BY HAROON RASHID BHAT
After rigorous spiritual training, he attained the spiritual Khilafat of Islamic Sufi order in Naqshbandiya Silsila and strictly adhered to its principles till his last breath”
Whenever there will be a talk or any research work regarding the empowerment of the downtrodden sections of our society especially Gujjar, Bakarwal and the Phari communities of Jammu and Kashmir, the role of the renowned religious personality and a great social reformer Mian Bashir Ahmed Larvi Sahab will always be remembered with great respect.
Born in November 1923 in Kashmir at Wangt Ganderbal in a reputable family- known for its spiritual highness and good literary background. He was fortunate enough to have spiritual guidance from his father Hazrat Mian Nizamuddin Larvi RA from an early age. After rigorous spiritual training, he attained the spiritual Khilafat of Islamic Sufi order in Naqshbandiya Silsila and strictly adhered to its principles till his last breath. Besides propagated the spiritual enlightenment among the masse, .he worked tirelessly to bring social, economic, and political awareness among the Gujar, the Bakerwal, and the Pahari communities. It is because of his dedication and charismatic power that these communities now became educationally conscious, socially alert, and politically aware to a great extent. It was the result of his efforts that the Gujjars and Bakerwals were recognized as Scheduled Tribes in 1991. Believed the concept of people’s contact and its importance in Sufism, he travelled far and wide, met people of diverse backgrounds, propagating the concept of pluralism, shared the message of peace, love, and tolerance. He believed in the philosophy of humanism and social service which is the core essence of Sufi tradition.
During the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistan Wars, he worked for peace and prosperity of the State and played a pivotal role in rehabilitating thousands of displaced families, defending their rights especially in the tribal and border belts of Jammu and Kashmir. He had been elected four times to the State Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. During his political career, he remained closely associated with Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Mir Qasim and Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, and various other top leaders of India politicians that include Pandit Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi. He got several opportunities to lead many delegations to international forums. He withdrew from active politics in 1984, and spare all his time for social and religious activities. Recognizing his contribution to public affairs, he was awarded Padma Bhushan (The third highest civilian award) by the government of India on 26th January 2008 for his contributions to society. He was one among the few spiritual leaders whose following not only cuts across faiths but across borders as well. K. D. Miani-a noted Phari writer, historian compiled the comprehensive book titled “Matta-e-Faqr-O-Danish” in which he provided the illustrated family history of Darbar Baba Ji Sahab RA and their religious, social, and political role towards the society. For me, it was the moment of pleasure to sit in his company at Darul-Uloom Kousaria New Theed Harwan where he laid the foundation stone of the Masjid “Shahi Hamdan”
This noble soul known for his generosity and charity parted from us on the 14th of August 2021at the ripe age of 98 Thousands of people from different parts of J&K and elsewhere attended his funeral. Wailing and weeping his devotees, friends, and family members bid him farewell. As a mortal, the saint has been buried at his ancestral graveyard at Wangt Ganderbal. His entire life which was the abode of humility, nobility, and love will always be a source of inspiration for future generations. May Almighty Allah grant him the highest state in Jannah! “O soul, that are at the rest! Return to your Lord, well pleased (with him), well Pleasing (Him) so enter into My garden.” (Quran, 89:27-30)
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher and columnist,Ex-faculty member of Darul Uloom Kousria, can be reached at minamharoon123@gmail.com
