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The Lost Fragrance of Infinity
In 1739, Qaraar Ali, a young craftsman from Delhi witnesses the destruction of his world as he has known it. His wondrous city where he found love, spirituality, the friendship of poets and philosophers becomes a desolate, scorching hell. From the embers of his past, a journey begins; one which takes him into the depths of Sufi philosophy. Traversing spectacular landscapes of a fading Mughal Empire, a turbulent Central Asia and Persia, a culturally retreating Ottoman Empire and declining Spanish influence, Qaraar Ali finds hope in the sacred geometry of the Sufis through which he attempts at rebuilding his life and rediscovering love. A deeply passionate love story imbued with spirituality, acceptance, compassion and redemption, The Lost Fragrance of Infinity gives a much-deserved voice to Sufism and its contributions to humanity, art, mathematics, mysticism and science.
318 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2021
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132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 16, 2021
DELHI, SPRING 1738
Abeerah's father didn't approve of her love for the twenty-two-year-old Qaraar Ali. They were the same age. She didn't love him only for his almond-shaped eyes or his tall lithe frame ... She loved him for his mind. It was a mind that would take her places within herself that she didn't know existed. When his mind would wander, it would return with words that made her feel as if she lay under the winter sun. When she saw him, she would feel as if her heart had turned into a sparkling diamond.
This is first ever time that I read Moin Mir's work, I have heard a great deal of praise but The lost fragrance of Infinity surprised me pleasantly. The poetic transcendence, the vivid imagery and the slightly dream-like atmosphere that envelopes the novel is breathtaking. The dreams we see taking shape behind our closed eyelids, somewhere in between neural synapses and chemical reactions; while we sleep they seem almost tangible. I categorise dreams into three types– the ones where I am me; the ones where I am someone else; and the ones in which I am nothing but a presence and I see the events unfolding. The lost fragrance of Infinity reminds me of the last species of dreams, hazy yet palpable; the narrative is fluid and balances elaborate descriptions alongside the readers attention perfectly.
Set in 1739 in Delhi, this is the story of a man in love with love. Qaraar Ali hailed from a family of artisans, his ancestors had been the chief artisans attached to the supreme architects of the Mughal court. But Qaraar was driven by the creative spirit, he would be found at Sufi shrines or immersed in the works of Hafez, Bedil, Rumi and Ibn Arabi. However, in less than an year the city where he had found love, kindled his spiritual and philosophical flame was destroyed. Qaraar embarks on a journey traversing the terrains of a fading Mughal Empire, a culturally retreating Ottoman Empire, declining Spanish influence and a turbulent Central Asia and Persia, to rebuild his lost love and life.
Abeerah's father didn't approve of her love for the twenty-two-year-old Qaraar Ali. They were the same age. She didn't love him only for his almond-shaped eyes or his tall lithe frame ... She loved him for his mind. It was a mind that would take her places within herself that she didn't know existed. When his mind would wander, it would return with words that made her feel as if she lay under the winter sun. When she saw him, she would feel as if her heart had turned into a sparkling diamond.
This is first ever time that I read Moin Mir's work, I have heard a great deal of praise but The lost fragrance of Infinity surprised me pleasantly. The poetic transcendence, the vivid imagery and the slightly dream-like atmosphere that envelopes the novel is breathtaking. The dreams we see taking shape behind our closed eyelids, somewhere in between neural synapses and chemical reactions; while we sleep they seem almost tangible. I categorise dreams into three types– the ones where I am me; the ones where I am someone else; and the ones in which I am nothing but a presence and I see the events unfolding. The lost fragrance of Infinity reminds me of the last species of dreams, hazy yet palpable; the narrative is fluid and balances elaborate descriptions alongside the readers attention perfectly.
Set in 1739 in Delhi, this is the story of a man in love with love. Qaraar Ali hailed from a family of artisans, his ancestors had been the chief artisans attached to the supreme architects of the Mughal court. But Qaraar was driven by the creative spirit, he would be found at Sufi shrines or immersed in the works of Hafez, Bedil, Rumi and Ibn Arabi. However, in less than an year the city where he had found love, kindled his spiritual and philosophical flame was destroyed. Qaraar embarks on a journey traversing the terrains of a fading Mughal Empire, a culturally retreating Ottoman Empire, declining Spanish influence and a turbulent Central Asia and Persia, to rebuild his lost love and life.
November 12, 2021
I enjoyed reading this historical novel by Moin Mir.
July 3, 2021
A historical fiction covering a vast landscape from India to Spain through Turkey and surrounding countries. Enlightening and well researched
October 10, 2021
I thought that this was historical fiction but it turned out to be a romantic novel. While it has history as a backdrop, it has larger than life characters who take on any uphill task and complete it in a jiffy. The author has produced an over simplified narrative throughout. It is also difficult to appreciate the visual art described just by reading - a photo or an illustration would have helped.
Overall, while the historical background is well researched, the sugary sweet characters and their ability to do anything at will seems too unreal.
Overall, while the historical background is well researched, the sugary sweet characters and their ability to do anything at will seems too unreal.
January 19, 2022
The writer knows a lot about his subject. And the subject is indeed a fascinating one. Sufism is a branch of Islam that hailed culture, arts, scientific invention and the exploration of the world as important as religious scriptures… Unfortunately over the centuries, the influence of Sufism - once widespread throughout the world - waned significantly.
Mir trails the path of Sufism through different parts of the world in the 18th century. He traverses across India, Persia, other parts of Central Asia and reaches Spain.
Had the book solely been about this subject, I feel it would’ve fared better. But by attempting to cloak the work in a twee, almost unbelievable love story setting, it loses much of its potential charm.
The characters are very wooden and one-dimensional, and the plot is laughably childish in parts. However, keeping in mind this is the writer’s maiden attempt at fiction, one can give him the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps, next time he will let his expertise on the subject shine instead of wanting to pander to populist ideas?
Mir trails the path of Sufism through different parts of the world in the 18th century. He traverses across India, Persia, other parts of Central Asia and reaches Spain.
Had the book solely been about this subject, I feel it would’ve fared better. But by attempting to cloak the work in a twee, almost unbelievable love story setting, it loses much of its potential charm.
The characters are very wooden and one-dimensional, and the plot is laughably childish in parts. However, keeping in mind this is the writer’s maiden attempt at fiction, one can give him the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps, next time he will let his expertise on the subject shine instead of wanting to pander to populist ideas?
February 11, 2023
There is a great depression and sorrow in Turkey at the moment. In such turbulent times, news penetrate my heart. I gather torrents of tears as watching footages hopelessly. Reading a fairytale like sufist story adorned with the verses from Rumi, Evliya Chelebi, Hafez, Bedil,Ibn Arabi doesn’t remove or cure the the interminable pain, but helps to calm down and breath.
In the beginning of the 18th century, Qaraar Ali who is a girih tile craftsman goes through a deadly destruction of wars in the region of Delhi.He loses all his beloved ones in such destructive political upheavals of the time.His spiritual journey starts after fleeing from Delhi. He travels to different geographies in search of spiritual love, Mughal empire, Asia, Persia, Ottoman Empire, and the Spanish lands. In his life long journey, he follows the path of Sufism.
In the beginning of the 18th century, Qaraar Ali who is a girih tile craftsman goes through a deadly destruction of wars in the region of Delhi.He loses all his beloved ones in such destructive political upheavals of the time.His spiritual journey starts after fleeing from Delhi. He travels to different geographies in search of spiritual love, Mughal empire, Asia, Persia, Ottoman Empire, and the Spanish lands. In his life long journey, he follows the path of Sufism.
November 8, 2021
One of the most beautiful books I have read. A love story wrapped in an ode to Sufism and Islamic architecture, art and culture. From page one to the last word, here is writing that is meant to be savoured, words that need to be absorbed deeply, and a story that fills you with warmth, empathy, pathos and delight at every turn. Strongly recommended reading. I don’t know why this book hasn’t yet reached the bestseller lists. @moinmir – Thank you! Grateful forever.
March 7, 2023
At some points there was a thought of not reading it further. It was majorly because i read it just after the Maikoka sisters and expected a lot on the literary side. Kept reading to familiarise with the history (the history of my region and religion).
It felt very quickly dragged through all the mentioned people in history.
It felt very quickly dragged through all the mentioned people in history.
December 10, 2021
one of the finest books explaining what is sufi and its principles. Some excellent quotes from some well known poets and Sufis over the years such as Bin Khatum and others.
Well written and enjoyable read.
Well written and enjoyable read.
June 17, 2025
Dear author,
I used to be a non fiction snob until I read “The lost Fragrance of Infinity”.
There are so many questions that remain unanswered in a fiction. I wish there was a podcast or something like that where you could’ve shared facts and figures regarding history or as you see it….
I used to be a non fiction snob until I read “The lost Fragrance of Infinity”.
There are so many questions that remain unanswered in a fiction. I wish there was a podcast or something like that where you could’ve shared facts and figures regarding history or as you see it….
December 8, 2021
This passionate love story transports the reader into another world. I couldn’t put it down.
May 10, 2022
Appealing to both the heart and the mind, this book is a must read for all the romantics and sufi lovers out there.
August 31, 2023
I must admit that the I've never read anything related to Sufi philosophy. A review of this book piqued my interest and I picked it up and despite my reservations about the plot Qaraar's story was really good! His escapades were unique and the ending just broke my heart. Kudos to the author on that one. The underlying message of the story is the winner here though. Universalism is what we should all aspire for. The brilliant Sufi philosophies interspersed throughout the book were a delight to read and I have earmarked them for future reading. Sad to see how the Muslim popular thought have evolved from being peaceful and intellectually curious to downright barbaric fundamentalism.
October 12, 2023
The storyline and characters are over simplified and juvenile. The plot and the incidents throughout the novel are made to fit into the best outcome situation. I would go so far as to say that the one dimensional, utopian, theoretical approach of the characters dilutes the seriousness of the storyline which the author 'perhaps intended' to achieve.
The novel seems like an outcome of the author's romance with popular imagery associated with Sufism and tries to wade through places like a touristy guide on a short itinerary. The Sufi premise in the book lowered the bar of representing Sufism in popular Asian cultures, by making a caricature of the idea.
Much as I was impressed by some good names endorsing the book, I was disappointed to realize they were perhaps a case of a good friend's 'blind spots' or I dare say, courtesy endorsements.
The novel seems like an outcome of the author's romance with popular imagery associated with Sufism and tries to wade through places like a touristy guide on a short itinerary. The Sufi premise in the book lowered the bar of representing Sufism in popular Asian cultures, by making a caricature of the idea.
Much as I was impressed by some good names endorsing the book, I was disappointed to realize they were perhaps a case of a good friend's 'blind spots' or I dare say, courtesy endorsements.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews