Shaik Mohammed Zafir

Shaik Mohammed Zafir(1828-1903 )
Born in Misrata district in Derne near Tripoli,Libya 1244/1828.
Member of Madani branch of the shadhiliyya order
His full name is Shaikh Mohammed Zafir b.Mohammed Hasan b.Hamza Zafir al-Madani at Trablusi al-Magribi asha-shirazi.
His father is Mohammed hasan Zafir al Madani,his mother's name is Kamer

He received private lessons from his father.
stayed in Misrata up to 19_20 agesFollowing his basic education he went to Tunus,Algeria and Egypt He then moved to Medina,he took lessons from scholars of the region.
After completing his education he returned to Tripoli and stayed there until age of 43.
He then became the successor of the Madani branch of shadhiliyya order.
Meanwhile,his brother Hamza Zafir came to Istanbul.he was introduced to Pertevniyal Valide Sultan (mother of Sultan Abdulaziz) by the governor of Tripoli,Mahmud Nedimpasha(d.1300/1883).
when she declared her willingness to join the order,Hamza Zafir told her that his brother is the one toconsult for that.
And advised him to be invitedto Istanbul.So,Shaikh Zafir came to Istanbul in 1287/1870 during Abdulaziz era.
Ahouse near Unkapami has been assigned to him.
He soon started giving lessons there.
Abdulhamid II met him first there in one of the gatherings in disguise.
He admired Shaikh Zafiri alot.
Shaikh Zafiri carried on there gatherings there for 3 years.
He married a woman from Sultan's palace in 1290/1873.And he went to Medina with the purpose of retiring into seculution.
In 1293/1876 Abdulhamid II came to power.
Shaikh Zafiri was invited to the capitol once more.
He started ritual and litany(dhikr) accoring to Shadhiliyya way in Yildiz Hamidiye mosque.
Ertugrul Tekkesi was built by the Sultan as a sign of his admiration to Shaikh Zafiri.
In that way.
Shadhiliyya order had the chance of opening its first tekke in Ottomanterritory.
Shaikh Zafiri wanted to go back to him country (Libya) three times but the Sultan did not allow him. So he stayed in Istanbul until he passed away in 1321/1903.
Shaikh Zafiri influenced many of the important characters of his age.
Among his disciples worth to mention are Tunuslu Hayreddin Pasha,Mohammed Abduh and Cemaleddin Efgani.Shaikh Mohammed B.Aziz,Ahmed Zafir,Ibrahim Zafir are some ofhis successors.
His wife Deblec Hanum died 1330/1912 and buried in his tomb Shaikh Zafiri had 14 boys 9 daughters.
His works
1.Al-Envaru'l Kudsiyya fih Tenzih-i Turuki'l kavmi'l Aliyye
2.an-Nuru's Satu ve'l Burhanu'l kati
3.Akrabu'l vesail li-idraki maali muntehabi'r resail
4.al-Vazifetu'z Zafiriyye .

I've been There for the first time in my Life with my family, I met Shaikh Ozair and his daughter Zeynab.
Shaikh Ozair he is the Emam of the Mosque beside the Takia
He was generous man ,Proud to meet him and I wish we can see him again

A.A.Basher.Zafir Al Madani