Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (1817 – 1899) was an Indian Muslim Sufi scholar of the Chishti Sufi order. His disciples include Muhammad Qasim Nanautawi, Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, and Ashraf Ali Thanwi. In the Indian Rebellion of 1857, he led the Muslims in Thana Bhawan to fight against British.

Early life

Imdadullah Muhaajir Makki was born in Nanauta, British India in 1817. His father Muhammad Amīn named him Imdad Hussain. However, Shah Muhammad Ishaq gave him the name of Imdādullah. Aged seven, Imdādullah lost his mother who wrote her will that none shall touch her kid after her, and kept Imdādullah more beloved to her in those seven years; this became a hurdle that no one took care of Imdādullah's education. He then started memorizing the Quran on his own but failed to do so. Aged 16, he traveled to Delhi with Mamluk Ali Nanautawi to seek education.

Religious work and travels

At the age of eighteen, his bay'at was accepted by Nasiruddin Naqshbandi. Later he went to study under Mianji (Noor Mohammad Jhanjhanvi), as an initiate of the Chishti-Sabiri Sufi order, but after Mianji's death he temporarily became a semi-recluse. After wandering in the wilderness for six months he was overcome by a strong urge to travel to Medina. On 7 December 1845, he arrived at Banares. From there, he departed for Ottoman Arabia for Hajj and pilgrimage of the tomb of shrine of Muhammad. After the completion of his hajj, Imadadullah remained with Ishaq Muhajir Makki and others. Shah informed him that, after his pilgrimage to Medina, he should return to India. Sayyid Qudratullah Banarasi Makki sent several of his murids to accompany him to Medina.

Freedom struggle against the British

In Thana Bhawan, the local Sunnis declared Imdadullah their leader. In May 1857 the Battle of Shamli took place between the forces of Imdadullah and the British.

Disciples

Disciples include:

Marriages

Imdadullah married for the first time at the age of 48. After the death of his first wife, he married a blind widow. Because she was blind, she could not manage all household work, so she requested him to take another wife so all household work. Imdadullah then married for the third time. None of his three wives bore him children.

Literary works

His books include:

Death and legacy

Imdadullah died at Mecca in 1899. He was buried in the Jannat al-Mu'alla cemetery besides the grave of Rahmatullah Kairanwi. His biographical works include: Imdadul Mustaq Ila Asraful Akhlaq by Ashraf Ali Thanwi, Shamaem Emdadiya by Muhammad Murtaza Khan Qanauji.