Syeda AB Jan
Kashmir, a land of breathtaking beauty, owes much of its spiritual and cultural identity to a remarkable man—Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA), lovingly called Shah-e-Hamadan. He wasn’t a king or a warrior, but a wise and kind teacher who arrived in the 14th century to guide and uplift the people of Kashmir. His life and work changed the valley forever, bringing faith, hope, and new ways of living.
A Wise Man from a Noble Family
Born in 1312 AD (714 Hijri) in Hamadan, Iran, Shah-e-Hamadan came from a special family. His father’s side traced back to Imam Hussain (RA), and his mother’s side to Imam Hassan (RA)—two beloved figures in Islam. As a young boy, he loved learning. He studied the Qur’an, stories of the Prophet (Hadith), Islamic rules, deep thoughts about life, and even poetry. Soon, he became a respected scholar and a spiritual leader, admired by many across the world.
A Journey with a Purpose
Shah-e-Hamadan didn’t come to Kashmir for power or riches. Back in his homeland, wars and chaos, especially from the Mongol invasions, had upset many lives. So, he decided to travel east to Kashmir, a place that was beautiful but divided by old customs, unfair treatment, and poverty. When he first arrived in 1372 AD (774 Hijri), he brought books, prayers, and a big heart. His goal was simple: to help people find peace, faith, and a better way to live. He taught them about believing in one God (Tawheed), being kind, and treating everyone fairly.
Building Places for Learning and Unity
One of Shah-e-Hamadan’s greatest gifts to Kashmir was the “Khanqah”—a special place where people could pray, learn, and grow closer to God. These weren’t just for worship; they were like community centers where anyone—rich or poor, young or old—could sit together. Imagine a farmer and a teacher learning side by side, sharing ideas and stories! The Khanqah-e-Moula in Srinagar, near Fatah Kadal, is a beautiful example, with its lovely wooden designs and style inspired by Persia. These places helped break down unfair divisions like caste and brought people together in love and faith.
Three Visits, Endless Impact
Shah-e-Hamadan visited Kashmir three times, and each trip changed the valley. His first visit in 1372 AD was short but got people curious about his teachings. His second stay, from 1378 to 1381 AD, was a game-changer. He brought nearly 700 helpers—craftsmen, teachers, and spiritual guides—who worked with locals to build a brighter future. His third visit in 1383 AD made his message even stronger, touching hearts across Kashmir.
New Skills, New Hope
Shah-e-Hamadan didn’t just teach about faith; he helped people earn a living too. His team taught Kashmiris amazing skills like weaving shawls, making carpets, creating papier-mâché art, carving wood, writing beautifully (calligraphy), and binding books. Imagine a young boy learning to weave a soft, colorful shawl that his family could sell! These crafts gave jobs to many and turned Kashmir into a place famous for its art. Even today, families earn money from these skills, all thanks to Shah-e-Hamadan.
A Lasting Goodbye
Shah-e-Hamadan left this world on January 19, 1385 AD (6 Zil-Hijjah, 786 Hijri) in Swat, now part of Pakistan. His body was laid to rest in Khatlan, Tajikistan, where people still visit his shrine to pray and remember him. Even after he left, his ideas stayed alive in Kashmir’s mosques, books, and hearts. The great poet Allama Iqbal called him a “light of truth” and a protector of Kashmir’s spirit, like a guide for a precious, green land.
A Fading Light We Must Rekindle
Sadly, many in Kashmir today don’t know much about Shah-e-Hamadan’s teachings. His special prayer book, *Awrad-e-Fathiyyah*, used to be read by many, but now it’s almost forgotten. Busy lives, confusion about who we are, and fights among people have made us lose touch with his wisdom. We need to bring his ideas back—into schools, mosques, and homes. His lessons of love, learning, and unity can help us fix today’s problems, like anger and division.
Living His Legacy
Shah-e-Hamadan was more than a visitor; he was a hero who lifted Kashmir up. He gave the people a new way to live—with faith, fairness, and creativity. To truly honor him, we can’t just say his name. We need to follow his example: learn as much as we can, be kind to others, stand against unfairness, and come together as one big family under God’s love. In a world full of noise and trouble, Shah-e-Hamadan’s light still shines—we just have to follow it.
(Note:Syeda AB Jan is a student at Oasis Educational Institution, passionate about writing and sharing stories. With a love for simple words and big ideas, she hopes to inspire readers to think, feel, and learn about the world around them.)
