Haroon Rashid Bhat
Some meetings leave an enduring impression on the mind and heart. My recent meeting with the eminent Islamic scholar Allama Abdul Salam Bhat of Brein Nishat, Shalimar, on 7 July 2026, was one such enriching experience. It was not merely a courtesy call but an opportunity to interact with a personality whose life has been dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, spirituality, communal harmony, and intellectual refinement. I consider it a privilege to share this memorable experience so that readers may become acquainted with the multidimensional personality of this remarkable scholar.During our conversation, Allama Sahib spoke with remarkable clarity, humility, and depth about his lifelong academic journey and the struggles he endured in his relentless pursuit of knowledge. His inclination towards Arabic and Persian began during his adolescence, but a remarkable dream proved to be the turning point of his life. He narrated that he once saw the great Persian sage Sheikh Saadi Shirazi in a dream. Sheikh Saadi handed him a pen along with his two immortal masterpieces, Gulistan and Bustan, and urged him to study them. This extraordinary dream became a source of inspiration that ignited within him an unquenchable thirst for learning and spiritual enlightenment.Determined to fulfil this calling, he studied under the renowned Mukhtar Sahib Kaamli for nearly five years, where he acquired a strong foundation in Arabic and Persian. To further expand his intellectual horizons, he joined the Oriental College in the evening shift and successfully completed the prestigious Munshi, Molvi, and Fazil courses under the distinguished scholar Ghulam Mohammad Wafai. His educational journey exemplifies perseverance, discipline, and unwavering dedication.
What impressed me even more was the breadth of his scholarship. Besides mastering the Islamic sciences, he also developed a deep interest in Sanskrit and Vedic literature. His command over these disciplines earned him the admiration and respect of several Hindu scholars and spiritual leaders. This ability to appreciate knowledge beyond religious boundaries reflects his broad-mindedness and intellectual maturity. At a time when people often engage in unnecessary criticism despite possessing limited knowledge, Allama Sahib stands as a shining example of mutual respect, dialogue, and coexistence.His scholarship encompasses the Holy Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, Tasawwuf (Islamic spirituality), philosophy, ethics, comparative religion, and classical literature. During our discussion, he recited verses from the Bhagavad Gita, illustrating his profound understanding of different religious traditions. He repeatedly acknowledged the invaluable role of his parents, whom he described as his first spiritual guides and greatest source of encouragement throughout his educational journey.Another fascinating dimension of his personality is his deep love for Sufi music. A traditional musical instrument placed in the corner of his room immediately attracted my attention. He explained that this musical heritage has been preserved by his family for more than a century and continues to be an inseparable part of their spiritual tradition. According to him, authentic Sufi music is not merely entertainment but a powerful means of spiritual elevation and self-purification.He emphasised that appreciating genuine Sufi music requires spiritual preparedness. One should perform ablution, create a peaceful environment, and possess a proper understanding of its philosophy before listening to it. His reflections revealed that Sufi music is deeply connected with inner purification and remembrance of the Almighty rather than worldly amusement. Listening to him speak about this sacred tradition opened an entirely new perspective on the spiritual dimensions of music.Equally astonishing was his extraordinary memory. Throughout our conversation, he effortlessly quoted and interpreted the works of the great saints and mystics of Kashmir, including Lal Ded, Sheikh-ul-Alam (Nund Rishi), Nami Sahib, Shah Ghafoor, Soch Kral, Shamas Faqir, and Dina Nath Nadim, Ahad Zargar. His lucid explanations demonstrated not only his exceptional memory but also his profound understanding of Kashmir’s rich spiritual and literary heritage.One aspect that particularly captivated me was his profound admiration for the great Persian masters of wisdom and spirituality. He acknowledged the enduring influence of Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi, Nur al-Din Abd al-Rahman Jami, and above all Sheikh Saadi Shirazi. Throughout his teaching career, he has shared the timeless wisdom of Rumi’s Masnavi with countless students. In a deeply personal reflection, he confessed that it was Sheikh Saadi whose writings awakened within him an intense desire to dedicate his life to scholarship and spiritual growth.According to Allama Sahib, Saadi’s teachings inspired him to approach religion not merely through memorisation or inherited tradition but through reflection, critical thinking, and intellectual synthesis. His interpretation of Islamic scholarship beautifully harmonises reason with spirituality, tradition with inquiry, and devotion with wisdom. Listening to him was intellectually stimulating as well as spiritually uplifting.His birthplace, nestled amidst the majestic Zabarwan Hills overlooking the enchanting Dal Lake, seems to have provided the perfect natural environment for contemplation and learning. The serenity of this beautiful landscape appears to resonate with the calmness, humility, and wisdom that define his personality.As I concluded this memorable meeting, I left with renewed appreciation for scholars who dedicate their entire lives to learning and guiding society with sincerity, humility, and wisdom. In an age overwhelmed by superficial information and growing intolerance, personalities like Allama Abdul Salam Bhat remind us that true knowledge is not measured merely by the accumulation of facts but by the transformation of one’s character. Such scholars illuminate society by inspiring people to cultivate wisdom, compassion, intellectual honesty, and mutual respect.I express my heartfelt gratitude to Gowhar Al Azhari, Nisar Ahmad Bhat, Zahoor Ahmad Shah of Tulmulla, and Ishtiyaq Ahmad Dar of Mirakabad, Shalimar, whose kind efforts made this memorable and enlightening meeting possible.
May Almighty Allah bless Allama Abdul Salam Bhat with good health, long life, and continued strength so that generations of knowledge seekers may continue to benefit from his profound scholarship, spiritual insight, and exemplary character.
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher by profession, can be reached at
minamharoon123@gmail.com
