Majlis for Esal-E-Sawab of Sarkar Mehdi Sahab in Kanpur

Maulana Rais jarchavi who addressed the majlis for Esal-E-Sawab of Sarkar Mehdi Sahab in Kanpur On August 29, 2015.

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The admirers of Shahzada-E-Khitabat Maulana Sarkar Mehdi have yet to recover from the shock and grief of his sad demise on August 21,2015. It was evident from the wailing crowd that had assembled in Bagh Wali Masjid in Patkapur area of Kanpur to attend a majlis-e-aza organized for his ‘Esal-e-Sawab’ by blogger’s elder brother  Janab Parvez Bhai. Maulana Rais Jarchavi, eminent zakir and a brother like friend of Marhoom Sarkar Sahab, came all the way from Delhi at a short notice to address the majlis. Momneen too make it a point to attend the majlis from all parts of the city and neighboring districts as well. Their gesture indicated what exalted and adorable position Sarkar Mehdi had occupied in their hearts through his oratory. Held after Namaz-e-Isha, Majlis also attracted people from all walks of life and almost all the prominent  Shair-e-Ahlebait, Marsiyakhwans, Pesh Imams and scholars listened with rapt attention the address of Zakir Rais Sahab. As is the custom and tradition, his address focused upon Fazail-e-Masoomeen and Masaib of martyrs and survivors of Karbala but in between he also offered glimpse of Sarkar Mehdi’s personality. Rais Sahab broke down twice on the pulpit while narrating his 35 year old relationship with Marhoom without differences worth 35 minutes.

In a voice choked with emotion, he said” His generosity was matchless. His Salam was unparalleled and he passed his life like an Emperor. For the people of Gowli Saadat where he was born and laid to rest after his death, Sarkar Mehdi was simply a Badshah. He never disappointed any seeker. He used to simply take out from his pocket whatever he had, to give it to the ‘Sawali’. Rais Jarchavi also discussed his Fan-e-Zakiri and said “Such orators are produced once or twice in a century. He had the capacity to give most unexpected but relevant turn to the philosophy behind Karbala revolution. He was worthy son of a worthy father, for his father Maulana Shamsul Hasan Saheb too was capable of doing so.” Owing to his brother like relationship with the deceased, Rais Sahab recirted the Masaib of Hazrat Abbas Alamdar and narrated his departure in the most heart-melting touch. He described Imam Hussain as the name of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad’s confidence and Hazrat Abbas as symbol of Syedush-Shohda’s  ‘Eitmad’  (Confidence).Mourners kept weeping even after conclusion of the majlis. Anjuman-E-Rizviya also recited its famous Nauha dedicated to Hazrat Abbas with the wordings “Dilbar-E-Shah-E-Lafata Abbas”.

Later talking to the blogger, Maulana Rais Jarchavi sahab said;” I won’t let let Sarkar Mehdi Sahab die till I am alive. I will keep him afresh in the memory of people by carrying out charitable works in his memory. My first step is to publish an exclusive edition in his memory in my monthly Urdu magazine ‘Nasir’ under the title ’Shahzada-e-Khitabat Sarkar Mehdi”. He also thanked Parvez Bhai and his team for organizing a majlis for his Esal-E-Sawab.The blogger prays for the success of Rais Sahab’s efforts in the Sadqa of Rasool-E-Akram and his Aal.          

Shrine of Imam Rida and Its History

Imam Rida Shrine Complex- Mashhad(Iran)

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The Majestic shrine of Ali Ibn Musa al-Rida in Mashhad (Iran) has a history of construction, destruction and reconstruction behind it. Born in 765 AD in Medina and called by Persian speakers as Imam Reza was killed by Al Mamun, son and successor of Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid in city of Tus in 818 AD, most historians unanimously agree. Al-Mamun murdered the Imam as he felt threatened due to love and affection showered on him by believers who never exhibited such gestures to the Caliph. After killing Imam, Mamun walked bare- footed and head  in front of the coffin and buried him next to the grave of Harun who had killed the father of Eighth Imam. 

Mashhad was known as Sanabad in the beginning of the third century Hijri. It was a small village located about 24 kms from Tus and contained the  summer palace of the then governor of Khorasan, Humaid bin Qahtabah. Abbasid caliph, Harun al-Rashid during his expedition against Rafeh ibn Laith, in 808 A.D. fell critically ill in Tus and died. He was buried in the hall of Humaid’s palace. When Imam Rida attained martyrdom at the hands of Al Mamun and laid to rest beside the grave of Harun, Sanabad became the pilgrimage center of Ahle-Bait’s lovers and small Sanabad soon emerged as a flourishing city called as Mashhad ar-Reza (tomb sanctuary of Imam Rida). 

By the turn of century, a dome was erected over the grave of Imam. Many buildings and shops sprang around the shrine when devotees began pouring in from various parts of the world for Ziyarat of Imam’s last resting place at Mashhad.

The peace and tranquility of the city was however disturbed in 993 AD when  Ghaznavi Sultan, Subuktgeen devastated Mashhad and prevented  devotees from visiting the shrine. But miraculously, his successor Mahmud Ghaznavi in1009 AD expanded and renovated the shrine. He fortified the city for its safety from invaders and decorated the shrine with fine marbles, quality wooden and stucco works. Mahmud also built the burial chamber of Imam Rida’s grave. This square-shaped building stands as the center of shrine. The shrine complex again suffered damage severely during the Ghuzz invasion in 1153.Then Sultan Sanjar (1097-1157 A.D) renovated the holy complex and commissioned new buildings within its precincts as a token of thanks giving following miraculous healing of his son in the shrine of Imam. Sharaf al-Din Abu Tahir b. Sa'd b. Ali Qummi is also reported to have carried out repair work at the shrine during Saljuqui period. Later, Chatrgan Zumurrud Malik, daughter of Mahmud Saljuqi, decorated the dadoes with precious hexangular, octagonal and star-shaped tiles in 1162.The following year in 1612, inscriptions on certain tiles reveal that Allaudin Khwarezm Shah carried out renovations .Two of the prayer niches, embellished with porcelain tiles,  plus those with Kufic inscriptions  adorning the walls to the upper side of the burial chamber carry the name of his Prime Minister  Ali bin Muhammad Muqri. The shrine received much attention during the period of  Khwarazm-Shahs  and decoration were made.Two embossed thulth (a large Naskh handwriting ) inscriptions in form of square tile work were fixed on both sides of the shrine entrance-by the side of Dar al-Huffaz porch in this era also.

In 1220 A.D., Khorasan was plundered by the invading hordes of Mongols and the survivors took shelter in Mashhad and settled around the holy shrine. Sultan Muhammad Khudabandeh Iljaitu, the Mongol ruler of Iran became an Imami and  ruled  from 1304-1316 A.D..He also renovated again the shrine at large scale with grandeur.
Ibn Batutah who visited Mashhad in 734/1333 mentions tile decorated shrine and its silver Zareeh.Miran Shah the son of Amir Timur  razed Tus to its foundation and massacred its inhabitants. As a sequel, Tus lost its popularity Mashhad gained prominence. But the most  glorious phase of Mashhad began during  the rule of Timur’s son Shahrukh Mirza (born 1377 A.D. ruled- 1405-1447).Shahrukh whose capital was Herat, regularly visited Mashhad to pay his respects at the holy shrine of Imam Rida. His wife Gauharshad Agha built  the famous and historical Gauharshad Mosque in 1418.It is considered to be one of the biggest and most beautiful mosques in the world. Mashhad reached its zenith during the reign of Safavid kings who ruled Iran from 1501-1786 A.D. Since Khorasan was a border province of the Safavid Empire, Mashhad witnessed repeated invasions and periods of occupation by the Uzbek Khans ,namely , Muhammad Khan, Abdullah Khan Shaibani, Muhammad Sultan and  Abdul - Momin Khan. These invasions continued up to 1586 A.D. Shah Abbas I finally drove out the Uzbeks from Khorasan.

Gauharshad Mosque

Sahn Atiq (the old courtyard) and the main building of the golden porch-, founded by Amir 'Ali Shir Nava'ii during the rule of Sultan Hussein Bayqara's from1470-1506, was also extended in the time of Shah Abbas 1. Shah Tahmasb Safavi repaired and gild the minaret near the dome and changed precious tiles covering the dome into gold-coated bricks in 1535 AD.When Uzbek invader Mumin Khan plundered Mashhad,Safavid ruler rebuilt the gold coated bricks in 1601. Allahverdikhan portico, porch in the north side of Dar al-Ziyafah(reception chamber) and Hatam Khani portico were also commissioned by great Safavid princes.Shah Abbas II also got  repaired and decorate  Sahn Atiq with tiles. When an earthquake damaged the dome of shrine, Shah Sulaiman also ordered its repair.He also  established several Madarsas (Islamic Seminaries). A skillful Isafahani mason called Ustad Shuja is recorded to have repaired and tiled the northern porch of Gauharshad Mosque, the entrance to holy shrine along with Musallah(place of prayer) located in Payeen Khiyaban (lower street).

Nadir Shah Afshar (1736-1747 A.D.) and the Qajar kings who ruled Iran from 1779-1923 also offered funds generously to  illuminated, beautify and expand courtyards (Sahn), porches (Riwaq) and other notable places in the shrine complex. During Nadir Shah Afshar's monarchy, the golden porch of Sahn Atiq and the minaret on its top were repaired and gilded. The minaret of north porch was erected and illuminated. A Sangab (a vessel or container made of single block of marble) in Ismail Tala'ee Saqqa Khanah (a public place for drinking water) was also built  in Sahn Atiq in the same period.

More improvements took place during Qajar period, including establishment of a new courtyard  and gilding of its porch. The construction began  in the era of Fath Ali Shah Qajar and concluded during the regime of  Nasir al-Din Shah's era. The porch and northern façade of Sahn Atiq were also repaired during Muhammad Shah's rule. In the time of Adud al- Mulk,Tawhid Khana was repaired in 1859. He decorated with mirrors  the fine paintings and tiles of the shrine in 1858. Some repairs in the old and the new courtyards also took place during Muzaffar al-Din Shah's monarchy.

In 1911 A.D., the Tsar Russian artillery shelled the holy shrine and martyred a large number of pilgrims and inhabitants. The shrine was repaired again after a while by Khorqasan Governor,Hussein Mirza Nayyir al-Dawla. The shrine saw some essential changes  in 1928, when Falakah-round open space with the radius of 180 meters from the top of the Dome was established, to be followed by the construction of  the Museum, the library and the Hall for ceremonies. On 13 July 1935, the armed forces of Reza Khan, the founder of Pahlavi dynasty, invaded the shrine and massacred innocent devotees in the Gauharshad Mosque. They faced the wrath of Pahalvi for  protesting against his anti-Islamic order, banning Hijab (modest dress) for women in Iran. During the peak days of Islamic revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini , Muhammad Reza Shah's troops killed a large number of innocent people within the holy shrine on  November 21,1978.His act resulted in his ouster from Iran forever. After the victory of revolution,old Falakah was extended up to a radius of 620 meters. The new regime also  depicted the holy shrine  on the reverse of the Iranian 100 rials coin issued in 2004.( References available on request) 

Imam Rida- Fragrance of Knowledge and Compassion

Wiladat-E-Imam Rida Tamam Ahle Islam Ko Mubarak Ho

Magnificent View of Imam Rida shrine at Night 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

"Postponement is detrimental to the fulfillment of desires. Fulfillment is the gain of the strict. Wastefulness is the calamity of one who can afford it. Miserliness tears up honor. Passion invites trouble. The best and most honorable of virtues is to do others favors, to aid the one who calls for help, to bring the hope of the hopeful to reality, not to disappoint the optimist, to have an ever increase of the number of friends when you are alive, and the number of those who will cry when you die."

Can there be better words to define how to lead a purposeful life? Of course, not, for these words belong to Imam Ali Ar-Rida whose birth anniversary will be celebrated tomorrow and who carried the legacy of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad as his worthy descendant. Majority of the historians and scholars are of the view that he was born in Medina on Friday, or Thursday, Dhul-Hijja 11 in Hijri year 148 to seventh Imam Musa Kazim. There is however no unanimity about the name of his mother. Some scholars of Islamic history are of the view that Imam Rida’s mother was called al-Khayzaran. Contrary to this version, another group say that her name was Najma with nickname as "Ummul-Baneen." There is yet another group who say that she was called Takattam and supplement their claim with the following couplet composed in praise of Imam Rida:

“The best in self and parenthood,

In offspring and in ancestry,

Is Ali al-Muaddam,

Eighth in series of the knowledgeable

and the clement,

An Imam descending from the Proof of God,

that is Takattam.”

An Imam symbolizes a unique personality and distinctive characteristics. Twelvers consider infallibility essential in him since he conveys true Islam on behalf of the Holy Prophet. The Imamate is characterized by certain distinctive aspects. An Imam has  to be the most learned among people and the most aware of the general needs of people such as knowledge or other necessities of life. He has to be the most pious, the most ascetic, the most perfect in personal conduct, norms of behavior and superior to everyone else in all aspects of human perfection. What exalted position Imam occupies against these characteristics can be understood from the words of  Ibrahim ibn al-Abbas al-Suli "I never saw Abul-Hasan ar-Ridha’  angering anyone by something he said, nor did I ever see him interrupting anyone, nor refusing to do someone a favor he was able to do, nor did he ever stretch his legs before an audience, nor leaned upon something while his companion did not, nor did he ever call any of his servants or attendants a bad name, nor did I ever see him spit or burst into laughter; rather, his laughter was just a smile. When he was ready to eat and he sat to be served, he seated with him all his attendants, including the doorman and the groom." He adds, "Do not, therefore, believe anyone who claims that he saw someone else enjoying such accomplishments.”

Similarly, Muhammad ibn al-Fadl narrates an anecdote about Imam's simple personality. He says:"Ar-Ridha’ , on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, said to one of his attendants, `May God accept your good deeds and ours,' then he stood up and left. On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, he said to the same man, `May God accept our good deeds and yours.' I asked him, `O son of the Messenger of God! You said something to this man on the occasion of Eid -ul-Fitr and something else on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha; why?' He answered: `I pleaded God to accept his good deeds and ours because his action was similar to mine and I combined it with mine in my plea, whereas I pleaded God to accept our good deeds and his because we are capable of offering the ceremonial sacrifice while he is not; so, our action is different from his.'" 

Imam followed throughout his life good manners. He considered mannerism as an essential constituent of one’s personality and used to say ‘manners unveil the innermost nature of the individual and reveals the extent purity of his origin when it translates belief into action. Imam Rida’s noble personality won him the love of the commoners as well as the elite. He was a person who safeguarded Islam from the ulterior motives of materialistic Abbasid Caliphs. Imam spread the law of equality to emancipate man's dignity from class obligations- a characteristic that dominated people’s life during the pre-Islamic era. He did so as God Almighty has said: "The best of you in the eyes of God is the one who is most pious." .The saying of his ‘Jad’ The Prophet (S) was also afresh in his memory "All of you descended from Adam, and Adam was created of dust. No Arab can be  superior to a non-Arab except through superiority of his degree of piety."

Ibrahim ibn al-Abbas al-Suli says "I heard Ali ibn Musa ar-Ridha’ saying, “I do not see myself as better than that (and he pointed to a black slave of his who remained in his service) on account of my kinship to the Messenger of God  except if I do a good deed which would render me better.'" Imam told the world through this message that good Islamic conduct safeguards a man’s  dignity  and eliminates class distinctions except the distinction of good deeds. He never viewed his kinship to the Prophet  as  a distinction to consider himself superior over others. Yasir, one of his servants, is quoted as saying “Abul-Hasan said to us once: `If I leave the table before you do, while you are still eating, do not leave on my account till you are through.' It may happen that he calls upon some of us to his service and he is told that they are eating, whereupon he says: `Leave them to finish their meal first.'" Nadir, another servant, says: "Abul-Hasan did not require us to do anything for him except if we had finished eating our meal."

These examples bear testimony to the fact that the he had inherited fragrance of goodness and mercy from the greatest Prophet and his spiritual successors. Who does not remember the famous declaration of the prophet “I have been sent to perfect the code of good conduct." The World can take a vow on the birth anniversary of Imam Rida  to develop good feeling for every human being as this is the only way for nations to derive strength to develop a counter ideology to eradicate terrorism that has become a threat to their own existence. Such a spirit will be the best way to remember Imam whose shrine in Mashhad(Iran) draws large crowd of devotees from all over the world to invoke his blessings for a peaceful society everywhere. (Reference available on request.The article is being posted on the eve of Birth anniversary of Eighth Imam Rida A.S.)

Bibi Fatima Ka Rauza in Bangladesh

Bibi Ka Rauza in Dhaka(Bangladesh)

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has the distinction of having over 400- year old shrine of Bibi Fatima with a unique legend supported by historical facts. Built by one Amir Khan in 1600 CE and located in Farashganj locality, the shrine is known as ‘Bibi Ka Rauza’. Local Imamis believe that the shrine is the permanent abode of the blessed soul of Bibi Fatima, daughter of holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad , wife of Maula-E-Kainat Hazrat Ali and mother of Hasnain. Annau Jalais in his work ‘Bengali Bihari Muharram: The Identitatarian Trajectories of a Community’ has given due prominence to the legend associated with the shrine. Quoting a middle aged woman Ruqaiya Begum in an interview conducted in 2008,Jalais has written “ Bibi Fatima has announced that her soul would not remain in Arabia and will go to Hindustan(Bangladesh was once part of Hindustan) as women were treated well there. It is believed that her soul floated down through Buri Ganga River to Farashganj where a shrine was erected in her honor .Since then it is being kept and revered as Bibi Ka Rauza.” The author has not given any exact date as to when actually Bibi’s soul reached Farashganj but historical facts duly support the reason for Bibi’s indifference towards the land where her holy father had received divine revelations and propagated Islam as God’s messenger.

On the basis of facts mentioned in authentic sources like Sahih Muslim, Sahih Bukhari and Ibn al-Hadid, it can be concluded with certainty that caliph Abu Bakr and Umar Farooq had harassed, saddened and angered Bibi Fatima after the death of Prophet.  Ibn Abi al-Hadid, after consulting a number of accounts on the issue, summed up ““The truth for me is that she died upset at Abu Bakr and Umar and she stated this in her will that the two of them must not pray upon her.”Likewise, Sahih Muslim and Sahih Bukhari also mentions, “Abu Bakr refused to hand over anything from the properties Fatima was demanding, to Fatima, who got angry at Abu Bakr for this reason. She forsook him and did not talk to him until the end of her life.” Further, the attack upon her house and the miscarriage of her third son Janab-E- Mohsin, deteriorated her health. Bibi Fatima, who was given the title Al-Zahra and referred to as Khatoon-E-Jannat, passed away within three months after the death of prophet. These facts supplement the legend linked with her shrine even though its creation shrouds in mystery for want of historical evidence. But acceptance of the legend is so powerful that it is considered to be a place of   great reverence. 

During Muharram ‘Paiks’(Messenger of Janab-E-Sughra) make it a point to visit the shrine and shout Ya Hussain –Ya Hussain there. The caretaker also reveals that the shrine has been visited by the ambassadors of Iraq, Egypt, Iran and Pakistan. Bibi Ka Rauza was the most famous Imami site before the erection of Hussaini Dalan by Syed Mir Murad in 1642 in Bakhsi Bazar. May be Bibi wanted the memorial of her son to be more popular who saved Islam by offering the greatest sacrifice ever recorded in the history of mankind. The original structure of the shrine has been replaced by new additions. The shrine was heavily damaged during the riot of 1946 and only portion of its Naubatkhana’ survived the wrath of rioters. The damaged portions were re-erected later. Prior to it, a Parsi named S.M.Doshanji had renovated the aging Imambara in 1861.He did so out of his affection for Janab-E-Shaharbanu who was a Zoroastrian before her conversion to Islam and subsequent marriage with Imam Hussain.(References available on request)

Death of Sarkar Mehdi-A Great Loss to Azadar World

Zakir-E-Ahlebait Sarkar Mehdi

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Sarkar Mehdi, internationally acclaimed Zakir-E-Ahlebait and poet, is no more. He breathed his last on August 21,2015 after protracted illness to leave his admirers in a state of shock and grief. In his death, the world has also lost a great orator whose sole aim always remained to further the cause of Karbala Revolution. Through his majlises in different parts of the world, he not only presented different aspects of Imam Hussain’s philosophy but also urged people to rise against violence, terrorism and communalism. Be it America, Europe or any part of Indian sub-continent, his oration always attracted huge crowd in view of his excellent presentation and well-researched contents. His down to earth approach, warmness and the Salam he used to say with so much affection that even those who had met him just once found difficult to forget him.

The blogger himself is one such person. I had the honor of meeting him on December 29, 2013 in Kanpur. I was looking for a Zakir-e-Ahlebait for ‘Barsi ki Majlis’ of my father Mir Saeedul Hasan Naqvi. I approached Maulana Hamid Saheb of Patkapur and he suggested the name of Sarkar Saheb. I immediately requested him to get in touch with Sarkar Saheb to finalize the date. As a true Zakir of martyrs of Karbala, he gave his consent to address the Majlis on December 29 and reached Kanpur well- in time to keep me away from the anxiety usually associated with the waiting for the arrival of Zakir. The moment I saw him I could feel the impact of his warm personality and hospitality instantly. Though I was host, Sarkar Saheb made me comfortable at my home in such a way as if I was the guest.

But I found him a totally different person once he occupied pulpit and began khutba. He was blessed with the most appropriate voice for oration. In his hour long address, Sarkar Saheb exposed oppressive forces with historical facts with such a precision that the entire Mehdi Hall- venue of Majlis- reverberated several times with ear- deafening Wah Wah- Subhan Allah and Nare(Slogan) Risalat and Haidery. While recalling the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and subsequent persecution of his family, a stroke of sadness engulfed him. With voice choked in emotion and tears rolling down from his cheeks, he left his heart- rending ‘masaib’ incomplete. Along with him, the entire crowd too was in tears and the majlis was described as one of the most successful ones in the history of Kanpur.

The next morning I found him again to be a different person altogether. After breakfast, he presented me ‘AAG’- a collection of his poems. He asked me to call him Sarkar Bhai and said “ I am giving you AAG so that you become aware of another aspect of my personality”. Later I found that he himself has admitted in the book " no doubt Fane-Zakiri(Art of oration)has made me popular worldwide but my poetry has failed to touch the people who listen to my Majalis." He was of the view that poem was a much better way of expression as compared to prose. Even in poetry, he eulogized Karbala. I found the following couplet most appealing in AAG:

“ Wo Aag Phir Na Jala Payegi koi Khema

Jise Main Apne Lahu Se Bujhne Wala Hun

Mera Hi Sar Sare Neza Dikhai Deta Hai

Syah Raat ko Main Din Banane Wala Hun”

Sarkar Bhai had inherited oratory and poetry. His father Maulana Shamsul Hasan Saheb was also an illustrious Zakir-e-Ahlebait and a man of literary and refined taste. He was born in 1954 in Gowli Saadat village of Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh( India).Sarkar Bhai dedicated his life to propagation of Imam Hussain’s message. Despite poor health, he never declined any request for majlis and travelled extensively. He resided mostly abroad before getting bed-ridden. He titled his book AAG(Fire), as the fire of enmity, terrorism, jealousy, envy, exploitation, poverty and corruption irked his compassionate heart. It is unfortunate that I could not meet him again but his excited voice during my telephonic conversation still afresh to me. His death has taken place at a time when the terror-stricken world required his services to extinguish the flames of terror. Alas! the flame of his life has been put off. When he will be laid to rest tomorrow morning, an era of Zakiri, poetry and scholarship will also be buried. May Allah give him place among his blessed and chosen ones in the Sadqa of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad and his Ahle-Bait.May Allah also give courage to the bereaved family and his countless admirers to bear his loss with courage and patience. Ameen.     

   

Ajmer Dargah & Centenary of Nizam Gate

Majestic Nizam Gate at Khawaja Moin Uddin Chishti Dargah

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The centenary year of Nizam Gate, the main entrance to the world famous shrine of Khwaja Ghareeb Nawaz at Ajmer (India), is passing quietly. The gate was erected by the last Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan in 1915. It faces the crowded Dargah Bazar Street and stands outside the ‘Naqqar Khana’. It is recorded that the design of majestic Nizam gate was prepared by a British engineer and it was built at a cost of Rs.50000 under the supervision of Maulvi Habibullah of Hyderabad state. The gate is 70 feet high and is considered to be a landmark of Ajmer. The raised steps beneath Nizam gate were constructed during Akbar's regime to prevent flood water from entering the shrine complex of great Chishti Sufi.

 Mir Osman Ali Khan had ascended the throne of Hyderabad in 1911. His state was the largest princely state of British India with an area of 223,000 square kilometers. He portrayed on the cover of Time magazine on 22 February 1937 as the world's richest man. Personality wise, the Nizam possessed traits like Mughal emperors Shah Jahan and Alamgir Aurangzeb. Mir Osman Ali was a great builder like Shah Jahan but also had miserly tendencies and strange behavior at times like Aurangzeb. He was a man of mood swings. He could be extremely generous as well as miser at times.   

Nearly all the major public buildings of Hyderabad  such as the Osmania General Hospital, Andhra Pradesh High Court, Asafiya Library now known as State Central Library, Town Hall, Jubilee Hall, Hyderabad Museum, Nizamia Observatory  and Osmania. University were built during his 37-year long rule and bear testimony to the generosity and benevolence of Mir Osman Ali Khan who was the highest-ranking ruler in India. The British conferred upon him the unique title of "His Exalted Highness" and "Faithful Ally of the British Crown" after the First World War. He was also entitled for 21-gun salute-a privilege given to only five princely states of India by the British Crown.

Mir Osman Ali Khan had ordered the construction of Nizam gate during his visit to the shrine of Khwaja Moin Uddin Chishti  in 1912.Nearly three years took its completion and it was dedicated to the shrine in 1915.The gate also houses Naqqar Khana in its upper story where musicians play Naubat ( Shehnai music) at the appointed hours. The devotees arriving from different parts of India and abroad enter the shrine complex mostly from Nizam Gate. The Khadims of Dargah usually greet them at the gate and help them in performing Ziyarat in the appropriate manner. Nizam Gate surely adds grace to the imposing and impressive Dargah complex that also has beautiful mosques and courtyards built by Mughal emperors like Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan besides the extensions and additions by Scindia rulers and British officials.

Mir Osman patronized education, science and undertook developmental works .He introduced electricity, railways, roads and even airways. After annexation of Hyderabad, he was appointed as Raj Pramukh (Head of the state) on 26 January 1950 –a position that he held till October 31,1956. He died on Friday, 24 February 1967 to mark the end . of a princely era. As Nizam gate is a symbol of his great devotion to Khwaja Ajmeri, it would be in appropriateness of things to organize a function to mark the centenary of the Gate erected by Mir Osman Ali Khan. Dargah committee can take initiative in this context as there are still over four months left in 2015.(References available on request)  

Imami Martyrs of Indian Freedom Movement

An Old Photograph of Bibighar where Nawab was Hanged.  

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Nawab Azam Ali Khan and his son Amjad Ali Khan are two unsung heroes of India’s first War of Independence. Nawab was hanged to death on the order of Major Bruce in November 1858 in Kanpur while his son met a similar fate in Sarai Meera on the outskirts of Kannauj City. They were found guilty of supplying ‘Rasad’ to the troops of Nana Rao during what is described by British historians as ‘Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 ‘.After the recapture of Kanpur, the British had exhibited the most barbaric and cruel vendetta. Under the command of General Neil, the British soldiers hunted Nana Saheb and his followers and meted out most inhuman treatment those who landed into their custody.

The British were more inhuman and revengeful in Kanpur following the massacre of their fellow countrymen at Satichaura Ghat on the right bank of the Ganges and killing of English women and children inside Bibighar in 1857.They hanged scores of people on slightest suspicion. Before hanging them from an old Banyan tree near the site of Bibighar massacre, The British tried them summarily and found them guilty of participating in the massacre without hearing even their version. On the orders of General Neil, they were made to lick the blood of slain women and children. The British also used to light pyre under the gallows before hanging them. They realized fine to the tune of Rs.3 lakhs from locals to raise a memorial in memory of those killed by native forces in 1857, raided each house and hanged every one if found possessing any pro-Bahadur Shah or Nana Saheb  literature.

Nawab and his son somehow managed to evade arrest. While Azam Ali Khan remained in Kanpur but his son took shelter with Rani Sahiba of Tirwa near Kannauj. She used to consider Amjad Ali Khan as her brother and even tied Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan on his wrist. As British were aware of the crucial role  played by Nawab Azam in making constant supplies to Nana Saheb, they continues to track down him vigorously and finally captured him, tried him like other natives and hanged him also from the same banyan tree. His dead body was also dumped into a common grave dug out under the shadow of the tree for disposal of the corpses. The British also did not spare his son. Upon coming to know about his whereabouts, a        contingent was dispatched for Tirwa. Finding her Rakhi sister in danger, Amjad Ali immediately left Tirwa but captured near Sarai Meera. He too faced a summary trial and executed. His grave has become a popular shrine and the locals remember him as Syed or Shaeed Baba. Even after killing Nawab and his son, the British did not stop. They seized his all properties and auctioned his palatial palace in Gilis Bazar and two Kothis in Generalganj and Gwaltoli for just Rs.23000.Traitors purchased his properties and one of them converted his beautiful Imambara into a temple in Chatai Mohal locality. The British also harassed women and children of their family. As a result, they went to Nepal and returned to Kanpur after proclamation of Aam Maafi by Queen Victoria. The district authorities did not allow them to visit the grave of Nawab Azam or raise any structure of any memory. 

Ironically, the Independence on August 15, 1947 did not bring any cheers to his descendants. Indian bureaucracy also rejected their demand for installation of a statue in memory of Nawab Azam near banyan tree. When they mounted pressure, the Indian government asked them to bear half of the cost. His grandson Nawab Aijaz refused pension in protest but his effort    failed to evoke any response. Kanpur still has no memorial for the martyred Nawab and lacks even awareness about him. Nawab Azam Ali was not only a great patriot but also an azadar of eminence. He built an impressive Imambara and mosque. He hosted grand Majalis during Muharram. He also built a Karbala in Colonelganj from where a number of processions either originate or terminate during Ayaam-E-Aza.the Karbala is named after him. It is being maintained well by local Imamis but no initiative is being taken to mark the site of his grave with any identification symbol or plaque. Nawab surely deserves recognition of his bravery and sacrifice in Independent India and Kanpurites in general and Imamis in particular need to take up his cause. The emotional bond between Hindu queen  of Tirwa and Amjad Ali Khan should also be highlighted as a model of communal harmony at a time when India is facing the wrath of sectarians in certain pockets. (This article Has been contributed on the occasion of India’s independence day today as a tribute to Nawab Azam Ali Khan and his son. References available on request.)    

Imam Jafar Sadiq- Superman of Islam

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The ‘Khadims’(Caretakers) of Hazrat Badiuddin Zinda Shah Madar paid glowing tributes to Imam Jafar Sadiq in an innovative way to mark the anniversary of his martyrdom on 25 Shawwal. They hosted a press conference in Kanpur and declare to organize an international meet under the title “Tahafuzze Mohabbat-e-Ahlebait conference” (Conference for protecting the love for Progeny of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad) on August 24, 2015.Led by Syed Mahzar Ali, Maulana Adeeb Ullah and Maulana Raazdar, the Khadims told media persons that they have decided to organize conference to create awareness about the role played by Ahlebait in protecting the true tenets of Islam. They were of the view that only unconditional love for Ahlebait could save Islam from the onslaught of so called puritan outfits that with the help of a petro- rich country are bent upon branding the love for Ahlebait and teachings of Sufis as ‘Un-Islamic’.

The Khadims said that they decided to host press conference on the martyrdom day of Imam Jafar Sadiq because it was he who had saved true Islam at a time when Abbasid caliphs were trying to destroy the religion of Prophet Muhammad. They also vowed to continue their efforts to safeguard Islam from the descendants of Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphs who are operating under the garb of ISIS, Taliban and similar other outfits. The Khadims who trace their lineage to Imam Jafar Sadiq revealed that Madariya Sufi order was in the habit of opposing oppression of any kind from the time of Sharqi dynasty. It was Madari fakirs who had opposed the British when the latter tried to interfere with religious activities of people in India and now once again the followers of Shah Madar had taken initiative to oppose the sinister design of anti- Ahlebait terrorists.

The move of the Khadims is praiseworthy and probably the best way to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Jafar Sadiq who is called as superman of Islam in view of his vast knowledge. Abu Hanifa, one of the four great Imams of the Ahle-Sunnat , has stated about Imam Sadiq in these words :
“ I have not seen a man more learned and jurisprudent than Jafar Ibn Mohammed. On the directive of Mansur, the Abbasid caliphate, I prepare forty questions and went in the presence of Imam Jafar Sadiq and asked him about the questions, he replied to all the questions. The answers were so excellent and profound that I had never heard them from any one”.
                     

Similarly, great jurisprudent Malik Ibn – e- Aues, has also eulogized  Imam Sadiq. He says “ no eyes has seen and no ear has heard and on no human heart has passed to see a man in virtue, excellence and (earning to be greater that Jafar Ibn Mohammed ”.

Imam was born in Medina in 82 Hijra and lived for about 65 years before attaining martyrdom. After the martyrdom of father, Imam Mohammed Baqir, Imam Sadiq revived the Prophetic customs, the dissemination of the Islamic culture and trained students who created epics in the history. His theological university consisted of more than 4000 students in the different field of Figh (Jurisprudence), Tafsir (Commentary) of Holy Quran, Kalaam, Hadith (traditions) and experimental science. 

His untiring efforts, struggles and endeavors saved Islam from becoming a toy in the hands of Abbasid caliphs who were spreading sectarianism to remain in power. Further, his students also disseminated the original Islamic culture to the extent that Imamis prefer to be called as Firq-E-Jafariya. His tremendous popularity became the cause of his martyrdom. When Abbasid Caliph realized that he was ruling over a vast kingdom but the minds and hearts of his subjects were being ruled by Imam Sadiq, he got the pious Imam poisoned. He was laid to rest at Baqi cemetery but his teachings are still guiding the people and frustrating those who have been longing to ‘erase’ the Prophetic Islam from the memory of people for worldly gains. The initiative of Madariya Sufis becomes more significant if one looks at the contribution of Imam Sadiq as savior of Islam under odd circumstances and the growing influence of anti-Ahlebait elements in several Muslim countries. (Reference available on request.For more details of Shah Madar,please see the post under the title Mystic Shah Madar in this blog only)

Hauz-E-Shamsi- Dedicated to Prophet's Buraq

Hauz-E-Shamsi at present.  

A Painting of Hauz-E-Shamsi during Mughal India 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Hauz-e-Shamsi is perhaps the only place in the world that has been erected at a spot marked by the hoof print of ‘Buraq’- the winged horse of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad. The devotees revered the place for centuries but it can neither be considered as sacred or usable anymore. Built by Sultan Iltutmish in 1230 CE as a water storage reservoir in picturesque settings, the 35000 SQM Hauz however became in independent India as a dumping point for trash emanating from the dwellings  of all those who encroached its land to erect their houses. Before becoming chocked with a thick layer of water hyacinth, people used to drink water from the Hauz. Those visiting Delhi used to carry its water with them in view of its healing capacity.

The contemporary historical accounts and work like Muraqqa-e-Delhi reveal that Prophet Muhammad himself had instructed Iltutmish to build a reservoir at the place in a dream. It is believed that Sultan indeed found hoof print of Buraq when he inspected the site revealed to him in the dream by the Messenger of God himself. It is also recorded that besides  Iltutmish, Noted Chishti Sufi Khwaja Kutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki  also saw a similar dream , indicating the same location. Iltutmish held the saint in high esteem and upon coming to know about the dream of Khwaja Kaki, Sultan got the place dug and his efforts resulted in the water oozing out from a spring source. The Hauz not only quenched the thirst of newly developed Mehrauli’s citizens but also  served as a place with abundant spiritual solace.

Iltutmish built a domed pavilion at the spot of Buraq’s  hoof print and then excavated a large tank  around it to harvest rain water. People considered the water sacred because of its association with ‘Buraq’ that is revered because this winged horse had taken the Prophet to heavens (Miraj).The Hauz also mitigated the hardships of Mehrauli people who were confronted with acute water crisis. During Lodi dynasty, a palace known as Jahaz Mahal  was  built on the eastern edge of the Hauz-e- Shamsi .It served as a well managed inn for the pilgrims in 16^th century.

The place remained beyond the reach of land grabbers for a long period but when South Delhi began to grow after Asian Games in 1982, this sacred spot of Prophet’s followers suffered greatly and turned into a dirty pond from a pious spot. Apart from regulatory bodies, the Muslims of Delhi also remained mute spectator of the gradual deterioration of the holy site. It was the intervention of the court that prompted Archeological Survey of India( ASI) to initiate steps to restore the lost sanctity and glory of Hauz-e-Shamsi. ADI not only cleaned the tank and tapped the inflow of filthy and polluted water into the tank but also roped in the locals to keep an eye on the reservoir. The move yielded desired results, for the people residing nearby began guarding the Hauz. Even women joined the campaign to guard the tank and its surrounding areas on weekends. A police outpost has also been set up to  keep anti socials at bay. A signboard also attracts the attention of the visitors .It cautions that anyone seen or found dirtying the reservoir would be fined Rs. 5000. But these efforts have not proved enough to bring back the sanctity, spirituality and holiness that once marked the Hauz during the period of Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire and to some extent even British India. The concerned authorities have only checked the dumping of filth, silt and garbage but done nothing to restore its lost place as an abode of saints and pilgrims.( Reference available on request-Photo Courtesy Google Image).