Shams al-Hassan

Shams al-Hassan al-Ma’ali (circa 1870–?) was a prominent Sufi mystic and scholar of the Naqshbandi order. Born in Danapur, Bihar, he belonged to a distinguished lineage, tracing his ancestry to Imam Taj Faqih, a descendant of Az-Zubayr ibn Abd al-Muttalib, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He was also a cousin of Shah Akbar Danapuri, a noted figure in Sufi scholarship.

Shams al-Hassan received his spiritual training under Maulana Mufti Aziz al-Rahman, who guided him in the Abulolai branch of the Naqshbandi order. His commitment to spiritual development took him to Agra, where he sought guidance from the Sufi luminaries of the region. Agra remained a significant center for his teachings and practices.

He was known for his strong spiritual presence and dedication to the principles of the Naqshbandi order, emphasizing silent dhikr and self-purification. His influence extended through his disciples and family, particularly his son, Shah Aziz al-Hassan, who became a respected scholar and teacher.

Shams al-Hassan al-Ma’ali’s life is remembered among the communities of Agra and Danapur, where his spiritual contributions continue to be acknowledged through oral traditions and familial accounts.