Dillu Ram Kausari: A Hindu Poet’s Unwavering Devotion to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

By Rehan Ahmed Khan, New Age Islam 22 October 2024 Dillu Ram Kausari, A Devout Hindu Poet, Gained Fame For His Heartfelt Devotion To Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Expressing His Love Through Urdu Poetry, Symbolizing India's Rich, Syncretic Spiritual And Cultural Heritage Main Points: 1. Hindu Poet: Dillu Ram Kausari, a renowned Hindu poet, expressed deep love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 2. Urdu Poetry: He wrote over 40 eulogies in praise of the Prophet. 3. Hindu Ki Naat: His works were compiled in a book titled Hindu Ki Naat. 4. composite Culture: Kausari symbolized India's syncretic culture. 5. Controversy: His poetry scandalized both Hindus and Muslims but remained popular. 6. Final Moments: On his deathbed, he claimed to see the Prophet and embraced Islam, receiving the name Kausar Ali Kausari. ----- Introduction In a time of increasing communal divide and religious polarization, the story of Dillu Ram Kausari—a devout Hindu poet from colonial India—serves as a poignant reminder of India's rich, composite cultural heritage. Kausari's profound love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) transcended religious boundaries, embodying a spirit of unity that is often forgotten in contemporary society. His journey is not only remarkable for its devotion but also for the courage he displayed in expressing his love for a figure central to Islam, despite the backlash from both Hindus and Muslims. A Poet of Unconventional Love Born in Hisar, Haryana (then part of British India's Punjab), Dillu Ram Kausari's life was defined by his exceptional contribution to Urdu poetry and his unapologetic adoration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Despite being a practicing Hindu, Kausari wrote over 40 ‘naat’ (eulogies) praising the Prophet, a literary endeavor traditionally associated with Muslims. His poems were compiled into a book titled Hindu Ki Naat in 1924, an anthology that is an enduring testimony to his devotion. His verses, composed in the style of Bhakti poetry, reflect a deep spiritual yearning, where the object of his love—Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—became a symbol of salvation. Bhakti poetry, common in Hindu traditions, often invokes deities like Krishna, but in Kausari’s case, his poetry sought closeness to the Prophet of Islam. He writes in one of his poems: “Being a Muslim is no condition for loving Muhammad! Kausari, the Hindu, is also a seeker of Muhammad!” In these lines, Kausari emphasized that the love for the Prophet transcended religious affiliations, declaring that even a Hindu like him could seek Muhammad’s (PBUH) love and mercy. A Controversial Yet Revered Figure Kausari’s praise for the Prophet sparked outrage among many Hindus, who felt his devotion was a betrayal to his own faith. Some accused him of tarnishing the name of Hindus. Kausari, however, was undeterred, often saying he was “compelled by love” to write such poetry. His response to those who criticized him was simple and profound: “Love is not forced—it just happens.” Muslims, too, were initially uncomfortable with the idea of a Hindu praising their Prophet in such a personal and intimate manner. However, over time, Kausari’s verses began to resonate with many, as they saw in his words an authentic love for the Prophet (PBUH). His quatrains, published in Urdu magazines such as Maulvi, were read by both Hindus and Muslims alike, earning him a unique place in Indian literary history. One of his most famous quatrains, which sparked heated debate, was a visionary imagining of the Day of Judgement. Kausari envisioned himself alongside Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Paradise: “The meaning of ‘Mercy unto the Worlds’ became apparent on Judgement Day: The whole creation is with the Intercessor of The Day of Acquittal. When the Prophet took Dillu Ram with him into Paradise, It was known that this Hindu too is with the Beloved of God!” This quatrain scandalized Hindus and Muslims alike, with Hindus objecting to his continued praise of the Prophet and some Muslims questioning how a Hindu could imagine himself being taken to Paradise by the Prophet (PBUH). Yet, Kausari remained steadfast, his love for the Prophet undiminished by the controversy. The Final Chapter: A Divine Encounter In his later years, Kausari’s fame spread far and wide, his poetry celebrated throughout India. But his love for the Prophet (PBUH) went beyond mere words. As his health deteriorated and he lay on his deathbed, Kausari experienced a moment that would become legendary. Surrounded by friends, family, and fellow poets, he kept his gaze fixed on the door. Suddenly, his face lit up, and he stood up, asking everyone present to do the same. With tears in his eyes, Kausari declared that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had come to visit him. He said: “The one whom I have spent my whole life praising has arrived! The blessed Father of Fatima is here! And I have not even accepted his religion. How generous my Beloved is!” In this extraordinary moment, Kausari reportedly conversed with the spirit of the Prophet (PBUH), who told him that because of his lifelong praise, he would be saved from the Hellfire. Moved by this divine encounter, Kausari recited the Kalimah (Muslim Credo) and requested a Muslim name from the Prophet. The name given to him was Kausar Ali Kausari. Shortly after, Dillu Ram Kausari passed away, leaving behind a legacy of devotion that transcended religious identity. A Legacy of Unity and Love Kausari’s story is a powerful testament to India’s deep-rooted tradition of syncretism, where different faiths often intersected in ways that fostered mutual respect and love. His life and poetry remind us that the bonds of human connection—particularly those formed through love and admiration—are not limited by religious boundaries. In today’s world, where political and religious divisions are increasingly pronounced, Kausari’s unwavering devotion to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serves as an inspiring reminder of the shared values that once bound people of different faiths in India. His poetry is not just a celebration of love for the Prophet, but also a call for compassion, understanding, and unity among all human beings, irrespective of their religion. As Dillu Ram Kausari beautifully expressed in his couplets: “Hindu Sahi Magar Hu Sana-Khvaan-E-Mustafa, Is Vaste Na Shola Tera Mujh Taka A Saka.” (Though I am Hindu, I am a praiser of Mustafa, That is why your fire could not touch me.) In these lines, Kausari encapsulates the transformative power of love, a force so powerful that it transcends even the divisions of Heaven and Hell. His life and work stand as an eternal tribute to the idea that love knows no boundaries and that true devotion can bridge even the deepest divides. Conclusion Dillu Ram Kausari’s life is a profound testament to how love and reverence can transcend religious boundaries. As a devout Hindu, his deep admiration for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) challenged societal norms of his time, reflecting India's syncretic culture where diverse faiths coexisted in harmony. His poetry, particularly in Hindu Ki Naat, not only praised the Prophet but also symbolized an undivided spiritual connection, illustrating that love for the divine knows no barriers of religion or caste. At a time when religious divides are exploited for political gain, Kausari’s legacy stands as a reminder of India’s composite cultural ethos, where mutual respect and shared humanity were celebrated. His unwavering devotion to the Prophet, even while remaining a Hindu, is a powerful narrative that calls for unity, understanding, and an appreciation for the diverse paths to spiritual fulfillment. ----- Rehan Ahmed Khan is an Independent Research scholar specialising Muslim Personalities and Communal Harmony. 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