Noor Ali Shah (RA) – a Sufi saint whose spiritual presence graces the serene Rafiabad region. The shrine, witness crystal-clear springs, and be captivated by the mystical aura of this unique place
BY MANZOOR AKASH
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 peaceful places far from 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 year-round. 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. A Beacon of Sufi Culture in Rafiabad
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Ladhu Ladoora, a famous village that is popularly emerging as an eco-tourism destination. Nestled in the picturesque Rafiabad area, this village is approximately 15 kilometers from Rohama town. Famous not only for its enchanting natural beauty, unique cultural heritage, and serene locality, this habitation is also admired for producing a great number of officers and intellectuals, besides providing trekking routes towards Vejji-top, a famous mountain range with a 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 was the shrine of an iconic mystic Hazrat Noor Ali Shah (RA), situated in the middle of the village. He was born on the 14th of April in 1945 and died in 1994. The exact date of his death is not known. I am not talking 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 a 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 the 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, I was told that the holy shrine of Noor Ali Shah Sahib (RA) had a devotional connection with the 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 year-round 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, a serene atmosphere, bewitching natural beauty, a waterfall, and the like. There is hardly a better place anywhere in the region than this.
The multi-dimensional Sufi saint not only played a leading role in the propagation of Islam but also developed a number of human habitations, villages, and 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 would be made to pay tax. On this, Noor Ali Shah (RA) said that it must be salt. Then the man continued his journey to Delhi, and when he opened his bag on reaching 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 to 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 into sugar again. A 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 recognize and worship Allah (SWT). The shrine of this lofty Sufi is square-shaped outwardly but circular inside. The entrance, which faces southwest, has an arch surmounted, which is a great example of architecture to be seen. We need to preserve and share his legacy so that the enlightenment of this illuminated Sufi mystic reaches others.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine. The author can be reached at [email protected]
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