Shah Tahir-Another Forgotten 'Muhibbe Ahle-Bait'

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Shah Tahir is yet another great scholar whose contribution to promotion of Imami faith in Nizamshahi Kingdom remains forgotten. He was born in the final decades of 15^th century in the village Khund of Qazwin in Northern Persia. His forefathers w ere known as Khundi Syeds and had garnered some following in their area.The most detailed account of Shah Tahir is found in the work of Muhammad Qasim Hindu Shah Astarabadi titled ‘Tareekh-E-Farishta’ .His father Syed Radi Al Deen was murdered in 1509 and his head was taken to a Timurid ruler Mirza Khan who was persecuting followers of Ahle-Bait in Badakshan region. Shah Tahir succeeded his father. His knowledge and piety earned him invitation from the court of Shah Ismail. He joined the court but soon lost monarch’s favor due to unknown rwsons.he was banished from court and asked to deliver lectures in the seminary of Kashan. When his popularity soared high in Kashan in view of command over theology and matchless presentation, his opponents managed to term his teachings as ‘heretical’ in the eyes of  Shah Ismail who ordered his execution. Shah Tahir whoever managed to escape from Kashan and sailed to Goa, currently a state of India. He failed to gain any favor in the Adilshahi court of Bijapur and  moved to Ahmadnagar after receiving an invitation to join the entourage of  Burhan Nizam Shah.

Shah Tahir arrived in Ahmadnagar in 1522 and dedicated his life to propagation of the teachings of Prophet and his progeny. His learning and mannerism earned him the intimacy of the ruling King. He became his most trusted advisor. In 1537, Burhan’s son Abdul Qadir fell ill critically. Despite the best efforts of court Physicians, the condition of the Prince continued to deteriorate. Finding Burhan much worried, Shah Tahir advised him to take a vow that if his son recovered from illness, the king  would order the recital of  the Khutba containing the  names of twelve Imams. Burhan immediately took the vow. He then fell asleep beside the bed of his son. He saw . the prophet along with the Imams in a dream. The prophet advised him to fulfill his vow if his son gets back his health. Burhan woke up from his dream and found his son healthy. He called Shah Tahir immediately and embraced Imami faith along with his two sons Hussain, ‘Abdul Qadir and other members of the royal family. But Burhan delayed the reciting of the  Khutba for several months. After a long discussion with  Shah Tahir, local  Ulema and after studying the Imami  literature himself, Burhan finally declared Imami faith as the state religion. His action evoked strong resistance from non-Imamis. They revolted under the leadership of Pir Muhammad and raised a large army. Burhan however defeated the army of Pir Muhammad. The victory gave Burhan enough strength to continue Imami faith as state religion.Burhan built no `Ashur Khana or Hussainia during his period. But he started a community kitchen  ‘Lunger-e-Dawazdah Imams, where free food was distributed in the name of twelve Imams among the needy.

Shah Tahir, who was instrumental in spreading and consolidating Imami faith in Nizamshahi kingdom that is now known as Maharashtra state of India, died in 1549 A.D. his remains were sent to Karbala and interred in Imam Husain’s shrine there. After four years Burhan also died in 1553 A.D.His successors Hussain Nizam Shah (1553-1565 A.D.) and Murtuza
Nizam Shah (1565-1586) also ruled with Imami faith as the state religion. During the regime of Murtuza Nizam Shah, Imami faith attained unprecedented popularity in the entire kingdom. The Syeds and the devotees of Ahle-Bait received great respect from the state. Their Jagirs were also enhanced. The Imami Ulema too were patronized by the award of Jagirs. Thus, Shah Tahir’s influence continued to inspire people to love Ahle-Bait even after his death. In the history of Ahmadnagar, he is the only figure around him the rise and fall of Imami faith revolves. Hence, his services deserves due recognition from the devotees of Ahle-Bait. Such acknowledgement will surely motivate the young generation to spread Imamia Mission even in the most trying circumstances. (References available on request)