The author devoted 50 years of his life to the profession of insurance and as such it was never expected, at least by me, that he would ever write, on the controversial and intricate subject of Sufism, and especially, on the life and teachings of the great saint of the sub-continent, Khawaja Syed Moinuddin Hasan Chishti, popularly known as Gharib Nawaz, whose mausoleum in Ajmer attracts visitors from all parts of South Asia.
It was also a great surprise to me that the author is a direct descendant of Khawja Syed Fakhruddin Gardezi, who accompanied Gharib Nawaz alongwith 39 other disciples of the Khawaja during his journey to Ajmer.
In the preface of this book Chishti has mentioned that his grand-father, who was a great devotee of Gharib Nawaz and also a Sufi, translated a scholarly book on Muslim mysticism written in Arabic, entitled 'Tazkiratul Haque,' partly in Persian and partly in Urdu, the best part of which is the discourse in simple language, on the much-debated subject, Shariat versus Tariqat. Hassan Nizami, a great poet, writer and a Sufi had also commented on this translated book by showering praises in his magazine 'Nizamul Mashaiq.'
Very little has been written about the detailed account of the disciples of the Khawaja, who accompanied him on his way to Ajmer all the way from Iran, Turkistan and Afghanistan. Ajmer at the time was ruled by a Hindu King. Who was quite hostile to Islam. The most outstanding person among these 40 disciples was Hazrat Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki Ooshi, who was asked by the Khawaja, to settle in Delhi, the capital of India, to spread his mission. He was also the first Khalifa of Gharib Nawaz.
This book also throws light on the life and teachings of Gharib Nawaz, marvels and miraculous feats, his family and his devotees. Moreover, it contains a detailed description of what are considered important monuments of the city of Ajmer. These mosques and other buildings have their special archaeological significance and architectural excellence. Built during Muslim rule, there are among them some of the earliest and finest monuments of medieval India. Shah-Jahani Mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in white marble, is a masterpiece of architecture.
While focusing mainly on Gharib Nawaz, Chishti, has rightly chosen to include a few chapters on Muslim mysticism and Ali Al-Hajwiri's Magnum Opus, Kasful Mahjub ie "The Unveiling of that which is Unveiled." These chapters are reproduced by the author from the writings of Professor Shaikh Abdur Rashid, who was the Head of the Department of History, at Muslim University of Aligarh till 1959. Professor Shaikh Abdur Rashid is also his father-in-law.
His revered shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims everyday, and, especially, on the dates of his urs, (6th Rajab, date of anniversary). Gharib Nawaz, who was the benefactor of the poor, indigent, aggrieved souls and strayed people, is still revered as provider of solace and comfort. True saints, being the Wali (friends of Allah), never die and continue to shower their blessings to the people at large.