birth anniversary of Janab-E-Umme –Kulsum. She had stood defiantly in the face of unparalleled tyranny at Karbala and its heart-breaking aftermath. Her sermons (Khutbas) frustrated the attempt made by the Umayyad regime to erase the massacre of Karbala from the pages of history. Despite being taken as prisoner and paraded in the markets of Kufa and Damascus after martyrdom of Imam Hussain, Bibi Kulsum like her elder sister Hazrat Zainab exposed the maliciousness of Yazid through her courageous and eloquent speeches. In Kufa, the governor had persuaded the people through his hired agents to believe that Imam Hussain was not a pious grandson of the holy Prophet but a ‘rebel’ who made an unsuccessful attempt to grab power and was killed in the battle. Upon entering the city of Kufa, Hazrat Zainab began explaining to the crowd that had gathered around them of the truth. Thereafter, Bibi Kulsum gave such a speech that people of Kufa began to cry loudly and tears rolled down the cheeks of both men and women who had thronged  the streets to have a glimpse of the prisoners. 

Her exact words were “"O Kufans! May you face evil! Why did you refrain yourselves from rendering assistance to Hussain, why did you kill him? Why did you plunder his belongings and become its possessors? Why did you imprison his women-folk and suppress him? May you be ruined and uprooted! Woe is to you! Do you know what you have brought forth? And do you know what load of sin have you taken upon your backs? And what blood have you shed?....You have killed the best of men succeeding the Prophet, while mercy has departed away from your hearts.” Quoting Holy Quran, she thundered ““Beware, verily the Party of Allah alone shall be the successful ones, and verily the parties of Satan are the losers “

There is indeed great need to create more awareness about her life, character and the role that she played at Karbala and later. During Ayam-E-Aza, she is not remembered the way she deserves and the same can be compensated by celebrating her birthday at large scale. She is among the few historical figures that have been honored with ties to the house of Islam and the Holy Quran. Her grandfather was the blessed Prophet. She was youngest daughter of the perfect couple Bibi Fatima Zahra and Hazrat Ali.  The leaders of the youth of paradise, Imam Hassan and Hussain were her brothers and role models. Upbringing in such pious surroundings, she emerged as a lady with peerless and excellent qualities of her mother and elder sister, Hazrat Zainab. She lost her mother at the age of about 2 -years old. Then, she lived under the guidance and care of her father and her siblings. She was married to Aun bin Jafar who was the son of Imam Ali's brother. Some historians with vested interest have recorded her marriage with the second Caliph. It is nothing but a sort of academic character assassination by those who have been unable to respond to its refutations so far.

When Imam Ali was struck with a poisoned sword by Ibn Muljim, he was staying at the residence of Bibi Kulsum. She is therefore the main narrator of what happened that night. She is reported to have stated ''I saw my father walking to the window and coming back saying this is the night the Prophet told me about. I looked at him and said my father, you are the greatest of worriers and I have never seen you look as scared as I have seen you tonight, he replied “my daughter, this is the night I know I will return back to my Lord.”

She accompanied Imam Hussain when he proceeded to Karbala. She witnessed the tragic events at Karbala and assisted Hazrat Zainab in taking care of the children and the tents set ablaze by the enemies. Her contribution to the legacy and propagation of Imam Hussain’s message did not end at Kufa or Damascus but continued till her return to Medina. To let the people of her birth place know what happened at Karbala, she lamented and said:

“O my forefather's city, do not accept us
With regret and sorrow returned us
With all our family members we left you
With no man, no child, we return unto you
We did gather before moving
We are ransacked when returning
Under God's protection it appears were we
Of oppressor's cruelty and perjury still fear we
Our companion was our leader Hussain
Homeless and patrollers are we……..”

Shrine of Bibi Sakina and Janab-E-Umme Kulsum

It is believed that she breathed her last in Damascus in 62 Hijri and lies buried next to Bibi Sakina. Another version says that her blessed grave is in Baab-E-Sagheer in Damascus while some believe that her shrine is in Arrawiya village near Syrian capital.

(References available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images. The article has been posted as a mark of respect to Lady Umme Kulsum on her birth anniversary)

Imam Jafar Sadiq-Ocean of Knowledge

 
Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Greetings to the admirers of Imam Jafar Sadiq on his birth anniversary today. He was born on17^th Rabi –Ul-Awwal in 700 or 702 C.E. After the martyrdom of his father, Imam Mohammed Baqir, he took the responsibility of guiding the believers. Imam Sadiq utilized the feud between Umayyad and Abbasid and devoted his life to the revival of Prophetic customs, dissemination of Islamic culture and trained students who excelled in the field of Fiqh(Jurisprudence),Tafsir(Commentary) of Holy Quran, Hadees(Traditions) and experimental science. His theological university had more than 4000 students and two of the Imams of Ahle-Sunnat, Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Maliki derived great benefit from the ocean of knowledge that Imam Sadiq possessed as a direct descendant of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad. Imam Abu Hanifa is reported to have said “if
 it was not for those two years -the period that he spent with Imam Sadiq, No man would have been destroyed.”The untiring efforts, endeavors and struggles of Imam Sadiq resulted in the revival and dissemination of Islam in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Prophet. He founded Jafri School of thoughts and elaborated the doctrine of Naas (divinely inspired designation of each imam by the previous imam), and Ismah (the infallibility of the imams).it was because of him Imamis are known as followers of Jafri religion.

Like his illustrious ancestors, Imam Sadiq was also a man of great virtues and qualities. He was full of respect and humbleness in front of the Almighty, brave and courageous against the merciless and the tyrants, helpful to the afflicted and those willing to work to eke out living, full of awe, dignity, perseverance and steadfastness.
Once he was working with a spade in the agricultural field and soaked in perspiration. Abu Omar Shaibani saw Imam and said to himself “May be Imam is working himself with the spade as he is having no helper”. Out of respect, he offered to work for Imam but he politely declined the offer, saying “No, I like that one should endeavor and struggle himself to earn his livelihood”.
 It is reported from the wife of Imam Sadiq that in the final hours of the life he suddenly opened his eyes and said to all his family members and near ones “ Our ( Ahle- Bait ) Shafaat ( intercession) will not reach to those who degrade and undervalue their prayers. Imam Sadiq always stayed out of the political conflicts that embroiled the region and evaded many requests for support that he received from rebels. He lived for about 65 years and had the longest life among the Imams. Imam Sadiq devoted his maximum time for teaching correct Islam but the regime also did not spare him. His popularity and respect among the people led to his harassment by the Caliph Al-Mansur who finally got him poisoned. Imam attained the martyrdom on 25 Shawwal and lies buried in Baqi cemetery. His tomb was a place of pilgrimage until Wahhabis conquered Medina for the second time in 1925 and razed shrine of Imam Sadiq along with other tombs. The blogger would like to conclude the article with the famous quote of the blessed Imam –“Nothing is better than silence, no enemy is more harmful than ignorance, and no illness is more dangerous than telling lies."If Muslims could only pay attention to his precious saying, most of their problems could be solved automatically.

(References available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images.The article has been posted to mark the birth anniversary of Imam Jafar Sadiq today).  

Qadam Sharif of Delhi-A Forgotten Gem

Qadam Sharif in Delhi

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

‘Qadam Sharif’ (Footprint of Holy Prophet) of Delhi today may not be famous like Red Fort, Qutub Minar or Jama Masjid but it was certainly one of the most revered shrines till the partition of India. Built by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 14^th century in Paharganj area of Delhi, the shrine was a repository of spiritual power and popular adulation during the reigns of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. 

Till 19th Century, the relic's blessed run-off water was dispensed to the devotees and it was part of a far larger architectural complex and included a ‘Maktab’ (School), Mosque, Baoli (Watertank) and other buildings. After 1947, Muslim population of the entire locality migrated to Pakistan. Demands refugees from Pakistan and human habitation put extraordinary pressure on the site and it began to suffer from neglect. The shrine and its associated buildings were originally enclosed by four 14^th century battlemented walls but these and the gates on the north and west sides vanished within the last hundred years as they have been absorbed into contemporary construction.

It is believed that a stone bearing the footprint of the Prophet was brought to India during the reign of Firoz Tughlaq by a celebrated devotee who was sent by Sultan  to Mecca to obtain from its Shreiff a Khilat (robe of Honor).In addition,Shreiff also gave a stoner bearing the footprint of the Prophet. Firoz Shah received the holy relic  at a distance of 15 Kms from Delhi on its arrival. It was escorted with much Pomp and finally deposited by order of the Emperor in the Royal Treasury. It so happened that once Sultan asked his beloved son Fateh Khan to chose from the treasury whatever he liked most. Fateh selected the relic but his father refused to hand over the blessed footprint to him. When the prince insisted and reminded Sultan of his promise, a settlement reached between the two that relic will be placed over the grave whoever dies first. Unfortunately, the prince died on the twelfth day of Safar in 776 (23 June 1374) near Badaun in Uttar Pradesh. Deeply distressed at his death, Sultan withdrew from governance and left Delhi to visit the tomb of Syed  Salar Masud Ghazi at Bahraich. He ordered construction of a marble mausoleum around Saint's tomb and undertook erection of a structure bearing resemblance to the one designed for Bahraich around the grave of his son after returning to Delhi. He honoured his words by placing the blessed relic inside the mausoleum and soon it came to be known as Qadam Sharif. Later Mughal Emperors and even the British Raj paid attention to Qadam Sharif. In his book, Syed Ahmad Khan has mentioned that an annual fair used to be  held at the shrine on  12th of Rabi-Ul-Awwal. Thousands of Malang Faqirs also used to be part of the festivities and perform ecstasies in front of shrine’s gate.'An idea about the popularity of the shrine can be formed from the description of Dargah Quli Khan in his Muraqqa-e-Dehli. He Writes" Every Thursday the courtyard of the Dargah is so full of visitors that it is difficult even to approach the Place and touch it. Pilgrims and ascetics come from countries far and near to seek fulfilment of their wishes.” 

Heavily Encroached Entrance of Qadam Sharif 

After remaining in a state of utter neglect, the shrine is now cleaned by a religious preacher on a regular basis and he also offers flowers over the relic. However, much is still needed to restore the lost glory of the shrine that once enjoyed the status of the most popular place of pilgrimage and was a visual treat architecturally. Obviously, the shrine requires government initiative to get itself liberated from the encroachment and neglect from the concerned bodies like Delhi Wakf Board, ASI and INTACH.


Qadam Sharif in the Album of Thomad Metcalfe

References:
1-Text written by Sir Thomas  Metcalfe (1795-1853), the Governor-General’s Agent at the imperial court. 
2-‘Muraqqa-e-Delhi’  by Dargah Quli Khan 
3-Muslims Today, December 17,Rana Safavi
4- Ansar-as -Sanadid (Great Monuments) by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan 
5- Photo Courtesy-Google images )   

Prophet Muhammad's Sacred Relics in Hyderabad

Alawa Qadam Rasul-Hyderabad 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Hyderabad is home to the maximum number of relics associated with Prophet Hazrat Muhammad. Two of them are most prominent and attract large number of devotees. The city was blessed with these sacred relics in its infancy itself. Founded by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah(1580-1612), Hyderabad received ‘Asar-e-Mubarak’ (holy relics) with the arrival of Syed Muhammad Ali Isphahani from Medina in 1597.He had brought with him a number of relics with proven testimonials to their authenticity. The most notable among them was a footprint of the Prophet of Islam. A pious and devout Muslim, Syed Isphahani purchased a large house in Aitbar Chowk area and earmarked a separate place for the relic so that maximum number of people could see it freely and gather on occasions like Milad-Un-Nabi, Muharram  and other Islamic festivals for its ‘Ziyarat’.

Since then, the place housing the relic has evolved into Alawa ‘Qadam-E-Rasul’. The literal meaning of Alawa is ‘Fire-Pit’ but in Hyderabad the term refers to ‘Ashurkhana’ (place of mourning).The Alawa has two ‘Hauz’ cut in black stone.   The inner and outer circumference of the Hauz is forty-seven and fifty-seven centimeters respectively. The thickness of the stone is about three centimeters. The Alawa is located opposite Ashurkhana Panj-E-Shah on the eastern side of ‘Gulzar Hauz’ near Charminar and owes erection of its present structure to the last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan. On 10^th Muharram, famous ‘Bibi Ka Alam’ also comes to this Alawa. On 12th of Rabi’ Al-Awwal the relic is displayed throughout the day and hordes of devotees visit the Alawa.    

Relics of Holy Prophet on Hillock

      

The other eminent ‘Qadam-E-Rasul’ is on a hillock opposite the shrine of Maula Ali in Secundarabad. It is believed that an Asaf Jahi employee Mohammad Shakrullah Rehan had placed the relics of the Prophet on the hill. The location of these two ‘Qadam Rasuls’ symbolizes the great affection between the Prophet and his Ahle-Bait. The close proximity between ‘Qadam-E-Rasul’ and Maula Ali shrine exemplifies the bond between Prophet and his cousin and son-in-law Hazrat Ali. Likewise, existence of Alawa Qadam-e-Rasul opposite Ashurkhana Panj-e-Shah represents the closeness of pious five of Mubahila event. The arrival of ‘Bibi Ka Alam’ at Alawa Qadam Rasul also reminds devotees how the Prophet and his daughter Hazrat Fatima Zahra loved each other. Apart from these two popular ‘Qadam-e-Rasuls’, few relics of the Prophet are also with some religious institutions and individuals. These relics are displayed on the occasion of Milad-Un-Nabi in Hyderabad.

References:

1- Radio Chronicle

2-Website of Salman Book Depot, Hyderabad

3-WoNoBo

4-The Siasat Daily, October 24,2015

5-Legacy of Nizam’s-L.Raya

6-Photo Courtesy-Google Images

   

    

            

    

Milad-Un-Nabi Celebrations & Qutb Shahi Sultans

Milad-Un-Nabi Processsion of Hyderabad 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The birth anniversary of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Milad-un-Nabi) is celebrated amidst a riot of green, yellow and red flags in the old city area of Hyderabad (India).People celebrate the festival with gusto and cut across sect barriers to welcome the procession taken out from Engine Bowli with participants carrying and waving flags as the procession passes through Shahalibanda, Charminar, Madina building and Mir Chowk to culminate at Mughalpura. However, majority of them is not aware as to who gave the Milad-Un-Nabi celebrations splendor and magnificence in Hyderabad? It is so because historians  have liberally acknowledged the great contribution of Qutb Shahi Sultans to promotion of Muharram rituals but strangely adopted a retrained approach while penning down their patronage to birth anniversary celebrations of the Prophet. Hence, the modern generation remains ignorant about the patronage extended to Mild-uN-Nabi celebrations by Qutub Shahi Sultans. It is a grave injustice to these Sultans, for they used to earmark large sums for festivities and all the celebrations linked with the birth anniversary of Prophet were conducted under state patronage.

A Well-Decorated Area of Hyderabad 

The festivities reached its zenith during the regime of Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah (1580-1612), the founder of Hyderabad city. He used to dole out lakhs of rupees on illumination, incense and feeding the masses to mark the occasion. Moreover, he also used to earmark an equal amount for charity to the poor and needy in memory of the generosity and mercy shown by the holy Prophet on down trodden. As a sequel to his liberal approach, the annual festivities had taken on the form of a spectacle of revelry much to the heart- burning of devout Muslims. His poems give an idea how the morals of participants had deteriorated in such festivities and what was the scale of celebrations. Muhammad Quli himself boasts of in his poetry “the bazaars, palaces and houses look like bridegrooms; there is an atmosphere of universal joy and pleasure with whole country glittering with light and pleasure at every corner.”

All Green Old Hyderabad Street

His successor, Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah (1612-1626) was not liberal like his father. He was against the conversion of a solemn occasion into spectacle of revelry. The new ruler had studied under renowned clerics and scholars of his time. So he checked the decadent practices and ensured that the budgeted amount be given away in alms. His efforts returned sobriety to the celebrations associated with the revered personage of the Prophet. The next Sultan, Abdullah Qutub Shah (1626-1672), was also a liberal ruler. After ascending the throne, he revived festivities albeit but did not tolerate any debauchery and curtailed any anti-Islamic ritual with iron hand. The last ruler of the dynasty Abul Hasan Qutb Shah (1672-1689) also continued the examples set by his illustrious predecessors.

 

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah & Charminar in an Old Painting

Qutb Shahi sultans also encouraged poets to compose eulogies in praise of the Prophet especially during the month of his birth. Muhammad Quli himself was a great poet and wrote poems in ‘Dakhanni’ Urdu, Persian and Telugu languages. He has left behind a huge collection of excellent poetry. During their regime, recitation of ‘Naat’ (reverential poetry in praise of Holy Prophet) at public gatherings to commemorate his birth as God’s mercy on mankind was considered a matter of great honor. The encouragement from Sultans inspired poets from different faiths to compose Naats. A large number of Naats were also composed by Hindus and they are now an integral part of Urdu literature. Some of them are considered to be masterpiece in view of the literary skills of their composers. 

Reference:

1-History of Modern Andhra- P. Raghunadharao

2- A Cultural History of India- A. L. Basham

3-The Hindu-December 25,2015

4-Photo Courtesy-Google Images

Hazratbal-‘Madinat-Us-Sani’ of India

Majestic Hazratbal Shrine at Srinagar-Kashmir

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The most revered and holiest shrine of Kashmir ‘Hazratbal’ is rightly called as ‘Madinat-Us-Sani’ (Smaller Medina).Housing a relic‘ Moi-e-Muqqadas’- believed to be a hair of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad, Srinagar based silvery shrine offers serenity and divine appeal similar to one experienced by a devotee in Medina. Located on the left bank of Dal lake, the shrine derives its name from the Urdu Word ’Hazrat’(Respected) and Kashmiri word ’Bal’(Place).It is the only single dome mosque of Srinagar with intricate Persian and Iranian architectural influences. The white marble mosque has been built with a fusion of Mughal and Kashmiri styles of architecture with large mountains in the backdrop.

Head Priest of Hazratbal Displaying the Relic

The story about the arrival of the relic from Arabia to Srinagar is quite fascinating. It is believed that it was brought to India by Syed Abdullah, a descendant of the Holy Prophet. He had left Medina to settle in Bijapur that flourished as a great center of Islamic studies in early 17^th century under Adil Shahi Kings. When Syed Abdullah died, his son, Syed Hamid, inherited the relic. After Bijapur Kingdom collapsed under Mughal onslaught, Syed Hamid lost his family estates. Finding himself unable to care the sacred relic, he sold it to a wealthy Kashmiri Merchant, Khwaja Nur-ud-Deen Eshai.

Upon coming to know about the transaction, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb had the relic seized and Khwaja Nur-ud-Deen imprisoned in Delhi. He sent the relic to the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer. According to a legend, Emperor saw the Holy Prophet directing him to return the relic to its actual owner in a dream. The emperor acted promptly both out of reverence and fear. He decided to return the relic to Khwaja Nur-ud-Deen but by the time it could reach the latter had breathed his last in prison. In 1700, the relic finally reached Kashmir along with the body of Khwaja Nur-ud-Deen.   Inayat Begum, daughter of Khwaja Nur-ud-Deen, became custodian of the relic and established the shrine. She was married into the prominent Kashmiri Bandey family of Srinagar. Since then, her descendants from the Bandey family have been the caretakers of the relic.

The entire Kashmir valley had plunged into mourning after the relic was reported missing from the shrine on December 26, 1963.Mass protests followed all over the state with thousands of devotees on the street. The then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru addressed the nation on radio about the disappearance of the relic. He assured the believers that his government would ensure recovery of the relic at the earliest. An Awami Action Committee was subsequently constituted for recovery of the relic. Normalcy restored in the valley after a month following recovery of the relic and its identification by a panel of scholars as ‘genuine’. On Eid -Milad- uN –Nabi day (December 24,2015 i.e.12th Rabi –ul-Awwal) over one lakh devotees braving bone-chilling cold visited Hazratbal to offer Friday prayers and perform Ziyarat(Glimpse) of the relic that was displayed after the congregational prayers. Various social, religious and political organizations had also organized camps around the shrine. Some of them distributed Kehwa and free Islamic literature to the devotees.  Various roads and streets leading to the shrine were decorated and markets at Hazrat Bal wore a festive look.

References:

1-Cultural Heritage of Kashmir by K.Warikoo,2009 ,

2- Hazratbal Shrine by Frederic P. Miller, ‎Agnes F. Vandome, ‎John McBrewster – 2010

3-My Life and Times, Sayyid Mir Qasim,1992

4-Greater Kashmir, October 26,2015

5-Photo Courtesy-Google Images

Qadam Rasul(Cuttack)- Fusion of Hindu-Muslim Architecture

Qadam Rasul Cuttack After Renovation

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Qadam Rasul of Cuttack in the Indian state of Odisha is truly a fusion of Hindu-Muslim architecture. The shrine is spread over half a square mile. On each corner of the boundary walls, there is a small minaret. The mosque has nine small minarets with a big one in the centre bearing the crescent and the star. It has beautiful arches and fine architectural works enhancing its beauty and utility. It is an octagonal building standing on an octagonal plinth with Qadam-e-Rasool (footprint of the Holy Prophet) placed inside a metal basin in the center of the shrine that has one dome. The pinnacle of the dome is adorned like the ‘Shikhara’ (Top) of ‘Odishi’ temple architecture with elements such as ‘kalasa and ‘amalak’. Another distinct feature of the shrine is placement of a small golden dome over its adorned counterpart. The interior roof too is exquisitely painted with flowers and plants of many varieties. It has a marble floor in black and white squares.Legends reveal that the blessed relic was brought by Haji Syed Alimullah from Arabia with the signature of Sheriff of Mecca. He was a close relative of Syed Hashim of Mashed of Persia (Modern Iran).

Initially; the relic was kept under a tree at Kukuriapada village in Sungra Sub-Division of Cuttack district to testify its genuineness. Awareness about the relic increased tremendously when many people miraculously got cured of various diseases and ailments following its presence in Sungra. The relic attracted the attention of the ruler(deputy nazim) of the province and also the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The emperor conveyed his desire to pay his respects to the sacred relic to the deputy nazim. As Sungra was located in a remote area, deputy nazim Shujauddin Mohammed Khan shifted the relic to Cuttack so as to enable more people to pay their homage to it. Later, it was moved to Rasulpur on the bank of river Mahanadi in 1099 Hijri. Many renowned personalities also lie buried in the graveyard inside the shrine complex. The tomb of eminent Sufi Shaeed Pani also forms part of the complex that also houses several Persian inscriptions.

As Qadam Rasul is the most revered and the largest Islamic structure of Mughal era with influence of local architecture, the state government announced its renovation and doled out a sum of Rs.1.5 Crore in 2013.Being a center of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Muslims, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation initiated the idea of giving a new look to the shrine. The State tourism department also exhibited interest and roped in Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IIDC) in the renovation work. 

Qadam Rasul Cuttack Before Renovation

INTACH took almost two years to complete the task as the main dome was in a bad shape. The domes at the entrance too had lost their character. Walls were also damaged. INTACH kept both local sentiments and historical significance in mind while carrying out repairs to restore the lost glory of the shrine. Its experts used lime plaster in plastering and finishing and did not use any chemical or harmful color. The concerned agencies not only renovated the main shrine but also ensured landscaping, renovation of a water body, boundary walls and the entrance as well. The state government undertook development of the shrine with a view to bringing on tourism map due to its close proximity with famous Barabati fort- a popular destination.

References: 1-Daily Telegraph, August 19, 2013

2-Quotes of Odiya Historian, Mr. Muhammad Yamin   

3-Statement of Cuttack Mayor

4-The Times of India, June 6,2015

Photo Courtesy Google Images

Qadam Rasul Mosque of Gaur-India

Qadam Rasul Mosque of Gaur As Photographed by Revenshaw in 1860s

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

‘Qadam Rasul’ (Holy Prophet’s Footprints) mosque of Gaur is undoubtedly the best known and well-preserved in India. Designed like a hut, it is a square room with verandahs on three sides. The central domed room contains a small, carved pedestal of black stone that once had the relic. The shrine attracts visitors from different parts of the world, for Qadam Rasul and other historic monuments of Gaur represent how Bengali style of architecture developed and reached its maturity under the Sultanate.

Gaur lies on India-Bangladesh border in Malda district of West Bengal. Previously known as Lakshmanavati or Lakhnauti, the city was an ancient capital of Bengal. A seat of the Buddhist Pala dynasty from the 8th century and later the Hindu Sena dynasty from the 12th century, Gaur became a part of Delhi Sultanate in early 13th century. It became the capital of the Sultans of Bengal and together with neighboring Pandua emerged as a centre of provincial Islamic culture until its abandonment following a course change in the Ganges and an outbreak of the plague in the late 16th century.

The Qadam Rasul, a single-domed square edifice, was built by Sultan Nusrat Shah in 1530, according to Philip Davis. He erected the structure to enshrine a stone reproduction of an impression of Holy Prophet's foot. The edifice built with red bricks has a verandah that forms a barrel-vaulted corridor on three sides. The eastern side is elaborately decorated. Arched entrances pierce the north, south and east sides. Nusrat Shah was son of Sultan AlauddinHussain Shah, and he ruled from 1519 until his assassination in 1533. He had married daughter of Ibrahim Lodhi who had lost to Babur in the battle of Panipat. He was an able administrator with secular outlook and he erected several magnificent structures at gaur in his life time. After 1526, he had to contend with the Mughal ascendency.

Qadam Rasul Mosque Now 

The Mughal Emperor Humayun considered gaur so beautiful that he named it as Jannatabad and fortified it. Jannat means heaven and it gives an idea how serene and captivating Gaur must have been during its hey days. The city is mostly in ruins but Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been able to maintain the historical sites and their surroundings satisfactorily. While the mosque is very much in use, the holy relic is no longer its part. According to Syed Anwar Abbas, the historian who has worked a lot on the heritage of Lucknow, the relic was shifted to Mahdipur by the caretakers. They took the step as they were worried about its protection at Gaur that has yet to have proper security arrangements for its precious monuments. The caretakers however have left behind two Arabic inscriptions at the mosque and both have fortunately survived. The inscriptions are examples of Islamic calligraphy with Bengali influence. The Qadam Rasul also figures in the album of John Henry Revenshaw titled ‘Gaur-Its ruins and inscriptions’. He was an employee of the Bengal Civil Service,. He took photographs of Gaur monuments whilst staying in the region between 1865 and 1867. In 1874, Revenshaw died in England, leaving the images unpublished. His widow, Caroline, arranged the publication of the album. (References available on request. Photo Courtesy- Google Images)