“It is the message, not the man, which is important to the Sufis.”
-Idries Shah, The Sufis
Religion is a very strong pillar in the world. Since their existence, humans have always found a way of having belief in the almighty, the spirit which can set everything on the right path. In Islam, just like all the religions of the world, one such way of attaining God or Allah, the eternal spirit is Sufism. Sufism refers to the Islamic mysticism or asceticism, which through belief and practice helps Muslims attain nearness to Allah by way of direct personal experience of God. Becoming one with Allah or being absolute, has always been an aim for the sufis. The Word ‘Sufi’ is largely believed to stem from the Arabic word suf, which refers to the wool that was traditionally worn by mystics and ascetics. Belief in pursuing a path that leads to closeness with God, ultimately through encountering the divine in the hereafter, is a fundamental component of Islamic belief. However, in Sufi thought this proximity can be realised in this life. Sufism focuses on the inner dimensions of religion and the personal experience of God. Sufi practice involves the pursuit of spiritual goals through techniques such as meditation, contemplation and the study of religious texts. The goal of Sufism is to attain a deep and meaningful relationship with God and to become a vessel for divine love and mercy. Sufism in Kashmir is a fascination in itself. The mystical and spiritual traditions of Sufism have deeply influenced the social and cultural fabric of the Kashmiri society for over a thousand years. Kashmir has been an important centre of Sufi traditions and has produced great Sufi scholars, poets and mystics.
Kashmiri Sufism has a rich history, dating back to the 11th century when the Sufi saint, Sheikh Nooruddin Wali, also known as Nund Rishi, came to Kashmir and established the Rishi order of Sufism. He is considered the patron saint of Kashmir and his teachings and influence has had a lasting impact on the region. The Rishi order emphasised the importance of living a simple and contemplative life, and the cultivation of an inner state of consciousness that is cantered on God. The teachings of Sufis like Nund Rishi were deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of Kashmir. The Sufi poets and mystics of Kashmir have written some of the most beautiful and inspiring poetry that reflects the spirituality and beauty of the region. The poetry of Lal Ded, a 14th century mystic, is iconic in Kashmir and has been translated and studied across the world. Her poetry speaks of the beauty of nature, the longing for God, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. The tradition of Sufism has helped to sustain the cultural and spiritual identity of Kashmir. The Sufi shrines, mosques, and tombs that are spread across the region are an important part of Kashmiri heritage and are visited by thousands of people from around the world every year. These shrines and mosques serve as spiritual centres and are places of refuge and solace for the people of Kashmir.
Sufism has also played an important role in promoting interfaith harmony and mutual understanding in Kashmir. The Sufi saints and scholars of Kashmir were known for their tolerance and inclusivity, very much different from wahabi counterparts. The sufis believed that all religious traditions lead to the same divine truth and encouraged people of different faiths to come together and find common ground. The tradition of Sufism has helped to create a deep sense of communal harmony in Kashmir and has been a powerful force for peace and harmony. Despite the rich heritage of Sufism in Kashmir, the region has been plagued by violence and conflict for the past several decades. The rise of religious fundamentalism and extremism has posed a challenge to the Sufi tradition, which emphasizes the importance of tolerance and inclusivity. The Sufi shrines and mosques have been targets of terrorist attacks and the Sufi tradition has been portrayed as un-Islamic by radical groups. However, the people of Kashmir have continued to hold on to their Sufi heritage and traditions. The Sufi poets and mystics of Kashmir still continue to inspire people with their beautiful poetry and spiritual teachings today. The Sufi shrines and mosques remain important spiritual centres, and thousands of people continue to visit them every year. The tradition of Sufism has been a powerful force for resilience and resistance in the face of violence and conflict.
As we see, Sufism in Kashmir is a rich and vibrant tradition that has deep roots in the culture and spirituality of the region. The Sufi saints and scholars of Kashmir have contributed immensely to the development of art, literature, and music in the region. The poetry of Sufi mystics like Nund Rishi and Lal Ded has inspired generations of Kashmiris and people around the world. Despite the challenges faced by the region in recent years, the tradition of Sufism has still held its foundation and it remains an important aspect of Kashmiri identity and heritage. With the improvement in the modern times and the rise of New Kashmir, it will surely be improving in the times ahead.