Sufism in Kashmir
By: Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi
Sufism the mystical dimension of Islam is playing a highly crucial role in developing the spiritual and cultural identity of Kashmir. The role of Sufism is immense and was always present since centuries.
Peace, tolerance, and enlightenment characterized this place throughout the region under the umbrella of Sufism. Sufism is deep rooted in the teachings of love, compassion, and unity and has not only influenced the religious life of Kashmir but also its art, literature, and social fabric. Sufi tradition has a long history in Kashmir and its presence continues to be felt even today despite all the challenges that the region has faced in recent decades.
Sufism arrived in the valley during the 14th century. However, it was mostly due to the efforts of well-known Sufi saints, such as Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Noorani, who is more famously known as Nund Rishi. Nund Rishi is regarded as the patron saint of Kashmir and is believed to have set the foundation for the development of Kashmir’s distinct identity as a Sufi community.
His teachings focused on simplicity, humility, and devotion to God, and they resonated deeply with the local population. Nund Rishi’s emphasis on self-purification, meditation, and ascetic practices encouraged people to seek a deeper connection with the divine, beyond the formalities of ritualistic worship. His teachings continue to influence the spiritual practices of Kashmiris, with many still visiting his shrine in Charar-e-Sharif, a center of devotion and pilgrimage.
It was not only the teachings of Nund Rishi that spread Sufism in Kashmir. Other Sufi saints like Sheikh HamzaMakhdoom and Sheikh Shams-Ud-Din Iraqi also made significant contributions to the spiritual landscape of the valley. These saints, with their message of universal love and unity, were able to transcend religious boundaries and promote a sense of brotherhood among people of different faiths.
Sufism in Kashmir did not stay within the Muslim community alone, but touched the Hindus and Buddhists with the mysticism and softness of its philosophy. The concept of “Adab,” which emphasizes respect, love, and harmony with all of creation, became a cornerstone of Kashmir’s spiritual identity, creating a shared space where people of different faiths could coexist peacefully.
One of the most striking aspects of Sufism in Kashmir is its impact on the art and culture of the region. Sufi poetry, music, and dance have become part of the identity of Kashmiris. The verses of Sufi poets like Shams Faqir and HabbaKhatoon, whose work reflected the themes of divine love, unity, and longing for the divine, have inspired generations of Kashmiris.
The unique style of Kashmiri Sufi music has been referred to as “SufiyanaKalam,” where Persian and local influences mingle in soulful and hypnotic expressions. Poetic and musical traditions have been carried out during religious gatherings and festivals that assemble the people into one spiritual event. This rich cultural heritage, so deeply rooted in Sufism, continues to be a source of pride for the people of Kashmir and reminds the region of its rich spiritual and cultural legacy.
In the modern era, despite the political and social upheavals that have affected Kashmir, the influence of Sufism remains strong. Sufi shrines continue to be places of solace and spiritual refuge for many Kashmiris. These shrines, as is the Hazratbal shrine at Srinagar, are also centers of religiosity but become a symbol of unity and peace.
In turbulent times, so many people resort to Sufism for comfort and guidance through the teachings as a way out of the divisiveness and bloodshed that this region has had. Love, peace, and reconciliation are still echoed throughout Kashmir through a Sufi call, representing a counter narrative toward the sectarian conflict that has coloured much of its recent history.
Religion intolerance and its extremism have nowadays become dominant ideologies for many people and communities in a world that badly needs universal love and harmony an ideal which remains at the forefront of Sufism. Sufism has played a significant role in the spiritual identity of Kashmir. Its message of love, tolerance, and unity has been the basis for a unique cultural and religious identity that transcends sectarian divides.
Sufi influence in Kashmir is not only seen in religious practices but also in the art, music, and social fabric of the region. Such living legacies for the people in the valley include Kashmir’s Sufism, lived and taught to the people in the lives and teachings of various saints, starting with Nund Rishi, who continues inspiring the people here today. And in an age of conflict and divisions, Sufism offers an enduring message that is one of peace, healing, and enlightenment.
(The author is a teacher hailing from north Kashmir’s Uri)
