In a modest courtyard in Pulwama, the haunting notes of the Rabab pierce through the evening air. Saraf Ali, a young musician devoted to the revival of Sufi traditions, draws his fingers across the strings with reverence, as a small gathering of listeners, young and old, spanning diverse backgrounds, settles into silence. The melody is centuries old, yet its resonance feels urgent and contemporary. This is not merely a performance but an act of cultural reclamation. In a region that has witnessed profound turbulence, Sufi music and art have emerged not as relics of the past but as living instruments of social harmony and transformation. Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural landscape has long been shaped by Sufism, a mystical dimension of Islam that emphasises love, compassion and unity. Today, as the region grapples with questions of identity and belonging, Sufi music and art traditions offer a compelling pathway toward reconciliation and collective healing.
Sufism arrived in Kashmir in the early medieval period, brought by mystics and scholars from Persia and Central Asia. Among the most influential figures was Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, widely known as Shahi Hamdan, who arrived in the valley in the fourteenth century. His teachings emphasised inner spiritual purification, devotion to the divine and the transcendence of superficial religious divides. Hamadani introduced the Kubrawiya order of Sufism and laid the foundation for a cultural renaissance that blended Persian aesthetics with indigenous Kashmiri traditions. Alongside Hamadani, Sheikh Nuruddin Noorani, revered as Nund Rishi, became the spiritual heart of Kashmir. Nund Rishi introduced Rishism, a distinctly Kashmiri variant of Sufism that combined mystical Islam with local cultural practices. His profound yet straightforward poetry spoke of the unity of all creation, the importance of compassion and the futility of dogma divorced from lived experience. These teachings resonated deeply across religious communities, forging a shared spiritual vocabulary that became the bedrock of Kashmiri identity, or Kashmiriyat. The fusion of Sufi philosophy with Kashmiri life gave rise to unique artistic expressions. Sufiana Mausiqi, the classical music tradition of Kashmir, emerged as a synthesis of Persian, Central Asian and Indian musical forms. This mystical music became a medium for devotion, introspection and communal bonding. Similarly, Sufi poetry crafted by luminaries such as Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon and later Wahab Khar infused the Kashmiri language with metaphors of divine love and existential longing.
Sufism’s most significant contribution to Kashmiri society has been its role as a unifying force. At a time when rigid orthodoxies threatened to fragment communities, Sufi saints championed inclusivity and coexistence. Their message was clear: the divine could be found in all beings. This philosophy was expressed in Sufi music and art, which became spaces where people of different faiths and backgrounds could gather without fear or prejudice. The gatherings at Sufi shrines, accompanied by qawwalis and devotional songs, transcended religious boundaries. They were not exclusive to Muslims; Hindus, Sikhs and others participated, drawn by the universal appeal of love and devotion. Sufi art also played a crucial role in promoting social cohesion during political uncertainty—crafts introduced through Persian influence, such as carpet weaving. Pashmina shawl-making and calligraphy became emblems of shared heritage. These art forms were not merely economic activities; they embodied patience, precision and beauty values, reflecting the Sufi ethos of finding the divine in everyday life. Sufi poetry served as a subtle yet powerful form of social commentary. Poets like Lal Ded and Baba Bulleh Shah used verse to challenge materialism, hypocrisy and sectarianism. Their words encouraged introspection and humility, qualities essential for peaceful coexistence. This literary tradition ensured that Sufism remained relevant across generations, adapting to changing social contexts while retaining its core message of love and unity.
Recently, there has been a conscious effort to revive and reinterpret Sufi traditions in Kashmir. Artists and musicians, recognising the potential of Sufi culture to heal fractured communities, have taken on the mantle of preservation and innovation. Among them is Saraf Ali, whose dedication to the Rabab, a traditional stringed instrument central to Sufiana Mausiqi, has inspired a new generation of listeners. All’s work is emblematic of a broader cultural movement. By blending traditional Sufi melodies with contemporary sensibilities, he makes this ancient art form accessible to younger audiences who might otherwise view it antiquated. His performances, often held in informal settings, create spaces for dialogue and reflection, allowing people to connect with their cultural roots meaningfully. Another notable figure is Rashid Hafiz, a Kashmiri Sufi vocalist known for his soulful renditions at Mehfil-e-Warsi gatherings. These sessions, which combine music, poetry and communal participation, have become popular among young people seeking spiritual solace outside conventional religious frameworks. Hafiz’s ability to infuse traditional forms with emotional depth has made Sufi music a vehicle for personal and collective healing. These revival efforts are not confined to performance. Scholars, cultural organisations and independent initiatives are documenting oral traditions, preserving manuscripts and training new artisans in traditional crafts. The aim is to safeguard heritage and demonstrate its ongoing relevance in addressing contemporary challenges.
The digital age has opened new avenues for disseminating and appreciating Sufi art. Social media platforms, online music streaming and virtual gatherings have enabled Kashmiri Sufi artists to reach global audiences. Young musicians upload recordings of Sufiana Kalam and qawwalis, sparking conversations about spirituality, identity and cultural preservation. This digital renaissance has also allowed for creative experimentation. Artists collaborate across genres, incorporating electronic music, jazz and folk elements into traditional Sufi compositions. While purists may view such innovations with scepticism, they represent an evolution rather than a dilution of tradition. Just as Sufiana Mausiqi emerged from the fusion of diverse musical traditions, contemporary adaptations reflect Sufi culture’s fluid, adaptive nature. Furthermore, the accessibility of digital platforms has democratised cultural participation. Individuals who might never have attended a shrine or a traditional gathering can now experience Sufi music and poetry from the comfort of their homes. This expanded reach has the potential to foster greater understanding and empathy, particularly among diaspora communities and those unfamiliar with Kashmir’s cultural heritage.
The resurgence of interest in Sufi music and art offers a hopeful vision for Kashmir’s future. In a region often defined by conflict and division, these traditions remind us of a shared past rooted in tolerance, beauty and mutual respect. They offer a counter-narrative to polarisation, emphasising connection over separation, dialogue over discord. However, the path forward is not without challenges. The commercialisation of Sufi culture risks reducing it to mere spectacle, stripped of its spiritual depth. Additionally, losing traditional knowledge, whether musical techniques, craft skills or oral histories, threatens authenticity and continuity. Addressing these challenges requires Intentional effort from artists, educators, policymakers and communities. Importantly, the revival of Sufi traditions must be inclusive and grassroots-driven. It cannot be imposed from above but must emerge organically from the people’s lived experiences and aspirations. Young artists like Saraf Ali and Rashid Hafiz exemplify this approach, grounding their work in community engagement and cultural authenticity. Moreover, institutional support in the form of grants, cultural centres and educational programs that prioritise the preservation and innovation of Sufi arts is needed. Such initiatives should be designed not merely to archive the past but to empower contemporary practitioners to carry these traditions forward in ways that resonate with present realities.
As the last note from Saraf Ali’s Rabab fades into the twilight, the listeners in Pulwama remain still, caught in a moment of collective reflection. This is the power of Sufi music and art, not to erase pain or conflict, but to create a space where healing becomes possible. In a world increasingly fragmented by ideological extremes, the Sufi tradition offers a reminder that art and spirituality can transcend boundaries, foster empathy and inspire social change. Kashmir’s Sufi heritage is more than a cultural treasure; it is a testament to the human capacity for resilience, creativity and hope. The modern revival of Sufi music and art signals a renewed commitment to these values, suggesting that the tools for social transformation have always been present, waiting to be rediscovered and reimagined. As long as voices are willing to sing, hands willing to craft and hearts willing to listen, the symphony of Sufism will continue to resonate, offering a pathway toward a more harmonious future.
