Shaikh-ul-Aalam R.A.
A Collection of Poetic Wisdom, devoted to the works of Shaikh Noor ud Diin Rishi, also called Nund Resh, fondly remembered as Alambardar, the Standard Bearer.
About Shaikh Noor ud Diin Rishi
Early life & background
This website is an attempt to familiarize people with the works of the great Kashmiri saint poet Shaikh Noor ud Diin Rishi, also called Nund Resh. He is also fondly remembered as Alambardar (the Standard Bearer).
Born in Kaimuh village of Kulgam district to Sadir and Salar Din. It is generally believed that the Shaikh was born around 779 Hijri (1378 AD).
Spiritual journey
He went into seclusion for twelve years at Gophabal where he prayed and meditated. His seclusion made him famous among the rural population, who visited Kaimoh village for spiritual support. This was followed by his wanderings, in which the Shaikh stayed at different villages.
Around 1438 AD he passed away at Rakaay, during the era of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, who, it is said, came to his funeral.
Core teachings of Rishism
Some of the basic tenets of his form of Rishism are:
- Constant remembrance of death
- Living a frugal life
- Abhorring superstition
- Keeping life away from excess of anything: sleeping, eating, talking
- Helping the helpless and the needy
- Cleanliness as a priority: of mind, body, air, and water
- Conserving life forms
- Spreading good ideas
Literary legacy
The sayings of Nund Rishi are called shruk, an aphoristic expression of a spiritual state. The Shaikh also wrote poetry; the central concept of his spiritual poetry is the emphasis of unity in all, rejecting all manner of discrimination and bias, and demanding love for all: animate, inanimate, and human.
He protested against communal strife and hatred, and preached brotherhood and harmony.
Contributors and Authors of this Project
Lead Developer of Project
Haq Nawaz Malik, AI/ML
GitHub: @HAQ-NAWAZ-MALIK
Translation & Localization
Multilingual Translation Team
Languages: English, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Turkish
Role: Accurate translation of Shruk poetry while preserving spiritual essence, cultural context, and poetic beauty across different languages.
Translators
Aadil Amin Kak
Tooba Towfiq
Badrunissa Bhat
Ifshana Qayoom
Irfan Fazili (Russian)
Saba Mushtaq Zargar (French)
Mushtaq Ahmad Shah (German)
Special Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the scholars, researchers, and community members who have contributed their knowledge, time, and resources to make this digital preservation of Kashmiri spiritual heritage possible. This project is a collaborative effort to honor and share the timeless wisdom of Alambardar with the world.