Birth of Makhdoom Sahib
Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) was born in Mahim, Mumbai. He was born on 10th Moharram 776 A.H. and 1372 A.D. from the Nawait family in the period of Feroz Shah Tughlak. Makhdoom Sahib real name is Shaikh Ali. He was expert in jurisprudence of Islam so he has been called "Faqih". He had become famous due to his mothers service. That is why called Makhdoom (Devoted Servant). Makhdoom Shah Baba is known with many names like Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) or Makhdoom Sahib or Baba Makhdoom or Faqih Makhdoom Ali Mahimi.Makhdoom Shah Baba's father was a Wali (Friend of Allah). Makhdoom Sahib's father name is Shaikh Ahmed Bin Ibrahim Bin Ismail. His tomb is in Kalyan (City next to Mumbai). Makhdoom Sahib's family title was 'Paraw' ie he is Kokani. Makhdoom Sahib's mother name is Fatima Binte Nakhuda Hussain and hers family title was 'Lekule'. Makhdoom Sahib's mother's father was Kokani and was businessmen.
Makhdoom Sahib's Family and History
As we discussed above Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) is from Nawait Community which was famous at the rise of Deccan (History of Tibri).Hazrat Jafar Taiyar was a brother of Hazrat Ali (Radi Allahu Anhu) and son of his uncle. The title of 'Taiyar' was given to him. The people uses to tell him the father of the needy people. Hazrat Abu Huraira (Radi Allahu Anhu) was saying about him (Hazrat Jafar) that to nobody was so great after Prophet (s.a.w.s). The Prophet(s.a.w.s.) used to tell that Hazrat Jafer Taiyar migrated to African country and he praised to King about Mohammedans. Then he returned to Makkah Sharif (Holy City in Saudi Arabia) after the battle of Khaiber. The Prophet (s.a.w.s) was so much pleased with him that The Prophet (s.a.w.s) kissed his pre-head and embraced with him chest to chest. The Prophet (s.a.w.s) said, Man is like the different fruits of different trees, but Hazrat Jaffer and I (The Prophet) (s.a.w.s) are the fruits of one tree.
In the 8th year of Hijra, Zaid Bin Haris (Radi Allahu Anhu) was sent to Rome as a Commander and The Prophet (s.a.w.s) said if anything may happen to Zaid Bin Haris, then Jafer should command the army. When Zaid had become the Martyr the flag was given to Hazrat Jafer (Radi Allahu Anhu), but when his (Hazrat Jafer) right hand was cut off the Hazrat Jafer took the flag in the left hand. But when Hazrat Jafer's left hand had also been cut off he (Hazrat Jafer) took flag on his chest till he became the First Martyr in Islamic Jihad. Hazrat Jafer is the great Martyr in the family of Hazrat Abu Talib (Radi Allahu Anhu).
So now we can imagine how Nawait Family is fond of Hazrat Jafer (Radi Allahu Anhu). The Great Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) is from such a great family in the Islamic History.
Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi(R.A.) service towards his mother.
"Ali fetch me a glass of water", said the mother after finishing her Isha Namaz(Night prayers). Her son Ali rushed to bring water. The pious lady lay in her bed and soon went to sleep. When at Tahajjud(midnight) time she woke up she saw Ali standing by her bedsde with a glass of water in his hand. She said: Ali, why you did not wake me up? The obedient son said "I thought i should not disturb your sleep. I wanted to enjoy this Khidmat (service). The Mother said "Your Khidmat(service) would one day bring you the title of Makhdoom (Devoted Servant) and your sincerity would make you Faqih(scholar of theology). This Ali was none other than Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.)About Dargah of Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.)
Outside the Dargah premises road, there are flowers shops, Bhatyar Khana (Small hotels) for poor people. For all the 24 hours poor people sit outside the Dargaah in the hope that some Devotee of Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib will come and will serve them with food in the name of Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib.
About Mahim or History of Mahim
Mahim on the suburban section of the Western Railway is the nearest station and number of BEST buses on various routes touch the place. Mahim has a very good history in the history of Mumbai. The Mahim Fort is located at the mouth of the Mahim Creek at the southern end of the Mahim Causeway. In a letter written Engineer and is council to the Court of Directors on 15th December 1673 it is stated "small lives or parpapets and ground houses have been raised at Mahim and Sion." It was strengthened at the small fortification were built by Sir Thomas Grantham in 1684 during the eleven month that he held possession of Mumbai. It is also mentioned that the small forts at Mazgaon (Dockyard Road), Sion, Mahim and Worli were also supplied with cannon.
In 1772 the Portugese fired on to Mahim Fort. The English resorted with shells which "damnified their college at Bandra. In August of the same year the Portugese attempted an invasion between Sewri and Sion". What remains of the fort now are the rampart walls towards the Mahim Creek. However, it is one of the very few old and historical objects in Mumbai.
Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) Religious path and Books
Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) was follower of Shafai, Owaisi path and strict follower of Shaikh Akbar Mohiuddin Ibn Arabi's spiritual path of unity in Being or unity in Diversity. He was staunch and strictly follower of Shaikh Akbar's path.
So much so he went personally to Syria to explain this path of Shaikh Akbar's sufism to one saint in Syria who was not believing this path. He gave perfect reply to all saints and Maulvis to understand the path of Shaikh Akbar and also explained them they have no rights to criticise Shaikh Akbar till they understand the Sufis terminology.
Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) devoted his full life with prayer, meditation, writing the books on Divine love with the service to the humanity. His books and commentary on Quran (Tafseer - e - Rehmani) is like the pearls from oyster. He solved the difficult problems on sufism and Quran (Holy Book).
His famous commentary on Quran (Holy Book) is called "Tafseer - e - Rehmani and Tashri - ul - Mananan". He had explained about connection of one Ayat to another Ayat in such a manner where there is no disconnection between Ayats. In every Ayat of Quran there is divine light of Jalal (powerful) and Jamal (peaceful) and Shaikh Akbars path of excitence of Being or unity in diversity. Though great commentators of Quran on Ayat have written like Imam Fukhruddin Razi, but Makhdoom Ali Mahimi's Commentary is quite unique in this style. This commentary of Quran has been published in Cairo (Capital Of Egypt). He explained about one Ayat of Quran like
"Alif Laam Mim. Zaalikal Kitaabu La Raibi Fi. Hudallil Muttakin." with a grammar of Arabic and their meaning with 12 crore, 83 lakhs, 44 thousand and 5 hundreds. With a such a high Commentary on One Ayat. The Maulvis and commentators of Quran surprised because his Divine knowledge which was from "Spirit of Mohammed (s.a.w.s) and Hazrat Khwaja Khizr (Alaihis Salaam).
There are 114 Surats in the Quran and there are 114 "Bismillah HirRahman Nir Rahim" that means "In the name of Allah the most Beneficient and Merciful". So Baba Makhdoom has given the summary of every Surat in the "Bismillah" only. His Commentary of Quran has been taught in the great Arabic University of Cairo i.e. Al - Azhar University and his Commentary has been read by all countries including Europe, Gulf Countries and other Countries. His Tafseer - e - Rehmani will be available in all famous Libraries of the world.
Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) was the first Indian author who had written commentary and secrets of Islamic Laws.
The list of Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) famous books are as follows:-
- Tafseer - e - Rehmani; the canon book of the commentary on the Quran.
- Shahabuddin Suharwadi.
- Mohiyuddin Ibn Arabi
- Tarjumah Alaamat Arafi
And many other books had been written by Makhdoom Sahib. If we'll take the list of exact number of books written by Makhdoom Sahib, I think this website will be small to present the list.
Education and Training of Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.)
Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) father Hazrat Maulana Shaikh Ahmed Qudus Sirrahaul Aziz was highly learned Scholar and was Wali(Friend of Allah). Baba Makhdoom's father trained him in all subjects of Quran, Hadis, Fiqah, Logic, Sufism and other mysterious subjects at the age of nine year. At the age of 9 Baba Makhdoom's father died. After the death of his father, Baba Makhdoom was well trained by his mother. Then after his parents teaching, his quest for learning was more and more to reach the highest degree of Wali. He wanted to go out of India for Divine Knowledge, but his mother told him that she prayed to God for his quest of Divine Knowledge.
When Baba Makhdoom's mother prayer was fulfilled, Baba Makhdoom had a habit of going daily to seashore after Fazr Namaz (morning prayer). One day after the namaz(prayer) Baba Makhdoom saw an old man sitting on the stone near the seashore. This old man was none other than Hazrat Khwaja Khizr (Prophet of water). Hazrat Khwaja Khizr called Baba Makhdoom and said "your mother is a pious and Wali (Friend of Allah) woman. Allah has fulfilled her prayer for your Divine Knowledge. You can come daily here after morning prayer and I will teach you Divine Knowledge but do not tell about this to anybody."
After this Baba Makhdoom started going regularly to Hazrat Khwaja Khijr in the morning after Fazr Namaz (morning prayer). But one day Baba Makhdoom's mother asked him "Makhdoom where are you going daily in early morning". Now Baba Makhdoom was confused and fumbled because his Divine Teacher Khizr had told him not to tell anybody where are you going daily. But Baba Makhdoom spoke truth to his mother. Then the next day morning Hazrat Khwaja Khizr could not meet him. So Baba Makhdoom came to his mother and cried and told her that i spoke the truth in front of you though Hazrat Khwaja Khizr advised me not to tell anybody.
But Baba Makhdoom's mother was a very holy woman. So again she prayed to Allah. Then again Allah heard her prayer and next morning Hazrat Khwaja Khizr told him that your pious mother prayer is fulfilled by Allah. But this time Hazrat Khwaja Khizr gave a morsel from his mouth. As soon as that morsel was swallowed by Baba Makhdoom, Baba Makhdoom became the remote controller of seven earths seven skies passed through 70,000 veils of darkness and Divine Lights (40000 veils of darkness and 30000 veils of Divine light). Every Muslim knows that Divine path for Wali (Friend of Allah) is very very difficult until and unless if you have Peer - e - Kamil (Spiritual Guide) or mother's blessings of Makhdoom Ali. Baba Makhdoom completed his Divine Knowledge within short period which takes so many years of life.
Opinion of Great Sufis, Ulema and Shaikhs About Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.)
"Zamirul Insan" author Sayed Ibrahim Madani writes in his book "Tasawwuf" that Hazrat Makhdoom Ali Mahimi became the Great Saint due to his mothers blessings and prayers. He was the rich person but he used to spend money for poor, guests and for feeding the poor people and for guests. He used to like fish for his food.
He had developed divine knowledge by his tremendous prayers and blessings. He becomes a Wali(Friend) and is beyond the control of space and time. He had developed telepathy and miracles by obeying orders of Allah.
Shah Barkatul Awlia writes about him that Makhdoom Ali Mahimi was a great pious, devotee, ocean of knowledge with Shariat (Thoephany) and Tariqat (way for sufis path for Allah) and he was such personality that his impression was there extremely and widely on Human beings.
Maulana Mohammed Bakar Agha writes in his book (Nuzhatul Ambariya) that Makhdoom Sahebs manners :- He reached to the highest stages of mind and soul beyond intellectual minds. He was firm believer in the unity of Allah and oneness of Allah (Existence in one being) the highest knowledge of the way of sufism. He was all the time in deep meditation with Almighty. He had no relation with both of the worlds. He had miracles with good manners, good habits and the manner of great Sufis.
Shaikh Abdul Wahab Muttaki Sajli Qadri writes in his book "Hablul mateen fi Taqwiyatul Yaqin" that Hazrat Makhdoom Ali Mahimi used to remain in deep meditation so much so that Gujrat King's sister was in marriage with him. One day the wives of king came to meet Makhdoom Ali Mahimi's wife. They came to Shaikhs (Makhdoom Sahib) house, but they cannot enter the house. The wives of king stand near the door of the house. But Shaikhs (Makhdoom Sahib) mother told them to enter the house but they said, how they can enter the house when Makhdoom Ali was sitting at the door, because they were with the veils on their faces.
Makhdoom Ali's mother told them he is in deep meditation with Almighty. He has no relation with this world or the next world. So the king wives entered the house and asked about the proof of meditation. Shaikhs mother asked Ali, my son you cover your body with this curtain and give me your clothes for washing. But Shaikhs clothes were completely clean but due to his mothers order he gave his clothes for wash up in deep meditation.
After one hour his mother had brought dirty clothes and told him to wear these clothes. Shaikh had put dirty clothes on him because he had no sense in deep meditation which clothes are clean and which clothes are dirty.
Hazrat Ghulam Ali Azad writes in Ma'asi - rul - kiram that Shaikh Ali Bin Shaikh Ahmed Mahimi (Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) is from the comuunity of Nawait and this community is famous in Deccan. Nawait community came to India from the Madina Sharif when Hajjaj Bin Yusuf Saqfi killed 5000 Ulema and Awlias. So this community came to India and settled here. And at that time Mahim was under Gujrat Government. Mahim the place where Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) used to live. Hazrat Ghulam Ali Azad writes Makhdoom Ali was strict follower of Shaikh Mohiyuddin Ibn Arabi and he had written Tafseer - e - Rehman.
A latest book in English published by Marg Publication as "Bombay" written by Mohsin Ahmed's article as sacred Muslim sites. Ali bin Ahmed later known as Makkhdoom Ali Mahimi was born on the island of Mahim in the fourteen century his forefather had migrated in India about 860 A.D. by escape the tyranny of Hajjaj bin Yusuf, the governor of Basra. It is said that Ali bin Ahmed recieved Wilayat (Sainthood) because of his mother.
Many great Sufis and Ulema have given opinion about Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi but here I have discussed very few.
Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi's Death and Urs Mubarak (Death Anniversary)
Death
Hazrat Makhdoom Ali Mahimi had passed away from this world on 835 Hijri Jamadil Aakhir (name of Islamic month) on Friday night ie 1431 A.D. Baba Makhdoom was 59 years old at the time of his death. He had been buried next to his mother. The date was "Jannatul Firdous" means the best paradise in the heaven.
After the death of Sufi, one mosque was built dated 1674 British and 1085 Hijri. In 1748 British date and 1163 Hijri date again his dome was built and during the same period the construction was Dargaah was completed.
Urs Mubarak (Death Anniversary)
Urs Mubarak (Death Anniversary) of Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) is celebrated every year at the dargah in honour of the Saint from 13th to 22nd of the month of Madar or December. The Urs is attended by over 3 lakhs of people, mostly from Mumbai and belonging to different religion during the 10 days.Every year during the Urs of Hazrat Shaikh Makhdoom Ali Mahimi (R.A.) of the Mahim Dargah, the Senior Inspector of Mahim Police Station walks out of the room (ie office of the Makhdoom Baba Sandal Committee of the Greater Mumbai Police.) with a silver Tabuk (a large plate) on his head. The Tabuk is laden with silver utensils, a gold woven Chaddar (large shawl) flags and other ceremonial articals stored in the room. As a police officer marches at the head of procession to the Mahim Dargah, he is followed by colleagues carrying similar tabuks. The first Chaddar offered at the Urs belongs to the Mahim police station. The practice of Police offering chaddar at the Dargah during the Urs started from 1920 when a English Inspector S S E Raymond 'Esquire' headed the Mahim Police Station. Blessed once by the miraculous powers of the Sufi saint who is believed to have live between 1335 and 1360 A.D. Raymond became regular at the Dargah. All the chaadar, herbs, incense, flowers tabuk and many other relics are kept in the office of the Makhdum Baba Sandal Committee of the Greater Mumbai (estd in 1920).
During the Urs, the entire police force in Mumbai contributes for the 'Sandal' or scented offerings to the Dargah. "For 10 days during the Urs, it is a festive season for the police station. The entitre police station is decorated and police officials from all over the city come for a visit." says Senior Police Inspector Shamrao Jedhe of Mahim Police Station. The Inspector also says "There is a story about how the Baba breathed his last laying in the lap of a policemen. But whatever the story of the origin of the practice. The police are now deeply involved in the annual Urs".
On the first of the Urs, normally celebrated in December, the Holy Quran is recited in the senior inspectors room and after the noon prayers(Zohar Namaz), the police procession starts for the Dargah. It is only after the police ceremony that other sandals are offered at the shrine. There are musical programmes in the police station's courtyard.
People, irrespective of their faiths come to the Dargah. Some for good matrimonial matches for their children. Student come to pray for success in examination. The Police also pray here for success in investigating cases. "There is a story that when there is a major crime in the area, the officer investigating the case comes here to pray. The case usually gets solved" says Ibrahim Merchant, a businessmen who lives near the Dargah.
Three main processions with flowers, chadars and perfumes are carried out.
First procession on the first day by Mumbai Police with their families in the afternoon.
Second procession is carried out by Nawab of Janjira on the same day after the police procession.
Third procession by Dargah's trustees on the same night at about 12.00 p.m.
Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) Miracles
The Saints and Wali Allah who has followed the Prophets (p.b.u.h) life and his Sunnat in every step of their lives, then Allah has promised in Quran to the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) that tell them "If you want to love Allah then you have to follow me then, Allah will love you." Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) is one of those Saints who had passed his life by following the footsteps of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) and therefore he has become beloved friend of Allah. Allah has said in Quran that whoever becomes my Wali (Friend of Allah) then whatever they say with their tongue it has to be fulfilled by me in the form of miracles. Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) has shown many miracles during his lifetime and also after his death. But in this website we have discussed very few.In Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) lifetime one house maid was there, she had seen the miracle of Makhdoom Sahib. It was that, Makhdoom Sahib had one female goat and Makhdoom Sahib use to love that female goat very much. One day when he had returned his house and asked his mother about the female goat. Makhdoom Sahib's mother told him that the she goat had died after illness and it has been thrown by the maid servant near the seashore. Immediately Makhdoom Sahib rushed to the seashore along with his maid servant. After reaching the seashore Makhdoom Sahib saw the she goat was lying near the seashore. Makhdoom Sahib asked the servant to go home. The maid servant went half the way and then she cameback. After she cameback she saw Makhdoom Sahib was telling the goat "common get up we have to go home mother is waiting at home". The maid servant saw that Makhdoom Sahib accompanied with the same live goat to the home. This was Makhdoom Sahib first miracle at the age of 10 yrs.
The same house maid after seeing this miracle, she used to wash the clothes of Makhdoom Sahibs and his mother and then she used to drink that same water of washed clothes. One day Makhdoom Sahib went to his mother after the prayer. Makhdoom Sahib mother told Makhdoom Sahib to eat the food. But Makhdoom Sahib told his mother that he has seen a saint in the mosque and requested mother to send the food for him (Saint) and then he would eat food. But when house maid went there with the food in the mosque the saint was not found. She closed her eyes and she saw that saint in Makkah's mosque. She reached there and told that saint that her master had sent this food for you.
That saint was none other than Hazrat Khwaja Khizr (alaihas salam).
One Hindu businessmen ship had passed from Mahim with all things but that ship never returned for 7 years. He enquired all astrological palmists. They told him that your ship had already sunked in the sea. In the meantime he came across a muslim friend, the muslim friend took him to Makkhdoom Sahib. Makhdoom Sahib told him to sit down and asked him to close the eyes. Then Makhdoom Sahib told him to go to the house and also told him that your ship will return today in the evening. In the evening time when he (businessmen) had reached to seashore he saw his own ship with all goods and things after seven years. After seeing this miracle of Makhdoom Sahib the Hindu businessmen with his whole family became Muslim.
Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba Mahimi (R.A.) was from a very rich family and he (Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib) was very fond of eating food specially Fish. Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib had a habit of giving Dawat (invitation) to the people for lunch or dinner. And that time everyone knew that Makhdoom Sahib is both a Wali (Friend of Allah) and also a rich personality. One Aalim had a doubt in Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib that how a person can be both a Wali (Friend of Allah) and a rich person and regarding this matter he used to make arguments with the people close to Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib. One among those people came to Makhdoom Sahib and explained about the matter. Makhdoom Sahib told that man go and tell the Aalim that you are been invited for lunch at Makhdoom Sahib's place. The next day the Aalim went to Makhdoom Sahib's house as per the invitation. Makhdoom Sahib offered him (Aalim) food which were been kept in front of them. Both Makhdoom Sahib and the Aalim started having their lunch. Makhdoom Sahib finished eating food before the Aalim. The servant of Makhdoom Sahib brought a Bowl full of water to wash hands. Makhdoom Sahib washed his hands and threw the fish bone in that bowl. When the same bowl was given to the Aalim to wash his hands the Aalim saw that the fish bone thown by Makhdoom Sahib in the bowl have been converted into alive fishes. After seeing this miracle of Makhdoom Sahib the Aalim apologized for his mistake and became one of the close friend of Makhdoom Sahib.
The most famous miracle of Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib is this one. A man living near Makhdoom Sahib's house was engaged with a girl and soon they were going to get married. But at the same time a Arab Businessmen met the people living overthere and enquired about the girl because he wanted to marry the same girl. With few of his supporters he (Arab Bussinessmen) went to the bride father and convinced him to marry with his daughter. The father of the bride agreed. Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib came to know about this matter. Makhdoom Sahib met the bride father and discussed about it. The bride father kept a condition in front of Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib that if any one of the both (The man and the Arab Merchant) goes for Hajj (pilgrimage) and comes back first in Mahim he will be married to the girl. The Arab merchant went for Hajj but the boy remained there in Mahim. Now the date of Hajj (pilgrimage) came but still the boy was in Mahim.
He was sitting in the mosque and was very upset. Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib saw him and told him to go and offer 2 rakat Namaz (prayer) and come back to me. The man went offered namaz (prayer) and came back. Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib told him to close his eyes and not to open until he (Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib) says to open it. The man obeyed Makhdoom Sahib's order and did whatever he said. Makhdoom Sahib took the man along with him in the deep Hauz (water pond). After entering into the Hauz (water pond) and going into the deepness of the Hauz (water pond) Makhdoom Sahib told the man to open his eyes. When the boy opened his eyes he saw that he is in Makkah Sharif (Holy city).
Makhdoom Sahib told the man go and meet the Arab merchant and dont tell anything about this to anyone. The man went and made all Arakans (compulsory steps for pilgrimage) in Makkah Sharif and also met the Arab businessmen. When everything was over the man came back to Makhdoom Sahib and they both (Makhdoom Sahib and the man) returned to Mahim. The Arab merchant also came back to Mahim the next day and said that he met that man in Makkah Sharif. But the people told him that he has returned to Mahim before you and so as per the condition he will be married to the bride. And this miracle of Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib spreaded all over the state and many people became Ghulam (slave) of Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib.