جس بزرگ کو خدا نے کام کرنے کی قوت بخشی جو کشف میں اعلی مقام پرتھے ۔
جس کی وجہ س شیطان کو صدمہ بھی ہوا۔ وہ شیخ حیدر لاری ہے۔
“The matured soul whom Almighty Allah gave strength to work, who was at the highest position in Kashf. Due to this, the devil was shocked. He is Sheikh Hyder Lari.”
The bond that exists between the Murshid (Spiritual mentor) and the Mureed (Disciple) is so subtle and so delicate that only a few persons can understand its real essence. This sacred bond is interconnected with a lot of love, respect, and emotions. We have plenty of examples in Sufi traditions whereby a disciple expresses his deep attachment to his Murshid by composing poems or prose in favor of his Murshid. In this connection, when we study the biography of Hazrat Sultan-Ul- Arifeen Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA), we came to know that two of his prominent disciples Baba Dawood Kakhi RA and Mir Baba Hyder Tulmili RA sustained this legacy and produced two valuable works that include Wird-Ul-Murideen, and Hidayatul- Mukhliseen in which they mentioned the spiritual stature of their mentor. It is the accepted fact that the former one (Wird-Ul-Murideen,) gained popularity, and it has been published, translated, debated, and discussed widely. Even researcher scholars having different subject backgrounds have been using it as a reference for their research work. On the other hand, Hidayatul Mukhliseen by Mir Baba Hyder Tulmali remained out of focus so far.
Though many renowned historians like Mohammad Azam Dedmari, and Peer Hasan Shah Khoihami did mention its name with a brief introduction in their respective historical accounts- Waqati Kashmir and Tawareek- Hasan. Mir Baba Hyder wrote this book in the year 993 Hijri. ( 1585)..Markaz-i-Noor, Centre for Sheikh-ul-Alam Studies; the University of Kashmir organized a two-day seminar titled “Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom and his Contribution towards Kashmiri Society” on May 19 and 20- 2015. The seminar aimed at highlighting the life and contribution of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom in the medieval era of Kashmir and its relevance in contemporary times. On that very occasion, the research paper titled, “Critical Analysis of Hidayatul Mukhliseen by Mir
Syed Hyder Tulmuli RA ,” was authored by Dr. Rukaya Syeda and presented by Dr. Mohammad Yusuf. The research paper critically analyzed the various dimensions of Hidayatul Mukhliseen and positively brought to the front Mir Syed Hyder Tulmuli’s style and statements regarding the spiritual excellence of Makhdoom Sahab.
This particular manuscript authored by Mir Sahab is unpublished. Its limited original manuscript is available in Persian. One of the admirers of Sufism namely Moulana Ghulam Rasool Farooqi popularly known by his pen name “Hilal Kashmiri” from Batwin Ganderbal translated this piece of work into Urdu. Fortunately, a few months back one of my comrades namely Nisar Ahamad Bhat from Tulmula made this piece available to me. I read it from the first page to the last and found it very informative, interesting, and deeply interwoven with spiritual thoughts and experiences. Baba Hyder Tulmuli has decorated the content into five chapters. The first chapter deliberated upon the qualities that the Murshid should have. The second chapter deals with the relevance of actions (Ebada) with a particular timing. The third one is emphasizing the importance of Zikir-Azkar (The repetition of the holy word or verse). The fourth is illuminating the Sufi Traditions (Tasawuf). The fifth one is fully dedicated to Mehboob-Ul-Alam RA. In this particular chapter, he described the spiritual highness of his Murshid and his relation with his disciples. He also shared the spiritual experiences that he had acquired while meeting, interacting discussing, and debating with the other colleagues, and mentioned various episodes that are possessed with Miracles. He also attributed numerous titles to his Murshid. Each one is highlighting both manifested and concealed qualities of Sheikh Hamza Mukdoom (RA). It shows his intimacy and affection for his Murshid. At the outset of the manuscript, there is a brief description of his life. According to Mir, Baba Hyder (RA) was a Najeeb-u- Tarafaen Syed i.e. The decedent of Prophet SAW from both his parents. There is also the mention of the episode that motivated and attracted Mir Sahib toward his Murshid Kamil.
He said, “I was fifteen years old when I saw a dream in which I was the beautiful appearance of the beloved prophet Mohammad SAW accompanied by the four Khalifas in a Mosque. One of the personalities sitting there called me for Wuzu (Ablution). I did Wuzu properly. Beloved Prophet SAW presented him with a cloak and directed him to present the same to me. While doing so, the beloved prophet SAW was repeatedly addressing those lines to him. “He is my son, enlighten him with the knowledge of Alim Zahir and Alim Batin (manifested and hidden Knowledge)” The personality who was unknown to me till that time covered my body with that robe, and kissed my hand. Later, he introduced himself and addressed me “O! My son, “I am from Kashmir and my name is Sheikh Hamza Mukdoom” In the meantime, I awoke and narrated the whole dream to my Uncle who was my guide and caretaker as I was the parentless child at that time.
As my uncle had a deep emotional attachment to me, he did not allow me to carry on that journey to Kashmir. But my anxiety grew with each passing day to give practical shape to my dream. It was Friday, I attended the Congregational Prayer and then moved towards the nearby Jungle, weeping and crying. Surprisingly, my eyes glimpsed the good-looking person, sitting on the horse along with a huge army behind him marching towards me. In the first instance, I thought it may be the king of Jinns who came there for hunting. But When I enquired about that strange scene, one of the persons informed me that he was Sultan Sheikh Hamza Kashmiri. After a brief interval, he called me and said, “O! My son, I am the same person whom you viewed in the dream. If you wish you can come along with me just now without any exertion but it would favor your best spiritual interests subject to the condition that you cover this distance from Gujrat to Kashmir physically. Acted upon the advice of my beloved Murshid, I once again requested my uncle, motivated him and finally, he permitted me. And without wasting any time, I started my journey towards my destination i.e Kashmir”. The steep landscapes of Kashmir or the harsh weather conditions or any other worldly barriers never became a hurdle for his arrival to Kashmir. It reflects his keenness, commitment, and determination for the divine world.
After the preliminary spiritual training that he received under the superb guidance of Sheikh Hamza Mukdoom RA, he was given the charge of Praghana Lar. There he used to provide religious and spiritual guidance to the people residing within the jurisdiction of that area. Mir Sahab besides rendering his duties with utmost care and sincerity earned his livelihood by cultivating the piece of land available at Tulmula Ganderbal which is still known as “Mir Subun Zameen” He stayed there till his last breath. During those times, Tulmula became the focus of attraction for spiritual seekers. Mukdoom Sahab RA deputed many of his disciples to Tulmula to avail the spiritual benefits of Mir Sahab. There are various appellations associated with her name like Mir Baba Hyder Tulmuli, Mir Baba Hyder Lari, Mir Sahab Tulmuli, Faqeer Mir Hyder Gujrati, etc. As usual, his annual day is celebrated on the seventh Muharamul-Haram at Tulmula Ganderbal. Special thanks to Nisar Ahmad Bhat from Tulmula for his support.
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher and columnist. He can be mailed at minamharoon123@gmail.com
