The art of self-transportation

Sufi mystics of yore are said to have had the rare power of self-transportation from one place to another in no time, notes R.V. Smith

The recent conference on mysticism in the Capital threw up some interesting mystic possibilities which are akin to miracles. Those who have watched the Star Trek films must have seen how the astronauts are beamed up and within seconds are transported from one place to another in space. The idea is still in the realm of science fiction and may be in some decades scientists might be able to transform fiction into reality.

But believe it or not some mystics – sufis, sanyasis and monks – have been doing this for centuries, albeit in great secrecy and without any fanfare. Some 60 years ago there was a mystic in Delhi who gave his followers enough evidence that he could be at two places at the same time. Baba Mian was invited to a wedding in Agra. He never used to speak much and only communicated in monosyllables. Asked to confirm whether he would come, he said “Haan” (yes). Shoe sellers from Ballimaran went for the nuptials of their friend's son by bus.

The ceremony was held near the kotwali at the kothi of Nawab Shaukat. There was much revelry, as happens on such occasions; just when the nikah was over and the guests were getting ready for the delicious lunch of korma and shirmal, some Delhiwallahs saw Baba Mian going up to the bridegroom and blessing him. He then went to the zenana. The purdah rule was waived for the holy man, who walked up to the girl and blessed her also. After that he was not seen.

Mortals in rain

Some of the wedding party telephoned their friends in Delhi who had failed to arrive. They said it was raining heavily and so they were held up near the khanqah of Baba Mian on Mathura Road. “But Baba has managed to come here all right” they were informed.” How could he, they replied because he is sleeping right in front of us after reciting the tasbih (rosary). There was no doubt that the mystic had somehow been able to make his presence felt both in Agra and Delhi at the same time.

This sort of beaming by mystics to distant places has been reported from time to time. Moinuddin Chisti is credited with this gift, so also Sheikh Salim Chisti and Ismat Chughtai's uncle Master Qamaruddin whose voice only echoed and re-echoed in the ramshackle room he occupied on the Yamuna bank while his body was missing.

The wedding over, the bride was escorted to Delhi by the bridegroom and his relatives. Some of them then went to meet Baba Mian and told him that they had seen him at the Nikah pandal. The Baba nodded and said “Haan”. He then closed his eyes and went off to sleep.

This scribe often met a mianji at the shrine of Hazat Kalimullah, opposite the Red Fort. People believed this was where he went for a “Hawai Haj” by just falling off to sleep in the small room he shared with his wife, who used to sweep the mazar of the saint morning and evening. When Bakr'Id was being celebrated he suddenly got up from bed, washed his hands, face and feet and went to offer namaaz at Jama Masjid. While returning home he was asked by an acquaintance where he had been for two days. Mianji put his hand in his kurta pocket and produced some dates which are only found on trees growing around Mecca.

How was Mianji able to perform the pilgrimage (sic) within two days in 1962? You may find it difficult to answer this question unless you are a believer in mysticism.

Errata: In last week's article ‘The walk to Qadam Sharif' was organised and led by heritage activist Surekha Narain.