A young, multitalented artist from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district is rekindling the essence of Kashmir’s Sufi heritage through his soulful music and insightful writings.
Saraf Ali, a software engineer from Kadlabal in Pampore, famously known as the Saffron Town, has been on a journey to bridge the gap between the region’s youth and its profound cultural roots in Sufism.
Through his Rabab performances, literary pursuits, and a deep commitment to Kashmiri tradition, Saraf is bringing new life to Sufism for younger generations.
Saraf Ali’s journey into the world of Sufism began when he delved into literature about Kashmir’s Sufi history. This exploration opened his eyes to the rich, spiritual heritage of the region, influencing not only his outlook but also his life’s mission. Discovering the Rabab—a traditional string instrument believed to have originated in Afghanistan and integral to Sufi and Kashmiri folk music—added a new dimension to his passion.
With skillful fingers, Saraf began to create melodies on the Rabab, reviving its timeless appeal for local audiences. He has since become a recognized Rabab artist, featured in both regional and international media, and known for his expressive, soul-soothing music.
His artistry caught the attention of noted traveloguer Jinal Inamdar, who featured Saraf in her travel series “Undiscovered Kashmir” on the Talkin Travel channel. Here, Saraf is seen performing in a serene cottage in Tangmarg, Baramulla, blending Kashmir’s natural beauty with the meditative rhythms of his music.
Saraf was also cast as a Rababist in a musical film on Kashmir, where he played the instrument to lend authenticity to the film’s depiction of traditional Kashmiri music. In his hands, the Rabab doesn’t just produce music; it echoes the centuries-old tales of spiritual connection, unity, and love that Sufism embodies.
Recently, Saraf’s talents caught the eye of a USA-based music producer who signed him for a Rabab session for his music label, Renzu Music.
The session, available on Instagram, features Saraf’s rendition of the Sufi classic “Kun Faya Kun,” captivating audiences with the essence of Kashmiri music. This collaboration signifies Saraf’s increasing reach and impact as he takes Kashmir’s traditional music beyond regional borders.
Saraf is currently working on his first original music album, Zarb-e-Kaleem, which combines Sufi poetry with his own compositions. The album, named after a renowned work by poet Allama Iqbal, will consist of 11 tracks that reinterpret Sufi poetry through a blend of Rabab and modern instrumental arrangements.
The first track, “Sar Ba Sajda,” has already been released and it was highly appreciated by local youth.
The episode features voice-over artist Mir Saqib Farouk and weaves together poems by Allama Iqbal and Kashmiri poet Wahab Khar with Rabab and guitar accompaniment.
“The album is a blend of traditional spirituality with modern melody,” Saraf said in an interview with Rising Kashmir.
His goal is to amplify the voices of Sufi poets like Nyame Saeb, Samad Mir, Shamas Faqir, and Ahad Zargar, whose work he believes holds valuable messages of divine love, unity, and selflessness.
For Saraf, Zarb-e-Kaleem is the fulfillment of a long-held dream to bring Sufi poetry to life through music and share it with a world that, he feels, needs its message now more than ever.
Besides music, Saraf is a prolific writer and columnist dedicated to preserving Kashmir’s culture. He has authored two books, Triggered Sorrows, which won the Reader’s Choice Award in 2020, and A Smile Worth a Billion Poems. In Triggered Sorrows, Saraf shares his experiences as a student living away from home, a perspective that resonated with readers across Kashmir. His columns in local and national newspapers explore Kashmiri culture, from language and traditions to food, resonating with audiences keen on preserving their heritage.
“My writing always centres around our language, food, culture, and tradition,” he explains, voicing a devotion that aligns with his work as a musician.
Saraf’s talents extend beyond the arts; he is also a skilled footballer who has competed in national tournaments.
