Thousands of people on Tuesday joined the funeral prayers of the famous Sopore saint, Peer Abdul Ahad, popularly known as Ahad Bab. He passed away on Monday after a brief illness. He was 80.
Ahad Bab was a source of strength to his followers in Kashmir. A naked fakir, he was known to remain without clothes even in sub zero temperatures. He blessed hundreds at his Sopore residence almost daily. The visitors included people from all faiths.
Ahad Bab, though not liked by some radical Islamists, kept the rich Sufi tradition alive.Stories have been told about him passing safely through volleys of bullets during firefights. He symbolised the tolerant Sufi order and his residence was attacked unsuccessfully at least twice by unknown militants.
His residence was filled with his followers and disciples, including women and children, wailing over his passing. “We lost the real strength of our spiritual power,” said Hanifa who had been visiting him for the last 25 years. “In these years of conflict he was the source of encouragement for us, and he would submit to Allah through his power” said another follower.
His body was kept in a room at his residence and the sea of people who had come from all across the valley and even other parts of India were allowed a last glimpse.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in a condolence message offered his sympathies to the saint's bereaved family and devotees. Governer N.N. Vohra expressed grief over his death.
