Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom

Hamza Makhdoom, popularly known as Makhdoom Sahib , was a Sufi mystic living in the Kashmir Valley. He is sometimes referred to as Mehboob-ul-Alam (literally, "beloved of the world") and Sultan-ul-Arifeen (literally, "king among those who know God").

Early life Hamza Makhdoom was born as Muhammad Hamza Raina in the village of Tujjar near Sopore in Baramulla district. He was son of Usman Raina and Bibi Maryam who came from a Chandravanshi Rajput family of the Raina clan. Allama Shams-ud-Din Pal, an eminent scholar who became known for his spiritual connection with Hamza Makhdoom. He later travelled to Mecca and is reported to have been buried in the cemetery of al-Baqiʿ in Medina. Mulla Ahmad Chagli, a Kashmiri scholar associated with his khanqah. Mir Hyder Tulmuli, a contemporary disciple who promoted his teachings locally. Baba Hardi Rishi and Shaikh Roopa Rishi, representatives of the indigenous Kashmiri Rishi tradition who became affiliated with him, reflecting his role in blending the Rishi movement with Sufi practices. Baba Naseeb ud Din Gazi, Mir Mohammad Afzal, Bayezid Shumnagi, Feroz Ganai, and Mohammad Ali Raina, who carried his teachings into different regions of Kashmir. Through these students, Hamza Makhdoom’s influence extended across the Valley

Death He died at the age of 82 in year 1576 (984 AH) in Srinagar.

Nearly fourteen years after his death, Akbar built a shrine there which was reconstructed during the Afghan rule by governor Atta Mohammad Khan around 1821 AD. The shrine, located on the southern slope of Hari Parbat Hill and popularly called Makhdoom Sahib and Hazrat Sultan, is an important pilgrimage centre in Kashmir.

Atta Mohammad Khan Barakzai in his honour issued coins bearing the names of Noor-ud-Din-Rishi and Hamza Makhdoom.