The remarkable life of Hazrat Ama Saeb (RA) narrates his humble beginnings and ascetic pursuits, leaving an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of Langate, Kupwara.
The inhabitants of Yaroo, Langate, are deeply cognizant of the blessings and profound spiritual manifestations associated with the towering mystic figure – Hazrat Ama Saeb (RA). Born to Abdul Rahim, though precise records of his birth date were overlooked due to prevailing ignorance and a simplistic approach to life, it is widely presumed that the revered mystic entered the world in the year 1906, amidst the picturesque environs of Yaroo, Langate, nestled within the bounds of the Kupwara district in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Hailing from a prosperous background, Hazrat Ama Saeb’s father, professionally a barber, possessed considerable landholdings, ensuring the family’s economic stability. With sisters surrounding him, Hazrat Ama Saeb received meticulous care and nurturing in his upbringing. In addition to imparting Quranic teachings, his father endeavored to instill literary wisdom by introducing him to the works of Gulistan and Bostan. Alongside his religious education, Hazrat Ama Saeb pursued conventional studies up to the seventh grade.
Endowed with a noble disposition, Hazrat Ama Saeb transitioned from academic pursuits to domestic responsibilities, engaging in household chores and tending to cattle, while harboring a keen interest in inheriting his father’s profession. His matrimonial union with a pious woman from Ganai Hammam, Baramulla, marked a significant milestone in his life. However, the joy of fatherhood soon turned to sorrow as both his daughter and wife met untimely demises, casting a shadow of grief over Hazrat Ama Saeb’s existence. Yet, adversity proved transformative, as he underwent a profound spiritual metamorphosis akin to the revered Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Wali, renouncing worldly attachments in favor of a spiritual odyssey.
As years elapsed, Hazrat Ama Saeb’s detachment from material pursuits intensified, prompting concern from his father, who sought remedies for his son’s spiritual unrest. Initial attempts at intervention, including confinement and medical treatment, proved futile, with physicians deeming his condition beyond remedy. Salvation, however, arrived in the form of Hazrat Shams-ud-Din Pandali, the spiritual guide of his father, whose counsel advocated surrendering Hazrat Ama Saeb to the divine providence of Allah. Subsequent consultations with a renowned dervish in Baramulla affirmed the latent spiritual prowess within Hazrat Ama Saeb, prompting his father to cease interference and allow his son to tread the path of spiritual asceticism unimpeded.
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Thus commenced Hazrat Ama Saeb’s mystical sojourn, characterized by contemplative retreats beneath the vast expanse of the spiritual firmament. Clad in a humble, weather-worn kurta, he traversed the locales of Sangrama, Rafiabad, and beyond, disseminating spiritual wisdom to the multitudes who sought solace in his presence. Legends abound of his sojourn to Lolab via Kandi, where he immersed himself in meditation amidst the lofty peaks cloaked in pristine snow and the verdant embrace of dense forests, transcending earthly confines for spiritual enlightenment.
Reports indicate that he engaged in deep meditation within the sacred confines of the cave khankah of Shahnagri. His discipline was remarkable, enduring prolonged periods of hunger and thirst. Initially, he nourished himself independently, but later abstained from self-sustenance, only partaking when others served him by hand.
His awareness of his surroundings seemed uncanny, almost as if he possessed insight beyond the tangible. There’s a tale of a woman who visited his court while Ama Saeb was in repose. Disheartened by his slumber, she departed, leaving three eggs with the attendant. The cook, yielding to temptation, consumed two eggs. Upon awakening, Ama Saeb, perceiving the discrepancy, rebuked the cook, illustrating his profound perception.
Ama Saeb’s earthly journey concluded on December 30, 1968, at the age of 62. His final resting place lies within the sacred precincts of Masjid Sharief in Yaroo, Langate. Esteemed dignitaries, alongside local residents, paid homage during his funeral prayers.
Numerous miraculous anecdotes shroud this mystic figure, transcending rational comprehension. Legend has it that during a tumultuous flood of the Jhelum, he fearlessly plunged into the waters near the Cement Bridge in Baramula, emerging unscathed, defying the ferocity of the currents.
The ancestral abode of this revered sufi in Yaroo Langate, along with his meditative sanctuary, endures to this day. However, the blessed domicile of the mystic lies in disrepair, prompting concern. Despite the dilapidation, devotees from across the valley pilgrimage to the hallowed resting place of Hazrat Ama Saeb RA. Regrettably, the shrine itself suffers neglect and requires urgent restoration. Additionally, a charitable kitchen operates within, providing sustenance to visitors of all walks of life, overseen by the diligent stewardship of Gh Mohammad Hajam, a respected custodian and relative of Ama Saeb.
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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