The Birth of the Title Kamaly in Shaharpara: A Legacy Forged in Unity and Tradition
Born on 30th September 1902 in Shaharpara proper, Baglar Bari, Akbar Ali Master lived a life that not only shaped his family’s legacy but also impacted the region’s collective identity. His path was one of both learning and teaching, contributing profoundly to the educational landscape of his time. From his early life in the tranquil surroundings of School Bari, a land predominantly owned by his clan, to the formal creation of the Kamaly title, the journey to this monumental achievement was nothing short of extraordinary.
The Early Years: A Thinker and Educator
Akbar Ali’s academic journey began in Kailashahar, an area with significant historical prominence, being the ancient capital of the Tripuri Kingdom. Though he completed his education up to the 9th standard, his intellectual curiosity and passion for learning never waned. By the age of sixteen, Akbar Ali began his career as a primary school teacher in Greater Shaharpara, at a school established with the financial help of his father and uncles. This school, nestled within the grounds of School Bari, would later play a pivotal role in the shaping of Shaharpara's educational fabric. Officially registered in 1918, the school was more than just a place for education—it was a symbol of the unity and progress that Akbar Ali aspired to bring to his community.
But it wasn’t just about imparting knowledge. Akbar Ali’s vision was far grander—he sought to unite his people, particularly those tied to the legacy of Hazrat Shah Kamal Quhafah (RA), under a common banner. This endeavour would culminate in the coining of a title that would carry forward for generations—the title Kamaly.
The Vision of Unity: The Birth of Kamaly
Around 1916, Akbar Ali began working towards a unification of the tribes associated with Hazrat Shah Kamal Quhafah (RA). He felt a deep spiritual calling to bring together the scattered descendants of Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA), and it was through this vision that the surname Kamaly—also spelt Kamali—was born. It was not just a name; it was a beacon of unity, identity, and respect, rooted in spiritual heritage and the cultural legacy of the region.
At this time, Shaharpara, like many parts of the subcontinent, did not typically use surnames or titles. Instead, people were identified by their clan names, each representing their family’s lineage and heritage. Akbar Ali sought to change this, and through his efforts, the title Kamaly became synonymous with respect, leadership, and a profound connection to the legacy of Hazrat Shah Kamal Quhafah (RA).
But this title was more than just a personal or familial distinction—it was a symbol of collective pride for the entire community. It embodied the values of unity and strength that Akbar Ali worked tirelessly to instil in his people. Through his efforts, Kamaly became a name carried by descendants of Hazrat Shah Kamal’s (RA) legacy, and it would soon spread far beyond the borders of Shaharpara.
A Historical Feast: The Legacy of Sarang Bari
One of the most defining moments in the history of Shaharpara came during the 40th-day death anniversary of Mohammad Danis Sarang, an event that remains etched in the memories of many. This was not just a simple memorial; it was a cultural and communal event that exemplified the spirit of togetherness that Akbar Ali hoped to foster. Held during the Shinni Mandali congregation, which gathered one of the largest crowds of its time, the event was marked by a grand feast. Thirteen bulls were slaughtered, a culinary feat that involved marinating the meat with curd—a tradition that had never been attempted before in the region.
This feast was not merely a celebration of food; it was a testament to the unity and collective spirit of the village. Villagers from surrounding areas contributed to the preparation of the curd, showing an unparalleled sense of cooperation and shared responsibility. The village gathered in Sarang Bari, a place named after the title of Sarang, the second mate of a ship, symbolising leadership and guidance. This event highlighted the spirit of charity and remembrance, in line with Islamic traditions, where the 40th day after a death marks the conclusion of the mourning period, and acts of kindness and charity are encouraged.
Kamaly’s Legacy Beyond Shaharpara
The title Kamaly did not stay confined to Shaharpara; it spread far beyond the borders of the village, carried by those who embraced its significance. Among those who bore this title was Atiqul Hussain Kamaly, also known as Atiqul Haq Kamali, affectionately referred to as Thakur. Born in the early 1930s, he was the son of School Bari and an early settler of Sylhet city. A prominent figure, Atiqul Haq, became a retired bureaucrat who contributed significantly to both the East Pakistan and Bangladesh governments. His life was a testament to the impact of the Kamaly legacy, and his journey from Dhaka University to Jagannath University in the early years of East Pakistan added a layer of academic and professional excellence to the Kamaly name.
Before the introduction of this title, no one in Shaharpara had used surnames in the manner we understand them today. It was Akbar Ali’s vision that changed this, cementing the Kamaly surname as a mark of distinction, pride, and legacy.
A Name, A Legacy, A Vision
The story of the Kamaly surname is more than just a chronicle of a name—it is a story of cultural identity, communal unity, and the vision of one man to unite and uplift his people. Akbar Ali Master’s vision of creating a lasting legacy through the Kamaly title not only connected the descendants of Hazrat Shah Kamal Quhafah (RA) but also laid the foundation for a legacy that would echo for generations. Today, the Kamaly name stands as a reminder of the power of vision, unity, and heritage—a name that carries the weight of history and the promise of the future.
In Shaharpara, the birth of Kamaly is more than a historical event; it is a living legacy that continues to resonate within the hearts and minds of those who carry it. It is a symbol of connection—to each other, to history, and to the values that bind us all together in the journey of life.
The Genealogical Bloodline: The Clans of Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA)
The genealogical bloodline family branches of Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA) spread across several prestigious clans in Shaharpara, each bearing its unique name. These clans, such as Baglar Gushti, Mullar Gushti, Shahjir Gushti, Sadardi Gushti, Sheikhbadi Gushti, Sheikh Farid Gushti, and Khadim Gushti, trace their lineage back to Hazrat Shah Kamal Quhafah (RA). These family branches, which bear the Kamaly surname, hold a deep connection to the legacy of their ancestor.
Moreover, several matrilineal branches within these clans also adopted the Kamaly title, passing it down as their mother’s maiden name. This further expanded the reach and depth of the Kamaly name, intertwining it with the familial and cultural fabric of Shaharpara.
This is the story of Kamaly—a surname, a legacy, and a community united by faith, culture, and the vision of one remarkable man.
Bismillah Hir Rahman-nir-Raheem
In the name of Allah (SWT), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
The genealogical lineage of Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA) is enriched by many revered ancestors, as recorded in Shahji Gushti's family genealogy book, which traces the noble heritage of our family. According to the elders of the family, the original genealogy manuscript, which originated from the father of Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA), was tragically lost or damaged due to natural calamities. Some believe that a concubine from our family, who was not treated with the same regard as the others, took the family history book with her when she left the village and never returned. Fortunately, another surviving genealogical record of Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA) was preserved by Maulvi Abdul Heleem, a direct descendant of Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA).
Later, my grandfather's younger brother, Mohammad Jahir Master, reconstructed the family genealogy from his memory, drawing on the accounts passed down by generations of elders. The genealogy presented here is based on my father's meticulously researched files. In ancient times, people cherished the memory of their ancestors, passing their names down through storytelling. One such remarkable family narrative is that of Shah Shukur Uddin. The genealogy provided by my family has been consistently updated to reflect the current generations.
In the name of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala), the Most Compassionate, the Most Forgiving, I now embark on the sacred task of documenting our family genealogy. Originally recorded in a Bengali manuscript, I have translated this valuable record into English. Ya Rabbul-Alamin, “O Lord of the Worlds,” Creator and Sustainer of all, I beseech You to forgive the sins of my beloved parents and all my ancestors and grant them a place in Your Paradise. I seek forgiveness for my own sins as well. The birth and death details of my ancestors, initially recorded in a small notebook by my late grandfather’s younger brother, Mohammad Jahir alias Zaheer Ali (Master), were later copied by my father.
In the late 19th century, the birth and death dates of family members were carefully documented in the genealogical bloodline book of Hazrat Shah Kamal's (RA) branch family. This family eventually branched out into several distinguished clans, including Baglar Gushti, Mullar Gushti, Shahjir Gushti, Sadardi Gushti, Sheikhbadi Gushti, Sheikh Farid Gushti, and Khadim Gushti within Shaharpara. Additionally, there are Qureshi Gushti in Patli and Mufti Gushti in Dargah Mahalla, Sylhet, alongside numerous matrilineal branches.
After my grandfather passed away, my late father, Akbar Ali (Master), faithfully transcribed his notebook into a new writing pad, which he titled "Heredity in Bloodline." This remarkable work was later continued by my elder brother, Mohammad Arbab Hussain Kamaly, who introduced a new approach by documenting the family members and including their marriage dates in the updated edition.
As the pages of this small writing pad began to run out, my brother began anew in a fresh notebook, starting with our ancestor Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA), the Sufi saint of the fourteenth century, and his father, Hazrat Shah Burhan Uddin (RA). The shrine of Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA) still stands in Shaharpara, a testament to the widespread acceptance of Islam in the region, alongside the tombs of his children.
Although the manuscripts of my grandfather and father do not contain the complete lineage from Hazrat Shah Kamal Uddin’s (RA) father, Hazrat Shah Burhan Uddin (RA), to Shah Noor Uddin, and there are gaps in the ancestral record, the lineage of Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA) and his sons has been well preserved. Their tombs still stand in Shaharpara as enduring testaments to their legacy.
While the tombs of their grandchildren do not have headstones, they are buried within the graveyard in the precincts of the Dargah of Hazrat Shah Kamal Quhafah (RA). After considerable effort, on May 16, 1995, my elder brother, Arbab Hussain Kamaly, with the assistance of our cousin, Shah Zillur Rahman Kamali, a descendant of Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA), successfully documented the family lineage.
This book, detailing the bloodline of Hazrat Shah Kamal Quhafah (RA), a descendant of Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi Allahu Anhu), the first Caliph of Islam, will serve as a lasting legacy for future generations. I hope that the rightful successor will continue to preserve this invaluable document with great care, as it chronicles the rich heritage of our family.
The genealogical book, traditionally referred to as "Kristi," should more appropriately be called the "Kulji" genealogy book, also known as Kristi Bahi, which means the "genealogical book of hereditary bloodlines." This book concludes with a wish for its eternal continuation within the family, preserving the noble legacy of Hazrat Shah Kamal Quhafah (RA). May Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) shower His blessings upon our family of Shaharpara and may the legacy of Hazrat Shah Kamal Quhafah (RA) endure with undiminished dignity.
This remarkable genealogy began with my grandfather’s younger brother, Mohammad Jahir Ali Master, and was continued by my father. After dedicating years of effort to this genealogical endeavour, Shah Zillur Rahman Kamali, with his ancestral knowledge, greatly assisted my brother, Al-Hajj Arbab Hussain Kamaly, in the preservation of our family history. This lineage was passed down through generations, preserved by Maulvi Abdul Heleem, who translated the Nachab Nama (Kristi) from Arabic into Persian. In 1993, Shah Zillur Rahman Kamali further translated it from Persian into Bengali, and the genealogy was eventually translated into Urdu and Bengali by various family members and experts.
I express my deepest gratitude to our cousin, Shah Zillur Kamali, for his unwavering dedication in preserving this important family record. May Allah (SWT) reward him and his ancestors for safeguarding this treasure. Without their invaluable contributions, the history of Shaharpara and our family’s legacy would not have been preserved. May Allah shower His mercy upon all of them on the Day of Judgement.
The genealogy of my family traces its lineage to Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi Allahu Anhu), the first Caliph of Islam, and further back through Adnan to Prophet Hazrat Ismail (AS), the eldest son of Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Hazrat Shah Kamal Quhafah (RA) was a direct descendant of Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi Allahu Anhu) through his son, Hazrat Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr (Radi Allahu Anhu).
The family lineage, meticulously documented in the Nachab Nama (an Arabic term meaning “lineage”), begins with Khwaja Burhan Uddin Ketan (RA), the father of Hazrat Shah Kamal Quhafah (RA), and continues as follows:
1. Hazrat Shah Burhan Uddin (RA), revered as Shah Kat’tal, Qat’tal Shah, and Qazi Kadal Khan. Born around 1230 AD, he was a prominent Sufi saint whose shrines are in Katalganj, Chittagong, and Faringajuri.
2. Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA), born in 1291, Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA) lived to the age of approximately 91, passing away in 1385. He was a direct descendant of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA).
3. Hazrat Shah Jamal Uddin (RA), the second son of Hazrat Shah Kamal Quḥāfah (RA), occupies a distinguished station within the sacred genealogical tapestry of our family. As recorded in the Nachab Nama—a vital genealogical manuscript chronicling the descendants of the Kamalian line—Hazrat Shah Jamal Uddin (RA) inherited not only the noble blood of his father, a revered Sufi missionary and spiritual reformer, but also the moral duty to uphold the ethical, intellectual, and agrarian foundations laid in Shaharpara.
While his elder brother, Hazrat Shah Jalaluddin Qureshi (RA), established a stronghold of spiritual authority rooted in Islamic scholarship and dawah, Shah Jamal Uddin (RA) contributed significantly to the consolidation and expansion of the Kamalian legacy through land stewardship, religious education, and local arbitration. His lineage gave rise to several respected gushtis (clan lines) within greater Shaharpara—some of whom would emerge as prominent talukdars, imams, and teachers, helping shape the spiritual and social fabric of Sylhet’s Muslim society.
The memory of Hazrat Shah Jamal Uddin (RA) endures with quiet reverence—preserved in oral tradition, in the calligraphy of ancestral manuscripts, and in the collective consciousness of those who trace their roots to the sacred House of Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA).
4. Shah Jahangir Uddin (RA), also recorded in the Nachab Nama.
5. Shah Sulaiman Uddin (RA), another distinguished figure from the Nachab Nama.
6. Shah Zamin Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Zamin-ud-Din or Ad-Din, as documented in the Nachab Nama.
7. Shah Razzak Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Razzak-ud-Din or Ad-Din, according to the Nachab Nama.
8. Shah Zaman Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Zaman-ud-Din or Ad-Din, according to the Nachab Nama.
9. Shah Jabir Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Zabir-ud-Din or Ad-Din, as recorded in the Nachab Nama.
10. Shah Amir Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Amir-ud-Din or Ad-Din, according to the Nachab Nama.
11. Shah Anwar Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Anwar-ud-Din or Ad-Din, according to the Nachab Nama.
12. Shah Shafi Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Shafi-ud-Din or Ad-Din, as per the Nachab Nama.
13. Shah Sulaiman Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Sulaiman-ud-Din or Ad-Din, according to the Nachab Nama.
14. Shah Irfan Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Irfan-ud-Din or Ad-Din, according to the Nachab Nama.
15. Shah Sofir Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Ṣofir-ud-Dīn or Ad-Dīn, according to the Nachab Nama, was a notable figure in the line of descendants from Hazrat Shah Jamal Uddin (RA)—the second son of Hazrat Shah Kamal Quḥāfah (RA). He belonged to a generation that upheld the spiritual, scholarly, and agrarian legacy of Shaharpara during a time of political transformation across Bengal. With firm roots in the Kamalian tradition, Shah Sofir Uddin embodied the values of religious learning, social justice, and quiet leadership in rural Sylhet.
His younger brother, Shah Shamsher Uddin—known in historical records as Hamid Qureshi Khan, and remembered by the martial honorific Shamsher Khan—emerged as a prominent military and administrative figure in the waning days of Mughal influence in eastern Bengal. According to historians, Shah Shamsher Uddin was the last indigenous ruler of Muazzamabad, the medieval administrative and spiritual heart of the Sylhet region.
His fate became entwined with the broader currents of Bengal’s political upheaval when he perished in 1740 during the Battle of Giria, fighting beside Nawab Sarfaraz Khan of Bengal against the advancing forces of Alivardi Khan. This battle marked a pivotal turning point in Bengal’s history—the decline of Mughal authority and the symbolic fall of Muazzamabad’s sovereignty.
Shah Shamsher Uddin’s martyrdom on the battlefield is preserved in family genealogies and regional memory as an enduring emblem of loyalty, valour, and the final stand of a Qureshi lineage that had once governed with both spiritual wisdom and temporal command. His legacy, along with that of Shah Sofir Uddin, remains a vital part of the ancestral consciousness in Shaharpara, where history, faith, and identity converge across generations.
16. Shah Noor Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Nur-ud-Din or Ad-Din, according to the Nachab Nama.
17. Shah Nijam Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Nizamud-Din or Ad-Din, as per the Nachab Nama.
18. Shah Jorif Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Zarif-ud-Din or Ad-Din, as recorded in the Nachab Nama.
19. Shah Shukur Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Shukr-ud-Din or Ad-Din, according to the Nachab Nama. Family tradition suggests he was born around 1780 or later, possibly as a child or pre-teen when Lord Cornwallis instituted the permanent settlement (the zamindari system) in 1793.
20. Shah Moniur Uddin, also pronounced as Shah Moniur-ud-Din or Ad-Din, according to the Nachab Nama.
21. Shah Fazil, according to the Nachab Nama.
22. Shah Hajir Mohammad, as per the Nachab Nama.
23. Shah Mohammad Ashim was born on an unknown date and passed away in Falgun 1350 of the Bengali calendar (February- March 1944 AD), according to the Nachab Nama. According to family accounts shared by my esteemed elder brother, Mohammad Abul Hussain Kamaly, who grew up alongside our grandfather, Shah Mohammad Ashim, lived to an advanced age and was quite elderly at his passing. Our grandfather, too, was nearly a century old when he passed, estimated to have been born between 1860 and 1870, according to both my brother's and my own observations.
24. Mohammad Akbar Ali, known as Shah Mohammad Akbar Ali Qureshi (Kamaly) as per the Nachab Nama, was born on 30th September 1902 and passed away on 17th September 1985 at the age of 83.
25. Mohammad Muazzam Hussain Kamaly, also known as Dilai Meah or commonly referred to as Dilly Meah, was born on 8th March 1965.
26. Mohammed Al-Hamim Hussein Kamaly (Hamim), born on 6th April 2006.
The Origins of School Bari and the Founding of Shaharpara Government Primary Model School
Mohammad Akbar Ali’s teaching career began at School Bari, the birthplace of Shaharpara’s first formal educational institution—Shaharpara Government Primary Model School. He was not only one of its earliest teachers but, according to his son Arbab Hussain Kamaly, one of its founding educators who helped lay the foundation for a school that would profoundly shape the future of the village.
At that time, most schools in the region were administered by Hindu communities, and opportunities for Muslim educators were limited. The establishment of a Muslim-led school in Shaharpara was a significant milestone, sparked in part by a pivotal friendship: a Muslim education inspector who was both a former classmate and a close confidant of Mohammad Jahir Master. Due to the poor condition of local roads, the inspector often stayed overnight during his visits, taking shelter at what would become known as School Bari. Alongside logistical convenience, the availability of halal food—a rare luxury in official tours—also made the place a preferred resting spot.
On one such visit, the inspector noticed a young man walking through the front courtyard. He greeted him with warmth and asked whom he had come to see. The young man replied courteously that his uncle’s friend had arrived, and he would go to inform him. Later, the inspector inquired of Jahir Master, “Who was that young fellow in the courtyard?” To which Jahir Master replied, “That is my nephew, Akbar Ali. He has just passed Class Nine from Kailashahar High School.”
Recognising the acute shortage of Muslim teachers in government schools, the inspector responded without hesitation:
“We are in need of teachers. I can offer him a position at the primary school. Or, if you wish, I can assist in establishing a new primary school right here.”
Encouraged by this generous offer, Jahir Master and his brothers designated a portion of their family homestead for the purpose. From that day forward, the site came to be known as School Bari—a name forever intertwined with the memory of that pioneering moment and the educational legacy of Mohammad Akbar Ali.
Thus began Akbar Ali’s long and dedicated teaching career. Over the decades, he served in numerous schools across Sylhet, earning the respect of his community as a devoted educator. His professional journey spanned from 1918 to 1967, encompassing nearly fifty years of tireless service. He eventually retired from the very institution where he began—after the school had been relocated from School Bari to Kunabon, within the Mouza of Tilak.
Remarkably, the legacy continued through his family. His sixth son, Mohammad Arbab Hussain Kamaly, became the first secondary school teacher at the same institution after it was elevated from a primary school to a high school—thus carrying forward the torch of knowledge and honouring a tradition of education that began at School Bari.
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