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Makhdoom Sahib: The Saintly Luminary of Kashmir

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Makhdoom Sahib: The Saintly Luminary of Kashmir

Makhdoom Sahib: The Saintly Luminary of Kashmir

AhmadJunaidBlogs & Articles, People & StoriesJuly 9, 2025376 Views

The history of Kashmir is richly interwoven with the lives of its saints and mystics, whose teachings and spiritual legacies have shaped the cultural and religious fabric of the valley for centuries. Among these revered figures, Hamza Makhdoom, popularly known as Makhdoom Sahib, stands out as one of the most venerated Sufi saints. His shrine atop the southern slope of Hari Parbat in Srinagar continues to be a center of pilgrimage, devotion, and spiritual solace for thousands, more than four centuries after his passing1 11 6.

Early Life and Background

Hamza Makhdoom was born around 1494 CE (900 AH) in the village of Tujjar Sharif, near Sopore, in the Baramulla district of Kashmir1 3 5. His birth name was Muhammad Hamza Raina, and he hailed from a Chandravanshi Rajput family of the Raina clan1. His parents, Usman Raina and Bibi Maryam, provided him with an upbringing steeped in both the traditions of his lineage and the spiritual milieu of Kashmir.

From an early age, Hamza Makhdoom displayed an inclination toward spirituality and scholarship. He began his formal education at the Shamsi Cha monastery, where he spent a year immersed in foundational studies. His quest for knowledge led him to a madrasa established by Ismail Kubrawi, where he delved into jurisprudence, tradition, philosophy, logic, ethics, and mysticism1 11 12.

Spiritual Journey and Sufi Affiliation

Makhdoom Sahib’s spiritual journey was marked by rigorous scholarship and ascetic discipline. He became a disciple of Syed Jamal Uddin Bukhari of Delhi, a descendant of the renowned Sufi Jahaniyan Jahangasht1. Under his guidance, Makhdoom Sahib absorbed the teachings of the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence and the principles of Sufism.

His spiritual practice was characterized by deep devotion, regular fasting, and nightly prayers, even in the harsh winters of Kashmir5. He was particularly known for his adherence to tahajjud (late-night prayers) and his commitment to the remembrance of God (Zikr), emphasizing the importance of inward spirituality over outward display12.

Makhdoom Sahib’s mystical orientation was rooted in the Suhrawardi Sufi order, but he also introduced a unique spiritual tradition in Kashmir, later known as the “Silsila Mahbubiyya,” named after his epithet “Mahbub-ul-Alam” (Beloved of the World)12. His teachings bridged the gap between the Hindu Rishi and Muslim Sufi traditions, fostering a spirit of coexistence and mutual respect in the valley.

Challenges and Religious Reforms

The period during which Makhdoom Sahib lived was marked by political and religious turbulence. The ruling dynasty in Kashmir at the time adhered to the Shia sect, and there were attempts to pressure him into abandoning his Sunni beliefs3 5. Influenced by the prominent Shia scholar Mulla Shamshi Chak, Makhdoom Sahib found himself at a crossroads.

Seeking divine guidance, he retreated to the Zakir Masjid at Koh-i-Maran, where he fasted and engaged in intense prayer for three days. According to tradition, he received a visionary dream in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the four Caliphs appeared to him, affirming the path of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (the Sunni mainstream)3 5. This spiritual encounter solidified his resolve to remain steadfast in his beliefs and to guide others toward the Sunni tradition.

Makhdoom Sahib’s influence was instrumental in consolidating the Hanafi school of jurisprudence in Kashmir, and he played a pivotal role in reforming religious practices, promoting unity, and countering sectarian divisions1 3.

Makhdoom Sahib’s life was one of relentless missionary activity and social engagement. He traveled extensively across the Kashmir Valley, preaching Islam, building mosques, and fostering a sense of brotherhood among the people3. Notable mosques attributed to his efforts include those at Nadihal, Tujjar Sharif, and Wuhangam in Beeru.

His residence, known as Makhdoom Mandaw, became a beacon of spirituality, attracting seekers from far and wide. He was accessible to people from all walks of life, breaking with the tradition of earlier Sufi mystics who often remained secluded from the masses12. By establishing a strong social Sufi network, he brought spiritual guidance into the heart of Kashmiri society.

Makhdoom Sahib’s approach was inclusive and compassionate. He emphasized the importance of humility, self-purification, and service to humanity. His teachings encouraged his followers to transcend material concerns and strive for spiritual excellence.

Legacy and Shrine

The Sheikh Hamza Makhdum Shrine on a hillside against a rocky mountain wikipedia

Hamza Makhdoom passed away in 1576 CE (984 AH) at the age of 82 in Srinagar1 11. Fourteen years after his death, the Mughal emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of a shrine at the site of his prayers and meditations on Hari Parbat Hill. This shrine was later reconstructed during the Afghan rule by Governor Atta Mohammad Khan around 1821 CE1.

The Makhdoom Sahib Shrine remains one of the most significant pilgrimage centers in Kashmir. It is a place where devotees from across the valley and beyond gather to seek blessings, offer prayers, and participate in the annual Urs (death anniversary) celebrations11.

The annual Urs is a 13-day event marked by night-long prayers (Shab Khani), communal supplications, and a festive atmosphere. The area around the shrine comes alive with stalls selling traditional foods like Halwa-Purath, prayer caps, and religious books. The event is meticulously organized, with authorities ensuring that devotees face no difficulties during the celebrations11.

Intellectual and Spiritual Contributions

Makhdoom Sahib’s intellectual legacy is reflected in his mastery of Islamic sciences, including the Quran, Hadith, philosophy (Kalam), jurisprudence (Fiqh), and Sufism (Tasawwuf)12. He synthesized the teachings of 14 different Sufi branches, but his greatest contribution was the establishment of a new spiritual tradition within the Suhrawardi order in Kashmir.

He placed special emphasis on Zikr-e-Qalb (inward remembrance of God), cautioning against the ostentatious display of spirituality that had become prevalent in his time12. His approach encouraged sincerity, humility, and a deep, personal connection with the Divine.

Makhdoom Sahib also played a crucial role in strengthening the bonds between the Hindu Rishi and Muslim Sufi traditions, promoting interfaith harmony and spiritual coexistence12. His teachings continue to inspire not only Muslims but also people of other faiths who seek spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.

Enduring Influence

More than four centuries after his death, Makhdoom Sahib’s influence endures in the collective memory and spiritual life of Kashmir. His shrine remains a symbol of the valley’s rich Sufi heritage, and his teachings continue to resonate with those who seek guidance on the path of righteousness and spiritual fulfillment.

His legacy is celebrated not only during the annual Urs but also through daily acts of devotion and remembrance at his shrine and other places associated with his life. The Wakf Board, which manages the shrine, collects donations for its upkeep and for the development of allied infrastructure, ensuring that the site remains accessible and welcoming to all11.

Conclusion

Makhdoom Sahib—Hamza Makhdoom—was more than a mystic; he was a reformer, a unifier, and a beacon of spiritual light in a time of uncertainty and division. His life exemplified the highest ideals of Sufism: devotion, humility, compassion, and service to humanity. His teachings bridged sectarian divides, fostered interfaith harmony, and established a spiritual tradition that continues to guide and inspire generations.

The enduring reverence for Makhdoom Sahib in Kashmir is a testament to the transformative power of his message and the depth of his spiritual insight. As pilgrims ascend the slopes of Hari Parbat to pay their respects at his shrine, they participate in a centuries-old tradition of seeking blessings, solace, and inspiration from one of Kashmir’s greatest saints1 11 12.

Key Facts about Makhdoom Sahib

Aspect	Details
Birth Name	Muhammad Hamza Raina
Titles	Makhdoom Sahib, Mehboob-ul-Alam, Sultan-ul-Arifeen
Birthplace	Tujjar Sharif, Sopore, Baramulla district, Kashmir
Year of Birth	c. 1494 CE (900 AH)
Year of Death	c. 1576 CE (984 AH)
Sufi Order	Suhrawardi (with unique “Silsila Mahbubiyya” tradition)
Shrine Location	Southern slope of Hari Parbat Hill, Srinagar
Major Contributions	Religious reform, promotion of Hanafi jurisprudence, interfaith harmony
Annual Event	Urs (13-day memorial celebration)
Legacy	Shrine as a major pilgrimage site; enduring spiritual influence

Further Reading:

For a deeper exploration of his teachings and legacy, see historical accounts and contemporary analyses available in local Kashmiri archives and Islamic studies literature1 3 5 11 12.