Introduction Of Islam In Kashmir Through Qalandar I Sadat

The book describes the biography of Hazrat Mir Sayid Muhammad Hussain Simnani (RA), who migrated from Simnan Iran first to Delhi next to Kashmir on the divine directions of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) during repeated dreams in 760 AH/1359 AD. He played a great role in reforming the thought and practice of the Sultan of Kashmir, besides freeing the people from superstitions, false beliefs and idol worship by his preachings and at ocasions showing his miraculous powers.

The book describes the arrival of Hazrat Mir Sayid Muhammad Hussain Simnani (RA) in Kashmir along with other Sayids in 760 AH/1359 AD. He played a great role in reforming the behavior of the Sultans and removal of superstitions, false beliefs and idol worship among the locals, by his preaching as well as use of miraculous powers.

The book is the translation of the Persian book written by Sayid Ali bin Sayid Mohammad Kashmiri, the care taker of Khanqah-i-Mualla Srinagar and was written in 987 AH/1579 AD later translated in to Urdu by Mr. Ghulam Rasool Bhat and now translated in to English by Sayid Ashraf Shah for English readers. Kashmir being the only place in the world that has a recorded history of past 6,000 years. This history pertains to the mention of the Sayids who migrated in 8th century Hijri/14th century AD and were instrumental in the spread of Islam in a unique peaceful manner that changed the course of history. The period covered starts from Sultan Shahab-ud-din in 776 AH, when Sayids started to migrate to Kashmir. The Urdu translator has made a critical study of the contents and the dates quoted therein and verified these comparing with other history books available in the research library, where he had access being its employee. These observations have been reproduced by him in the foot notes at the end of the book. Howeverin English translation these foot notes have been adjusted at the end of each chapter to serve as a ready reference to the reader.

The book comprises of three sections. Part one deals with the introduction of Islam in Kashmir right from the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) followed by Sufi saints starting from 7th Hijri causing mass conversion voluntarily on getting impressed by the behaviour of the saints who lived a life of austerity. Part 2nd deals with the translation of a 150 year old hand-written Persian poetry manuscript translated in to English, describing the wonderful miracles performed by the Sufi saints of the area. Part 3rd deals with the biographies of the saints mentioned in part 2 with their spiritual and family lineages and copies of some age old manuscripts with bibilography at the end. The book makes great revelations of the past years which is bound to make interesting reading for all people.

The book covers the incidents in the life of the author from his childhood till date, spanning about eight decades. These incidents were recalled during his stay in UAE in 2014 and were subsequently update to present date 2021 at Srinagar. Many of the incidents were hair-raising witnessing narrow escape from death. It is bound to make an interesting reading for all sections of people.

The book covers the interesting extracts from the authors publications, write ups in dailies, FB posts, blogs etc, coverinng a period of over three decades.

The book covers some of the great poets, writers and fighters of Kashmir who have left an indelible mark on the history of Kasdhmir but have been forgotten with the passage of time. Most of the write ups have appeared in various magazines and books and have been compiled in Urdu by Mr. Mohammad Amin Rafiqi and translated in to English by Sayyid Ashraf Shah, besides adding some more chapters at the end. The subjects shall be of great attraction to the people interested in the history of Kashmir.