Allama Dr. Ghulam Rasool Hami Sahab
editChairman Karwani Islami International
editAllama Dr. Sheikh Ghulam Rasool Hami, widely known as Shaykh Hami and the son of Sheikh Ghulam Qadir, stands as one of the foremost Sufi scholars of our time, born on August 4, 1978, in Bonizil Village in Kashmir’s GanderbalDdistrict. Driven by a profound dedication to reviving the spiritual heritage of Kashmir, Shaykh Hami has devoted his life to fostering unity, compassion, and ethical values that trace back to the valley’s cherished Sufi roots. In 2004, he founded Karwani Islami International, the region’s largest Sufi organization, which has become a transformative force for peace and social cohesion, embracing people from all walks of life. His teachings draw from the profound insights of venerated Sufi saints, such as Syed Ali Hamdani (RA), blending timeless wisdom with practical social reform. Karwani Islami International, a non-political Sufi Islamic organization, embodies Shaykh Hami’s vision of universal brotherhood, interfaith unity, and societal harmony, inspired by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Under his leadership, the organization has gained widespread support, mobilizing communities in Kashmir and beyond toward a shared purpose of compassion and mutual respect. The organization leads with an unyielding commitment to combatting drug abuse, working tirelessly to eradicate the drug and alcohol crisis in the Kashmir Valley. Driven by a strong sense of social responsibility, Shaykh Hami’s efforts have preserved Kashmir’s revered Sufi heritage and inspired a movement of moral integrity.
A significant part of Shaykh Hami’s mission involves providing accessible education rooted in both Islamic teachings and modern sciences. Thousands of libraries and *Darasgahs* (educational centers) have been established under his guidance across Kashmir, fostering a generation instilled with the values of tolerance, compassion, and resilience. His dedication to empowering underprivileged youth shines through projects like the Markaz ul Madaris Al Jammait Ul Qadriya in Bandipora, where hundreds of students receive integrated Islamic and contemporary education free of charge.
With his visionary leadership and exceptional counseling skills, Shaykh Hami has been a transformative figure in the lives of over 70,000 to 100,000 youth, guiding them from the brink of despair to recovery. His profound spiritual knowledge and compassionate approach have helped these individuals and their families overcome the devastating effects of addiction, social isolation, and other life-altering challenges. Through his efforts, Shaykh Hami has been instrumental in restoring dignity, hope, and direction to countless lives, fostering personal growth and resilience. Shaykh Hami’s commitment to addressing societal issues extends beyond individual counseling. He has actively worked to promote inclusivity, peace, and justice within communities, emphasizing the importance of unity and compassion. His leadership has set powerful examples of ethical conduct, integrity, and social responsibility, inspiring many to follow in his footsteps and contribute positively to society. Through his advocacy for justice and his tireless efforts to foster harmony, he has become a beacon of moral clarity in a world often plagued by division.
As a staunch advocate for the Sufi tradition, Shaykh Hami has revitalized this spiritual science in Kashmir, establishing numerous educational institutions that serve the underprivileged, including orphaned and impoverished children. These institutions not only provide education but also meet the children’s financial and housing needs, ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive. Shaykh Hami’s holistic approach to social welfare reflects his unwavering dedication to shaping a more compassionate, just, and ethical society, demonstrating the enduring power of Sufi values in driving meaningful social change. Beyond spiritual guidance, Shaykh Hami has emerged as a formidable social reformer, boldly confronting pressing issues like substance abuse. Recognizing the damaging effects of addiction, he launched a grassroots anti-drug campaign, collecting over 700,000 signatures in support of banning drugs and alcohol across Jammu and Kashmir. His activism led to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the J&K State Assembly in 2012-13, demanding government action on the drug crisis. This initiative underscores Shaykh Hami’s unwavering commitment to protecting Kashmir’s youth from harmful social influences.
In his guidance to families, Shaykh Hami advocates for parental involvement as a powerful preventative measure, urging parents to monitor their children’s technology use, social circles, and daily activities to strengthen family bonds and protect against societal issues. He firmly believes that a strong foundation in Islamic values acts as a safeguard, empowering families to foster a culture of accountability and personal growth.
Shaykh Hami’s vision also includes transforming Kashmir into a centre of educational excellence through the establishment of Sheikh Ul Alam Ra Research University (SARUK), inspired by the standards of Jamai’a Al Azhar. The envisioned institution would offer an advanced curriculum of Islamic and scientific studies, enabling Kashmir’s youth to pursue higher education within the region. This ambitious project seeks to elevate Kashmir as a hub of knowledge, blending modern scholarship with spiritual depth. Through his life’s work, Shaykh Hami has shown that Sufi values can ignite social progress, inspiring personal transformation and addressing society’s most pressing issues. His message of love, peace, and unity has resonated deeply within Kashmir and beyond, earning him recognition on an international scale. Shaykh Hami’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of Sufism, guiding society toward compassion, ethical integrity, and spiritual enlightenment. His leadership stands as a beacon of hope in a world in need of unity, purpose, and resilience, marking him as a transformative figure in Kashmir’s journey of spiritual and social revival.