Shah Kamali - What's In a Name?

If you search the name Shah Kamali, you are presented with articles, documentaries and social media pages of a rising Bengali fighter who holds the name. But scroll far enough, and an obscure article from Bangladesh.com also appears. This article describes a different Shah Kamali. The Shah Kamali described is a descendant of Abu Bakr, the closest companion of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), and a disciple of the esteemed Shah Jalal.

Shah Jalal had around 300 disciples and with their help he overcame a tyrannous Hindu ruler, Govind, who was killing Muslim babies in Sylhet. Though outnumbered, the might of their faith led Shah Jalal and his disciples to a resounding victory and Sylhet has been a prosperous Muslim nation ever since.

Of Shah Jalal’s disciples, Shah Kamal has been the most notable. Travelling to Sunmangoynj, he pioneered the very first human settlement in the area and built schools, hospitals, and clean-water ponds.

But, what does this 700 year old story have to do with today? Shah Kamal established the region of Sunamangoynj, and he himself settled in the region now called Shaharpana – literally translated as “footsteps of Shah”. Shaharpana is where the descendants of Shah Kamal live, and moreso, they continue to bear his name. One such descendant is the Shah Kamali that appears when you Google this great man’s name.

Shah Kamal’s legacy remains to this day. It is embodied by his progeny. And the fact that his name has lived for 700 years, is testament to the greatness of the man himself. And the accomplishments of his children will continue to prove that fact; for they are pioneers too.

Shah Kamali, the modern, is the first Bengali heavyweight in MMA and the achievements of his forefathers mean that greatness is inevitably on its way. For when the commentators announce his name, he must trace back success not just to the people who support him; but to the generations that have toiled to maintain the prosperity of his name.

With a name as powerful as Shah Kamali, one might feel weight. But as a previous Champion has said, the butterflies are in formation. And as Shah speaks of greatness in the UFC, his honour is bound into his words. For honour means to possess the spirit of one’s forefathers in every action one takes, and with every success, Shah embodies the greatness of all those who previously bore his name.

As Shah Kamali of new continues to rise, the article chronicling the original Shah Kamal will likely fade further and further. Yet, this is no shame. For the glory of the name has been rightfully transferred. Now, with the success of Shah Kamali, the name will be bellowed across the world. For the bravery it took to leave one’s homeland and pioneer a settlement is reflected in the struggle of this young Martial Artist. The sacrifice of a safe career to pursue a sport where the chances of success are slim resembles the bravery of stepping into uncharted territory.

Shah Kamali is walking in the footsteps of Shah Kamal.