Sayyid Muhammad al-Makki: Founder of Bukkur in Sindh
Birth and Upbringing
Sayyid Muhammad ibn Shuja’ al-Din al-Husayni al-Makki, also known as Sayyid Mahmood Shah al-Makki, was born in 1145 (Islamic year 540 AH) in Baghdad. His father, Abu Ahmad Muhammad Shuja, was married to the daughter of Abu Hafs Umar al-Suhrawardi. There is some scholarly dispute about this marriage, with alternative views suggesting that Sayyid Muhammad al-Makki himself married the daughter of al-Suhrawardi.
Journey to Sindh
Sayyid Muhammad al-Makki decided to leave Yemen for Sindh after a dream in which he claimed to have seen his ancestor, the Islamic prophet Muhammad, instructing him to go to India. His journey led him to Bukkur in Sindh.
Founding of Bukkur
Upon arriving in Bukkur at dawn, Sayyid Muhammad al-Makki was delighted by the peaceful setting and the beautiful view of the rising sun. He exclaimed joyfully, “God has ordained my morning in this blessed place!” He renamed the place ‘Bukkur’ from its former name ‘Fareshta.’ He expressed his desire to live where cowbells could be heard and the rising sun would be visible. Sayyid Muhammad al-Makki obtained a land grant in Rohri under the condition of cultivating the land in exchange for military duties.
Spiritual Impact and Preaching
Sayyid Muhammad al-Makki became a well-known saint whose preaching attracted many people to Islam. He established a center of spiritual learning in Sindh and remained a religious figure until the early 13th century.
Death and Legacy
Muhammad al-Makki passed away at the age of 101 in 1246 AD and 644 AH. He was buried in the fort of Arak between Sukkur and Bukkur. His shrine is located near the Deputy Commissioner Office in Sukkur.
Notable Descendants
Sayyid Muhammad al-Makki’s descendants include Makhdoom Muhammad Badruddin Bhaakri, Sayyid Muhammad Mahdi, Sayyid Sa’adullah, and Waris Shah, the renowned author of Heer Ranjha. Another notable figure is Sayyid Sadruddin al-Khatib, whose influence spread across the Indian Sub-Continent.
Sayyid Sadruddin al-Khatib's Legacy
Sayyid Sadruddin, born in 1204 in Bukkur, spent his life traveling and seeking knowledge. He became a revered spiritual figure, and his influence persisted even after his death in 1270. His son, Ali Badruddin, had descendants, including Sayyid Murtadha (Shaban ul Millat), whose lineage is primarily found in Allahabad, India.
The descendants of Sayyid Ali Badruddin have produced historical personalities such as Sayyid Muin Al-Haqq, the author of Manba Al-Ansab, and others.
Sayyid Muhammad al-Makki’s legacy lives on through his spiritual teachings and the influential descendants who have contributed to the cultural and intellectual heritage of the Indian Sub-Continent.