BREAKING NEWS
Guided by his natural inclination for spirituality, Maqbool Sahab placed himself under the guidance of the great saint Sheikh Ahmad Taribali (RA), who illuminated both his outer life (zahir) and inner self (batin). He also benefitted from the companionship of Hazrat Ahmad Kanihami (RA), and he acknowledged these bonds of guidance in verses of gratitude that reflected his humility and devotion
Kashmir, often called the valley of saints, has been shaped by the presence of many noble souls whose lives of devotion and service became guiding lights for generations. Among these spiritual luminaries, Syed Mahboob Maqbool Altaf (RA) occupies a special place. His life was not only a continuation of the sacred legacy brought centuries earlier by great saints but also a unique story of faith, simplicity, and spiritual power that enriched the heritage of the Valley. Syed Mahboob Maqbool Altaf (RA) was born in 1251 Hijri at Baba-Gund near Khoor-Patan in Baramulla. His father was Syed Abdul Khair, a man deeply absorbed in spiritual detachment, known in history as a Majzoob, one who never stayed long in one place and wandered constantly in devotion. The Kashmiri historian Mohammad Azim Dedmari, in his work Tawariq Azimi, notes that Syed Khair-Ul-Din embodied this spiritual restlessness, moving from village to village in search of divine closeness. He passed away in 1256 Hijri, leaving young Maqbool orphaned at an early age. This loss, while painful, became the beginning of a life marked by unusual sensitivity and an unshakable desire for spiritual truth. The child was taken under the care of his maternal uncle and raised in Chachiloora, a serene village near Magam Tangmarg, surrounded by natural beauty. It was here that he received his early education at a local maktab, where he studied the Qur’an, Persian, and classical texts such as Gulistan, Bostan, and Panj-Ganj Nizami. These works inspired in him a love for poetry, while the hardships of his early life nurtured in him a contemplative spirit. Poetry soon became a medium through which he expressed his spiritual longing and sensitivity. The noble family to which he belonged traced its roots back to Khwarizim, having entered Kashmir with the revered saint Amir Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamdhani (RA), whose mission left a deep imprint on the Valley’s spiritual and cultural life. Among his forefathers were Mir Syed Mohammad Hashim Qadri Khwarizmi and Mir Syed Hussain Khwarizmi (RA), who were granted permission to settle in Srinagar, where they established a mosque and lived lives of service and devotion. This distinguished lineage, linked to the Qadri-Khawarizmi Silsila, passed through many generations of saints and scholars before culminating in the blessed personality of Syed Mahboob Maqbool Altaf (RA).
The Spiritual Quest
Guided by his natural inclination for spirituality, Maqbool Sahab placed himself under the guidance of the great saint Sheikh Ahmad Taribali (RA), who illuminated both his outer life (zahir) and inner self (batin). He also benefitted from the companionship of Hazrat Ahmad Kanihami (RA), and he acknowledged these bonds of guidance in verses of gratitude that reflected his humility and devotion. Following the advice of his spiritual mentors, he entered seclusion at Munchhama-Hal in Beeru, Malpora. Immersed in constant remembrance of Allah, he lived in isolation for years—some accounts say three, while others claim twelve. The place came to be known as Gofi-Bal, and he was affectionately remembered as Gofi Peer. Later, he moved to Sheikh-Pora- then a deserted wilderness overgrown with thorny bushes and inhabited by wild animals, a place feared for its spirits. Through his presence and effort, it was transformed into a habitable place of peace and blessing. This place was earlier known as Shahpora which was later distorted to Sheikhpora. He spent the rest of his life there, welcoming seekers from near and far. People came not only from Kashmir but also from distant lands, including Pakistan, Britain, and America, to benefit from his guidance. Syed Maqbool Altaf (RA) lived a remarkably simple life. Despite his high spiritual rank, he remained humble, spending most of his days on the ground floor of his modest home, never seeking luxury or worldly comfort. Many miracles (karamat) are associated with him, affirming his elevated spiritual rank as Sahib Qutb. One famous incident relates that while listening to a disciple’s recitation of Masnavi Rumi, he suddenly struck the wall with force. When asked about this unusual act, he explained that at that very moment, a lioness was struggling to deliver her cubs, and with divine vision and grace, he adjusted the position of the cub so that the birth could happen safely. This event, remembered by his disciples, reflected not only his spiritual power but also his compassion that extended to all of creation.
Poetic Legacy
Alongside his role as a guide and teacher, he also left behind a rich poetic legacy. His verses included praises of Allah (Hamd), tributes to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Na‘at, and mystical poetry drawn from his spiritual experiences. During his lifetime, these works were scattered, but through the efforts of Professor Syed Mohi-Ud-Din Habib, his writings were collected and published under the title Ramooz wa Asrar – Kulliyat-E-Syed Maqbool Khwarizmi. This collection stands as a lasting contribution to Kashmiri spiritual literature, preserving the depth of his vision for generations to come.
Final Journey and Legacy
Syed Mahboob Maqbool Altaf (RA) departed from this world in 1341 Hijri, during the month of Safar-ul-Muzaffar, at Sheikh-Pora, where he was laid to rest. A beautiful mausoleum was built by his disciples at his burial site, which continues to be a place of reverence and prayer. Each year, his Urs is observed with devotion and love, keeping alive the memory of a saint who illuminated hearts with divine wisdom. Blessed with four sons—Syed Sayeed, Syed Saif-Ul-Din, Syed Shab-Ul-Din, and Syed Ghulam-Ul-Din—he left behind not just a family but also a spiritual legacy that continues to inspire seekers across generations.
Conclusion
The life of Syed Mahboob Maqbool Altafi (RA) is more than a chapter of history; it is a testimony to the enduring power of faith, humility, and divine love. From his orphaned childhood to his rise as Sahib Qutb, his journey reflects timeless values of devotion, sacrifice, and service to humanity. His poetry, his miracles, and his simple way of life continue to resonate in the spiritual memory of Kashmir, ensuring that his light remains eternal in the hearts of those who seek truth and closeness to God.
Email:-------------------------minamharoon123@gmail.com
Guided by his natural inclination for spirituality, Maqbool Sahab placed himself under the guidance of the great saint Sheikh Ahmad Taribali (RA), who illuminated both his outer life (zahir) and inner self (batin). He also benefitted from the companionship of Hazrat Ahmad Kanihami (RA), and he acknowledged these bonds of guidance in verses of gratitude that reflected his humility and devotion
Kashmir, often called the valley of saints, has been shaped by the presence of many noble souls whose lives of devotion and service became guiding lights for generations. Among these spiritual luminaries, Syed Mahboob Maqbool Altaf (RA) occupies a special place. His life was not only a continuation of the sacred legacy brought centuries earlier by great saints but also a unique story of faith, simplicity, and spiritual power that enriched the heritage of the Valley. Syed Mahboob Maqbool Altaf (RA) was born in 1251 Hijri at Baba-Gund near Khoor-Patan in Baramulla. His father was Syed Abdul Khair, a man deeply absorbed in spiritual detachment, known in history as a Majzoob, one who never stayed long in one place and wandered constantly in devotion. The Kashmiri historian Mohammad Azim Dedmari, in his work Tawariq Azimi, notes that Syed Khair-Ul-Din embodied this spiritual restlessness, moving from village to village in search of divine closeness. He passed away in 1256 Hijri, leaving young Maqbool orphaned at an early age. This loss, while painful, became the beginning of a life marked by unusual sensitivity and an unshakable desire for spiritual truth. The child was taken under the care of his maternal uncle and raised in Chachiloora, a serene village near Magam Tangmarg, surrounded by natural beauty. It was here that he received his early education at a local maktab, where he studied the Qur’an, Persian, and classical texts such as Gulistan, Bostan, and Panj-Ganj Nizami. These works inspired in him a love for poetry, while the hardships of his early life nurtured in him a contemplative spirit. Poetry soon became a medium through which he expressed his spiritual longing and sensitivity. The noble family to which he belonged traced its roots back to Khwarizim, having entered Kashmir with the revered saint Amir Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamdhani (RA), whose mission left a deep imprint on the Valley’s spiritual and cultural life. Among his forefathers were Mir Syed Mohammad Hashim Qadri Khwarizmi and Mir Syed Hussain Khwarizmi (RA), who were granted permission to settle in Srinagar, where they established a mosque and lived lives of service and devotion. This distinguished lineage, linked to the Qadri-Khawarizmi Silsila, passed through many generations of saints and scholars before culminating in the blessed personality of Syed Mahboob Maqbool Altaf (RA).
The Spiritual Quest
Guided by his natural inclination for spirituality, Maqbool Sahab placed himself under the guidance of the great saint Sheikh Ahmad Taribali (RA), who illuminated both his outer life (zahir) and inner self (batin). He also benefitted from the companionship of Hazrat Ahmad Kanihami (RA), and he acknowledged these bonds of guidance in verses of gratitude that reflected his humility and devotion. Following the advice of his spiritual mentors, he entered seclusion at Munchhama-Hal in Beeru, Malpora. Immersed in constant remembrance of Allah, he lived in isolation for years—some accounts say three, while others claim twelve. The place came to be known as Gofi-Bal, and he was affectionately remembered as Gofi Peer. Later, he moved to Sheikh-Pora- then a deserted wilderness overgrown with thorny bushes and inhabited by wild animals, a place feared for its spirits. Through his presence and effort, it was transformed into a habitable place of peace and blessing. This place was earlier known as Shahpora which was later distorted to Sheikhpora. He spent the rest of his life there, welcoming seekers from near and far. People came not only from Kashmir but also from distant lands, including Pakistan, Britain, and America, to benefit from his guidance. Syed Maqbool Altaf (RA) lived a remarkably simple life. Despite his high spiritual rank, he remained humble, spending most of his days on the ground floor of his modest home, never seeking luxury or worldly comfort. Many miracles (karamat) are associated with him, affirming his elevated spiritual rank as Sahib Qutb. One famous incident relates that while listening to a disciple’s recitation of Masnavi Rumi, he suddenly struck the wall with force. When asked about this unusual act, he explained that at that very moment, a lioness was struggling to deliver her cubs, and with divine vision and grace, he adjusted the position of the cub so that the birth could happen safely. This event, remembered by his disciples, reflected not only his spiritual power but also his compassion that extended to all of creation.
Poetic Legacy
Alongside his role as a guide and teacher, he also left behind a rich poetic legacy. His verses included praises of Allah (Hamd), tributes to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Na‘at, and mystical poetry drawn from his spiritual experiences. During his lifetime, these works were scattered, but through the efforts of Professor Syed Mohi-Ud-Din Habib, his writings were collected and published under the title Ramooz wa Asrar – Kulliyat-E-Syed Maqbool Khwarizmi. This collection stands as a lasting contribution to Kashmiri spiritual literature, preserving the depth of his vision for generations to come.
Final Journey and Legacy
Syed Mahboob Maqbool Altaf (RA) departed from this world in 1341 Hijri, during the month of Safar-ul-Muzaffar, at Sheikh-Pora, where he was laid to rest. A beautiful mausoleum was built by his disciples at his burial site, which continues to be a place of reverence and prayer. Each year, his Urs is observed with devotion and love, keeping alive the memory of a saint who illuminated hearts with divine wisdom. Blessed with four sons—Syed Sayeed, Syed Saif-Ul-Din, Syed Shab-Ul-Din, and Syed Ghulam-Ul-Din—he left behind not just a family but also a spiritual legacy that continues to inspire seekers across generations.
Conclusion
The life of Syed Mahboob Maqbool Altafi (RA) is more than a chapter of history; it is a testimony to the enduring power of faith, humility, and divine love. From his orphaned childhood to his rise as Sahib Qutb, his journey reflects timeless values of devotion, sacrifice, and service to humanity. His poetry, his miracles, and his simple way of life continue to resonate in the spiritual memory of Kashmir, ensuring that his light remains eternal in the hearts of those who seek truth and closeness to God.
Email:-------------------------minamharoon123@gmail.com
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