Mysticism of Personality, the relation between man and God is perceived as that of creature and Creator, of a slave in the presence of his Lord, or of a lover yearning for Beloved. This type is more commonly found in earlier Sufism. The mysticism can be seen as a practical life process. The mystic of the Gnostic type strives for a profound knowledge of God, a seeker attempts to know the structure of His universe or to interpret the degree of His revelations. No mystic, however, could even dare to know His Essence. As Dhun-Nun puts it: “To ponder about the Essence of God is ignorance and to point to Him is associationism and the real gnosis is bewilderment”
Kashmir, the land of legends, Sufis, religious scholars and saints has been bestowed with preachers and the poets. One such legendary is Allama Muhammad Anwar Shah (R.A.). Allama Muhammad Anwar Shah (R.A.) __ A Creative and investigative Study by Nazir Qadri covers the entire life of Allam. Nazir Qadri is a resourceful writer besides a renowned educator. The book has 280 pages encompassing works and his contribution in the field as Islamic scholar. It has been published by Kitab Mahal Srinagar under ISBN No:- 978-93-87244-12-12. The book has been blessed by Muhammad Anzar Shah al-Kashmiri-al Masoodi- Sheikh –al-Hadith Jamia Dar-ul- uloom Deoband with his foreword, the English rendering of which has been printed on page 13-16.
‘Preface’ covers Allama’s early life, the ancient culture of Kashmir, the awakening of Muslims and understanding the importance of formal education amidst foreign subjugation. The chapter also provides insight how Dar-ul- Uloom Deoband cuspidate the mind of Allama Kashmiri.
The chapter Dar-ul-Uloom Pattern of Education brings before us the history of Uloom, its rise and the values imparted to counter the interventions of foreign language. Few drawbacks of the Uloom have been shared sincerely. It is pertinent to mention that the kind of educational system that Dar-al- Uloom has agree to carry on seems need based and goal oriented, making the curriculum a bit different from the rest of the Ulooms.
Some Prestigious seats of Islamic Learning has signified the role of Firangi Mahal established in the late 17th century AD and the brief history of Dar-Al-Uloom Deoband and Dar-Al- Uloom Nadwa al- Ulama.
In the chapter From Cradle to Grave ancestral background of Allama Kashmir has been described in detail along with the Genealogical tree of Allama. This chapter also highlights his birth, childhood and early education besides his migration from Kashmir to Deoband and from Deoband to Gangooh and to Dabhel. The most inspiring part of this chapter is the mention of deathbed experience of Allama.
In The Personality of Allama Kashmiri describes physical features, moral character, contentment, humility, respect for teachers and books, his concentration and comprehension of knowledge. While going through this chapter one gets a clear image how learning and comprehending can shape a man with genius mind. One gets a clear idea of Allma’s peerless memory power. A list of great men with extraordinary memories has added grace to this chapter. The author has done an extensive study and research in connecting a reader with personalities with amazing memory power.
In the chapter As a Teacher of Hadith Allama’s opinion about Tawatur (Succession) is the best part to deal with. The author has mentioned Allama’s four versions of Tawatur as:
1.Tawatur al- Asnad.
2.Tawatur al- Tabaqah
3.Tawatur al- Wa al- Tawaris
4.Tawatur Qadr Mushtarak.
What fascinates a reader to read this book has a reason for it has briefly mentioned some literary works of Allam : Afkar al- Mulhideen, Aqeedat al- Islam Fi Hayat I’sa, Zarb al- Khatim Ala Hudoos al- Alam, Mushkilat al Qur’an, Majmu’a Afadaat, Faiz al- Bari, Anwaar al- Mahmood and Sahih Muslim.
The chapter The Students of Allam Kashmiri emphasizes on 24 famous students of Allam with a brief description to steer the reader about his scholastic reach.
Allama Kashmiri has been marked as An Impartial Critic by the author and the book has covered a few like Ibn Rush, who according to Allam was the master of philosophy but he was over- enthusiastic in giving vent to philosophical ideas. About Ibn Arabia, Allama writes that Sheikh Akbar (as he calls him) that his digressions were not true to their account. About Ibn Taimiyyah Allam mentions that he has difference with Taimiyyah on the basis of Istiwa al- Arsh. About Ibn Hazm Allam writes that Ibn Hazm rejects Qiyas Khafi but well believes Qiyas Jalli.
An overview of Allam Kashmiri and Hanafia Jurisprudence takes a reader to the fact that Hanafiyat is the cornerstone of the foundation of Dar al- Uloom Deoband. Speaking about the Qur’an Allama Kashmiri is of the opinion that each and every word of the Qur’an is in itself a divine miracle and that there is abundant scope of explanation, deliberation and cognition.
Allama Kashmiri and Iqbal mentions the tribute of Dr. Iqbal on the death of Allama Kashmiri in these terms: The last five centuries of Islamic history have produced no parallel of Allama Kashmiri in the subcontinent.
The Bahawalpur case Faith versus Heresy this chapter brings at fore the momentous statement which broke the backbone of Mirza’yat and proved that Mirza’is were the people quite outside of the circumference of Islam.
The book seems a product of backbreaking research work by the author. The notes at the end of the chapters are added information thus authenticating the content of the book. The kind of bibliography this work carries makes it must read for the students of Allama and the rest. The layout and the paper quality of the book once again make us proud to announce that Kitab Mahal is doing a commendable job in preserving the rich culture of Kashmir by providing the best quality books with the latest layout designs and paper quality. I pray and wish that Kitab Mahal will continue its convincing service by quality books.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Mushtaq B.Barq is a Columnist, Poet and Fiction Writer. He is the author of “Feeble prisoner, “ Wings of Love” and many translation works are credited to the author like “ Verses Of Wahab Khar” and “ Songs Of Sochkral”
