Hazrat Syed Dawood Simnani: The 14th-Century Sufi Saint of Love, Unity, and Kashmir's Peaceful Islamic Dawn

By Altamash Ali, New Age Islam 21 October 2025 Hazrat Syed Dawood Simnani was a revered Sufi saint and missionary who arrived in Kashmir from Simnan, Iran, in the 14th century. Belonging to a respected Sayyid family descended from Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), he relinquished a high-ranking position as a judge in Simnan to pursue a spiritual life. Settling in Berigam village in Kashmir’s Kulgam district, his teachings, Sufi poetry, and efforts for Islam illuminated the path of love and peace for Kashmiri society. Main Points: 1. 1.Arrived in 14th century from Iran, renounced judgeship to spread love and peace. 2. 2.United Hindu-Muslim communities, integrated Sufism with local culture, established Khanqah. 3. 3.Verses on love and unity in Kashmiri; alive in Qawwalis and Urs gatherings. 4. 4.Sacred site in Kulgam; November Urs draws thousands, symbol of social harmony. 5. 5.Passed away 1385-1390 CE; pillar of Kashmir's Sufi tradition through love and simplicity. ----- Born in Simnan, a hub of knowledge and culture, Hazrat Syed Dawood was educated in the Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, and Tasawwuf (Sufism). His early inclination toward spirituality shaped his life. As a judge in Simnan, he was respected for his wisdom, but his longing to serve God and humanity led him to abandon this role. In the 14th century, he embarked on a spiritual journey to Kashmir, aiming to guide people toward love and truth. In Kashmir, he made Berigam his home during a time of religious transformation. Alongside Sufi saints like Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamadani, he spread Islam peacefully. Living among the people, he understood their language and culture. His teachings, rooted in love, compassion, and brotherhood, emphasized Tasawwuf—focusing on the oneness of God, self-reflection, and service to humanity. He presented Islam as a way of life filled with kindness and morality. His simplicity and gentle demeanours drew people to him. By respecting local traditions and integrating Islam with them, he facilitated its natural spread in Kashmir. Breaking barriers of caste and religion, he united communities, giving Kashmir’s cultural and religious identity a new vibrancy. Hazrat Syed Dawood Simnani propagated Islam through love and compassion, never force. He mingled with people, listened to their concerns, and shared the beauty of Islam. His Tasawwuf-based teachings highlighted that true Islam lies in love, kindness, and unity. He established a Khanqah in Berigam, a spiritual haven open to all, where people sought guidance. By uniting Hindu and Muslim communities, he fostered social harmony. His teachings made Islam inclusive, blending seamlessly with local culture. He explained Islamic practices like prayer, fasting, and charity in simple terms, making them accessible to all. His efforts strengthened Kashmir’s Sufi tradition. He portrayed Islam as a unifying light, inspiring many to embrace it through his simplicity and conduct. His work ensured Islam’s peaceful and organic spread in the region. Poetry holds a special place in the Sufi tradition, and Hazrat Syed Dawood expressed his teachings through it. Although evidence of his written poetry is scarce, Sufi saints commonly used oral and written verses. His poetry centred on love, the quest for God, self-reflection, and service to humanity, crafted in simple language that resonated with common people. Influenced by Kashmiri culture and language, his poetry touched hearts, teaching life’s deeper philosophy beyond mere religious sermons. Here are some imagined poems inspired by his teachings: "Light the lamp of love in your heart, Let darkness fade, find the path of truth. Chant God’s name, forget hatred, Unite as one, become a beacon of love" "God’s light resides in every heart, Show kindness, adorn the world, brother. Listen to Simnani’s message, Live with love, break every chain" "No one high, no one low, God’s light shines true in every heart. Walk the path of love together Heed Simnani’s words, become one heart" "Walk the path of truth, dear friend, God’s light dwells in every heart" Let go of hatred, embrace love, Keep Simnani’s message in your heart. These poems capture the essence of his teachings—love, unity, and devotion to God. His poetry fostered unity in Kashmiri society, interwoven with local language and culture, making it deeply cherished. His verses influenced Sufi music and Qawwalis, which continue to echo in Kashmir. His poetry inspired self-reflection and closeness to God, teaching that true religion lies in serving humanity. It became an integral part of Kashmir’s Sufi tradition, resonating in Qawwalis and Urs gatherings. Evidence of Hazrat Syed Dawood Simnani’s written works is limited, as oral teachings and poetry were prevalent in the Sufi tradition. No independent books, such as a Diwan or Kuliyaat, are documented. However, his teachings and poetry were preserved by his disciples and followers, shared in khanqahs and Urs events. Unlike other Sufi saints like Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamadani, who left written works, his contribution was primarily through spiritual teachings and poetry. His teachings, delivered in the local Kashmiri language, were simple and relatable. His shrine in Berigam, Qazigund, is a sacred site where people visit for prayers and blessings. Its serene, spiritual atmosphere draws devotees. Every November, his Urs, a grand event, attracts thousands. Featuring prayers, qawwalis, and Sufi poetry recitations, the Urs honours his teachings, with devotees pledging to follow them. The 2024 Urs revitalized his legacy of spreading Islam. The Urs is not just a religious event but a symbol of social unity, bringing together people from diverse communities to pray, enjoy Qawwalis, and appreciate poetry. It keeps his teachings alive and is a vital part of Kashmir’s Sufi tradition. The Simnani family significantly shaped Sufi history. Hazrat Syed Dawood’s contemporary, Hazrat Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Simnani, founded the Ashrafi branch of the Chishtiyya-Sabiriyya order in India. From a royal family in Simnan, he established a spiritual center in Kichhauchha Sharif, Uttar Pradesh. While no clear evidence links them directly, both spread Sufi teachings from Simnan to South Asia. Hazrat Syed Dawood’s teachings aligned with those of Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamadani, making Kashmir a place where Islam and Sufism harmonized with local culture. Their efforts fortified Kashmir’s religious and cultural identity. Hazrat Syed Dawood Simnani profoundly influenced Kashmir, promoting love, tolerance, and brotherhood. He presented Islam as a unifying religion. His simplicity and kindness drew people to him, and his poetry deepened his message. His shrine in Berigam remains a pilgrimage site for peace and inspiration. The Urs is integral to Kashmir’s culture and religion, with his poetry and teachings resonating in its Sufi music. The exact date of Hazrat Syed Dawood Simnani’s passing (Wisaal) is not clearly documented, but he departed this world shortly after 1383 CE. Local historians suggest this occurred between 1385-1390 CE (approximately 787-792 AH). His death was natural and peaceful, characteristic of Sufi saints, with no mention of specific illness or tragedy. It marked the culmination of his spiritual journey. He passed away in Berigam, where his shrine was established, now a focal point for devotees. Local traditions recount that people from nearby villages gathered at his passing, turning it into a spiritual celebration. Hazrat Syed Dawood Simnani’s legacy endures through his message of love and peace in Kashmir. His teachings and poetry gave society a new direction. His shrine and Urs preserve his legacy, guiding people toward God and service to humanity. The Berigam shrine remains a sacred haven. Newspapers like Rising Kashmir and Global Kashmir share details of his Urs and contributions. His life teaches that love and simplicity can transform society, and his legacy continues to shine in Kashmir’s Sufi tradition. ---- Altamash Ali is a Sufi writer and a student of IFTM University. 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