Kashf Al‑Mahjub - English Translation

For over nine centuries, seekers of spiritual truth have turned to this book - the oldest Persian treatise on Sufism. Written by the saint who rests in Lahore, Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, it maps the inner journey, the stations of the heart, and the path to divine nearness. Now in English.

Kashf Al‑Mahjub - literally “Unveiling the Veiled”- is a landmark work of Islamic spirituality. Composed in the 11th century by Syed Ali bin Usman Hajveri, better known as Data Ganj Bakhsh (the Master Who Bestows Spiritual Treasures), it is the earliest Persian treatise on Sufism and remains one of the most comprehensive guides to the mystical path.

The book is divided into chapters covering the history of Sufism, the lives and sayings of early saints, the nature of spiritual stations (maqāmāt), the etiquette of discipleship, and the fundamental principles of tawhid (divine unity). Hajveri writes with the authority of a realized master and the clarity of a teacher. He discusses not only the outward practices of Islam but the inner states that give them meaning.

This English translation by Captain Wahid Baksh Siyal makes the work accessible to a new generation. It preserves the original’s directness and spiritual weight, allowing readers to benefit from the wisdom of one of the great pillars of South Asian Sufism.

Why We Love It:
At Kitab Markaz, we hold this book in special reverence. Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh is not just a name in history; his shrine in Lahore has been a center of spiritual light for centuries. Kashf Al‑Mahjub is his gift to all who seek - a manual that cuts through confusion and points directly to the heart of the path. We love that this English translation opens that door for readers who do not know Persian. For students of Sufism, for those curious about Islam’s mystical tradition, and for anyone who yearns for a deeper connection to the Divine, this book is an irreplaceable companion.

About the Author:
Syed Ali bin Usman Hajveri (c. 1009–1072), known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, was a Persian Sufi scholar and saint who settled in Lahore. He is revered as the patron saint of the city, and his shrine attracts millions of visitors. His Kashf Al‑Mahjub is his only surviving work and remains a classic of Sufi literature. The translator, Captain Wahid Baksh Siyal, was a scholar and military officer who rendered the work into clear, readable English, making it accessible to a global audience.

Kashf Al‑Mahjub: Unveiling the Veiled – The Earliest Persian Treatise on Sufism is available now at Kitab Markaz. We deliver across Pakistan and worldwide - so the wisdom of Data Ganj Bakhsh can reach you, wherever you are.