Restoring the Spirit of Kashmir: How Sufism Can Heal Divisions and Revive Kashmiriyat
By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam
6 December 2024
Kashmiri Sufism, Blending Islamic Mysticism And Indigenous Traditions, Developed The Valley's Unique Ethos, Kashmiriyat, Fostering Harmony. Rooted In The Teachings Of Saints Like Shah-E-Hamdan And Hazrat Nund Rishi, It Presents A Pathway To Unity In The Face Of Modern Challenges.
Main Points:
1. Sufism entered Kashmir in the 13th century, blending Islamic mysticism with local traditions like Shaivism, creating a unique spiritual culture.
2. Hazrat Nund Rishi and other saints taught global love, peace, and coexistence, forming a distinct Kashmiriyat.
3. The syncretic culture of Kashmir brought about unity among Muslims and Hindus.
4. Extremism and terrorism in the 1980s challenged Kashmir's multi-faith cohesion by creating lines of animosity.
5. Revival of the Rishi-Sufi tradition could bring back together and revitalise Kashmir's inclusive religious identity.
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Picture of Chhar-e-Sharif in 1911
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The legacy in Kashmiri Sufism to unity and peace in the Valley of Saints-that is, Kashmir. Here Sufism has found one of its most profound expositions in Islamic mysticism in harmony with indigenous influences that have shaped the spirit of the region, entailing cultural, spiritual and social ethos of inter-faith harmony and collective identity defined Kashmiriyat.
Sufism in Kashmir has evolved since the arrival of Sufi saints in the valley, 13th century till this development of an indigenous Rishi tradition. It represents a testament to the ability of the valley to absorb a wide range of religious and philosophical traditions into a special spiritual culture that transcends religious and social barriers.
Origins of Sufism: The Path of Mysticism
Sufism, or Tasawwuf, originated in the 7th century as a mystical practice in Islam. It aimed at gaining a personal experience of the Divine through love, humility, and purification of the soul. The term "Sufi" originates from the Arabic word Suf, referring to wool, since the early ascetics wore coarse woollen garments. These mystics focused on detachment from worldly possessions and a journey toward self-realization, spiritual awareness, and unity with God.
The Sufi way is characterized as a seven-step process of spiritual transformation. These seven steps include repentance, abstinence, renunciation, poverty, patience, trust in God, and submission to God's will. These principles were at the root of Sufi thinking and practice and, later on, harmonized well with Kashmir-a land that already had a legacy of spirituality and philosophy.
Sufism in Kashmir: A Unique Blend
The introduction of Sufism into Kashmir was started by Hazrat Bulbul Shah, a Suharwardy order saint who came to the valley in the 13th century during the rule of King Suhadev. His teachings about love, compassion, and equality captured the hearts of the people, providing them with a different alternative than the caste hierarchies and socio-economic inequalities of that time. He sowed the seeds of Islam in the valley, laying the groundwork for a change that was to go beyond religious lines.
Hazrat Mir Sayyed Ali Hamdani, often referred to as Shah-e-Hamdan, in the 14th century left indelible marks on this region. He was the scholar, mystic, and saint of the Kubrawi order. He went to Kashmir with 700 disciples. He preached primarily Tawheed (unity of God), Ikhlas (purity of heart), and Taqwa (piety). However, apart from spiritual development, Shah-e-Hamdan also accelerated the socio-economic development in the valley by introducing crafts such as shawl-weaving, which later helped become a key source for Kashmir's economy.
The Suhrawardiyya and Kubrawiyya orders had set firm foundations, but it was the Rishi tradition that made Kashmiri Sufism distinctive in character. This native spirituality, inspired by the precursors of Islam in hermits and sages, had been adapted from a local syncretism in the Kashmiri Shaiva and Hindu traditions.
The Rishi Order was a Syncretic Spiritual Movement
The Rishi order, led by Nund Rishi, also called Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali, marks the pinnacle of Kashmiri Sufism. Nund Rishi was born in the late 14th century and was profoundly inspired by Lal Ded, a Shaivite mystic who had been at the forefront of revolutionary action against orthodoxy, preaching unity in all faiths. Lal Ded's poetic verses, "Lal Vaakh", challenged rigid religious practices and extolled the universality of divine love.
Nund Rishi’s teachings reflected a synthesis of Sufi and Shaivite principles. He preached the values of universal love, peace, and interfaith harmony. His emphasis on vegetarianism, non-violence, and equality appealed to people across religious and social divides. Nund Rishi’s legacy as a unifier of communities earned him the reverence of both Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits.
Several other great saints emerged from the Rishi order, such as Resh Mir Saeb, Rupa Bhawani, and Shankar Razdan, all of whom further enriched the spiritual heritage of Kashmir. These saints represented the philosophy of Kashmiriyat, which is a collective identity of diversity, tolerance, and coexistence.
Kashmiriyat: The Cultural Ethos of Harmony
The Rishi-Sufi tradition became the cornerstone of Kashmiriyat, the unique cultural ethos of Kashmir. This philosophy transcended religious boundaries, promoting values of social justice, equality, and coexistence. Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits shared festivals, shrines, and cultural practices, reflecting the harmonious spirit of the valley.
Orthodox ways, for example by Nund Rishi and Lal Ded, challenged orthodox ideas; meanwhile, their humane messages united the masses with an emphasis on God being One and all religion to be equal. That led to a pluralistic order celebrating diversity.
Kashmiri festivals and rituals became secular in character, with Muslims and Hindus participating in each other's celebrations. Sufi shrines, known as dargahs, became centers of spiritual and social life, attracting devotees from all communities.
Challenges to Kashmiriyat
The late 20th century proved to be a very severe challenge to the harmonious fabric of Kashmiriyat. Terrorism and religious extremism began to rise in 1989, leading to the tragic exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, disrupting the interfaith harmony that had defined the valley for centuries. Political and religious conflicts tore through the social fabric, creating divisions that persist to this day.
Despite all this, the Kashmiri Sufi legacy survives. It inspires efforts toward interfaith dialogue and spiritual and cultural unity through the teachings of the saints, Shah-e-Hamdan and Nund Rishi.
Reviving Sufism: A Pathway to Peace
In the face of rising materialism and religious extremism, Sufism provides a counter-narrative that is all about inner growth, ethical conduct, and transcendence of ego. A renewed emphasis on the Rishi-Sufi tradition may help to reconcile and rebuild the social fabric of Kashmiri society.
Efforts To Revive Sufism In Kashmir May Include:
Educational Initiatives: Introduce Sufi philosophy in academic curricula to inspire younger generations.
Cultural Celebrations: Hosting festivals, poetry readings, and musical events that celebrate the spiritual heritage of Kashmiri Sufism.
Interfaith Dialogue: Creating platforms for dialogue between religious communities to promote understanding and harmony.
Leadership: Encouraging the emergence of charismatic Sufi leaders who can guide communities towards unity and peace.
Sufism can play a vital role in the reviving of traditional values that can help bring about an end to these contemporary problems, such as poverty, social inequality, and environmental degradation. Social justice and collective welfare emphasised by compassion are what is needed by modern society.
Conclusion: A Spiritual Renaissance
Kashmiri Sufism is not only a historical phenomenon but a living spiritual heritage through which profound insights into human nature are continually being developed. Its synthesis of Islam's mysticism with other indigenous philosophies has bred a spiritual culture unmatched elsewhere in the world.
Through rediscovery of the teachings of saints like Nund Rishi, Lal Ded, and Shah-e-Hamdan, people in Kashmir can rediscover their collective identity and forge a peaceful future. The revival of Sufism, with all its emphasis on love, compassion, and coexistence, offers a pathway towards healing the divisions of yesteryears and paving a foundation for lasting peace and unity.
With rediscovers its spiritual roots, the valley can regain its original position as the "Valley of Saints", shining a beacon into a more hopeful and harmonic world.
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
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Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/spirit-kashmir-sufism-kashmiriyat/d/133945
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