Kashmir, November 3, 2015: Tehreek Soutal Hamdan, a Sufi religious organization based in Kashmir valley is reaching out to the youth to inculcate Sufi tradition and values. Tehreek Soutal Hamdan, a Sufi religious organization based in Kashmir valley is reaching out to the youth to inculcate Sufi tradition and values. Recently, a day-long seminar was organised in Chattabal area of Srinagar city, where religious scholars (ulemas) addressed the people and preached them to lead a simple and pious life based on Sufi practices. The Sufi order has made an important contribution to Kashmiriyat - the ethnic, social and cultural consciousness of the Kashmiri people. The scholars also emphasised the need to maintain brotherhood with all communities, as Islam, especially Sufism, disallows discrimination. Sufism in Kashmir has its roots dating back to Hazrat Bulbul Shah R.A, who is believed to have arrived in Kashmir from Turkistan in South Kazakhstan. However, the Sufi saint who led a profound impact on the lives of people in Kashmir and shaped their culture was Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani (R.A). Hamdani was a Persian (Iran) Sufi of the Kubarwi order and came to Kashmir with his 700 disciples to preach Sufism. These disciples travelled to each part of the state to propagate his mission. Later, as a mark of respect, Sufi shrines were established by the people in their resting or burial places. If Kashmir valley is known for its diversity and harmony, it is largely due to Sufis, who developed this spirit among the people.
