The Suharwardy Order: Foundations of Sufism in Kashmir
By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam
28 November 2024
The Suharwardy Order, Led By Figures Like Bulbul Shah And Syed Ahmad Kirmani, Played A Foundational Role In Introducing And Shaping Sufism In Kashmir. Despite Periods Of Decline, Its Spiritual And Theological Contributions Left A Lasting Legacy
Main Points:
1. The Suharwardy order entered Kashmir in the 14th century, introduced by Bulbul Shah, who established the first Khanqah and converted Ladakhi prince Rinchana to Islam.
2. Bulbul Shah’s death in 1326 CE marked the decline of the order, but periodic revivals occurred during Sultan Zainul Abidin's reign and beyond.
3. Syed Ahmad Kirmani and his disciple Baba Masud, active during Sultan Nazuk Shah’s era, opposed Shia influence and strengthened Sunni Islam.
4. Syed Muhammad Isfahani and Syed Jamaluddin Bukhari were key figures who ensured the Suharwardy order's continued impact in Kashmir.
5. The Suharwardy tradition influenced Kashmiri spirituality, laying the foundation for Sufism and contributing significantly to Islamic religious practices in the region.
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The Suharwardy order was the first major Sufi order to establish itself in Kashmir, arriving in the early 14th century. This Sufi tradition originated with Shaikh Ziya’ud-Din Abu’l-Suhrawardi (d. 1167), the author of Adabü’l-Muridin. However, it was his nephew and successor, Shaikh Shihabu’d-Din Abu Hafs Umar bin Abdullah (1144–1234), who truly shaped and popularized the order. His seminal work, ‘Awarif al-Ma’arif, served as a guide for Sufis across India, much like Hujwiri’s Kashfu’l-Mahjub. It played a significant role in the spiritual training of early Indian Sufis.
The Suharwardy order entered Kashmir through the efforts of Syed Sharafu’d-Din, famously known as Bulbul Shah. Hailing from Turkistan, Bulbul Shah journeyed through Central Asia and Persia before arriving in Kashmir during the reign of King Suhadeva. Bulbul Shah is celebrated for his spiritual contributions, particularly his conversion of Rinchana, a Ladakhi prince, to Islam. Rinchana, who adopted the name Sultan Sadruddin, became an ardent supporter of Bulbul Shah. Together, they established the first Khanqah (Sufi retreat) in Kashmir near the royal palace. This retreat, known as Bulbul-Langar, was supported by revenues from designated villages and included a Langar (alms-house) to provide food for the needy.
Bulbul Shah's death in 727 AH (1326 CE) marked the beginning of the Suhrawardi order's decline in Kashmir. While his contributions were foundational, the absence of strong successors meant that the order gradually lost prominence. Nevertheless, its legacy was intermittently revived by later saints, particularly during the reign of Sultan Zainul Abidin (1420–1470).
One such revivalist was Syed Muhammad Isfahani, a disciple of Makhdoom Jahaniyan (Syed Jalalu’d-Din Bukhari of Uch). Upon arriving in Kashmir, Syed Muhammad initially resided in Srinagar but later retreated to the village of Khanpur to avoid the growing crowds seeking his blessings. Known for his austere spiritual practices, Syed Muhammad earned the title janbaz (one who stakes his life). Though little is known about his disciples or the date of his death, his presence underscored the periodic influence of the Suharwardy order in the region.
During Sultan Nazuk Shah's reign, the Suharwardy order saw another significant figure, Syed Ahmad Kirmani. Originating from Kirman, Syed Ahmad had connections to the Suharwardy strongholds in Multan and Uch. Like his predecessors, he traced his lineage of spiritual mentorship to Makhdoom Jahaniyan. Sultan Nazuk Shah, recognizing Syed Ahmad's spiritual stature, established a Khanqah for him at Narwur in Srinagar and allocated state funds for the maintenance of his Langar. Syed Ahmad actively engaged in theological debates, particularly opposing the Shia influence that had gained a strong foothold in Kashmir. After his death, he was buried near the tomb of Shaikh Bahauddin in Srinagar.
Syed Ahmad's most notable disciple was Baba Masud, also known as Narwur Sahib. Originally a wealthy merchant titled Malikul Tujjar (Prince of Merchants), Baba Masud renounced his material wealth to follow the Sufi path under Syed Ahmad's guidance. Like his mentor, Baba Masud vehemently opposed Shia ideology and is said to have converted many Shias to Sunni Islam. He was buried in the Khanqah of his spiritual guide at Narwur.
Another influential figure in the Suharwardy tradition in Kashmir was Syed Jamaluddin Bukhari. A disciple of Haji Abdul Wahhab Dehlavi, he belonged to the same spiritual lineage tracing back to Makhdoom Jahaniyan. Syed Jamaluddin Bukhari’s efforts ensured that the Suharwardy order continued to influence Kashmiri spiritual life, even as other Sufi orders gained prominence.
In conclusion, the Suharwardy order played a foundational role in shaping Sufism in Kashmir. Despite periods of decline, its influence persisted through the efforts of saints like Syed Muhammad Isfahani, Syed Ahmad Kirmani, Baba Masud, and Syed Jamaluddin Bukhari. Their contributions ensured that the order left an enduring spiritual legacy in the region.
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
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A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/suharwardy-order-sufism-kashmir/d/133843
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