More Attunement with the Mystic Poet

By Tanveen Kawoosa - Etalaat - Srinagar, J&K, India
Thursday, December 13, 2007

Instead of organising musical shows just to entertain VIPs, there is dire need to focus on intellectual programmes in tune with cultural ethos of Kashmir.

This was stated by the Additional Secretary of the Cultural Academy, Mr Zafar Iqball Manhas, at a conference organised by the Academy in collaboration with Bazmii Hamdani to highlight the teachings of the great Sufi saint and scholar of 14th century, Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA).

While admitting that the Academy lacks clear and well defined vision in terms of art and cultural activities, Manhas said this feature has distanced the Academy from rational thinkers, intellectuals and people at large.

‘’It is not the job of the Cultural Academy to organise stereotype functions and entertain bigwigs. This way we misinterpret the cultural canons and create huge communication gap between the people and us,’’ added Manhas.

While highlighting the teachings of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA), Mr Khurshid Mohmad Kanoongoh (President J&K Bazmi Hamdani), stated that, besides being a deeply religious person, the Sufi saint was an intellectual of the highest calibre.

‘’He was also a great reformer with numerous books to his credit. His well known book ‘’Zakhiratulmulk’’ based on socio-political ideas is counted among his most acclaimed works. His verses are testimony to his perception and analytical mind which evokes intellectual and spiritual curiosity,’’ he added.

In Kashmir, the Kubravi order, which is an off shoot of the Suhrawardi, was introduced by this saintly scholar of 14th century (1314-1385).

The mystic poet preached Islamic message in various parts of central Asia such as Bokhara, Samarkand, and Balkh.

He laid emphasis on justice, fought against caste system and urged Kashmiri people to become self reliant.

It is said that he earned his living by stiching caps.

Devotees usually recite ‘Awradi fatihiya’ (verses in praises of Allah) composed by this Sufi saint, in Khanqah’s (shrines) of Kashmir.