Shah Jalal Yemeni
Episode 10
Shariq Ali
Valueversity
We were so engrossed in organizing the conference that we lost track of time. It was only when the local organizers informed us that dinner was ready that we realized how hungry we were. In the dining hall, we enjoyed the delicious locally-prepared, lightly-spiced dishes, which included lentils, rice, vegetables, fish, and mutton korma. We ate with great pleasure, chatting away, and a few more friends who arrived later joined us. These included Michael Peck from the USA, Bu Ali from Canada, Richard from Nigeria, Opoku from Ghana, Sean Falder from the UK, and Ghaffar from Afghanistan.
Throughout the day, more guests continued to arrive at the conference, and we met them all during the dinner. After the meal, during tea, we finalized the next day’s agenda. Then, everyone headed to their respective cottages and rooms to sleep. As I walked along the path leading to Cottage No. 3, the enchanting night of Bangladesh and the gentle breeze took my hand.
The lifestyle of the people in Bangladesh is simple and closely connected to nature. In rural areas, most people are farmers whose lives revolve around agriculture. In the cities, people have adopted a modern way of living, yet they remain rooted in their traditional culture. The simple yet colorful decor of their homes and the reflection of Bengali craftsmanship showcase their way of life.
Rabindranath Tagore, the Bengali poet and musician, elevated Bengali poetry and music to new heights, and his spiritual and cultural influence is deeply evident in the social environment here. By the time I reached the cottage, I was so exhausted that as soon as I reached the bed, sleep overtook me.
The next day, the conference activities continued. The papers presented were excellent, and the workshop held in the evening was highly appreciated by the trainee doctors. That night, a musical evening was arranged, where local Sufi singers from Sylhet presented the poetry of Hazrat Shah Jalal.
The shrine of Shah Jalal is located in Sylhet, and it is the final resting place of the Sufi saint, Hazrat Shah Jalal-ud-Din Yemeni. He came to Bengal from Yemen in the 13th century and achieved spiritual elevation through his virtuous deeds and character.
Along with Shah Jalal, 360 saints also came to Bengal, spreading the message of Islam. Their simplicity and patience won the hearts of the local people. Even today, his shrine remains a center of spiritual pilgrimage for devotees and visitors.
The musical evening was dedicated to Hazrat Shah Jalal, and we thoroughly enjoyed the spiritual gathering. The memories of the famous Bangladeshi singer, Runa Laila, were revived during this event. She gained popularity in both Pakistan and India through her singing. Her voice and unique style captivated people. Even today, her song “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar” from the 1970s remains popular.
Runa Laila sang in several languages, including Urdu, Bengali, and Punjabi, and her singing also had hints of classical music. Her unique voice and unparalleled singing style remain alive in people’s hearts to this day.
…to be continued.