News DeskSharjah, UAE – At this year’s Sharjah International Book Fair, readers were introduced to rare and groundbreaking works, including Shah Waliullah Dehlavi’s Al-Badoor al-Bazigha, a book from the 18th century that continues to surprise modern audiences with its foresight and depth. Among the many who explored this masterpiece was Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, who expressed deep interest in the pioneering ideas presented by Shah Waliullah.
Shah Waliullah’s Vision of Cosmic Evolution
One of the most compelling aspects of Al-Badoor al-Bazigha is Shah Waliullah’s exploration of what can be described as “cosmic evolution,” which he outlined nearly 115 years before Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species was published in 1859. Shah Waliullah envisioned the cosmos as an evolving, interconnected system that moved through stages of refinement, each with the purpose of unveiling the divine unity of existence.
A Vision of the Universe’s Spiritual Evolution
In Al-Badoor al-Bazigha, Shah Waliullah proposed a structured, hierarchical cosmos that evolves progressively toward a higher understanding of unity and purpose. He describes a universe that moves closer to understanding God’s unity, with humanity playing a crucial role as a bridge between the material and the spiritual worlds. This cosmic evolution is not merely physical but spiritual, as all of creation progresses towards a higher state of existence.
Echoes of Modern Science: Quantum Interconnectedness and Multi-Layered Realities
Shah Waliullah’s conception of the universe as a deeply interconnected system is strikingly similar to the modern concept of quantum entanglement in physics. His multi-layered view of the cosmos anticipates modern theories about multiple dimensions and parallel universes, resonating with today’s scientific explorations into the nature of reality.
The Evolution of Human Consciousness
Shah Waliullah also explored the evolution of human consciousness, proposing that the human soul progresses through intellectual and spiritual stages, each leading toward greater unity with the Divine. His model of spiritual development anticipates modern psychological and neuroscientific understandings of human cognition.
Preservation of Shah Waliullah’s Legacy
The Rahimia Institute of Quranic Sciences in Lahore has recently reprinted Al-Badoor al-Bazigha along with other significant works of Shah Waliullah, with additional research and annotations by Sheikh Abdul Khaliq Azad Raypuri. This effort ensures that Shah Waliullah’s profound legacy is preserved for future generations, allowing his work to continue to inspire both scholars and spiritual seekers around the world.
Other Rare Works by Shah Waliullah at SIBF
In addition to Al-Badoor al-Bazigha, other rare works by Shah Waliullah were featured at the Sharjah International Book Fair, including:
Al Qaul al Jameel: Practical advice for spiritual development.
Lamhaat: Insights into human intellect and its divine potential.
These masterpieces continue to challenge readers and scholars to engage with questions about the cosmos, human consciousness, and the divine.
Ambassador Tirmizi’s Praise for Intellectual Heritage
Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, expressed his admiration for Shah Waliullah’s work and the collaboration of the Ibn Al-Arabi Foundation for Research and Publishing and the Rahimia Institute of Quranic Sciences. He emphasized the urgent need for translating these profound texts into various languages to make Shah Waliullah’s insights accessible to a wider global audience.
Shah Waliullah’s Enduring Impact on Modern Thought
Shah Waliullah’s philosophical and metaphysical ideas bridge the gap between science, spirituality, and philosophy. His exploration of cosmic and spiritual evolution offers a timeless framework that continues to inspire both modern scientists and spiritual seekers. The works showcased at the Sharjah International Book Fair underscore the lasting relevance of Shah Waliullah’s thought, ensuring that his intellectual legacy continues to influence new generations of readers around the world.
