Excerpts from the Rasail Sharifa of Syedna Taher Saifuddin (RA)
One of the recent bounties bestowed upon me is that my son - Mohammed, having reached lofty heights and become the delight of my eye due to his outstanding character and extensive knowledge - has become most worthy of having his oath of misaaq taken.
We arrived in Surat, the seat of Duaat Kiraam (RA) and invited mumineen from all around to attend, with many coming from near and far.
I administered the oath of misaaq of the Imam (AS) in the presence of all mumineen and thus the first point of light, derived from the very source of all light, was united to his pure soul. This is the true birth for mumineen.
I elevated him to the rank of "Mumin Baaligh" and gave him the laqab of his grandfather - Maulana Burhanuddin (RA).
Let us now speak of Allah's bounties in accordance with His instruction to Rasulullah (SA), "Speak of the bounties of your Lord!" Allah made possible for the servant of His Wali, the wedding of his most illustrious son, delight of his heart, the successor to the august position of Dai al Mutlaq. He is the delight of Imamil Muttaqeen (AS), the centrepiece in the necklace of Duaat Mutlaqeen (RA) and the delight of their devoted believers. He is Mazoon ul Dawat and heir to its throne by virtue of chasteness of heart and wealth of destiny.
And what a remarkable wedding! Its joy absolute, its goodwill widespread, its blessings total. In beauty and blessings it exceeded that of all the weddings of past regents of the Dawat. Mumineen flocked to Surat, the seat of Duaat Kiraam (RA), in thousands and we prepared for them providing for their food, accommodation and other needs. All by Allah's assistance and the overseeing of His Wali.
We decorated al Jamea tus Saifiyah with many kinds of décor such that it resembled a glowing new bride or a lush fertile garden. We invited the residents of Surat in groups from all the various faiths such that none was excluded, as well as many people from other cities from both Muslim and non-Muslims sects. To each of them we extended a hospitality that would create greater respect for the creed amongst the public, presenting the Dawat in the most decorous of clothes.
The considerable expense incurred in this grand wedding would not have been sustainable without Allah's benefaction. This event will have been witnessed by those of you mumineen who were present - the pomp and ceremony such as had never been seen before. The elation of this wedding spread across the hearts of mumineen, muminaat whilst the people spoke of its unprecedented grandeur.
And I have indeed crowned my illustrious son, of noble brow, with the exalted nass. He is a joy to the Imam (AS), who professes immaculate devotion to Mawaali Tahereen (AS) and who is among the chosen of Allah's Creation, a saviour from this temporal world. Named 'Mohammed' and titled 'Burhanuddin', may Allah grant him a long life, guide and enlighten him, help and inspire him in all his endeavours.
I have entrusted the matter of Dawat to my illustrious son, Mohammed Burhanuddin, a pillar of the monotheists, leader of the people of the right - a priceless jewel from the treasure trove of Imam-ul-Zamaan (AS).
May Allah keep him forever safe in His secure fortress. May he fulfil his duties of the khidmat of Ahle Bayt (s.a.) with total purity and utmost faith. May he be guided in all his tasks on the path of righteousness.
I have crowned this youth, he that is I myself - 52nd amongst the Duaat of seclusion, with the nass of Aimmat (AS.). He is a vessel for their enlightened wisdom and has acquired their spiritual character as well as their worthy merits. I refer to my son, delight of Imam's (AS) eyes, pillar amongst intellectuals, named Mohammed and titled Burhanuddin.
May Allah safeguard him, place him amongst the inspired and guided. May He deliver to him a flow of the barakaat of His Wali at all times, and benefit mumineen by his long life. May He protect him from all ill.
In India there is a major Muslim university at Aligarh. When the need arose to appoint a new Chancellor, leading figures from within the university decided to approach me to take on the role. I considered their request and, upon being convinced that their approach to me was for my spiritual respect amongst Muslims and not politically motivated, I accepted.
At around this time the radiant son, Mazoon of the Dawat, Mohammed Burhanuddin, had decided to travel for the ziyarat of Najaf and Karbala. The arrival of a senior Aligarh representative to discuss the Chancellery with me coincided with the day of the departure of my illustrious son. He set forth that very day for Iraq and I regarded this pleasant coincidence as a good omen.
After completing the ziyarat of Najaf and Karbala, the illustrious son decided to go to Shaam (Syria) for the ziyarat of the Mawaali Kiraam (AS). Then he set forth for Palestine and Al-Masjid al-Aqsa where his ultimate desires were fulfilled when Allah enabled him to perform namaaz there on the eve of the 27th of Rajab. This is the eve referred to in the Quran, "Glory be to Him who lead forth His servant by night from Al-Masjid al-Haraam to Al-Masjid al-Aqsa whose precincts we have blessed so that we might show him our signs, truly Allah is the all-hearing, all-seeing."
Two days later, on the 29th, the letter appointing Mamluke Aale Mohammed as Chancellor of Aligarh was received - a unanimous decision by all the leading officers of the university.