DR Mubarak Ali, in his well-researched article ‘Knowledge is power’ (Sept 23) has succinctly dilated on the role of the church and the clergy monopolising the Bible during mediaeval times.

He is right that subsequent translation of the Bible in other languages caused dissemination of knowledge which resulted in transformation of society. He has, however, failed to appreciate that the Holy Quran was first translated in the subcontinent by Makhdoom Lutuf Allah, known as Makhdoom Nuh (1500-1590), a great scholar in Islamic traditions and laws, much before Shah Walliullah (1703-1762).

Makhdoom Nuh lived during the era when Sindh was passing through one of its most tumultuous crises of history. First the Central Asian Arguns (1524-1554) after being defeated by Emperor Babur, their cousin, shattered peace of Sindh. They defeated the last Samu king and ruled Sindh with cruelty unheard of in the annals of history.

Thereafter, in order to deprive the fugitive Sultan Hmayoon refuge, Arguns burnt the entire standing crop creating the worst famine of history in which thousands families perished.

The Arguns were followed by Tarkhans (1554-1591), their courtiers, who were greater tyrants than masters. They not only devastated the country economically but had caused irreparable damage to its social and cultural fabric.

During their rule Portuguese attacked and burnt the city of Thatta, a great commercial centre and seat of learning where people came from distant lands to acquire knowledge. The loss of caused by the destruction of the capital could never be recouped.

During these turbulent times numerous reputable families, especially from Pat and Darbela, shifted either to Makkah and Madina or migrated to Deccan and Gujarat never to return to their motherland.

These families settled in adopted homeland where they are still known with their original appellation ‘Sindhis’ or ‘Sindis’.

In those chaotic times when Sindh was under tyranny of foreign yoke, Makhdoom Nuh of Hala was the one who was always at odds with the rulers as regards the well-being of the people.

In 1590 Emperor Akbar sent Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan, a distinguished general, to conquer Sindh. The general and his literary circle had implicit faith in the efficacy of blessing of saints.

He was told that ‘between you and your enemy’ whosever will be the first to attend the gathering of Fatehakhwani for Makhdoom Nuh ( who died in Hala Kandi, now Hala, during the Mughal expedition) will gain victory.

The general spared no pains and attended it very early. Thus the prognosis came true as it was he who eventually succeeded in attaining the objective.

ALTAMASH KURESHI Karachi