Rahim Saeb Sopori, A Renowned Kashmiri Sufi Saint And Poet, Known For Blending Kashmiri, Persian, And Islamic Mysticism

By Altamash Ali, New Age Islam 5 September 2025 Rahim Saeb Sopori (1775–1850/1855), also known as Abdul Rahman Shah, a Kashmiri Sufi saint and poet, born in Sopore, enriched Kashmiri literature and Sufi tradition. Main Points: 1. His poetry, blending Kashmiri, Persian, and Islamic mysticism, reflects divine love, brotherhood, and compassion. 2. A skilled musician, he played the rabab and santoor, leading a Sufi singing troupe 3. Associated with Qadri and Chishti Sufi orders, 4. His legacy lives on through the Rahim Saebi Ra Trust and his poetry, still sung in Kashmiri Sufi gatherings. ----- Raheem Saeb Sopori, also known as Abdul Rahman Shah, was a renowned Kashmiri Sufi saint and poet, born in 1775 in the Telian Mohalla of Sopore, Kashmir. He passed away in 1850, though some sources mention 1855. Rahim Saeb left an indelible mark on Kashmiri literature and the Sufi tradition, with his poems still resonating in Kashmir’s Sufi gatherings. He is celebrated for his spiritual depth, poetic brilliance, and musical talent. Born into a modest family, some sources suggest Rahim Saeb belonged to a cowherd (Gwala) family, while others believe he was associated with weaving and learned the craft in Batpora Mohalla, an area rich in Shaivism and music. From a young age, he was drawn to mysticism. A meeting with a female Sufi, Khanam, at the shrine of Hazrat Syed Jamal-ud-Din Bukhari inspired him to seek a spiritual guide. Later, he accepted Pir Ghulam Qadir Malik of Ranun Qaziabad as his mentor. Personal Life Rahim Saeb married Katej Ded and had two sons and a daughter. He also adopted an orphan girl, Saja Ded, and arranged her marriage to Mohammad Rajab Shah of Tapar, Baramulla. Associated with the Qadri and Chishti Sufi orders, Rahim Saeb’s poetry reflects his spiritual devotion, as seen in lines like, “Rahimas Sisiliya Qadri Dur Haq; Wallah, Billah Tath Chuni Khan Shaak” (Rahim’s Qadri chain is the path to truth; by God, there is no doubt). He mastered Islamic mysticism and Kashmiri Shaiva philosophy, blending these traditions uniquely in his poetry. His works, rooted in Quranic events, praises of prophets, and Sufi saints, were sung in Sufi gatherings. Poetic Contributions Rahim Saeb composed thousands of poems, primarily in Kashmiri, with some in Persian. His poetry, infused with universal themes like divine love, brotherhood, harmony, and compassion, used Kashmiri idioms alongside Persian, Arabic, and Sanskrit words, making it both accessible and profound. His works remain integral to Kashmiri culture and are performed by Sufi singers. In 1931, Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, deeply moved by Rahim Saeb’s Persian poetry during his visit to Kashmir, expressed pride in his Kashmiri roots. Beyond poetry, Rahim Saeb was a skilled musician, proficient in playing the Rabab and Santoor. After learning music from a fakir named Juma, he formed a singing troupe that performed at Sufi gatherings, enhancing the spiritual impact of his poetry through music. Legacy Rahim Saeb’s legacy endures through the “Rahim Saebi Ra Trust” established in his honour in Sopore. His annual commemoration was once held on July 13. A monograph by researcher Mohammad Amin Shakib, published by the Sahitya Akademi, documents his life and works. His poetry and teachings continue to inspire Kashmiri culture and the Sufi tradition. Notable Poetry and Themes Rahim Saeb Elevated Kashmiri As A Medium Of Literary And Spiritual At a time when Persian was the elite language, he used Kashmiri idioms to reach the common people. His poetry, one of the earliest literary forms in Kashmiri, remains a subject of linguistic study. His progressive acts, like drawing inspiration from a female Sufi and adopting an orphan girl, reflect his commitment to Sufi values of compassion and equality. A sample of his poetry: “Andar loolnaran bu zejnas; Vay! Reh nu tuth, duh na tuth. Yes aas shab o rooz manz naras; Beem daznuk kiyah chu tas. Beem daznuk chu kaam aashiqas, Vay! Reh nu tuth, duh na tuth.” Alas! Neither does it stay nor leave. This poem reflects the intense yearning for divine love, a hallmark of Sufi poetry, where the poet is consumed by spiritual passion yet finds peace in surrender to God. Another example: “Saata Akki Tuss Ta Mee Guvv Kunuyi Aan transformative period in Kashmir, from Afghan rule (1753–1819) to Sikh rule (1819–1846) and the early Dogra dynasty (1846–1947). Despite political upheavals, Kashmiri literature flourished, building on the legacy of poets like Lal Ded (14th century) and Nund Rishi (1377–1440). Influenced by Sufi saints like Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, Rahim Saeb’s poetry blended Islamic teachings with local traditions, creating a unique Kashmiri identity. Death and Shrine Rahim Saeb passed away in 1850 (or 1855, per some sources) in Sopore, likely in Telian Mohalla, his birthplace. His tomb is located in Sopore, Kashmir, though specific details about the site are not widely documented. His poetry and teachings continue to resonate, preserved through oral traditions, Sufi performances, and institutions like the Rahim Saebi Ra Trust, making him a timeless figure in Kashmiri Sufi and literary heritage URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/rahim-sopori-sufi-saint-poet-kashmiri-persian-islamic-mysticism/d/136729 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 Feminis