Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom: The Saint of Kashmir

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 23 November 2024 Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, A Prominent Spiritual Figure In Kashmir, Is Known For His Dedication To Islamic Teachings, Spirituality, And Promoting Unity. His Legacy, Marked By His Teachings And Community Efforts, Remains Significant In The Region Main Points 1. Early Life: Born in Tujjar Sharif, Kashmir, he displayed saintly qualities from childhood. 2. Spiritual Journey: Gained deep Islamic knowledge and trained under renowned mentors like Syed Jamaluddin Bukhari. 3. Sunni Devotion: Affirmed his allegiance to Sunni Islam after divine guidance through dreams. 4. Community Service: Built mosques and preached brotherhood across the Kashmir Valley. 5. Legacy: Known for his miracles and unwavering devotion, his shrine at Koh-i-Maran remains a revered site. ----- Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) ----- Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) A Beacon of Spiritual Awakening in Kashmir Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, also called Makhdoom Sahib, stands as one of the most worshipped saints of Kashmir. He was born in 900 AH at Tujjar Sharif, Zanagir, Sopore. His life epitomized piety, scholarship, and devotion to the spirit. His father, Baba Usman Raina, the said affluent and great personality of his time, lavished praise and sacrificed thirty sheep to mark his birth. He had distributed the meat amongst the poor and needy. His mother, Bibi Maryam, played a great role in fostering early inclinations toward spirituality. Childhood and Signs of Saintliness From an early age, Sheikh Hamza displayed signs of divine blessing. Unlike other children, he shunned sports and frivolous activities, preferring contemplation and spiritual exercises. A remarkable incident from his childhood occurred when he joined other children in pelting stones at a mosque. That night, he dreamt of being admonished for his actions and immediately repented, never indulging in such behaviour again. His initial education took place in a Maktab at his native place, wherein he studied the Quran, grammar, and Persian literature along with ‘Karima’, ‘Gulistan’, and ‘Bostan’. seeing potential in him, took him to Srinagar and got him admitted in the Darushifa. Darushifa was an abode under the supervision of Hazrat Sheikh Baba Ismail Kubravi, where Sheikh Hamza, under the guidance of Baba Ismail, learned not only religious but spiritual education also. Pursuit of Knowledge and Spiritual Growth Sheikh Hamza was a studious one, learning the Quran, Hadith, jurisprudence, logic, philosophy, and literature. His memory and understanding of the Islamic sciences were truly remarkable. His spiritual journey progressed with the guidance of saints like Shams Chak and Syed Jamaluddin Bukhari (RA). The latter, belonging to the Suharwardy Sufi order, travelled from Delhi to Kashmir to guide Sheikh Hamza upon receiving instructions from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a dream. Sheikh Hamza was often on fast and doing ‘Tahajjud’ prayers, and even bathed in ice-cold water when the harsh winters rendered the temperature unbearable. The headaches that often befell him due to his rigid devotions were never enough to deter him from the gloomy hillocks of Koh-i-Maran beauty in Kashmir. Ingression of the Sunni Path There were hardships when the dynasty of the Shias ruled Kashmir. It was during this time when he had to convert the Shia sect under pressure. He was inspired by a scholar named Mulla Shamshi Chak and prayed at Zakir Masjid in Koh-i-Maran by fasting for divine indications. In a dream, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the four Caliphs appeared before him and confirmed that the Sunnat-e-Tammat was right. He resolved then and there not to leave being the faithful follower of the Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat. Reforms to Kashmiri Society Sheikh Hamza was one with a life of missionary work, preaching Islam, and creation of brotherhood. He travelled across the valley of Kashmir, erecting mosques at Nadihal, Tujjar Sharif, and Wuhangam in Beeru. His dwelling place, Makhdoom Mandaw, became a lighthouse of spirituality, wherein seekers came from far and wide. He worked many miracles, healing the sick and saving his followers miraculously at every turn. Anecdotes about his supernatural interventions, like where he rescued a disciple into the desert and gave gold coins to Haji Moosa during a pilgrimage, became universally known and sealed his reputation in the eyes of people as a saint. Legacy and Death Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) passed away on the 24th of Safar, 984 AH, at the age of 84, after a brief illness. His funeral, attended by thousands, including the ruler Ali Shah Chak, was a testament to the immense respect he commanded. Khwaja Muhammad Tahir performed his ghusl and led the funeral prayers. Despite his influence, Sheikh Hamza chose a monastic life and never married. His life's work was solely dedicated to guiding people from ignorance to enlightenment. His final resting place at Koh-i-Maran remains a site of spiritual significance, drawing pilgrims who seek blessings and inspiration from his legacy. Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) has been a great icon, symbol, and benchmark of spiritual wisdom, compassion, and steadfast submission to Allah, creating an indelible mark in the history and culture of Kashmir. ----- A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/sheikh-hamza-makhdoom-saint-kashmir/d/133807 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