معرفی و بررسی چهار نسخه خطی شرح مخزن الاسرار از محمد بن قوام بن رستم Introduction and Analysis of the Four Manuscripts of Sharh-e-Makhzan-ul-Asar By Muhhammad Bin Qiwam Bin Rustam Section Urdu Literature

Abstract

The Makhzan-al-Asrar is the first and, according to some commentators, the most important long poem narrated by Nizami Ganjavi. The five long poems, Mathnavis of Nizami are Makhzan al-Asrar, Khosrow Shirin, Laili and Majnoon, Haft Paikar, and Sikander Nameh. Jamal al-Din Hakim Abu Muhammad Nizam al-Din Ilyas Yusuf Nizami Ganjavi (530-614 AH) wrote Khamsa, five long poems, based on mysticism and love, and perhaps because of creating such a master piece, he is rightly considered one of the greatest romantic epic poets in history of Persian literature. Makhzan al-Asrar, a mystical Persian Masnavi, has both linguistic perfection and greatness of thought. This masnavi was warmly welcomed in the subcontinent, especially during the reign of the Indian Timurids. Many poets followed his style and thought. In addition, it was translated and explained in different languages. Muhammad bin Qawam bin Rustam is the first literary scholar who wrote an important description of the Makhzan-al-Asrar in the sub-continent. He was a prominent researcher, a great scholar, and a famous rhetorician, and he has explained all the secrets of this mystical poem in detail. Verses from the Holy Qur'an and citing the sayings of the Holy Prophet, may peace be upon him, are also prominent features of this commentary, and in addition to that, he has explained important topics by using examples from the treasure of classical Persian poetry. Fortunately, four manuscripts of that important national asset are kept saved in the Central Library of Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan, and based on that, the first half of this description has been edited and introduced.