The holy city of Ajmer

Ajmer is in northern India and is frequented by many for various reasons, mainly for Tawassul (offering prayer via a holy medium). In Ajmer, there lies the remains of a saint of Ajmer in a Dargah (shrine). He is Mohinudeen Chishty, who wrote the Sufi book on healing which I had mentioned earlier in another post. Dr Amir Burhanuddin al-Helmy had studied at Ajmer. He was an early Malay doctor of Homeopathy.

Here are photos of Ajmer from Aulia e-Hind.com:
http://amazonintl.in/forum/index.php/topic,12920.0.html

Dargah of Khawja Moinudeen Chishty in Ajmer

Moinudeen Chishty in Ajmer
http://wsany.tripod.com/id11.html
http://amuslimconvertoncemore.blogspot.com/2010/08/short-biography-of-khwaja-moinuddin.html

Moinudeen Chishty

Dargah is a Persian word. A Dargah is a shrine constructed for a sage or saint.

Dargah, makam, mausoleum, shrine, keramat are various terms used to refer to places where people come to pray, offer prayers or read doa. More about Dargah.

The general understanding is prayers are made and the deceased person can carry that up to the Supreme Creator. In Islam the Supreme Creator is Allah SWT. This is the Sufi way. However, the Wahhabi will not accept this and say it is not right to do so (tawassul) in Islam.

These are contrasting views of praying at graves (from Ziyarat in Wikipedia): 

Wahhabi views
The majority of Wahhabis believe that visiting the graves of saints should be classified as shirk and bid'ah except the visiting of the tomb of Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. in Madinah which may be done during Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage. However, it is not a required. They point out to the following sayings of Muhammad as an evidence for their belief.

Narrated by 'Aisha : Umm Salama told Allah's Apostle about a church which she had seen in Ethiopia and which was called Mariya. She told him about the pictures which she had seen in it. God's Apostle said, "If any righteous pious man dies among them, they would build a place of worship at his grave and make these pictures in it; they are the worst creatures in the sight of God."

The most evil of mankind are those who will be alive when the Last Day arrives and those who take graves as places of worship.”

It is also reported in the most authentic books of Sunni Islam that Aa’ishah (wife of Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.) reported:

Had it not been so, his (i.e. the Prophet’s) grave would have been in an open place, but it could not be due to the fear that it could be taken as a mosque.

Sunni scholars declare that the purpose of visiting the graves and cemeteries is only to remind people of death and a curse be upon the Jews and Christians for taking the graves of their Prophets as places of worship.

• “...Beware that those before you took the graves of their Prophets as places of worship. Do not take graves as places of worship, for verily I forbid you to do so.”

• “The most evil of mankind are those who will be alive when the Last Day arrives and those who take graves as places of worship.”

Sūnnī or Sufi Views

The purpose of visiting a grave is to gain llim (divine knowledge), tafakkur and to pray for the person in the grave, but if the person in the grave is a Prophet or a Awliya (friend of God), fayd and spiritual benefits can be gained from their souls. The person who is visited, must be thought of as if he is alive and must be visited with the same good manners.

“

" The event of death is like moving from one house to another for the friends of Allah, the same good manners, respect and high regards must be shown to them, as when they were alive." Abdul Hakim Arvasi, Rabita-i Serife, 23-24; Halidiyye Risalesi, 58-60.

”

“

" Neither kissing the grave or moving the hands over the face after touching the grave for blessing, is suitable to the good manners (adab)." Gazali, Ihya, IV, 711.

”

“

" Hz. Rasulullah (s.a.w) has given the good tidings that the Angels say "AMIN" for the prayers which are performed for the brothers and the Awliya and Allahu Taala accepts them (at the exact moment)." Buhari, Edebu'l-Mufred, No:623; Ebu Davud, Vitr, 29.

”

“

" Visiting the grave is a duty which is performed for Allah's pleasure and visiting the grave of a father and mother on a Friday is appropriate ." Gazali, Ihya, IV, 711.

”

Whatever views Muslims hold, there is an interesting name which I have in TEMD that is connected to a book which I use for teaching History of Medicine. This book was written by a Sufi named Moinuddin Chishty. I still use the book for teaching traditional medicine. This has to do with rose oil as the rose is thought to have connection with the Great Prophet, Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. - even the Prophet's sweat smelled of roses.

When I was writing the biography for Dr Burhanuddin al-Helmy, his information contained a city named Ajmer in India. Google-ing Ajmer gave me the largest and most important Dargah in India - this is the Chishty Dargah in Ajmer.

History has it that even Shah Jahan came to Ajmer and he had donated to the Dargah. The Chishty Dargah is important in supporting the lives of Indian Muslims from far and near. 

Where I grew up in Malacca, there is Pulau Besar off the coast. This Pulau Besar is famous for one thing - it contained very long graves of Muslim sages/saints. At certain times, people would go to the graves, bringing along pulut kuning with chicken etc. I have not observed this in person but I read about it in the papers. These offerings were left at the graves. At one time, this practice of bringing offerings to the graves was banned by the Malacca State Government.

In Singapore, there is the shrine of Habib Noh. His tomb is placed high up and a concrete staircase leads up to the tomb. I've not been to the tomb but I heard from one of the descendants of Habib Noh in Penang, that he was a very important person (VIP).

In Kampung Kolam in Penang, just behind the Masjid Kapitan Keling, lies a dilapidated mausoleum (makam usang) that houses the tombs of Cauder Mohinuddin, his mother and younger brother, Nordin. There are other graves too. I was told that there is a pious Indian Muslim lady buried here too - a female saint.

At the large cemetery bordering Perak Road in Penang, there are 2 mausoleums, a dilapidated older makam, and a more recent makam. I was told by the graveyard caretakers that both the deceased persons were great saints. The more recent makam is that of Datok Keramat, for whom Jalan Datok Keramat was named. Jalan Datok Keramat was once a famous road as it had a tram line running the length of the road. The older makam belonged to Datok Keramat's teacher (I could have this info reversed). The boys who looked after the graves were young Tamils, either Muslims or non Muslims. In another part of this massive cemetery, an old Tamil Muslim looked after the graves.

At certain parts of the large Muslim cemetery at Kubor Banggol in Mukim Banggol outside Kota Bharu, Kelantan, there were similar happenings at the graves. There were dolls planted and offerings made next to the graves. I read that Kubor Banggol was an early settlement at the time when Kelantan was first opened by the Malays (probably of Tamil descent). So it is likely that these graves that I saw with offerings were from the same or similar Indian Muslim or Tamil Muslims. I don't know because I didn't see anyone at the graves or I could ask them.

I would take it that the Indian Muslims/Tamil Muslims are Sufi people and that Sufism is handed down or practised among family members and close friends. Among the Malay Muslims, Sufi activities are limited to male circles, and they join up with the Indian Muslims/Tamil Muslims who are more well-versed with Sufi practices. I may be wrong though.

These are keramats in Malaysia (from Ziyarat in Wikipedia):

• Shrine of Syed Shahul Hamid, George Town, Penang
• Tomb of Ismail Nagore, George Town, Penang
• Tomb of Noordin Sahib, George Town, Penang
• Tomb of Syed Mustapha Idris a.k.a. Dato' Koyah, George Town, Penang
• Tomb of Wali Mohammed Salleh, Batu Uban, Penang - frequented by Naqshabandi Malays
• Tomb of Syed Ibrahim al-Hashimi, Gelugor, Penang
• Darga of Syed Lal Shah Bukhri (Jalan Hang Tua in masjed) Kuala Lumpur
• Darga of Sultan ul Arifeen Syed Ismael Shah Aljillani (Pulau Besar) Melaka
• Darga of Fikir Baba Maulana Miskin (Chulia St, Penang)

These are keramats in Singapore:

• Shrine of Syed Shahul Hamid
• Tomb of Wali Habib Noh - frequented by Malays and Naqshabandis
• Shrine of Hazrath Khwaja Habibullah Shah at Kubur Kassim on Siglap Road near Chai Chee in Singapore.

Moinudeen Chishty
http://wsany.tripod.com/id11.html

Masjid Khadijah in Singapore

583 Geylang Road, Singapore 389522
Tel: +65 6747 5607   Fax: 65-6747 5929
http://www.khadijahmosque.org/aboutus/gen2.htm



View Larger Map

Two names are recorded at the Masjid Khadijah website:

1. Dr Hafeezuddin Sirajuddin Moonshi

2. Chishty S.A. Saleem 

Who was "Chishty S.A. Saleem"?
Syed Saleem Chishty and Syed Ahmad Chishty were the grandsons of Dr HS Moonshi.

Syed Saleem Chishty passed away in 2001 and Syed Ahmad Chishty passed away in 2010.

Accessed website: 13 February 2009

Moinudeen Chishty
http://wsany.tripod.com/id11.html

4. Dr Hafeezudin Sirajuddin Moonshi bin Hakeem Abdul Hamid (1895-1965)

Dr Hafeezudin Sirajuddin Moonshi bin Hakeem Abdul Hamid (1895-1965)
LMS 1916 KE VII

Date of birth: 28 March 1895
Place of birth: Surat, Bombay, India
Date of death: 1965
Place of death: Singapore
Place of burial: Kubur Kassim Cemetery in Siglap Road, Singapore

He was better known as Dr HS Moonshi or Dr Moonshi

Author's notes:

1. Managed to obtain e-mail of one grandson via one of Dr Mohamed Ibrahim's grandsons (Dr Mohamed Tahir)
2. Tried to contact the grandson but was unsuccessful (e-mail accepted only during work hours)
3. 1 Feb 2011 - Managed to SMS one of his two surviving grandsons
4. 2 Feb 2011 - E-mailed prepared chapter on Dr HS Moonshi to his elder grandson 
5. Still waiting for feedback and photos from his grandson
6. Syed Mohamed Chishty (Malaysia) has responded by phone
7. Syed Mohsen Chishty (Singapore) has sent photos
8. 17 March 2011 - Chapter on Dr HS Moonshi is almost ready
9. 17 July 2012 - Published the book, Research on the Early Malay Doctors 1900-1957 Malaya and Singapore, which has ~1.5 pages of text summary of Dr HS Moonshi.
10. 29 September 2012 - Published the book, Biography of the Early Malay Doctors 1900-1957 Malaya and Singapore, which has ~10 pages on Dr HS Moonshi.
11. 17 October 2012 - found a web page that mentions Moinudeen Chishty (saint of India): http://wsany.tripod.com/id11.html
12. Found a 1927 newspaper article on Dr HS Moonshi that mentioned he was already an Haji and wanted to go to perform the Hajj pilgrimage again in 1927.
13. Found a 1931 newspaper article on Dr HS Moonshi and his Holiness Hazrath Maulana Shah Mohamed Abdul Aleem Saheb Siddiqui Al'quadri of Meerut, India.
14. Found a 1939 newspaper article on Dr HS Moonshi where he spoke on "The Holy Prophet" at the Aljunied Islamic School on Maulidurrasul (birthday of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.).

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 31 March 1927, Page 11
MATTERS MUSLIM.
Personal
Rumour is persistent that Dr. H. S. Moonshi, our Municipal Commissioner, is leaving for Mecca with his family shortly as soon as the question of his "ganti" to manage his dispensary has been settled. Dr. Moonshi is already an "Haji."

The Straits Times, 5 May 1931, Page 8

Untitled

His Holiness Hazrath Maulana Shah Mohamed Abdul Aleem Saheb Siddiqui Al'quadri of Meerut, India, addressed a large gathering at the Aljunied Islamic School, Victoria Street, last Sunday (what date?) on "How to understand the Holy Quran." Dr H.S. Moonshi also addressed the gathering. Among those present were Mr Soon Kim, and many prominent Muslims (Mohammedans), including:-

Syed Abdul Rahman Aljunied, 

Mr A.M.S. Angullia, 

Haji Manjoor Saheb.

MATTERS OF MUSLIM INTEREST
The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 28 May 1931, Page 12
Moulana Haji Mohamed Abdul Aleem Sahib, of Meerut, India
- a well-known Muslim missionary
- his second visit within 3 years
- his first visit was 3 years ago (1928)
- In 1928: preached Islam at various mosques and othe places
- an orator
- a preacher of outstanding ability
- he was well received and honoured at stops when travelling to Singapore
- arrived in Singapore in early April 1931, he was received at the wharf
- lived at Dr HS Moonshi's bungalow at Changi Road
- visited Aljunied Islamic School at Victoria Street
- spoke to the school in Arabic, on words of wisdom and advice
- busy speaking, lecturing, giving discourse, everyday, at mosques etc
- lectured on "Unity of Religion" at Victoria Memorial Hall, under Mosem Association
- leaving on a world tour in early June 1931

Muslim Missionary Society of Malaya
- Moulana suggested to form a society as he did in Ceylon
  - to strenghten local Muslims in their religious work
  - to preach Islam
  - to defend it against outside criticism and attack
- a meeting was held at Aljunied Islamic School on 17 May 1931
- annual subscription of $2
- pro tem mx committee:
  1. Patrons, Moulana Haji Mohamed Abdul Aleem Saheb and
  2. Tuan Imam Haji Mohamed Yusope bin Haji Mohamed Sa'id, J.P., C.H., Chief Kathi
  3. President: Syed Abdur Rahman bin Junied Aljunied, J.P.
  4. Vice-Presidents, Syed Abdur Rahman bin Shaik Alkaff, J.P.
  5. Shaik Salim bin Mohamed bin Talib,
  6. Syed Ibrahim bin Omar Alsagoff
  7. Haji Abdul Latiff bin Haji Tamby
  8. Shaik Salim bin Taha Mattar
  9. Mahmood bin Haji Dawood
 10. A. M. S. Angullia, J.P.
 11. Haji Ambok Sooloh bin Haji Omar, J.P., C.H.
 12. Honorary assistant secretaries, Inche Onn bin Jaafar
 13. Syed Alwee bin Ahmad Alsree, J.P.
 14. Honorary treasurer, S. Haji Manjor\or Sahib Maricar, J.P.
 15. Members of committee: Messrs. Syed Ahmad bin Mohamed Alsagoff, J.P.
 16. Syed Abubakar bin Taha Alsagoff
 17. Syed Mohamed bin Hoosain Shahab
 18. Syed Zein bin Alwee Alsagoff
 19. Shaik Ahmad bin Mohamed Ali Alhindi
 20. Shaik Hoosain Al-Khatib
 21. Shaik Sa'id Makaram
 22. Haji Ali (Imam of Masjid Sultan)
 23. Alli Ahmad Khan Surattee, J.P.
 24. Shaik Omar bin Sa'id Baghrib (Imam)
- HQ at No. 742, North Bridge Road

Moslem Association
- Chairman: Mr A. M. S. Angullia

The Real Islam magazine
- Moulana left a religious monthly magazine (the Real Islam) in the hands of
  Dr HS Moonshi
- in English
- for the dissemination of the correct teachings of Islam

Dr HS Moonshi
- honorary joint secretary of the Muhammedan Advisory Board
- to continue the Real Islam magazine

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 3 May 1939, Page 9
10,000 Malays Celebrate Birthday Of Mohamed
Rice & Mutton Feast
About 10,000 Malay schoolchildren and adults were entertained to a feast of "nasi briani" (rice and mutton) in celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Mohamed at the Aljunied Islamic School, Victoria Street, yesterday. The festivities were organised by the Muslim community of Singapore. (Seated) crossed-legged on the mat-covered floor of the Aljunied Islamic schoolhouse, boys and girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves over large trays of the "nasi briani" served to groups of four or five. Under a pre-arranged programme, they trooped out to wash their hands after their meals and were then guided out of the building into the compound by Boy Scouts. The adults had their feast from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In the afternoon, the Malay Boy Scouts gave a display. Lectures on the occasion were given in English, Malay, Arabic and Tamil, and Dr H.S. Moonshi spoke in English on "The Holy Prophet" at 5.30 p.m. at the Aljunied Islamic School. On Thursday, a tea party will be given at the Istana, Kampong Glam, to which non-Muslims will be invited.

Kubor Kassim graveyard, 426 Siglap Road, Singapore:
http://joyloh.com/blog/?p=11156