Hazrat Momin Sahib: The First Masnavi Poet of Kashmiri Sufism

By Altamash Ali, New Age Islam 18 October 2025 Hazrat Momin Sahib, an 18th-century Kashmiri Sufi saint, scholar, and poet, enriched the Sufi tradition with his teachings and poetry, including the first Kashmiri Masnavi. His works, emphasizing divine love and humanity, remain influential. His shrine in Pulwama is a cherished pilgrimage site. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Momin Sahib, an 18th-century Kashmiri Sufi saint and poet, spread divine love and humility through teachings rooted in Quranic and Sufi philosophy. 2. He pioneered Masnavi in Kashmiri with works like Akanandun and Mantaki Tayer, using simple, heartfelt metaphors to convey spiritual awakening. 3. As a mentor to poets like Hazrat Sochh Kral, Hazrat Mahmood Gaami, and Karam Buland, he significantly shaped Kashmiri Sufi literature, promoting unity and compassion. 4. Known for miracles like healing through prayers, his shrine in Chandgam Babgam, Pulwama, is a pilgrimage site, though it needs preservation. ----- Hazrat Momin Sahib, also known as Moomin Sahib or Momin Sob, was a great Sufi saint, scholar, and poet of 18th-century Kashmir. His place in the Kashmiri Sufi tradition is of importance. He was among the select Sufi poets of Kashmir who, through their works and teachings, spread the message of divine love, humility, and self-awareness. His poetry and spiritual teachings continue to hold significance in Kashmiri culture and the study of Sufism. Hazrat Momin Sahib was born in the late 17th or early 18th century in Kashmir. Exact dates of his birth are not available, as the biographies of most Sufi saints from that era were preserved through oral traditions. He belonged to a scholarly family and showed an interest in religious and spiritual education from childhood. He was an Alim (religious scholar) and Murshid (spiritual guide) who enriched the Kashmiri Sufi tradition. His teachings were rooted in the Quran and Sufi philosophy, emphasizing the soul’s journey toward God and love for humanity. The life of Hazrat Momin Sahib was a symbol of simplicity and devotion. He was a significant figure in the social and religious environment of his time. Kashmir was a hub of Sufism during that period, and Hazrat Momin Sahib added depth to this tradition. He is considered the second prominent Sufi poet of Kashmir after Hazrat Khwaja Habibullah Nausheri. His disciples included several renowned Kashmiri poets and Sufis, such as Hazrat Sochh Kral Rahmatullah Alaih (1782–1854), Hazrat Mahmood Gaami (1765–1855), and Karam Buland. These disciples carried forward his teachings and made significant contributions to Kashmiri literature. The greatest achievement of Hazrat Momin Sahib was that he was the first poet to write Masnavi long narrative poetry in the Kashmiri language. His poems were inspired by Sufi philosophy and centred on themes of love for God, self-sacrifice, and spiritual awakening. His works were not complex but simple and heart-touching. His poetry was filled with Quranic symbols and natural metaphors, such as birds representing the soul’s flight toward God or musk symbolizing divine fragrance. Some of his famous works include Akanandun and Mantaki Tayer. Akanandun is a Masnavi that speaks of spiritual awakening, while Mantaki Tayer portrays the soul’s journey toward God. His poetry carried deep spirituality along with messages of love and compassion for humanity. In one of his poems, he says: “Moomino Wani Kar Su Katth Patth Rath Zah, Zyo Amhi Jaale Neer Woni Ath Pher Jilo.” The English translation is: “Hazrat Momin Sahib says, why wander on false paths? The living flame burns in the heart’s corner, go there and ignite it.” This line reflects the core Sufi philosophy that truth and God’s light reside within the human heart. The poetry of Hazrat Momin Sahib was not only spiritual but also promoted social unity and brotherhood. Another of his lines is: “Moomino Yitah No Kansah Thahrun Ye, Ye Yitah Mo Laag Butthi Hun Ye Lo.” Translation: “Hazrat Momin Sahib says, this is no place to linger in greed my people, here idols turn to dust—awaken! This line calls for renouncing worldly attachments and focusing on the pursuit of truth.Oral traditions in Kashmir speak of the miracles of Hazrat Momin Sahib, though written records are limited. It is said that his spiritual influence brought mental peace and guidance to many. According to one story, he once healed a sick person through his prayers alone. Such stories are prevalent among his followers, reflecting his compassion and deep connection with God. People visiting his shrine continue to believe in his prayers and spiritual presence.His shrine is located in Chandgam Babgam, Pulwama, and is a sacred site for pilgrims. However, in recent years, its condition has deteriorated, leading to demands for its preservation by the local community and organizations. In 2020, a team led by Zaffar Ahmed Butt from Kashur Sufinama and Jamaat-e-Aitqaad International visited his shrine and conducted research on his life, documented by Khanday Jeelani. This effort helped revive the legacy of Hazrat Momin Sahib. In 2023, the Funkar Cultural Organization published a book titled Kalami Moomin Sahab, which is a collection of his poetry and teachings. This book brought his works to a wider audience and highlighted his message of brotherhood, compassion, and humanity. His poetry remains alive in Kashmiri Sufi music and literature, with many people reciting his verses to honor his teachings.The influence of Hazrat Momin Sahib was not limited to Kashmir. His teachings and poetry are relevant to all who seek spirituality and the message of humanity. His works were written in simple language, understandable to the common people. His poetry continues to hold a significant place in Kashmiri literature and the Sufi tradition. Most details about his life and works come from oral traditions and a few written sources. Researchers like Khanday Jeelani have made significant contributions to documenting his life. His shrine and poetry are part of Kashmir’s cultural and spiritual heritage. His teachings remain relevant today, as they convey messages of love, peace, and unity. Many organizations and researchers are working to keep the legacy of Hazrat Momin Sahib alive. His poetry and teachings inspire the new generation to seek truth within themselves and move closer to God by renouncing worldly desires. Hundreds of people visit his shrine every year, believing in his spiritual power and teachings. The life and poetry of Hazrat Momin Sahib reflect the soul of Kashmiri Sufism. His works are not only a part of Kashmir’s cultural heritage but also an inspiration to the world. His teachings tell us that true happiness and peace lie in the love of God and service to humanity. His poetry and miracles remain alive in people’s hearts, and his shrine is a place where people come seeking peace and spiritual guidance. ---- Altamash Ali is a Sufi writer and a student at IFTM University. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hazrat-momin-masnavi-poet-kashmiri-sufism/d/137288 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