Khawaja Habibullah Naushahri: A Sufi Saint Of Kashmir Known For His Poetic Brilliance

By Altamash Ali, New Age Islam 26 July 2025 Khawaja Habibullah Naushahri, a prominent Sufi scholar and spiritual figure, was born around 1555 CE (963 Hijri) in Naushahra, Kashmir. His father, Shamsuddin Ginai, was a prosperous shopkeeper. From a young age, Khawaja Habibullah showed a deep inclination toward spirituality and knowledge, shaping his life’s mission to guide others toward righteousness and devotion to Allah. Khawaja Habibullah was profoundly influenced by the teachings of Khawaja Mir Sayyid Hamadani and other revered Sufi saints. He studied under notable scholars, including Maulana Hasan Afafi, and later became a disciple of Mir Mohammad, who served as his spiritual guide (Murshid). He also received guidance from Sheikh Yaqub, whose teachings he deeply admired and reflected in his poetry. His spiritual journey was marked by a commitment to Sufism, devotion to Allah, and service to humanity. Known for his poetic brilliance, Khawaja Habibullah, fondly called “Hubbi,” was not only a spiritual luminary but also a celebrated poet across Kashmir and India. His pen name, “Hubbi,” became synonymous with his soulful verses that praised his spiritual mentors and expressed his love for Allah. One of his famous couplets reflects the intensity of his devotion: "The warmth of your grandeur, the warmth of your grandeur, My heart is scorched, my eyes are drowned in tears." His poetry, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, resonated with people, touching their hearts and guiding them toward spiritual awakening. Khwaja Habibullah Naushahri was not only a renowned poet of Kashmir but also of the entire Indian subcontinent. He acquired immense knowledge from Maulana Hasan Afafi and later considered Mir Mohammad his spiritual guide (Murshid). He also received teachings from Sheikh Yaqub. In praise of his Sufi mentor, Khwaja Habibullah Naushahri, known by his pen name "Hubbi," wrote extensively, including verses like: Shanshahi Be Mulki Murshidi Keist (What is kingship without a kingdom, and what is guidance without a guide?) Here are some of his famous Persian couplets: Bi Ya Hubbi Me Go Degar Fasana Without love, I narrate some other tale. Shanshahi Be Mulki Murshidi Keist What is kingship without a kingdom, and what is guidance without a guide? Fur O Naam O Nishan Hum Bigo Chiest Glory, name, and identity, what are these without Him? Khwaja Habibullah dedicated his entire life to Sufism, worshiping Allah, and serving humanity. He worked tirelessly to steer people away from sins and towards Allah, emphasizing brotherhood and love for the Divine. His words touched the hearts of many, and he always guided people through the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. As a true saint (wali), his prayers were powerful, and people sought his blessings, which Allah accepted, as He never rejects the prayers of the pious. His spiritual influence extended beyond Kashmir to the whole of India. His shrine in Naushahra, Srinagar, remains a place of solace for many. A celebrated poet, his pen name was "Hubbi," and his Urs is commemorated annually on the 19th of Zil Hijjah. At a young age, he memorized the Quran and studied Hadith and Persian. His poetry was inspired by Sheikh Yaqub. From Khwaja Habibullah’s life, we learn the importance of not just reciting the Quran but living by its teachings and spreading the message of faith. The Risala Tasawwuf is considered a work linked to Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him), and Sufi poets like Hubbi connected it to the Prophet (peace be upon him), his caliphs, and the essence of Islam, dedicating themselves to spreading this knowledge. During a devastating fire in Srinagar that destroyed the Jama Masjid and much of the old city, Mughal Emperor Nuruddin Jahangir was present in the valley. As winter approached, a royal gathering caused a severe shortage of food and essentials, troubling the Kashmiris. One of his famous couplets is: Hey Hudhud, earlier I thought myself very wise, But through your grace, I found my true self. When you showed mercy and enlightened me, I gained hope to escape ignorance. Charum ra buad Sunat bilashuk Certainly, the fourth path is the Sunnah (the Prophet’s way). Congratulations, congratulations! He is immersed in love and lost in the One God. Go, go forth! The religion of love is the only true and unique faith. Come, O ascetic, walk this path too. Khawaja Habibullah devoted his entire life to Sufism, worship, and helping others. He tirelessly worked to steer people away from sin and toward Allah’s path, emphasizing brotherhood, love, and devotion. His teachings, drawn from the Quran and Hadith, inspired countless individuals to lead righteous lives. Known as a true wali (saint), his prayers were believed to be highly effective, and people sought his blessings, which were often answered due to his piety. Khawaja Habibullah’s spiritual influence extended beyond Kashmir, leaving a lasting impact across India. His efforts to spread the message of Islam and Sufism connected people to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his caliphs, and the broader Islamic tradition. His work is often linked to the Risala Tasawwuf, a spiritual text attributed to the legacy of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), which Sufi scholars like Hubbi used to inspire and educate others. During his lifetime, a devastating fire ravaged Srinagar, destroying the historic Jamia Masjid and much of the old city. At the time, Mughal Emperor Nuruddin Jahangir was in the valley, and his royal entourage’s presence led to a severe shortage of food and essentials, causing immense hardship for Kashmiris. It is said that Khawaja Habibullah played a pivotal role in persuading the emperor to leave the valley, alleviating the suffering of the local people. Khawaja Habibullah Naushahri passed away on 19 Zil Hijjah, 1027 Hijri (1617 CE), in Naushahra, Srinagar, where his shrine remains a place of solace for devotees and followers of Sufism. Every year, his Urs (death anniversary) is commemorated on 19 Zil Hijjah, drawing people to his shrine to honor his spiritual legacy. His tomb in Naushahra, Srinagar, continues to be a beacon of peace and spirituality. At a young age, Khawaja Habibullah memorized the Quran, followed by extensive studies in Hadith and the Persian language. His poetry, heavily influenced by Sheikh Yaqub, reflects his deep spiritual insight and devotion. Through his verses, he not only praised his mentors but also conveyed the essence of Islamic teachings, urging people to live by the Quran’s principles and spread the message of faith. Khawaja Habibullah Naushahri’s life teaches us the importance of not just reading the Quran but living by its teachings. His dedication to spreading the message of Islam, fostering brotherhood, and bringing people closer to Allah serves as an inspiration for all. His legacy as a Sufi saint, poet, and guide continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of faith, compassion, and devotion. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/khawaja-naushahri-sufi-saint-kashmir-poetic/d/136305 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism