SHEIKH SADAQATHULLAH APPA

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 The Life and Legacy of Sheikh Sadaqathullah Appa (1632–1703)

A Scholar, Reformer, and a Poet of  Tamil and Arwi (arabu tamil)  from Tamil Nadu

Sheikh Sadaqathullah Appa was a distinguished Islamic scholar, reformer, and poet born in 1632 in Kayalpatnam, Tamil Nadu. He belonged to a noble family whose roots traced back to Egypt. His father, Sheikh Sulaiman Wali (1591–1668), was from Kilakarai, and his grandfather, Siddiq Nainar, was a devout man and a close disciple of the great Sufi saint Shahul Hameed Nagori.

From an early age, Sheikh Sadaqathullah showed a deep inclination toward religious learning. He traveled to Adirampattinam, where he studied under the renowned scholar Hazrath Abdul Khadar, also known as Chinna Labbai Aalim. After completing his education, he served in the same madarasa, dedicating himself to teaching and religious reform.

His tireless efforts greatly influenced the Muslim community in Kilakarai, where he played a key role in reviving Islamic teachings. He traveled extensively, spreading knowledge and spiritual guidance. On a notable journey to Delhi, he visited the historic Jama Masjid and had an audience with Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The emperor was deeply impressed by his scholarship and welcomed his input in the compilation of the Fatawa Alamgiri, a major Islamic legal text of the time.

Sheikh Sadaqathullah Appa also spent two years in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, where he taught numerous students. During his stay, he strongly opposed the use of tobacco in sacred places. On one occasion, he saw a respected individual smoking inside the Haram of Mecca and advised him to stop. When the person refused, Appa took firm action by stopping him physically. His strong stance, supported by his brothers, caught the attention of the Ottoman Sultan Murad, who eventually issued a ban on tobacco in the Haram.

After returning to India, he continued his mission by establishing mosques and madarsas in coastal regions. In addition to his scholarly and reformist contributions, Sheikh Sadaqathullah Appa was also a gifted poet. He wrote in Arabic and Arwi (Arabic-Tamil), earning him the title “Arabic Poet King of Tamil Nadu” (Tamizhathin Arabic Kaviarasar).

He passed away in 1703 and was laid to rest in the Kilakarai Jumma Masjid. Recognizing his legacy, Emperor Aurangzeb sent his courtier Dalpat Rao to construct a mausoleum in his honor.

Notable Works

Poetry:

  1. Vithriya

  2. Ya Khutba

  3. Ya Saiyyidi Shaikhi

  4. Subhana Moulood

Prose (on the Shafi'i school of Islamic jurisprudence):

  1. Hadya Shareef

  2. Ma'ani

The journey to learn about this remarkable scholar was long and fulfilling. A special thanks to the authors of the book "History of Urdu Literature in Tamil Nadu"—Janab Aleem Saba Navedi Sahib and Dr. Javida Habeeb—for shedding light on this inspiring figure.

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