Documenting The Madarriya Silsila ,, Oldest Sufi Order of Zinda Shah Madar
posted at You Tube ..where I get abusive comments for documenting Sufism .
I love photography its not my source of income ,,I am a fashion stylist for Bollywood but my passion is documenting different religions faiths living harmoniously in India .
I am a Shia Muslim I shot Moharam Ashura Chehlum in metro cities of India.
The first Sufi order I shot at Mumbai Chandshah Wali rafaees who come each year at Mahim Dhuni during the Urus of Makhdhoom Shah Baba and later Urus of Fakhruddin Shaha Baba Mahim .. I shot this motley group for over 20 years .
I visited Ajmer first time in my life in 2005 I shot the Chishtiya Silsila thanks to Peersab Fakhru Miya Hujra no 6 .
It was this time that I met the Malangs at Sola Khamba Ajmer and I was fascinated with their simplicity humility and hospitality ..the lived austere lives and both Syed Masoom Ali Baba Asqan Madari and Syed Rafiq Baba Masoomi recieved me kindly at their Asthana at Char Yar masjid Ajmer .
I became a malang in 2011 as a photographer I wanted to document them from within..and these were followers of Ali like me I was given the Khilafatnama in 2017 by Syed Masoom Ali Baba at Makanpur ,
According to Syed Masoom Ali baba over 400 foreigners became his murids and some drank the pyala and I refused to take credit as I simply documented them but did not proselytize or promote their order .
I have showcased the malangs for over 13 years and I walked from Delhi to Ajmer last year 550 km in 13 days a ritual known as Chadiyan,.. this year I am stuck with a film assignment so could not make it .
I document all faith but I follow my inner instincts I follow truth liberty justice and hope harmony prevails in our country ..I only shoot India India people India culture ..entwined in myriad branches .
I dont know why people have to abuse me threaten me troll me on this platform.. I am not a radical Muslim I am not a fundamentalist those who try to teach me true Islam should first go and teach those across the borders who kill Shias Hindus minorities ,,, instead of harassing and targeting me .
I mean how can you live with so much hate if what I follow is heresy according to you fine but my heresy has made me human and a Hussaini ..
So chill take a pill..
For those who want my cell number email I am a private person I am not into socializing at all.
I am on Facebook ..I dont add friends I delete all requests .
I am on Twitter Flickr and You Tube ,,,
I am a hardcore peaceloving Mumbaikar .
I am not a Sufi Bawa but I dress up like a monk that is my sartorial identity ...
most of my Gurus friends wellwishers are Hindus and I believe in mutual co existence ,,
You should not judge me by what I shoot I dont shoot porn I dont shoot videos to hurt people's sense or sensibility .
There are more fake guides, teachers in the world than stars. The real guide is the one who makes you see your inner beauty, not the one who wants to be admired and followed.
Shams Tabrizi —
