Haji Ali Dargah , Mosque in Mumbai

Haji Ali Dargah is one of the most popular religious places in Mumbai, visited by Hindus and Muslims alike. It is basically the tomb of Haji Ali, a wealthy merchant who renounced all the worldly possessions and became a saint, after he returned from a pilgrimage to Mecca. Along with the tomb, there is also a mosque at Haji Ali. There are two different accounts of how the tomb of Haji Ali came into being. As per one version, the saint drowned in the sea and his devotees built a tomb at the spot where he died.

Another version goes that Haji Ali died on his pilgrimage to Mecca and his body was put in a casket. The casket is said to have floated back to Bombay, stopping near the rock bed on the sea here. The place where his casket was found later served as the venue of his dargah (tomb), built by his devotees. Haji Ali Dargah is situated on an islet, in the middle of Worli Bay, located off the coast of Worli. It is visited by a large number of devotes every day. The rush particularly swells on Thursdays and Fridays.

The 500-yard causeway that leads to the Haji Ali Mosque is not surrounded by railings. Since it is lashed by sea waves, one can visit the dargah only when the tide is low. The location of the mosque serves as one of the major attractions luring tourists here. With the sea forming as the backdrop, Haji Ali becomes a sight to behold. The entire structure is spread over an area of around 4,500 m and stands adorned with an 85 foot high tower. Inside the mosque complex, one finds the tomb supported by a magnificent silver frame.

This early 18th century shrine contains the tomb of a Muslim Sufi saint ‘Haji Ali’ . There are two local legends which claim to trace the hazrath’s antecedents. One story has it that Haji Ali was a rich , local businessman who gave up materialism after a visit to Mecca and then took up meditation.

Another legend says that he was an Afghan mystic who lived and meditated here. He specifically ordered that after his death , his casket should be cast off into the sea off the shore of what is today Pakistan. However , the casket surfaced intact at the spot where the shrine is today.

Haji Ali Mosque, The Haji Ali shrine is located on a small island on the Arabian Sea. There is a walkway which connects the shore to the shrine. This walkway is the only way to enter the shrine and it can be used only during low tides. High tides and monsoon rains completely cover the walkway. Inside the shrine there is a courtyard which normally sports a festive, talkative atmosphere.

The structure has typical white, Mughal domes and minarets. Although it is a famous Muslim pilgrimage site, non-Muslim visitors are welcomed. The shrine looks its best when seen from the shore silhouetted against the setting sun.

The structure is a slim solitary minaret. It is linked to the mainland by a tenuous causeway, which is practically nonnegotiable during rough monsoon, tides. Behind the sculpted entrance, a marble courtyard contains the central shrine. Hundreds of worshippers stoop to press their forehead against the richly brocaded red and green chaddar covering the tomb, lying in an exquisite silver frame supported by marble pillars and is decorated with artful mirror work: blue, green, yellow chips of glass arranged in kaleidoscopic patterns interspersed with Arabic patterns which spell the ninety-nine names of Allah.

The saint came to India with the permission of his mother with his brother and finally reached the Shores of Bombay - near Worli or at some place opposite the present tomb. His brother went to their native place. Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari {R.A} sent a letter with him to their mother informing her that he was keeping good health and that he had decided to reside at that place permanently for spreading Islam and that she should forgive him. Till his death he was praying and giving knowledge about Islam to the people and devotees regularly visiting him.

Haji Ali is a handsome example of Islamic architecture standing on an island. In fact, this holy place is visited by many devotees as well as visitors who are attracted by the beauty of the site. The widespread belief is that whoever prays to the deity here is never disappointed. A number of pilgrims come here for thanksgiving. Pir Haji Ali’s Shahs sister also followed her brother’s footsteps and became his companion in ascetic suffering. There is a mausoleum built for her a little distance away on Worli Bay.

History of Dargah : This monument has been sentinel to the shores of Bombay since a long time. 500 yards into the sea from the shore. The dargah was built by Haji Usman Rangikar, the man who owned the ship that took pilgrims to Mecca.

The road leading to Dargah from Lala Lajpat Rai Rd up to the gate of Haji Ali Dargah Complex was constructed in 1944,by the trust fund. The building called Kawwal khanna, Ladies rest shade, Laterine and the Bldg for resident presently called Mashriqui and Maghribi manzil and the gate of Dargah Complex was constructed in between 1948 and 1982 out of the trust fund.

The Dargah and Mosque was reconstructed, remodeled and renovated  between 1960 and 1964 by the Trustees out of the Trust fund. The new sanatorium building was constructed by demolishing the old ground floor structure for sanitarium between 1978 and 1982 out of the trust fund. Widening and increasing the height in between 1984 and 1990 by the Trust fund reconstructed the road leading to Dargah from Lala Lajpat Rai Marg to the gate of Haji Ali Dargah complex.

The Kinara masjid was also developed and reconstructed from time to time on the space {Ottla} available since last 300 years by the Trust fund. The Trustees fixed the road lights by the side of pathway by the Trust fund for the beautification and convenience of public, from time to time. “AMEEN”.