Mystical Legacy of Hazrat Samad Mir, Kashmiri Sufi Poet

By Altamash Ali, New Age Islam 22 September 2025 Hazrat Samad Mir (1894–1959), a Kashmiri Sufi poet, masterfully blended Sanskrit, Hindi, and Islamic Sufism in his soulful poetry. His works, like Akanandun, explore divine love, human struggles, and spiritual wisdom, leaving an enduring mark on Kashmiri literature. Main Points: 1. First Kashmiri Sufi poet to incorporate Sanskrit and Hindi, showcasing linguistic brilliance. 2. Poems fuse Islamic Sufism with universal themes of divine love and self-discovery. 3. Guided by mentors like Habib Najar and Faqir Ramzan Dar, shaping his poetic vision. 4. Gained fame at Radio Kashmir, blending Urdu and Kashmiri in a unique style. 5. Akanandun uses folk tales to convey Sufi concepts like ego surrender. ----- Hazrat Samad Mir, an extraordinary Sufi poet from Kashmir, lived in the 20th century and gifted us with beautiful poetry and fresh perspectives on the mystical path and divine love. His every poem carries rhythm, deep meaning, and profound insights into human behaviour, the essence of life, and spiritual love. Hazrat Samad Mir carried forward the Sufi tradition in Kashmiri poetry during the 20th century. Most Kashmiri poets used Arabic and Persian words in their poetry, influenced by those languages, but Samad Mir was the first Sufi poet to brilliantly incorporate Sanskrit and Hindi words into his work. It seems he had a deep understanding of these languages, despite never attending school. His poems are a pure blend of Islamic Sufism. Even experts in Sanskrit and Hindi cannot find any flaws in his poetry. Clearly, though uneducated, Hazrat Samad Mir was a man of immense knowledge and wisdom. Alim Gaw Alim-e-Ludni Tchalim Shakh Aam Badni Porum Na Kaseh Nish Toosh Karis Aarasteh Yaari (Knowledge is divine knowledge Doubts vanished, and it became practical I didn’t bow for the sake of knowledge My beloved guide blessed me) Hazrat Samad Mir was born in 1894 in Narwara, Srinagar. Samad Mir came from a Sufi family, originally from Nambalhar Budgam His father, Khaliq Mir, was also a Sufi poet who moved from Nambalhar to Narwara, Srinagar, at a young age to earn a living. He worked in a sawmill and later married. He had three sons: Samad Mir, Rahim Mir, and Muhammad Mir. Until Samad Mir reached adulthood, the family lived in Narwara. In his twenties, Samad Mir decided to return to Nambalhar, while Rahim Mir stayed in Narwara, and sadly, Muhammad Mir died young in his twenties. Hazrat Samad Mir had two sons, Hazrat Ghulam Rasool Mir and Hazrat Gull Mohammad Mir also known as Aasi, who passed away on 8 September 1980), and a daughter named Rehti. Initially, Hazrat Samad Mir worked as a labourer with carpenters and masons but later took up his father’s trade of timber sawing Aari Kash. Hazrat Samad Mir travelled to various places for work. Once, in Wagur village Budgam he met Habib Najar, a follower of the mystical path. After several conversations, Samad Mir was deeply influenced by him and became his disciple. After Habib Najar’s death, Samad Mir felt the need for greater spiritual awareness. He then met Khaliq Najar from Batamaloo, Srinagar, who encouraged him to start writing poetry. Veseh Kaar Mushkil Baar Gub Goom Vet Raw Wun Peyoom Gulaleh Panas Kaaleh Rang Goom Vet Raw Wun Peyoom Oh, my friend, the burden of work is heavy But I had to endure My rosy body turned black Yet I had to endure After Khaliq Najar’s death, Hazrat Samad Mir was heartbroken and stopped writing poetry for 13 years. However, his thirst for knowledge persisted. Eventually, he came under the influence of Hazrat Faqir Ramzan Dar from Anchidora, Anantnag, who inspired him to channel his inner fire into poetry. Samad Mir resumed writing and continued until his last breath. It’s worth mentioning that Faqir Ramzan Dar was a revered Sufi saint from the historic village of Anchidora, known for being the resting place of many Sufi saints. Faqir Ramzan Dar was famous for his miracles, and people from far-off villages came to see him. His tomb in Anchidora attracts thousands of devotees. After the passing of Hazrat Faqir Ramzan Dar and Hazrat Samad Mir, their families remained closely connected. Hazrat Samad Mir’s family still visits Mohammad Shaban Dar, the grandson of Hazrat Faqir Ramzan Dar, a well-known Sufi figure and poet who maintained the shrine Aastaan-i-Aaliya until his death in 2008. Hazrat Samad Mir’s son, Hazrat Gull Mohammad Mir Aasi along with his disciples, frequently visited his father’s spiritual guide. Samad Mir’s elder son, Hazrat Ghulam Rasool Mir, also visited regularly. The followers of Hazrat Samad Mir’s order continue to visit Faqir Ramzan Dar’s shrine and family. Hazrat Samad Mir wrote highly appreciated and soulful poetry with unique concepts. At first, his poems seem to focus on Sufism, but they also tell stories of this world. Early in his career, he faced criticism for his distinct style, but over time, his poetry gained widespread attention. Today, Samad Mir is recognised as a famous and respected Kashmiri poet who created his own grand style instead of following traditional forms. Ya Gasseh Guddeh Keh Panas Sanun Nateh Bale Banun Apziyoor Nakhoon Setie Aasmaan Khanun Toteh Ma Whatless Toor Mir Sund Seer Gasseh Gairun Sanun Yem Devi Abrah Moor First, understand yourself Or you’ll become a liar who knows nothing Piercing the sky with nails is impossible It still cannot be done Mir’s secret should be understood by all Who controls their inner desires In these lines, Hazrat Samad Mir urges people to understand his secrets, his sacrifices, and the challenges of the path of love. He says that his secret should be understood by the masses so they can grasp his condition. Hazrat Samad Mir didn’t write only about mystical deeds or worldly matters. He wrote many poems about prophets, saints, and Sufis of Islam. He composed a beautiful poem about Hazrat Adam (ASWS), describing how Allah created the universe, starting with Hazrat Adam. In honour of Hazrat Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he wrote magnificent poems that express the bliss of meditating on the Prophet. These Naat-e-Sharief are among his best works, bringing his words to life with unmatched beauty. His unique style melts the reader’s heart instantly, as if he poured his soul into writing these lines late into the night. Kad Choonei Wuchh Meh Bala, Ya Muhammad Mustafa (SAW) Had-o-Lahad Arsh-e-Aala, Ya Muhammad Mustafa (SAW) (I saw you beyond infinity Ya Muhammad Mustafa (SAW) You are beyond the skies and eternity Ya Muhammad Mustafa (SAW)) Naam-i-Paak Choon Heun Tchu Dushwaar, Nishi Bo Aataar Gas-ha Sad Hazaar Bar Ziev Bo TChal-ha, Ya Muhammad Mustafa (SAW) (I must go to the perfumer Before reciting your noble name I’ll rinse my tongue thousands of times Ya Muhammad Mustafa (SAW)) Har Saba Durood-o-Salwaat Tchen Ma Kar Aikh Chuh Ti Saath Paaneh Sozaan Haq Talla, Ya Muhammad Mustafa (SAW) (Keep sending salutations with every breath Never pause for a moment Allah (SWT) and His angels send Blessings and greetings to you Ya Muhammad Mustafa (SAW)) These lines are supported by the Quran, Surah Al-Ahzaab, Ayat 56, where Allah says: “Surely Allah and His angels send blessings and greetings on the Holy Prophet [blessings and peace be upon him]. O Believers! You also send blessings and salute him with abundant peace.” Hazrat Samad Mir’s era was different from that of earlier Sufi poets, who spent most of their time in meditation, music gatherings Mehfil-e-Samma or discussions with disciples. With time, new inventions emerged, and radio was introduced in Kashmir. Once, Hazrat Samad Mir was invited by his disciple Mohammad Yousuf Parata, who worked at Radio Kashmir Srinagar, to a multilingual literary event (Mushaira). Prominent philosophers, writers, and poets attended. People were shocked to see an uneducated man in a Kashmiri Feran and village cap holding the microphone. The event featured Kashmiri and Urdu poets reciting their best works. When Hazrat Samad Mir’s turn came, he left everyone spellbound with his unique style, blending Urdu and Kashmiri in a new poem. Critics and young attendees praised it highly, and the poem became famous across Kashmir, still remembered by many today. Padh Padh Ke Gaya Pather, Likh Likh Ke Gaya Chhur Jiss Padney Sey Sahib Miley Who Padna Hai Aur Reading turned me to stone, writing broke me apart The knowledge that leads to the Divine is different The iconic image of Hazrat Samad Mir with a microphone was taken at this Radio Kashmir event in Shalimar Garden, Srinagar. Current followers of Samad Mir’s order include Ghulam Nabi Hundoo Buhri Kadal Bashir Ahmad Beigh Safa Kadal and Samad Mir’s elder son, Ghulam Rasool Mir. Ghulam Rasool Mir shared that his father, being illiterate, dictated poems to him. As a young man he struggled to write accurately often missing words or lines. When Hazrat Samad Mir asked him to read the poems back, it was hard to decipher the rough writing, leading to the loss of many poems. Ali Shah Ali Saab from Wagur village also wrote down Hazrat Samad Mir’s poetry. Many of his works were preserved by disciples who recited them at various events. The renowned Kashmiri Chakri singer Ghulam Ahmad Sofi, who spent much time with Hazrat Samad Mir, sang many of his poems. Sag-e-Ashab-e Kahf Laag Jaananas Tagyee Godeh Kaas Panas Tchai Rag-e-Nistar Dith Lageh Har Taanas Tagyee Godeh Kaas Panas Tchai Be loyal to your beloved like the dog of Ashab-e-Kahf If you can, erase your shadow The shadow makes you two; make it one, for God is One A prick in a vein causes pain everywhere If you can, erase your shadow John Keats said that poetry gains fame when it speaks of desires, struggles, and pain. For centuries, the Kashmiri folk tale Akanandun The Only Son has been dramatised and poeticised, capturing hearts with its tale of sorrow and longing. It remains beloved across Kashmir. Akanandun has been written by poets like Bahadur Ganie 15th century Ramzan Bhat 19th century Tara Chand Bismil Kashmiri, 20th century Hazrat Samad Mir, and Abdul Ahad Zargar. Hazrat Samad Mir’s Akanandun is famous in Kashmir. He used this folk tale to express his mystical thoughts. Written in 14 parts with Hindu characters, it carries deep symbolic meaning. Saneh Truva Sheth Bay Chu Sheytaji Yeh Saal 1346 Hijri Kan Thavith Man Previth Wun Meh Haal Akanandun Tie Hareh Suna Maal Tchuie Ishar Jugee Galib Peer Talib Kuorr Ti Maar In 1346 Hijri, I wrote the tale of Akanandun Listen carefully, this story touches the heart Akanandun and his parents are just symbols The saint Jugee is dominant, the sisters are disciples Hazrat Samad Mir explains that characters like Akanandun, his father King Harnam, mother Sunmaal, Jugee, and the seven sisters are symbolic. He expresses the deep relationship between a spiritual guide Murshid and disciple, where the disciple must surrender their ego for the love of their guide, a key Sufi concept called Fana-fi-Sheikh. Hazrat Samad Mir passed away in 1959 at the age of 65. His shrine Aastaan-i-Aaliya is located in Agar, near Nambalhar village, Kashmir, India. ---- Altamash Ali is a Sufi writer and a student at IFTM University. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/mystical-hazrat-samad-mir-sufi-poet/d/136921 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism