Maikash akbarabadi and Tasawwuf ‘
(Standing for india’s syncrectic composite culture)
Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Popurlarly known as Maikash Akbarabadi was born in 1902 in mewa katra (sufi) family of Agra.He was a prominent sufi writer of urdu language.
Urdu bridges social ,cultural and religious barriers and is symbol of india’s secular and composite social fabric. Maikash Akbarabadi was a defender of communal unity and harmony ; he always remained in the forefront to fight against communal forces and strengthen the composite culture of india. The values of Maikash akbarabadi was deeply rooted in indian culture . He was a product of India’s syncrectic and composite culture . He was wonderful,loving humble,and had the ability to be one with anybody in one stroke. Maikash not only studied World Religion as part of his practice but was also deeply respectful of it. The fact was that he did not consider himself a ‘devout Muslim’ but instead a ‘devout human being’ Maikash always upheld the values of sufism (Tasawwuf).
Sufism elaborates the relationship of the man with God,the creator.Sufism is about the relationship between humans and God. In the shortest words this concept is knows as ‘wahdat ul Wujood’ which literally means the “Unity of Existence" or “Unity of being" .Sufism spreads the message of peace,tolerance and love.Sufism represents the rich diversity of the Islamic civilization that stands on the solid bedrock of the great religion. For the Sufis,therefore,service to God meant service to humanity. Above all,Sufism is a celebration of diversity and pluralism, expressed in the words of Hazrat nizamuddin Auliya,that Every people has its own path of truth, beliefs and focus of reverence. These words reflect the divine message to the holy Prophet S.A.W that there is no compulsion in religion and also that to every people we have appointed ways of worship which they observe. Its message is beyond the confines of schools and sects. It’s a spiritual quest that traces its origin from the holy Prophet and the fundamental values of Islam,which literally means peace.It Engaged with her Spiritual tradition,and evolved its own Indian ethos.And it helped shape a distinct Islamic heritage of India.It helped strengthen the inclusive culture that is our great nation’s immense contribution to the cultural tapestry of this world. It is this spirit of sufism, the love for their country and the pride in their nation that define the muslims in India.They reflect the timeless culture of peace,diversity and equality of faith of our land.They are steeped in the democratic tradition of India, confident of their place in the country and invested in the future of their nation;
The infinite humanism in Sufi Poet Maikash Akbarabadi’s Poetry as follows:
• A melody of harmony and humanity
• The embrace of diversity , the spirit of oneness
• Of service with compassion and generosity and
• A detemination to advance peace
Maikash had been a living encyclopaedia of Agra’s Cultural life and an activist who till last breath of life was dedicated to the cause of Urdu and ensure its due place in cultural life of the country.Maikash believed India to be the land that is a timeless fountain of peace,and an ancient source of tradition and faiths,which has received and nurtured religions from the world.He Belived the World to be one family . A Belief in harmony with the message of Holy Quran that mankind was one community , and then they differed among themselves. A creed echoed in this words that human beings come from the same source :We are one family,India is built by the genius of diverse peoples,cultures and faiths.Our nation’s heart has place for every faith from those with few followers to those with billion believers. Maikash knew that it is through openness and enquiry,engagements and accommodation,and respect for diversity that humanity advances nation progress and the world prosper.And this is the message of Sufism.Hence,Maikash,Urdu and Sufism all stand for one voice,the voice of peace,co-existence,compassion and equality; a call to universal brotherhood.
This poectic legend of Agra Died on 10th shawwal 1411 Hijri (1991CE).Since then under the guidance and spiritual leadership of his grandson the present Sajjada Nasheen,Syed Ajmal Ali Shah Niazi,the message of love,peace and brotherhood which was so dear to Maikash Saheb continues to be propagated.
Sufi Poet Maikash’s message of love compassion towards all human beings is well reflected in the following couplets of his poetry
Kahan Khali Hai Insaano se Duniya
Magar Duniya me Insaa’n kam Bahut Hain
Sahte sahate gham Muhabbat ke ye halat ho gai
Hans ke jo koi bola usse muhabbat hogai
Nafrat jo Admi ko Sikhaye wo Kufr hai
Deen o Mazhab ki Ho Ya Qaum o watan ki baat
Hence, it can be said that Maikash truly represented Agra,the birth place of the notion of sulh e kul i.e for the general good for all people. This is the only principle through which Humanity can prosper and human civilization can scale greater heights.This is the mantra that India needs the most at this juncture of its glorious history.
-Dr Muhammad Arshad