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'''Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi''' ([[Urdu]]:ریاض احمدگوھرشاہی) (&lrm;[[25 November]], [[1941]] – [[25 November]], [[2001]]) also known as Sayyedna Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi ([[Urdu]]:سیدناریاض احمدگوھرشاہی)or Hazrat Sayyedna Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi Muddazullahul Aali ([[Urdu]]:حضرت سیدناریاض احمدگوھرشاہی مدظلہ العالی) was a Muslim [[Sufi]], author, spiritual leader and founder of the spiritual movement Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam.<ref name="murder booking"/> Shahi was born on the [[Indian subcontinent]], in the small village of [[Dhok Gohar Shah]] in the district of [[Rawalpindi]].
'''Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi''' ([[Urdu]]:ریاض احمدگوھرشاہی) (&lrm;[[25 November]], [[1941]] – [[25 November]], [[2001]]) also known as Sayyedna Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi (Urdu:سیدناریاض احمدگوھرشاہی) or Hazrat Sayyedna Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi Muddazullahul Aali (Urdu:حضرت سیدناریاض احمدگوھرشاہی مدظلہ العالی) was a [[Muslim]] [[Sufi]], author, spiritual leader and founder of the spiritual movement Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam.<ref name="murder booking"/> Shahi was born on the [[Indian subcontinent]], in the village of [[Dhok Gohar Shah]] in the district of [[Rawalpindi]].


== Etymology ==
== Biography ==
⚫
[[Image:00139.jpg|100px|thumb|left|Al-Hajj Sayyed Fazal Hussain, father of Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi]]
His full name is Riaz (Riyadh) Ahmed Gohar Shahi. Riaz means "Piece" or "Garden",<ref name="Meaning of Riaz">[http://www.20000-names.com/male_arabian_names_2.htm Meaning of the name Riaz]</ref> Ahmed is one of the names of [[Muhammad]] and the last name Gohar Shahi means "Royal Gem" is because his ancestor was the [[Sufi]] and spiritualist known as [[Baba Gohar Ali Shah]]. The village in which Shahi was born is still dedicated to Baba Gohar Ali Shah and known as [[Dhok Gohar Shah]], meaning "Village of Gohar Shah". Gohar Shahi is the fifth generation of Baba Gohar Ali Shah.<ref name="About GS">[http://goharshahi.net/images/about.htm About Gohar Shahi]</ref>
Shahi was born on [[25 November]], [[1941]], in Dhok Gohar Shah. He is the fifth generation of the [[Sufi]] and spiritualist [[Baba Gohar Ali Shah]].<ref name="About GS">[http://goharshahi.net/images/about.htm About Gohar Shahi]</ref>


⚫
At the age of twenty, when Shahi was the owner of F. Q. Steel Industries, he started to search for [[spiritualism]] amongst the saints and dervishes of the time. Eventually, upon becoming disillusioned with the saints and dervishes he encountered, and being disappointed in not receiving spiritual benevolence, he returned to his work. Gohar Shahi then married and had three children.<ref name="About GS"/>
== Early life ==


⚫
According to Shahi, at about the age of thirty four [[Bari Imam]] appeared before him and said: "My son your time has come, you must go to the shrine of [[Sultan Bahu]] to receive the Sacred Inner Dimensions of Spiritual Knowledge." Gohar Shahi then left his work, family and parents and went to [[Shorkot]], where he read the book ''Nurul Huda'' (''Light of Guidance''),<ref name="Books of Sultan Bahu">[http://hazratsultanbahu.com/page/default.htm Books of Sultan Bahu]</ref> written by Sultan Bahu. He then went to [[Sehwan Sharif]] for self-mortification and peace of heart, and spent a period of three years in the mountains of [[Sehwan Sharif]] and the forest of [[Laal Bagh]] in self-purification.<ref name="About GS"/>
⚫
Shahi was born on [[25 November]], [[1941]] in Dhok Gohar Shah. At the age of twenty, when Shahi was the owner of F. Q. Steel Industries, he started to search for [[spiritualism]] amongst the saints and dervishes of the time. Eventually, upon becoming disillusioned with the saints and dervishes he encountered, and being disappointed in not receiving spiritual benevolence, he returned to his work. Gohar Shahi then married and had three children.<ref name="About GS"/>
⚫
[[Image:RAGS.Gurdawara.jpg|thumb|left|Gohar Shahi delivering speech to [[Sikh]] Community in a [[Sikh Temple]] in [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], [[Arizona]], [[USA]] in [[1997]]]]

⚫
According to Shahi, at about the age of thirty four [[Bari Imam]] appeared before him and said: "My son your time has come, you must go to the shrine of [[Sultan Bahu]] to receive the Sacred Inner Dimensions of Spiritual Knowledge." Gohar Shahi then left his work, family and parents and went to [[Shorkot]], where he read the book ''Nurul Huda'' (''Light of Guidance''),<ref name="Books of Sultan Bahu">[http://hazratsultanbahu.com/page/default.htm Books of Sultan Bahu]</ref> written by Sultan Bahu. He then went to [[Sehwan Sharif]] for self-mortification and peace of heart, and spent a period of three years in the mountains of [[Sehwan Sharif]] and the forest of [[Laal Bagh]] in Self-Purification.<ref name="About GS"/>
⚫
[[Image:00139.jpg|150|thumb|right|Al-Hajj Sayyed Fazal Hussain father of Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi]]

In a very short span of time, Shahi developed a following within Pakistan and internationally. Gohar Shahi was invited to [[mosque]]s, [[hindu temple]]s, [[church]]es, [[Sikh temple]]s, Imam Bargahs to deliver speech. He was the first ever Muslim Spiritual Leader who was invited by people of all faith in their places of worships.<ref name="murder booking"/>


== Literary Works ==
== Literary Works ==
⚫
[[Image:RAGS.Gurdawara.jpg|thumb|right|Gohar Shahi delivering speech to [[Sikh]] Community in a [[Sikh Temple]] in [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], [[Arizona]], [[USA]] in [[1997]]]]
Gohar Shahi authored a number of books and treatises including one based on Sufi Poetry known as ''Turyaaq-e-Qulb'', meaning "cure for hearts". Works by Gohar Shahi include:
Gohar Shahi authored a number of books and treatises, including one based on Sufi Poetry known as ''Turyaaq-e-Qulb'', meaning "cure for hearts". Works by Gohar Shahi include:
*''Ruhani Safar'' (''Spiritual Journey'')
*''Ruhani Safar'' (''Spiritual Journey'')
*''Menara-e-Noor'' (''Minart of Light'')
*''Menara-e-Noor'' (''Minart of Light'')
*''Roshnash'' (''An Induction'')
*''Roshnash'' (''An Induction'')
*''Tuhfa-tul-Majalis'' (''Gift of Congregations'')
*''Tuhfa-tul-Majalis'' (''Gift of Congregations'')
*''Deen-e-Illahi'' (''The Religion of God'')&mdash;considered Gohar Shahi's most important work by his followers.{{Fact|date=April 2008}}
*''Deen-e-Illahi'' (''The Religion of God'')


== Sufi Views ==
== Sufi Views ==
[[Image:Hisham-2.jpg|thumb|left|[[Hisham Kabbani]] sitting beneath the feet,<ref name="Kabbani">[Hisham Kabbani sitting beneath the feet of Gohar Shahi]</ref> during Gohar Shahi's visit to [[United States|America]] in [[1997]].]]
[[Image:Hisham-2.jpg|thumb|left|[[Hisham Kabbani]] sitting below Gohar Shahi during his visit to [[United States|America]] in [[1997]].]]
Though number of orthodox theological scholars condemned the teachings of Gohar Shahi and criticized him heavily not just in Pakistan but throughout the world. However, on other hand number of internationally renowned Sufis including [[Hisham Kabbani|Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani]] and [[Nazim al-Qubrusi|Sultan-al Awliya Shaykh Mawlana as-Sayyid Khwaja Muhammad Nazim Adil al-Haqqani al-Rabbani al-Qubrusi al-Firdausi an-Naqshbandi]] and [[Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri|Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri]].
A number of orthodox theological scholars condemned the teachings of Gohar Shahi and criticized him heavily not just in Pakistan but throughout the world. However, some Sufis, including [[Hisham Kabbani|Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani]], [[Nazim al-Qubrusi|Sultan-al Awliya Shaykh Mawlana as-Sayyid Khwaja Muhammad Nazim Adil al-Haqqani al-Rabbani al-Qubrusi al-Firdausi an-Naqshbandi]], and [[Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri|Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri]] praised Shahi.{{cn}} Kabbani always used to sit beneath the feet of Gohar Shahi to give him respect and show fervor for him.{{or}}
They praised Gohar Shahi many times and respected Gohar Shahi for his services rendered to preach the Divine Love of God without any discrimination of [[Caste]], [[Creed]], [[Nation]] or [[Religion]]. Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani always used to sit beneath the feet of Gohar Shahi to give him respect and show fervor for him.<ref name="Kabbani"/>
Apart from above sufis a number of sufis including Pir of Ghamkool Sharif, Pir of Dhannakka Sharif, Pir Kaki Tarrur, Ghulam Nabi Kashmiri alias Samandri Baba and Siraj Baba also respected and termed Gohar Shahi that HE is the one who has been the most honoured person by [[Allah]].


== Claims and criticism ==
==Notoriety==
[[Image:RAGS.AramBagh.jpg|thumb|right|Gohar Shahi speaking during International Isme-e-Zaat Allah Conference held in [[Karachi]] on [[7th October]], [[1996]] organized by International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam]]
[[Image:RAGS.AramBagh.jpg|thumb|right|Gohar Shahi speaking during International Isme-e-Zaat Allah Conference held in [[Karachi]] on [[7th October]], [[1996]] organized by International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam]]
Opposition towards Gohar Shahi and his followers stemmed from claims made by Shahi and his followers that were strongly opposed by orthodox theologians in Pakistan and abroad
*Gohar Shahi met with [[Jesus]] in [[United States|America]]<ref name="murder booking"/><ref name="Jesus">[http://www.freewebs.com/allfaith/jesus.htm Jesus meets Gohar Shahi in America]</ref><ref name="List of blasphemy cases against Gohar Shahi and his followers">[http://www.claasfamily.org/bcl.htm List of blasphemy cases against Gohar Shahi and his followers]</ref>
⚫
*Shahi's supporters claim that his likeness appeared in the [[moon]], [[sun]], [[nebula]] star and the [[black stone]] of [[Makkah]]<ref name="murder booking"/><ref name="List of blasphemy cases against Gohar Shahi and his followers"/><ref name="Face of Gohar Shahi appeared on Kaaba">[http://www.ahmadiyya.us/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=120 Face of Gohar Shahi appeared on Kaaba]</ref>
*Gohar Shahi’s invitation to those of all religions, without any discrimination of [[caste]], [[creed]], [[nation]], saying that "''In order to recognize, and to be able to approach the essence of Allah (God''), ''learn spirituality, no matter what religion or sect you belong to''"<ref name="moon"/>
⚫
On the basis on above most of orthodox theological scholars criticised and condemned Gohar Shahi<ref name="moon"/><ref name="A Book against Gohar Shahi">[http://www.muslims.ws/library/gobarshahi/1.htm A Book against Gohar Shahi]</ref>, he was blamed to have claimed the status of [[Prophet]] and [[Imam Mehdi]] but Gohar Shahi always denied such blames.<ref name="murder booking"/><ref name="moon"/>


Gohar Shahi was in favor of [[divine love]] and considers it most important for an approach to God and no discrimination of [[caste]], [[creed]], [[nation]] or [[religion]] is accepted for Divine Love of God as every human has been gifted with an ability to develop spiritual power to approach to the essence of God.{{cn}}
== Criticism ==

[[Image:Body.gif|thumb|right|The spiritual inner entities of Human body explored & defined by [[Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi]] in Menara-e-Noor]]
⚫
Gohar Shahi claimed to have met with [[Jesus]] in [[United States|America]]{{cn}} Shahi's supporters claim that his likeness appeared in the [[moon]], [[sun]], nebula star and the [[black stone]] of [[Makkah]],<ref name="Face of Gohar Shahi appeared on Kaaba">[http://www.ahmadiyya.us/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=120 Face of Gohar Shahi appeared on Kaaba]</ref> and that these alleged images induced greater legal and religious opposition.{{cn}}

⚫
Opposition towards Gohar Shahi and his followers stemmed from claims made by Shahi and his followers that were strongly opposed by orthodox theologians in Pakistan and abroad.<ref name="moon"/><ref name="A Book against Gohar Shahi">[http://www.muslims.ws/library/gobarshahi/1.htm A Book against Gohar Shahi]</ref> Shahi was accused of claiming the status of [[prophet]] and [[Imam Mehdi]], but Shahi denied such accusations.<ref name="murder booking"/><ref name="moon"/>

[[Image:RAGS.MasjidTurk.jpg|thumb|left|Gohar Shahi in Brokelane ([[New York]])'s Jamia Mosque Turk in [[1997]]]]
[[Image:RAGS.MasjidTurk.jpg|thumb|left|Gohar Shahi in Brokelane ([[New York]])'s Jamia Mosque Turk in [[1997]]]]

As a tradition of Muslim Sufi history, most of Sufis faced opposition and criticism of orthodox theological scholars(The Mullahs), even some were executed like [[Hallaj]] <ref name="Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World">[Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World, Thompson Gale, (2004), p.290]</ref> and Shah Mansoor. Gohar Shahi also faced very strong opposition from different religious leaders and orthodox theological scholars,<ref name="moon"/><ref name="A Book against Gohar Shahi"/> as Gohar Shahi was in favor of [[divine love]] and considers it most important for an approach to God and no discrimination of [[caste]], [[creed]], [[nation]] or [[religion]] is accepted for Divine Love of God as every human has been gifted with an ability to develop spiritual power to approach to the essence of God. The teachings of Gohar Shahi were strongly condemned by orthodox theological scholars of the time, Muslim extremists and bigots developed enmity with Gohar Shahi. Many attempts were made to his life. A petrol bomb was thrown in his [[Manchester]]'s residence. There was an attack with [[hand grenade]] during the discourse at his home in [[Kotri]], [[Pakistan]]. A high price tag was put on his head in [[Pakistan]]. He was the subject of entrapment through five serious allegations.
Gohar Shahi's teachings have been condemned by Muslim religious leaders and the Pakistani government.<ref name="Daily Times">[http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_8-7-2004_pg7_43 Pakistan's Supreme Court upholds ban on a Shahi disciple's book]</ref>
Shahi faced strong opposition from different religious leaders and orthodox theological scholars,<ref name="moon"/><ref name="A Book against Gohar Shahi"/> and his teachings have been condemned by Muslim religious leaders and the Pakistani government.<ref name="Daily Times">[http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_8-7-2004_pg7_43 Pakistan's Supreme Court upholds ban on a Shahi disciple's book]</ref>

Many attempts were made on Shahi's life including a [[petrol bomb]] attack, thrown into his [[Manchester]] residence,{{cn}} and an attack with a [[hand grenade]] during the discourse at his home in [[Kotri]], [[Pakistan]].{{cn}} A high price tag was put on his head in [[Pakistan]].{{cn}}

[[Image:RAGS.MochiDurwaza.jpg|thumb|right|Gohar Shahi addressing to International Ism-e-Azam Conference, Mochi Durwaza [[Lahore]] on [[11th April]], [[1996]] organized by International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam]]
[[Image:RAGS.MochiDurwaza.jpg|thumb|right|Gohar Shahi addressing to International Ism-e-Azam Conference, Mochi Durwaza [[Lahore]] on [[11th April]], [[1996]] organized by International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam]]


Shahi's supporters claim that the alleged images of Gohar Shahi that appeared on the [[Moon]], [[Sun]], and the [[Al-Hajar-ul-Aswad]] ([[Black Stone]]) of [[Kaaba]]<ref name="Face of Gohar Shahi appeared on Kaaba"/> induced greater opposition.<ref name="List of blasphemy cases against Gohar Shahi and his followers"/> He faced media-trial, due to pressure of religious extremists, the Government of [[Pakistan]] also used all sources to eliminate the organization of Gohar Shahi.<ref name="Laws Open to Abuse">[http://www.claasfamily.org/blasphemy.htm Laws Open to Abuse]</ref><ref name="murder booking"/>
Shahi's books were banned by the Government of [[Pakistan]],<ref name="Daily Times"/> public meetings are not allowed to his followers<ref name="10 held for raising slogans in favour of Gohar Shahi">[http://www.dawn.com/2002/06/26/nat33.htm 10 held for raising slogans in favour of Gohar Shahi]</ref> and no press coverage is allowed to either Gohar Shahi or to his followers due to charges of blasphemy law violations.<ref name="Laws Open to Abuse">[http://www.claasfamily.org/blasphemy.htm Laws Open to Abuse]</ref> Several cases were filed against Gohar Shahi and his followers.<ref name="List of blasphemy cases against Gohar Shahi and his followers">[http://www.claasfamily.org/bcl.htm List of blasphemy cases against Gohar Shahi and his followers]</ref>
His books were banned by the Government of [[Pakistan]],<ref name="Daily Times"/> public meetings are not allowed to his followers<ref name="10 held for raising slogans in favour of Gohar Shahi">[http://www.dawn.com/2002/06/26/nat33.htm 10 held for raising slogans in favour of Gohar Shahi]</ref> and also no press coverage is allowed to either Gohar Shahi or to his followers due to charges of blasphemy law.<ref name="Laws Open to Abuse"/> Several cases were filed against Gohar Shahi and his followers.<ref name="List of blasphemy cases against Gohar Shahi and his followers"/>


Gohar Shahi was booked in [[1997]] on alleged charges of [[murder]]ing a woman who had come to him for spiritual treatment;<ref name="murder booking">[http://www.karachipage.com/news/nov97/111897.txt Gohar Shahi Chief of ASI]</ref> Gohar Shahi, and many of his followers,<ref name="thepersecution"/> were later convicted under Islamic [[blasphemy]] laws<ref name="hrrpt">[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2000/sa/710.htm Country Reports on Human Rights Practices by United States of America]</ref><ref name="moon">[http://www.dawn.com/weekly/cowas/20020210.htm "The Man in the Moon"] by [[Ardeshir Cowasjee]]</ref> by an antiterrorist court in [[Sindh]].<ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2000/sa/710.htm U.S. State Department Religious Freedom Report 2000]</ref> Gohar Shahi was convicted [[in absentia]]<ref name="hrrpt"/>&mdash;as he had previously fled to [[England]]<ref name="thepersecution">[http://www.thepersecution.org/ussdcirf/usirf2001.html Int’l Religious Freedom Report - May, 2001]</ref>&mdash;resulting in sentences that totaled approximately 59 years.<ref name="moon"/> Gohar Shahi died abroad, prior to any decision on appeals filed with the [[High Court of Sindh]].<ref name="moon"/>
Gohar Shahi was booked in [[1997]] on alleged charges of [[murder]]ing a woman who had come to him for spiritual treatment;<ref name="murder booking">[http://www.karachipage.com/news/nov97/111897.txt Gohar Shahi Chief of ASI]</ref> Gohar Shahi, and many of his followers,<ref name="thepersecution"/> were later convicted under Islamic [[blasphemy]] laws<ref name="hrrpt">[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2000/sa/710.htm Country Reports on Human Rights Practices by United States of America]</ref><ref name="moon">[http://www.dawn.com/weekly/cowas/20020210.htm "The Man in the Moon"] by [[Ardeshir Cowasjee]]</ref> by an antiterrorist court in [[Sindh]].<ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2000/sa/710.htm U.S. State Department Religious Freedom Report 2000]</ref> Gohar Shahi was convicted [[in absentia]]<ref name="hrrpt"/>&mdash;as he had previously fled to [[England]]<ref name="thepersecution">[http://www.thepersecution.org/ussdcirf/usirf2001.html Int’l Religious Freedom Report - May, 2001]</ref>&mdash;resulting in sentences that totaled approximately 59 years.<ref name="moon"/> Gohar Shahi died abroad, prior to any decision on appeals filed with the [[High Court of Sindh]].<ref name="moon"/>
Line 67: Line 62:
[[Image:Jussa-Ji.gif|thumb|The [[Darbar]]-e-Gohar Shahi ([[Tomb]]) in [[Kotri|Kotri Sharif]]]]
[[Image:Jussa-Ji.gif|thumb|The [[Darbar]]-e-Gohar Shahi ([[Tomb]]) in [[Kotri|Kotri Sharif]]]]
[[Image:RAGS.Newyork.jpg|thumb|left|Gohar Shahi addressing to Christian Community in [[New York]], [[USA]] on [[2nd October]], [[1999]].]]
[[Image:RAGS.Newyork.jpg|thumb|left|Gohar Shahi addressing to Christian Community in [[New York]], [[USA]] on [[2nd October]], [[1999]].]]
Gohar Shahi died on [[25 November]] [[2001]] in [[Manchester]], [[UK]], of [[pneumonia]]. Shahi's body was brought back to [[Pakistan]] from [[England]] and buried in Markazi Aastana at [[Kotri]], where the International Secretariat of Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam is located. His devotees perform pilgrimage to his [[mausoleum]]. However, the followers of Gohar Shahi strongly believed that the Gohar Shahi had left for his heavenly abode whilst traveling abroad and his mortal remains had been transported back, buried at his home in [[Kotri]],<ref name="moon"/> but that his soul goes marching on and soon Gohar Shahi will return with [[Jesus]] before the doomsday.<ref name="moon"/> The term for the demise of Gohar Shahi is used as “[[Occultation]]” instead of death and no [[urs]] celebration is held, which is a common tradition of all [[Sufis]]. Gohar Shahi's family still resides in [[Kotri]] including his widow, five sons and a daughter.
Gohar Shahi died on [[25 November]] [[2001]], in [[Manchester]], [[UK]], of [[pneumonia]].{{cn}} Shahi's body was brought back to [[Pakistan]] from [[England]] and buried in Markazi Aastana at [[Kotri]],<ref name="moon"/> where the International Secretariat of Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam is located. His devotees perform pilgrimage to his [[mausoleum]].{{cn}} The term for the demise of Gohar Shahi is used as "[[occultation]]", instead of death, and no [[urs]] celebration is held, which is a common tradition of all [[Sufis]].{{cn}} Gohar Shahi's family still resides in Kotri, including his widow, five sons and a daughter.{{cn}}

== See also ==
*[[Bari Imam]]
*[[Sufi texts]]
*[[Laal Bagh]]
*[[Sehwan Sharif]]
*[[Kotri|Kotri Sharif]]
*[[Baba Gohar Shah]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{sisterlinks|Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi|s=Author:Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi}}
{{sisterlinks|Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi|s=Author:Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.goharshahi.net Official Website of Gohar Shahi in [[English language|English]]]
*[http://www.goharshahi.pk Official Website of Gohar Shahi in [[Urdu]]]
*[http://www.goharshahi.com First Website Launched by Gohar Shahi in [[English language|English]]]
*[http://www.theawaitedone.com Website of Gohar Shahi in [[English language|English]]]

==Notes==
1. South Asian Muslims usually prepend the word ''Hazrat'' to the names of venerable persons as a mark of respect. Thus, this word may often appear before the names of Muslim personalities. However, this practice is not followed in this article, not for lack of courtesy and respect, but to maintain a neutral tone, in keeping with [[Wikipedia]] guidelines.


{{Sufism}}
{{Sufism}}

Revision as of 18:21, 21 May 2008

Template:Infobox revolution biography

Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi (Urdu:ریاض احمدگوھرشاہی) (‎25 November, 1941 – 25 November, 2001) also known as Sayyedna Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi (Urdu:سیدناریاض احمدگوھرشاہی) or Hazrat Sayyedna Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi Muddazullahul Aali (Urdu:حضرت سیدناریاض احمدگوھرشاہی مدظلہ العالی) was a Muslim Sufi, author, spiritual leader and founder of the spiritual movement Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam.[1] Shahi was born on the Indian subcontinent, in the village of Dhok Gohar Shah in the district of Rawalpindi.

Biography

File:00139.jpg
Al-Hajj Sayyed Fazal Hussain, father of Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi

Shahi was born on 25 November, 1941, in Dhok Gohar Shah. He is the fifth generation of the Sufi and spiritualist Baba Gohar Ali Shah.[2]

At the age of twenty, when Shahi was the owner of F. Q. Steel Industries, he started to search for spiritualism amongst the saints and dervishes of the time. Eventually, upon becoming disillusioned with the saints and dervishes he encountered, and being disappointed in not receiving spiritual benevolence, he returned to his work. Gohar Shahi then married and had three children.[2]

According to Shahi, at about the age of thirty four Bari Imam appeared before him and said: "My son your time has come, you must go to the shrine of Sultan Bahu to receive the Sacred Inner Dimensions of Spiritual Knowledge." Gohar Shahi then left his work, family and parents and went to Shorkot, where he read the book Nurul Huda (Light of Guidance),[3] written by Sultan Bahu. He then went to Sehwan Sharif for self-mortification and peace of heart, and spent a period of three years in the mountains of Sehwan Sharif and the forest of Laal Bagh in self-purification.[2]

Literary Works

File:RAGS.Gurdawara.jpg
Gohar Shahi delivering speech to Sikh Community in a Sikh Temple in Phoenix, Arizona, USA in 1997

Gohar Shahi authored a number of books and treatises, including one based on Sufi Poetry known as Turyaaq-e-Qulb, meaning "cure for hearts". Works by Gohar Shahi include:

  • Ruhani Safar (Spiritual Journey)
  • Menara-e-Noor (Minart of Light)
  • Roshnash (An Induction)
  • Tuhfa-tul-Majalis (Gift of Congregations)
  • Deen-e-Illahi (The Religion of God)

Sufi Views

File:Hisham-2.jpg
Hisham Kabbani sitting below Gohar Shahi during his visit to America in 1997.

A number of orthodox theological scholars condemned the teachings of Gohar Shahi and criticized him heavily not just in Pakistan but throughout the world. However, some Sufis, including Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani, Sultan-al Awliya Shaykh Mawlana as-Sayyid Khwaja Muhammad Nazim Adil al-Haqqani al-Rabbani al-Qubrusi al-Firdausi an-Naqshbandi, and Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri praised Shahi.[citation needed] Kabbani always used to sit beneath the feet of Gohar Shahi to give him respect and show fervor for him.[original research?]

Claims and criticism

File:RAGS.AramBagh.jpg
Gohar Shahi speaking during International Isme-e-Zaat Allah Conference held in Karachi on 7th October, 1996 organized by International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam

Gohar Shahi was in favor of divine love and considers it most important for an approach to God and no discrimination of caste, creed, nation or religion is accepted for Divine Love of God as every human has been gifted with an ability to develop spiritual power to approach to the essence of God.[citation needed]

Gohar Shahi claimed to have met with Jesus in America[citation needed] Shahi's supporters claim that his likeness appeared in the moon, sun, nebula star and the black stone of Makkah,[4] and that these alleged images induced greater legal and religious opposition.[citation needed]

Opposition towards Gohar Shahi and his followers stemmed from claims made by Shahi and his followers that were strongly opposed by orthodox theologians in Pakistan and abroad.[5][6] Shahi was accused of claiming the status of prophet and Imam Mehdi, but Shahi denied such accusations.[1][5]

File:RAGS.MasjidTurk.jpg
Gohar Shahi in Brokelane (New York)'s Jamia Mosque Turk in 1997

Shahi faced strong opposition from different religious leaders and orthodox theological scholars,[5][6] and his teachings have been condemned by Muslim religious leaders and the Pakistani government.[7]

Many attempts were made on Shahi's life including a petrol bomb attack, thrown into his Manchester residence,[citation needed] and an attack with a hand grenade during the discourse at his home in Kotri, Pakistan.[citation needed] A high price tag was put on his head in Pakistan.[citation needed]

File:RAGS.MochiDurwaza.jpg
Gohar Shahi addressing to International Ism-e-Azam Conference, Mochi Durwaza Lahore on 11th April, 1996 organized by International Spiritual Movement Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam

Shahi's books were banned by the Government of Pakistan,[7] public meetings are not allowed to his followers[8] and no press coverage is allowed to either Gohar Shahi or to his followers due to charges of blasphemy law violations.[9] Several cases were filed against Gohar Shahi and his followers.[10]

Gohar Shahi was booked in 1997 on alleged charges of murdering a woman who had come to him for spiritual treatment;[1] Gohar Shahi, and many of his followers,[11] were later convicted under Islamic blasphemy laws[12][5] by an antiterrorist court in Sindh.[13] Gohar Shahi was convicted in absentia[12]—as he had previously fled to England[11]—resulting in sentences that totaled approximately 59 years.[5] Gohar Shahi died abroad, prior to any decision on appeals filed with the High Court of Sindh.[5]

Death

File:Jussa-Ji.gif
The Darbar-e-Gohar Shahi (Tomb) in Kotri Sharif
File:RAGS.Newyork.jpg
Gohar Shahi addressing to Christian Community in New York, USA on 2nd October, 1999.

Gohar Shahi died on 25 November 2001, in Manchester, UK, of pneumonia.[citation needed] Shahi's body was brought back to Pakistan from England and buried in Markazi Aastana at Kotri,[5] where the International Secretariat of Anjuman Serfaroshan-e-Islam is located. His devotees perform pilgrimage to his mausoleum.[citation needed] The term for the demise of Gohar Shahi is used as "occultation", instead of death, and no urs celebration is held, which is a common tradition of all Sufis.[citation needed] Gohar Shahi's family still resides in Kotri, including his widow, five sons and a daughter.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ a b c Gohar Shahi Chief of ASI
  2. ^ a b c About Gohar Shahi
  3. ^ Books of Sultan Bahu
  4. ^ Face of Gohar Shahi appeared on Kaaba
  5. ^ a b c d e f g "The Man in the Moon" by Ardeshir Cowasjee
  6. ^ a b A Book against Gohar Shahi
  7. ^ a b Pakistan's Supreme Court upholds ban on a Shahi disciple's book
  8. ^ 10 held for raising slogans in favour of Gohar Shahi
  9. ^ Laws Open to Abuse
  10. ^ List of blasphemy cases against Gohar Shahi and his followers
  11. ^ a b Int’l Religious Freedom Report - May, 2001
  12. ^ a b Country Reports on Human Rights Practices by United States of America
  13. ^ U.S. State Department Religious Freedom Report 2000
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