Draft:Shia Community In Manchar

The Manchar Shia community traces its origins back to the year 1600 CE when a Sayyid named Imran, also known as Muhammad Madni, migrated from Arabia to India during the Abbasid Caliphate. He was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and was part of the twenty-second lineage from Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib, and from the Ishaq the fourth son of Ja'far al-Sadiq.

The Family tree of Sayyad Imraan urf Mohammad Madni (Auliyadada)

Imam Ali Ibne Abu Alib
- Imam Hussain Ibne Ali
  - Imam Ali Ibne Hussain
    - Imam Mohammad Baqir
      - Imam Jafar Ali Saqid
        Ishaq Ibne Jafar Al Sadiq
        Sayyad Nasruddin
        Sayyad Baqir
        Sayyad Ahemad
        Sayyad Abbas
        Sayyad Safi
        Sayyad Hussain
        Sayyad Hisamuddin
        Sayyad Abdullah
        Sayyad Jamal
        Sayyad Nurullah
        Sayyad Murtuza
        Sayyad Jafar
        Sayyad Ishaq
        Sayyad Hussain
        Sayyad Qasam
        Sayyad Abu Talib
        Sayyad Imran Urf Mohammad Madni

Early Life and Migration

The exact date of Imran's birth remains unknown, but he passed away on the 11th of Ramadan, 1015 Hijri, corresponding to January 9, 1607, CE. Sayyid Imran traveled to various places in India, including Manchar. There are differing opinions regarding the location of his original grave: one asserts it is in Manchar, where an ancient shrine known as the Auliya Dada Dargah has been established; the other suggests that his grave is in Ullal, Karnataka, with the Manchar shrine serving merely as a place where he would rest.

Sayyid Imran was highly respected not only by the Shia community but also by people of different religious backgrounds due to his exemplary character. Known for his integrity, wisdom, and dedication to social harmony, he garnered respect across Manchar. His interactions and conduct set a strong moral standard, and his influence remains revered in the community to this day.

While engaging in his daily work, Sayyid Imran was also committed to spreading the teachings of Islam, particularly the Shia faith. Through his outreach and teachings, many people embraced Shia Islam, contributing to the early growth of the Shia community in the region. However, detailed records and documentation from Sayyid Imran's time are limited, making it challenging to reconstruct a complete historical account of his activities and contributions.

Detailed Investigation of His Grave

The first opinion regarding Sayyid Imran's grave in Manchar is supported by a group of his descendants who undertook extensive genealogical research. They had heard from their elders that Sayyid Imran's original burial place was elsewhere. This led them to form a collective investigation beginning in 2000 CE, traveling to locations such as AliPur, Mysore, and Ullal in search of his grave. They found no significant burial site in those areas, leading to frustration among the researchers.

During their search, they came across a crucial book titled "Tajkirat al-Ansab," authored by Maulana Fazil Azl Alim Akmal and published in Nashik in 1883. This book contained detailed accounts of Sayyid Imran's lineage and significant mentions of his burial. Through this book, they discovered that Sayyid Imran passed away on the 11th of Ramadan, 1015 Hijri, and was indeed buried in Manchar, affirming the local tradition that his grave is located at the Auliya Dada Dargah. This confirmation solidified their findings and marked the culmination of a twelve-year effort to establish the truth about their ancestor's resting place.

To further substantiate their claims, they gathered ancient genealogical documents, with one notable genealogy chart dating back to 1910, compiled by Sayyid Fazle Hussain Mir Hussain Shahzade Inamdar Mukim Manchar. This historical documentation played a vital role in validating their ancestral lineage and connection to Sayyid Imran.

Current Demographics

Today, the Shia community in Manchar is a vibrant and growing population. They reside in various neighborhoods, including:

Kazipura: The largest concentration, housing more than 50% of the Shia population.
Hussainabad
Gore Ka Bada
Kadu Badu Ka Bada
Jamadar Galli

Approximately 65% of the Shia population comprises Sayyids, and within this group, around 90-95% are descendants of Sayyid Imran. The remaining 35% consists of non-Sayyids, many of whom have migrated to Manchar from other regions.

Socio-Economic Structure

The majority of the Shia community in Manchar is involved in occupations such as truck driving, fabrication, and farming. Many members are self-employed, owning their vehicles, shops, and agricultural land, which significantly contributes to the local economy.

Cultural Diversity

The Shia community in Manchar is diverse, comprising various clans and groups, such as Meer, Jamadar, Sayyad, Gore, Mirza, Shaikh, and Jafri. Despite their different backgrounds, these groups coexist harmoniously, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the community.

Cultural Practices

The Manchar Shia community actively commemorates several important events throughout the year, including:

Ashura
Arbaeen
Eid-e-Ghadir
Birthdays of Hazrat Muhammad and Imam Jafar al-Sadiq

Several imambarghas (places of Majlis & Mahefil) serve as cultural hubs, with the most notable being Roshan Bangla, built by Mir Roshan Ali, and Safeed Bada, constructed by Mir Abdul Ali. These spaces not only provide a venue for religious observances but also strengthen community bonds.

Conclusion

The Manchar Shia community stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious history of the region. Through its traditions, genealogical research, and unity among diverse groups, the community maintains its heritage and continues to thrive.