Chaghar Matti

Chagharmatti (Pashto: چغرمٹی‎) or Matai commonly spells as Chagar Matti is a village in Peshawar District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. There is a branch of Kabul River called (shahalam) flowing in the outskirts of Chaghar Matti, which plays an important role in the economy of the village. This river provides water for irrigation, environment for various fishes and birds’ species and providing scenic beauties. The fame of Chaghar Matti is due to the Tomb of Ashab Baba (the companions of Muhammad). Chaghar Matti is a part of Daudzai. Hujra is the traditional meeting place for the men and also serves as a guest house in Chaghar Matti. There are more than twenty small villages around Chaghar Matti, which have got their own local names, but they are known by the name of Chaghar Matti. Chaghar Matti is a central place for these villagers.[1]

Chagharmatti
Village
Chagharmatti
CountryPakistan
ProvinceKhyber Pakhtunkhwa
DistrictPeshawar District
Time zoneUTC+5
Area code(s)091

History

It is believed that Matai got its name after Chagharzai tribe who lived here before Daudzai's came to the area. Another theory is that the name may be given by Sikhs, the Sikhs called this village "Chakni Matti" due to its fertile soil. This is also believed that 'Matai' and 'Jatai' were two villages not too far from each another and one day the Kabul River flooded to the extent that it washed away the entire village. The residents of Matai had to find a place on a high ground to escape the flood water. The two villages became apart and Matai found its new abode on the Southern bank of River Kabul leaving behind the sister village of Jatai at its original location. Matai and Jatai are still pronounced together by the people of Hashtnagar and Charsadda, thinking that it is the name of one village. The present village is situated at least 20 to 30 feet high from the river bed. The village changed its names over the course of time from Chukri matti, Chughri Matti, Chaghri Matti, to the present official name of Chaghar matti. The village is situated on the bank of Kabul River (a branch of River Kabul known as Shahlamay). At the west end of the village near Kuddi, there is a famous shrine of Ashab Baba ( اصحاب بابا ), who was the companion of Muhammad, fought and breath his last near Chaghar Matti during 1st century AH. To the East side of the village is the resting place of Mian Ji Baba ( میاجی بابا). Who was a pious and religious person of great stature and respect. To the South West of the village and near Pir Kalay, the resting place of Sharhsham (Gul) Baba is another attraction due to the abundance of Date Palms. This place is said to be the camping ground of Ashab Baba ( اصحاب بابا ), who brought dates with them as a food ration for the troops. The seeds became the date palms. The Date palms are not seen elsewhere in the area in such a large quantity. The locals consider these palms sacred and as opposed to other species of the trees, the branches or trunks are not burnt as fuel for cooking. However the branches were/are being used for heating water for ablution in the mosques and the trunks are still used to bridge small irrigation drains.

Location

Chaghar matti is located 17 km away to the North West from Capital Peshawar and 5 km from warsak road. Chaghar Matti is at altitude of 345m (1,135 ft) above sea level. The Village is located in the Plain Area surrounded by the green and fertile fields. To the East of Chaghar matti, Peshawar city is situated, to the West Bara and Warsak, to the North Mechani and Shabqadar and to the South, University road is situated. Haryan Ghar, Ghari Ali Muhammad, Khat kally, Garangy, Pir kally, MianJi Baba, Sarkhana and Jogani are the surrounding villages of Chaghar Matti but collectively they are recognize with Chaghar Matti.

Climate and temperature

Chaghar Matti has the extreme weather conditions. The climate of the village varies with change in temperature. It is hot in summer, while also in summer hot winds blow which is known as “LOO” in Local dialect. In winter the climate is damp and cold. In winter there is chilli weather. March and April are the pleasant months of the year in Chaghar Matti. Wind speeds vary during the year from 5 knots (5.8 mph; 9.3 km/h) in December to 24 knots (28 mph; 44 km/h) in June. The relative humidity varies from 46% in June to 76% in August. In summer there is so hot and in winter there is cold. Winter in Chaghar matti starts from mid of November to the end of February. Summer months are from May to September. The maximum temperature in summer is over 40 °C (104 °F) and the mean minimum temperature is 25 °C (77 °F). The mean minimum temperature during winter is 4 °C (39 °F) and maximum is 18.35 °C (65.03 °F). However, we find a little bit extremity of weather; while in spring the temperature remain pleasant.

History of Ashab baba

According to local legend, the grave of Sanan bin Salma bin Muhbiq is located at Chaghar Matti in Peshawar, it is known as Ashab Baba (Arabic: ( اصحاب بابا‎).[2]It is a place of attraction for the people of NWFP. The fame of the village Chaghar Matti is also largely due to this grave. Sanan bin Salma was supposedly a companion of Muhammad. He along with other Mujahedeen Islam reached this particular place of Peshawar in order to fight against Hindu Rajas and raise the name of Islam. He was killed in 66 Hijree and was buried in Chaghar Matti; this is actually a long collective grave said to be of many companions of Muhammad and Mujahedeen. Sanan bin Salma Muhbiq was also a learned person and commander of army. When Khurasan was conquered, Ziyad ibn Abih was appointed as Hakim (Governor) of Khurasan. This was the period of Usman who had scattered his army in different regions. All these commanders and generals of army conveyed the message of monotheism. They traveled far and wide in order to preach this important concept of Allah. They believed that every land is the land of Allah. Among these Commanders, there was Abdullah ibn Sawar, who was killed along with other companions in Qalaat. After this incident in 66 Hijree, the Governor of Khurasan, Ziyada, sent Sanan bin Salma bin Muhbiq as a Commander to conquer the regions of Hindustan. According to legend, first he crushed the revolt in Makran and waving the flag of Islam went ahead. After sometime he conquered Qalaat and Quetta. Here he established the foundation of a strong Islamic Government. Then after conquering D.I. Khan and Bannu he reached Kohat and in Kohat he established his rule. Then he entered the valley of Peshawar. After conquering Peshawar, Sanan bin Salma bin Muhbiq entered into “Daudzai” and in Chaghar Matti, the great commander and his army fought a bloody battle. Conquering this place, Sanan bin Salma bin Muhbiq and his other Mujahedeen (fighters for the sake of Islam) were killed. All these people were supposedly buried here in Chaghar Matti. This tomb is now known as Ashab Baba, which over the years has assumed the status of a shrine. People flock in droves to seek relief from various health ailments. There are many other shrines in the vicinity: They include the shrine of Sharsham Baba and shrine of Mian Je Baba, the shrine of Nadan Shaheed and Chahal Ghazi Baba near Chaghar Matti. The people observe their urs or anniversary every year.

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References
  1. See Pages 116 and 181 Report of the regular settlement of Peshawar district 1878
  2. Haleem, Abdul. Afghani Roohai Rabita vol:1. p. 62.
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