Chahal-i-Asrar | Mīr Sayyīd Alī Hamādanī

This is a verse attributed to Mīr Sayyīd Alī Hamādanī, the Kubrāwiyyā saint from Hamadān who came to Kashmir during the 14th century. After fighting with the Turco-Mongol emperor Timur, he along with his followers visited the country three times and stayed for certain periods in which they not only spread the message of Islam but also established industries that continue to thrive to this day.

These Persian verses are part of the Chahal Asrar (the forty secrets) which are written in the Ghazal form. It is believed that one night Hamādanī visited and recited these Ghazals in the houses of his followers. Later in the morning, his followers collected these Ghazals.

Since that time, and until now, Chahal Asrar is recited by Kashmiris during Maulood - the day when the Prophet of Islam was born and in other religious occasions. This audio clip was provided by Mahoor Shaw and one of the people reciting in this clip is Molvi Muhammad Yasin Shah - the Muezzin of Kashmir's Grand Mosque Jamia Masjid for over 60 years.