Shaykh Syed Mir Mirak Andrabi - Family Background

Family Background

Syed Muslim, a great Sufi, migrated from Arab and settled down in Andarab, Afghanistan. Andrab is the name of a large stream in Afghanistan and it empties into the stream which originates in the Hindu Kush near Khawak Pass and flows to the west for about seventy five miles before merging into the Surkhab.Together the two streams form a long narrow valley. The upper part of that valley is also called Andrab, the lower part alternately as Khinjan or Doshi Both parts of the valley had been united governmentally under a single leader or hakim who resided at Banu.Abdul Habibi, the author of Tarikhi Afghanistan Baad-Auz Islam writes about its origin and the occupation of people. He says “according to Hieun-Sangs version, it was best known by the name of Anth polo also”. Agriculture was the main occupation of people. Andrab has remained the main center of Gold and silver. The people were freedom loving, kind and compassionate. The descendants of Syed Muslim spread over to various parts of sub-continent in order to propagate Islamic teachings. The absolute love of God made them to sacrifice their native land for the purpose of propagation of Islam Andrabis in valley of Kashmir Syed Ahmad Andrabi, (d.A.H.804/A.D, 1401), and his son Syed Mohammad Andrabi, (d.A.H.850/A.D, 1447), came to Kashmir under the duress of Syed Ali Hamdani during the reign of Sultan Qutabu’d-Din,775-792.A.H./1373-89.A.D.It was on the spiritual instructions of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (R.A) that Syed Ahmad Andrabi and his son stayed in Kashmir and played a major role in the propagation of Islam and that accordingly metamorphosed the destiny of people. Besides they guided and impressed upon the people to follow the path of Shariah. With the missionary zeal and zest they imparted spiritual and religious teachings to the people of Kashmir. Because of their tireless efforts, they did succeed in bringing about a significant and perceptible change in the mindset and life of people in Kashmir. They also influenced the Sultan Qutubu’d-din,775-792.A.H./1373-89.A.D, with their appealing behavior.