Sea of people attend last rites of Kashmir’s spiritual figure 'Zub Soab'

Srinagar, June 21: Thousands of people gathered on Friday to participate in the funeral prayers of Kashmir’s renowned spiritual figure Zubaida Begum, popularly known as Zub Soab, at Charar-i-Sharief in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

In a profound spiritual loss, Zubaidah Bibi, passed away at the age of 90. A revered dervish from the town of Charar-i-Sharief, she departed this world at her second son's house in Baghi Mehtab on Thursday night.

The town of Charar-i-Sharief was engulfed in sorrow as the news of Zub Soab's death spread. Teary-eyed people flocked to her gravesite. She was deeply respected for her spiritual guidance and service to the cause of Islam among her followers, who included many men and women. Her life was marked by significant contributions to the spiritual life of Kashmir and had among her disciples several mystic figures of Kashmir.

Upon hearing the news of her death, a steady stream of mourners began gathering at her house early in the morning. People from all walks of life arrived at Charar-i-Sharief to pay their last respects, and recalled her widespread influence and the deep affection in which she was held among her followers in different parts of Kashmir.

Following the Friday prayers, Zub Soab was laid to rest at the pre-selected site in Pakharpura, Waza Bagh on Charar-i-Sharief road. Her son, Niyaz Ahmad, told Greater Kashmir that she was laid to rest this afternoon and her body was brought to her hometown of Charar-i-Sharief today from Bagh-e-Mehtab. The site, which had been selected earlier for her burial, saw people thronging in large numbers.

The funeral prayer, attended by her grandson Mir Muhammad Iqbal Niazi and many others, was held at the shrine of Sheikh Noorudin Noorani (RA).

Thousands of people attended the last rites, honoring her memory and the indelible mark she left on through her spiritual teachings and guidance. Local residents said that Zub Soab will be deeply missed, and her legacy “will continue to inspire people” and lead “ us on the path of Islam.”

She often visited different parts of Kashmir along with her disciples to spread the sufi principles of Islam following the path of Sheikh Noorudin Noorani (RA), whose shrine is often visited by people from different religious strands.