While this book on the history of the Chishti Masha-ikh was being complied and prepared, the idea was always in my mind to end this compilation with an account of the life of my Shaikh, Hadhrat Aqdas Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyyah Sahib, because he too is a link of this golden chain.

My hope and wish of this made me clamour night and day for the quick completion of this book. But the biggest hurdle for the realisation of my wish was the fact that a second glance had necessarily to be given to this addendum (pertaining to Hadhrat Zakarriyah’s life). But, the personality (viz. Shaikh Zakariyyah) who had listened to the whole book from the first line to the last, making correction, additions, etc., was not prepared to listen to even a single line pertaining to himself. I have experienced this self-same attitude many times in the past.

On this occasion, during a meeting of the Ulama, I alluded to my wish (to have his life story included in the book). But he abruptly and emphatically refused. Expressing his refusal with vehemence he said:

“It shall not be so. Absolutely not.”

I therefore had no hope of gaining his co-operation on this score. But, to publish the book without someone checking it, was difficult. However, the honourable Maulana Mufti Mahmْd Hasan Gangohi acceded to my request. He has read this article from beginning to end. In this manner, Alhamdulillah, this addendum has become reliably accredited and authentic.

Muhammad Shahid
7th Rabiul Awwal 1393 Hijri