The name, Dargah e Hakimi conjures up visions of the qubba mubaraka of Syedi Abdulqadir Hakimuddin (RA) built in pristine marble and the two adjacent qubbas of Syedna Abdut Tayyeb Zakiuddin (RA) and Syedi Jeevanji. Stretching beyond are beautifully manicured gardens with fountains interspersed with rows of bungalows—a retreat offering zuwwar a tranquil holiday along with the barakat of ziyarat. Misbah interviewed Shk. Aunali—the man who narrates the success story of Burhanpur.

For how long have you been in Burhanpur? How was the Dargah e Hakimi Complex developed?

Huzurala (TUS) has granted me the honor to perform the khidmet of his forefather Syedi Abdulqadir Hakimuddin (RA) for the past 12 years. The glory of the mazaar mubarak and the fulfillment of desires that is so characteristic of the mazaar attracts mumineen from far and wide. This made it necessary to undertake a project that could host the perpetual flow of zuwwar and cater to their needs.

The construction work was undertaken, based on explicit instructions from Aqa Maula (TUS). The nehj of dawat, along with luxury was kept in mind.

The facilities at the mazaar mubarak cater to mumineen of different economic levels? How is that possible?

We charge rent not for commercial reasons, but with the purpose of meeting costs; rents range from 10 rupees in the general halls to 100 to 400 rupees in the rooms and bungalows. We thus make it affordable for mumineen from different economic levels.

Can you tell us about the miracles and glories of Syedi Abdulqadir Hakimuddin (RA) that you have witnessed in these years?

The most striking miracle of Syedi Hakimuddin (RA) is the completion of the project at Dargah e Hakimi. The construction task before us was colossal. The collection of funds, permission from the government, planning, contracting-- all this was miraculously eased out by the barakat of Syedi Abdulqadir Hakimuddin (RA).

Construction is one part of the story, maintenance is the other. How do you manage?

The lodging facilities and gardens need constant care. For this purpose, we have sought the advice and expertise of professionals. Besides, we have a virtual army of gardeners and maintenance staff whom I personally supervise. By conducting routine and sometimes surprise checks in person I have been able to maintain control over the different aspects.

What were the obstacles you faced during the construction?

In 1419, during the construction of the Eewan e Hakimi, some munafiqeen claimed that we had destroyed their Dargah. Several residents of Burhanpur got convinced by this claim and planned an attack on us. We immediately requested for dua mubarak. The enemy’s efforts came to naught and we were able to complete the project by the grace of Allah.

How many times has Aqa Maula (TUS) visited Burhanpur during your tenure? How long have you been preparing for this last visit? What were the highlights of the visit?

During my tenure Aqa Maula (TUS) has visited Burhanpur 4 times. 1) The first visit was in 1414 H., when the qubba mubarak was inaugurated. 2) In 1416 H., Aqa Maula (TUS) visited Burhanpur after his historic visit to Yemen. 3) The third visit was in 1419 H., when for the first time the waajebaat bethak was held outside Mumbai. During this visit, Aqa Maula (TUS) instructed that the Eewan e Hakimi and hall be used for several different purposes. And Maula (TUS) himself used it for namaaz, waaz mubarak, niyaaz, and Rasme Saify. 4) This year, 1424 H., Maula (TUS) performed the iftetah of the masjid, and conducted waaz on the day of urs mubarak.

During the bayan, Maula (TUS) graced me by accepting my khidmet of the mazaar mubarak. When Maula (TUS) arrived at his residence, he placed both hands on my shoulders and said, “The task before you is enormous. May Allah assist you.”