ILLUMINATED SOUL
A number of Sufi saints have settled themselves in different Rafiabad villages surrounded by lush green forests and serene locales. These Sufi saints have generally chosen the peaceful places far from the human intrusion to meditate and worship God. One among them is Noor Ali Shah (RA), locally known as Noor Saeb- one of the towering Sufi saints whose shrine is visited by devotees round the year. The shrine of this prominent Sufi figure is situated in Ladhu Ladoora village of Rafiabad in district Baramulla. This village lies in the upper-belt of the area, the topography of which is bordered by beautiful mountain peaks clad with snow throughout the year.
Recently I got an opportunity of visiting Ladhu Ladoora, a famous village which is popularly emerging as an eco-tourism destination. Nestled in the picturesque Rafiabad area, this village is some 15 kilometers from Rohama town. Famous not only for its enchanting natural beauty, unique cultural heritage and serene locality, this habitation is also admired by people for having produced a great number of officers and intellectuals besides providing trekking routes towards Vejji-top, a famous mountain range with breathtaking view.
It was my maiden visit to this beautiful village. I had been to Shalkote and Shutloo villages in this kandi belt earlier, yet, visiting this village, left me awestruck in multiple ways. I was astonished to see the bewitching natural beauty of the place vis-à-vis the congenial ambiance that we all crave for. What caught my attention during my visit to this place was the shrine of an iconic mystic Hazrat Noor Ali Shah (RA), situated in the middle of the village. He was born on 14th of April in 1945 and died in 1994.The exact date of his death is not known. I am not taking about Syed Noor Ali Shah Baba (RA) whose Dargah is in Hatundi, Ajmer Sharief. Don’t misinterpret me. I am rather talking about the Sufi, with similar name who holds a top place in the Sufi culture of Kashmir.
Revered by people of all faiths, the shrine of this Sufi saint was built in 16th Century AD. The shrine is a symbol of Sufi culture, harmony, brotherhood and is located near the Jamia Masjid in the village. Near the shrine of this illuminated Sufi mystic, is a famous reservoir of Rafiabad area known as Satravun waterfall. Every year, thousands of devotees from across the area and beyond throng the shrine on Urs for three days in the month of May.
From available oral sources this author was told that the holy shrine of Noor Ali Shah Sahib (RA) had devotional connection with great Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA), popularly known as Dastgeer Sahib. The shrine of this Sufi leader is surrounded by lush green deodar trees with serene locales. It is visited round the year by devotees irrespective of caste, creed and color. This shrine in Rafiabad is in fact the only shrine where you can come across crystal clear water springs, serene atmosphere, bewitching natural beauty, waterfall and the like. There is hardly a better place anywhere in the region than this.
The multi-dimensional Sufi saint who not only had played a leading role in the propagation of Islam but had also developed a number of human habitations, villages and has built a dozen of masjids. The Sufi mystic is believed to have reformed peace and tranquility in the area and has shown many of his Ka’ramat (signs) to his disciples, far and wide.
As per reliable sources, on one occasion, a man who was on his way to Delhi stopped near Noor Ali Shah Sahib (RA). He had a bag filled with Sugar. When the Sufi saint asked him what he had in that bag. The man lied and said that he had salt in it instead of Sugar for being afraid that he will be made to pay tax. On this Noor Ali Shah (RA) said that it must be salt. Than the man continued his journey to Delhi and when he opened his bag on reaching at his destination. He found that instead of Sugar, there was salt in the bag. The sugar had become salt. He hurried back all the way to this Sufi saint’s village in Ludhu Ladoora and begged him for forgiveness. He agreed to have lied the Saint. On that Noor Ali Shah (RA) again said to him: ‘then it must be sugar’. And when he reached Delhi yet again. He was amazed to find that the salt had turned to sugar again. Bundle of thanks to an elderly farmer of this village who lives very near to this shrine for narrating the above incident to me while compiling this write-up.
Noor Ali Shah (RA) is an iconic soul of Kashmir’s Sufi culture who had guided people to the right path of brotherhood, piety, peace and harmony. As a disciplined, generous and enlightened soul, he had always been at the forefront in helping people to recognize and worship Allah (SWT). The shrine of this lofty Sufi is square shaped outwardly but circular inside. The entrance which faces south-west has an arch surmounted which is a great example of architecture to be seen. We need to preserve and share his legacy so that enlightenment of this illuminated Sufi mystic reaches to others.
(The author is teacher by profession, and a recipient of National Peace Award. Feedback: [email protected])
