‘Music Became My Means of Survival’: Abdul Qareem Hajini
The Kashmiri Sufi singer reflects on five decades of singing spiritual poetry and preserving a fading tradition
Mir Gowhar
Srinagar, Jan 05: Veteran Sufi singer Abdul Qareem Hajini, a revered name in Kashmir’s Sufiyana Kalam tradition, looks back on a remarkable musical journey spanning over five decades. Beginning his career amid economic hardship, Hajini went on to dedicate his life to preserving and performing the spiritual poetry of Kashmir’s Sufi saints. In this interview, he speaks about his early struggles, association with Radio Kashmir, mentors, and the enduring role of music in his life.
Q: When and how did your musical journey begin?
Abdul Qareem Hajini: I began my musical journey in 1970 when I was around 20 years old. At that time, poverty was widespread and opportunities for livelihood were limited. I entered this field mainly to earn a living.
Q: What role did music play in your life during those early years?
Abdul Qareem Hajini: Music became my means of survival. By the grace of Almighty Allah, I was able to sustain myself and provide for my family through this profession.
Q: Your career spans more than five decades. Which genre did you mainly focus on?
Abdul Qareem Hajini: I largely dedicated my career to Sufiyana Kalam, singing the poetry of Sufi saints and spiritual masters.
Q: Which Sufi poets influenced your singing the most?
Abdul Qareem Hajini: I performed the Kalam of great Sufi poets such as Shamas Faqeer, Momin Sahib, Wahab Khar, Samad Mir, and Ahmad Batwari, among others.
Q: When did you join Radio Kashmir and how significant was it for your career?
Abdul Qareem Hajini: I joined Radio Kashmir in 1980. It played a crucial role in giving me recognition and allowed my voice to reach a much wider audience. I performed there regularly until 1988.
Q: Why did you leave Radio Kashmir in 1988?
Abdul Qareem Hajini: After leaving Radio Kashmir, I chose to continue my musical journey independently and performed at various platforms.
Q: Who were your mentors and spiritual guides?
Abdul Qareem Hajini: Mohammad Abdullah Rafiq mentored me and taught me how to play musical instruments. My spiritual guide was Mam Sahib (Deen Mohammad) of Shalimar, who closely followed and supported my musical journey.
Q: Where have you performed during your career?
Abdul Qareem Hajini: Apart from performing across Kashmir, I also had the opportunity to perform outside the Valley, including in Delhi and Jammu.
Q: How do you look back at your life in music?
Abdul Qareem Hajini: I lived my life freely and found joy in every moment of this field. Music gave meaning and purpose to my life.
Q: What led you to stop singing?
Abdul Qareem Hajini: In recent years, due to deteriorating health, I was eventually forced to step away from singing.
Q: How would you describe your contribution to Kashmiri Sufi music?
Abdul Qareem Hajini: I believe my work has left a lasting mark on Kashmir’s Sufi music tradition. I am deeply grateful for the love and appreciation I received from the people.
Comments are closed.