Niggun Shamil
This niggun was taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Simchat Torah 5720/1959 or 5719/1958 . The tune is associated with the Avar tribal leader Imam Shamil and is used by the Hassidim to represent the soul's desire to free itself of the body's physical pleasures.
Shamil
From 1834-1859, Imam Shamil was the leader of the Caucasian resistance against the Russians. His guerilla warfare tactics conducted from mountainous terrain successfully held the Russians at bay. In 1859, the Russians lured Shamil out of the mountains by promising him a peace treaty, however once he left his mountain stronghold, the Russians captured and imprisoned him.
Hassidic Interpretation
To the Chabad Hassidim, this niggun represents Shamil's strong desire to escape his imprisonment and return to his previous freedom. It parallels the soul's desire to escape its imprisonment in the body's physical pleasures and return to its Source by performing Mitzvot and learning Torah.