HAZRATH
SHEIKH AHMED BADSHA PEER (R.A.) Hazrath
Sheikh Ahmed Badsha Peer R.A. arrived in colonial Natal from India in 1860 as
an indentured labourer and was posted to one of the sugar cane farms in the North
Coast. He was given an honourable discharge by the authorities when he was discovered
to be mystical. He had no family here and instead of returning to India he chose
to spend the rest of his life in Durban especially in the environs of the Grey
Street Juma Mosque and Badsha Peer Square (Brook Street Cemetery) . He also visited
his ex colleagues on the farms encouraging them to persevere and overcome their
hardships that they had to contend with in their working places and in their living
conditions. He advised them to complete their contracts and start a new life in
Natal. It seems he was ordained by Allah to sow the seeds of Islam in this part
of Africa. He also induced the local Muslims, many of them traders to improve
the quality of their Islamic life and warned them of the appearance of a spiritual
guide in the near future who would nurture and sustain the advancement of Islam
in South Africa. He was not taken seriously because of his outward 'untidy' appearance
and a carefree personality. His value lay in the forsaking of worldly pleasures
and being intoxicated in the love of Allah(majzoob). He passed away in 1895 and
was buried in the Brook Street Cemetery. Hazrath
Shah Goolam Muhammed Soofie Siddique R.A more popularly known as 'Soofie Saheb',
arrived in Durban from India in 1895. He was the personality who was frequently
being alluded by Hazrath Badsha Peer R.A as the guiding light of the future. Among
other deeds, he located the grave of Hazrath Badsha Peer R.A ,informed the people
of the esteemed greatness of the personality buried and held the first Urs Shareef,
a function that is still being maintained up to the present day. A
modest wood and iron structure was erected over the grave to give shelter to the
people who came to pay their respects. Over the years, this simple structure has
undergone a number of renovations. Hazrath
Soofie Saheb R.A linked Hazrath Badsha Peer R.A to the Qadiriya Order. His Pir
0 Murshid is not known. The Shijra Shareef of the Chistia Order is read at his
functions from the time of Hazrath Soofie Saheb R.A. 1895
- Hazrath Soofie Saheb (Radi Allahu Anhu) located the grave of Hazrath Badsha
Peer (Radi Allahu Anhu) in the Brook Street cemetery. He informed the people of
the greatness of the personality buried here. A wood and iron shelter was built
over the grave to cater for the devotees who came to pay their respects and receive
spiritual blessings and benefits. 1920
- This building was extended on all four sides by a verandah under a wood and
iron roof built from the base of the dome. 1938
- The roof of the verandah was concreted. Brick walls were added with doors and
windows.
1959
- The building was the object of a civil case that was instituted against the
Sajjada Nasheen in which the case was dissolved with costs in 1960 in his favour
.......'' 1978
- The interior of the Mazaar was completely renovated when it was partly destroyed
by fire, caused by vandalism.
2000
- Extensive renovations and additions to the Mazaar Shareef undertaken. The
Mazaar Shareef has been regularly maintained since the time of its existence.
Painting is done just before the annual Urs Shareef, which takes place at the
end of Safar. Renovations, repairs and refurbishments, especially to the interior,
are carried out from time to time. MAZAAR
SHAREEF IS SITUATED AT THE BROOK STREET CEMETERY (BADSHA PEER SQUARE) DURBAN
SOUTH AFRICA
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