مولانا سید علی شاہ بخاری الرضوی رحمتہ اللہ علیہ

Genealogy
Biography: Hazrat Maulana Syed Ali Shah Bukhari (RA)

*Research and Compilation:*
Syed Mashkoor Ahmad Bukhari Al-Razvi,
Syed Faheem Bukhari Al-Razvi

Lineage and Early Life:-

Hazrat Syed Ali Shah Bukhari (RA) belonged to a respected Sadat family of Sudipora, Beerwah (Budgam). His lineage traces back to the renowned saint of Chewdara, Beerwah, Syed Ali Allauddin Khan Bukhari Al-Razvi (RA). His ancestors migrated from Chewdara and settled in Sudipora, Beerwah.

He was born on *November 30, 1914*. His father's name was Syed Ghulam Muhammad Bukhari, and his elder brother's name was Syed Syeed Shah Bukhari (RA).

He received his early education in Arabic, Persian, and Islamic sciences from his revered father and subsequently from Madinatul Awloom Mufti Abdul Kabeer saabh (R.a). Later, he went to Amritsar (Punjab) under the guardianship of his maternal uncle for further studies. Like the elders of his time, he led an extremely simple and ascetic life.

Educational and Social Services:-

In *1934*, he laid the foundation of *"Mazhar-ul-Haq High School."* It was a missionary institution aimed at educating poor children. The institution served simultaneously as a madrasa and a modern school, where contemporary sciences were taught alongside Arabic and Persian. Students from Beerwah, Budgam, Srinagar, and Baramulla came to seek knowledge here.

He served as the principal of the institution. An example of his practical steps is his directive that all hotels and restaurants in Beerwah town must remain closed during the month of Ramadan
a tradition that, Alhamdulillah, is still maintained in Beerwah today.

In *1951*, he established *"Anjuman Mazhar-ul-Haq,"* which oversees the administrative affairs of Jamia Masjid Beerwah and Mazhar-ul-Haq High School.

Religious Leadership and Jamia Masjid Beerwah:-

In *1928*, along with his elder brother Syed Saeed Shah Bukhari (RA), he laid the second foundation stone of Jamia Masjid Beerwah.

*Historical Note:*
The first foundation stone of the mosque was laid by Syed Zia-ud-Din Zeerak (RA), and he also initiated the first Friday (Jumu'ah) prayers there. Due to certain reasons, the Jumu'ah congregation was discontinued, which was revived by Syed Syeed Shah in 1933. Later, in 1970, Maulana Syed Ali Shah Bukhari started the reconstruction of the mosque in a modern style.

He continued to deliver the Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid until the last days of his life. His preaching had such impact and sincerity that people came from far and wide to listen to him. His religious influence is still evident in the Beerwah region today.

In recognition of his valuable services, the then Prime Minister of the state, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, conferred upon him the title of *"Sir Syed-e-Sani" (The Second Sir Syed),* while the famous poet Fazil Kashmiri paid him a poetic tribute titled *"Chirag-e-Beerwah" (The Lamp of Beerwah).*

This book can be read on the website.

*To read the book on the Kashmir Sadat website (kashmirisadaat.com):*
1. Open the website kashmirisadaat.com in your browser.
2. Find the "Publications" option on the menu bar or homepage and click on it.
3. There you can start reading the books on Syed Ali Shah Bukhari (RA) and other titles.

Political Journey

The aim of his politics was solely to improve the social and economic condition of his region. Due to his close relations with leaders like Bakshi Ghulam Muhammad and Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, he played a key role in establishing the Tehsil headquarters and other important government offices in Beerwah.

He contested Assembly elections twice:
- *1957:* On a National Conference ticket (Beerwah constituency).
- *1977:* Representing the Janata Party (Budgam constituency).

During the election campaign, he would pray at Jamia Masjid: _"O Allah! If there is benefit for the people in my victory, then grant me success."_ In 1965, he was arrested on political grounds and was finally released permanently in 1969.

Demise and Legacy

Maulana Syed Ali Shah Bukhari departed from this mortal world on *March 30, 1979 (1399 AH)* at the age of 64. He was laid to rest in the courtyard of Jamia Masjid Beerwah, where seven other personalities of the Sadat family are also buried.

His funeral prayer was led by Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Maulana Muhammad Farooq, attended by thousands of mourners. It is narrated that when his funeral procession left his home, a flock of swallows provided shade over the entire procession until the burial.

After him, his son Mirwaiz Maulana Syed Abdul Lateef Bukhari started the reconstruction work of Jamia Masjid in 2003, continued his mission, and also constructed a new building for Mazhar-ul-Haq School. His other son, Syed Abdul Rauf Bukhari, established a major educational institution named "SAMi" in Beerwah in his memory.

May Allah elevate the ranks of Maulana Syed Ali Shah Bukhari (RA) and grant his descendants the ability to continue serving the Deen. Ameen, Ya Rab al-Alamee.