BY HAROON RASHID BHAT
In Sufism, strict devotion, obedience, firm faith, and love for Murshid are prerequisite qualities that a disciple must possess before selecting this path. This path is as hard as stone and as mild as a flower. History produced a sufficient number of Sufi saints who remained so amalgamated with their spiritual mentors that they not only attain a distinguished identity in history but they left the distinctive legacy of the teacher-pupil relationship. In this postmodern times, when everything is weighed in terms of material gain and loss, their spiritual connections, and their written and verbal mention can infuse new ardor into such sacred relationships. While deliberating this fact in the context of Kashmir, we have so many examples from indigenous history where a disciple obliged his Master greatly and left a source of inspiration for others. For example- Baba Naser-Ul-Din (Naser Bab) always remains devoted to his spiritual mentor Sheikh-Ul- Alam RA in both thick and thin. Another noble Sufi saint, Baba Payam-ud-din Reshi or commonly known as Baba Reshi RA was a disciple of Baba Shakur-Ud-Din Wali (RA).
He used to fetch water from the village and used to climb the mountain once or twice every day where the Shrine of Baba Shakur-Ud-Din Wali (RA) is located. Among the well-known Sufi saints of Kashmir, Shaikh Dawood KhakiRA has been a distinguished figure. He attained spiritual heights under the spiritual guidance of Sultan Arifeen Sheikh Hamza MakdoomRA. Hazrat Baba Dawood KhakiRA was rendering his duties as the Chief justice before he came under the influence of his spiritual mentor Hazrat Makdoom SahabRA He was enjoying all the worldly comforts. When he encountered Hazrat MakdoomRA, His life changed completely. As the part of Sufi- training, Hazrat MakdoomRA assigned him the duty of collecting the little piece of mud (Dehela) (to cleanse themselves before prayer). Likewise, Sheikh Musa RA rendered the meritorious service to his Murshid Baba Hyder Tulmuli RA. He led a very detached life and gave secondary preference to worldly affairs therefore his early life remained unobserved. Noted historian Hassan Shah Khoihami mentioned his brief biography in his historical book “ Tawareeki Hassan”. He noted down, “Sheikh Musa used to collect firewood from the nearby forest on daily basis, sold it at Tulmula Ganderbal and whatever he earned from there, he used to donate half of its share to his beloved Murshid- Mir Baba Hyder Tulmuli”. His deep intimacy with his Murshid yield spiritual fruits in favor of him and ultimately attained high spiritual stature under his guidance. During those times, Tulmula Ganderbal was the Centre of spiritual learning. Sheikh Hamza Mukdoom RA used to depute number of his disciples for spiritual training under the mystical guidance of Mir Baba Hyder Tulmuli RA. Sheikh Musa RA also came under his influence and quenched his spiritual thirst under his great guidance. He left no stone unturned to imitate his Murshid in both thought and deed. He followed the principles set by his Murshid strictly and urged all his followers to adopt the same principles in their lives to attain real perfection.
It is mandatory on the behalf of Murshid that he will advise his followers to offer five times prayers.
After Fajir’s prayer, the instant engagement must be the remembrance of Almighty Allah –Ziker Azkar.
In between Salat al-Ishraq (Post-Sunrise Prayer) Chasht, daily recitation of the Holy Quran
Offer Wazayifa, Nawafil prayer in between Magrib to Isha, Wazayif, offering of Nawafil prayer.
Avoid the company of ill-informed persons, those who attained power or position in the worldly system, and avoid the unnecessary company of the opposite gender.
Avoid the company of mischiefs,
Abide by Al-Nafs al-Muthmainnah, (A clear and bright soul) and put strong control on al-Nafs al-A Amarah (The influence of lust and despicable qualities).
Keep your tongue wet with the remembrance of Almighty Allah ( Zikr- Azkar).
Do hard work to fulfill your daily needs. Avoid begging
Earning must be Halal
This noble soul spent his entire life span in and around Banihama, Ganderbal, and on the 9th of Safar 1027 Hijiri, he left this transit world for every; leaving his eternal teachings for the future generation. He was buried in the same locality. While describing the sanctity of his life, the following couplet was recited at the time of his physical death that summarized his unmatched personality.
“Hatfi Gayeeb, Saali Rehlat Aaw
Guft Go Sheikh Ikmal Wahadi”
Every year, local people in collaboration with the concerned local Awaqaf Committee organize an annual celebration (Urs) with full religious honor and cultural gaiety. Devotees from all walks of life celebrate his annual Urs. It is a great privilege for me to introduce such personalities to the next generation. Special thanks to Nisar Ahmad Bhat –Tulmula for his moral support
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher and columnist , can be reached at minamharoon123@gmail.com.
