Hazrat Syed Ali Mira Daatar of Gujarat: The Saint Known for Healing and Protection

By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam 19 July 2025 Hazrat Syed Ali Mira Datar was a Hussaini lineage Sufi warrior‑saint. Martyred in battle at Mandavgad, his shrine at Unava, Gujarat is famed for healing and exorcism. He continues to attract devotees across faiths. Main Points: 1. Brave Hussaini lineage warrior‑saint martyred at Mandavgad 2. Born in Ahmedabad, spiritual Noor visible since infancy 3. Battle participation began only after showing his bride 4. Shrine at Unava draws cross‑faith devotees seeking healing 5. Urs held annually, major rituals: luban, sandal, Sama ----- Introduction Hazrat Syed Ali Mira Daatar, affectionately called Mira (brave) Datar (giver), is revered as both a bold warrior and a spiritual guide. Born into a respected Hussaini Sayyed family in 1426 CE, he devoted himself to serving Islam, ultimately sacrificing his life in defense of justice. His shrine in Unava, Gujarat, remains a beacon for those afflicted by spiritual or health challenges. Early Life & Family Background Hazrat Sayyed Ali was born 4 August 1426 CE (29 Ramadan 879 AH) in Ahmedabad, to Abu Ali Syed Shah Dost Muhammad, a commander under Sultan Ahmed Shah, and Aisha Bibi alias Jannati Maa. His paternal grandfather, Hazrat Syed Shah Muhammad Ilmuddin, had migrated from Bukhara Shareef and also served as a commander and preacher. Hazrat Syed Ali was the youngest sibling; his elder brother was Hazrat Syed Abu Mohammed, married to Syeda Bibi Kubra, and had nephews like Hazrat Syed Shah Murtaza Miya. His mother passed when he was about 10 months old, leaving him to be raised by his grandmother, grandmother-in-law and grandfather. From infancy, his face shone with noor (spiritual light), and he displayed a miraculous signs once miraculously obtaining milk for feeding. Under his grandfather’s tutelage, he studied Hadith, Quran, and Sunnah, growing into a devout and compassionate soul whose prayers were said to be answered swiftly. Bay‘ah & Teaching Though Hazrat Syed Ali Mira Daatar was not affiliated with a formal Sufi order, he embodied the Hussaini spiritual tradition emphasising selfless service, deep devotion, and martial valour. His grandfather and father acted as his spiritual guides, instilling devotion to Hazrat Imam Husain. From youth, he was regarded as a Wali-Allah (friend of God), with devotees believing his prayers had healing power. He taught through example, performing ritual worship punctually on the battlefield and resolving believers’ issues with spiritual insight. Battle & Martyrdom At age 18, during the prolonged conflict at Mandavgad Fort, Hazrat Syed Ali left his wedding ceremonies to join the fight, fulfilling a divine mandate to liberate oppressed people. Riding with a small troop, he used both spiritual and martial strength; his sincerity in prayer even prompted enemy soldiers to convert. In the climactic fight, the tyrannical ruler beheaded Hazrat Syed Ali Mira Daatar, According to shrine tradition, it is believed that Hazrat Syed Ali Mira Daatar, even after martyrdom, miraculously struck down the tyrant and defeated the enemy, chopping the tyrant’s life-linked ‘choti’ (hair lock). Discovery & Burial Following instructions delivered in his grandfather’s dream, Hazrat Syed Ilmuddin led an expedition to Lohani cave, retrieved the body, and transported it to Unava, where a camel miraculously refused to move—marking the burial spot. The shrine now stands over that site, complete with his Miswak used at his final prayer. Khalifa & Succession The shrine is administered by claimed descendants of Ali Mira Datar, over 700 Mujawirs and Khuddaam (caretakers), including one of the current Gaddi Nasheen, Hazrat Syed Abid Miyan. Eleven family Mazars are venerated in the upper sanctum, marking prominent descendants and attendants. Shrine & Ritual Practices Located in Unava village, 90 km from Ahmedabad, the Dargah Sharif is a syncretic space with both Hindu and Muslim devotees seeking relief from black magic, demonic possession, mental illness, and unexplained ailments. Daily rituals including Luban (frankincense) and Sandal Mubarak (sandalwood paste) take place at dawn and in the evening—believed to bring healing. There are extraordinary practices: spirit-trance exorcisms, devotees chained in spiritual duress, and large numbers of psychiatric sufferers transformed through ritual. Urs, Festivals & Miracles Hazrat Syed Ali Mira Daatar’s Urs is commemorated annually from 25 Muharram to 5 Safar, peaking on 29 Muharram, the day of his martyrdom, with Sama (Qawwali) sessions, flag hoisting, Chadar offerings, and sandal ceremonies. Born and martyred on moon-lit nights 29 Ramadan and 29 Muharram hence birthday and Urs are celebrated with lanterns, bathing, and special rituals. Numerous documented miracles include: Resurrecting a boy from death at Delhi railway station. Restoring eyesight via nocturnal spiritual surgery. Removing snakes implanted by black magic from the afflicted. Death & Legacy Hazrat Syed Ali Mira Daatar’s death cemented his saintly stature; his shrine at Unava now functions as a syncretic healing center, attracting lakhs of devotees yearly. The management by his progeny ensures continued observance of centuries-old rituals. The shrine serves not only as a mausoleum but also as a community hub—offering lodging, charity, and spiritual counsel for those afflicted physically or mentally. His legacy permeates Indian Sufism, echoing values of interfaith harmony, spiritual resilience, and grassroots healing. Conclusion Hazrat Syed Ali Mira Datar stands as a powerful symbol a young Hussaini warrior embraced as a Sufi healer whose sacrifice empowered liberation. His life bridges devotion, bravery, and deep empathy. Centuries later, his shrine remains a living testament: a place of hope for sufferers across faiths, and a reminder of the enduring potency of faith-infused action. ---- Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumni of CCS University, Meerut. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hazrat-daatar-saint-healing/d/136221 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism