WHAT IS IMAAN, ISLAM AND IHSAAN ?

                 WHAT IS  IMAAN, ISLAM AND IHSAAN ?

There are three primary sources of our knowledge, as follows. 

Messengers of Allah (SWT) convey and teach people what is sent to them from Allah (SWT).

It is in Quran, O’ Prophet – SAWS convey and teach people what is sent down to you’ (Al-Ma’ida - 67).

Acting upon the commandments of Allah (SWT) they show to the people the operational and practical side of the religion by elucidating details of Islamic deeds.

It is in Quran - ‘ The Apostle Mohammad – SAWS is an exemplary model for - all of you’ . (Al-Ahzab -21)

Prophets cleanse, purify and reform people from their personal attention.

It is in Quran -

‘Certainly Allah –SWT has done a favor on the believers when He sent to them an Apostle – SAWS, from among them, who reads them the divine verses and who purifies them and who teaches them the book and wisdom’ (Aal-e-Imran – 164).

‘He is the Lord, who has sent to the unlettered people, from among them, an Apostle, who reads to them divine verses and cleanse them and teaches them the book and wisdom’. ( Al-Jum’a – 2 ).

‘ O’our Lord send an Apostle from among them from whom they could hear your book, who would teach them from the divine book and wisdom and purify their hearts’. ( Al-Baqra – 129). 

(This was the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) while re-building Kaba’a; which Allah (SWT) fulfilled by sending Prophet Mohammad (SAWS) as the seal of Prophets.)

From the above, it is clear that Prophets’ undertake the following tasks.

They read out to people and teach what is sent down to them from Allah (SWT). This is Quran.

Becoming a practical example they educate people how to carryout Allah’s (SWT) commandments.  This is Hadith.

They cleanse and purify people’s hearts by their personal attention and training. This is Purification of Hearts (tazkia Nafs).

What is cleansing and purification of hearts ( tazkia nafs )?

It is turning people’s attention away from the darkness of materialism to the light of Islam.

What is light of Islam?

It is people’s training in 

(i) sincerity of heart (Ikhlas), 

(ii) wisdom (Hikmah) of actions, and 

(iii) Islamic vision.

What is Islamic vision?

As per the Hadith of Ihsan, (Bukhari wo Muslim) people are commanded to see Allah (SWT) while doing Obligatory Salah.

Can anyone visualize Allah’s (SWT) presence when his heart is covered with materialistic darkness?

No, you need Islamic light.  Prophet Mohammad (SAWS) trained his companions to see in Islamic light.

Once you get Islamic vision you become stead fast in faith and deeds and never lose the straight path of Islam.

What is Ihsaan?

As per the Hadith of Ihsan, we are required to see Allah (SWT) while doing obligatory Salah.  It was Prophet Mohammad (SAWS) practice of Praying.

He also taught us to see and refrained us from arguing in the meaning of religions vision.

It was Prophet Mohammad’s (SAWS) training which helped his companions to acquire Islamic vision with which they visualized Allah’s (SWT) presence every where every moment.

It is in Quran –

‘(He is) Existing everywhere every moment’.

‘Wherever you are, He is with you’ (Al-Hadid– 4).

‘You turn your face anywhere, you will find Allah-SWT’. ( Al-Baqra – 115 ).

‘Allah is the light (existence) of the Heavens and Earth’. (An-Noor -35).

‘We (Allah-SWT) are closer to you than your jugular vein’. (Qaf – 16).At another place in Quran – ‘He is in your own self, will you not then see’. (Az-Zariyat – 21).

Among Prophet Mohammad’s (SAWS) companions, some acquired proficiency in Quran teaching and reciting, like Hazrat Othman (ru) and Hazrat Abbas (ru).   Some acquired proficiency in the subject of Hadith, like Hazrat Abu Huraira (ra) and Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (ru).  Some became prominent in cleansing and purification of people’s hearts, like Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (ru) and Hazrat Ali (ru).

In the light of Hadith of Ihsan, Muslims can be categorized as:

People of Iman – those who are good at faith but not good at Islamic deeds.

People of Islam – those who are good at Islamic deeds but not good in Islamic faith.

People of Ihsan – those who are good both in Islamic faith and deeds.

Who are Sheikhs of Ihsan?

They are friends of Allah (SWT).

It is in Quran - ‘Behold the friends of Allah –SWT! On them shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve. These are they, who have believed in Allah –SWT and are mindful of Him (the feeling of closeness of Allah –SWT) and (have consequently abstained from everything evil). To them tidings come (from Allah-SWT) of a happy life both in this world and in Hereafter. The Word of Allah –SWT is never revoked. This in itself is a great felicity’ (Younus – 62- 64).

It is in Quran - ‘Allah –SWT is the guardian of those who believe (in Him). He brings them out of darkness into light’. (Al-Baqarah – 257).

What is darkness?

Our excessive attention towards materialistic comforts.

What is light?

It is Islamic vision.

Teaching is different from training.  By teaching we increase people's knowledge.  But training we develop their skills.  Therefore, in addition to teaching of Quran and Sunnah; cleansing and purifying hearts of the people is important for every Muslim.  This insulates us from major sins, enlightens our hearts and exposes us to the truth of Islam.

It is in Quran - 

“Allah (SWT) loves those who practice Ihsan.” (Al-Baqarah 2:195; Aal-e-Imraan 3:134, 148; Al-Ma'idah 5:13, 93)

“We have enjoined on man to behave with his parents with Ihsan.” (Al-Ahqaf 46:15)

“Those who spend (in the way of Allah-SWT) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress their anger and who forgives people; and Allah(SWT) loves Muhsineen (those who practice Ihsan).” (Aal-e- Imran 3:134)

“So, forgive them and overlook (their offensive behaviour), verily, Allah (SWT) loves Muhsineen.” (Al-Ma'idah 5:13)

“Indeed, who maintains Taqwa and remains patient and steadfast, Allah (SWT) does not let those who practice Ihsan lose their reward.” (Yousuf 12:90)

 “Verily, Allah (SWT) does not let the Muhsineen (who practice Ihsaan) lose their reward.” (At-Towbah 9:120, Hood 11:115, Yousuf 12:56, 12:90)

“We do not let the reward of one who performs in the most excellent manner be lost.” (Al-Kahf 18:30)

“Allah (SWT) is with those who have Taqwa and practice Ihsan.” (An-Nahl 16:128)

  “Allah’s (SWT) Mercy is near those who practice Ihsan.” (Al-A’raaf 7:56)

“Yes indeed, who turns his face submissively toward Allah (SWT) and he practices excellently, his reward is with his Lord.” (Al-Baqarah 2:112)

“Is the reward for excellence other than excellent.” (Ar-Rahmaan 55:60)

“To reward those who do their best with what is the best.” (An-Najm 53:31)

“For those who perform excellently is the best (reward) and even more.”(Yunus 10:26)

“Who can be better in deen than him who turns to Allah (SWT) in submission and practices Ihsan.” (An-Nisaa 4:125)

“And Practice Ihsan, Allah (SWT) loves those who practice Ihsan.” (Al-Baqarah 2:195)

It is in Hadith - the Prophet (SAWS) once asked him companions -  “Should I guide you to the qualities, because of which, Allah (SWT) raises people’s ranks?” The companions said yes.  Then the Prophet (SAWS)  said, “Be patient (forbearing) with him who treats you ignorantly; forgive him who is unfair to you; give him who deprives you; and, fulfill social obligations to the relative who is delinquent in doing his part.” (Reported from ‘Ubadah Ibn Samit in Targheeb and Tarheeb - reference  At-Tabarani)

It is in Hadith -  The Prophet (SAWS) said, “My Lord has commanded me nine qualities (as follows)  -

(i) Fearing Allah (SWT) both secretly and openly; 

(ii) Saying only the words of justice both when angry and when happy;

 (iii) Maintaining moderation both during poverty and affluence;

(iv)  Making up (social obligations and relationships) with a relative who shirks his obligation to me or breaks away from me;

(v) Giving even to the person who deprives me; 

(vi) Forgiving him who is unjust to me; 

(vii) Reflecting when I am quiet; remembering Allah (SWT) when I speak; and, learning lessons from what I see;

(viii) Enjoining good; and, (ix) Forbidding evil.”

(Reported by Abu Hurairah in Mishkaatul Masabih).

Balanced food and regular physical exercise is required to keep our body fit. Similarly, we need to balance our religious life with performance of daily obligatory prayers and keep all evil desires at bay.

Shaikhs’ of Ihsan teach you how to keep our desires at bay. This routine will make our soul (Rooh) stronger with which we become strong in both in Islamic belief and deeds.

Look at the strength of the belief of Prophet’s (SAWS) companions. Why they were like that? Because they were trained by Prophet Mohammad (SAWS).

When this training and daily routine became scarce and diluted, true faith slipped away from Muslims resulting in their steep downfall in the world.

It is in Quran – ‘Hold on firmly to the rope of Allah and do not allow differences to occur among yourself ’. (Aale-Imran – 103).

It is in Quran ‘ These are those who ripped their religion and divided themselves into sects. Allah (SWT) has nothing to do with them. Their matter is with Allah (SWT) and then He will point out to them what (exactly) they were doing (in the World).’ (Al-Ana’am – 159).

Imagine, if we ban physical exercise from a country, what will happen to its citizens. They all will fall sick and soon die of various ailments. Something similar has happened to Muslims.  Their souls are critically sick and they have lost track of the straight path. We need to do something about it soon so that we get back to the right path of Islam and acquire both, inner strength of religion, and outer strength, for peaceful living in this world.

O’our Lord ! call us not, to account, if we have forgotten or have fallen into error.

Our Lord ! Lay not on us a burden (of responsibilities) such as you have laid on those gone before us. Our Lord ! Lay not on us that which we cannot bear, and overlook our faults; and forgive us; and have mercy on us. You are our protector; help us then against the unbelievers.’ (Al-Baqara – 286).

O’our Lord give us good in this world, and good in the world to follow, and protect us from the punishment of Fire’. ( Al-Baqarah – 201).

The Holy City of Jaunpur

The Holy City of Jaunpur

by Syed Khudabakhash Shiraz Daniyal

Bismillah Hir-Rahman Nir-Raheem.

As-Salaam Alaikum Woh Rahmatullahi Woh Barakatuhu.

Our beloved Prophet Syedna Mohammed Mustafa SAWS prophesied that, "the Promised Mehdi (AHS) would born in Madina (City)". Regarding this Hadith, some people argue the birth of Promised Mehdi, Hazrath Syed Mohammed AHS in a place called "Jaunpur", which was neither a city nor a place of significance in Islamic world, according to them. But, this comment could not be regarded less than "absurd" and proof their lack of knowledge and ill intentions to regard "Jaunpur" as a remote village.

Here it would be reasonable to also discuss the meaning of term "Madinah". In Arabic terminology, the word "Al-Madinah" refers to any "city". In no sense, it refers to "Madinah Munawwara" in "Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" only. In fact, the name of "Madinah Munawwara" of "K.S.A." was "Yathrib" and later, after the migration of Prophet Mohammed SAWS to this place from Makkah, its name was changed to "Madinat-un-Nabi (City of Prophet)". Hence, this holy place became famous as "Madinah" since then (instead of Yathrib).

It shall also be noted that, all the Ahadith in this regards, just mention the word "Madinah" in original text and no where it is mentioned as "Madinat-un-Nabi". Hence, logically, the birth place of Promised Mehdi AHS should be interpreted as a "city" itself, or in Islamic Terminology, it would be a "Religious City".       

Lets check out the background (history) of this holy city of Jaunpur :-

The founder of Jaunpur, the birth place of Khalifatullah, Khatim-e-Vilayat-e-Mohammedia, Hazrath Syed Mohammed Jaunpuri Al Mehdi Al Maud AHS, was Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq, the emperor of Delhi. Jaunpur is situated on the bank of the river Gomti, in Allahabad Province.

Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq once happened to camp in the vicinity of the river Gomti. There the open space attracted the attention of the Sultan. He decided to build a model city there. Thus the city was established in 772 AH and was named as “Jaunpur” after the great learned king of the dynasty, Mohammed Bin Tughlaq (Juna Khan), who (said to be) advised the emperor in a dream to name it after him. Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq selected the gems of all the trades and learning's from Delhi and asked them to shift to Jaunpur with attractive scholarships and pensions. Thus the foundation of the city was laid with the selected persons of all the trades and learning's.

Soon, the City became very popular and developed as an academic (Islamic) centre during the period of the Sharqiya Kings. There were great number of Ulema, learned persons and scholars. They used to invite famous Ulema, men of letters and artisans to the Court and grant them pensions and jagirs (property) for their maintenance. It is said that, there were 1700 Ulema in Jaunpur during the reign of Sultan Hussain Sharqi, who later became a devoted admirer and follower of Hazrath Syed Mohammed AHS. There were also a number of Schools, Universities and Masjids in Jaunpur at that time. Thus, it became very famous as a centre for Islamic studies in the East, easily comparable to the city of Shiraz in the Middle East, and hence named as Shiraz-e-Hind. Till date, there are many ancient Masajids in Jaunpur which attracts the Tourists, like; Jama Masjid, Lal Darwaza Masjid, Athala Masjid etc.   

Many Sufi Saints were residing in the holy city of Jaunpur, such as; Hazrath Shaikh Daniyal Chishti RH. The Islamic scholars of the city were popular among the Arab and non-Arab Muslims alike. The books written here were used as books for reference, teaching and research and were included in the syllabi of the Universities worldwide. Thus it was a place, regarded and respected as a place of scholars, sufis, Aulias, literature and books all over the world.

No historian of ancient India had failed to mention the glory of Jaunpur with special reference to its eminence in the field of Islamic studies.

It would be appropriate to give few quotations, supporting the above statements :

·         Narender Nath Laa writes in 'Promotion of learning's in India during Mohammedan Rule' :- "During lbrahim's reign (1402-1440 AD) the court of Jaunpur far outshone that of Delhi and was the resort of all the learned men of the east".

·         F.A. Keay writes in 'Indian education in Ancient and later Times' that :- "the place in India which was most famous in its days as a Mohammedan place of learning was Jaunpur. It was comparable to Shiraz in Persia and was called as the Shiraz of India".

·         In the Imperial Gazetteer of India - Volume IV, published from Oxford in 1908 AD, it is written that; "Jaunpur remained the seat of Governor till the reorganisation of the empire by Akbar, who raised Allahabad to the position of a provincial capital. From that time Jaunpur declined in political importance though retained some of its former reputation as a centre of Mohammedan learning, which had gained for it the title 'Shiraz of India'."

·         Farishta has named Jaunpur as the second Delhi.

·         Shahjahan, the fifth Moghal emperor called Jaunpur the Shiraz of his empire.

·         When Humayun reached Iran during his exile, the king of Iran, Shah Tahmasap Shah first enquired about Jaunpur and its scholars and felt envied on learning about the progress of Jaunpur on Islamic studies, against the decline of Shiraz (of Persia).

·         The importance of Jaunpur as a centre for Islamic studies can be well assessed from the fact that it was called a University (Dar-ul-Uloom) in itself by the author of Tabqaat-e-Akbari.

After knowing the brief facts mentioned above, only an ignorant person or a person who intends to mislead others from Truth, could only deny "Jaunpur" being a "Holy City" in the Islamic History. 

Hence, it could be well said that,  “The Promised Mehdi Hazrath Syed Mohammed Alaihis-salatu-was-salaam, was born in the City of Jaunpur (Madinat-ul-Jaunpur)”

Apart from this, there are several Ahadith, which indicates the birth place of Promised Mehdi AHS to be in the Hind (India) / East. These Ahadith will be discussed separately, in the next piece of writing. 

Rangrez Shaheed RA and their pious Mother

May Allah - The Almighty - bless us with the Faith of Rangrez Shaheed RA and their pious Mother. Aameen. by Syed Khudabakhash Shiraz Daniyal “So their Lord accepted of them ……………so those who were emigrated and were driven out of their homes, and suffered harm in My cause, and who fought, and were killed (in My cause), [3:195] One day in the city of Ahmadabad in Gujrat an announcement was made by the orders of the ruler, that anyone who takes the name of the Mehdi AHS he/she will not be spared. If the Mehdavis disown their faith they will be given pardon or else if they stick to their adherents then they will be subjected to inhuman atrocities or may be executed. Soon this notification spread like wild fire in the then Sultanate of Gujrath. When this announcement was rendering in Ahmedpur a locality of fabric dyers (Rangrez) in Gujarat that whoever takes even the name of Mehdi AS he will be dealt severely, and the announcers were roaming with this royal order (of the ruler of Gujrat) the very moment two young boys came down from their shop of fabric dyeing by reciting the Tasbeeh loudly and said, “Who can stop us from the tasdiq of Mehdi AS and the teachings provided to us by the Bandagi Miyan RZ. Who is it calling us towards the falsehood and who is begging for our heads. We are not afraid of any atrocities or of death. Do whatever you want but we will not change our Faith. Whoever it is can come and collect our heads in charity in the name of Allah, Rasool Allah SAWS and Mehdi Murad Allah AHS." Historians record that the elder brother Miyan Kabir RA was 18 years old and the younger brother Miyan Ismail RA was 14 years old. Satan played its role the people gathered around these two young boys and started beating them severely with fists, sticks and rods. As the beating increased the Tasbeeh increased. After some time everybody were exhausted and the boys fell down on the ground. Among the mob someone shouted, let their family members be called so that they can advice the boys not to take the name of Mehdi AHS. To their astonishment, they came to know that both these boys are the only children of an old (widow) woman. She was called and was let her to the injured boys to give a piece of advice. The old Mehdavi mother advised her children in this manner: "O my children, I always dreamt of you both when you reach the age, I wanted to see you dressed as grooms and decorate you with flowers and garland by my hands and now both of you had already brought me happiness more than that. The only thing which remains is the garlands. She said 'Remember this blood flowing from your heads is the flowers and Martydom (Shahadath) is the garlands of Eeman around your necks'. "If you give your heads to keep your Eeman intact then none other than Hz Bandagi Miyan Rz, Imam Mehdi AHS and RasoolAllah SAWS will be attending your procession of celebrations and will present you both in the presence of Allah, do not turn away from the Giroh of Imam Mehdi AHS. AND IF YOU TURN AWAY FROM YOUR FAITH, I WOULD NOT GIVE THE SALVATION OF MY MILK (DOODH KI BAQSHISH) ON THE DAY OF RESURRECTION." After giving this advice the old Mehdavi Mother went away. The crowds gathered around were aghast and dumb stuck to hear these words of faith by this old Mehdavi mother. People thought she would seek pardon to take her young children back. But, it was not to be the case. As the executioner came with the sharp sword the elder brother stepped forward and said, 'First you have to execute my younger brother'. The executioner asked 'Why is it?' The brother replied, 'This is none of your business. Do your job'. Then out of curiosity the executioner asked the reason again. The elder brother replied, 'Nobody knows the secrets of the heart. If my younger brother, after seeing my spilled blood, can change his decision. So, I don’t want him to be a shameful loser in front of my Murshid, Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ.' Hence, according to his request, with a single stroke by the sharp sword the younger brother’s head came down on the ground, next the elder brother’s head followed and the blood oozed out from their cut-throats. Spectators were stunned to see that both the heads were smiling and their radiant faces were glowing than earlier and shining with the divine luminosity (Noor). Their old mother said, ‘O Allah I hear people say save your both children but I am sad and regretful that you gave me just 2 sons why you did not gave me 20 sons. Today I would have happily presented 20 heads instead of just these 2 heads in the name of Imam-ul-Kainaath Mehdi Murad Allah AHS.' This was the status of the Faith of Mehdavis, of the earlier era. When this incident of shahadath came in the audience of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ, at that moment he was taking food in his Daira at Khambel, as soon as he heard he stopped the morsel in his hand and said “Both these Shaheed brothers are the Imam of my Shahadath (Martyrdom)” The persecution of the Mehdavis was started in a very brutal and inhuman manner, everywhere in Gujrat. Then Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ took action, one of his trusted Khalifa (Khalifa-e-Qaas) Hz Malik Allahdad Khalifa-e-Giroh RZ was sent and a fatwa was acquired from the same Ulema of Gujrat on a Istifta (matter/issue) regarding the orders of persecution of innocent people, "Who believe in Allah SWT and His Prophet SAWS. Who follow Shariat perfectly and fear Allah SWT. Who follow the Commandments of Holy Quran and act according to it." And to this, the Ulema gave the verdict that "those who issued such orders are liable to be killed under the Shariat of Prophet Mohammed SAWS." And now with the fatwa in hand he got killed all those Ulema’s who issued fatwas for the killing of innocent Mehdavis. Those Ulemas who were killed, includes Mulla Hamid and Mulla Anaruddin as well, which shattered the complete Sultanate of Gujrat and surrounding. And due to the fear of being killed for their evil deeds, the surviving Ulema convinced the Sultan to take Military action against the Mehdavis, claiming that "Mehdavis are a threat to his kingdom and his life and his kingdom is in danger". They succeed, and the unfortunate ruler ordered his army to attack the Daira of Bandagi Miyan Shahe Khundmeer RZ. And, what happened during this 2-day battle, is history, and recorded by numerous historians of that era and later era's. As per the Historical recordings, after the martyrdom of the Rangrez brothers and the following battle - Jung-e-Badr-e-Vilayath, the ‘Shahadath’ of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ, this cruel Sultanate was no more and Sultan Muzaffar-II was conquered, and he, along with, his entire progeny and those (his obedient) Ulema who issued fatwa were finished completely.

Conditions Prevailing on the eve of the Advent of The Promised Mehdi Alaihis salatu was salaam.

By Syed Khudabakhash Shiraz Daniyal

It is Narrated by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH):-
"The earth will be filled with injustice and corruption. At that time, a man from among my progeny will rise and will rule for seven or nine years and will fill the earth with justice and equity."
(Musnad - Ahmad ibn Hanbal RH)

Hazrat Ali (RZ) narrates that Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said: “Even if only a day remains for Qiyamah to come, yet Allah will surely send a man from my family who will fill the earth with such justice and fairness, just as it initially was filled with oppression.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)
---
Students of history are aware that during the ninth century Hijri, Chaotic conditions were prevailing in the political, social and religious lives of the Muslims. There was a vast difference between the preaching and the practicing of the Ulema. The adoption of new customs, innovations, religious heresy and wrong habits were common among Muslims. Essential elements of Islam were neglected. The state of affairs prevailing prior to the appearance of The Promised Mehdi AHS was best described by the renown historian / author Moulana Abul Kalam Azad, in his famous book "TAZKIRA":-
“The ninth century Hijri, prior to the reign of Akbar, was a period of great tumult, confusion and unrest. The rise and fall of Kingdoms was an everyday feature. There was no central Government strong enough to vouchsafe the promulgation and protection of the ordinances of the Shariat. The worldly minded Ulema were far greater in number than the God-fearing Ulema. Materialism, fraud and deceit were rampant. To crown them all, the BIDAT and the unlawful activities of the ignorant Sufis had made confusion worse, confounded and misled the people. Infringement and violation were registering a rapid rise in everyday life. Kings and nobles were steeped in debauchery and immorality”.

Other famous historians like; Basheer Ahmed Mohandis, Khalleq Ahmed Nizami, Syed Hashmi Fareedabadi and Abdul Haq Mohadith Dehelvi have depicted a very gloomy picture of Islam and its followers, during the reign of the Sultans of Delhi. They were unanimous in their findings, that there was little left of the original form. To say in brief (as per these historians):-
• The Mullahs of the day were under the influence of the kings, used to give unfounded interpretations to the Quranic verses and were very liberal in giving Verdicts (Fatwah) in favour of the kings without caring for the real position of the Islamic law.
• The sufis were not interested in the Islamic law (sharia) either.
• It was considered as ignorance to talk in terms of Kufr (Blasphemy) and Iman (Faith).
• No distinction was made between the creatures and the Creator.
• The kings were more interested in their own kingdom rather than in the Kingdom of Allah.
• Allah and his Laws were used as a shield for their unauthenticated deeds and rule.

Since, the foundation of Islam was laid by the sufis, more stress was given to the mystic path (Tareeqa) and there was a series of Sufis, Aulias and mystic-men in all parts of India. These sufis had their given Silsilas (Orders] of spiritual teachings inherited by them. But, according to local (political) circumstances they (being an ordinary human beings, were capable of erring) had introduced many new things and accepted several innovations which were un-Islamic in strict terms. The majority of the Muslim population was converted from Hindus and had retained many practices of the earlier faith, especially, the caste system and the Idol worship in a different/modified form (BIDAT).

In other countries, especially in the Arabian Peninsula the Sharia (Islamic law) was given more importance and the mystic path (Tareeqa) was completely ignored. In fact there was a confrontation between these two wings.

J.Spencer Trimingham in his book "The Sufi Orders in Islam" has given an account of the situation :-
"But these are theoretical ways none of which developed into Silsila - Tareeqa. Their teaching was modified by their pupils in accordance with their own mystical experiences... Thus there was a great contrast in both these wings and there was a greater need for introducing a balance between them".

The population of Muslims in India was relatively larger than the population in other countries, and was growing at a healthy rate, and as said above, the Religion here was well mixed with several innovations. Thus the need to introduce this blend of balance in India was more required than elsewhere. [This is also one of the main reason for the advent of the Promised Mehdi AHS in India.]

In view of this there was a greater need of a reformer in India than elsewhere. This need was founded on two aspects.
(1) The original form of Religion was to be restored to Islam and its Sharia.
(2) The spiritual and the Gnostic (Ma'rifa) aspects of Islam were to be taught in the real Islamic way.

Before we try to understand the first aspect i.e. restoration of Sharia, we have to take two things into consideration; First: Islam in India had no opportunity to have the living examples of the holy lives of the companions (Sahaaba-e-Ikram RZ) of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). Secondly: the rulers of India, though Muslims, were not having the experience of a real Islamic state. The concept of the Khilafath had long died. In Islam, the real duty of the ruler was that of a servant of Allah, who was assigned the job of taking care of the land of Allah and its inhabitants. He was not only answerable to Allah, but also to the weakest citizen of the land. This concept was changed and the kings were termed as - Dilullah (Shadow of Allah) - (Naa'oozobillah-min-zaalik-bey-eteqaad) and were treated as privileged beings, free to do any thing they liked; and there was none to question them. Thus, there was a real need to restore the teachings of Islam in the original form, as it was in the times of the Prophet of Allah (PBUH).

The second aspect is purely Gnostic (Ma'rifa) and spiritual. To understand this aspect we will refer to few traditions (Hadiths).
1. Hazrath Abu Hurairah RZ (the eminent companion of the Prophet PBUH) narrated:
I have memorized two kinds of knowledge from Allah's Apostle (PBUH). I have propagated one of them to you and if I propagated the second, then my pharynx (throat) would be cut (i.e. killed).
[Sahih Al Bukhari : Volume 1 - Book 3 - Number 121]
2. Hazrath Abdullah Ibn-e-Abbas RZ had also referred to such type of knowledge in a tradition by saying that he was sure that he "would be stoned to death" if he were to reveal the meaning of a Quranic verse which he knew. [Complete details regarding this can be found on page 105 of Imam Ghazali's (RH) Ahya al-Uloom al-Deen, Vol. I]
3. Hazrath Huzaifatul Yaman (who was also known as the sahib-e-sirre-rasuul-Allah) has said that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had himself taught this (particular) knowledge especially to him. [Ahya al-Uloom al-Deen and Al-Kaukab al-Duriya]

From the above traditions it is evident that the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) had revealed certain aspects of Islam to those of his companions who were capable of understanding such teachings.

The Sufi Silsilas (Orders) in India trace their origin to the fourth Caliph Hazrath AliRazi-allahu-anhu, or to the first Caliph Hazrath Abu BakarRazi-allahu-anhu. Since the teachings of the Ma'nfa (gnosis) were not made common, they had many doubts and had to depend upon the interpretations given by the sufis and saints who were not free from erring (Ghair-Masoom).

The teachings were mostly based on the individual experiences and utterances of the sufis of the Silsila. The Islamic concept of the Gnosis was vanishing due to the local influence of the Hindu saints of Bhakti Movement. These saints were equally popular among Hindus and Muslims. Thus the Muslim sufis were also forced to follow them to retain their popularity.

Under the above Islamic / Historical background, and by the Wish and Will of Almighty Allah, Khalifatullah, Hazrath Meeran Syed Mohammed Jaunpuri, The Promised Mehdi AHS was born in 847 Hijri at Jaunpur in eastern India.

Al Quran Wal Mehdi Imamuna, Aamanna Woh Saddaqna

RITUALS AFTER DEATH

PART - 1
RITUALS AFTER DEATH - The rituals/practices performed by Mehdavia community related to Ziyarat and after death, in the light Ahadith-e-Mohammed RasoolAllah SAWS. [It shall also be noted that, Qabr-parasthi (worshiping of grave) is prohibited in Islam and Alhamdulillah, this evil practice doesn't exists in Mehdaviat as well. Our concept of Ziyarat is in complete accordance of Holy Commandments.]
It took almost 2 years, for the compiler of the book, to compile it, and all the efforts has been made, to collect the continuously repeated Traditions of our beloved Prophet SAWS, which reaches the status of authenticity (Ahadees-e-Mutawattir). Hence, THERE IS NO SCOPE FOR ANY DEBATE ON THEM AS THE MATAN (TEXT/CONTENT) OF THE AHADITH ITSELF IS SUFFICIENT FOR THE SEEKERS OF TRUTH (TALEBAAN-E-HAQ).
Following is the list of, some of the topics, covered under this book, which has been divided in to small parts, for the convenience of the readers:-
• Whether the soul of the dead person is connected with the body (grave) or not?
• Is it permissible to visit Graves (or Graveyards)?
• Performing Qadambosi of the Pious Souls
• Putting Flowers on the Grave
• Requesting the Pious Soul to supplicate to Allah on one’s (visitor’s) behalf
• Whether a dead person can hear and speak?
• Recitation of Fatiha on the departed souls
• Effort by a Mehdavi to ask forgiveness and help the departed souls
• The practice of relatives (or friends) bringing the food for the family members (of deceased)
• Sawiyat, Ghadi and feeding people with the intention to offer reward to the deceased
• Removing shoes before entering the Graveyard
• Walking or sitting on Grave is strictly undesirable
• What is Sajdah? Do Mehdavis perform Sajdah at the Graves of Pious Souls?

BISMILLAH-HIR-RAHMAAN-NIR-RAHEEM
There are few groups who firmly believe that, visiting the graves is strictly undesirable / it is an innovation / and some even say it is a Shirk (especially the followers of Salafi maslak). And subsequently, all rituals related to the death of a person are also not allowed in the Religion, brought by our beloved Prophet Syedna Mohammed Mustafa SAWS. Hence, they believe, the rituals of Mehdaviat, such as; visiting the graves (Ziyarat), feasting people after the death of a person (Chowtha, Duswa’an, Beeswa’an, Chahlum etc.), asking for the help of dead for forwarding our wishes (Zariya banaana / making source for fulfilling desires) etc. etc., are against the Religion of Allah………!!!!
This is not only the thought (belief) of non-Mehdavis, but it has also crept into the minds of (some of) our brothers, as well, due to lack of their knowledge. Though no regrets for this, as it has been more than 500 years since Khalifatullah, Hazrath Syedna Mohammed Jaunpuri Mehdi Maud AS has departed from this world for Heavenly Abode, after exhibiting and explaining the inner-self (Batin) of Rahmat-ul-Aalameen, Afzal-ul-Ambia, Khatim-un-Nabi’een, Hazrath Syedna Mohammed Mustafa SAWS, which was the mission assigned to him (Mehdi Maud AS) by the Ultimate King, The Creator of all that exists.
They are prey to their lack of knowledge and the following of false guides (leaders), who are habituated to leading others far away from Truth, for their own benefit. Insha-Allah we will go through some of the Authentic (Mutawattir) Ahadith of our beloved Prophet SAWS, which will show (and guide) us the permissible, desirable and important acts related to the death of a person.
First-off-all, we will study that “Whether the soul of the dead person is connected with the body (grave) or not?”
Hazrat Abu Saaed RZ reports, once RasoolAllah SAWS came out and saw some people bursting with laughter so that their teeth became visible. Having seen their state, he remarked:
“You must constantly remember death abundantly which curtails the taste of everything. Had you been doing so I would not have seen you in this state. Not a day passes by that the grave says: ‘I am the house of strangeness; I am the house of loneliness; and I am the house of insects.’” Thereafter he added: “When a Believer is buried, the grave addresses him, ‘Welcome home! In fact you were dear to me. Now when you have been consigned to me, you will see what good treatment you will receive from me.’ Thereafter the grave is widened and a gate of Heaven is flung open for you. When a transgressor or an unbeliever is buried, the grave admonishes him, ‘You are most unwelcome! You have come to a very bad abode, you were the most accursed. Now that you have been buried, you will see how I treat you.’ Thereafter, the grave squeezes him forcibly so that the ribs are broken.” RasoolAllah SAWS demonstrated this by inserting his fingers into each other. [Mishkat Shareef]
Hazrat Saeed bin Museeb RZ reports that once Hazrat Ayesha RZ submitted to RasoolAllah SAWS:
“O RasoolAllah SAWS! From the day you have mentioned about the (horrible) voice of ‘Munkir’ and ‘Nakir’ and the pressing of the grave, you have become quite restless.”
RasoolAllah SAWS said:
“O Ayesha! The voice of ‘Munkir’ and Nakir’ will be very sweet to the ears of the believers, and pressing of the Believers by the grave is like the affectionate mother massaging the head of her child with the purpose of comforting and relieving pain. But O’ Ayesha! Those having doubt in Allah are doomed and they will be squeezed in the grave like eggs being smashed under the stone.” [Al-Mujam Al-Kabeer - Imam Tabarani]
The aforementioned Ahadith proves that, there will be torment in the grave (for the infidels & sinners), as well as comfort (for Believers). There are many more Ahadith that proves concept of the ‘Torment in the Grave’. Hence, it becomes compulsory that ‘The Soul must have some connectivity with the Body’.
To make it further clear :

Most of the scholars came to the conclusion that, ‘Soul of the person is connected to his Body even after his death’.
The following statement is mentioned in Al-Ikhtiyarat Al-Fiqhiyah, Page 94 :- According to the scholarly view, the torment of the grave befalls both the soul and the body. Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said : “The view of the Salaf (Ancestors) of this Ummah and its Imams is that the torment or blessing (of the grave) happens to the soul of the deceased and his body. After it departs the body, the soul continues to be blessed or punished, and it is also connected to the body from time to time, so that the blessing or torment reflects on the body as well as the soul.”
Further, there is also a Fatwa issued by Saudi Scholar Muhammad Saleh Al-Munajjid, saying that the Torments of Grave affects body and soul.
2. Is it permissible to visit Graves (or Graveyards)?
There are some ignorant, who say that ‘Prophet Mohammed SAWS has restricted his Ummah from visiting the graveyards’. This thinking is absolutely wrong. In fact, visiting of graveyards is the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammed SAWS. Moreover, he made his orders clear to his ummah as well. Lets study:-
This disobedient slave of Allah is blessed with the permission of entering The Haramain Shareefain (Two Holy Masjids in Makkah & Madinah) on more than one occasion. Hence, I witnessed the words written on a big hoarding upon entering Jannat-ul-Baqi (Adjacent to Masjid-un-Nabawi - Madinah. Most of Prophet SAWS’s wives PBUT and many companions PBUT are rested here to peace). For our reference, I will quote two Ahadith written there along with the opening note :-
“Dear Visitor,
This is the Prophet SAWS way of visiting the graveyard:
1) Graves are to be visited for introspection and learning a lesson. Prophet SAWS said ‘Visit the grave for they remind you of death’.
2) Upon entering the graveyard Prophet SAWS used to greet the people of the grave saying, ‘Peace be on you O people of Abode of the believers: We are surely going to join you Insha-Allah. May Allah shows mercy to the former and to the latter. We ask well being for us and for you. O Allah! Do not deprive us of the recompense (that u may grant us for our bereavement), and do not subject us to temptation after their departure.’”
Like Jannat-ul-Baqi, there are few Ahadith written on a big hoarding outside the graveyard, where the martyrs of “The Battle of Uhud” are laid to rest (including Hazrath Hamza RZ, uncle of Prophet Mohammed SAWS). The first Hadith which appear here is :-
“The visiting of graveyard is recommended to remind one of the hereafter. Prophet PBUH said: ‘Previously I had forbidden u from visiting graveyards. Now u can visit them, however, for they serve to remind one of the hereafter.’”
The point of visiting the graveyard is proved here. Further, for the information, similar Ahadith (as mentioned above) can be found in 203rd Chapter of Book # 4 (Kitaab Al-Salaat) of Sahih Al Muslim. In this chapter, Imam Muslim has included the Ahadith relating to “What is to be said while visiting the graveyard and the supplication to be offered for the dead lying in the graves”, which is actually the title for this chapter.
Hence, visiting of graveyard is proved as a permissible act, rather we can say an essential act of Islam.
Other practice(s) of a Mehdavi :
3) Performing Qadambosi of the Pious Souls
As, it a proven fact that the Soul of the deceased person is connected with the grave constantly, then no explanation is required for the performance of Qadambosi (kissing the feet) of the Pious Souls.
If anyone doubt the concept of Qadambosi in Mahdaviat (that it is not permissible in Islam and has been innovated by Mehdavis), then kindly go through the following Ahadith :-
Imam Bukhari’s Al-Adab Al Mufrad: Chapter 445. Kissing the Feet
Hadith No. 975 : Al-Wazi Ibn Amir RZ said, “We came and were told, ‘That is the Messenger of Allah SAWS.’ We took his hands and feet and kissed them and kissed them.”
Hadith No. 976 : Suhayb RZ said, “Ali RZ kissed the hand and feet of al-Abbas.” (al-Abbas was Ali’s uncle).
Further, similar Ahadith has been quoted by other compilers (of Ahadith) and emphasized on their being Sahih (Authentic) :-
From Safwan ibn `Asal al-Muradi RZ: “One of two Jews said to his companion: Take us to this Prophet SAWS so we can ask him about Musa's ten signs... [the Prophet SAWS replied in full and then] they kissed his hands and feet and said: we witness that you are a Prophet...”. Reference: Ibn Abi Shayba (Book of Adab, Chapter entitled A Man Kissing Another Man's Hand When He greets Him), Tirmidhi (Book of Adab) who declared it hasan sahih, al-Nasa'i, Ibn Maja (Book of Adab), and al-Hakim who declared it sahih.
Burayda RZ narrated that one of the Bedouin Arabs who came to the Prophet, Peace be upon him, asked: "O Messenger of Allah, give me permission to kiss your head and your feet," and he received it. Reference: Hakim's Mustadrak and in Ibn Muqri. Both al-Hakim and al-`Iraqi declared the latter's chain authentic.
The above-mentioned and many other Ahadith, confirms the permissibility of Qadambosi in Islam. Further, it shall be noted that, these very Ahadith were also published in the leading daily English newspaper of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - "ARABNEWS", dated 13th December 2002, under the section "Guidance from the Prophet (SAWS)" and with the title "Kissing hands and feet". [more specific discussion on kissing, touching the graves in the later parts]
4) Putting Flowers on the Grave






















RITUALS AFTER DEATH - The rituals/practices performed by Mehdavia community related to Ziyarat and after death, in the light Ahadith-e-Mohammed RasoolAllah SAWS. [It shall also be noted that, Qabr-parasthi (worshiping of grave) is prohibited in Islam and Alhamdulillah, this evil practice doesn't exists in Mehdaviat as well. Our concept of Ziyarat is in complete accordance of Holy Commandments.]
Let us check out (with authentic Ahadith), whether a dead person can hear us and capable of speaking and praying?
Sahih Al Bukhari - Volume 2, Book 23, Number 452
Narrated Ibn ‘Umar [RZ]:
The Prophet [SAWS] looked at the people of well (the well in which the bodies of the pagans killed in the Battle of Badr were thrown) and said, “Have you found true what your Lord promised you?” Somebody said to him, “You are addressing dead people.” He replied, “You do not hear better than they but they cannot reply.”
Dead person can speak as well. In the below Hadith the reason has been explained, why human being can not hear what the dead person says :-
Sahih Al Bukhari - Volume 2, Book 23, Number 402
Narrated Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri [RZ]:
The Prophet [SAWS] said, “When a funeral is ready and the men carry the deceased on their necks (shoulders), if it was pious then it will say, ‘Present me quickly’, and if it was not pious, then it will say, ‘Woe to it (me), where are they taking it (me)?’ And its voice is heard by everything except mankind and if he heard it he would fall unconscious.” [Also Sahih Al Bukhari - Volume 2, Book 23, Number 462 with slight changes in words]
Before we know more regarding the speaking capabilities of a dead person, lets discuss few things regarding the hearing first:
There is a difference in opinion between the scholars of Ahle Sunnat-ul-Jamaat regarding this issue. Those who reject the concept will produce the Quranic Verse “So verily, thou cannot make the dead to hear…” This is the 52nd Verse of Surah Ar-Rum (30). But this is incomplete Verse, and interpretation of the Verse would be only to mislead others and in attempt to make their philosophy authentic. Lets analyze this Verse :-
“So verily, thou canst not make the dead to hear, nor canst thou make the deaf to hear the call, when they show their backs and turn away.”
This Verse is clearly referring to those, who will deny the Truth of Prophet Mohammed SAWS and The Book revealed on him. Hence, the term “dead” here refers to “those people” who will not accept the Truth. To make it further clear, I will quote another translation of this Verse :-
“So verily, you (O Muhammed SAWS) cannot make the dead to hear (i.e. the disbelievers, etc.) nor can you make the deaf to hear the call, when they show their backs, turning away.” [Translator: Dr. Muhammed Muhsin Khan]
If still any doubts remain, I will present the Verse 52 and 53 together, which will further clarify the indications (objective) of Almighty Allah with these Holy Verses :-
“So verily, you (O Muhammed SAWS) cannot make the dead to hear (i.e. the disbelievers, etc.) nor can you make the deaf to hear the call, when they show their backs, turning away. [52] And you (O Muhammed SAWS) cannot guide the blind from their straying; you can make to hear only those who believe in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and have to submitted to Allah in Islam (as Muslims).[53]”
Hence the stance of these people is wrong and they want to mislead the common people by inapt interpretation of Holy Verses.
Now we will move on to the speaking and meeting capabilities of a dead person :-
Hazrat Qays bin Qabisa RZ reports that RasoolAllah SAWS stated:
“Unbelievers are not permitted to talk with each other”
Someone enquired whether the dead could speak, he answered:
“Yes, and they also visit each other.” [Sahih - Ibn Hibban]
Similar Hadith has been also reported by Umm-ul-Musaddiqeen Hazrath Aisha RZ :
Hazrat Aisha RZ reported that RasoolAllah SAWS said:
“One who is not a Believer is not allowed to talk to the dead.”
“Do the dead speak too?” Someone enquired.
“Yes, of course!” said RasoolAllah SAWS and added “They also visit each other.”
Hazrat Jabir RZ reports that RasoolAllah SAWS stated:
“When a Believer is placed in the grave, he feels as if the sun is setting. Thus when his soul is returned he seats himself up and says (to the angels):‘Leave me to say Salaat (prayer) first’.” [Sunan - Ibn Majah]

The status and condition of a Believer (Momin) is far more better in the Hereafter, comparing to his life in this perishable world
It is narrated by Abdullah Bin Amr that Prophet Mohammed SAWS said “The gift of a believer is death”. [Mishkat Shareef]
Further, a famous Hadith of Prophet Mohammed SAWS (recorded in almost all compilations of Hadith), where he said:-
“Man loves his life, while death is better for him”.
The following words are mentioned in an article of a Sunni Scholar :-
“From the teachings of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) it becomes clear that after the demise of a person we apparently take him/her to be lifeless, but that person remains alive, although his/her life is different from our lives. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) is reported to have said that the act of breaking a bone of the dead body causes the deceased as much pain as is felt by a living person.” [Courtesy : inter-islam.org]
Sunan Abu Dawood - Book 20, Number 3201
Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu’minin RZ:
The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) said: Breaking a dead man's bone is like breaking it when he is alive.
I guess, the above discussion should be sufficient to understand the condition and capabilities of a dead person.

iv) Recitation of Fatiha
Sunan Abu Dawood - Book 20, Number 3193
Narrated Abu Hurayrah [RZ]:
The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: When you pray over the dead, make a sincere supplication for him.
Also narrated by Abu Hurairah [RZ] in Sunan Ibn Majah and Mishkat Shareef: The Prophet SAWS said, “When you pray for a dead man (or person), make your prayer sincere for him.”
Sahih Al Bukhari - Volume 2, Book 23, Number 419
Narrated Talha bin 'Abdullah bin 'Auf:
I offered the funeral prayer behind Ibn Abbas and he recited Al-Fatiha and said, “You should know that it (i.e. recitation of Al-Fatiha) is the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad.”
Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha (1st Chapter of Holy Quran) in the funeral prayer is a Sunnah of Prophet Mohammed SAWS and he also made it clear; to pray sincerely for a dead person.
Given below is the (most common) procedure followed by a Mehdavi (for reciting Fatiha on the Holy Soul) :-
“Al Fatiha Ba Rooh-e-Paak XYZ (Name of the deceased)
“Bismillah-hir-Rahmaan-nir-Raheem
“Reciting Surah Al Fatiha (1 time)
“Reciting Surah Al Ikhlas (3 times)
“Reciting Durood-e-Shareef (1 time)”
Then we offer this reward (of the above recitation) to the Holy Soul and ask for his/her salvation (Ya Allah, iska sawaab XYZ ki rooh ko baksh aur unki Maghferat kar).
What a beautiful way for praying for a dead person!!!! Where is the question of Shirk or worshipping the graves or joining any gods with God???? Our procedure of reciting Fatiha itself eliminates all the doubts regarding Shirk and worshipping of graves, rather, more importantly, we affirms our faith in total Unity and Attributes of God:-
We recite Surah Al-Fatiha; Which is also known as Umm-ul-Quran and Asas-ul-Quran. Here it is reasonable to quote the translation - In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Owner of the Day of Judgment, Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom Thou hast favoured. Not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray.
SubhanAllah.


We recite Surah Al-Iqhlas, that to be 3 times; Which is the core base for the principle of Tauheed - (English Translation) Say: He is Allah, the One! Allah, the eternally Besought of all! (2) He begetteth not nor was begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him.
SubhanAllah.
We recite Durood-e-Shareef; And, we finish-off by sending our sincere salutations to Holy Prophet Mohammed SAWS and his Ahle-Baith. And, we do not seek the reward for this recitation for us. Rather, we request The Almighty to reward the departed soul for this recitation of holy words.
SubhanAllah… What a beautiful practice… Something, which could never be found/practiced in/by any other sects. of Islam. SubhanAllah.
Where is the question of biddat, shirk or worshipping the graves????
And, this is just a sincere effort by a Mehdavi to seek forgiveness and help the deceased person, which is a highly regarded deed and best possible service to a dead person :-
Al Bukhari’s Al-Adab Al-Mufrad - Chapter: Dutifulness towards Parents after their death
Abu Hurayra RZ reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “When a person dies, all actions is cut off for him with the exception of three things: sadaqa which continues, knowledge which benefits, and a righteous child who makes supplication for him.”
Sahih Al Muslim - Chapter 195, Book 004, Number 2104
Jubair b. Nufair says: I heard it from 'Auf b. Malik [RZ] that the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) said prayer on the dead body, and I remembered his prayer: “O Allah! forgive him, have mercy upon him, give him peace and absolve him. Receive him with honour and make his grave spacious; wash him with water, snow and hail. Cleanse him from faults as Thou wouldst cleanse a white garment from impurity. Requite him with an abode more excellent than his abode, with a family better than his family, and with a mate better than his mate. Admit him to the Garden, and protect him from the torment of the grave and the torment of the Fire.” ('Auf bin Malik) said: I earnestly desired that I were this dead body. [Also narrated in 2105 and 2106 by different chain of transmitters]
Sunan Abu Dawood - Book 20, Number 3194
Ali ibn Shammakh said: I was present with Marwan who asked Abu Hurayrah [RZ]: Did you hear how the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) used to pray over the dead? Abu Hurayrah [RZ] said: O Allah, Thou art its Lord. Thou didst create it, Thou didst guide it to Islam, Thou hast taken its spirit, and Thou knowest best its inner nature and outer aspect. We have come as intercessors, so forgive him.
Hazrat Ibn Abbas [RZ] reports that RasoolAllah [SAWS] stated:
“A dead body is as helpless in his grave as the drowning man. He keeps waiting for (duaas) supplications from his father, mother, brother and friends. When he receives supplication from anyone, he becomes so delighted as if he has something better than everything on this earth. Definitely, Allah Ta’ala confers reward on the men in the grave equal to the mountains. Seeking forgiveness by the living is the gift for the dead.” [Mishkat Shareef]
Hazrat Abu Hurairah [RZ] reports that RasoolAllah [SAWS] said:
“Allah Ta’ala will elevate the status of the Heavenly men in Jannat (Paradise). He will ask in astonishment, “O’ Allah! How did I receive such a high status?” Allah Ta’ala will say, “It is because of your children seeking forgiveness for you that you have received such a high status.” [Mishkat Shareef]
Similar Hadith has been also collected by Imam at-Tabarani:
Some persons will have virtues equal to mountains. They will be astonished as to how did they get so much virtue and would ask about it. Allah Ta’ala will say: “These are conferred on you because of your children’s seeking forgiveness.” [Al-Mujam Al- Kabir – at-Tabarani]
vi) The practice of relatives (or friends) bringing the food for the family members (of deceased), for initial few days after death
There is a common practice in Mehdavia community that, the relatives/friends of deceased/his family members, use to bring the food for family members of the deceased for first few days. This practice is also in accordance with the instructions of Prophet Mohammed SAWS :-
Sunan Abu Dawood - Book 20, Number 3126
Narrated Abdullah ibn Ja'far [RZ]:
The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) said: Prepare food for the family of Ja'far for there came upon them an incident which has engaged them.
vii) Sawiyat, Ghadi and feeding people with the intention to offer reward to the deceased

MAAFA MAAFI

An article by Syed Mohammed Suhael


What is Maafa Maafi? On the 10th of Muharram, every year, we visit all our relatives and friends and ask forgiveness from them for any mistakes or offences committed against them intentionally or unintentionally. How is it done? The conversation between two persons goes as follows: Person 1: Bola Chala Maaf Karo Waaste Allah Ke (Translation: Please forgive the words I have spoken (against you) and the actions I have taken (against you) for the sake of Allah.) Person 2: Maine maaf kiya waaste Allah ke. Aap bhi mujhe maaf karo waaste Allah ke. (Translation: I have forgiven for the sake of Allah. You too forgive me for the sake of Allah.) Person 1: Maine bhi maaf kiya waste Allah ke. (Translation: I too have forgiven for the sake of Allah.) What does Bola Chala mean? Bola refers whatever one has said. This includes things which one has intentionally said to hurt the other person and also those things said which have unintentionally hurt the other person and the first person is not even aware of it. Chala refers to actions one has taken. This includes actions which one has intentionally taken to hurt the other person and also those actions which have unintentionally hurt the other person and the first person is not even aware of it. Why do we do it? We do it so that we can forgive one another and clean our hearts of ill-will towards others. This is a unique practice which is followed only by the Mahdavia community What does the Holy Quran say about forgiveness? Allah mentions in the Holy Quran that believers are The recompense for an evil is punishment like it; but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allâh. Verily, He likes not the unjust. (Surah Ash-Shoora 42:40). Allah further says, Those who avoid the greater sins and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry even then forgive (Surah Ash-Shoora 42:37). Allah says in another place in the Holy Quran, Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon men;- for Allah loves those who do good. (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:134) In this verse, Allah says that He loves those who do good i.e. those who restrain anger and pardon men. Rights of Allah and Rights of People There are two rights upon us. One is the rights of Allah (Huqooqullah) and the second is the rights of people (Huqooqul-Ibaad). Allah’s right, or Huqooqullah, is that we worship Him, follow His commands as given in the Holy Quran and as commanded by the Holy Prophet SLM and do not stray from the right path. If we stray from Allah’s path and commit sins, then we should ask forgiveness from Allah. If He desires, Allah will forgive us with His immeasurable grace and kindness. Huqooqul-Ibaad refers the rights of people. Every person around us has certain rights. Parents have rights upon their children. Children have rights upon parents. Husbands have certain rights which their wives should fulfil and vice versa. Neighbours have rights upon one another. Thus, in every interaction between two human beings, one has certain rights which the other should fulfil. These are the rights as per the established laws of Allah. If we do not fulfil these rights, we should ask forgiveness from the person we have wronged. Otherwise we will be answerable on the Day of Judgement. Shouldn’t we forgive and ask forgiveness as soon as we do a mistake? Yes, when one does a mistake, one should immediately ask for forgiveness. And the other person should forgive. However, many times the forgiveness does not happen immediately because of the following reasons: Heated circumstances, anger and ego, dissuade a person from asking for forgiveness. Later on when one reflects with a cool head, one feels like asking for forgiveness. 10thMuharram offers that opportunity to cleanse our hearts of ill feelings towards others by asking for forgiveness and by forgiving them. This is true of both persons – the one asking for forgiveness and the one forgiving. It could also be that the person who has pained your heart is not even aware that he has hurt you. On 10th Muharram, adhering to the Sunnah of ImamanaAS you will forgive that person willingly. When the entire community’s mood is for forgiveness, it is easier for the person to forgive. It could also be that the person did not have the courage to ask for forgiveness. On 10th Muharram, forgiveness is assured because it is the Sunnah of Mahdi Mau’oodAS and one can be sure that the forgiver will adhere to this sunnah and forgive. Most important of all, for all Mahdavis, this is a sunnah of Mahdi Mau’oodAS and therefore it should be followed. If we depart from this world without getting forgiveness for our wrong doings, what will happen on the Day of Judgement? If we have committed transgressions against someone and he/she hasn’t forgiven us, then Allah will compensate them on the Day of Judgement. Allah will take our virtues and give it to those who we have wronged to the extent of the injury caused by us. Thus we will lose the benefit of many of the good deeds done in this life. If that compensation is not enough, then Allah will transfer the sins of the person we have wronged to us. Thus, apart from losing the benefit of our good deeds, there is also the risk that we will be burdened with other’s sins if we have wronged that person and he has not pardoned us. Therefore we should settle our accounts in this world only so that we are not at loss on the Day of Judgement. On the deathbed It is also a practice of Mahdavi people that when they are in their deathbed, they say bola chala maaf karo to every visitor who visits them. This again is with the intention of going away from this world with a clean record. What is the significance of 10th Muharram? on the 10th muharram - Allah accepted the repentance of Hazrat AdamAS - Hazrat IbrahimAS was saved from the fire - Hazrat MusaAS and his people were saved from Firaun (Pharoah) - Hazrat EsaAS was born - Hazrat EsaAS was raised to the heavens - The ship of Hazrat NuhAS reached the mountain of Judi - Hazrat YunusAS was freed from the belly of the fish - Hazrat YakhoobAS regained his eyesight - Hazrat YusufAS was taken out of the dark well - Imam HussainRZ , the Prophet SLM's grandson, was martyred Fasting was prescribed on this day for the people of the previous prophets. On the 10th of Muharram, Hazrat Imam HussainRZ was martyred in Karbala. After saying his Fajr prayers, the ImamRz went to each and every person of his household and asked their forgiveness. Then he set out for battle and was martyred.

BEHRA-E-AAM

BEHRA-E-AAM

ASSALAM WA ALAIKUM,
Khusosiyat Mehdaviyat se darasal Ye Lafz
“BEHRA-E-FAIZ VILAYAT MUQIADA MUHAMMADIYA BARAYE QAAS WO AAM”

Awwal aur Aaqir ke 2 lafz Lekar issko Behre-Aam kar diya gaya hai,

Baaz Buzargon ne issko BAAR-AAM bhi Likha hai,

Kisi Buzurg ke Behre-Aam se Muraad Ye Hai ke Unki Wafaat ke Din se Ek Din Pehle,
Unke Faiz Ki Yaadgaar May Koyi Ba-Aasani Mayassar Hone Waali Ghiza Unke Motaqideen Wo Murideen Wo Haazireen May Unke Darjon ke Mutabiq Alas-Sawiya Taqseem Ki Jaaye,
Maslan Taarikud-Dunya, Ahle-Irshad(Murshideen) ko 4 Musht toh Taalibe Khuda ko 3 Musht, kaasibon, Aurton, Bachhon ko 2-2 Musht ya isi Andaze ke Muafiq Puqta ya Qaam(UNRIPE) Jo bhi Ghiza ho taqseem karte hain.

Iss Amal ki Ibteda Hasbe Hukum Hazrat Mehdi Mauood(ahs) Grohe Mubarak may Hazrate Bibi Ilahadadi(rz) ke Behre-Aam se huwi hai.
Jab tak Dairon ki Zindagi thi har Buzurg ke Behre-Aam ke Mauqe per Paani aur Lakdi ki Farahmi ke Liye Murshid Daira Apne Taalibon ko saath Lekar Daire ke Baahar kisi khareebi Jagah per Jahan paani Bhi Mil sakta tha aur Lakdi bhi faraham Ho Sakti thi Unn Dono Cheezon Ko Le jaate the.
Toh unko Dekh kar Ya Pehle hi se Behre-Aam ki ittela Paakar Daire ke Baahar Rehne Waale Mehdavi bhi jo Kaasibeen wo Muafiqeen Keh Laate the,
Paani aur Lakdi ki Farahmi ke Liye Murshid Daira aur Fuqra-e-Daira ke Ijmaa may Shareek ho jaate the.
Aur iss Shirkat ko Apne Liye Baayis Saadat Jaante the.

Yahan tak ke Unke Dost, Ahbaab bhi Jo mehdaviyon may Na Hone ke Bawajood Hazrat Mehdi (ahs) ki Azmat wo Vilayat ke Qaayil aur Aap ke Baad ke Buzargon ko bhi Fazal-O-Kamaal Aeteqaad ke saath NAAN-REZA lekar Aankhon ko Laga kar Khaate the,
Aisi Misaalein Zamana-e-Haal tak bhi dekhne may aayi hain,
Balke Qiyamat tak Dekhne may Aayingi,

ISS SEEDHE SAADHE AMAL KE SIWAAYE HAMARE YAHAN NA KISI BUZURG KE URS KE MAUQE PER SANDAL CHIRAAGH KA EHTEMAAM HAI NA KISI KHISAM KI DHOOM DHAAM.

Baaz Logon ka ye Aeteraaz hai ke Maujuda zamane may Lakdi Ya Paani Kahin se jaakar Laane ki kya Zarurat hai?
Go Agle Zamane may Iski Zarurat rahi ho.

Lekin Zarorat Baaqi rehne ya Na rehne ka Yahan Sawaal hi Nahi.
Yahan Baqa-e-Tariqa salaf Saaleheen aur Uski Deeni Afadiyat ko dekhna hai ke AALA MAQSAD ki takmeel may baghair kisi Kharch ke ye Sahuliyat sab ko shirkat ki saadat haasil hoti hai.

Dekho Bibi Haajran(rz) Ek Zarurat ke Tehat Safa wo Marwa ke Darmiyan daudi theen, Ya Hazrat Ibrahim wo Hazrat Ismail(ahs) ne Shaitaan ke Behkaane ke Liye Aane per Usko Kankariyan Maarin theen, Ab wo Dono Zaroratein Mutlaq NAhi Rafa Ho chuki Hain,
Phir Hajiyon se Poochiye ke Wo Ye Dono Faal Kyon Anjaam Deten hain?

Wajah yahi Hai ke Qaasaan-e-Haq ke Jo Afwaal Sha’a’ir (signs) Allah may Shumaar Paane ke Hote Hain.
Unki Yaadgaar ko Dilon ki Taqwiyat aur Rooh ki Baaleedgi ke liye Baaaqi rakhna hi Padta hai,
Jin ke bare may Ye Aayat kareema naazil huwi

WO MANN YU-AZZIM SHA’A’IRILLAH FA-INNAHU MIN TAQWAL QULOOB

AUR JO TAAZIM KARE ALLAH KI NISHANIYON KI TOH YE DILON KI PAREHGAARI SE HAI,
Yahi Sha’a’irillah sha’ar Qaum ban ke Shaaqat Qaum ka Zariya Ban jaata hai


Reference: Chiraagh-e-Deen Mehdi(ahs)


Aai Parwardigaar Hamein Hamare Buzurgaane Deen ke Dikhaaye Huwe Raaste per Chalne ki Taufeeq Ata Farma aur Hamara Qaatima Imaanse mehdaviyat per Farma.
Ameen.

BATTLE OF BADRE VILAYATH

BATTLE OF BADRE VILAYATH

Compiled by Taher Muhammad Saheb

‎'So their Lord accepted of them …so those who were emigrated and were driven out of their homes, and suffered harm in My cause, and who fought, and were killed (in My cause), ...3:195

Shawal 13 – Bahr-e-Aam of Syed-Ush-Shuhada, Hamil-e-Baar-e-Amanath, Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir Siddiq-e-Vilayath, RZ Shaheed. 2nd Khalifa of Imamuna Mehdi AS

Shawal 14 – URS of Syed-Ush-Shuhada, Hamil-e-Baar-e-Amanath, Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir Siddiq-e-Vilayath, RZ Shaheed. 2nd Khalifa of Imamuna Mehdi AS

This humble khadim of the Groh-e-Muqaddisa thanks Almighty Allah for giving strength, support and guidance from various sources while compiling this historical and informative article. Moreover, I would like to dedicate this article to my ancestors and would like to thank one and all for their help and generosity extended towards me. Especially, Al Haj Hz Syed Ziaullah Sahab Yadullahi and S.M.Suhael of Bangalore, Syed Nusrath Ali Al-Mehdavi, Syed Mohammed Aliuddin Akailvi, Syed Shiraz Nusrathi, Syed Tarsees Nusrathi and Mohd Nusrath Sayeed (ibn-e-Arabi) of Jeddah for providing help at various stages in this compilation, thanks are for Peer-O-Murshid Moulana Al-Haj Hz Syed Ismail Tanveer Mujtehdi son and successor of Peer-O-Murshid Al-Haj Hz Syed Khundmir Mujtehdi Sajjada 'Daira Kalan' Hauz-ki-Masjid Musheerabad and Daira Daulatabad, for his continuous guidance.

PART – 1

Concise Seerath of Bandagi Miyan Hz Syed Khundmir RZ:

Sani-e-Amir, Syed-Ush-Shuhada, Khatim-Ul-Hujjath, Mazhar-E-Khatamain, Ameer Kabir, Bandagi Miyan Hz Syed Khundmir ‘Siddiq-e-Vilayath’ RZ Shaheed was born in 885/6H (i.e 1480/1 AD) in Gujrath. His titles and honourifics are Sani-e-Amir, Siddiq-e-Vilayat, Syed-ush-Shuhada, Hamil-e-Baar-e-amanath. He was the son-in-law and second Khalifa of Imamuna Mehdi AS. Like Imamuna Hz Syed Mohammed Jaunpuri Mahdi Al-Mau'ood AS, he was also a descendant of Hz Imam Moosa Kazim RA, separated by twelve generations. Hz Syed Khundmir RZ belonged to an influential, rich and brave family from both sides. From his Paternal side he was the Grandson of Hz Syed Khundmir RA a wealthy, brave and overall a religious man, his father was Hz Syed Moosa titled 'Shuja-Ul-Mulk' [(fondly called Chajju, He was a Commander in army and attained martyrdom in a battle at Charadah in the fort of Hararu in 889H (1484AD)].

His maternal side belonged to the famous Bariwal Tribe from the descendants of Hz Abu Bakr Siddiq RZ, first Khalifa of the Noble Prophet SAS. His mother was Hz Bibi Buwa Taj RA, Daughter of Malik Moudood Bariwal, (brother of Mubariz-ul-Mulk Malik Nasiruddin Bariwal) in this way she was the Grand Daughter of Malik Yaqub Bariwal the Grand proginator of the Bariwals.

His lineage:
Abdul Mutallib: (He had 12 sons, the brothers Abdullah & Abu Talib were among them)
Abdullah had only son Named Muhammed SAS (The noble Prophet SAS)
Abu Talib had a son named Ali RZ (later Ali RZ married Bibi Fatima RZ the daughter of the Prophet SAS).
This noble couple Hz syedna Ali RZ and Hz Syedna Fatima RZ had 2 sons and 2 daughters. They are:
Hz Syedna Hassan RZ, Hz Syedna Hussain RZ, Bibi Zainab RZ and Bibi Umme Kulsum RZ.

From Hz Syedna Imam Hussain RZ the lineage is as follows:
Hz Syedna Imam Hussain RZ was martyred in Karbala on Friday 10th Muharram 61H, 670 AD along with his 3 sons and only one among them Hz Syedna Zainulabeddin RZ survived after the massacre at Karbala.
The sons of Hz Imam Hussain RZ are: Hz Syedna Ali Akbar, Hz Syedna Ali Ibne Hussain (i.e Syedna Imam Zainulabeddin RZ lone surviver), Hz Syedna Jafar and Hz Syedna Ali Asghar (infant martyr).

Again the lineage starts from Hz Imam Zainulabeddin RZ:
From Hz Syedna Imam Zainulabeddin RZ (only son survived in Karbala) – Imam Mohammed Ibne Ali al Baqar RA - Imam Jafar Mohammed al Sadiq RA - Imam Moosa ibne Jafar Kazim RA – Imam Syed Ismail RA – Imam Syed Niyamatullah RA – Syed Najmuddin RA – Syed Hyder RA – Syed Ahmed RA – Syed Esa RA – Syed Qaden RA - Syed Abdullah RA – Syed Khund Sayeed RA – Syed Jalal RA – Syed Khundmir RA - Syed Moosa (Shuja-ul-Mulk, urf Chajju RA)– Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ ‘Siddiq-E-Vilayath.

(The descendency of Syed-ush Shuhada Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ family lineage descents from Hz Imam Moosa Kazim RA that is why he is referred as a Kazimi Syed)

Imamuna AS said; this banda and he (Hz Syed Khundmir RZ) are ek-Jaddi Husaini Syed [descendants of one ancestor and among the Syeds, we have descended from Hz Imam Husain AS, grandson of Prophet Muhammad SAS].'

After the Martyrdom of his father, when Hz Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ grew up he was offered the post of his father but he declined and was always in search of a spiritual guide who would guide him spiritually. For this purpose his maternal uncle took Hz Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ to 3 famous saints of that time, they are:

1-Shah Maudood Chishti RA, 2- Shaikh Mah RA, and 3- Maqdoom Shaikh Ahmed ‘Khattu’ RA

But he got up and came away, saying they are not helpful. During that time the entire Bariwal tribe were the disciples of Hz Maqdoom Shaikh Ahmed Khattu RA (he is laid to rest in Sarkhich village near Ahmadabad). Regarding him Hz Imamuna AS said, 'He (Hz Maqdoom Shaikh Ahmed Khattu RA) struggled as a wrestler and fought relentlessly, saved his Faith [iman] and departed [from this world]' Imamuna AS said, 'He was a zahid [abstinent devotee]'. When Imamuna AS visited Patan, by his good fortune Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ’s maternal uncle Hz Malik Barkhurdar alias Malik Bakhan became the murid of Imamuna AS. He informed Imamuna AS about one of his nephew’s quest for a perfect spiritual guide 'Kamil Murshid'. Imamuna AS replied his object of visiting Patan was to fulfill that desire.

In 904H (1498 CE Imamuna AS was 57 Years old before doing Dawa-e-Muakkada 'full and final claim'): Imamuna AS was staying in Patan, Hz Malik Bakhan the maternal uncle brought Hz Syed Khundmir RZ to the camp of Imamuna AS when their eyes met on that moment Imamuna AS found him ripe enough for imparting the highest spiritual blessing. On being so honoured Hz Syed Khundmir RZ was suddenly elevated to a state of rapture and deep absorbtion in God (Jazb-e-Haq) and became unconscious. He saw the Lord in his glory and asking him 'what gift you have brought for me on this solemn occasion of your spiritual elevetion'. He replied I have brought my head to sacrifice for your cause, 'What is the value of one head. He replied, if I had a hundred heads I would sacrifice them. In the same manner, a hundred heads were sacrificed along with the head of Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ [during the Ghazwa-e-Hind]. This was infact a premonition for his later martyrdom like his glorious ancestor Hz Imam Hussain AS.

On his unconsiousness Imamuna AS came near him without asking his name and said, 'Bhai Syed Khundmir! This unconsciousness is not the ravish [practice] of our family. Regain your senses.' And then Imamuna AS took the head of Hz Syed Khundmir RZ on his lap and instructed him in 'Zikr-E-Khafi' [concealed remembrance of Allah]. Then he took out the sanctified leftover [paskhurda] of betel nuts and leaves from his own mouth and gave it to Hz Syed Khundmir RZ. Then he was made to regain his senses and he was brought for namaz. It is said; Bandagi Miyan RZ had performed the namaz of three times [‘Asr, Maghrib and ‘Isha] without his head [on his shoulders]. After this the divine command arrived 'O Syed Khudmir, Your head is our trust with you, you should sacrifice it when We demand it'. Then, Allah Most High placed his head back on his body.

It is also narrated that when their eyes met for the first time Imamuna AS said in the first meeting itself, 'Come, Bhai Syed Khundmir.' Then one of the brothers told the Imam AS [obviously to test him], 'Miranji! His name is Miyan Khundmir.' Hz Imam Mahdi AS said, 'No! Our brother Syed Khundmir is siddiq [truthful].' Then Hz Imam Mahdi AS again said, 'This banda and he are ek-Jaddi Husaini Syed [descendants of one ancestor and among the Syeds we have descended from Hz Imam Husain AS, grandson of Prophet Muhammad SAS].' The genealogical details of Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ were similar as Hz Imam Mahdi AS had said.

In 906H (1500 AD) Imamuna AS was 59 Years old and visited Nagore:
In Nagore Imamuna AS explained this Quranic verse,

'So their Lord accepted of them ……so those who were emigrated and were driven out of their homes, and suffered harm in My cause, and who fought, and were killed (in My cause)… 3:195

'Fallaziina haajaruu [those who had to flee their country]' has come to happen.
'Akhrijuu min-diyaa-rihim [or were driven out of their houses]' too has come to happen.
'’Uuzuu fii Sabiilii [suffered in My cause]' too has come to happen.
And 'Qaataluu wa qutiluu [faught and were slain]' is yet to happen. … 3:195
It will manifest in a manner Allah Most High wills.

This verse defines the attributes not only of the Prophet SAS and his companions RZ but also those of the Promised Mehdi AS and his companions. The attributes are:
1) Hijrat (migration). 2) Ikhraj (expulsion). 3) Eza (persecution) and 4) Mukhathila (to kill and being killed for the sake of Allah SWT).

Imamuna AS fulfilled and manifested the first 3 attributes the fourth and last one will be fulfilled not directly by him but through someone in his place because as per the tradition of prophet SAS that no sword could harm Imam Mehdi AS (This was tested by Mir Zunnon Beg Governor of Farah). After the discourse, Hz Syed Khundmir RZ enquired who would be chosen for the martyrdom on his behalf. Imamuna AS replied that Allah SWT has chosen you for this honour. Imamuna AS said,

'Bhai Khundmir in the first day of the battle if the armies of the entire world would opposed him then also they will be defeated, and in the second battle he would be adored with martyrdom then this will be the proof, I am the Promised Mehdi-e-Maoud AS'.

It is also said, Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ came after the Bayan of this Ayath, Seeing him Imamuna AS said, 'There would be ‘chaha chaha’ on this poor Syed (i.e Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ).'

In Farah, Afghanistan after the demise of Hz Imamuna AS, on the tenth day (Daswah) after the Ziarath Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ took Sani-e-Mehdi RZ's permission and started on his journey back to India. He came to Gujarat and camped at Sultanpur village. Large number of people paid fealty on his noble hands. The seekers of Allah Most High joined his daira.

After some nine months after the demise of Hz Imamuna AS, Hz Sani-e-Mahdi RZ left Farah and arrived in India with his colleagues RZ and camped at the Bhilot village. As soon as Hz Bandagi Miyan Rz heard of his migration to Gujrath he directly went to the Daira of Hz Sani-e-Mehdi RZ and said, 'This banda [servant] has come with the intention of remaining in the company of the Miran RZ [that is Hz Bandagi Miran Syed Mahmood RZ].' But Hz Sani-e-Mehdi RZ said 'Make us happy and go' a month later he has to leave.

A thought occurred to Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ, that initially he had gone alone to Bhelot and probably that was why Hz Sani-e-Mehdi RZ did not allow him to stay more. He thought, 'Now If I go along with the seekers of Allah Most High, he might allow me to stay there.' Hence, four months later Second time he again visited him along with his entire Daira. Then Hz Sani-e-Mehdi RZ took Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ by the hand to a secluded place and said, 'I am the one who desires your good. Act as I ask you to. Hz Imamuna AS has placed the burden of 'fought and fallen' This would become impossible, if you remain with us. Hence, you remain separately so that the people listen to your bayan [discourse] on Quran, get initiated on your hand and help you, so that the saying of Hz Imamuna AS is rendered possible.'

Hence, Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ left Bhelot in tears bidding farewell to the first Hakim-E-Mehdavia Hz Sani-e-Mehdi RZ along with his companions and seekers of his daira and camped at Bholara. Similarly other companions were also persuaded by Hz Sani-e-Mehdi RZ to form a chian Daira’s across the country and spread the teachings of Imamuna AS. Only Hz Shah Dilawar RZ declined from separation and formation of his separate Daira. Such was the intensity of love and humbleness (nesthi) in between these noble companions of Imamuna AS. In 918H, Hz Sani-e-Mehdi RZ passed away in the mercy of His Lord and was laid to rest in Daira Bhelot.

As per history, during 925, 926 and 927 AD, during these years Gujrath was facing serious trouble from a Hindu Raja named Rana Sangha, Remembering the above tradition of Imamuna Mehdi AS, Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ wrote to the Sultan of Gujrat.

It is also said, Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ wrote atleast 2 letters to Sultan Muzaffar, inviting and suggesting him, ‘if I crush Rana Sangha and his army without your help then you have to testify and accept the Mehdiath of Imam Mehdi AS. Because Imam Mehdi AS has already said, that nobody could be victorious against me in battle’. Initially the sultan tried to consider this proposal seriously because he knew Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ never lies. But due to the persuasion of his worldly court ulemas they said it is true these Mehdavi Fuqara’s can very well do what is written in the letter, ‘Miyan Syed Khundmir is trying to conquer the country, later he might topple you also from the throne. Otherwise, know that the country of Gujarat will no more be in your hands.’ Then Muzaffar asked, 'What should be done now?' The ulama said, 'He should be expelled from the country.

If they refuse to go away, they should be killed. Thus they obtained the royal command of expulsion and sent to Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ. The persecution of the mehdavi’s continued and his Daira was expelled for 20 times in 20 years, moreover he was expelled from 27 places during the period of his Khilafat.

Once Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ camped at a wasteland near Jhalawar. Even here the command of expulsion was served. Exasperated, Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ said, Well! Show us a piece of land that belongs to Allah, where the servants of Allah could stay and worship Him.The disavowers said, ‘Allah Most High has given all the land to us. You do not stay on our land. Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ said, ‘You take away whatever you can get from the land. And Allah Most High has given this land to us that is barren and is not taxed. Hearing what Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ had said, the disavowers returned to the king and told him all that had transpired and raised a hue and cry saying Hz Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ had laid his claim on the royal territory. They drew up a document and complained to the king.

'O King! This territory has gone from your possession. Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ has laid his claim to the territory of Gujarat. Now he is after the kingdom. If you have some care for your kingdom, you should do the needful. Otherwise, know that the country has gone from your hands.'

On hearing all this hue and cry, the wicked king Muzaffar, who was like Yazid, was scared and started shivering. Two or three times, Muzaffar sent his army but it could not have the courage to wage a war, when they reached the daira of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ. Hence, they started finding excuses to return. The military leaders requested Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ 'to just go out of the daira and then return, and we will tell the king that we have come after expelling you.'

On 26th Rajab, After the brutal Martyrdom 'Shahadath' of both 'Rangrez brothers RA' in Ahmedpur, when this incident of Shahadath came in the audience of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ, at that moment he was taking food in his Daira at Khambel, as soon as he heard this news he stopped the morsel in his hand and said 'BOTH THESE ‘SHAHEED BROTHERS RA’ ARE THE IMAM OF MY SHAHADATH (MARTYRDOM)', moreover he said, ‘until their shahadath is not avenged we will not keep quite’. In Gujrat the persecution of the mehdavis started in a very brutal and unhuman manner. One day Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ sent his most trusted Khalifa Hz Bandagi Miyan Malik Illahdad RZ ‘Khalifa Guroh’ and acquired a Fatwa and started finishing those Ulemas who issued the verdict of killing a Mehdavi is justifiable, those killed Ulemas include Mulla Hamid and Mulla Anaruddin etc.

Until then, a brave and powerful Mehdavi noble named Malik Pyara Mittha alias Etemad-ud-Dowla the Vazir of Sultan Mehmood Begda put in lot of efforts and brought his Murshid Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ to Khambel his fiefdom ‘Jagir’ and set up the daira here. Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ stayed here for five years and from here he continued to propagate the teachings of Imamuna AS. After the death of Malik Pyara Mittha RA, the king of Gujarat Muzaffar II planned a big war and sent a large army under its commander Ainul-Mulk.

In short, when the army was deployed for the third time, and the battle was to start, on the basis of this Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ told his companions, 'When there are mounted soldiers in the army of the enemy, and all our men are fuqara and foot-soldiers, there would be difficulty. To fight a horse, a horse is needed. Then it would be easy to fight. Hence, Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ bought sixty horses. He started the preparations for the war. And after completion they longed for the enemy army to come. So much so, that Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ announced,

'Whoever brings the news that the enemy army has come to Kharial village, I would fill his mouth with sugar-candy.'

When the enemy army reached the Kharial village, Hz Miyan Syed Jalal RA, his eldest son and Miyan Syed Hassan RA, his nephew (son of his younger brother Miyan Syed Atan RA), came running and told Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ, 'Abbaji! The good news is that the enemy army has come to Kharial village.' Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ was very happy to hear this and said, 'Thank God! There are signs that the word of Hz Imam Mahdi AS will come true.' Then he sent for the pestle and mortar, powdered the sugar-candy by his own hands and filled the mouths of his eldest son and nephew with it (This was also a bisharat of their tasting Martyrdom). He was very happy.

Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ made an announcement of the command, 'Whoever intends to go away from here [daira], he should go away three days before the war. Otherwise, this banda will treat the person who goes later as a munafiq [hypocrite]. When three days remained for the beginning of the war, he gave his verbal will for the women and children of his Daira and gave them in the protection of Allah SWT.

The First counting of Heads:
When Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ did 'Tasdiq-E-Mehdi AS', and in the state of 'Jazba-e-Haq' at the beginning of his meeting with Imam Mahdi AS, in answer to the word of Allah, Hz Bandagi Miyan had said, 'What is the value of one head, If I had a hundred heads I would sacrifice them. In the same manner, a hundred heads were sacrificed along with the head of Hz Bandagi Miyan [during the Ghazwa-e-Hind]. This was infact a premonition for his later martyrdom like his glorious ancestor Hz Imam Hussain AS.

The Second counting of Heads:
Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ counted them twice, once at Jalore and the second time during Kabaddi at Khambel. Those that were counted among the martyrs were martyred.

The Third and final counting of Heads through Kabaddi at Khambel:
The third instance was the playing of Kabaddi at Daira Khambel before the first battle took place. It was about selecting the leaders of the teams that played the game. Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ personally divided the brothers of the Daira into two groups. The brothers who were led by his second son Hz Syed Shahabuddin 'Shihabul Haq' RZ were to survive the battle and it happened. While those led by his eldest son Hz Miyan Syed Jalal RZ were Martyred 'Shaheed'. Things happened as Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ had said.

The first day Battle 'Qaataluu':

Friday 12th Shawal 930H (i.e 13th August 1524 CE): nearly 20 years after the demise of Imamuna AS, the first day battle of the 'Qaataluu' [fought] took place on Wednesday at Khambel, south of Patan. The enemy was Fourty five thousand (45,000) strong well fed and well equipped Gujrat Royal Army including 16,000 horsemen, 4000 Negros armed with maces and spears under the command of Ainul Mulk. But they could not stand against a mere 100 ill equipped and starving fuqara of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ (which includes 60 unarmed horsemen) and during the first day of battle from sunrise to zuhr more than 8000 army men were killed (including 1400 armed horsemen) and remaining army fled for their lives and not even a single fuqara lost his life but were injured in this first day battle.

The fleeing armymen started shooting arrows on seeing the Fuqara in the Daira who stood as security for the women and children in the precincts of the Daira as commanded by their Murshid Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ, in this arrow shooting approximately 40 or 41 Fuqara were martyred, these fuqara did not crossed the limitline / boundary line drawn on the ground by their Murshid Hz Bandagi miyan RZ and they all died inside the limitline in the precincts of the Daira and attained martyrdom. In the meantime Malik Sharfuddin, the jagirdar of Sudrasan arrived with 80 horsemen and some equipment. But to his astonishment, he saw that the fuqara have already defeated the huge Royal army of Gujarat. Arrangements were made for the burial of this Martyrs RZ of Daira in one big grave and their grave is still the spot of reverence for the Mehdavis all over the world. Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ led their funeral prayers (Namaz-e-Janaza) and all these martyrs were laid to eternal rest in a big grave in the Daira and were given great Bisharath' by him. But in the battlefield all the fuqara crossed the defensive lines and penetrated deep inside the enemy and made havoc and made the enemy run for their lives and not a single fuqara died in the battlefield. In the battle of the first day, an arrow pierced the eye of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ.

Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ was injured seriously while returning from the battlefield, an arrow struck into his eye. It is reported that the arrow could not be removed from the eye and it was cut down and the wound was bandaged. In this condition he offered the mid-day prayers (Zohar). After the treatment of the wounded and the food arrangement of the Daira, Jagirdar Malik Sharfuddin requested Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ to come over to Sudrasan with him were proper care of the wounded and rest to the tired people can be given.

Under the command of Allah SWT and after getting the information from the souls of Hz Prophet SAS and Hz Imamuna AS, Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ shifted to Sudrasan village from Khanbel village. On the night of 12th itself the entire Daira moved to Sudrasan. The distance between the two villages is about 12 leagues. The enemy forces retreated about 25 leagues. On the orders of the king of Gujrath, the army with full preparations and reinforcements returned.

After winning the first day Battle of Badr-e-Vilayath on the same night Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ called HZ Malik Illahdad Khalifa Groh RZ and saw that the latter was wounded and his body was bleeding. He was told to take care of the entire Daira including the entire families, inhabitants / inmates of the Daira. In response he replied, Khundkar, do you want me to be deprived of Shahadath in your feet? In response, Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ applied his Paskhurda of Saliva on Hz Khalifa Guroh RZ’s body and the wounds healed and vanished immediately then he said, Bhai Dadoo’ when the appropriate time comes your wounds would come alive and bleed, in that state you will die and achieve Martyrdom as per your wish and desire of ‘Shahadath’ and many years later this also came to happen as said by Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ.


The martyrs (Shuhada) of the 1st Battle are:

1- Miyan Syed Yaqub RA (Son-in-Law of Qazi Khan)

2- Miyan Shahji Wasiji RA (of Near Ahmedabad)

3- Miyan Tajun RA (of Asawal near Bharuch)

4- Miyan Tajuddin Jalori RA

5- Miyan Hassamuddin Patni RA

6- Miyan Qutubuddin Bin Rafiuddin RA

7- Miyan Kala Bin Yusuf RA (Brother of Miyan Valiji ‘Ghazi RA, Author of Insaf Namah)

8- Miyan Peer Mohammed Bin Miyan Atha RA

9- Miyan Peer Mohammed Multani RA

10- Miyan Hassamuddin Mazhandran RA

11- Miyan Ahmed Bin Shamman (Shamsuddin) RA

12- Miyan Qasim Bin Shamman RA

13- Miyan Mehmood Bangali RA

14- Miyan Mehmood Mehrtaraash RA

15- Miyan Khan Kamangar RA

16- Miyan Suleman Jalori RA

17- Miyan Haji Suleman Sindhi RA

18- Miyan Bahauddin Hindustani RA

19- Miyan Atan RA Bin Miyan Bhai Mahajir RZ

20- Miyan Bhai Mangalori (kathiawad) RA

21- Miyan Bada Bin Yusuf RA

22- Miyan Shahji Siyah (Miyan Shaikhji Siyah) RA

23- Miyan Sa’dan Hindustani (real name Saaduddin) RA

24- Miyan Ibrahim Hindustani RA

25- Miyan Yusuf RA (brother of Miyan Ali RA)

26- Miyan Badu RA

27- Miyan Laad RA (of Dabhoi)

28- Miyan Syed Hussan Muzayyan Jalori RA

29- Miyan Adhan Hindustani RA (real name Sadathullah)

30- Miyan Chatha Baluch RA (real name Shahtaj)

31- Miyan Peerji Jamshed RA

32- Miyan Shamsuddin Hindustani RA

33- Miyan Kamaluddin Hindustani RA

34- Miyan Allauddin Dilwani RA

35- Miyan Ibrahim Bin Raajun RA (real name Raaj Mohammed)

36- Miyan Hassan Bin Feroz RA

37- Miyan Hassan Bin Ali RA

38- Miyan Jamaluddin Hindustani RA

39- Miyan Malikji Wasiji RA

40- Miyan Abdullah Multani RA

41- Miyan Ibrahim Multani RA

[Allah may bless them all]


PART – 2

The second day Battle 'Qutiluu':

Sunday 14th Shawal 930H (i.e 15th August 1524 CE): Then the second battle of 'Qutiluu' [fallen or were slain] occurred on Friday at Sudrasan, which is in west of Patan. Thus swift arrangements were made to protect the Daira. For this Hz Malik Illahdad ‘Khalifa Groh RZ was deputed along with his son Hz Malik Peer Mohammed RZ, Miyan Syed Hussain RZ, Miyan Malik Ahmed lshaque RZ etc. As said earlier, actually Hz Malik Illahadad RZ wanted to participate in the battle but had to accept the command of the Murshid Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ, after this war a greater role was to be played by the Malik Illahadad RZ as his Khalifa and successor to take care of the entire families and the inmates of Daira and the training of his sons and spreading of the faith etc.

Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ now mounted his horse for the final and decisive battle and drew his sword and glanced on the skies and saw the angels also drew their swords to fight alongside in the battle then on the command of Allah he put back the sword in its sheath and then took a barchi (small spear) and went into the battlefield. On this second day He was martyred alongwith 59 to 60 of his companions, reaching to 100 including the first day martyrs inside the Daira. The Jagirdar of Sudrasan Malik Sharfuddin RA also tasted martyrdom. Today except for his eldest son Hz Miyan Syed Jalal RA all the brothers in the battlefield came in the feet of their Murshid Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ and breathed their last in his feet.

As for Hz Miyan Syed Jalal RA, he was barely 14 years old; he penetrated deep inside the enemy territory killing innumerable and inflicting many losses on the enemy and atlast he was also martyred but deep inside the battlefield away from his father and Murshid Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ. Historian’s record the enemy dead bodies were found littered from his penetration route until deep inside the battlefield. When Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ came to know of his martyrdom through some of his fuqara he immediately offered thanks giving prayer ‘Shukrana’ in the battlefield.

The army on the command of Ainul Mulk cut off the heads of seven martyrs including Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ. They were Syed Jalal RZ son of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ. Hz Syed Ataullah RZ brother of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ, Syed Sharif RZ, MaIik Hameed RZ, Malik Sharfuddin RZ and Malik Miyanji Bayani RZ.

After the martyrdom ‘Shahadath’ of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ, his Skull (bones of head), flesh of head, and Body were separated and later his Khalifa-e-Qas Hz Malik Illahdad RZ collected and buried them respectively (at 3 places). He buried the martyrs with all religious honours. He made separate graves for Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ, Miyan Syed Atan RA, Miyan Malik Hammad RA and Miyan Syed Jalal RA [son of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ]. It is reported that forty-three bodies were buried in one big common grave. All the seven headless bodies were buried in Sudrasan. All the skulls (i.e bones of the heads) were buried at Patan, and the skins of the heads were buried in Chapaner.

Then Hz Khalifa Groh RZ stayed at Sudrasan till the end of the iddat of the martyrs’ widows. Some record that after the burial he along with the entire Daira and the family of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ, he migrated towards Jalor (the stronghold of Mehdavis), and here he did the Chahlum (40th day ceremony) of the martyrs and invited all the fuqara of the mehdavia Daira’s flourishing in and around. The feeding started from early morning and went until late night and one of the last one to eat was Miqraz-e-Bidath Hz Bandagi Miyan Shah Nemath RZ.

Until Hz Shah Nemath RZ came it was becoming dark and the feeding was also completed, so he said, Bhai Dadoo (Hz Khalifa Groh RZ) please give me the water of 'Oud' in niyyath of Khundmir Bhai RZ' Hz Khalifa Groh RZ replied the water of niyyath is over, so Hz Shah Nemath RZ said, atleast give me the water from the cooking vessels, in response Hz Khalifa Groh RZ said, the cooking vessels have already been washed and kept aside and then he added 'please be seated I am arranging something for you', then he immediately arranged fresh cooked food and niyyath was done on it and was served to Hz Shah Nemath RZ. He ate profusely weeping'.

This battle occurred more than 2 decades after the passing away of Imamuna AS. This is treated as a Proof ‘Hujjath’ of the Mehdiath of Imamuna Mehdi AS. In this way Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ is also called 'Khatim-Ul-Hujjath' and regarded as 'Mazhar-E-Khatamain'.

Gujarat never had peace after this battle against Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ. Civil wars started with strife in the royal family leading to quick succession of the rulers. It is also reported that a time came some of the rulers and governors were looking for support from Hz Miyan Malik Illahdad RZ ‘Khalifa Groh’ for their survival. Ultimately the kingdom was lost to the Moghuls. Emperor Humayun conquered Gujarat defeating Sultan Bahadur Shah and came in the feet of Hz Khalifa Giroh RZ and reposed faith in Imamuna Mehdi AS. When Humayun was busy with Sher Shah, Bahadur Shah recaptured his state but could not hold it for long. Thus there was no major effort against Mehdavis in Gujarat after the wars of Khambel and Sudrasan.

Emperor Humayun and his 3 brothers (Hindal, Kamran and Mirza Askari) had already came in the fold of Mehdavia not only this he had given a farman [Royal command or Royal document] in writing to Bandagi Malik IIlahdad 'Khalifa Giroh RZ'. In it, he had written, 'Whoever is from among my descendants, will repose faith in the Mahdiat of Hz Imam Mahdi AS and he will not give any trouble, cause any loss to the group of Mahdavis. At long last, Emperor Akbar had asked for the ‘Farman’ from Bandagi Miyan Syed Mahmood ‘Syedanji Khatimul Murshideen’ RZ. It was sent to him. It was lost then and was never returned.

The Holy family of Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ:

Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ had three wives:
1-Hz Bibi Fatima RZ, daughter of Hz Imam Mahdi al-Mau'ood AS. Her title was 'Fatima-e-Vilayat'
2-Hz Bibi Ayesha RZ (urf Achcha Bibi Saheba RZ), daughter of Malik Miyanji RZ
3- Bibi Khunza Buwa RA
A slave girl by name Marjana also was in the house. Among them, only Hz Bibi Fatima RZ and Hz Bibi Ayesha RZ had children (seven sons and five daughters).

The Sons of Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ:
1- Hz Miyan Syed Jalal RA, [he was martyred with his father at the age of 14]
2- Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Shihabuddin RZ ‘Shihabul Haq’
3- Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Mahmood RZ ‘Syendaji Khatim al-Murshidin’ ‘Hussain-e-Vilayat’
4- Hz Miyan Syed Ahmad RA
5- Hz Miyan Syed Abdul Qadir RA
6- Hz Miyan Syed Sharif RA 'Tashrifullah'
7- Hz Miyan Syed Khuda Bakhsh RA
[Allah may bless them all]

All the sons of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ are laid to eternal rest in Gujarat. One of his sons, Miyan Syed Sharif 'Tasheefullah RA' is buried at Jamod in Jalgaon. This village is situated near Burhanpur.

The Daughters of Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ:
1- Buwa Budan RA was married to Hz Malik Ismail Kakranji RA.
2- Buwa Fatima RA was married to Hz Khwaja Malikji Mehri RA, son of Hz Khwaja Taha RZ.
3- Bibi Khwand RA was married to Hz Malik Ismail RA, son of Hz Malik Hammad RA.
4- Bibi Raje Ruqaiya RA was married to Hz Bandagi Miran Syed Yaqub RZ ‘Hassan-e-Vilayat’, son of Hz Bandagi Miran Syed Mahmood 'Sani-e-Mahdi' RZ.
5- Buwa Amatul-Aziz RA was married to Hz Miyan Syed Husain RA, son of Miyan Syed Atan RA.

Hz Bibi Raje Ruqaiya RA and Hz Buwa Amatul-Aziz RA are laid to eternal rest in Deccan.
[Allah may bless them all].

The writings of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ and their details:

MAJMUA-E-RASAIL (a collection of his 4 works i.e 1- AQIDA SHARIFA, 2- MAKTOOB-E-MULTANI, 3- RISALA BAZ-UL-AYATH and 4- AL MIYAR). His other writings are RISALA SHARIFA, MAQSAD-E-SANI and RISALA KHATAMUL VILAYAT etc. Apart from these some small booklets and letters were also written by him, which are truly a guiding force for the mehdavis until the last day.

AQIDA SHARIFA: After the demise of Imamuna AS in 910H, in the initial stages Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ saw and felt that community members started some minor disagreements over the matter of faith and following (Aqida). So he kept in mind that the small difference and disunity of today might lead to a fitnah of tomorrow and to keep the Mehdavia community intact and bind them on the basis of Aqida as per the teachings of Imamuna AS, he penned this booklet 'Aqida Sharifa' showing the actual and true 'faith, belief' Aqida for the Mehdavis of the entire Universe to be followed until the dooms day is established.

MAKTOOB-E-MULTANI: It is named as a booklet but its qualities are more than a full-fledged book. There goes a long story of a Shepherd who accepted Islam just by seeing the illuminating and noble face of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ. While he was in journey to perform Haj, this shepherd accepted Islam and came in the fold of Mehdavia and was named Miyan Haji RA and he also accompanied him on the journey and after coming back Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ wrote this booklet and gave it to Miyan Haji RA in 928H and sent it to the well known scholars of Multan as invitation, inviting them in Mehdavia. After going through this Booklet 18 reputed Scholars immediately paid fielty on the hands of Miyan Haji RA and reposed faith and became Mehdavis.

RISALA BAZ-UL-AYATH: As the name itself denotes, in this booklet the proof of Imamuna AS was given through the Quranic Ayath and the Ahadis of the Noble Prophet SAS.

RISALA KHATAMUL VILAYAT: In this it has been proven that Hz Syed Mohammed of Jaunpur is Imam Mehdi Al Maoud AS i.e 'The Promised Mehd AS' is the heir to the Vilayath of Prophet Mohammed SAS.

RISALA SHARIFA: This is called with many titles 'Ummul Risala, Ma’rifat-e-Mehdi AS and Maqsad-e-Awwal'. This booklet can be counted as the first one to be written as a proof after the demise of Imamuna AS. Before this booklet was written, earlier Hz Bandagi Miyan Allahdad Hameed RZ the migrating companion of Imamuna AS wrote a booklet in the proof, but due to its high grammer and chaste language it did not clicked with the common man. Then Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ wrote this 'Risala Sharifa' in Persian and sent to Mulla Ruknuddin Patni inviting him in Mehdavia and also wrote letter of invitation to the ruler of Gujrat Sultan Muzaffar Shah II son of Mehmood Begda.

It is said, during the writing of 'Risala Sharifa' Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ use to dictate with zest and extempore, meanwhile his Son-in-Law and Khalifa Hz Bandagi Miyan Khwaja Malikji Mehri RA (Son of Hz Khwaja Taha RZ) use to take down. Atlast when this booklet was completed Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ said, 'the book is written beautifully, it is fit to be written in gold'. The time went on one day Emperor Humayun came along with his 3 brothers Hindal, Kamran and Mirza Askari, then all four (4) of them under Hz Bandagi Malik Peer Mohammed RZ son of Hz Bandagi Malik Illahdad 'Khalifa Groh RZ' came to the Daira of Hz Khalifa Groh RZ, the ‘khalifa’ Successor of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ, during those days his Daira was situated in Dungarpur. Hz Khalifa Groh RZ met them and showed this Risala to Emperor Humayun, he liked it immensely and as expressed by Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ, Emperor Humayun earnestly requested and took this Risala Sharifa along with him and got it written in Pure Gold and kept in his Personal Royal Library, he and his brothers used to refer it from time to time.

Additional Information: Emperor Humayun and his 3 brothers had already came in the fold of Mehdavia not only this he had given a farman [Royal command or Royal document] in writing to Bandagi Malik IIlahdad 'Khalifa Giroh RZ'. In it, he had written, 'Whoever is from among my descendants, will repose faith in the Mahdiat of Hz Imam Mahdi AS and he will not give any trouble, cause any loss to the group of Mahdavis. At long last, Emperor Akbar had asked for the ‘Farman’ from Bandagi Miyan Syed Mahmood ‘Syedanji Khatimul Murshideen’ RZ. It was sent to him. It was lost then and was never returned.

MAQSAD-E-SANI: This book can be termed as the second part of the 'Risala Sharifa' or the 'Maqsad Awwal'. Unlike Risala Sharifa this was written in chaste Arabic.

The fuqara of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ’s Daira are as follows:

At the time of the martyrdom of Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ, about 900 perfect fuqara were staying with him with their families and children. Two hundred (200) of them were the Mardan-e-Rabbani [divine men]. One hundred (100) of them achieved the rank of martyrs. Of the remaining one hundred fuqara, every one of them achieved the rank of eminent murshid and became the dayi’-e-il-Allah [one who invites people unto Allah Most High] in the later years as a sadaqa [charity] of Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ.

Some of his well-known Khulafa RA are as follows:

1- First of them is Hz Bandagi Malik IIlahdad 'Khalifa Groh' RZ
2- Hz Miyan Syed Shahabuddin 'Shahabul Haq' RZ (son of Bandagi Miyan RZ)
3- Hz Miyan Syed Mahmood RZ 'Syedanji Khatim al-Murshidin' RZ (son of Bandagi Miyan RZ)
4- Hz Miyan Syed Ahmad RA (son of Bandagi Miyan RZ)
5- Hz Miyan Syed Abdul Qadir RA (son of Bandagi Miyan RZ)
6- Hz Miyan Syed Sharif RA 'Tashrifullah' (son of Bandagi Miyan RZ)
7- Hz Miyan Syed Khuda Bakhsh RA (son of Bandagi Miyan RZ)
8 & 9- Amir Syed Hasan RA and Amir Syed Husain RA, Sons of Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Atan RA, brother of Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ
10- Bandagi Miyan Malik Pir Muhammad RA, son of Bandagi Malik IIlahdad ‘Khalifa Groh’ RZ
11- Malik Ismail RA, son of Malik Hammad RA
12 & 13- Bandagi Malik Yusuf RA and Bandagi Malik Sulaiman RA, sons of Hz Bandagi Malik Hammad RZ
14 & 15- Amir Syed Abdullah RA and Amir Syed Umar RA, sons of Amir Syed Miranji RA
16- Malik Bare RA, son of Malik Gauhar Shah Foladi RA
17- Bandagi Malik Muhammad Ishaq RA, son-in-law of Amir Syed Musa RA
18- Miyan Alam Shah Jalori RA
19- Miyan Ibrahim Shaikha RA
20- Miyan Qazi Shah Taj-al-Kitab Husaini RA
21- Miyan Yusuf RA
22- Miyan Abdul Mumin
23- Miyan Habib RA
24- Miyan Shaikh Makkan RA
25- Shaikh Makkan Bidri RA
26- Miyan Nizamuddin Bidri RA
27- Miyan Chand Dakhni RA

Besides these, there were many khulafa of Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ. But their details are not being provided to keep it concise.

The martyrs (Shuhada) of the 2nd Battle are:

1- Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ
2- Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Jalal Bin Bandagi Miyan RZ
3- Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Atan RA (real name Syed Ataullah) brother of Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ
4- Hz Bandagi Malik Hammad RA Bin Malik Ahmed AlBashar Baqshidah Bin Malik Yaqub Bariwal ‘Amritbel’
5- Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khanji Raa (Mubashar ‘brother haqiqi by Hz Bandagi Miyan) bin Syed Omer (from lineage of Hz Gesudaraz RA)
6- Hz Bandagi Miyan Malikji ‘Mehri’ Raa (Son-in-Law hz Bandagi Miyan RZ) Bin Khawaj Taha
7- Hz Bandagi Malik Ismail Kakranji RA (Son-in-Law hz Bandagi Miyan RZ)
8- Hz Bandagi Malik Yaqub kakranji RA (brother of Malik Ismail kakranji RA)
9- Hz Bandagi Malik Gauhar Shah Poladi RA
10- Hz Bandagi Malik Sharfuddin RA Jagirdar Sudrasan Bin Malik Mohammed Bin Malik Yaqub Bariwal ‘Amritbel’
11- Hz Bandagi Malik Miyanji Bayanavi RA (father-in-law of Hz Bandagi miyan RZ)
12- Hz Bandagi Miyan Ibrahim Khan RA Bin Sikandar Khan (former Prince)
13- Hz Bandagi Malik Meeranji RA Bin Malik Bakhan Bariwal RA
14- Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Jalal RA (of Wasij)
15- Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Ismail RA (of Wasij)
16- Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Shahabuddin RA Bin Qutubuddin RA
17- Hz Bandagi Miyan Rahmatullah Bin Miyan Daulath RA
18- Hz Bandagi Miyan Bakhan RA (of Sarsa, Bharuch)
19- Hz Bandagi Miyan Mehmood Shah RA (of Sarsa, Bharuch)
20- Hz Bandagi Miyan Chand Sanchuri Raa (of Marwad)
21- Hz Bandagi Miyan Yusuf Bin Miyan Ahmed RA
22- Hz Bandagi Miyan Yusuf Lingah RA (Lingha)
23- Hz Bandagi Miyan Sultan Shah Jalori RA
24- Hz Bandagi Miyan Feroz Shah RA Bin Hamza Jalori RA
25- Hz Bandagi Miyan Moinuddin RA
26- Hz Bandagi Miyan Nizamuddin RA
27- Hz Bandagi Miyan Tajun RA (Tajuddin)
28- Hz Bandagi Miyan Omer RA
29- Hz Bandagi Miyan Jalal Bin Majjan RA (real name Mujahid)
30- Hz Bandagi Miyan Shamman RA (Shamsuddin)
31- Hz Bandagi Miyan Haji Bin Miyan Tahir RA
32- Hz Bandagi Miyan Abdullah Sindhi RA
33- Hz Bandagi Miyan Miyan Khan RA
34- Hz Bandagi Miyan Kabeer Mohammed RA (of Khambat) Mubashar from Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ
35- Hz Bandagi Miyan Shaikh Hameed Bin Qazi Khan RA
36- Hz Bandagi Miyan Sindhu RA (of Patan)
37- Hz Bandagi Miyan Ali Aqwand RA
38- Hz Bandagi Miyan Qasim RA (Brother of Miyan Ahmed Bin Shamman RA (Shamsuddin) 11th martyr of khambel)
39- Hz Bandagi Miyan Ahmed Shah RA (of Ahmedabad)
40- Hz Bandagi Miyan Siddi Bilal RA
41- Hz Bandagi Miyan Siddi Yaqut RA
42- Hz Bandagi Miyan Alam Khurasani RA
43- Hz Bandagi Miyan Haji Mohammed Qurasani RA
44- Hz Bandagi Miyan Abul Khair Multani RA
45- Hz Bandagi Miyan Ishaque Bhuj Mahajir RA
46- Hz Bandagi Miyan Zainul Abedin RA (former Govt official of Sudrasan)
47- Hz Bandagi Miyan Allaudin Bin Miyan Khan Ra
48- Hz Bandagi Miyan Baqshu (Baqash) RA (brother of Yusuf Mahajir)
49- Hz Bandagi Miyan Baqshu Bin Miyan Bada RA
50- Hz Bandagi Miyan Ibrahim RA (Son-in-Law of Miyan Khan Kamangar)
51- Hz Bandagi Miyan Peerji RA
52- Hz Bandagi Miyan Nizam Mohammed RA
53- Hz Bandagi Miyan Shaikhji Khambati RA (elder brother Bandagi Miyan Kabeer Mohammed 34)
54- Hz Bandagi Miyan Najhan Mujahiduddin Patni RA
55- Hz Bandagi Miyan Meeran Patni RA

Also included are both the ‘Shuhada’ Martyred Rangrez brothers (fabric dyers) Hz Miyan Kabeer Mohammed RA and Hz Miyan Ismail RA for whom Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ said ‘they are the Imam of my Shahadath’. Regarding Miyan Malik Bada Kakraji on the command of his Murshid Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ, he was serving in the army of the king, but had a tiff with Ainul Mulk the commader and as revenge he was martyred in the journey. Regarding Malik Raje Bin Malik Bakhan Multani Jagirdar of Dasada, Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ said, you stay in Dasada and get martyred fighting against the Kuffar and you are amongst us. It happened as per the command of his Murshid, he tasted martyrdom on the Khambel Battle day.

The total Shuhada ‘martyrs’ are: 41+55+4=100

Whatever transpired it came true, Hz Bandagi Miyan RZ saw the Lord in his glory and asking him ‘what gift you have brought for me on this solemn occasion of your spiritual elevetion’. He replied, I have brought my head to sacrifice for your cause, ‘What is the value of one head. He replied, if I had a hundred heads I would sacrifice them. In the same manner, a hundred heads were sacrificed along with the head of Hz Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ [during the Ghazwa-e-Hind]. This was infact a premonition for his later martyrdom like his glorious ancestor Hz Imam Hussain AS.

If any error or discrepancy of facts / names etc occurs in the above short work, then this khadim sincerely apologises for the same.