Hazrat Qutub Shah Qasim Haqqani: Kashmir’s Sufi Guide

 

By Altamash Ali, New Age Islam

4 October 2025

Hazrat Qutub Shah Qasim Haqqani, a 16th-century Naqshbandi saint, spread Islam through divine love, zikr, and Faqr. His shrine in Fateh Kadal, Srinagar, and works like Taj-ul-Arifeen and Diwan-e-Qasim Haqqani remain pivotal in Kashmir’s Sufi heritage.

Main Points:

1.            Promoted zikr, Tawakkul, and Faqr in Kashmir.

2.            Authored Taj-ul-Arifeen and Diwan-e-Qasim Haqqani.

3.            Major Sufi centre, attracts thousands for urs.

4.            Drew people to Islam with acts like water from stone.

5.            Preserved in Tazkirat-ul-Urfa by his descendant.

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Hazrat Qutub Shah Qasim, also known as Mir Sayyid Qasim Shah Haqqani, was a renowned Sufi saint and spiritual guide of Kashmir. He was a prominent representative of the lofty Sufi tradition, and his shrine, located in Fateh Kadal, Srinagar, is a significant center of Kashmir’s spiritual heritage. While the tombs of kings may rarely attract people, the shrines of Sufi saints draw thousands of devotees. Hazrat Qutub Shah Haqqani was not only a great Sufi but also a versatile writer whose works are imbued with profound spiritual depth. He was born on 29 Rajab 958 Hijri (1551 CE) in the household of Mir Sayyid Muhammad, a sixth-generation descendant of Shamuddin Shami. Coincidentally, this was a time when Kashmir was politically unstable. The nominal ruler was Sultan Nazuk Shah, but real power lay in the hands of Babur’s cousin, Mirza Haider Dughlat. Despite this turbulent environment, Hazrat Qasim Haqqani focused on the spiritual path and immersed himself deeply in Sufi traditions. Hazrat Qutub Shah Haqqani is a prominent name in Kashmir’s Sufi history.

He was associated with the Naqshbandi Sufi order, and his teachings were based on faith, Tasawwuf (Sufism), and divine love. In the tradition of Kashmir’s Sufi saints, he is revered as one of the “Awliya-e-Kashmir” (Saints of Kashmir). His writings and sermons played a significant role in the spread of Islam and spiritual awakening in Kashmir. He was a proponent of “Ahlul Bayt” (followers of the Prophet’s family), Faqr (spiritual poverty), and Haq (truth). His shrine in Fateh Kadal, Srinagar, attracts devotees seeking prayers and blessings. His teachings reflect the influence of great scholars like Imam Ghazali, Imam Azam, and Sheikhul Alam. His contribution to the history of Islam in Kashmir is invaluable, particularly in spreading the message of peace and unity through Sufism.

Hazrat Qasim Haqqani was an accomplished poet, and his poetry, written in Persian—the scholarly language of the time—expressed divine love and the spiritual journey of humanity. An interesting fact is that his poems were so simple that even common people could understand them. Like other Sufi saints, Hazrat Qutub Shah Qasim Haqqani is associated with numerous miraculous stories that reflect his spiritual prowess. According to one fascinating tale, while traveling in Kashmir, some people mocked his simplicity. He calmly touched a stone, and water began to flow from it. Witnessing this miracle, the people were filled with reverence and became his disciples. Such stories are still narrated at his shrine. His biography and teachings were compiled in Tazkirat-ul-Urfa by his descendant, Mir Sayyid Momin Haqqani.

This text is a vital source of his poetry, miracles, and spiritual sermons. Interestingly, this work presents his teachings in a way that aids in understanding Kashmir’s Sufi history. It remains significant for scholars and researchers today. Hazrat Qutub Shah Qasim Haqqani wrote many famous poems: Divine Love (Ishq-e-Ilahi): His poetry expressed complete devotion and love for God.

Spiritual Poverty (Faqr): Emphasizing the renunciation of worldly desires and the purification of the soul.

Zikr And Tawakkul: Remembrance Of God And Complete Trust In Him

Humanity and the Universe: Considering the human soul as the centre of the universe, his poems encouraged self-awareness.

Quest For Truth: The Pursuit Of Haq (Truth) And Spiritual Realization

Poem 1:

The Quest for Truth  In the depths of the heart resides the light of truth,

Seek it in every breath, for it is your guide.

Abandon the glitter of the world, embrace the path of faqr,

The one lost in truth is the one who finds it. 

Poem 2:

Divine Love  Immerse yourself in divine love, O restless heart,

In every heartbeat dwells an endless chain of love.

In every creation of the universe, behold His glimpse,

The one lost in Him finds Him every time. 

He played a significant role in strengthening this order in Kashmir, which is based on Zikr (remembrance of God), Tawakkul (trust in God), and Faqr (spiritual poverty).He conveyed the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah (the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) to the common people. His poems and sermons were in simple language, introducing the masses to the core essence of Islam—love, peace, and unity. Hazrat Qutub Shah Qasim Haqqani presented Islam as an inclusive and peaceful religion in Kashmir. His shrine attracted people from Hindu, Muslim, and other communities, symbolizing Kashmir’s communal harmony.

He trained numerous disciples who furthered the Naqshbandi order. His letters (rasail) and sermons taught disciples the principles of Islam, morality, and spiritual discipline.Many miraculous stories are associated with Hazrat Qutub Shah Qasim Haqqani, attracting people to Islam. For instance, according to one story, he touched a stone, causing water to flow from it, which left people in awe of his spiritual power and led them to embrace Islam. His shrine in Fateh Kadal, Srinagar, became a major centre for Islam and Sufism. Thousands participate in the annual urs (commemoration), where the Quran is recited, zikr is performed, and his poetry is read. Hazrat Qutub Shah Qasim Haqqani wrote numerous books and works in Arabic and Persian, teaching people about Islam and humanity. 

Taj-ul-Arifeen:

This is his most significant work, a commentary (Sharh) on Awrad-e-Fathiya (Ward-ul-Murideen). The book details Naqshbandi Sufi practices, such as zikr (remembrance of God), meditation, and spiritual stages. It serves as a guide for disciples. 

Diwan-e-Qasim Haqqani:

This is a collection of his poetry, including Ghazals, Qasidas, Rubaiyat, And Nazms. These poems are based on divine love (Ishq-e-Ilahi), spiritual poverty (Faqr), the quest for truth (haq), and Naqshbandi philosophy. His poetry is simple yet profound. 

Rasail:

He wrote several letters to his disciples, expressing teachings on Islam, morality, Tasawwuf (Sufism), and spiritual discipline. These letters served as a source of guidance for Naqshbandi disciples.

Hazrat Qutub Shah Qasim Haqqani’s books, particularly Taj-ul-Arifeen and Diwan-e-Qasim Haqqani, are an essential part of Kashmir’s Sufi literature. These works reflect the spiritual depth of Islam and the teachings of the Naqshbandi order. His books and poetry remain alive through his shrine and oral traditions. According to some Kashmiri Sufi historians, his death occurred in the early 17th century (around 1620–1630 CE), though the exact date is unavailable.

This was during a period of political instability in Kashmir under the influence of rulers like Mirza Haider Dughlat. After his death, he was buried in Fateh Kadal, Srinagar, where his shrine remains one of Kashmir’s prominent Sufi pilgrimage sites. It is a symbol of the Naqshbandi order, and thousands of devotees gather annually for his urs (likely commemorated around 29 Rajab or Dhul-Hijjah).

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Altamash Ali is a Sufi writer and a student at IFTM University_ .

 

URL:   https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hazrat-qutub-shah-qasim-haqqani-sufi/d/137096

 

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