According to Hafiz S.Ahmad, the local traditions speak of one Hazrat Momin Arif, who had migrated from his native country Yemen to India, as being the first Muslim settler in Maner. He is regarded as a great Saint and a large section of the inhabitants of Maner trace their descent from him. His grave lies to the north-west of the Inspection Bungalow in Maner.

Hafiz also suggests that Momin Arif may have been a representative of the Ghaznavite rulers to receive duty on their behalf. As the Ghaznavite rule grew weak, the Raja of Maner, probably a feudatory chief, tried to stop payment by persecuting him in various ways so that he might depart from his dominions. When life at Maner became intolerable to him, he left for the Muslim world and told the tale of his persecution wherever he went. At Madina, one Hazrat Taj Faqih, an inhabitant of Jerusalem, joined him with his party and started for India. 

On their way to India they were supported and joined by many Muslim warriors and princes till their small party swelled into a fairly large army. This army is believed to have entered India through the usual north-west route and passed quietly through the greater part of India till it arrived at the river Karamnasa near Buxar, on the western side of the boundary of the dominions of the Raja of Maner.

There a pitched battle ensued in which the Raja’s army was routed and hotly chased to the very gates of Maner. There the Raja made his final stand, and after a brave struggle was defeated and killed. The large number of the graves of Shahids (Muslim martyrs) at Maner proves to a certainty that the resistance offered by the Raja was very great and the Muslims got the possession of Maner after the greater part of the Raja’s army was destroyed.

To be continued.......