Nikhat Fatima, TwoCircles.net
Hyderabad: Syed Amjad Hussain, 19, who previously authored a book on the celebrated Urdu writer Akhtar Orenvi, is now poised to unveil his second work, focusing on Sufi history in Bihar.
His new book offers a comprehensive exploration of the Sufi tradition, delving into the teachings of Sufi saints and the spiritual principles they established. Amjad Hussain explains, “My goal is to present the Sufi tradition to contemporary readers, highlighting how Sufi wisdom has enriched Bihar’s cultural and spiritual heritage and continues to offer guidance in our lives today.”
The book will also feature the profound philosophies of notable Sufi saints from Bihar, such as Allama Maulana Zafaruddin Bihari, whose poignant words echo in the mystic realm: “To recognize reality, one has to open the eyes of the heart.” It will also include the wisdom of Sheikh Sharfuddin Yahya Maneri, who said, “A true Sufi is one who can recognize God in the depths of his soul.”
TwoCircles.net spoke with the young author about his motivation for writing this book at an age when many of his peers are either self-indulgent or focused on their academics.
Hussain explains that he comes from a lineage deeply connected to Sufism. His ancestor, Syed Ahmad Jajneri, was a companion of the revered Sufi mystic Hazrat Malik Ibrahim Baya. Jajneri, originally part of the Firdausiyya order of Sufism, founded his own order known as the Jajneri.
“Given my ancestral ties to Sufism, I have always felt a profound connection to this tradition,” Amjad shares. “I am naturally drawn to it and feel compelled to shed light on the rich Sufi heritage of Bihar. The more I delve into it, the more I am captivated by its spiritual depth.”
He continues, “Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam that teaches pure, divine love and advocates for both inner and outer peace. In an era marked by hatred and violence, I hope to contribute to spreading love through my book.”
Bihar boasts a profound legacy of Sufism. In 1180, Imam Muhammad Taj Faqih Hashmi, originally from Jerusalem, arrived in Bihar and settled in Maner Sharif, just 30 kilometers from Patna. He established Bihar’s first khanqah —a place where members of the Sufi order gather for religious and spiritual practices — which continues to stand today. This revered khanqah is known as Khanqah Maner Sharif, or Khanqah-e-Taj Faqih, and remains a testament to the enduring spiritual heritage of the region.
USP of the book
The upcoming book titled ‘Bihar Ka Sufi Itihas’, written in Hindi to reach a broad audience in Bihar, unveils lesser-known aspects of Sufi saints in the region. In the future, Amjad plans to translate this work into English to extend its reach to contemporary readers worldwide.
“I visited the shrines of various saints and gathered untold stories from the custodians of these sacred sites,” Hussain explains. “I also delved into the genealogy of these saints, uncovering details that are not widely known.”
His book, which will span approximately 250-260 pages, will include photographs of the Sufi shrines, adding a visual dimension to the historical narrative.
Challenges
“Balancing my studies in BBA at Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology with my research on old Sufi manuscripts was quite challenging,” he reflects. “I also needed to allocate time to visit shrines and gather information from the custodians, or ‘khadim’, who provided insights passed down through generations. Much of this information has yet to be documented in books, making my work distinctive in its scope.”
Another significant challenge was the scarcity of historical documentation on Sufism and Sufi saints in Bihar. “Researching the Sufis of Bihar is challenging due to limited historical records and the need for a nuanced understanding of local culture. We discuss these complexities with scholars who strive to illuminate their profound influence,” he adds.
Amjad consulted experts like Absar Balkhi, son of the Sajjadansheen of Khanqah Firdausiyya Balkhiyya, and Md Umar Ashraf, founder of Heritage Times. He also studied works by Syed Hasan Askari, Syed Hasan, Shamim Munemi, and Tayyab Abdali. The Khuda Baksh Oriental Library in Patna has been his primary research resource, providing invaluable materials for his book.