Sultan Darvesh: The Sufi Healer of Kashmir and His Timeless Teachings

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 21 November 2024. Sultan Sahib, A Beloved Sufi Mystic, Was Renowned For His Healing Powers, Compassion, And Spiritual Wisdom. His Legacy Lives On Through His Shrine, Where Pilgrims Continue To Honour His Teachings On Love And Devotion Main Points: 1. Sufi Mystic: Sultan Sahib, born in Hakura Badasgam, Anantnag, was a revered 20th-century Sufi healer. 2. Healing Powers: His divine healing attracted people from all backgrounds seeking spiritual and physical solace. 3. Compassionate Nature: His care extended to both humans and animals, showing deep empathy. 4. Spiritual Wisdom: Known for his simple yet profound teachings on love and devotion. 5. Enduring Legacy: His shrine in Hakura Badasgam remains a pilgrimage site, celebrating his life and teachings. ----- (Baba Sultan) ------ Sheikh Muhammad Sultan, widely known as Sultan Sahib or Sultan Darvesh, was a revered 20th-century Sufi mystic from the serene valley of Kashmir. Born in the small village of Hakura Badasgam in Anantnag District, Sultan Sahib's life was marked by extraordinary spiritual experiences and divine miracles. The name is synonymous with compassion, healing, and a deep love for Allah. His influence spread far beyond the borders of Kashmir, as his healing powers and spiritual wisdom drew people from all walks of life. Sultan Sahib's journey into Sufism began in his early adulthood. Initially, he lived a simple life as a rice farmer, married with two young daughters. There, however, were some subtler hints of a greater purpose, as he started behaving like a Qalandar a mystic who is known to be an embodiment of pure love for Allah. His family, especially his wife, began to worry as his life was never a straight path. However, the devotion towards Allah's plan was not derailed, and he embarked on the Sufi way of life fully. As his journey in faith advances, Baba Sultan's healing powers began to surface. It attracted a crowd of believers and nonbelievers from the locality. People of all faiths and backgrounds started showing up at his doorstep seeking refuge and advice and healing for diseases. Thousands of visitors transformed his small hut into a congregational space and seekers camped out on the floors, verandas, and even in courtyards to get some glimpse of Baba's divine presence. Baba Sultan never turned anyone away, showering people with consistent compassion in all respects despite the overwhelming crowds. What differentiated Sultan Sahib was not only the healing powers but deep empathy and love for all living beings. His care reached further than human beings as he would often tend to many poor, sick animals who had taken refuge in his house. Animals like dogs, cats, birds, cows, goats, as well as many other creatures loved him and found a haven in gentle hands even as he bestowed the very same loving attention he gave people. Physically, Baba Sultan was rather frail and thin, but spiritual power was in his body to a gigantic level. It was said that anybody who was near him would be filled with awe and reverence due to his aura that emitted the divine power of a "Wali Allah" (Friend of Allah). Baba's ability to read the hearts and thoughts of those persons who approached him was perhaps one of his greatest gifts. He did not require words to know what the ones seeking him wanted or needed. His infrequent words were those of symbols or parables, much of which were interpreted differently by everyone. Nevertheless, regardless of interpretation, there was a taken gift of everyone in leaving him whether healings, comforts, or spiritual insight. Baba Sultan was not only a healer but he was also a teacher and guide, a good presence for the healing of body and soul. His teachings were so simple yet profound that his life simply told of a deep love for Allah and all his creation. He would never let a visitor go until they had received of whatever need they may have had, with the blessings and direction given with such virtue. Even after his passing, the legend of Baba Sultan lives on. His shrine stands today on the same place in Hakura Badasgam where once many seekers would have made themselves at home during his lifetime. Each August, throughout Kashmir and beyond, people make a pilgrimage to celebrate the memory of their beloved Baba. His soul still lingers to infuse inspiration and comfort in all those who step into his rest, and still, is felt by those who wish for his teachings on love, healing, and devotion. Sultan Sahib remains as a lasting figure in the hearts of his followers-an inspiration, a beacon of light, and a living exemplar of divine love and mercy. His life stands as a testifying reminder to the transforming power of love and compassion, inspiring generations of seekers to cross vast stretches into 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/sultan-darvesh-sufi-healer-kashmir/d/133774 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