Visits: 180
It was Syed Yusufuddin Gilani who originated the term Momin, which was later to become the designation for millions of followers of Islam. Impressed by the strength and character, as well as the determination, courage, and dedication of the new adherents to Islam, Gilani called them Momins and appointed Adam (Sunderji) as their leader and guide.
Pir Sahib then gave Adam a set of clothes—a long shirt, trouser, a waist-coat, a jacket and a turban—that clearly identified the new leader and his flock. In so doing Pir Sahib introduced the dress form that was to become a tradition for centuries.
We quote Syed Yusufuddin Gilani’s address to Adam and his flock (as recorded for posterity): “Dear Brethren, from today onwards you are Muslims; you have one Allah, one Prophet, one Holy Book (Quran) and you are all brothers. Believe in Allah; follow His Path and act according to the orders given in the Quran. You will be honored in religion as well as in the world, and you and your offspring will prosper for a long time.”
When the Hindu people of Sindh saw the spread of Islam, they severed all their social, economic, and religious ties with the new adherents. This wave of opposition led Adam and his people to Pir Sahib for his wise counsel and guidance, saying, “As we have accepted Islam, our people are displeased with us. They have broken all social contacts and have ceased all transactions with a view to make us revert to our old faith. What shall we do now? We are prepared to follow your advice.”
Pir Sahib replied: “I advise you to migrate from here so that you can easily perform your duties to Islam after reaching another place. Our Great Prophet (May the blessings and mercy of Allah be upon him), once advised Muslims to migrate during the early years of Islam. You, too, should now, likewise, go to another place.”
A question arises as to how it was that Muslims were compelled to migrate from Sindh when the Islamic Government of Kabul ruled the region.
History and research would indicate that while it is correct to say that Sindh was ruled by the Government of Kabul, Islamic conquerors were never wholly involved in the spread of religion and, during their rule, there was freedom of religion. The work of promoting Islam was left to the preachers and saints like Syed Yusufuddin Gilani. During this period the Province of Sindh and the city of Thatta had several saints and men of religion.
When Pir Sahib ordered Adam and his people to migrate, between 100 and 150 families of Momins (Memons) left the city of Thatta to settle on the banks of a nearby river, the Varaya.
However, peace was never fully realized by the Memon community, despite their having left their homes in their original settlements in Sindh. Between 859 AH and 866 AH when Jam Sanjar ruled Sindh, a weak government led to chaos and disorder. In the border areas between Southern Sindh and Gujarat, the powerful Baloochis spread havoc by raiding and looting caravans plying trade. As a result, movement between Sindh and Gujarat was halted. The Memons (who were mainly businessmen) found life intolerable and were forced to migrate again, this time from Varaya. With their livelihood threatened and their future uncertain, the Memons split into small groups, which ventured out in different directions. Thus, the once large Memon community was divided into smaller factions.
One group, under the leadership of Ladha, migrated to the State of Halar in Kathiawar and became known as the Halari Memons. Another group, which proceeded towards Karachi, a port of Sindh, became known as Sindhi Memons. A third group, made up of fifty young men, proceeded towards Punjab and settled in Lahore. The Kutchi Memons, on the other hand, migrated to Bhuj, the Capital of Cutch. They originally settled there under the leadership of Kaneya Seth, the son of Markun Seth, who assumed the Islamic name of Rukunuddin. Markun Seth was the son of Adam Seth, the first leader of the Memon Community (appointed by Syed Yusufuddin Gilani). When the Memons migrated in different directions from Varaya, those left behind followed Kaneya Seth to Cutch.
The migration and movement of the Memons from their original home in Nagar Thatta in Sindh caused stress and severe hardship, forcing families to live hand-to-mouth, in constant fear of starvation.
Throughout these trying times they were steadfast in their faith and pursued the principles of Islam with a high sense of devotion and dedication. The great bond that was established in such circumstances united families, promoted sharing of resources, placed emphasis on the value of oneness.
These simple people who put their trust and faith in Allah and never once wavered throughout the long, arduous struggle to survive, were handsomely rewarded. Allah eventually took mercy and showered them with His generosity and an abundance of fortune. For the believers in the power of Allah, the true testing time had come and gone, and, after 400 years of wandering and search of a true permanent home, the Memons had finally set down roots. Their arrival in different parts of India heralded a new beginning, a life of plenty and an abundance of good fortune, as the business acumen of these Islamic migrants set the stage for continuing success and prosperity.