Shaykh Mohammad Ali Humayun Hanif Naqshbandi Mujaddidi was born in Karachi in November 1962. After completing his O Levels at Karachi Grammar School, he pursued business studies and later joined his family’s textile enterprise.
His father, Mohammad Hanif Dost Mohammad, was a distinguished industrialist and renowned philanthropist. He served as the founder and president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) as well as the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA).
By profession, Shaykh Humayun Hanif was an entrepreneur, managing businesses across a diverse range of industries – from manufacturing and services to retail. He also serves as a patron and member of the Board of Governors of Liaquat National Hospital, one of the largest private hospitals in the country. At the age of 50, he retired from his professional engagements to devote himself fully to spiritual work.
In 1989, Shaykh Humayun Hanif began attending dhikr gatherings conducted by Hazrat Maulana Shamsur Rehman Al Abbasi, who nurtured within him a deep yearning for the love of Allah. In 1991, he entered into bay‘ah (the spiritual oath of allegiance) at his hands. In 1994, Hazrat Maulana Shamsur Rehman Al Abbasi granted him ijazah (authorization) as a spiritual master in the Naqshbandiyya Sufi order, and appointed him as his first khalifa (spiritual successor).
He has travelled widely across the world and spent time in the company of many renowned scholars and saints. Shaykh Humayun Hanif also received authorization from Dr. Ismail Memon Madni, a khalifa of Shaykh al-Hadith Maulana Mohammad Zakariya Kandhalvi, in the Naqshbandiyya, Chishtiyya, Qadiriyya, and Suhrawardiyya orders. Additionally, Hazrat Maulana Ishaq Sajid, khalifa of Mowlana Ali Murtaza of Gadei Shareef, granted him authorization in the Naqshbandiyya, Chishtiyya, Qadiriyya, Suhrawardiyya, and Shadhiliyya orders.
Shaykh Humayun Hanif’s vision is to purify hearts and connect individuals to Allah by following the path of His Final Messenger ﷺ. He emphasizes Islam as a complete way of life (Deen), not merely a set of rituals. Through his own example, he demonstrates adherence to the Shariah in both its outward and inward dimensions – encompassing faith, action, character, and conduct, and thereby harmonizing the spiritual and practical aspects of human life as guided by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
His students come from all walks of life, and he encourages them to remain in regular contact for guidance. He strives to bring about positive transformation in every aspect of their lives, emphasizing that they become “active Muslims” in both their spiritual and worldly affairs.
Weekly dhikr gatherings and lectures on Tasawwuf are held at Khanqah-e-Shamsia in Karachi, Pakistan. The khanqah also provides a separate, Shariah-compliant arrangement for women.