رحِم صأب سوپوری

Abdul Rahim Shah popularly known as Rahim Saeb Sopore was a traditional mystic poet of Kashmir who epitomised the cultural creation in a significant manner.

His contribution to Kashmiri sufi poetry can not be ignored. Like other sufi poets of Kashmir, Rahim Saeb Sopori too was the embodiment of Kashmiri language and literature who too preferred to use his own Kashmiri dialect for conveying his message and thoughts, and connected people with their language and culture.

No authentic biography of this mystic poet of our bygone era is found, whatever we possess today is what we come across in his verses and some oral traditions which pass through from generation to generation.

From the available oral and written sources the author of this column came to know that Rahim Saeb Sopore was born in 1775 at Tilwani Mahala of Sopore town. He received his early education from his father, Abdul Rahman Shah.
Rahim Saeb was a gifted child. Always accompanied his father.

Rahim Saeb latter on learnt the poetry of Jami, Sheikh Saedi, and Molana Rumi from Molvi Mohammad Anwar.

After the demise of his father he was looked after by his uncle namely Abdul Samad Shah. His uncle sent to him to learn the craft of weaving at Batpora Sopore.

There he got the company of a faqir namely Juma. While plying the loom, he felt like weaving mystical patterns, thus began his musical journey. Soon he became a good musician and formed his own singing party. He was a master player of Rabab and Santoor.

Rahim Saeb Sopore left for heavenly abode in 1850 and was buried at Batpora Sopore. His shrine is thronged by the devotees round the year.
Rahim Saeb Sopore was a poet of great competence, had firm grip on languages and was fond of debates and discussions.

He was extremely respected and loved by the people. He was broad minded, jolly, witty and straightforward man used to mix-up with the people promptly. He has left his endless mark behind.