Sarmad Kashani
Sarmad Kashani emerged from the world of Jewish Persian-speaking Armenian merchants around 1590. His birthplace remains a subject of debate, with some sources pointing to Armenia and others suggesting Kashan as his origin. He possessed an excellent command of the Persian language, which became essential for his career as a merchant. This linguistic skill allowed him to compose most of his literary works in that tongue. Sarmad produced a translation of the Torah into Persian, demonstrating his deep engagement with his heritage. Before leaving his homeland, he studied under Mulla Sadra and Mir Findiriski, two prominent thinkers of the era.
Hearing reports that precious items and works of art fetched high prices in India, Sarmad gathered his wares and traveled to the Mughal Empire. He intended to sell these goods and establish trade relations within the vast empire. In Thatta, located in present-day Sindh, Pakistan, one of his close disciples was a Hindu named Abhay Chand. Very little is known about Abhay Chand's life, and no historical records confirm the details of their encounter beyond Sarmad's own poetry. Some scholars argue that while Sarmad employed Abhay Chand to translate texts like the Torah, Old Testament, and New Testament, it is possible that Abhay Chand converted to Islam or Judaism. At some stage, Sarmad abandoned his wealth and let his hair grow long. He stopped clipping his nails and began wandering the city streets without material possessions.
Sarmad grew critical of all organized religions and adopted a spiritual but not religious position during his later years. His poetry declared that he was neither Jewish nor Muslim nor Hindu, rejecting specific faith labels. Although originally Jewish, he may have renounced his religion to adopt Islam, yet this conversion was likely only nominal and superficial. He himself used to warn Jews against converting themselves, highlighting his complex relationship with identity. The French physician and traveler François Bernier witnessed Sarmad as a naked faqir, emphasizing his ascetic lifestyle. This rejection of conventional norms set him apart from the religious establishment of the time.
The reputation Sarmad had acquired as a poet and mystic during his travels caused the Mughal crown prince Dara Shikoh to invite him to his father's court. On this occasion, Sarmad so deeply impressed the imperial heir that Dara vowed to become his disciple. Their relationship brought Sarmad into the highest circles of the Mughal Empire. Despite his lack of wealth or formal status, his intellectual and spiritual presence commanded attention. This connection would eventually place him at the center of political and religious conflicts within the empire.
After emerging victorious in the War of Succession against his brother Dara Shikoh, Emperor Aurangzeb arrested and tried Sarmad. The emperor ordered his Ulema to question why Sarmad repeated only the phrase There is no God without adding but Allah. Sarmad replied that he was still absorbed with the negative part and refused to tell a lie. This response sealed his death sentence, leading to his beheading in 1661. Ali Khan-Razi, Aurangzeb's court chronicler, witnessed the execution and recorded some of the mystic's final verses. He noted lines such as The Mullahs say Ahmed went to heaven, Sarmad says that heaven came down to Ahmed. An uproar erupted during the event, marking the end of a life that defied convention.
Sarmad's grave is located near the Jama Masjid in Delhi, India, where devotees continue to visit today. Abul Kalam Azad, a leading figure in the Indian independence movement, compared himself to Sarmad for their shared freedom of thought and expression. A book titled The Book of the Romances of an Outlaw, edited by Abdolhamid Ziaei, was published in 2009, exploring Sarmad's life and poetry. These works highlight how his legacy has endured through centuries of reinterpretation and reverence. His story remains a symbol of spiritual defiance and intellectual courage.
In 2022, the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen premiered a cinematic piece by Iranian artist Lior Shamriz titled Port Saïd, Santa Cruz, Sarmad Kashani. This work draws partly on the life of Sarmad and explores themes inspired by his mysticism. Later that year, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Korea and the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia presented the film. Such adaptations reflect ongoing interest in Sarmad's complex identity and poetic contributions. His influence continues to resonate across diverse cultural landscapes in the modern era.
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Common questions
Where was Sarmad Kashani born and what was his background?
Sarmad Kashani emerged from the world of Jewish Persian-speaking Armenian merchants around 1590. His birthplace remains a subject of debate, with some sources pointing to Armenia and others suggesting Kashan as his origin.
When did Sarmad Kashani die and how did he die?
Sarmad Kashani died in 1661 after being beheaded by order of Emperor Aurangzeb. The execution followed a trial where Sarmad refused to add but Allah to his phrase There is no God without adding but Allah.
Who invited Sarmad Kashani to the Mughal court and what happened there?
The Mughal crown prince Dara Shikoh invited Sarmad Kashani to his father's court after hearing reports about his reputation as a poet and mystic. This connection brought Sarmad into the highest circles of the empire before political conflicts led to his arrest.
What languages did Sarmad Kashani speak and write in?
Sarmad Kashani possessed an excellent command of the Persian language which became essential for his career as a merchant. He composed most of his literary works in that tongue and produced a translation of the Torah into Persian.
Where is the grave of Sarmad Kashani located today?
Sarmad Kashani's grave is located near the Jama Masjid in Delhi, India, where devotees continue to visit today. His legacy endures through centuries of reinterpretation and reverence at this site.