At a simple but impressive ceremony Excellency Hassan Nourain Council General of The Islamic Republic of Iran Karachi launched book on the life of Shah Hamdan, a Persian scholar and poet, who most of the time preached Islam in Central Asia and Kashmir. The book contains valuable historical facts fully corroborated by learned people of that era. He was born in a noble family in Hamadan, Iran. He traced his patrimony through his father, Syed Shahab Uddin, to Imam Zain-ul-Abedein and finally to Hazrat Ali. He was born on Monday, 12th Rajab 714 AH (1314 A.C) in Hamadan and died in 786 AH/1384 at the age of 72 in Kunar and was buried in Khatlan (Kolab, Tajikistan). As mentioned in the beginning he was very influential in spreading Islam in Kashmir and has had a major hand in shaping the culture of the Kashmir valley. He was also known Shah Hamadan, besides being a saint and an effective preacher, was a man of letters and wrote about a hundred pamphlets in Arabic and Persian. It is on record that he entered from one end of Kashmir and when reached at the other end had converted around 37000 nonmuslims in to the fold of Islam, such was his influence. His famous book Zakhirat-ul-Maluk, a famous book, has been translated in many language. Dr Syed Abdur-Rehman Hamdani in his book “Salar-e-Ajjam” has listed 68 Books and 23 Pamphlets by Shah-e-Hamdan).Other scholars have given different account of his works. Dr Muhammad Riaz claims that Shah-e Hamadan has written more than 110 books apart from other publications. Interestingly he talks about tourism that is cry of today, speaks volume of his foresight. Scores of examples where he opposed state on merit, talks about economy and preaches prayers. There are large number of books that reflect Shah-e Hamadan spiritual side with great authenticity and vision. He was on his way to Kolab after his third visit to Kashmir. He died at Kinar (Pakhali, district Hazara, Pakistan) on 6th Zil-hajjah 786 Hijri. His follower, according to his will took his body to Kolab, Tajikistan.The Muslim poet and philosopher Allama Iqbal acknowledged his contribution in spreading Islam especially in Kashmir.
His family had ruled Hamadan (presently City/Province of Iran) for two centuries until the Mongol conqueror Tamoor Gorgani (Tamerlan 1336-1405 AD) forced Shah-e-Hamdan Ameer-e-Kabir Syed Ali Hamdani -ra to leave Hamadan. He came to Kashmir three times, during these travels people of Kashmir, Ludakh, Bultistan, Skardu, Shager and Tabit Kochak accepted Islam through him.Some of the centers of Islamic learning established by Hazrat Ameer-e-Kabir -ra himself and his son – Syed Mohammad Hamdani are still serving their purpose. Governments in both parts of Kashmir have named educational institutions after Shah-e-Hamdan.
Syed Ahmed Kabir Hamdani (Shah Sultan Bilavil), descendent of Shah-e-Hamdan Ameer-e-Kabir Syed Ali Hamdani -RA traveled through northern parts of India in the early Mughal period and settled at Danda Shah Bilavil, Tehsil Talagang District Chakwal. Hamdani Sadaat or descendants of Shah-e-Hamdan -ra are living in many parts of Pakistan. Hamdani Sadaat have established educational institution in various parts of Pakistan. Annual conferences are held in Pakistan, Kashmir and Tajikistan to spread the message of Hazrat Ameer-e-Kabir -ra.
In nut shell the book contains valuable details, descriptions of various events and happening with greater degree of authenticity. Lot of effort has gone in compiling this book which provides complete in sight in to the life of Shah-e-Hamadan. CG of Iran in Karachi deserves great appreciation in providing this most authentic book on the life of Shah-e-Hamdan and students can draw great benefit while preparing their thesis on such personalities.