Diplomat Correspondent
Shrinagar, (DD)Every year, in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, a wave of divine remembrance flows through the spiritual landscape as thousands of devotees gather to commemorate the Urs of Hazrat Shahe Hamdan (RA) — a revered Sufi saint, scholar, and missionary whose legacy continues to shape the soul of Kashmir. This time too, the Shrine is abuzz today with annual Urs being celebrated with fervour.
Hazrat Ameer-e-Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA), born in Hamadan (Iran) in 1314 CE, was no ordinary figure. A descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he was a towering spiritual personality who traversed Central Asia and eventually made his way to the Valley of Kashmir in the 14th century. With him came a caravan of knowledge, mysticism, art, and Islamic teachings. His mission was not one of conquest, but of enlightenment — through love, wisdom, and deep spiritual insight.
The Urs, which literally means “wedding” in Arabic — symbolizing the saint’s union with the Divine — is observed every year on the 6th of Zilhajj (Islamic month), at the majestic Khanqah-e-Moula in Srinagar — the shrine built in his memory. The Khanqah, perched along the banks of the Jhelum River, transforms into a beacon of light and devotion during this time. Devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir, and even beyond, arrive to pay homage.
The day begins with recitations of the Holy Qur’an, followed by special prayers (nawafil), Durood-o-Salaam, and collective supplications seeking peace and prosperity. The atmosphere is serene yet charged with a deep sense of reverence.
Inside the Khanqah, the fragrance of incense mingles with the recitation of verses, as tears fall silently from the eyes of many who find in Shahe Hamdan’s life a source of comfort and guidance.
“I come here every year with my family,” says Hajra Bano, a 65-year-old devotee from Pulwama. “It is not just a tradition; it’s a healing. The presence of Hazrat Shahe Hamdan (RA) is still alive in this shrine. You can feel it in your heart.”
“This is not just a spiritual gathering — it is a reminder of what Kashmir was and what it can be,” remarks Irfan Ahmad, a university student. “Hazrat Ameer-e-Kabir (RA) taught us how to live in peace, how to embrace knowledge, and how to love creation for the sake of the Creator.”
“I was jobless and restless for months. Last year, I came here in tears and prayed. Within days, I found work. I owe everything to his blessings,” shares Mohammad Yaseen, a young artisan from downtown Srinagar, his voice choked with emotion.
The shrine’s Sajada Nasheen (spiritual custodian) delivers the annual waaz (sermon), recalling the saint’s life, his contribution to the spiritual and cultural fabric of Kashmir, and the need to uphold his values of justice, humility, and compassion. His introduction of Islamic principles, ethics in trade, promotion of art like papier-mâché, calligraphy, and weaving — all left a lasting imprint on Kashmiri society.
As dusk falls, the Jhelum reflects the flickering lights of the Khanqah, and melodious naat and manqabat echo into the night. The air is filled with a gentle spiritual intoxication — a reminder that while centuries have passed, the fragrance of Ameer-e-Kabir’s teachings still perfumes the valley.
His Urs is not just a commemoration — it is a living tradition, a call to reconnect with the roots of faith, tolerance, and love.(DD)
: A Spiritual Remembrance of Hazrat Ameer-e-Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA)){kind=link}