7. When Bibi Ilahdati (RZ) died, a gold tinka ( local coin ) was found in her belongings (gathari). Imam Mahdi (AS) was informed of it. The Imam said: " Heat it on fire and brand (her) with it." Miyan Syed Salamullah (RZ) (her brother) was supervising the digging of her grave. When he heard about the Imam's orders, he rushed to the Imam (AS) and said: "I know it for certain that the gold tinka belonged to Bibi Fatima (RZ), and it was not owned by Bibi Ilahdati (RZ)." The Imam said: "Give it to one whom it belongs." The tinka was handed over to Bibi Fatima (RZ). (Bibi Ilahadati (RZ) was the wife and Bibi Fatima (RZ) the daughter of the Imam (AS))

8. It is narrated that a muhallaf (local coin) or two were found in the clothes of a companion of Prophet Muhammad (SLM). The companion had died just then. The companions (RZ) reported it to the Prophet (SLM), who said: "Brand him." The dead body was branded.

9. It is narrated that in Bhelot, the pyjama of Bandagi Miran Syed Mahmood (RZ) was torn threadbare. Miyan Baban (RZ) (muhajir) was assigned the distribution of sawaiyat (the provisions or money received at the daira and distributed equally among the indigents) and also the tithe (ushr). Miyan Baban (RZ) brought a new pyjama to Bandagi Miran (RZ). Bandagi Miran (RZ) asked him: " Where did you get it from?" Miyan Baban (RZ) said: "I bought the cloth from the ushr money and got it stitched (for you)." Bandagi Miran (RZ) became very angry and said: "Wearing it is not allowed. I will not wear it, because this is in the right of the fuqara who are distressed (that is, a person who does not have a cloth to cover the parts of the body that are to be covered in accordance with the Shariat)."

10. It is narrated that Bibi Kad Bano (RZ) (wife of Bandagi Miran Syed Mahmood (RZ)) asked Bandagi Miyan Shah Dilawar (RZ) to tell Bandagi Miran (RZ) to increase the number of the shares of sawaiyat of the household as the number of guests and the expenses had increased. Miyan Dilawar (RZ) conveyed the message to Bandagi Miran (RZ). Tears flooded Bandagi Miran's (RZ) eyes. He said: "Miyan Dilawar (RZ), you are not saying this on your won. You are saying it as somebody has asked you to say it. Bibi (RZ) is asking for a worldly thing from this servant (of Allah). Tell her that Imam Mahdi (AS) had fixed ten shares of sawaiyat. And that is enough." Later, Bandagi Miran (RZ) had some children. But he did not take any additional shares of the sawaiyat.

11. It is narrated by all the migrant-companions (of Imam Mahdi (AS)) that the Imam used to have the sawaiyat distributed in his presence. One day Miyan Alauddin Muhajir (RZ) looked up at the face of a respected elderly person who was receiving the sawaiyat and asked him how many (shares of) sawaiyat he was entitled to. At this, the Imam forbade him and said: "Miyan Alauddin (RZ), do not look at the face of anybody, keep your eyes down and ask: 'How many are your shares of sawaiyat?" This is because when people see the face of the receiver, they often become considerate in view of the needs (of the receivers).

12. Bandagi Miyan Shah Ni'mat (RZ) narrates that occasionally Imam Mahdi (AS) used to distribute that ushr then and there, when it came, among the distressed and then he also used to ask: " Is anything left over from the ushr?" The companions used to say in reply: "Nothing, Miranjeo (AS)." After that Imam Mahdi (AS) would rise (to go). Bandagi Miyan Shah Ni 'mat (RZ) too has done like this often.

13. May it be known that at Bhelot, Bandagi Miran Syed Mahmood (RZ) would himself sit down to distribute the sawaiyat, even though there was (great) pain in his leg. Miyan Qutbuddin and Miyan Baban Sanjuri used to distribute Sawaiyat. Miyan Larh Imam (AS) had been posted to oversee them. Bandagi Miran (RZ) himself too would sit there. Often Miyan Alauddin Muhajir (RZ) would do the distribution. Bandagi Miran Syed Mahmood (RZ), and all the migrant-companions would not observe any formalities (or civilities). They would feed their guests with whatever was available. But, they would feed the respected elderly people with wheat and ghee of cows. The other fuqara would be fed with jawar and bajri and sesamum oil. If there were many people, the respected elders were called and fed with good things. To the remaining people, their share would be sent to them. The muhajireen who came for meeting or for the work of the ijma' (congregation), they would return after the work was over or stay for two or three days. If some muhajir were to stay for a longer period, he would be sent his share of the sawaiyat. He would be told to eat what he pleased. He would not be treated as a guest, except for three days.

14. Be it known that Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir (RZ) used to sit for (the distribution of the shares of) sawaiyat himself and, at times, he would distribute bread loaves by his own hand, and, to supervise over the distributors, his son-in-law Malik Ismail (RA) would be there at the time of the distribution.

15. In Bandagi Miyan Shah Ni'mat's (RZ) time sawaiyat was distributed by Miyan Babu (RZ), when Miyan Ni'mat (RZ) was not present. And after the distribution, if something was left over, it would be distributed by Miyan Ni'mat (RZ) among the distressed (muztarr) at various places.

16. Some of his companions told Bandagi Miyan Ni'mat (RZ) that defalcation took place (during the distribution of sawaiyat). After that Miyan Ni'mat (RZ) said that four persons should sit to supervise the distribution, and, if the distributor became uneasy, it would be known that he used to resort to defalcation. When four persons sat there to supervise the distribution, the distributor became uneasy and gave up his job and went away to the daira of Miyan Malikjeo (RZ).

17. Bandagi Miyan Shah Nizam (RZ) was staying in the small town of Barhli (near Patan in Gujarat) with a few hundred seekers (of Allah), according to a narration. Allah sent wheat. Malik Ilahdad (RZ) was the executive to distribute the sawaiyat. Bandagi Miyan Shah Nizam (RZ) sat for distributing the sawaiyat. He told Malik Ilahadad (RZ): "You take one more share (of sawaiyat)." The Malik said: "How should this servant (of Allah) take that which is the right of the indigent (fuqara)?" Bandagi Miyan Shah Nizam (RZ) said: " It comes to this servant who gives." The Malik said: "It comes for the indigents." There were repeated conversations over this topic. But the Malik did not take the (additional) share.

18. It is narrated that Allah sent grapes to Imam Mahdi (AS). Miyan Syed Salamullah (RZ) gave a bunch of grapes to Miran Syed Hameed (RZ) (the Imam's son). Imam Mahdi (AS) asked: "Why did you give (to the boy) that which was the right of the indigents?" The brothers said: "Miranjeo, forgive us." Then Imam Mahdi (AS) said: "Ask all the indigents (fuqara) to forgive. It is the right of fuqara."

19. Prophet Muhammad (SLM) has said: "The gifts are common (mushtarak)."

20. It is narrated by Haji Abdullah (RZ), migrant-companion of Imam Mahdi (AS), that Fateh Khan had sent one thousand tinkas (local gold coins) and that was being distributed as sawaiyat by Bandagi Miyan Shah Nizam (RZ). Malik Ilahdad (RZ) was the executive for the distribution of sawaiyat. Miyan Nizam (RZ) told the Malik: "You take one more share." The Malik said: "How can I take that which is in the right of the indigents?" Miyan Nizam (RZ) then said: " It comes to us. We give if we like. We do not give if we do not like." The Malik reiterated: "It comes for the indigent." Some days later, Malik Ilahdad (RZ) went away from the daira of Shah Nizam (RZ) to that of Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir (RZ).

21. It is narrated that the companions of Bandagi Miyan Shah Ni'mat (RZ) once told him: "Here, the following of the practice of Imam Mahdi (AS) is perfect. But why do you not follow Imam Mahdi's practice in one respect? Imam Mahdi (AS) had given three (shares of) sawaiyat to Bibi Malkan (RZ) (the Imam's third wife). Why do you not give the same to your house?" Miyan Shah Ni'mat (RZ) said: "All the companions collectively had given it (the three shares of sawaiyat), because more guests used to come." The companions said: "We are all pleased to give it. Please follow Imam Mahdi (AS)." Miyan Ni'mat (RZ) said: "Imam Mahdi (AS) was the spiritual guide (murshid) and I am a seeker (talib). Imam Mahdi (AS) had given me one share (of sawaiyat) and that one share is enough." After this, all the companions jointly offered to him the additional shares. One day passed. The next day there was nothing to eat (and there was starvation) at the daira. The additional shares of sawaiyat, which the brothers had so assiduously given him were brought back by the Shah and distributed among the indigents.

22. And we (the author) have seen the practice (ravish) of Bandagi Miran Syed Mahmood (RZ), son of Imam Mahdi (AS), that when there was distress (iztirar) and starvation in the daira, and it was communicated to him, he would withdraw his hand from the plate, if he has taking his meal and would ask for the removal of the dishes. He would say: "How can I eat, when the brothers are all starving?" At that, Bibi Kad Bano (RZ) (his wife), would offer something (for distribution among the daira inmates in distress). He would then eat something.

23. It is narrated that, on one occasion, Bandagi Miyan Somar (RZ) came to the door of Bandagi Miran Syed Mahmood (RZ) and called him. Bandagi Miran sent his maid-servant Ratni to enquire (why he had come). Miyan Somar (RZ) told her that the indigents of the daira were starved. Ratni said that Bandagi Miran (RZ) was taking his meal and asked him not to give that news immediately and that she would tell him afterwards. Bandagi Miran (RZ) loudly called from inside the house: "What do you say, Miyan Somar?" Miyan Somar (RZ) said: "Nothing. I am asking what you are doing." After that, Bandagi Miran (RZ) insistently asked him: "Tell the truth, why had you come?" Miyan Somar (RZ) reluctantly told him that the brothers of the daira were hungry. With tears in his eyes, Bandagi Miran said: "Remove the dishes. The brothers are hungry and how can I eat?" Bibi Kad Bano (RZ) offered him something. Bandagi Miran then took his meal. (What she had offered was sold and, with that money), food grains were brought and an announcement was made (by word of mouth), that whoever was in distress could come and take his share (of sawaiyat). Some of the distressed took their shares and some of them did not. The distributor asked those who had not taken their shares: "Why do you not take your share?" They said: " We are not in distress." The distributor asked: "Where did you have your meal from?" " We borrowed today," they said. Some of the seekers of Allah were so honest that they did not violate the rights of the distressed indigents.

24. It is narrated that Shaikh Sadruddin Sindhi (RZ) used to give bread loaves to the fuqara (indigents) in their rooms by stretching his hand through the windows around midnight, so that nobody knew who was giving it. Some two or three days later, some of the indigents complained to Imam Mahdi (AS) . "Robbery is taking place." "What robbery," asked the Imam. They said: "For the last two or three nights, somebody stretches his hand through the windows and gives bread loaves. It is not known who he is." After this, Imam Mahdi (AS) said: "Do not trouble the seekers." Imam Mahdi (AS) and his companions forbade such (generosity) because as Imam Mahdi (AS) said: "Give it at different times, so that it does not make them anticipate that even tonight he will come and give bread loaves". For the seekers (of Allah) and for those who are fully depending on Him, it should not be known where their food comes from today or tonight. For, Allah says: "...And whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, Allah will appoint a way out for him. And will provide for him from (a quarter) whence he hath no expectation..." (S. 65 : 2 and 3 SAL)

25. It is narrated by Miyan Mustafa (RZ) (a companion of Imam Mahdi (AS)) that the Imam (AS) stayed for some days at Mando City. Rooms for the companions of the Imam (AS) were constructed there. One of the brothers erected some poles and spread out a palm leaves mat or a cloth over them for shade. Somebody came to meet Imam Mahdi (AS) and sat down under the shade. He offered something to the Imam (AS). After he had gone, the Imam (AS) said: "Remove this room from here. A worldly thing has come here for the first time." The room was removed. It was set up elsewhere.

26. It is narrated that somebody offered a few hundred (gold) tinkas and said: " From out of this money give some tinkas to Syed Hameed (RZ) and some to Bibi Malkan (RZ), some to Bibi Bowan (RZ), some to Bibi Hadanji (RZ), and some to the indigents (fuqara) (that is, the companions of the Imam). Imam Mahdi (AS) became angry and said: "Where did you find all these people? Give it if you have brought it for Allah. Otherwise, take away everything." The person who had brought the money apologetically said: "Miranji (AS), I have brought it for Allah. Please spend it as you please". Then, Imam Mahdi (AS) distributed everything as sawaiyat.

27. It is narrated that in Jalor, Miyan Pyara Afghan brought several hundred fairozis (local coins) to Bandagi Miyan Shah Ni'mat (RZ) and said: "From out of this, give twenty to Bibi Khunza Shah (RZ), twenty to Bibi Malkan (RZ), Khunza Fateh (RZ) and Bibi Khas Malik (RZ) and to Miyan Rafi (RZ)". He had made separate packets for each of the persons named. Bandagi Miyan Shah Ni'mat (RZ) recited Imam Mahdi's (AS) narration mentioned above. After this, Pyara said: "I have brought it (the money) for the sake of Allah. Please do as you please". Bandagi Miyan Shah Ni'mat (RZ) opened the packets and mixed the coins and distributed everything as sawaiyat.

28. It is narrated that from Barhli, Malik Hussain Bhatti sent two maunds of burfy or burti to every muhajir (migrant companion) separately. Bandagi Miyan Shah Dilawar (RZ) said: "We do not want it. When you have brought it separately for muhajirs, what would the other fuqara (indigents) with us eat?" It is not known what happened after this, because many years have passed since this incident.

29. It is narrated that Miyan Mustafa alias Ghalib Khan sent two thousand four hundred tinkas to Bandagi Miran Syed Mahmood (RZ) and told Miyan Chand Shahna to give half of the amount to Bandagi Miran immediately and the remaining half some days later. "If you give the whole amount at one go, he (Bandagi Miran (RZ)) would distribute everything then and there". Miyan Syed Chand told Bandagi Miran (RZ) that so-and-so said like this. Bandagi Miran (RZ) refused to receive it and said: "Till now we were remembering Allah and from now on we will (have to) remember Ghalib Khan, expecting when he sends the money."

30. It is narrated that Malik Hussain Bhatti wrote a letter to (the concerned person in a) small town to give three hundred maunds of jowar (millet) to Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir (RZ) and sent it to Bandagi Miyan (RZ) with a request to send somebody to collect and bring it. Bandagi Miyan (RZ) returned the letter and said the servants of Allah would not go from village to village to collect food grains. They only took whatever is destined to come to them without any means.

31. It is narrated that Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir (RZ) sent from Khanbel Miyan Sulaiman Jalori (RZ), with a bullock-cart to bring some provisions from Naharvala. Malik Fakhruddin sent some food grains and ghee on the same bullock-cart. Bandagi Miyan was very angry with Miyan Sulaiman (on bringing what Malik Fakhruddin had sent). He sent it back from Khanbel, saying: "You have sent this with our people. We should not take it". After this, Malik Fakhruddin sent it with great humility on his own bullock-cart with his own people. Bandagi Miyan then accepted it.

32. It is narrated that Nizam-ul-Mulk told a thanadar (police officer) to send two hundred hun (local gold coins) and two hundred khandi wheat to Bandagi Miyan Shah Ni'mat (RZ). He sent a man to the Shah. (Khandi is equal to twenty maunds). The man came to the Shah (RZ) and said: "Please send your servant so that I take him to a goldsmith to check the genuineness of the huns and hand them over to him." The Shah said: "We have no servants." Then the man asked: "Who are the people who live with you (in the daira)?" The Shah said: "Brothers live here". Then the man said: "Please send a brother so that I take him to a goldsmith to check the genuineness of the huns and hand them over to him." The Shah said: "Nobody will come with you." After that, Bandagi Miyan Shah Ni'mat (RZ) forbade anybody going with the man. That was the end of it. Neither the huns nor the wheat came.

33. It is narrated that a person came to Malik Illahad (RZ) and said: " This servant (of Allah) intends to pay tithe (ushr) in the way of Allah. But I have no honest servants. Please send two of your servants of Allah (bandagan-e-khuda) to bring the tithe amount from there." Malik Ilahdad (RZ) said: "Curse on you! Do the servants of Allah go to villages to collect tithe?"

34. It is narrated that Daulat Shah Nagauri, who was a minister in Nagaur, sent a few cart-loads of food grains to Malik Ilahdad (RZ), who did not accept it, because a seeker of Allah was sitting on one of the carts. The seeker's name was Omar Shah Jalori.

35. It is narrated that when Malik Ilahdad (RZ) was going to Gujarat from Jalor, he camped at the village Sahila for the night. Jamal Baloch sent a letter through a servant. His message was that his brother Yaqub was in Naharvala. He had asked the Malik to take two hundred fairozis (local coins) from him. When he got the letter, Malik Ilahdad (RZ) tore it to pieces, and in a rage made some pungent remarks. He said: "The servants of Allah have become such that they go with your letter to people (to collect money)."

36. It is narrated that Bibi Kad Bano's (RZ) brothers sent some money to Bandagi Miran Syed Mahmood (RZ). He refused to take it and said: "You have sent this money because of the relationship; had you given for the sake of Allah, you could have sent it to the dairas of Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir (RZ) or Miyan Nizam (RZ) or the other numerous dairas. Why did you not send the money there?" After this, Bibi Kad Bano's (RZ) brothers gave some money without Bandagi Miran's (RZ) knowledge to the Bibi (RZ), who spent it. When this came to the knowledge of Bandagi Miran (RZ), he told the Bibi (RZ): "Go to the houses of your brothers and eat there". (Bibi Kad Bano (RZ) was Bandagi Miran Syed Mahmood's (RZ) wife).

37. Miyan Abdul Qadir (RZ), son of Bandagi Miyan Shah Nizam (RZ), narrates that a brother of the daira conveyed the salutations of Syed Mustafa alias Ghalib Khan to Bandagi Miyan Shah Nizam (RZ). The Shah took him to task, asking why he had gone there and brought the message of salutations.

38. It is narrated that Ghalib Khan sent several hundred tinkas through Miyan Hyder to Bandagi Miran Syed Mahmood (RZ) who returned the money from Bhelot. He asked Miyan Hyder: "Why had you gone there?"

39. It is narrated that in Jalor, Malik Ali Sher had fixed an amount of three thousand fairozi coins to be given on account. He had also publicised the grant in his army (lashkar). When Malik Ilahdad heard about this, he sent word through Aasoodi Balochni: "Our Mir-zadas, who have been staying here for long have never accepted any amounts on account. How can I accept it? Look at your face; who are you to do such a thing?" After that, Malik Ilahdad (RZ) took an oath that he would never stay there. Later on, scared of Malik Ilahdad (RZ), Sher Ali denied that he had done anything like that. He also instructed his army to say that no such on-account payment orders were ever issued. "So that I may not be denounced as a liar." said Sher Ali. He was penitent and ashamed.

40. It is narrated that some women came to meet the women of Bandagi Miyan Shah Ni'mat (RZ) and, clandestinely, gave something to the women folk in the house of the Shah (RZ). After learning about it, Bandagi Miyan Shah Ni'mat (RZ) told his women: "Do not hide anything from this servant (of Allah). Show me whatever Allah gives you." After this, the women informed the Shah (RZ) about what they had received. The Shah (RZ) allowed half of what the women had received to them and the remaining half, he distributed among the indigents as sawaiyat. After that, the practise among the women was that half of what they received was distributed as sawaiyat.

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