Awakening of Sufism
After having received a whole hearted response at the Jaipur Literary Festival, ‘Ajmer Sharif’, authored by Reema Abbasi and published by Niyogi Books was officially launched at Oxford Bookstore, Connaught place with eminent classical danseuse and researcher activist Manjari Chaturvedi and 26th Generation Gaddi-nasin, Ajmer Sharif, Haji Syed Salman Chishty.
‘Ajmer Sharif ’ – the heart of homage for thousands of all faiths, welcomes a tidal wave of humanity for the saint known as Gharib Nawaz (benefactor of the poor), whose spiritual order is the most lyrical and inclusive. This book showcases the absolute necessity of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti in our conflicted times. Today, he is a signpost of unity; a reminder of the relevance of Sufism as a conduit of harmony and justice. The pages of the book narrates the story of the founder of the Chishti Sufi Order in South Asia – who knew that hunger supersedes doctrines – and of his movement, which began in a mud hut over eight centuries ago.
Muinuddin Chishti brought Qawwali, the genre of Sufi devotional recitals, and the ideal of acceptance to the world. He discouraged religious supremacy and patriarchy by example – his wife was a central leader and his only daughter became a caliph – an aspect practised at his seat, but cast off by other shrines of his lineage.
An elaborately researched oeuvre on the history, spiritual journey, mystical power, and legacy of the 12th century Sufi giant – rich with accounts of Mughals as devotees, monuments, rituals, and over 200 unique, evocative photographs – ‘Ajmer Sharif ’ traces the life of the saint and reveals the living force of his shrine.
The author, Reema Abbasi was the recipient of the Gender in Journalism Award 2003 from UNESCO for the most gender sensitive reportage.
At present, she is a columnist, and an independent contributor with international newspapers, and a regular commentator on socio-political issues. In the last decade, her writings have maintained a rabid focus on the values of secularism. With her last book ‘Historic temples in Pakistan: A call to conscience’, she aimed to stir a discourse that dispels intolerance towards any faith .
An in-depth researched work on the history and spiritual journey of the Sufi saint Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti, the book describes the life and times of the Saint and the continued relevance of his much-visited shrine at Ajmer Sharif.