Sufism promotes brotherhood and secularism in Jammu & Kashmir

Oct 28, 2019

Srinagar (J&K), Oct 28 (ANI): Popularly known as ‘Pir Waer’ or Alcove of Sufis and Saints, Jammu & Kashmir tasted the sweetness of Sufism nearly 700 years back, when it had reached the pinnacle of its development. With its eclectic emphasis on mutual tolerance and peaceful co-existence, it started forming an integral part of the people ethos and guiding their lives. Today, Sufism has got itself entrenched at the centre of cultural and spiritual life of the state especially the Kashmir valley. Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani popularly known as Shah-i-Hamdan, a Persian Sufi of the Kubrawiya order is believed to be the first saint who visited Kashmir along with his seven hundred followers to preach Sufism. They then got settled in different parts of the Kashmir valley and spread the message of love and humanity among all. Later as a mark of respect shrines were constructed at the places where these saints use to meditate or where they lie buried. It is said that these shrines have so much blissful air that one feel very close to almighty inside them and it’s the reason that people irrespective of their religion throng these holy sites. Today Kashmir is known for its love and brotherhood among different faiths but it’s is all due to of Sufism that inculcated this spirit amongst the people.