Overview
On an islet off the coast of Worli in southern Mumbai, the Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah, or the memorial of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.
The dargah, a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture, houses the tomb of Haji Ali Shah Bukhari and is known for its tales of tragic lovers. Sufi saint and well-to-do merchant from Uzbekistan named Bukhari. One of Mumbai’s most recognisable monuments is the dargah, which is located close to the center of the city.
The Haji Ali Dargah was built in 1431 in honour of Sayyed Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a prosperous Muslim merchant who abandoned all of his material goods before making the journey to Mecca. Bukhari, who was born in modern-day Bukhara, Uzbekistan, traveled much throughout the early to mid-15th century before settling in Mumbai.
Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari frequently and unsettlingly dreamed that his actions had hurt Earth. From that day on, he kept becoming sicker and sicker because of regret and despair. Then, with his mother’s approval, he sailed to India with his brother and eventually arrived on the coast of Mumbai, either close to Worli or directly across from the current tomb. His brother left for their hometown. In order to help promote Islam, Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari decided to settle there permanently. He sent a letter to their mother explaining this decision and begging her to pardon him.
His wish was obeyed by his followers. That is why the Dargah Sharif is built at the very site where his Shroud came to rest in the middle of the sea where it perched on a small mound of rocks rising above the sea. The Tomb and Dargah Sharif were built in the years to come.
