You Inhale the Personality of Your Teacher

By Gazala Hassan, " 'History of Kashmir has been a victim of distortions' " - Etalaat - Srinagar, J & K, India
Saturday, March 1, 2008

Prof Fida Muhammad Hassnain, an eminent historian of the state believes that Kashmir history has been a victim of distortions.

“The process of distortion started in the Mughal rule. They employed historians who wrote wrong about Kashmir and the same continues today." Prof Hassnain talked about the history, Sufism, and his life:

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As an eminent historian how do you trace the history of Kashmir?
Kashmir has a history of about 8000. Kashmir has seen many rulers, like Greeks, Buddhists, Mughals, Sikhs and Dogras. It was in 1586 when the Mughal ruler Akbar enslaved Yousuf Shah Chak and murdered the latter and occupied Kashmir. The slavery continues till date.

But according to Ibn-e- Khaldun the life and fate of societies, nations and family changes after every 5-6 hundred years. We are also at the fag end of slavery.

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You’re known for your expertise on the Buddhist culture
I returned from Delhi in 1954 and I was given the charge of various departments. I have been Director General Records, Director Archives, Director Museum, and Director Libraries for about two decades. During the same time a letter came to the state government to send someone who could give lectures on Buddhist culture in Japan. Sheikh Sahib selected me for the job, rejecting the objections raised by my Pandit colleagues.

Once I delivered six lectures, I was told to prepare the remuneration bills by the Japan University, which I did not. They were quite surprised when I told them I won't charge them any money as they had already bore my boarding and lodging expenses.

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After one year I was a teacher of Buddhism and I was given the certificate of being a Buddhist saint. I could live in any Buddhist monarchy of Japan. It was the beginning of my journeys to Japan.

I later on took my elder son along, who settled his business and now lives there in Japan. I started travelling to Japan every year and have visited many countries like Bulgaria, Scotland, Malaysia, Germany, Russia, and China. This motivated me to read and research on Buddhist culture.

Apart from this I also teach some spiritual therapies in psychiatric hospitals of Germany.

Any association with Sufism?
I believe nothing lies in our hands and circumstances are created by God and we have to play accordingly. I became a fatalist and that is how I take it be it fortune or misfortune. I studied Sufism and Madam Bohumen was my first master, who taught me the tenants of Sufism.

I travelled to South India where I met Abu Baba Ji. On asking him where will I again see him, he told me that he will meet me in London. I was in Germany and at airport; tickets for London were available in cheap rates. I availed the opportunity and reached London where I met Abu Babaji as he had predicted.

Where does mysticism figure in Islam?
Indeed, it does. Religion for you is chosen by God, but Sufism is the religion of heart. Where you have a Sufi teacher and the time comes you inhale the personality of your teacher.

Sufism is establishing connection between your teacher, Prophet and God. A Sufi sees God in every human and believes his heart is his Kaba. Mysticism is the kernel of every religion and Muslim mystics are called Sufis.

Sufis breathe in and out in the name of Almighty. Human body is composed of three things: body, mind and spirit, and for a Sufi every act of his body is for God. It is very unfortunate that some ignorant mullahs make a hue and cry in this regard.

And, if we go to Masjid Nabwi (SAW) we find a place there called Ashab-e-Sufa. They were the people who were the lovers of Prophet (SAW). They were always found engrossed in the love of the Prophet (SAW). They were also the Sufis.

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In the light of history how do you see the future of Kashmir?
At present, we are in a transition. I would say that we should visualise some better future. We are inheritors of great civilizations and are quite famous people.

Kashmir has to become focus of the Asiatic civilizations, a miniature England in the heart of Asia. Kashmir belongs to the whole world and let people come, enjoy and leave. Why should some country control it?

Kashmir has a composite culture and Kashmiri Muslims are quite different from the Muslims of India. The slavery will end. It has to end.