Char Yaar-e-Rasool Dai Char Gohar: The Four Pillars of Faith
In the classical tradition of the Masnavi, Waris Shah pays homage to the four Rightly Guided Caliphs. By describing them as “Gohar” (Gems), he highlights their individual virtues while emphasizing their collective role as the guardians of the spiritual path.
Section 1: The Sovereignty of the Four
Thematic Connections: The Gems of the Caliphate
◈ Allama Iqbal: “Siddiq-e-Akbar” — A visionary Persian tribute to the truth and certainty (Sidq) of the first Caliph.
◈ Pir Naseer-ud-Din Naseer: “Manzar Sara Ali Ka Hai” — A modern masterpiece celebrating the pervasive spiritual presence of Maula Ali.
◈ Bedam Warsi: “Kaaba-e-Dil” — Highlighting the station of Wilayat and the “Gem of Ali” in the Sufi heart.
◈ View All: Explore the ‘Manqabat’ Collection — Tributes to the Holy Companions and Ahl-e-Bayt.
چار یار رسول دے چار گوہر سبّھے اِک تھیں اک چَڑہیندڑے نیں
ابوبکرؓ تے عمرؓ عثمانؓ علیؓ آپو اپنے گُنیں سوہندڑے نیں
Char Yaar Rasool De Char Gohar Subhe Ek Thon Ek Charheendray Nain
Abu Bakr Te Umar, Usman, Ali, Aap-o-Apne Gunin Sohandray Nain
The four companions of the Prophet ﷺ are four gems, each one excelling the other;
Abu Bakr, Umar, Usman, and Ali—each is beautiful in his own unique virtues.
Section 2: Truth, Certainty, and Devotion
جنہاں صِدق یقین تحقیق کِیتا راہ رب دے سِیس وکنیدڑے نیں
ذوق چھڈ کے جنہاں نے زُہد کِیتا واہ واہ اُوہ رب دے بنّدڑے نیں
Jinhan Sidq-Yaqeen Tahqeeq Kita, Raah Rabb De Sees Vikanidray Nain
Zauq Chadd Ke Jinhan Ne Zuhd Kita, Wah Wah Oh Rabb De Bandaray Nain
Those who mastered truth and certainty are ready to sacrifice their heads in the Way of the Lord;
Those who set aside worldly desires for asceticism (Zuhd)—truly, they are the blessed servants of God.
Insight: Sees Vikanidray & Zuhd
Waris Shah uses the powerful phrase “Sees Vikanidray” (Selling/Sacrificing the head). In Sufism, this refers to Fana—the annihilation of the ego. By linking this to Zuhd (asceticism/detachment), he suggests that the Sahaba (Companions) are the ultimate models of selflessness. They serve God not for the “Zauq” (pleasure) of the world, but for the pleasure of the Divine.
Waris Shah’s praise for the companions sets the stage for the later sacrifices of the Ahl-e-Bayt, a theme also explored by Allama Iqbal in his tribute to the secrets of Karbala.
Vocabulary: Sukhan-e-Waris
- Gohar (گوہر): Gem or Pearl; symbolic of spiritual purity.
- Gunin (گُنیں): Virtues or good qualities.
- Sees (سِیس): Head; symbolic of the ego/life.
- Vikanidray (وکنیدڑے): Those who sell or sacrifice.
- Zuhd (زُہد): Asceticism; renouncing worldly desires for the sake of God.