Makhdoom Ali Mahimi Shafi'i (1372–1431 A.D.): A Visionary Scholar and Saint of Global Repute

By Rehan Ahmed Khan, New Age Islam 28 December 2024 Makhdoom Ali Mahimi (1372–1431) Was A Renowned Scholar, Qur'anic Commentator, And Sufi Saint From Mumbai. Known For His Work Tafsirur Rahman, He Became The First Indian Mufassir. Revered For His Intellectual And Spiritual Contributions, Mahimi's Legacy Endures Through His Dargah In Mahim And Lasting Influence On Both Muslims And Hindus. Main Points 1. Makhdoom Ali Mahimi was a pioneering Qur'anic commentator and a leading scholar of the Shafi'i school. 2. He authored over 100 works, with Tafsirur Rahman being his most notable exegesis. 3. Mahimi was appointed Qazi of Gujarat by Sultan Ahmed Shah. 4. He was a revered Sufi saint promoting spiritual wisdom and humanism. 5. His Dargah in Mahim attracts devotees of all faiths. 6. His legacy continues through cultural and spiritual contributions, including the JJ Flyover naming. ---- Wikipedia Common ----- Introduction Makhdoom Ali Mahimi, born in 1372 A.D. in Mahim (modern-day Mumbai), is a revered Sufi saint, Islamic scholar, and the first commentator of the Qur'an in India. His life unfolded during a transformative period in the Indian subcontinent, encompassing the reign of the Tughlaq dynasty and Sultan Ahmed Shah of Gujarat. A luminary of Islamic scholarship and a person of profound spiritual wisdom, Mahimi's legacy extends far beyond his contributions to theology, philosophy, and jurisprudence, leaving a lasting imprint on both the Muslim and Hindu communities. Early Life and Spiritual Awakening Makhdoom Ali Mahimi's origins trace back to a distinguished family of Arab immigrants from Iraq, who settled on the island of Mahim, one of the seven islands that would later form the metropolis of Mumbai. His ancestors, belonging to the Nawayath tribe of the Banu Hashim clan, had fled oppression in the Hijaz region in the 9th century. Born as Sheikh Imam Allama Aladdin Ali bin Ahmad Al-Shafi'i Al-Mahimi Al-Kokani, he was the son of Ahmed bin Ibrahim bin Ismail and Karima, who were both deeply pious figures. From a young age, Makhdoom Ali was exposed to Islamic sciences, with a particular focus on Qur'anic studies, Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and Tafsir (Qur'anic exegesis). His early education was under the tutelage of his father, a well-known scholar in the region. However, the sudden death of his father when Mahimi was still a child marked a significant turning point. It was during this period of spiritual loss that Mahimi’s deep yearning for both external knowledge and inner spiritual enlightenment intensified. Unable to leave his mother, who prayed earnestly for his intellectual and spiritual guidance, Mahimi's longing was fulfilled through divine providence. He is said to have met the mystic figure Khidr (a legendary figure in Islamic tradition) by the seashore, who imparted esoteric wisdom and spiritual knowledge. This profound encounter laid the foundation for his subsequent rise as a great scholar and spiritual figure. Scholarly Contributions: The First Indian Mufassir Makhdoom Ali Mahimi’s most significant intellectual contribution to Islamic thought was his pioneering role as the first Indian Mufassir, or Qur'anic commentator. His work Tafsirur Rahman stands as a monumental achievement, offering a deep and comprehensive exegesis of the Qur'an. His commentary, noted for its clarity, linguistic brilliance, and spiritual insight, earned him widespread recognition across the Islamic world, including praise from scholars such as Shah Waliullah Dehlavi. As a scholar of the Shafi'i school of thought, Mahimi also engaged with and contributed to various branches of Islamic knowledge, including logic, philosophy, and jurisprudence. His scholarly works were vast, with over 100 books attributed to him, though only 21 survive, and only 10 are accessible in libraries across India. His reputation as an intellectual giant earned him the title Qutub-e-Kokan ("Pole Star of Kokan"), a reference to his immense spiritual and scholarly stature in the region. Spirituality and Influence Mahimi’s spiritual journey transcended the confines of traditional scholarship. His teachings embodied a rare synthesis of Islamic orthodoxy with humanist and liberal ideals, gaining him recognition as a figure of profound wisdom and compassion. He is often regarded as a Sufi saint, whose life was devoted to the spiritual upliftment of both individuals and society. His mystical insights and commitment to social justice were significant components of his teachings, which resonated not only with Muslims but also with Hindus, who revered him for his tolerance and empathy. His influence extended to the court of Sultan Ahmed Shah of Gujarat, who recognized Mahimi’s intellectual prowess and appointed him as the Qazi (chief judge) of the town. His role in public life as a religious and judicial leader further solidified his standing as a figure of national significance. The Dargah of Mahimi: A Legacy of Interfaith Reverence After his death in 1431 A.D., Makhdoom Ali Mahimi’s tomb became a place of great spiritual significance, drawing thousands of devotees annually. His Dargah in Mahim, Mumbai, continues to serve as a focal point for both Muslim and Hindu communities, with visitors seeking blessings and guidance from the saint. Mahimi’s legacy of religious tolerance and humanism is particularly evident in the annual Urs (death anniversary) celebrations, which see grand processions and public prayers. The relationship between Mahimi’s shrine and the police force of Mumbai is a unique aspect of his legacy. Every year, a representative from the Mumbai Police offers a “Chadar” (shawl) at his tomb during the Urs. This tradition stems from a famous story where a constable is said to have assisted Mahimi in his final moments, offering him water, and later witnessing miraculous interventions in his own work, particularly in combating smugglers. The Mahim Police Station, located near his tomb, houses a room containing Makhdoom Ali’s preserved belongings, including his chair, sandals, and a handwritten Qur'an. These relics are displayed to the public during the Urs, reinforcing the deep connection between Mahimi and the local community. His legacy is so ingrained in the city’s history that in 2005, the Maharashtra government named the JJ Flyover, the longest viaduct in India, after him as a tribute to his lasting impact on the region. Makhdoom Ali Mahimi's Enduring Legacy Hazrat Makhdoom Ali Mahimi's legacy continues to resonate across centuries. His deep commitment to scholarly inquiry, spiritual development, and social welfare has left an indelible mark on both the intellectual and spiritual landscape of the Indian subcontinent. His Qur'anic exegesis, his role as a Sufi mystic, and his visionary leadership in Gujarat and beyond reflect the multi-faceted nature of his contributions to Islamic thought and Indian society. Conclusion Makhdoom Ali Mahimi was not only a scholar of international repute but also a paragon of spiritual excellence and intellectual brilliance. His contributions to Qur'anic commentary, his advocacy of humanist ideals, and his enduring influence on both Muslim and Hindu communities ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations, both in India and across the globe. Makhdoom Ali Mahimi's legacy as a pioneering Qur'anic commentator, revered Sufi saint, and advocate of interfaith harmony continues to inspire, bridging intellectual, spiritual, and cultural divides, leaving a timeless impact on humanity. ----- Rehan Ahmed Khan is an Independent Research scholar specialising Muslim Personalities and Communal Harmony URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/makhdoom-mahimi-shafii-scholar-saint-global/d/134165 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism