Sultan Sahib(Sultan Darvesh) of Hakura Badasgam Anantnag Kashmir
Sheikh Muhammad Sultan is a 20th Century Sufi. He lived in the valley of Kashmir, in a small village called Hakura Badasgam in Anantnag District. Stories of his miracles are known throughout the entire state of Kashmir and beyond. Baba Sultan was a Qalandar.
"Since such Sufis (Qalandars) had dedicated themselves to God and trusted only in Him, they tended to ignore all outward socially accepted norms, so long as ignoring them did not involve breaking the Shari 'ah or Divine law. (They dressed unusually and carried various items... this seemed to set them apart from other people.)"
Although there is much written about Qalandars in other languages (Urdu, Persian, Arabic etc.), there seems to be little written in English about this line of Sufism.
There are as many different expressions of what it is to be a Qalandar, as there are Qalandars themselves. Qalandars vary as to their spiritual states, stations, mystical, and metaphysical awareness. But the one thing they all seem to have in common is a lack of concern for social norms. They respond to God's call in their own unique way. And, if that "way" does not fit into society's norms they follow it regardless, unconcerned and unencumbered.
We refer to the Sufi Silsila (Line) of Qalandars as Silsila Qalandariya. It is to this line of great Sufis that Sheikh Muhammad Sultan was called.
Baba Sultan began his adult life as a rice farmer. He was married and had two daughters. When his children were still very young Baba began showing signs of Qalandar-like behavior. This greatly concerned his wife and family. But, their concerns did not hamper God's call. Muhammad Sultan Sahib accepted the Sufi Way.
It was not long before his healing powers became evident and people began flocking to him. His home was no longer a quiet village household. Instead it was filled with townspeople, pilgrims and seekers of all religions and backgrounds. Hundreds of people came to Baba; he never turned anyone away. Everyone who asked received his help. Through all the hours of the day and night, Baba was surrounded by people. They literally "camped out" on the floor in his home, on his veranda, or anywhere they could find space.
Baba Sultan's compassionate help was not limited only to people. Animals were also treated with loving kindness and care. Quite often sick dogs, cats, birds, sheep, cows, chickens, goats, etc., found their way to Baba's home. He exhibited deep loving care and compassion for all of God's creatures.
Physically Baba looked thin and frail. However, he had incredible strength. To be in his presence was to be in the awe-inspiring atmosphere of a "Wali Allah" (Friend of God). Baba was a reader of hearts. One did not need words to convey personal needs and desires to him. Baba knew people's thoughts without the use of verbal communication. He was aware of what those who came to him wanted and needed. He spoke little. When Sheik Sultan did speak he often did so using the language of symbols. Some understood many didn't. Whether they understood his language or not each and every one received something beneficial. Baba would not give visitors "permission" (his blessing) to depart, until their need had been addressed and help had been given.
Baba Sultan was a beacon of light, a teacher, comforter and healer; above all ,A LOVER OF GOD and a blessing for all of God's creation.
Today people continue to visit Baba Sultan's home. His shrine (which has been re-built by those who love him) is situated on the same land that welcomed thousands of seekers in his lifetime. In August of each year people come from all over to celebrate the memory of their beloved Baba. His presence is still felt by all who love him; and Baba Sultan continues to live on in our hearts.
"Since such Sufis (Qalandars) had dedicated themselves to God and trusted only in Him, they tended to ignore all outward socially accepted norms, so long as ignoring them did not involve breaking the Shari 'ah or Divine law. (They dressed unusually and carried various items... this seemed to set them apart from other people.)"
Although there is much written about Qalandars in other languages (Urdu, Persian, Arabic etc.), there seems to be little written in English about this line of Sufism.
There are as many different expressions of what it is to be a Qalandar, as there are Qalandars themselves. Qalandars vary as to their spiritual states, stations, mystical, and metaphysical awareness. But the one thing they all seem to have in common is a lack of concern for social norms. They respond to God's call in their own unique way. And, if that "way" does not fit into society's norms they follow it regardless, unconcerned and unencumbered.
We refer to the Sufi Silsila (Line) of Qalandars as Silsila Qalandariya. It is to this line of great Sufis that Sheikh Muhammad Sultan was called.
Baba Sultan began his adult life as a rice farmer. He was married and had two daughters. When his children were still very young Baba began showing signs of Qalandar-like behavior. This greatly concerned his wife and family. But, their concerns did not hamper God's call. Muhammad Sultan Sahib accepted the Sufi Way.
It was not long before his healing powers became evident and people began flocking to him. His home was no longer a quiet village household. Instead it was filled with townspeople, pilgrims and seekers of all religions and backgrounds. Hundreds of people came to Baba; he never turned anyone away. Everyone who asked received his help. Through all the hours of the day and night, Baba was surrounded by people. They literally "camped out" on the floor in his home, on his veranda, or anywhere they could find space.
Baba Sultan's compassionate help was not limited only to people. Animals were also treated with loving kindness and care. Quite often sick dogs, cats, birds, sheep, cows, chickens, goats, etc., found their way to Baba's home. He exhibited deep loving care and compassion for all of God's creatures.
Physically Baba looked thin and frail. However, he had incredible strength. To be in his presence was to be in the awe-inspiring atmosphere of a "Wali Allah" (Friend of God). Baba was a reader of hearts. One did not need words to convey personal needs and desires to him. Baba knew people's thoughts without the use of verbal communication. He was aware of what those who came to him wanted and needed. He spoke little. When Sheik Sultan did speak he often did so using the language of symbols. Some understood many didn't. Whether they understood his language or not each and every one received something beneficial. Baba would not give visitors "permission" (his blessing) to depart, until their need had been addressed and help had been given.
Baba Sultan was a beacon of light, a teacher, comforter and healer; above all ,A LOVER OF GOD and a blessing for all of God's creation.
Today people continue to visit Baba Sultan's home. His shrine (which has been re-built by those who love him) is situated on the same land that welcomed thousands of seekers in his lifetime. In August of each year people come from all over to celebrate the memory of their beloved Baba. His presence is still felt by all who love him; and Baba Sultan continues to live on in our hearts.
Source http://babasultansite.yolasite.com/page2-baba-sultan.php Author: Pir Saleema
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