Lala Aargami’s poetry bridged divides and inspired harmony across faiths in Kashmir. His spiritual legacy, simple life, and profound teachings continue to inspire generations.
By Khursheed Dar
Lal Malik, famously known by his pen name Lala Aargami, was a luminary of the syncretic Sufi culture of Kashmir. Born on March 11, 1923, in Chattibanday Aragam, a small village in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, he embodied the spiritual richness and cultural unity that Sufism in Kashmir has long represented.
Deeply rooted in the traditions of Kashmiri Sufi poetry, Lala Aargami’s works reflected the essence of local culture and were composed in his native Kashmiri language. This linguistic choice not only preserved the authenticity of his thoughts but also connected people with their heritage, language, and collective identity.
Lala Aargami made significant contributions to Sufi poetry in Kashmir. Two editions of his poetic works have been published to date. The most recent, titled Kuliyati Lala Aargami, was published in 2008 by the Shrine Committee. The depth and universality of his poetry have inspired countless readers, including this author, whose admiration for the mystic poet prompted this column.
Lala Aargami hailed from a humble family known for their simplicity, honesty, and integrity. His parents, Dawood Malik and Dulat Ded, imparted both religious and moral values to their gifted son. Although he received formal education up to the eighth standard, his learning extended beyond conventional schooling. His parents ensured he was well-versed in the Quran, Fiqh, and Hadith, equipping him with a robust foundation in Islamic teachings.
Married to Gasha Bibi, a noblewoman from his village, Lala Aargami was a devoted family man, blessed with one daughter and three sons. Despite his spiritual inclinations, he worked tirelessly to support his family, taking up roles as a milkman, laborer, and eventually the imam of a mosque. His deep love for Sufi poetry led him to sing at Sufi gatherings, where his lyrical expressions resonated deeply with listeners.
At the tender age of 17, Lala Aargami embarked on his spiritual journey under the guidance of Hazrat Shaban Saeb Slura, his first spiritual mentor. The untimely demise of his mentor was a devastating loss, but he found solace in a dream where Hazrat Shaban Saeb entrusted him to the care of Hazrat Ama Saeb Kawa, a revered mystic from Charar-e-Sharief. Hazrat Ama Saeb Kawa, known for his rigorous spiritual training, accepted Lala Aargami as his sole disciple. Under his guidance, Lala Aargami attained remarkable spiritual heights, mastering the teachings of Shariah, Tariqat, Haqeeqat, and Maarifat. He aligned himself with the Qadriya and Chishti orders of Sufism, blending their philosophies in his practice and teachings.
A life of simplicity defined Lala Aargami’s existence. He shunned worldly comforts, dedicating his days and nights to prayer and meditation. His disciples, spread across Kashmir, revered him deeply. Prominent among them were Kamal Sahib Konen Bandipora, Mahad Sahib Pushwari, and Gh. Mohiuddin Saeb Drugmulla. Remarkably, Lala Aargami’s blessings are credited with miracles, such as the recovery of Mohiuddin Saeb Drugmulla, who, as a child with multiple disorders, regained mobility and speech after visiting the mystic’s darbar.
Lala Aargami’s poetry, characterized by its spiritual depth and universal themes, continues to inspire. His works often explored the relationship between divine beauty and the natural world, the praise of prophets, and the quest for unity and brotherhood. Using Kashmiri idioms enriched with Persian, Arabic, and Sanskrit influences, his verses stand as a testament to his cultural and linguistic versatility. Sufi singers in Kashmir have immortalized his poems through their performances at spiritual gatherings.
One of his evocative couplets urges a Kashmiri Pandit girl to worship with unrestrained devotion:
Bata Koori Vate Kanie Manj Chuai Dai,
Karee Pooja, Yinai Mushravak Lai.
His poetry transcends religious boundaries, emphasizing unity, love, and a profound sense of spirituality. For Lala Aargami, the love of Allah was inseparable from the love of humanity. His kindness, humility, and universal vision of harmony endeared him to people of all faiths.
Lala Aargami passed away on August 27, 1988, at the age of 63. He was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard in Chattibanday Aragam. His shrine, a symbol of his enduring legacy, attracts thousands of devotees annually, who celebrate his life and teachings over three days with Sufi gatherings and poetry recitations. The shrine committee, led by his eldest son, Habibullah Malik, continues to preserve his memory and teachings.
Lala Aargami’s life epitomized simple living, selflessness, and spiritual devotion. Renowned for the profound moral and social insight embedded in his poetry, he remains one of Kashmir’s greatest Sufi poets, a beacon of love and unity in a fragmented world.
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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