Indo Islamic Heritage
.jpg)
.jpg)
The Hazrat Pir Muhammad Shah Library, situated on Pir Muhammad Shah Road in Pankore Naka, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is one of India's oldest libraries. Renowned for its historical and cultural significance, the library houses an impressive collection of rare and original manuscripts. These manuscripts span multiple languages, including Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Sindhi, and Turkish.
The library is situated within the sacred precincts of the tomb-shrine complex of Pir Muhammad Shah, a revered Sufi saint and scholar. Pir Muhammad Shah was born in Bijapur in 1688 and later migrated to Ahmedabad in 1711, where he spent the rest of his life until his passing in 1749. He was a prominent figure in the Qadiri Shattari Sufi order, which blends mystical teachings with a focus on spiritual devotion and inner enlightenment. The library holds immense historical and cultural significance, as it originated with the collection of books that Muhammad Shah himself brought from Arabia. Over time, his disciples enriched this foundational collection with rare and valuable books sourced from local regions and foreign lands, transforming it into a treasure trove of knowledge. For the past three decades, the library has been under the able leadership of Professor Mohyiuddin Bombaywala, a distinguished writer and scholar whose dedication has further enhanced its reputation as a center of learning. Another notable figure associated with the library was Dr. Ziauddin A. Desai, a renowned numismatist and scholar. Dr. Desai played a vital role in the library's governance and scholarly activities until his demise in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence. Their combined contributions have ensured that the library remains a beacon of intellectual and spiritual heritage, preserving the legacy of Pir Muhammad Shah and the Qadiri Shattari tradition.
Year of Built: 17th Century
Address: Pir Mohammad Shah Rd, Old City, Khadia, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Country: India
State: Gujarat
District: Ahmedabad
Pincode: 380001
Longitude: 72.5866
Latitude: 23.0263