Islam found its way into Kashmir in the 14th century through saintly personalities, scholars, and Sufi mystics who dedicated their lives to spreading the divine message of peace and brotherhood. Among the earliest torchbearers were Hazrat Bulbul Shah (RA) and Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA), whose spiritual influence continues to flourish. The legacy of these pioneers was nurtured by many noble families of Kashmir, one of which was the Asmi family, descendants of Asim bin Umar (RA), the son of the second Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA). From this noble lineage emerged several eminent figures, among them the revered Sheikh Ahmad Tarbali (RA). The son of Sheikh Mohammad Nayeem (RA) and grandson of Sheikh Rahmatullah Asmi (RA), a disciple of Qazi Jamal-ud-Din Alikadali (RA), Sheikh Ahmad was a man of profound learning and spirituality. A Hafiz-ul-Qur’an, he later mastered Qiraat-e-Asharah under the guidance of Sheikh Ebadi Qari (RA) and was initiated into six great Sufi orders—Qadiriya, Naqshbandiya, Kubrawiya, Suharwardiya, Chistiya, and Owaisiya. His unwavering sincerity, deep devotion, and exceptional spiritual discipline elevated him to such a revered status that his contemporaries affectionately bestowed upon him the titles Junaid Baghdadi Sani and *Bayazid Bistami Sani. These titles were not given lightly, for Junaid Baghdadi (RA) is remembered as the ‘Leader of the Sufis’ and a symbol of sobriety in mysticism, while Bayazid Bistami (RA) is celebrated as a paragon of selflessness and spiritual ecstasy. By drawing this comparison, his peers acknowledged that Sheikh Ahmad Tarbali (RA) embodied the wisdom, humility, and piety of Junaid, along with the intense devotion and spiritual elevation of Bayazid. Such recognition reflected not only his personal holiness but also the transformative influence he had on the spiritual lives of those around him. After long years of service, his Murshid entrusted him to Sheikh Akbar Hadi (RA) for further guidance, who eventually passed his spiritual heritage to Sheikh Ahmad (RA), recognizing his deep piety and devotion. Sheikh Ahmad Tarbali (RA) lived during the time of Sheikh Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din, the then ruler of Kashmir, who held him in high esteem and even granted him land and wealth, which the Sheikh never used for himself or his family. Instead, he embraced a life of simplicity and detachment, practicing what the Sufis call “Khalwat dar Anjuman”—seclusion amidst society. For nearly six years, he distanced himself from worldly authorities, dedicating his life to humility, service, and devotion. Each morning he prepared tea for visitors, ate extremely simple meals, and during famine gave away his own food to the needy, sustaining himself through fasting. As he walked, his gaze remained fixed upon the ground. Such was his devotion that his body trembled in awe during prayers. He guided people away from social evils, inspired them towards humility, charity, and moral integrity, and strongly emphasized strict adherence to Shariyat. Through his teachings, he reminded people of the importance of honesty, compassion, service to the poor, respect for parents, and constant remembrance of Allah, shaping both their spiritual and social lives. Many miracles (Karamat) are associated with his life; in one instance, he instructed the parents of an epileptic boy to keep the child at the window of Khanqah-e-Moula for an hour, assuring them of healing through the blessings of Hazrat Amir Kabir (RA). The boy miraculously recovered, reinforcing people’s faith in divine mercy. Though his time was largely devoted to spiritual service, Sheikh Ahmad (RA) also contributed to Sufi literature. His notable work Afza-ul-Tareeq remains a guiding light for seekers of truth. His disciples spread across India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Khorasan, and Central Asia. Among the most prominent were his brother Sheikh Mohammad Tarbali, Sheikh Ahmad Sayeed Tarbali, Qazi Ghulam-ud-Din Tarbali, Qazi Kamal-ud-Din Tarbali, Allama Siaf-ud-Din Tarbali (resting in Ludhiana, Punjab), Allama Syed Mohammad Qasim Mantiqi, Syed Maqbool Shah Altafi, Mirwaiz Kashmir Moulana Mohammad Yahya, Mahmood Gami, Rasool Mir, and Wahab Khar. When Moulana Yahya assumed the position of Mirwaiz of Kashmir, Sheikh Ahmad (RA) wrote him a detailed letter, preserved in Misbah-ul-Hayat with its Urdu translation. This noble saint was born in 1201s Hijri and departed from this world on 13th Rajab 1278 Hijri, being laid to rest in Tarbali Mohalla. Historian Hassan Shah Khoihami recorded his life and concluded with poetic lines that beautifully describe his departure:

“Sheikh Ahmad, Hafiz of Qur’an and pride of spiritual wisdom,
On the thirteenth of Rajab, he journeyed to the eternal gardens.
Yesterday, a herald whispered in my ears:
The seeker of truth has attained divine union.”*
The life of Sheikh Ahmad Tarbali (RA) remains a glowing example of piety, humility, and service to humanity. He renounced worldly wealth, lived in devotion to Allah, and served others selflessly. His timeless message reminds us that true spirituality lies not in wealth or power, but in surrender to the Divine and service to mankind.

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