Baba Zaheen Shah Yousufi Taji (R.A)
Early Life and Lineage
Baba Zaheen Shah Yousufi Taji (1902 – July 23, 1978), born Muhammad Taseen, was a celebrated Sufi of the subcontinent, known for his contributions as an Urdu poet, philosopher, and scholar. He was born in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, India, and was a direct descendant of Caliph Umar Farooq. His spiritual heritage included the revered Sufi saint Khawaja Hameed uddin Nagori, a disciple of Syed Muhammad Moinuddin Chishti Ajmeri.
Spiritual Journey
Zaheen Shah Taji was inducted into the Chishti order of Sufism and became a disciple of Baba Yousuf Shah Taji, who was a disciple of Tajuddin Baba of Nagpur.
Literary Contributions
A prolific writer and poet, Zaheen Shah Taji authored numerous books and ghazals under the pen name “Zaheen.” He was proficient in Persian, Arabic, English, and Hindi. His notable translations include Ibn Arabi’s “Fusus-ul-Hukm” and “Fatuhat al-Makiyyah,” as well as Al-Hallaj’s “Kitab-ut-Tawaseen” into Urdu. Among his many works, “Taj-ul-Auliya,” a biography of Baba Tajuddin of Nagpur, stands out.
Notable Works
Zaheen Shah Taji’s poetry collections, such as “Āyāt-i Jamāl,” “Lam Aat-e-Jamal,” “Jamal-e-Ayyaat,” and “Ajmaal-e-Jamaal,” are highly esteemed in Urdu literary circles. His biography of Hazrat Baba Tajuddin Auliya Nagpuri, titled “Taj-ul-Auliya,” is another significant contribution.
Gatherings and Influence
His literary gatherings attracted prominent scholars and poets, including Maulana Mahir-ul-Qadri, Prof. A. B. A. Haleem, Prof. Karrar Hussain, Maulana Kausar Niazi, Hasrat Kasganjvi, Jaun Elia, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ahmad Faraz, Raghib Muradabadi, Ilyas Ishqui, Abul Khair Kashfi, Josh Malihabadi, Rais Amrohvi, and Syed Muhammad Taqi.
Legacy and Availability of Works
Zaheen Shah Taji’s books are available in PDF format and can be accessed through the Facebook page of the Baba Zaheen Shah Taji (RA) Foundation. His legacy continues to inspire and guide followers and scholars of Sufism and Urdu literature.