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Peerzada Mohammad Hanief Shah

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Following the principles of asceticism and spirituality

By: Imtiyaz Ahmad Shah

Kashmir, since its inception, has undergone a plethora of transformations, especially in the realm of spirituality and devotion. The region has experienced remarkable changes in the practices of preaching and the tradition of ‘Peer O Murshid’.

Surrounded by numerous ancient shrines, the valley attracts visitors from distant lands seeking healing or paying homage to revered spiritual figures. Throughout history, Islam has given rise to countless saints who, following repentance, chose asceticism over material pursuits to dedicate themselves to serving others selflessly. These saintly individuals have left a lasting impact on the spiritual landscape of Kashmir, inspiring generations with their acts of sacrifice and devotion.

In today’s rapidly advancing world driven by technological progress, the fundamental principles of renunciation and saintly virtues seem to have faded into obscurity. The pervasive influence of Western culture has led us astray from our roots, causing us to neglect the values we once held dear.

However, amidst this cultural shift, there exist individuals who remain unnoticed yet steadfast in upholding the true essence of asceticism and spiritual devotion.

Among these unsung preservers of tradition is Peerzada Mohammad Hanief Shah, a revered spiritual saint hailing from Kunan in Bandipora, Kashmir. Delving into the depths of Peerzada Mohammad Hanief Shah’s life and teachings unveils a profound dedication to the principles of asceticism and spirituality, shedding light on the enduring significance of his spiritual legacy in a rapidly changing world. This in-depth exploration aims to enrich our understanding of the enduring values exemplified by individuals like Peerzada Mohammad Hanief Shah.

Peerzada Mohammad Hanief Shah, born in 1958 in Kunan Baba-gund situated approximately 1.5 kilometers away from the central city, hails from a lineage deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of Kashmir. His family has upheld the ancient practices of spiritual healing and has been devoted followers of numerous revered saints of the region for generations.

While he received his early education in the bustling town of Bandipora, his inclinations differed from conventional academic pursuits. Instead, he displayed a keen interest in exploring diverse aspects of life beyond textbooks. Driven by a profound spiritual yearning,

Peerzada Mohammad Hanief Shah embarked on a journey to seek enlightenment and understanding of his purpose in life. His quest led him to seek guidance and forge connections with local saints and Islamic scholars to delve into the depths of spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment.

His relentless pursuit of spiritual knowledge and wisdom propelled him towards a deeper understanding of the divine path laid out for him, instilling in him a sense of purpose and determination in his spiritual endeavors. Through his interactions with spiritual luminaries and intellectuals, he sought to unravel the mysteries of existence and unlock the secrets to a profound spiritual presence.

This insatiable thirst for knowledge and spiritual fulfillment prompted Peerzada Mohammad Hanief Shah to seek guidance from the renowned Sufi saint and Islamic scholar Ghulam Hasan Shah, who hailed from the village of ‘Gamur’. From a young age, Peerzada Mohammad Hanief Shah was blessed with a prophetic dream that guided him towards pursuits of a spiritual nature.

This compelling vision led him to pay a visit to the renowned saint. Through insightful discussions and exchanges of wisdom, Ghulam Hasan Shah ignited Peerzada’s spiritual journey. With each passing moment, he developed a growing fascination in exploring deeper dimensions of devotion and spirituality. This intense passion inspired him to express himself through poetic verses, further cultivating his understanding of the profound mysteries of existence. Step by step, under the tutelage of his revered guide, Peerzada Mohammad Hanief Shah embarked upon the illuminating path of self-realization.

Every Thursday, Peerzada Mohammad Hanief Shah would host an insightful gathering where people from various backgrounds and faraway places would come together. During these spiritual sessions, attendees could find blessings and benefits from participating in devotional prayers, Quran recitations, and the sharing of duroods.

Over the years, Peerzada Mohammad Hanief Shah observed significant changes taking place within himself and around him. He felt called to travel to Srinagar where he met the esteemed Syed Meerak Kashani at the historic Shalimar. Through their dialogue and time spent together, Peerzada Mohammad Hanief Shah gained profound insights and wisdom that he had long sought to understand more fully.

Additionally, apart from his spiritual and devotional obligations, he extensively explored his creative side by dedicating significant effort to writing poetries, particularly in Kashmiri, to honor his inspirational figures. Through his poems, he strived to express the vast array of thoughts swirling within his mind regarding both spiritual and worldly matters.

His writings aimed to provide insightful perspectives and vividly portray the rich intellectual landscapes he frequently traversed internally. While religion remained an abiding source of inspiration for him, he sought to transcend simple devotion through creative philosophical musings within his poetic compositions. The complex intermingling of ideas in his poems reflected his desire to both appreciate  life’s mysteries and bring greater understanding to those who are going through the same.

His writing of three well-known books in Kashmiri language demonstrates his dedication to preserving the spiritual and cultural aspects of the language. He has taken on the role of safeguarding Kashmiri language by carefully attending to every aspect of its grammar and style.

The titles of his books are ‘Macxar’, ‘JOU-e-IRFAN’, and ‘Arif-ul-Maurif’. These books showcase his profound philosophical insights and the intricate details of his expressions. Peerzada Mohammad Hanief Shah continues to serve the people of Kashmir and plays a vital role in maintaining cultural traditions and preventing language decline. Not only recognized as a saint, he is also highly esteemed for his efforts to protect the language.

(The author is an Independent Research Scholar)

 


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