Mir Mirak Andrabi
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Shayakh Mir Mohammad Mirak Andrabi (shayakh and mir both were respectful alias of Syed at that era ) | |
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| Born | 921 A.H. Malaratta, Kashmir |
| Died | 990 A.H. |
| Religion | Islam |
| Muslim leader | |
| Based in | Kashmir |
| Period in office | Early 15th century |
| Predecessor | Syed Shah Nia'matullah Wali Qadri Hisari |
| Successor | Syed Mohammad Andrabi, Syed Ismaiel (Yousuf) Andrabi, Syed Ahmad Qasim Andrabi. |
Shayakh Syed Mir Mohammad Mirak Andrabi (921-990 A.H.) belonged to the fifth generation of Sadaat-Andrabia in the Kashmir. The son of Allama Syed Shams-ud-din Andrabi (860-932 A.H.), he was a Great Sufi of his era like his ancestors. His ancestor Syed Ahmad Andrabi (the great-grandfather of Syed Mirak Andrabi) was originally from Andarab, a valley located in the southern part of Baghlan province in the northeastern Afghanistan. Later, he had migrated along with his clan (some of them living near Bukhara, a region in today's Uzbekistan) to Kashmir, spreading Islam in modern subcontinent. His descendants are now called Kashmiri Syed or Andrabi Syed or Bukhari Syed to reflect their geographical links. The family are related to Hussaini Baqri (from imam Baqir grandson of Imam Hussain), Najib ul turfaen from Hussaini father and hassni mother (As Syed's widely spread),
Syed Muslim Ahmad, grandson of Imam Baqir, bloodline belong to these two cities, Syed Muslim migrated from Arab and settled in Andarab to preach Islam nearby. Later, his clan spread in the area between Andarab and Bukhara in Pastoralist era now modern Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Subcontinent.
Shayekh title was given to people who belong to Arab, Mir, Khawaja given to Sufi's of that era in respect, later on some non syed followers started using it, though they have never been caste.
Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani requested Syed Ahmad Andrabi gather his bloodline and travel with him to Kashmir. After Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani returned to Persia, Syed Ahmad Andrabi took charge to spread Islam in the valley.
Syed Ahmad Andrabi died in (804 A.H. = 1402 C.E.). The ruler of that time, Sultan Sikander built a Khankah & Madrasa at Malaratta (Mala Iraqi Hatta) in Srinagar for him which is known as Khankah-i-Andrabia. This became the place of prayer, meditation and preaching for the generations to come.
Early life
He was born in 921 AH (151 CE) to Allama Syed Shams-ud-din Andrabi (860 A.H = 1456 C.E. -932 A.H.= 1526 C.E.) in Srinagar. Through his father, he was a descendant of Imam Zain-ul-Abedein, who in turn traced his lineage to Imam Ali. His mother, Syeda Mira Bibi, was also a descendant of Imam Ali. He lost his parents at a quite young age[vague]. He studied Fiqah, Ahadees, Hifiz and Tafseer in his very early[vague] boyhood.
Family background
Syed Muslim a great Sufi of his era son of syed Ahmad son of Imam Baqir, migrated from Arab and settled down in Andarab, Afghanistan. Andarab is the name of a large stream in Afghanistan and it empties into the stream which originates in the Hindu Kush near Khawak Pass and flows to the west for about seventy-five miles before merging into the Surkhab. Together the two streams form a long narrow valley. The upper part of that valley is also called Andrab, the lower part alternately as Khinjan or Doshi. Both parts of the valley had been united government-ally under a single leader or hakim who resided at Banu. Abdul Habibi, the author of Tarikhi Afghanistan Baad-Auz Islam writes about its origin and the occupation of people. He says "according to Hieun-Sangs version, it was best known by the name of Anth polo also". Agriculture was the main occupation of people.
Andarab has remained the main center of Gold and silver next to neighboring famous Bukhara. The people were freedom loving, kind and compassionate. The descendants of Syed Muslim spread over to various parts of sub-continent in order to propagate Islamic teachings. The absolute love of God made them sacrifice their native land for the purpose of propagation of Islam Andrabis in valley of Kashmir Syed Ahmad Andrabi, (d. A.H.804/A.D, 1401), and his son Syed Mohammad Andrabi with others, (d. A.H.850/A.D, 1447), came to Kashmir under the duress of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani during the reign of Sultan Qutabu'd-Din, (775-792.A.H./1373-89.A.D). It was on the spiritual instructions of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani that Syed Ahmad Andrabi and his son stayed in Kashmir and played a major role in the propagation of Islam and that accordingly metamorphosed the destiny of people. Besides, they guided and impressed upon the people to follow the path of Shariah. With the missionary zeal and zest, they imparted spiritual and religious teachings to the people of Kashmir. Because of their tireless efforts, they did succeed in bringing about a significant and perceptible change in the mindset and life of people in Kashmir. They also influenced the Sultan Qutubu'd-din,(775-792.A.H./1373-89.A.D), with their appealing behavior. The bloodline of Syed Muslim Ahmad and his cousins played a vital role in spreading Islam in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Subcontinent. Syed Muslim Ahmad, Musa kazim, Ali Taqi, Ali hadi, Askri, Syed Ali Mahmood, Syed Jalaluddin Ali Bukhari, Syed Ahmad andrabi and Syed Mohammed Mirak Andrabi etc. are among famous of that era.
Spiritual Training
Syed Mirak belonged to Silsila Owaisi. The Owaisi Sufi's receive guidance and knowledge through a spiritual connection. Shaykh Syed Mirak spent most of his time in meditation at a Khanqah in Srinagar, known as Khanqah-i-Andrabi. He says that he was guided by Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayehay Wassalam and had him in his dreams quite often. He had visions of Prophet Muhammad Sallalaho Alayehay Wassalam many times, and in fact, was asked to marry and thus follow his Sunah. He then came in contact with Syed Shah Nia'matullah Wali Qadri Hisari, a well-known saint in Qadri Silsila. Syed Mirak accepted Silsilay Qadri from him.
Shaykh Syed Mir Mirak Andrabi spent most of his time in spreading Islam at a Khanqah-i-Andrabi in Srinagar, besides spending 12 years meditating at Astarwun(Tral) and then remained in seclusion at Mohalla Naidyar for 12 years. After spending 24 years in meditation, he came back and lived in a small room adjacent to Khankah-i-Andrabia, Malaratta, but preferred a simple life, far away from fame. He was often advised by his relatives, who held important posts under the sultans, to take up a government job after the death of his father, but Mir Mirak Andrabi declined and spent his time in service of Islam. His bloodline even now show similar traits of simpleness by blessing of ALLAH beside being rich in today show off World
Syed Mir Mirak as Propagator of Islamic ideology
Among all the descendants, the noteworthy and prominent was Syed Mir Mirak(9990.A.H./1582.A.D), Andrabi son of Syed Shamsu'd-din Andrabi,(d. 932.A.H./1525.A.D). He was putting up in the Khanqahi Andrabia at Malaratta (Mala Iraqi Hatta) Srinagar. He was the follower of Qadriya Sufi order and was among the prominent disciple of Syed Nimatullah Shah Qadri (d. 990.A.H/1582.A.D), who laid the foundation of Qadriya Sufi order in the valley of Kashmir in the second half of 16th century during the rule of Chaks, 968-994.A.H/1561-86.A.D. Syed Mir Mirak Andrabi traveled various parts of the valley for the purpose of propagation of Islam. The society has accepted him as their guide to religious path and adviser in all their day to day matters. He acted as the true mentor of Kashmiri society and used to move from place to place with his followers. Syed Mir Mirak lived at a crucial period in Kashmir history because there were social tensions in the society. He himself was a strong supporter of Sunni sect along with a great love for the bloodline of Muhammad.
From the Malfuzat it appears that the overall mission of Sheikh was to build up the contemporary Muslim society in Kashmir in accordance with principles of Islamic Shariah. Syed Mir Mirak Andrabi felt that for the acquisition of different types of religious knowledge the teacher should be selected with care. As a good teacher, he continued to teach the disciples according to their capacity and prescribed the right path for the spiritual attainments. He compared his task with worldly physicians and said that the medicines might be innumerable, but only a particular medicine is prescribed for a particular disease in accordance with the nature of the disease, which is known only to the physicians. The same is the case with the Sufi path, although the forms of devotion are innumerable and all of them are true, the particular disease of the heart of a devotee can be cured only through a particular devotion. He emphasized that the remedies of the sickness of the heart are known only to the Prophets, Auliyas, pious persons and the physicians of the faith. Like all spiritual teachers, Mir Mirak Andrabi laid great stress on Namaz. He pleads that it should precede all other acts of devotion. But the key to prayer is the purification, which is of three kinds, firstly the clothes and body, secondly of the Nafs, (lower soul), and thirdly of the heart. He who does not purify his body and clothes is, Najs (unclean) according to the Ahli-Shariah. The other two kinds of purification can be achieved only by the followers on the spiritual path. He held purification as a pre-requisite to prayer, and guided the people and taught them the principles to be followed while praying. The real meaning of prayer, he said can be understood only by arbab-i-qulub, while going to pray one should banish all desires from their minds and purify their hearts with thoughts of God if they do it when they face the real, Qibla (Mecca). Mir Mirak said that prayer connects the creature with the creator, and it is a medium through which man can approach God. The real meaning of prayer he says is Munajat, Invocation, which is impossible without concentration. He also asserts that fasting is compulsory for every Muslim, whether rich or poor, however the poor are relieved from the obligation of Zakat and Hajj two of the five principles of Islam. All his descendants became the followers of Qadriya Sufi order. They were instrumental in the construction of Mosques, Khanqahs, Bridges, and Sarais for travelers etc. at different places of the valley.
Death and his children
Shaykh Syed Mirak Andrabi was married to the daughter of Syed Abdullah Qummi Rizvi. His children included 6 daughters and 3 sons. He was survived by his three sons Syed Mohammad Andrabi 963-1023 A.H., Syed Ismaiel (Yousuf) Andrabi and Syed Ahmad Qasim Andrabi. He died on 5th Safar 990 A.H, 28 February 1582 C.E., at the age of 69 years and is buried on the southern side of Khankah-i-Andrabia at Mala Iraqi Hatta (Mallaratta), Srinagar. A large number of people became his disciples and derived spiritual benefit from him. Syed Mir Mirak Andrabi had three sons, Syed Mohammad Andrabi, (d. 1022.A.H/A.D,1614.A.D), Syed Mohammad Yousuf Andrabi, (d. 1028.A.H./A.D,1620A.D), and Syed Qasim Ahmad Andrabi. Syed Mohammad Andrabi played an important role in spreading the Quranic to far off areas of the valley and was very popular especially in Gurez and Sopore areas of the valley. He is buried in the ancestral graveyard at Malaratta (Mala Iraqi Hatta). Syed Mohammad Yousuf Andrabi was the second son of Syed Mir Mirak Andrabi. He spent most of his time in Dalgate and was also buried there. The third son Syed Qasim Ahmad Andrabi,(d. 1040A.H./1631.A.D) migrated to the adjacent area namely Puchal (Pulwama) and settled down there.
Contemporaries
That era was full of great Scholars and Sufi's. Some of the great Sufi's who were Syed's acquaintances and remained in close touch with him included Shaykh Hamza Makhdoom and Baba Dawood Khaki.
Andrabis in Kashmir valley
Syed Ahmad Andrabi, (d. A.H.804/A.D, 1401), and his son Syed Mohammad Andrabi, (d. A.H.850/A.D, 1447), came to Kashmir under the duress of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani during the reign of Sultan Qutabu'd-Din, 775-792.A.H./1373-89.A.D. It was on the spiritual instructions of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani that Syed Ahmad Andrabi and his son stayed in Kashmir and played a major role in the propagation of Islam and that accordingly metamorphosed the destiny of people. Besides they guided and impressed upon the people to follow the path of Shariah. With the missionary zeal and zest, they imparted spiritual and religious teachings to the people of Kashmir. Because of their tireless efforts, they did succeed in bringing about a significant and perceptible change in the mindset and life of people in Kashmir. They also influenced the Sultan Qutubu'd-din, 775-792.A.H./1373-89.A.D, with their appealing behavior. Acknowledging their role and contribution Sultan built a Khanqah for them at Mala Iraqi Hatta (Malaratta) Srinagar, popularly known by the name of Khanqahi Andrabia, and also granted the Jagir of Chudran, Weerhar and Auchan in district Pulwama for the maintenance of Khanqah and the followers. The said Khanqah became the center of Andrabi Syeds, which still occupies its position. Their descendants settled down not only in the valley but also in various parts of the world. It was their inner desire to make people understand absolute realities of God. They were not after worldly desires, and it was their selfless love for humanity which equally benefited people here and outside. They succeeded in sowing seeds of fraternity among human beings and under their asylum could understand the essence of humanity. These Sufis were simple and kind-hearted and were as impartial as the sun, as generous as river and as tolerant as earth. These Sufis had clearly understood the philosophy of existentialism and were making people aware at large of this philosophy through their sober and empathetic attitude. The main centers of Andrabi Syeds in and outside valley of Kashmir are Malaratta (Mala Iraqi Hatta), Ganderbal, Baramulla, Kupwara, Pulwama, Chadoora, Kulgam, Anantnag.
The Annual commemoration is held at khanqahi Andrabiya Mala Iraqi Hatta (Malaratta) on every 5th of the Islamic month of Safar-ul-Muzaffar.
References
- Wahdatulalujud in Kashmir, India
- Various Sufi silsilas in Kashmir
- Qasida-i-Ammia by Baba Dawood Khaki[full citation needed]
- Tareekh-i- Hassan[full citation needed]
- Tahif-ul- Abrar[full citation needed]
Bibliography
- Biographical Encyclopaedia of Sufis, p. 293, at Google Books
- Manaqib-u-Sadaat by Mufti Sa'adat[full citation needed]
- Zikir Sadaat-i-Andrabia by Moulana Nabeeh Ahmad Andrabi "Shaheed".[full citation needed]
- Tareekh-i-Bab-i-Sulaiman by Mir Saad-ul-lah Shahabadi[full citation needed]
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