Pani tere chashmon ka tarapta hua seemaab
Murghan-e-sahar teri fazaon mein hain betaab
Ae Waadi-e-Lolab
Garsahib-e-hangaama na ho mimbar-o-mehrab
Deen banda-e-momin ke liye maut hai ya khwab
Ae Waadi-e-Lolab
Hain saaz pe mauqoof nava-ha-e-jigar-soz
Dheele hon agar taar to bekaar hai mizraab
Ae Waadi-e-Lolab
Mulla ki nazar noor-e-firasat se hai khaali
Be-soz hai maikhana-e-soofi ki mai-e-naab
Ae Waadi-e-Lolab
Bedaar hon dil jis ki fughaan-e-sahari se
Us qaum mein muddat se woh darvesh hai naayaab
Ae Waadi-e-Lolab
A famous couplet describing Lolab was written by the beloved scholar and poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, popularly known as Shayar-e-Mashriq. In his verses, he beautifully captured the charm and essence of this heavenly valley. The beauty, natural bounties, and majestic mountains surrounding this rural paradise leave every visitor in admiration and applause.
Lolab is a word that carries deep meaning in itself, often described as the Land of Love and Beauty. Our great-grandparents used the word “Lolo,” which signifies a place of beloved and love-spreading people. Even today, Lolab is home to many historically and culturally important places that attract visitors because of the growing attention toward this paradise-like valley. Lolab comprises several villages such as Sogam, Lalpora, Khumriyal, Chandigam, and Dewar. Many of these places are believed to have been named according to their unique characteristics.
My village, Sogam, is said to be derived from two words: “Sou,” meaning hundred, and “Gam,” meaning mohalla or locality. Altogether, it signifies a place of one hundred mohallas.
Lolab has produced many distinguished scholars and personalities. Among them is Anwar Shah Kashmiri (R.A.), a renowned Islamic scholar who belonged to the small village of Varnow in Lolab Valley. He memorized the Qur’an under the guidance of his father, Maulana Muazzam Ali (R.A.), during his childhood. In 1889, he joined Darul Uloom Deoband and completed his studies in 1896. He was trained under Shaikh-ul-Hind Hazrat Mahmood-ul-Hasan (R.A.) and was nominated as his successor in 1915. He later served as the Dean of Darul Uloom Deoband for twelve years until 1927. He passed away in 1933 and was laid to rest in Deoband. Hazrat Anwar Shah Kashmiri occupies a prominent position among the great commentators of Hadith literature in India. Hadith literature consists of the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). He ushered in a new era in the commentary of Hadith and was known as a scholar of extraordinary brilliance, a poet, philosopher, and distinguished orator.
Another prominent personality from Lolab is Shah Faesal, who belongs to Sogam village. He gained national recognition by becoming the first IAS topper from Kashmir in 2009. During his tenure as a civil servant, he made notable contributions to education and community development. His journey from the serene valleys of Lolab to the heights of Indian bureaucracy remains inspiring for students and aspiring civil servants. Lolab has also been home to other respected scholars, poets, and political leaders who have contributed significantly to society and brought pride to the valley.
The writer can be reached at email:ubaidbukharisyed@gmail.com
