Fazal Amin Shinwari
The tragic incident of 21 May 2008 in Jamrud, Khyber District, remains one of the most painful events in the region’s religious history. On that day, respected Sunni scholars and members of a revered spiritual household were targeted in a fatal attack while traveling for their routine religious and Madrasah Junaida Karkhano market educational duties.
The martyrs were the “chashm-o-charagh” (light of the eyes) and “angan ke bulbul” (beloved members) of the family of Shalman Baba Ji Sahib Mubarak, a respected spiritual lineage known for its religious influence and service. These individuals were also the children and descendants of Shalman Baba Ji Sahib Mubarak, deeply connected to his spiritual legacy.
At the time of the incident, Hazrat Sheikh Gul Sahib Mubarak was the gaddi-nashin (spiritual custodian) of the family’s spiritual seat. He was widely regarded as a pious and saintly figure of his time, and his leadership held great spiritual significance within the community. It is also noted that Sheikh Gul Sahib Mubarak passed away a few years ago. the incident, leaving behind a respected legacy of guidance and religious leadership.
The victims included close family members from the same household — a son, a brother, a grandson, and a son-in-law — all of whom were associated with Islamic teaching and religious service. Among them were respected scholars such as Sheikh-ul-Hadees Allama Abdul Azim, Sheikh-ul-Hadees Allama Muhammad Humayun Qadri, Sheikh-ul-Hadees Allama Noor-ud-Din Qadri, and Khidmatgar Saleem Shah Bacha.
According to eyewitness accounts, the group was traveling from Darbar-e-Aalia Piru Khel Sharif Landikotal towards an educational institution in the Karakhano Market area when their vehicle was ambushed in the Jamrud region. Unidentified armed attackers opened indiscriminate fire and fled the scene after the attack, resulting in the deaths of all passengers.
The incident shocked the entire region, as the victims were not only religious scholars but also members of a single respected spiritual family whose teachings and services had guided thousands of students and followers.
Their funerals were attended by large crowds of mourners, including students, disciples, residents, and religious leaders, reflecting the deep respect and love they commanded in society.
The tragedy is still remembered as a great loss to the area’s religious and spiritual heritage. The victims are honored for their lifelong dedication to Islamic education and community service.
“May Allah grant the martyrs the highest ranks and give patience to their families, and may such tragedies never be repeated.”
