It is a historical fact that the role of Sufis under the leadership of Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA) in the propagation of Islam in Kashmir has been very remarkable and history-making. Although this work was first started by Qalandar-e-Sadat Hazrat Mir Syed Hussain Samnani (RA), who came to Kashmir on the instructions of Amir Kabir (RA) and established his permanent residence on the banks of the Vishnu River in Kulgam. Even today, his shrine remains a place of pilgrimage for devotees. People belonging to every religion and nationality come there to seek blessings and offer prayers.
It is a strange coincidence that the man who founded the Rashidunya movement in Kashmir, Qalandar, was also born in the same area of Kulgam, Kemoh. Indeed, Allah Almighty has bestowed a special spiritual place on this area. At this very place, the tomb of Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani’s parents, Baba Salaruddin and Sadra Maj, still exists in the form of a great place of worship.
The supreme lover of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the leader of the Siraj-ul-Salikin, Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (may Allah have mercy on him), and other Sufis set an example for the propagation of Islam through their character and deeds, more than through sermons and advice. The pure moral life of these Sufis, their asceticism and contentment, their selflessness and unbiased human compassion created love for them in the hearts of the common people. These holy souls, leaving their homeland and its people, and becoming poor, carried the light of Islam to every corner of the valley.
One of these spiritual crown jewels, the radiant sun of the heavens of Sufism — Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (may Allah have mercy on him) was born on 6th Jamadi-ul-Awwal 777 AH in the house of Baba Salaruddin and Sadra Maj. This fragrant flower bloomed from the garden of these two holy beings, whose fragrance perfumed the entire Kashmir valley with spirituality and path.
Sheikh Kamil is one of the most prominent spiritual figures of the valley. Even after centuries, his words are recited with devotion in spiritual gatherings, mosques, madrasas and other gatherings. This is a testament to the fact that even after seven hundred years, Sheikh Kamil is alive and well in the hearts of every Kashmiri.
Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA) was a practical, ascetic and pious man, an active preacher and reformer. He was not only a pioneer of the religion but also was honored with the great title of “Alamdar-e-Kashmir”. His mystical poetry is such a spiritual source of the Kashmiri language that millions of people thirsting for mysticism have been quenched by it.
All the worries are gone, the money is gone.
The lives of the people of Kashmir used to be simple, spiritual and God-fearing, but unfortunately we have lost these spiritual values somewhere in the maze of worldliness. This is the real cause of our troubles and unrest. We have to return to the teachings of our ancestors and elders.
Jan pin yatoi taman path banzarkh, soi chhe tor kazhh badrahkay
The teachings of Hazrat Sheikh Alam (RA) are well-known not only in Kashmir but also all over the world. Every nation has a unique identity, and the identity of the Kashmiri nation was established by those great men, among whom Hazrat Sheikh Alam (RA) is at the forefront. The teachings of asceticism, piety and contentment that he taught are still the cure for all diseases of the soul.
If his words are acted upon, it is possible to eliminate killing, destruction, hatred and unrest from society, and peace and harmony can be established everywhere. His poems teach us the lesson of service, sacrifice and love, which is exactly in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah.
The popularity of Sheikh Kamil’s poetry is such that most Kashmiris remember his poems by heart. Even the Afghan ruler Atta Muhammad Khan issued coins in his honor – the first time in the history of Kashmir that a saint was named after him.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
The personality of Hazrat Alamdar-e-Kashmir is a shining chapter in Kashmiri history and civilization. He is rightly acknowledged as the interpreter of the Quran in the Kashmiri language.
In memorial ceremonies, remembrance of God and love for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) are promoted, along with love and connection with the saints, which provides spiritual grace and moral training.
Imam Ghazali (RA) states that the purpose of worship should be solely for the pleasure of God. Worshipping out of desire for Paradise or fear of Hell is contrary to the spirit of sincerity. Sheikh Kamil (RA) expressed this fact thus:
Hazrat Sheikh Alam (RA) always taught us to live according to monotheism, prophethood, and the Sunnah of the Prophet. Unfortunately, we have forgotten these teachings, which is why we are suffering from worries and anxiety today.
Finally, this great figure passed away in 842 AH, at the age of 63.
“Keep the company of good people and love them, for they are the ones who always face the Qiblah. The company of good people brightens the heart, while the company of evil people darkens it.”
Although the traces of this man of truth are still present in various parts of the valley, this great man, who rests in peace in Charar Sharif, is still guiding the path of truth with his living and immortal personality, and God willing, he will continue to do so until the Day of Judgment.
