Shadab Peerzada
The annual Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA), revered as Sultan-ul-Arifeen, was commemorated with profound devotion and spiritual fervor across the Kashmir Valley. The primary congregation took place at his historic shrine atop Kohi-Maran hill in Srinagar, drawing thousands of devotees despite the biting November chill. From dawn to dusk, men, women, and children ascended the steep hill to offer prayers, recite sacred verses, and seek blessings, embodying the enduring spiritual legacy of the saint.
A Day of Reverence and Unity
As early as 4 a.m., the Kohi-Maran shrine buzzed with activity. Devotees, wrapped in shawls to ward off the cold, climbed the stone steps to reach the sacred site. The night-long prayers, known as *Shab Khwani*, saw a massive turnout, with the shrine illuminated by soft lights and resonating with the melodious recitation of *Naats* and *Quranic* verses. Families like that of Ghulam Mohammad, a 70-year-old from Baramulla, exemplified the devotion, as he brought his grandchildren to teach them the saint’s values of humility and compassion. “This is our way of keeping his teachings alive,” he shared, his voice filled with emotion.
The festive atmosphere was palpable, with the shrine’s surroundings adorned with colorful stalls selling traditional Kashmiri Halwa-Purath, prayer caps, rosaries, and religious literature. The aroma of freshly prepared Halwa-Purath, a sweet delicacy made with semolina and saffron, filled the air, drawing devotees like Aisha Begum, who bought portions to share with her neighbors after prayers. These traditions not only enriched the spiritual experience but also fostered a sense of community.
The Enduring Legacy of Sultan-ul-Arifeen
Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA), born in 1494 in Tujjar Sharif, Sopore, is one of Kashmir’s most venerated saints, known for his wisdom and spiritual guidance. Educated at the Shamsi Chak monastery, he later delved into jurisprudence, philosophy, and mysticism under the Ismail Kubrawi order. His life, spent in meditation at Kohi-Maran, earned him the title “Sultan-ul-Arifeen” (King of the Gnostics). Passing away in 1576 at 82, his teachings of simplicity and service continue to inspire. Religious scholars at the Urs, like Molvi Ahmadullah, emphasized his message, urging devotees to embrace compassion in today’s fast-paced world. “His life teaches us to prioritize humanity over material gains,” Ahmadullah noted.
Community Efforts and Valley-Wide Observance
The Urs was meticulously organized, with volunteers assisting elderly devotees, such as 80-year-old Fatima Bano, who climbed the hill with help to fulfill a decades-long tradition. Local authorities ensured security and facilities, making the event accessible to all. Beyond Kohi-Maran, mosques and shrines across the Valley, from Anantnag to Kupwara, hosted prayers and gatherings. In Sopore, devotees gathered at Makhdoom’s ancestral village, reciting *Durood* and sharing stories of his miracles, reinforcing his widespread influence.
A Symbol of Spiritual Resilience
The Kohi-Maran shrine stands as more than a place of worship—it is a beacon of Kashmir’s spiritual heritage. The Urs unites people across social divides, as seen in the diverse crowd, from laborers to scholars, all bound by faith. For instance, Rafiq Ahmed, a young teacher from Srinagar, attended to seek guidance for his students, inspired by Makhdoom’s emphasis on knowledge. The event underscores Kashmir’s centuries-old tradition of Sufi reverence, offering solace in turbulent times.
As devotees descended the hill at dawn, their hearts were filled with peace, carrying forward the saint’s timeless message of love and humility. The Urs of Sultan-ul-Arifeen remains a powerful reminder of faith’s ability to unite and inspire, ensuring his legacy endures for generations.
(Shadab Peerzada, Politician, Writer, and Technologist. X: @ShadabPeerzada)
