HAROON RASHID BHAT
Let me precede this article with the saying of the beloved Prophet. “Whoever is not grateful for small things will not be grateful for large things. Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah Almighty.” Dear Mohsin-E-Kashmir, I am putting down these lines from the place where you visited almost seven hundred years ago. Yes, Kashmir- the land which is known as the paradise on the earth. You are physically parted from us on 6th Zil Haj 786 Hijri but spiritually you are always with us.
I am not the instant witness of that Dark Age but I heard from my forefathers that our overall life was in full gloom. Shoulders were burdened with forced labor- Bagari. Hands were in search of some work. Humiliation and starvation had become our fate. But your arrival not only cured our faith but also elevated our living standards. You unfastened the twisted knots of superstitions. Truly speaking, you saved our sinking boat. Though your predecessor Abdul Rehman Bulbul RA had already enlightened the lamp of true faith here your timely arrival shielded it against the strong opposite wind. You poured oil into it to sustain its luminosity. Dear Mohisin, like other parts of the world, our valley underwent a series of changes in every domain of life be it social, economic, or political. Despite many ups and downs in the above sphere of life, we preserved the rich Sufi culture and legacy. We have preserved your teachings, your books, and the learning centers that you and your 700 Companions had established from various parts of the valley. Your name is so dear to us that we prefer to choose your name as a title for many religious, educational, residential, and business establishments after your name.
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The majority of the population still considered you as the grand social and religious reformer. We all men, women, young or old are indebted to your unprecedented contributions. We celebrate your day full of gaiety; we do arrange special occasions in favor of your memory; and to do discuss and recite your Kalam especially your gifted copy of Awrad- Fathiyaa- the source of spiritualism, oneness, and divine wisdom. Your erected Masjid now named after you Shah-e-Hamdan Masjid in Shey, Leh, Ladakh is a source of inspiration, integration, communal harmony, and brotherhood. Here both the Sunni and Shia communities offer their Nimaz under one roof. This is one side of the story that reflects positivity, hope, and light but the other side is quite disheartening. Let me communicate to you that for the last few years, we have been witnessing a strange change here. Alas! The introduction of deviated philosophies changed the attitude of our young generation. Emphasis was more given to language refining over the essence of faith and character building. They have become so rational in their approach and presentation and don’t hesitate to criticize their predecessors who gave meaning to our lives. They think that they are enough mature intellectually, and scholastically to raise a voice against them. Sensitive minds never remain mute, they react. How far we can retain this Sufi Culture only time will tell.
Author is a teacher by profession and can be reached at minamharoon123@gmail.com