IN order to pay homage to Makhdoom Lutuf Allah, universally known as Makhdoom Nuh, a great saint and scholar of Saharwardia order of Sindh (1500-1590), a function was organised at Khana-i-Farhang Karachi.
As reported in Dawn (Oct 22) those who graced the occasion to pay tribute were eminent scholars and writers from various walks of life.
Mukhdoom Nuh was not only a great scholar in Islamic traditions and laws but was extremely courageous who did not succumb to the power of ruthless rulers.
He lived during the period when Sindh was passing through a great crisis. First the Central Asian Arguns (1524-1554), the cousins of Mughals, destroyed the peace of Sindh. They defeated local Samu King and ruled the state with cruelty unheard in the annals of history.
In order to stop fugitive King Humayun, Argun King even did not hesitate to burn entire crops. This resulted in famine in which thousands of families perished.
The Argun rule was, however, finished by Tarkhans (1554-1591), their courtiers, more cruel than the masters, who not only shattered the country economically but also damaged its social and cultural fabric irreparably.
It was during their rule that the Portuguese attacked and burnt the city of Thatta, a great commercial centre and seat of learning where people came from distant lands to acquire knowledge, and this destruction could never be recouped.
During these turbulent times, to safeguard from tyranny of Argun and Tarkhans, numerous reputable families, specially from Pat and Darbela, either shifted to Makkah and Madina or migrated to Deccan and Gujarat, never to return to their motherland. However, these families settled there and are still known with their original appellation as 'Sindhis' or 'Sindis'.
The attitude of Suharwardi saints towards politics was articulated most clearly by Makhdoom Nuh. Even in those chaotic times when Sindh was under foreign yoke he used to address the rulers of the day. Advising the ruler, he pointed three 'fortresses' on which the protection of the country depended.
The first represented the public. It was constructed of mud and had to be strengthened with the 'mortar of justice' so that it would not be breached by the tyranny.
The second was made of iron and symbolised the army. Built on the rewards and grants, it protected the country from seditions and riots.
The third and most important fortress was fashioned from the hardest steel and consisted of 'men of Allah'. It was the king's duty to ensure that they were well respected and received their rightful due from the 'baitul mal' for, in reality, the administration of the country 'lay in their hands'.
In 1590 Emperor Akbar sent his most distinguished general, Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan to conquer Sindh.
According to history of 'Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan and his literary circle', the general, who had implicit faith in the efficacy of the blessing of saints, was told by a fakir that “between you and your enemy whosever will be the first to attend the gathering of Fateha khwani for Makhdoom Nuh (who had expired in Hala Kandi during the Mughal expedition) will be gain victory.
The general spared no pains and attended it very early. The words of fakir came true. Eventually Khan-i-Khanan succeeded in his objective.
MANZOOR H. KURESHI
Karachi
