Fakir Ahmad Batwari Sahib (R.A.): A Sufi Saint and Poet of Kashmir

By Altamash Ali, New Age Islam 02 October 2025 Hazrat Fakir Ahmad Batwari (1838–1918), a Kashmiri Sufi saint of the Chishti order, wrote profound poetry in Vakh and Rubai styles, promoting divine love and Hindu-Muslim unity. His works, like _Diwan-e-Fakir Ahmad Batwari_ , are taught in schools. His shrine in Batwari attracts pilgrims, and Kuliyat-e-Ahmad Batwari was published in 2024. Main points: 1. Born in 1838 in Batwari, Kashmir, Hazrat Fakir Ahmad Batwari showed signs of devotion from childhood. At age two, a Sufi saint, Ghaffar Sahib, blessed him, predicting his spiritual path. 2. Associated with the Chishti Sufi order, he emphasized purifying the heart to connect with God. His khanqah in Batwari was a hub for spiritual guidance, attracting both Hindus and Muslims. 3. His poetry, written in Kashmiri in the Vakh and Rubai styles, includes works like Diwan-e-Fakir Ahmad Batwari, Sadiye Sahila, and Fakir Nama. His poems, like Rooh ki Pyaas, focus on divine love and unity. 4. Known for miracles like healing the sick and predicting rain, Hazrat Fakir Sahib’s shrine in Batwari remains a pilgrimage site, with his Urs celebrated annually through poetry and fairs. 5. His poetry promotes Hindu-Muslim unity and is taught in Kashmiri schools. Kuliyat-e-Ahmad Batwari, a complete collection of his works, was published on September 30, 2024, by Gulshan Books Kashmir. ----- Hazrat Fakir Ahmad Batwari Sahib was born in 1838 in the village of Batwari, Kashmir. Some claim his birth was in 1845, but according to his grandson, Ghulam Ahmad Bhat, he passed away in 1918 at the age of 80, making 1838 the widely accepted year. His original name was Ahmad Batwari, but after embracing Sufism, people began calling him Fakir Ahmad. Signs of devotion were evident in him from childhood. A famous story recounts that when he was just two years old, a Sufi saint named Ghaffar Sahib from Baghdad visited Kashmir. While young Ahmad was playing among other children, Ghaffar Sahib called him and said, "Press my feet." The young boy complied immediately. Impressed, Ghaffar Sahib blessed him, predicting that he would grow up to follow the Sufi path and guide others toward God. This moment became a turning point in his life.His father was a farmer, and their household was steeped in a religious atmosphere. Hazrat Fakir Sahib learned Kashmiri, Urdu, and Persian languages. He was less interested in formal education and more drawn to learning through devotion and nature. The beautiful valleys, rivers, and mountains of Kashmir reflected in his poetry. He often said, "Nature is the mirror of God." In his youth, he embraced the Sufi path and met several Sufi saints. Sufi Path Hazrat Fakir Ahmad Batwari Sahib was associated with the Chishti Sufi order. He believed that purifying the heart was essential to connect with God. He said, "A true Sufi is one who remembers God with their heart." He meditated at several shrines in Kashmir and had a Khanqah (Sufi lodge) in Batwari, where people visited him for guidance.Though not highly educated, his spiritual knowledge was profound. He understood the Quran and Sufi texts deeply. His poetry spoke of love and devotion, attracting both Hindus and Muslims in Kashmir. He lived a simple life, wearing plain clothes, eating sparingly, and spending his days and nights in worship. People affectionately called him "Baba Batwari." His poems were sung in the Kashmiri "Chakri" musical style. During a time of unrest in Kashmir, his poetry brought solace to people. He often said, "Leave the illusions of the world and find God’s love." Hazrat Fakir Ahmad Batwari did not write many books, but his disciples compiled his poetry. His most famous works include: Diwan-e-Fakir Ahmad Batwari: This is his largest collection, containing over 500 poems and Ghazals in the Kashmiri language. These works focus on devotion, love, and spirituality. The famous poem "Rooh ki Pyaas" (The Thirst of the Soul) is part of this collection. It is available at the Kashmir Literature Academy. A notable verse: My soul is thirsty, the river’s water cannot quench it, In the memory of my Beloved, my heart burns. The world’s illusions are false, its pleasures hollow, Only the love of the Beloved brings peace to the soul. Sadiye Sahila: A smaller collection of poems about love and sorrow, including lines like "Sab Kuchh Kai Daath" (Everything is in God’s hands). These poems are sung in Kashmiri folk music. A sample, O friends, my soul treads the path of sorrow, In the memory of my Beloved, my heart’s tale is one of grief. Sadiye Sahila, the night passes slowly, Without my Beloved, my sleep has fled. Fakir Nama: Compiled by his disciples in the 1920s, this book documents his life and poetry. His works are also included in collections like "Kashmiri Sufi Poetry." Hazrat Fakir Sahib’s poems are a treasure of Kashmiri Sufi literature. Written in the "Vakh" style, a distinct form of Sufi poetry, they refer to God as "Yar" (Beloved). Some notable poems include: Sadiye Sahila: A poem of love and longing, expressing the soul’s yearning for God. Rooh ki Pyaas: Highlights the spiritual thirst that only God can fulfil. Yaran ki Chaal: Speaks of the heart’s pain in seeking the Divine. His poetry is simple yet profound, written in Kashmiri to reach common people. His ghazals follow the "Rubai" style. A famous couplet: The flowers of Batwari bloom in the name of the Beloved, The Sufi’s Message Resonates In The Heartbeat. His poems promote Hindu-Muslim unity, emphasizing that "all paths lead to the same God." Today, his poetry is available on YouTube and podcasts, with over 100 poems integrated into Kashmiri music. Programs like "Aao Unhein Yaad Karein" feature his work. Miracles and Legacy Fakir Sahib’s Khanqah was a place of solace for people of all faiths. Many stories highlight his spiritual powers. Once, a critically ill person, given up by doctors, visited him. Hazrat Fakir Sahib prayed and blew on water, which the person drank and miraculously recovered. He humbly said, "Healing is in God’s hands; I am merely a medium." Another time, during a drought in Kashmir, he predicted rain within three days, and it came true, astonishing his followers. Hazrat Fakir Sahib passed away in 1918 in Batwari. His shrine remains a significant pilgrimage site in Kashmir, where devotees gather annually for his Urs. Poetry recitals and fairs mark the occasion. His descendant, Khanday Jilani, preserved his legacy through works like "Reh aur Sareh." His poetry continues to be taught in Kashmiri schools, and he is remembered as a symbol of Kashmiri Sufi literature. He said, "Poetry is a prayer that connects the heart to God." Recent Publication Kuliyat-e-Ahmad Batwari: Published on September 30, 2024, by Gulshan Books Kashmir, this 200-pages collection compiles all his works. ----- Altamash Ali is a Sufi writer and a student at IFTM University_ . URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/fakir-batwari-sufi-saint-poet-kashmir/d/137069 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