Rahman Baba

Abdur Rahman (Born 1632–1706)

(Pashto: عبدالرحمان بابا‎), or Rahman Baba Mohmand(Pashto: رحمان بابا‎), was a renowned Pashtun Sufi Dervish and poet from Peshawar in the Mughal Empire (modern-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan). He, along with his contemporary Khushal Khan Khattak, is considered one of the most popular poets among the Pashtuns in Pakistan and Afghanistan.His poetry expresses a peaceful mystical side of local culture which is becoming increasingly threatened by less tolerant interpretations of Islam.

Rahman Baba was a Mohmand sub-tribe of Ghoryakhel Pashtun, a group of people who migrated from the Hindu Kush mountains to the Peshawar valley, between 13th to 16th century. He grew up in a small pocket of Mohmand settlers on the outskirts of Peshawar. Rahman apparently lived peacefully in the area, and never mentions his involvement in the fierce intertribal conflicts of his day.
Opinion is divided about Rahman's family background. Several commentators are convinced that his family was village Malik (chieftains). However, Rahman Baba was more likely to have been a simple, though learned man. As he himself claimed: "Though the wealthy drink water from a golden cup, I prefer this clay bowl of mine.
Abdur Rahman Baba died in 1715 CE, and his tomb is housed in a large domed shrine, or mazar, on the southern outskirts of Peshawar (Ring Road Hazar Khwani). The site of his grave is a popular place for poets and mystics to collect to recite his popular poetry. In April each year, there is a larger gathering to celebrate his anniversary.
Rahman Baba was a legendary Pashto poet who was known for his Sufism. He has enlightened Pashtoons through his legendary poetry for over 300 years. Pashtoons around the world honor Rahman Baba with the name “Baba,” meaning “grandfather.” Rahman Baba was born to the Saban tribe in 1650 in Peshawar, when Mughals were ruling the sub-continent. His forefathers migrated from the city of Kandhar, Afghanistan and settled in Peshawar valley. Through his Sufi poetry, Rahman Baba spread Islamic Theology in Pashtoon society and is credited as the most popular poet in Pashtoon history.

Rahman Baba lived a very simple life, which can be inferred from his verse:

بادشاهان که اوبه سکي په جام ده زرو
Though the wealthy drink water from a Golden Cup

ما رحمان له ده خاوروکنډول بس دے
I Rahman, prefer this clay bowl.