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Islamic Personalities ( 11 Dec 2024, NewAgeIslam.Com)

Mir Baba Hyder: Keeper of Kashmir’s Spiritual Legacy

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam

11 December 2024

Mir Baba Hyder Tulmuli’s Hidayatul Mukhliseen Pays Tribute To Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom’s Spiritual Legacy, Providing Profound Insights Into Sufism And Showcasing The Timeless Bond Between Murshid And Mureed. It Stands As A Significant Yet Underexplored Work In Sufi Literature

Main Points:

1. Mir Baba Hyder Tulmuli shared a deep spiritual connection with his mentor, Sheikh Hamza, as reflected in his manuscript, Hidayatul Mukhliseen.

2. Unlike Vird-ul-Murideen, Mir Baba’s Hidayatul Mukhliseen remains lesser-known but offers profound insights into spirituality, Sufi traditions, and Sheikh Hamza’s miracles.

3. The manuscript is divided into five chapters, focusing on the qualities of a Murshid, spiritual practices, and a dedicated section on Sheikh Hamza’s spiritual stature.

4. Mir Baba’s spiritual journey began with a dream of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), leading him to Sheikh Hamza despite physical and societal challenges.

5. Mir Baba settled in Tulmulla, where he guided many disciples and solidified his legacy, commemorated annually on the seventh of Muharram.

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The bond between a Murshid (spiritual mentor) and a Mureed (disciple) is deeply rooted in love, respect, and spiritual devotion. This connection, subtle yet profound, has been celebrated by poets and writers throughout Sufi traditions. History bears witness to numerous disciples chronicling the teachings and experiences of their spiritual mentors in various forms of literature.

One remarkable example of this sacred bond is seen in the life of the revered Sufi saint of Kashmir, Hazrat Sultan-ul-Arifeen Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA). Two of his eminent disciples, Baba Dawood Kakhi (RA) and Mir Baba Hyder Tulmuli (RA), exemplified this tradition by authoring two significant works: Vird-ul-Murideen and Hidayatul Mukhliseen, respectively. These works highlight the spiritual eminence and teachings of their Murshid.

The Legacy of Vird-ul-Murideen and Hidayatul Mukhliseen

While Vird-ul-Murideen by Baba Dawood Kakhi has achieved widespread recognition, being published, translated, and extensively studied, Hidayatul Mukhliseen by Mir Baba Hyder Tulmuli has remained relatively lesser known. Historians such as Mohammad Azem Dedmari and Peer Hasan Shah Khuhami have briefly referenced it in their historical accounts, Waqati Kashmir and Tawareek-e-Hasan.

Structure and Content of Hidayatul Mukhliseen

Originally written in Persian, this unpublished manuscript was later translated into Urdu by Maulana Ghulam Rasool Farooqi, also known as Hilal Kashmiri. Comprising five chapters, the work reflects Mir Baba Hyder’s profound spiritual insights:

Qualities of a Murshid – Discussing the attributes essential for a spiritual guide. Relevance of Actions (Ibadah) – Exploring the significance of performing actions at the appropriate times. Importance of Zikr and Azkar – Emphasising the repetition of sacred words and verses. Illumination of Sufi Traditions – Delving into the principles of Tasawwuf (Sufism). Dedicated to Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) – Highlighting Sheikh Hamza’s spiritual eminence and miraculous episodes. In the concluding chapter, Mir Baba Hyder provides a detailed account of Sheikh Hamza’s virtues and miracles, offering numerous titles to his Murshid, which underscore their deep spiritual connection.

Mir Baba Hyder’s Journey to Sheikh Hamza

Mir Baba Hyder Tulmuli’s devotion to Sheikh Hamza began with a transformative dream at the age of 15. In this dream, he saw the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who instructed Sheikh Hamza to impart spiritual knowledge to him. This vision ignited a lifelong quest that led him to Kashmir, despite his uncle's initial resistance. His unwavering determination to pursue his spiritual path overcame all obstacles, exemplifying his commitment to the divine journey.

Upon reaching Kashmir, Mir Baba Hyder received extensive spiritual training under Sheikh Hamza’s guidance. He was later appointed to Pargana Lar, where he provided religious and spiritual counsel. Eventually, he settled in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, where he earned his livelihood by farming on a plot known as “Mir Subun Zameen.”

Legacy and Contributions

Tulmulla became a centre of spirituality during Mir Baba Hyder’s lifetime, attracting disciples seeking his guidance. Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom often sent followers to benefit from Mir Baba Hyder’s wisdom. Revered by various titles, such as Faqeer Mir Hyder Gujrati, his legacy continues to inspire spiritual seekers to this day.

Despite his significant contributions, there is a need for further research into Mir Baba Hyder’s life and works. Such studies would not only enrich Sufi literature but also shed light on the spiritual connections between Kashmir and the broader world.

The annual commemoration of Mir Baba Hyder Tulmuli on the seventh of Muharram highlights his lasting influence. His life and writings, particularly Hidayatul Mukhliseen, stand as a testament to the profound relationship between a Murshid and a Mureed, enriching the vibrant tapestry of Sufi traditions.

Also Read:

Sultan Darvesh: The Sufi Healer of Kashmir and His Timeless Teachings

Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom: The Saint of Kashmir

Rishi Sufi Order in Kashmir: Roots, Legacy, and Impact

Islam's Early Roots in Kashmir: A Historical Account

The Suharwardy Order: Foundations of Sufism in Kashmir

Baba Zain-ud-Din Wali: Illuminating Kashmir’s Spiritual Path

The Naqshbandi Order in Kashmir

The Quadri Order’s Legacy in Kashmir: Saints and Spiritual Foundations

The Kubravi Order and Its Spread to Kashmir

Hazrat Qayumuddeen Qadri RA: A Sufi Saint of Kashmir

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