History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c38.s3: §5. Persecution of Dara's favourite theologians.
History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c38.s3
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§5. Persecution of Dara's favourite theologians.
v3.c38.s3.1
The enforcement of Islamic orthodoxy gave Aurangzib an opportunity of punishing those liberal holy men of his creed whom Dara had favoured. His infidelity must have been encouraged by them; at all events he had gained popularity and prestige by his close association with such widely respected devotees. Now was their time of reckoning.
v3.c38.s3.2
A mulla and teacher (akhund) named Shah Muhammad, whose disciples loved to call him "The Man drowned in the Ocean of Communion with God,"—was a native of Badakhshan, and early in life showed his skill in composing sacred verses. After travelling much, he became the disciple of Mian Mir, the saint of Lahor, and finally settled in Kashmir. The fame of his sanctity spread far and wide. Dara Shukoh and Jahanara greatly honoured him, made him large gifts of money and built for him a stone monastery and residence. Nobles, scholars and Shaikhs visited him frequently. He composed a hundred thousand couplets of mystic poetry unfolding his knowledge of God and spiritual truths. Wit sweetened his speech, and many apt repartees of him were long remembered. When Aurangzib came to the throne, Dara's enemies had him summoned to the imperial presence. He went very reluctantly to Lahor and lived there in great distress and fear till his death, but all the while thanked God that his life was ending, as it had begun, in poverty. Here he died in 1661 and was buried close to the tomb of his master, Mian Mir.*