Sufi tradition in Kashmir bringing people of different faiths together

Apr 29, 2019

Shopian (J&K), Apr 29 (ANI): Serving as the richest reservoir of Sufism, the state of Jammu & Kashmir has tombs of several Sufi saints that can be located in almost all of its villages. Visited by people from different communities, these tombs have always played an important role in maintaining peace and unity. So, today we take you to the tomb of Hazrat Syed Bahu-ud-din Gunj Bakhash Simnani in Kashmir valley that was recently thronged by people of all faiths to commemorate the Urs of Sufi saint. Reverberating with the verses of holy Quran, the shrine of Hazrat Syed Bahu-ud-din Gunj Bakhash Simnani located in the Arhama area of Shopian recently became the abode of peace and tranquility as people cutting across religious lines came to attend the urs of holy saint. Devotees offered special prayers to the saint and took part in salutations, supplications and sermons followed by night-long prayers. As a part of the celebration, Sufi scholars and Imams, the worship leader of a Mosque threw light on the life, religious services, teachings and spiritual strength of the saint, who devoted his entire life to preach Islam and spread love and brotherhood. With its eclectic emphasis on tolerance and peaceful coexistence, Sufism has been guiding the life of Kashmiris for nearly 700 years. Even today, the teachings of Sufi saints reverberate in every nook and corner of the valley and continue to inspire people to live in peace and harmony. Hazrat Syed Bahu-ud-din Gunj Bakhash Simnani was also one among these Sufi saints whose message of oneness and brotherhood is still preached by the people of Kashmir. As a blessing of the saint, holy sacrament is also distributed among the devotees after the commemoration of the Urs, irrespective of their caste and community. The holy celebration clearly indicates that the lesson of Humanity and compassion that was once propagated by the Sufi saints is still having its roots deeply embedded in the culture of Kashmir valley.