Background
Y ounus AlGohar was born in Karachi, Pakistan into a Muslim family. Pakistan is a volatile country torn by sectarianism and factions of separatists. As he grew older, he witnessed first-hand the effects they had on his environment and the people around him.
The state religion of Pakistan is Islam and the majority of the population identifies as Muslim. Non-Muslims in the country are considered second-class citizens and often live in poverty. During Younus AlGohar's youth, it was considered taboo for Muslims and non-Muslims to mingle on a regular basis.
From a young age, Mr AlGohar practically rejected the short-sighted notions that had taken root in Pakistani society and made it a point to maintain friendships with the Christian community that lived near his neighbourhood.
A true prodigy, Younus AlGohar humbly describes himself as possessing an inquisitive mind.
For as long as he could remember, he felt as if there was a void in his life. Mr AlGohar grew up practising Islam and took keen interest in the religion in hopes of obtaining inner peace. After extensively studying the many translations of the Quran and learning the different interpretations of Islam, he became disillusioned with the religion. He found the contradicting views of the different sects within Islam to be deeply troubling and confusing, due to which he became a non-practising Muslim. Mr AlGohar turned his attention towards his studies and hobbies such as his favourite pastime, cricket.
As Younus AlGohar reached adolescence, he proved to be a bright student. He exceeded in every subject he put his mind to. In a short amount of time, he managed to obtain multiple master’s degrees from the University of Karachi, including Organic Chemistry, Urdu, English, Islamic Studies and Islamic History. An introvert by nature with a thirst for knowledge, His Holiness sought solitude, often in a library.
It was in a library that Younus AlGohar would first hear about the one who would change his life forever: his Spiritual Guide, His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi.
Meeting His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi
T he story of how Younus AlGohar met His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi is a fascinating one, illustrating the power of fate and timing.
During a typical evening in the library, Mr AlGohar overheard an acquaintance trying to persuade a classmate to come with him to see a great Spiritual Master who would be visiting Karachi soon. The classmate was reluctant and eventually left without being convinced.
Younus AlGohar explains what happened next:
‘He had spent an hour trying to convince him. He looked so disheartened; I felt bad for him. So to raise his spirits a little, I said to him, “Tell me what you wanted to tell the other guy.”’
His acquaintance then began passionately describing the teachings and miracles of His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi. He urged Younus AlGohar to go with him to the venue where His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi would be delivering a lecture. Due to past experience with scholars and false Sufis, he was sceptical. However, with his insistence, he agreed to go hear His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz speak.
When Younus AlGohar did see His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi, he finally felt the inner peace he had lacked all his life.
He declares, ‘When I first looked at the comely face of Gohar Shahi, I felt instantly that I knew Gohar Shahi all along; long before we had even come to this world.’
His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi answered all of Younus AlGohar’s questions and reservations about religion and God. He introduced him to a logical concept of spirituality that was universally acceptable.
Younus AlGohar quickly became a close disciple of His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi, who initiated him onto the spiritual path immediately. In order to hasten his journey towards enlightenment by way of purification and purgation of the Ego, he spent a period of three years in austerity. During this time, he dealt with such trials as extreme stress, prolonged fasting and physical hardship.
After this difficult period, Younus AlGohar was ready to represent the mission of His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi. His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz sent him to many countries on his behalf. He became the unofficial spokesman for His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi, accompanying His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz during His tours of Europe, the United States and Pakistan. He eventually married and moved to the United Kingdom, where he organised programmes and events for His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz’s visits.
Younus AlGohar was granted spiritual powers and ranks by His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi, ultimately obtaining complete spiritual fusion with His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz.
It was after the completion of The Religion of God (Divine Love) in 2000 that His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi solemnly announced,
‘I will meet only Younus now, and Younus shall meet the world on behalf of me.’
Since that crucial day, Younus AlGohar has shouldered a heavy burden of responsibility. His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi’s admirers began to look to him for leadership. He founded Universal Sufi Order to provide a platform for followers of His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz to gather and work together to take the revolutionary teachings of His Divine Eminence Ra Riaz to all four corners of the globe.
In his spare time, he enjoys writing, reading, technology and playing cricket. He is currently the captain of the YRG Eagles Cricket Club.
