GLOBAL VILLAGE PEACE

GLOBAL VILLAGE PEACE

 DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS

 REG NEW YEAR 1431 HIJRA AND 2010.

I want to wish you all a new year filled with joy, unexpected blessings, growth-producing challenges, renewed life, and new possibilities! Please check out this beautiful e.card I am sending to you. I hope it inspires and brings a sense of peace… GLOBAL VILLAGE PEACE DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS REG NEW YEAR 1431 HIJRA AND 2010. I want to wish you all a new year filled with joy, unexpected blessings, growth-producing challenges, renewed life, and new possibilities! Please check out this beautiful e.card I am sending to you. I hope it inspires and brings a sense of peace…

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=2035115216517&source=jl999

YA HAQ

MOHAMMED ABDUL HAFEEZ B.COM.

HYDERABAD , INDIA TRANSLATOR OF

TADHKIRTAL AWLIYA

 ===============

Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gesu Daraz

Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gesu Daraz (name at birth: Syed

Muhammad Hussaini) (Urdu: خواجہ بندہ نواز گیسو دراز) (July 13, 1321 –November 1, 1422), was a famous Sufi saint from India of Chishti Order, who advocated understanding, tolerance and harmony among various religious groups.

Gisu Daraz was a murid (disciple) of the noted Sufi saint of Delhi, Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi, who in turn was a disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, the spiritual master of Delhi. After the death of his master, Chiragh Dehlavi, Gisu Daraz took on the mantle of the successor (khalifa). Thus later on when he moved to Daulatabad around 1398, owing to the attack of Timur on Delhi, he took the Chishti Order to South India ^[1]. He finally settled down in Gulbarga, at the invitation of Bahamani King, ‘Taj ud-Din Firuz Shah’ (r. 1397-1422) ^[2].

He was born Syed Mohammed Hussaini in Delhi in 1321. At the age of four, his family shifted to Daulatabad in Deccan (Now in Maharashtra). In 1397, he went to Gulbarga, Deccan (Presently in Karnataka) at the invitation of Sultan Taj ud-Din Firuz Shah of the Bahmani Sultanate. Bande Nawaz authored about 195 books in Arabic, Persian and Urdu languages ^[2].
At the age of fifteen, he returned to Delhi for his education and training by the famous Sufi saint Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi, who bestowed him with his Khilafath and succession after about fifteen years. He was also a very enthusiastic student of Hazrat Kethli, Hazrat Tajuddin Bahadur and Qazi Abdul Muqtadir. After teaching at various places such as Delhi, Mewath, Gwalior, Chander, Aircha, Chatra, Chanderi, Miandhar, Baroda and Khambayat, he returned to teach at his base, Gulbarga, in 1397 and died in Gulbarga in the year November 1422 ^[2].

His magnum opus, Tafseer Multaqat in Arabic, was compiled into one book very recently. It is unfortunate, however, that most people even within Gulbarga are unaware of this work. Little has been done to publish this and his other works on a large scale. Other books authored are:Qaseeda Amali, and Adaab-al-Mureedein.

Urs

People from various walks of life, irrespective of caste and creed, assemble even today to celebrate the urs – death anniversary – (which takes place on the 15th day of Zul-Qa`dah of Muslim calendar at the famous Bande Nawaz Dargah in Gulbarga every year. His descendents still live in Gulbarga. Almost all family members along with several hundred thousand devotees from near and far irrespective of religion and beliefs gather to seek blessings ^[2].
The present head of the family amongst his descendents is Syed Shah Khusro Hussaini, who has written many books about his great forefather.

External Links

A lecture on the Khaja by Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi Qadri

 References

1. ^ Jihad in the East: A Crescent Over Delhi The Shade of Swords: Jihad and the Conflict Between Islam and Christianity, by M. J. Akbar. Routledge, 2002. ISBN 0415284708. Page 111.
2. ^ ^{a b c d} Urs-e-Sharief of Khwaja Bande Nawaz in Gulbarga from tomorrow “The Hindu“, Nov 27, 2007.

 Bibliography

• Askari, Syed Hasan, Tazkira-i Murshidi–Rare Malfuz of the 15th-Century Sufi Saint of Gulbarga. Proceedings of the Indian Historical Records Commission (1952).
• Hussaini, Syed Shah Khusro, Gisudaraz on Wahdat al-Wujud. Studies in Islam 19 (1982), pp. 233-45.
• Hussaini, Syed Shah Khusro, The Life, Works and Teachings of Khwajah Bandahnawaz Gisudiraz. Gulbarga: Sayyid Muhammad Gisudiraz Research Academy, 1986.
• Hussaini, Syed Shah Khusro, Sayyid Muhammad al-Husayni Gisu Daraz: On Sufism Delhi: Idarah-i Adabiyat-i Delli, 1985.
• Hussaini, Syed Shah Khusro, Shuhud vs. Wujud: A Study of Gisudiraz Islamic Culture 59 (1985), pp. 323-39.
• Siddiqi, Mohd. Sulaiman, Syed

BY : MOHAMMED ABDUL HAFEEZ

, B.COM., HYDERABAD, INDIA

 

Muslim Saints and Mystics

 MUSLIM SAINTS AND MYSTICS

Muslim Saints and Mystics: Episodes from  the Tadhkirah al-Awliya of Farid al-Din Attar.

Translated by Mohammed Abdul Hafeez, B.Com.,

Farid al-Din Attar is considered one of the preeminent mystical poets of the Persian literary tradition. The duration of his life is uncertain, though he can be placed in the 12th and 13th centuries C.E. Born in Nishapur in what is today Iran, Attar apparently was a pharmacist, but little information about his personal life is known. During his lifetime he is believed to have written approximately 9 books, including such famous works as the Manteq al-Tayr (The Conference of the Birds) and the Ilahi-Nama (The Book of God).

Muslim Saints and Mystics is an abridgement, translated by A.J. Arberry, of Attar’s only known prose work: Tadhkirat al-Auliya (The Memorial of the Saints), which he worked on throughout much of his life and which was available publicly before his death. In what is considered the most compelling entry in this book, Attar relates the story of the execution of Hallaj, the mystic who had uttered the words “I am the Truth” in a state of ecstatic contemplation. Arberry’s translation is an abridgement.

In this  book   55  missing episodes from Tadhkirat al-Auliya (The Memorial of the Saints) are added   and the book  will be published soon  Inshallah  so I kindly  request the readers to please read these episodes  for  which I shall  be highly obliged for it.

=============================

55 EPISODES

Translated from Urdu to English by

Muhammed A. Hafeez, B.COM.

Hyderabad-36, (India)

EMAIL : hafeezanwar@yahoo.com

==================================

Reference Books

1. Tazkeratul Aoulia by Sheikh Farid-ud-Din Attar (Book of Muslim Saints and Mystics), Urdu translation published by Majedi Book Depot, Kanpur in the year 1383 A.H., India.

2. Tazkeratul Aoulia by Sheikh Farid-ud-Din Attar (Book of Muslim Saints and Mystics), Urdu translation published by Anwar Book Depot, Delhi India.

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TIPU SULTAN

 

 

 

 

Tipu Sultan

 

This chapter only describes the death scene of Tipu Sultan, the tiger of Mysore. It does not cover his other great successes and war victories which he fought bravely against the British kingdom. The red flag on his tomb, over his grave in Srirangapatnam reminds every one that the tiger’s life of one minute is better than the jackal’s life of 1000 years. The future generations will remember this great martyr, who is still living in the hearts of the people and will remain in their heart always, as the martyr never die and remain alive always. It is said that there is a divine help and food available for them. Due to such greatness and martyrdom, daily great number of people are visiting his grand tomb to shed their tears and to pay respect and tribute to this great warrior of the world history.

Tipu Sultan reached the door of Fort of Srirangapatnam with his bodyguards and troops on 4^th May 1799 for the fourth Mysore war. Due to his appearance there was a great encouragement for his soldiers who were fighting inside of the north gate and outside of fort walls. They attacked with great force on the army of the enemy. The Sultan got down from his horse and joined the first line of the military group. Immediately he was in the middle of many Mysorean military groups, safe and protected. The soldiers were fighting without care of their lives. By this time the British army had occupied their positions at the fort walls. The firing from the upper side was causing difficulties to the soldiers of Sultan who were fighting on the ground. The officers who were treacherous were absent from duty on that front, but this was not a problem for the soldiers of Sultan because the leader of their respect and freedom was with them. They forgot that the enemy had finished his journey of weeks and months in the shortest possible time and they had entered Srirangapatnam due to misdeeds of treacherous. So, it was not war but it was a treachery against the brave pillar of India, who stood against the colonial powers in India when all the local rulers had supported them. The soldiers of Sultan forgot that there was a rain of bullets on them and they also knew well that their great leader, who showed them the great way in their lives for freedom and respect, was at the door of the death. Sultan was wounded severally. The wounded soldiers of Sultan were feeling happy with their wounds on their chests. They were watching the brave face of the death. The blood of the Sultan was falling on the soil of Srirangapatnam. When the second bullet hit the Sultan there was weakness on the face of the tiger of Mysore, but he was still fighting bravely and many of his soldiers were also fighting with him without caring for their lives. Inside the trench there were large number of dead bodies of the enemy. Thousands of British, who were wounded severally, were dying. The firing from two sides on the walls of fort was very severe. Regarding the Mysorean soldiers, number of death crossed thousands. When the condition of Sultan became very serious due to wounds,  then his bodyguards told the Sultan, “His Highness; now there is no other way except to surrender ourselves to the enemy?”

The Sultan replied, “No, for me the tiger’s life of one-minute is better than the jackal’s life of 1000 years.”

After some time, the Sultan and his officers rode on their horses and the Mysorean soldiers followed them. But when they reached the northern gate of the Fort they saw that some of the positions were in the control of the British enemy. A large number of soldiers, children, old persons and women were trying hard to go out of the Fort, but the British were pushing them inside the Fort with their guns and were forcing them to go to the backside of the Fort. When they saw the Mysorean army coming towards the gate, they started firing them. The firing was also started from the walls of Fort and a bullet hit the Sultan’s horse. It died on the spot. The Sultan fell on the ground and his turban also fell on the ground near him. But the Sultan was very brave, he tried and with great difficulty he was making himself stand when suddenly a bullet hit his chest. He fell on the ground again. A British soldier tried to open the belt of his sword but the Sultan was still alive and he did not allow the soldier to take out the sword. It was an insult to the Sultan. He fought bravely and hit the soldier with his sword with his full force, but the soldier opposed with his gun. The Sultan’s sword hit the gun and it broke into two pieces. That soldier then raised his gun up, pointed it towards his head and made the fire. The sun of Mysore, who had shown the beautiful stages of freedom to the people of Mysore, had set. After three hours of sun set the British army captured the city of Srirangapatnam and its Fort. The army of Hyderabad then entered the city under the command of Mir Alam. Inside the city, there were dead bodies of about 12 thousands soldiers of Mysorean army, but the success of the British and the Nizam’s army was incomplete, because they could not find the dead body of the great Tipu Sultan. They searched each and every corner and place of the palace. With the help of treacherous they searched the houses of the faithful soldiers and friends of the Sultan. The young prince was frightened. The wounded and helpless persons were asked about the Sultan. The soldiers of Sultan who were on the different fronts were also asked about the body of Sultan but they could not reply in this matter. The soldiers who had seen their Sultan falling from the horse on the ground could not reply them correctly even though they were offered money and wealth. Some of the Sultan’s soldiers thought that Sultan was alive and was under the pile of dead bodies. They waited for the proper time to take out the Sultan from it. Others thought that he was dead but they did not pointed his dead body so the enemy could not find his dead body. There were rumours that the Sultan was dead and his faithful followers had taken away his dead body. Some believed that Sultan had not died but he was wounded and disappeared and will come back again.He had left Srirangapatnam after the first attack between British and Hyderabad army troops and  had reached  prince Fateh Haider. He will make his head quarter at Saraya or Chital durg and will continue his attacks from there. These news not only created confusion among the army troops of British and Hyderabad but also to the treacherous who had sold the freedom of Mysore for the promises of land and wealth from their foreign lords. They were very much worried about their future when they had seen the fate of Mir Sadiq and Moin-ud-Din.

In the midnight, Mir Qamar-ud-Din, Pornia, and Badar-Uz-zaman were sitting in front of the palace of Sultan and were talking with English army officers. Some soldiers were around them and were holding torches in their hands. At that time Mir Nadeem came over and cried, “Now I got the correct information about Tipu Sultan that his dead body is there in front of north gate of the Fort under the pile of other dead bodies. So please follow me upto there.” All of them followed him and they reached that place where there were many dead bodies. On the order of British officers, all dead bodies were checked one by one. When they were doing so, one English soldier touched the hand of a corpse when his hand hit with some hard metal and the turban from corpse head had fallen down. The black long hair covered the face were open. The English soldier explained the details to his officer. When they brought the torches closer, they found a women’s corpse who was wearing golden bracelets in her hands. They found another women’s corpse, which was badly injured with many bullets. Pornia took torch from the soldier, carefully watched that woman and recognised her. The English officers asked him, “Are you able to recognise her?” Pornia said, “Yes, she is an orphan Hindu girl and her father was died in the last war. The Sultan had adopted her as his daughter.” “And who is another woman?”, asked English Officers. “I do not know about her. May be she belongs to the royal family.”, replied Pornia. After some time all the corpses were checked. When they saw the body of Sultan Tipu they were silent. Sultan’s dress was full of bloodstains but his face was full of grandeur and grace.  In his hand was handle of his broken sword and his dress was same like his other army officers but his turban was different from others. Sultan’s turban fell down from his corpse. Badar-uz-Zaman had taken that turban. One English officer asked him, “Is this Tipu Sultan?” Mir Qamar-ud-Din replied in low voice, “Yes, congratulations for the victory.” One English soldier cried, “He is alive.” So some persons pointed their guns towards the body of Tipu Sultan. One English officer came forward, checked the pulse of Sultan, put his hand on the chest of Sultan and said, “He is dead.”  Badar-uz-Zaman looked at the Sultan’s turban, touched it to his eyes with great respect and said, “We are his murders and not all of you. We had murdered him and our coming generations will put flowers of respect on his grave.” The English officer told Qamar-ud-Din that they are grateful to him and asked him to do arrangement to send the corpse in palki to the palace. He informed General Harris. After some time there were slogans of victory from all the corners of the Fort and with great joy and happiness the English soldiers moved  to the houses of Mysorean people for plundering and looting. The other groups of British army, who were searching the Sultan, also followed them in looting and plundering the people’s properties and killing the innocent men and women. That night turned into a black night for the inhabitants of the Mysore city. There were cries from thousand of daughters of this nation but there was no reply for it. Due to the misdeeds of Mir Sadiq and others, all such things  happened. The mother who had nourished with her milk to Mir Sadiq, the treacherous, was also ashamed. No house of Srirangapatnam was safe and secure from the brutality of the English army. The treacherous, who had helped Mir Sadiq, Pornia, Qamar-ud-Din and Moin-ud-Din were then thinking that they had not only sold away the freedom of Mysore but also they had sold the respect and value of their daughters and women. The soldiers of Sultan killed Mir Sadiq and Mir Moin-ud-Din before they received their reward of treachery from their foreign lords. Their souls must be watching the misdeeds of British army doing wrong in their houses for whom they had made the way of entry to the city of Srirangapatnam. Their daughters and women were in distress condition due to the misdeeds of the drunkard soldiers. Those women cried and appealed as follows.

I am wife of Mir Sadiq. I am his sister. I am his daughter. This is the house of Mir Moin-ud-Din and he was friend of Lord Welsly. General Harris knew him very well and you can see his corpse in the other room. The people had killed him because he was a friend of the British army, so you should not do harm to the families of the faithful persons to East India Company and to the daughters and women of the nation. I am son of Mir Moin-ud-Din and these are my sisters and this is my wife, please take me to General Harris. But there was no reply from the soldiers except their laugh and cruel misdeeds. The soldiers of Sultan’s army, who were disappointed with the result of war, started protecting their houses against the cruel deeds of the British soldiers who were drunk and were very busy in the evil deeds of looting and plundering. There was stream of Blood in the streets and bazaars of the city.

On the next day, at about four O’clock, the Sultan’s funeral procession started and was followed by princes, officers and four companies of the British army. The faithful wounded soldiers of the Sultan and other persons were ahead and were holding the sultan on their shoulders. There was lot of fear and terror in the city due to looting and plundering which took place in last night. Streets and bazaars were vacant. When the funeral procession left the Fort all men, women and children from all the communities joined it with heavy heart. On the way the number of people increased and their fear and terror decreased gradually. They were considering themselves as the most unfortunate people and were thinking that the Sultan’s corpse is their guard. The men of Srirangapatnam wept loudly and women untied their braids in the grief of the Sultan’s death. When the funeral procession left the Fort, the wind was very slow at that time and there was too much humidity in the atmosphere. The people were watching a dangerous storm on the horizon. After some time a black storm covered the entire sky. When the procession reached Lal Bagh and the qazi finished the funeral prayer, the corpse was placed respectfully in the grave. At that time there was severe thundering in the sky. People were very afraid of it. The British army was ordered for the gun salute but the sound of the guns was not heard clearly because of the thundering of clouds. It seemed that the sky was making ‘arrangement’ to welcome the soul of great Tipu Sultan.

The darkness in the atmosphere and the thundering of lightening increased and due to this the houses and doors started shaking in the city. General Meadows, Major Beatson and Ellen had descried this black storm in their diaries in which they had written that lightening had fallen on some parts of city of Srirangapatnam as well on the British army camp of Bombay in which two soldiers were dead and a large number of soldiers were severally wounded. The treacherous, who were in the procession under the custody of the British soldiers, were very afraid of this. Immediately after the funeral started the heavy rain and the streets and bazaars of Srirangapatnam were full of water. After some time some officers and soldiers of the Mysorean army noticed the flood in the river Kaveri. An old army officer wept loudly and said, “I have not seen such a flood in the river Kaveri in the first week of May ever in my life. Oh! Treacherous of Mysore, you should have waited for one more day as the God was willing to help us but you have missed that chance. On that day if you had not opened the doors of Srirangapatnam then we could have defeated the enemy without wasting our single bullet.” He then said, “Oh! My friends, for this day the Sultan was waiting. How unfortunate we are that the clouds which would have witnessed our success, they are washing the tears of our defeated soldiers.”

 

************************

Reference from:

Nasim Hijazi’s Urdu novel ‘Aur Talwar Toot Gai’.

Translated by:

Muhammed A. Hafeez, B.COM.

Email: hafeezanwar@yahoo.com

Hyderabad-36, (India).                

 

SULTAN OF MUMBAI HAJI ALI

SULTAN OF MUBAI HAJI ALI

This mosque houses the tomb of Hazarath Haji Ali a Muslim Sufi saint. There are a number of stories related to the life of Hazarath Haji Ali and about how this tomb came to be built. One version claims that Haji Ali was a rich local merchant who gave up his worldly possessions after a visit to Mecca and took to meditating. Another story is that Haji Ali was an Afghan mystic who lived and meditated on the island on which the shrine now stands. It is said that he left instructions that after death his body should be put in a casket and should be cast off into the sea off the shore of what is today Pakistan. Legend has it that the casket with his body in it emerged in perfect condition in the place where the tomb is today. According to another story Haji Ali was on a pilgrimage to Mecca and he died on the way. His body was put into a casket and disposed off at sea. It is said that this casket floated back to Mumbai though some believe that Haji Ali drowned at the spot where the dargah is today.

SYED SHAH AFZAL BIABANI

Welcome to our web site!

HAZRATH SYED SHAH AFZAL BIABANI (R. A.) A BRIEF HISTORY: (1795 -1856 A.D.)

 

BIRTH: Hazrath Afzal Biabani was born in 1210 Hijri (i.e., 1795 A.D.) at Kazipet Jagir, Dist. Warangal, Hyderabad State, India.

PARENTS: Hazrath Syed Shah Ghulam Mohiuddin Biabani (R.A.) and Hazrath Qasim Bibi Saheba (R.A.) were the parents of hazrath Syed Shah Afzal Biabani (R.A.). Mir Qurban Ali, the then Collector, Warangal was his father-in-law.

NOMENCLATURE: Some people say that ‘Biabani ‘ means the residents of forest. Since they came to India and used to do prayer and meditation in the forest of Multan, (It was a part of India at that time) the sufis of that period used to do prayer and meditation generally in the forest. It was their inborn character.

It was the first time the name Biabani was suffixed to the name of Hazrath Ziauddin (R.A.) since he was founder of Biabani family, it is worthy to note that the descendants from Hazrath Ziauddin Biabani (R.A.) to Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) all used to pray and meditate in the forests and there by kept the nomenclature of Biabani alive.

SAINT BY BIRTH: Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) was a saint (Vali Allah) by birth. His mother said that there was something extraordinary in him right from the childhood. Some miraculous incidents were manifested even in his childhood. Once at the residence of her brother, Syed Murtuza Hussaini at Qutbi guda, Hyderabad, playing with children of his age (4 to 5 years old) in the court yard, he dug a small pit (well), like the other children. But to their astonishment water was found in the pit dug by him, where as the other pits were dry. His maternal uncle said that Afzal Biabani would become a saint and a man of miracles in future by the grace of Allah.

SAINTHOOD
‘Behold! Verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall theygrieve.’ (Ai-Qur’an-Al-Younus-62).

Hazrath Syed Shah Afzal Biabani Rahmathullah Alaih said: “When I was immersed in worship and invocation in the hills of Bhattupally village thechief sufi-saint Hazrath Sheikh Abd al Qadir Jeelani Gous-e-Aazam Dastageer Razi Allahu Taala Anhu, appeared and blessed me with sainthood. I got theopportunity of shouldering his palankeen (Palki).” With the kind blessings ofHazrath Sheikh Abd al Qadir Jeelani (R.A.) He became a great sufi-saint ofthe rank of Hazrath Abu Yazeed Bistami (R.A.), Hazrath Shibli (R.A.) ANDHazrath Junaid Baghdadi (R.A.) of his time.

He said to his son: “I am very grateful to Allah because He has graced mewith highest rank of sainthood (vilayath) and I have received it gratefully with His Grace and His Prophet’s (p.b.u.h.) blessings.

“He (Allah) it is who hath place you as Viceroys (khalifa) of the earth andhath exalted some of you in rank above others.

“(Al-Qur’an-Al-Anaam-166). “We rais by grades whom we will,”(Yousuf-76).

A PERFECT SUFI-SAINT

Zabta khan, a military officer of British army said that he did not haveany belief in Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) as a sufi-saint. Instead hethought that Hazrath was a magician. Most of the military officers and soldiers of Hanamkonda and Bolaram Cantonment were the disciples of MiyanJamaluddin (R.A.) a well known saint. Once in his presence Zabta khan saidHazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) was a magician and whom so ever meets him becomesmad after him. Miyan Jamaluddin (R.A.) warned him not to use such insultingwords and said that Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) was a perfect sufi-saint(kamil-va-akmal vali Allah). According to his beloved son Hazrath Syed ShahSarwar Biabani (R.A.), He was a saint of subcontinent India(Qutub-aqleem-e-Hind).

EDUCATION
“Read: In the name of thy Lord who createth. Createth man from a clot. Read: And thy Lord is the most bounteous.” (Al-Quran-Al-Alaq-1, 2 and 3).

Hazrath (Hazrath Afzal Biabani R.A.) received primary education from his father and Faqirullah Shah (R.A.), a great scholar of Qur’an and Hadith and a sufi saint at Fort Warangal. Once when Hazrath Afzal Biabani was going to Fort Warangal, in the evening his companions were left behind and it was getting dark. When he reached “Gunjshuhada” (Graveyard) a group of men bearing torches (Mashals) followed him. As soon as he reached Fort Warangal, they disappeared. This clearly reflects his reverence and grace of Allah on him.

Hazrath said that on account of the teachings of Faqirullah Shah R.A. his curiosity to learn more about the secrets of Islam and the spiritual power increased.

His father, Hazrath Syed Shah Ghulam Mohiuddin Biabani R.A. taught him the ‘way of knowledge’ (Maarifat), the ‘Mystical path’ (Tariqat, the ‘way of love with Allah’ (Mohabbath-e-Haqiqui) which led him to the ‘inner truth’ (haqiqat). He also blessed him with khilafat and declared him, as his spiritual successor (Sajjada Nasheen).

After the demise of his father, his mother sent him to hyderabad for further studies in the year 1807 A.D.

A strange incident on the way to hyderabad which is a clear proof that Hazrath was chosen by Allah and destined to be a “Vali Allah” a friend of Allah in his boyhood only.

He said “When I was travelling from Kazipet to hyderabad, I suffered from tonsillitis and pain in the throat. I felt thirsty and went in search of water. I reached a spring (Chashma) of fresh water. There I found a tiger and a wild pig roaring at each other. I was frightened. At that moment an old man with dark complexion appeared suddenly and offered me bread, I ate it and regained my strength. Later I learnt that the old man was Hazrath Khizr Alaih Assalam”.

In Hyderabad, he put up at the residence of his maternal uncle Syed Murtuza Hussaini, at Qutbi guda.

The great scholars of Islamic studies and Sufi-Saints Moulavi Qutubuddin R.A. and Moulavi Sadruddin R.A. taught him the holy Qur’an, Islamic law (shari’at), exegesis (tafseer) of the holy Qur’an, the tradition (Hadith) and the principles of Jurisprudence (Fiqh). He learnt by heart the holy Qur’an at the age of 12 under the supervision of above said great scholars, which is a great achievement and honour for a boy of 12 years.

“The Beneficent. Hath made known the Qur’an”.

(Al-Qur’an-Al-Rahman 1 and 2).

PIOUS COMPANY: “O ye who believe! Be careful of your duty to Allah, and be with Truthful (Sadiqueen)”. (Al-Qur’an-Al-Tauba-119).

In Hyderabad, Hazrath Afzal Biabani R.A. used to join the pious company of Hazrath Syed Shah Ghulam Ali Quadri Al Mosavi R.A., a cousin of his father, who was a perfect Sufi-Saint (Vali Allah), who use to invoke the name of Allah (Zikr) day and night. It is said that he did not sleep nor take rest for years together, and was found to be in deep meditation. Hazrath Khizr Alaih Assalam used to meet him once a week.

Hazrath Afzal Biabani R.A. said, “Once I heard the invoking sound of ‘Kalima-e-Tayyaba’ from the heart of Hazrath Ghulam Ali Quadri Al Mosavi R.A. while he was sleeping. The body was in deep sleep but his heart was invoking Allah. Immediately I circumambulated around him and stood before him with respect. Then he woke up and asked me ‘what have you observed ’

I replied, ‘your heart (Qalb) was invoking Allah when you were asleep. He expressed his happiness and blessed me saying, “O Allah bless him in the same manner as you have blessed me”. Then he showed me the method of reciting the ‘Kalima-e-Tayyaba”.

“the path of those whom thou hast favoured.”
(Al-Qur’an-Al-Fathiha-6).

From that day Hazrath started to practice the invocation of ‘Kalima-e-Tayyaba’ in retreat (Gosha Nasheeni) along with the practice of self -effacement (Faqr).
Raushan Khan, a disciple said: “One day I saw Hazrath Afzal Biabani R.A. was sleeping but his heart (Qalb) was invoking the ‘Kalima-e-Tayyaba’.

WORSHIP
“who are constant at their worship. And those, who are attentive at their worship. These will dwell in gardens, honoured.”

(Al-Qur’an-al-maarij-23, 24 and 35)

Following the sunnat of Holy Prophet, Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) had adopted worship, invocation and meditation in the secluded caves of hills in the jungles for gaining complete defiance and control over sensual pleasures and desires. He used to go to the hills of Papannapet in Medak District of Hyderabad state. where he invoked the name of Allah, performed prayers (Namaz) and meditation. Thus he glorified Allah the Almighty day and night.

“Remember Allah with much remembrance.”
(Al-Qur’an-Al-Ahzab-41)

At the age of 28 he left hills of Medak and came back to Kazipet, where he continued worship (Namaz), invocation (Zikr) and meditation in the cave of Bhattupally hills (not far from Kazipet village) by renouncing the world:
A hadith qouted in lbn Majah: The Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H.) said: Renounce the world and Allah will love you, and renounce what people possess and people will love you.

Even after several hurdles he spent his entire youth to kill his ‘nafs’ denying all worldly desires and pleasures and achieved a high degree of self- denial and self- control.

In the Bhattupally hills his constant and rapt worship (Namaz), Invocation (zikr) and meditation reached great heights and he was graced with celestial illumination (Tajalli-e-Ilahi) of the Merciful Allah. He was continuously encircled by the divine light, for 12 years, in which immersed himself and experienced the spiritual delight so much that he rather lost his physical senses. Although his back was eaten by white ants, he could not feel the pain of the wounds. During this period as he had sat motionless (in Qaida) for a long period (i.e., 12 years) his thighs and shanks were stuck together. They started bleeding when he stood up. The scars of white ants’ bite on his back was seen by his son Hazrath Syed Shah Sarwar Biabani (R.A) and several disciples. He spent that entire period in a state of intuition.

He said that during the worship some evil spirits used to come and try to interrupt , but he had dismissed them all.

While he was deeply in worship under a tree on one of the hills near Kota cheru (tank) he was again graced with the celestial illumination of the merciful Allah.

Once on the hills of Boda Gutta (Behind Kazipet, station) he was graced with the Divine light. H is son Hazrath Syed Shah Sarwar Biabani (R.A) said” “once I accompanied my father from Hanamkonda to Kazipet, at Bundum tank (behind Regional Engineering College, Warangal) he hugged a tree and wept saying. ‘I witnessed a glimpse of divine light (Tajall-e-Ilahi) on this holy tree during worship, on a nearby cliff where a genie (Jin) used to come and obey me”. This cliff is called Kohitoor-e-sani by his disciples.

According to a hadith, Hazrath Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said: “The scholars of my Ummat (followers) would be the rank of the prophets of Bani Israil.”

Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) was so great saint and scholar that he was graced many times and continually with the celestial illumination of Divine light, where as generally friends of Allah (Aulia Allah) were graced with Divine light once or twice in their life time for a moment only.

It is said, once during meditation a piece of burning coal fell on his thigh but he did not feel the burning sensation as he was completely immersed in meditation.

He used to prostate inversely (Sajda-e-maakus) in a cleft of hills of Bhattupally, Bodagutta and Bundum tank. He used to spend entire night in four long Sajdas inversely. On witnessing the light of Divine Essence (Noor-e-Zat-e-Ilahi) during one Sajda he used to perform another Sajda to show his gratefulness to Allah, in this way he used to perform four Sajdas till the dawn.

“If ye give thanks, I will give you more.”
(Al-Qur’an-Al-Ibrahim-7).

Apart from all these worship, invocation, meditation and fasting, he used to weep in fear of Allah and in gratefulness for his blessings in such a way as a calf cries of weeps for its mother cow. It is called geeria-va-zari. He used to pray for the grace of the merciful Allah. For the Friday’s prayers he used to visit jamaa Masjid, Hanamkonda.
MIRACLES
(Part-1)

CONTENTMENT (QANA’AT): when Col.Davidson, the then British Company’s Resident learnt about the piety of Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.), his huge expenses on his family, guests and monastery, from his disciples, who were working at cantonment, he devotionally offered grants (i.,e, including lands of Waddepally and Madikonda villages) sanctioned by the Nizam of Hyderabad to Hazrath. The letter was communicated through Mirza Zulfam Baig, a Military officer. But Hazrath asked the bearer of the letter, Mirza Zulfan Baig, to throw the letter given by the whiteman, in the well. Mirza hesitated to do so. Hazrath warned him, if he wanted to come to him, he should first throw that gift deed in the well. Mirza had to comply with the orders of Hazrath, and threw the letter in the well. Hazrath said that Allah alone is the giver and whatever he receives from Allah is enough for him.

Hazrath Syed Shah Ghulam Sarwar Biabani Saheb, Sajjada Nasheen, narrated that when he was Honourable member of State Wakf Board, the Secretary, informed him that the lands of Waddepally and Madikonda are still the property of Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.), for which he demanded to pay the Wakf tax / revenue. Hazrath Syed Shah Ghulam Sarwar Biabani Saheb, informed the secretary, Wakf Board, that his great grand father rejected that offer, hence he also here by rejects the gift of lands. He neither took charge of the lands nor paid the Wakf revenue, as he had to follow the will of his great grand father, Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.). whatever Allah had given them is enough for them.

EFFECTIVE PRAYER: Once the warangal district was severely effected with drought. There was no water for irrigation and even for drinking purpose. Ali Hussain and some disciples approached Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) to pray Allah to bless with sufficient rains. First of all he refused to do so. After repeated requests, he along with his disciples went to the Laal tank situated near Kazipet village. Which was empty and dry. After doing vuzu (ablution) he sat in the middle of the tank, offered Namaz and prayed for rains by prostating sajda. The people observed that clouds were formed over the sky and with in few minutes it started raining heavily, streams began to flow and the tanks were full. Hazrath and his disciples returned to their homes fully soaked in the rain water, farmers were very happy. His prayer never went unanswered.

“Lo! My lord is indeed the Hearer of Prayer”.
(Al-Qur’an-Ibrahim-39).

MIRACULOUS TREATMENT: Mirza Abdullah Baig was suffering from asthama, bronchitis, as the disease was very chronic, the doctors declared it as incurable. Then he approached Hazrath and requested to bless him and pray for his health. First of all Hazrath asked him to take treatment from a doctor. One day his condition became very serious. The Hazrath offered him a jug full of buttermilk and asked him to drink the entire buttermilk saying that Allah will bless you with health. And from that day his condition improved and he became quite healthy by the grace of Allah. The disease did not relapse again.
TREATMENT: Once Mirza Zulfan Baig (a disciple of Hazrath) went to North India. Unfortunately his face, hands and legs were affected with paralysis. Many doctors treated him but it was beyond their treatment and him to his fate. Mirza felt discouraged. He wept days and nights and remembered Hazrath for his help and slept. According to Mirza, he saw Hazrath in his dream, he narrated his condition. Hazrath did not say any thing. When he requested him third time for his help and blessings, then Hazrath said “Zulfan Baig you become healthy. Wake up, come and meet me.” When he woke-up he was astonished to find himself in perfect health. There was no sign of any paralysis on his face and limbs. It was nothing but the blessing of Hazrath and the grace of Allah.

EFFECTIVE PRAYERS FOR CHILD: On invitation of his disciple, one day Hazrath attended a function at Mustayeed pura, Hyderabad. In that function some persons under-went rite of initiation (bai’at) and became his disciples. A disciple’s wife who was childless requested him to pray to Allah to bless her with a child. Hazrath prophesied that she had no children in her fate. The entire family members became heart broken and began weeping and they fell on his feet and requested him many times. He pitied and assured that they would be blessed with a child on a condition that the child should be named after him whether it be a male or female. Accordingly they were blessed with a female child named her “Afzal Bee”. Hazrath was so kind hearted that whoever approached him seeking his blessings was never disappointed.

PREACHING OF ISLAM (1833-1856 A.D)
In those days most of the Muslims of south India were not on straight path. They were led astray (Gumrah) by bad companions. Specially the military men of Lasker (Hanamkonda) and Bolaram (Secunderabad) involved themselves in worldly affairs when led them to forget ‘Allah’, prayer (Namaz), Islamic principles, social and moral values.
To stop the day today deterioration of Islam, Hazrath Mohammad (P.B.U.H) appeared in Hazrath Afzal Biabani’s dream. . He ordered to preach religious ideas based on equality and believe in existence of one God, ‘Allah’, and the Islam among the people of south India, especially among the military men, as they were good at heart.
In order to bring them on the right path Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) took the responsibilities of preaching Islam among the people and led the glorious foundation of preaching of Islamic Principles and social reformation in south India.
Hence at the age of 40 years, Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) in 1833 A.D. (1250 Hijri) having replete with much knowledge of Islam and sainthood dedicated himself for this holy work of preaching (Tableegh) to make the people know Islam and teachings of Holy Prophet, Hazrath Mohammad (P.B.U.H).
Responding to Hazrath Afzal Biabani’s apt involvement in preaching Islam, the people started following Islamic Principles and established worship of Allah (Namaz).
According to captivated by the inner beauty of the Islamic preaching most of the people abandoned ill habits and followed his teachings for purification of their souls.
The people of south India and specially the military men of Hanamkonda and Bolaram Cantonments ran on the rail of Islamic preaching and became disciples and devotees of Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.).
Those who were obsessed of their misdeeds of the past felt guilty and realised themselves and prayed Allah, the Merciful of forgiveness, through their spiritual master (Murshid), Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) who was nothing but the deputy of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and got blessings of Allah.
To gain more knowledge in the pious company of Hazrath, the followers came to Kazipet. They were taught the Islamic law (Shariath), the ‘way of knowledge’ (Maarifat), inward truth (Haqiqat), methods of Islam (Tariqat), ‘the way of love with Allah (Mohabbat).
A large number of people stood by him and became his disciples (Mureed) and pledged loyalty (bai’at) shunning all their misdeeds and adopted straight path.
A number of people of south India even embraced Islam because of effective his preachings, teachings, miracles, social and moral support in their need, humanly behaviour and principles and equality of the Islam. Some of the disciples by doing rapt prayers, fasting, invocation and meditation and dedication became saints (Valli Allah). While few of them have been blessed with saint-hood by Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) directly. Viz Hazrath Mohammad Khan, Hazrath Shamshuddin Khan, Namdar Khan, Mirza Zulfan Baig, Mohibullah Khan, Bannay Miyan (Azam Khan of Aurangabad), Syed Akbar Rahim, Sarwar Shah, Abdunabi Shah and Syed Shah Sarwar Biabani, Sahibeen Rahmatullahim Ajmayeen.

MOHAMMAD KHAN AND SHAMSHUDDIN KHAN SHAHIBEEN

Mohammad Khan was a military officer who lived for some time at Hanamkonda Cantonment. He was a very pious man and fond of Allah. He was very fond of the company of sufi-saints. He believed that the association of sufi-saints was a sure way of gaining the grace of Allah through which one could attain salvation. So, he visited a good number of sufi-saints at various places. He was in search of a perfect spiritual master (Shaik-e-kamil).
One day he approached a learned man in Hanamkonda for learning the Divan-e-Hafiz, a poetic collection of Hafiz Sherazi. The learned man said that he was the right person to teach him the Holy book. He further said Hazrath Syed Shah Afzal Biabani was an authority on it. So he advised Mohammad Khan to visit Hazrath Afzal Biabani.
Mohammad Khan visited Hazrath and humbly requested him to teach Divan-e-Hafiz. He kindly accepted his request and taught him not only the book of Divan-e-Hafiz but also the ‘way of love with Allah’ and how to seek his divine love. Mohammad Khan’s heart overflowed with joy when he listened to Hazrath’s teachings, as he was a true lover of Allah he worshiped Allah day and night Hazrath, blessed him saint-hood.
Thus he worshipped Allah for (12) long years continuously. He got delighted in worship. He was oblivion of this world. He never thought of his family and never returned to his house.
His family members and relatives thought that Khan Saheb became the victim of black magic, they wanted to get him back to their family. The responsibility of bringing back Khan Saheb was laid on his younger brother Shamsuddin Khan Saheb. Shamsuddin Khan Saheb met Hazrath. In his anger he argued with Hazrath and put many questions about his brother in an indecent manner. Hazrath, without anger or ill feeling, simply asked Khan Saheb to look into the well nearby for the answer, As soon as he peeped in the well his condition changed. He tore of his clothes and ran to Bhattupally hills. Thus Hazrath blessed him with sainthood. He was immersed in prayer and meditation for a period of two months.

A SYMBOL OF NATIONAL INTEGRATION COMMUNAL
HARMONY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
“And He (Allah) it is who hath produced you from a single being (Al-Qur’an-Al-Anaam-99).

As it is said in the holy Qur’an that all human beings are off spring of the first man (I,e. Adam Alaih Assalam), there should not be any discrimination among the people as all are equal. The sufi-saint Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) attempted to remove the barriers of caste, creed, language, religion and region and provided a broad opportunity to make available to the local milieu a get-together. He was Qazi of Warangal district and Jagirdar (Land- Lord of Kazipet village). But he was averse to the life of a feudal Lord and never wanted to live in the Haveli (a village oalace). He preferred to live in a hut like any other poor man. His mother objected to it she was of the opinion that he had to maintain the dignity of his social position as a Qazi and Jagirdar. He politely convinced her and made the way clear to reside in a hut, this change delineated other changes in various aspects of his life apparently breaking the barriers between the life of the master and a servant. He willingly opted for the dress, the food and life style of a poor man.

Haji Mohibullah Khan Saheb from delhi and Namdar Khan Saheb, a servant in the army at Bolaram in Secunderabad, wished to join the circle of Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) as a disciples. When they went to his hut at Kazipet, they were informed that he was in the hut of a Hindu weaver (Padmashali) who was his immediate neighbour and friend, when they found the great sufi resting his head on a stone and sleeping on ground. The eagerness of the sufi-saint to live closer to the hearts of the people shows nothing except his willingness to share their joys and sorrows as members of one family and thus strengthen the integrated setting of the society.

Some members of the army contingent stationed at Hanamkonda waited upon the Qazi Saheb Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) and requested him to lead them in Eid prayer at Hanamkonda. They brought a horse for his ride. He asked for two more horses for his friends. People were taken aback to see that those friends were the Hindu weavers riding along with Hazrath. He wanted to share the joys of Eid with his Hindu neighbours.

At Papannapet in Medak there was a Hindu dyer (Rang Raze), who used to offer Hazrath Cigar.

To enjoy his company Hazrath developed the habit of smoking cigar. When the wife of the dyer Rukna Bai, died, Hazrath followed the lady funeral and attended the cremation of the Hindu lady and expressed his sympathy for the bereaved family.

The Historian like Henry George Briggs, Azam Jung, Chirag Ali and Syed Hussaini Bilgrami, all agreed that the 18th and 19th centuries witnessed the administration of the state of Hyderabad at its descent watershed , for the purpose of collection of land revenue territories were framed out and assigned to contracts called sahukars. They exercised all manners of coercion to collect the revenue from cultivators. The member of the collection staff had to be fed by the villagers and forced-labourer were engaged to help the tax collectors. Obviously enough the worst hit in this gruelling situation were the members of the scheduled caste, scheduled tribe and backward class of the village community. Practically there was no relief available to them through administrative channel. Happily, indeed, Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) appeared oh the scene. He had his style of experimenting his own way of life which enabled him to attempt to ward off the human malady, facing the community at his grass roots and his stake was no doubt a great success.

Some Arabs who belonged to the collection staff of a revenue contractor went to the wada of the Kazipet village to catch hold of a forced labourer (begar) to carry some luggage to Madikonda, about four kilometers from Kazipet village. The scheduled caste people were well aware of the cruel behaviour of the collection staff, they disappeared from the scene. Only Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) remained squatting there in identical costumes, capcha, lungi, a blanket on the body and a stick in hand. The Arab had no hesitation to ask him to carry the head load to Madikonda. He unhesitatingly compiled with. The person walking behind him observed that the lugguage was floating in air about a foot above his head. They astonished at this miracle and fell on his feet, and begged for his mercy. They also promised that they would not engage any scheduled caste brother as forced labour in future. They became his disciples.

Thus Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) saved the scheduled caste people of Kazipet and near-by villages from forced labour. It shows his act of social justice against oppression, protection of human rights and uplifting of down trodden. Hazrath Afzal Biabani (R.A.) used to teach his disciples high morals like simplicity, social equality and to serve people irrespective of their caste, creed, language, religion and region.

For this reason lacs of people belonging to different religions are devotees and followers.

Thus he proved himself to be a symbol of national integration, communal harmony, social justice and protector of human rights.

Even today, Hazrath’s Shrine (Dargah) at Kazipet is much thronged and revered by Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Sikhs alike.

It is observed that most of the Hindu families of Kazipet and neighbouring villages bring the bride and bride-groom to this holy shrine (Dargah) immediately after the marriage to get the blessings for the newly married couple before they get to their homes.

=========================================== Connection of author’s family memebers with Kazipet Jagir ( in brief) When my grand dad Shaikh Dawood reached Kazipet Jagir on his transfer from other place and he was attracted by the teachings of Sufi Centre at Kazipet Jagir during the period of Hazrat Syed Shah Sarwar Biabani R.A. the successor and son of great Sufi Master Hazrat Syed Shah Afzal Biabani R.A.. When my grand dad became his deciple he left immediately the following things. 1 .He left his superior job in the police department. 2. He left his native place of Medak. 3. He left his big house in Medak. Due to kindness and favour of Hazrat Syed Shah Sarwar Biabani R.A. my grand dad had got the job of Muntazim Dargah Sharif (supervisor) and a plot of land of 1000 yards in the centre of Kazipet Jagir. on this plot my grand dad had constructed a big house ( GULSHAN MANZIL) on 500 yards and one big garden on 500 yards. At kazipet Jagir my dad Mohammed Afzal and my brother Mohammed Abdus Samad, my sister Meher unnisa  and my self ( Mohammed A. Hafeez) were born there. After many years of service at Kazipet Dargah Sharif with great fame and good name my grand dad passed awayand upon his death our big house was deserted as all members of our family migrated to Hyderabad and some other places but my grand mom stayed in the big house lonely with her maid as she never think to leave the place. Upon living many years there she had been shifted to Hyderabad when she became ill due to the fracture in her foot. But due to her great love for the great Sufi Centre at Kazipet Jagir uopn her death we had taken her dead body to Kazipet Jagir from Hyderabad and was burried at the back side of tomb of her Murshid Syed Shah Sarwar Biabani.R.A. During the 1986 I had tried my best to re-settle my family members from Hyderabad to Kazipet Jagir but I was not successful in this matter as my son’s (Mohammed A. Wasi Rabbani) application for admission in St. Gabriel school Fatima Nagar was not accepted there due to late submission. We are staying at Hyderabad with our family members but we never miss any chance to visit the holy shrine of Hazrat Syed Shah Afzal Biabani R.A. and Hazrat Syed Shah Sarwar Biabani R.A. at Jazipet Jagir on regular basis.

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WEB SITE OR SOURCE/REF Hazarth Syed Shah Afzalbiabani (R.A.) Hazarth. Afzalbiabani (R.A.) a Great Sufi of India … Hazrath Syed Shah Ashraf Biabani Rifayee Al Qadiri Quds Allahu sirrahu … http://www.afzalbiabani.org/indexii.html – 14k – Cached =============== ===================

SEARCH BY Muhammed A. Hafeez, B.COM. H.NO. 16-11-16/1/21, SALEEMNAGAR COLONY, AL-MADINA COTTAGE, FIRST FLOOR , AL-SULAIMAN APARTMENT Hyderabad-36, (India) EMAIL : hafeezanwar@yahoo.com ================