XX. SHAIKH ‘ABDU-'L-GHAFŪR OF A‘AMPŪR.

A‘ampūr* is a pargana town in the Sarkār of Sambal. The Shaikh was the disciple of Shaikh ‘Abdu-'l-Quddūs, of the Cish order.* He was perfect both in form and in inward qualities. He underwent severe discipline and strove* much in the way of holy endeavour. Divine grace was his companion in the following of the footsteps of the holy seal of prophecy,* —may God bless and give peace to him and his family! He used very soon to obtain influence over any one who was thrown into his company, and how little adaptable soever a student might be, the attractions of the Shaikh would carry him beyond himself and would make him, even against his will,* inclined to the Shaikh's service.

The Shaikh spent most of his time in giving instruction in religious knowledge. His eloquent words were peace to the turbulent heart, and his wonder working tongue balm to the 43. longing soul. In beauty of form and sweetness of disposition he was chief among his contemporaries. He received disciples and exhorted and advised the people. He wrote treatises on the mysticism of the Ṣūfīs. In truth there can be no manner of doubt as to the Shaikh's perfections of body and mind. After planting his footsteps within the circumference of (what is understood by the saying) “Octogenarians are God's own freed men,”* he took his departure, in the course of the year H. 985 (A.D. 1577-8) for the eternal mansions, and was buried in A‘ampūr. May God magnify his dignity!