Shah e Hamdan QS: A saint with king's vision
Today marks the Urs of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani, revered as Imam-e-Kashmir and Shah-i-Hamdan, who renounced his royal heritage in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and transformed Kashmir with his profound teachings and visionary leadership. Born into the ruling family of Hamdan, he became a disciple of Ala ud-Daula Simnani and was initiated into the Silsila e Kubrawiya. On the command of the Prophet Muhammad (AS), he traveled to Kashmir three times, establishing Khankahs in Srinagar and Ladakh, fostering both spiritual and economic growth through the introduction of crafts from Iran. His influence extended beyond Kashmir to regions as far as Indonesia, with his disciple Sheykh Maulana Malik Ibrahim becoming a key figure in spreading Islam in Southeast Asia. Despite facing opposition, notably from the Wahabi-Deobandis, Shah-i-Hamdan’s Awrad e Fatiha, a collection of prayers from 1400 saints, remains a cherished spiritual practice among Kashmiris. His legacy, steeped in the principles of Ahl e Sunnat Wal Jamat, defended the authentic traditions of Islam, and his enduring spiritual presence continues to guide and inspire. A testament to his profound impact, a traditional Kashmiri-Persian poem venerates Shah-i-Hamdan, highlighting his role as a beacon of light, culture, and faith in Kashmir.