Hazara Islamicus (Dec 2013)
Sufism in Kashmir: A Brief Study of Impact of the Kubrabiyah Order
Abstract
Kashmir tasted the sweetness of Sufism at a time when it had reached the pinnacle of its development. Simultaneously with the foundation of Muslim rule in Kashmir (720 A.H /1320 C.E.), Sufism got introduction there. But practically ╗ ┴ f┘ activities began to spread in Kashmir only towards the expiry of the fourteenth century. It is in this direction that ╗ ┴ f┘ s of outstanding personality and caliber like Sayyid ‘Al┘ Hamad┐ ni, Sayyid Mu╒ ammad ╓ isari, M┘ r Mu╒ ammad Hamad┐ ni; Jam┐ l al-╕ ┘ n Bukh┐ r┘ and Sayyid Ism┐ ‘┘ l Sh┐ m┘ entered Kashmir and played their part. Among the ╗ ┴ f┘ orders introduced in Kashmir, the Kubr┐ viyah order flourished the most as it gained widespread popularity. Kub r┐ viyah order was founded by A╒ mad bn. ‘Umar al- Khay┴ q┘ popularly known as Najm al-d┘ n Kubr┐ who was born in Khawarizm in 540A.H./1145C.E. The teachings of Kubr┐ viyah order spread in various parts of the Muslim world, especially in central Asia and Persia. M┘ r Sayyid ‘Al┘ Hamad┐ ni (popularly known in Kashmir as Am┘ r-e-Kab┘ r) introduced the order in Kashmir. As a ╗ ┴ f┘ , Hamad┐ ni gives a subjective and esoteric interpretation of the teachings of Islam which have deep relevance for the seekers of truth. When M┘ r Sayyid ‘Al┘ Hamad┐ ni reached Kashmir, he was accompanied by traders, artisans, ╗ ┴ f┘ s, and business men who not only inculcated the doctrines of Sufism in the life of Kashmiri people but also paved the way for their economic advancement.
