| Syed Shah Mohammed Hussaini | |
| Native Name: | سید شاہ محمد حسینی |
| Birth Date: | 29 December 1922 |
| Birth Place: | Hyderabad, Hyderabad State, British India |
| Death Place: | Hyderabad, India |
| Known For: | Sufi scholar, educationalist, social worker |
| Nationality: | Indian |
| Occupation: | Scholar, educator, Sajjada Nashin |
| Sajjada Nashin of Dargah Khwaja Banda Nawaz | |
| Awards: | Padma Shri (2004) |
| Spouse: | Moinjahan Begum |
| Children: | 5, including Syed Shah Khusro Hussaini |
| Parents: | Syed Shah Muhammad Al Hussaini |
| Organization: | Khwaja Education Society |
| Notable Works: | Establishment of educational institutions in Gulbarga |
Syed Shah Mohammed Hussaini (29 December 1922 – 30 March 2007) was an Indian Sufi scholar, educational philanthropist, and social worker. He was the Sajjada Nashin (custodian) of the Dargah of Khwaja Banda Nawaz in Gulbarga, Karnataka. Known for his contributions to promoting education and community welfare, he established several educational institutions through the Khwaja Education Society.
Hussaini was born on 29 December 1922 in Hyderabad and belonged to a family deeply rooted in Sufi traditions. He assumed the role of Sajjada Nashin at a young age, succeeding in the spiritual leadership of the Khwaja Banda Nawaz Dargah, one of South India's significant Sufi centers.[1]
In the late 1950s, recognizing the educational needs of the region, Hussaini founded the Khwaja Education Society. Under his leadership, the society launched numerous institutions, including the Khwaja Banda Nawaz Medical College, Engineering College, and various schools, with a focus on providing access to modern education while preserving religious values. This initiative expanded educational opportunities in Gulbarga and beyond, emphasizing disciplines such as engineering, medicine, and the humanities.[1]
Apart from his educational initiatives, Hussaini served as a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council from 1990 to 1996[2] and held a vice-presidential role in the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. He was a respected figure across various Sufi and religious communities, with his work focused on fostering unity and welfare within the community.[1]
In 2004, Hussaini received the Padma Shri in the field of Literature and Education, one of India’s highest civilian honors, acknowledging his contributions to education and public service.[3] [1] [4] [5]
Hussaini passed away on 30 March 2007 at age 85. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Syed Shah Khusro Hussaini, as Sajjada Nashin. His legacy includes a broad network of educational institutions and a commitment to public service, which has influenced both the local community and broader Indian society.[6] [1] [7]