Hazrat Dr. Zahurul Hassan Sharib, Sharib Gudri Shah Baba IV

"I am not concerned in the least with what you are, what you have, what you believe, how you live; how you act, how much faith you may have, how much belief you may have, or how much hope you may have; but I am concerned with what you would like to become."

These are the words of Hazrat Dr. Zahurul Hassan Sharib, Gudri Shah Baba IV. He lived his entire life for others. And for the love of The Almighty. These are the words that describe his love for the love of the Almighty.

Hazrat Dr. Zahurul Hassan Sharib (affectionately known as Zahur Mian) was born in Moradabad, a district in Uttar Pradesh, India. He received a doctorate in Political Science and thereafter pursued a legal career.

However, a deep interest in spiritual life steered him towards Sufism (Islamic mysticism). He moved to Ajmer, the city of the renowned Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti, where he spent many years in the love and service of his Pir-o-murshid (spiritual guide) Hazrat Nawab Khadim Hasan Shah Sahib, Gudri Shah Baba III. In 1970, upon the demise of his spiritual guide, Dr. Sharib succeeded as the Head of the Gudri Shahi Order of Sufis. Under his inspiring guidance, the Order gained momentum both in the East and the West.

Dr. Sharib was fluent in many languages, including some modern European languages. He has to his credit, a large number of publications in Urdu, English, Dutch and Italian. Apart from writing books on mysticism, he has translated classical Persian poetry into other languages. He has also authored several books on rural sociology.

Hazrat Sharib Gudri Shah Baba IV firmly believed in the ideal of plain living and high thinking. He was always an ocean of love, understanding, comfort and guidance for anyone who came in touch with him. Once asked by some members (of the Society of Mystics) as to how he should be remembered after his death, Zahurmian said:

"It is enough, if you remember me as one who loved you well, and loved you wisely too, giving you a sense of direction, proportion and perspective, a goal and a definite purpose."

His teachings were based on the teachings of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti, and in 1958 he founded The Society of Mystics, at the behest of his spiritual guide, Hazrat Nawab Gudri Shah Baba, after he was asked by Hazrat Khwaja Moniuddin Hasan Chishti to do so in a dream.

Upon becoming the Head of the Gudri Shahi Order, from 1972 onwards, Sharib Gudri Shah Baba IV wrote a series of periodical lectures for almost 25 years which are now compiled and presented in a book Inward Peace. The lectures hold a universal appeal for people belonging to different countries, cultures, religions and age groups and present his teachings in a simple manner.

Dr. Sharib passed away into the mercy of the Almighty on April 8, 1996. His tomb at the Usmani Chilla at Ajmer, India attracts scores of people throughout the year. His urs (death ceremony) is celebrated according to the lunar calendar on Zeeqad 19 and 20 at his tomb.