Sufi Colours of Kashmir: The Legacy of Baba Dawood Khaki and Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 07 November 2024 Baba Dawood Khaki, A Devoted Disciple Of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi, Spent His Life In Service Of Spirituality, Transcending Sectarian Lines And Guiding Countless Followers In Kashmir Towards Higher Spiritual Truths. Main Points 1. The Spiritual Journey of Kashmir: Baba Dawood Khaki and His Bond with Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi 2. Kashmir’s Sufi Heritage: The Legacy of Baba Dawood Khaki and Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi 3. The Light of Kashmir: Baba Dawood Khaki and the Miracle on Koh’i Maraan 4. Kashmir’s Sufi Essence: The Knowledge and Wisdom of Baba Dawood Khaki 5. Sufi Colours of Kashmir: The Legacy of Baba Dawood Khaki and Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi Born in 1500 (908 Hijri) as Mullah Daulat Khaki in the Kalashpora region of Srinagar, Baba Dawood Khaki came from the Ganai family, traditionally meat traders. Known as ‘Baba,’ he adopted ‘Dawood’ as his title. His rigorous education in Islamic sciences like Fiqh and Tafseer earned him the position of tutor to the royal family, and eventually, Chief Justice in the court of Sultan Ali Shah. A Transformative Encounter with Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi Despite his prominent lifestyle, Baba Dawood Khaki's meeting with Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi became a profound turning point. Under his mentor’s guidance, Khaki chose a path of self-mortification and humility. In a lesson on material wealth's futility, Sheikh Hamza once asked him to fetch earth from Koh’i Maraan, which miraculously turned to gold a reminder that worldly riches cannot fulfil spiritual needs. Bridging Sectarian Divisions through Vision During the 1550s, as sectarian divides grew in Kashmir, Khaki sought divine guidance. According to his account in Dastoor-al-Salikeen After three days of prayer, he experienced a vision of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) entering Koh’i Maraan Mosque, followed by the four Rightly Guided Caliphs. This vision symbolised spiritual continuity and called for unity among Muslims. Legacy as "Imam Azam Sani" and Sufi Mentor Baba Dawood Khaki was revered as "Imam Azam Sani" for his knowledge of Fiqh and Hadith. His influence created a lineage of Sufi disciples, including Mir Nazuk Qadiri and Baba Naseeb-ud-Din Gazi, who contributed to Kashmir's spiritual heritage. Through his teachings, Khaki instilled humility, compassion, and devotion in his disciples. A Life Devoted to Service and Spirituality Baba Dawoodi Khaki passed away in 1585 (994 Hijri) during a journey in south Kashmir's Anantnag. He was laid to rest beside his spiritual guide, Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi, at the revered site of 'Koh’i Maraan' in Srinagar. Baba Dawoodi Khaki's life remains a beacon of spiritual strength, bridging sects and inspiring unity within the Islamic faith. His legacy as both a scholar and a Sufi saint continues to inspire Kashmiris and seekers of truth beyond borders and generations. …. Sahil Razvi is an Author and Research scholar specializing in Sufism and History and an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. ------------- URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/sufi-kashmir-baba-dawood-khaki-sheikh-hamza-makhdoomi/d/133641 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