Mahim Dargah in Mumbai holds public viewing of 600-yr-old copy of Quran | Mumbai News

Mumbai: The iconic Mahim Dargah held a ziyarat or public viewing of the over 600-year-old copy of the Quran on the intervening night of March 18 and 19 (Wednesday and Thursday). Hand-calligraphed by 14th century Sufi saint and renowned scholar Makhdoom Ali Faqih, also called Hazrat Pir Makhdoom Ali Mahimi, the Quran’s copy is in good shape and its ink miraculously look fresh, its pages are in good condition. “This Quran is among the prized possessions of the Dargah. The Quran was hand-calligraphed by Makhdoom Ali Mahimi. On the intervening night of 28th and 29th Ramzan we hold the public viewing of this rare gem,” said Sohail Khandwani, managing trustee of Mahim and Haji Ali Dargahs. “This has been over a century-old tradition,” he added. Khandwani added that Makhdoom Ali Mahimi was a leading scholar of his time and wrote several books, including a much-acclaimed commentary on the Quran. Joined by Khandwani’s son Mohammed Ali and other trustees, the annual viewing of the Quran saw hundreds of men and women turning up. “It gave us goosebumps as we came near the holy book. It is a miracle that the copy is in such a good condition and the ink looks so fresh,” said Sabir Sayed, director, operations, Mahim Dargah Trust.While a microfilm copy is ready, a digitalized version of the book is being prepared. Mahim Dargah draws lakhs of visitors every year. The annual Mahim Mela, held in honour of the saint. The first sandal comprising flowers, sandal wood paste and shawl is offered from the Mumbai police.