15/09/1928 – 06/05/2012

S. Umar Shafi Haji holds a special place in the hearts of Puttur residents, known for his unwavering dedication to mosque activities and business endeavors. Despite starting with little capital, he achieved remarkable success in commerce, all while maintaining a humble and serious demeanor. Umar Shafi Haji, was often seen dressed in white with a distinct handkerchief tied around his head.

Born on September 15, 1928, to Ahmad Beary and Hawwa in Salumara, Parpakaje, near Mani, Bantwala Taluk, Umar Shafi Haji’s connection with his birthplace was reflected in the initial “S” of Salumara forever associated with his name. He received his early education at Barimaru Government School in Bantwala Taluk and pursued religious studies at a madrasa affiliated with Badria Juma Masjid in Kodaje.

Umar Shafi Haji, the sixth son of Ahmed Beary, hailed from a family of sharecroppers whose livelihood relied on paddy and groundnut cultivation for generations. However, Umar Shafi was drawn to business from a young age. With a vision for growth beyond his village, he relocated to Puttur at 18 and initiated a dry fish trade near the old police station. His ventures diversified into coconut and banana trading, jeans, and forest products.

His reputation for honesty and integrity propelled his success, leading him to establish a new business near Puttur Bus Stand in 1970. Here, he flourished as a prominent retailer and buyer of nuts and forest goods. Additionally, he invested in land in Salumara, his hometown, generously distributing it among his siblings. Starting from scratch, Umar Shafi expanded his business empire, operating under the banner of “Umar Shafi and Sons Traders” with ventures like Shalimar Chaha Hudi and Shafi Transport.

He not only found success in business but also became a prominent figure in the Puttur-Sulya Taluk region for over three decades. After marrying Aisha from Kantadka near Vitla, he settled in Kabaka village near Puttur and built his own home in Karjal at Manjapadaru.

Investing in community welfare, he purchased 30 cents of land in Karjal and constructed the Khilria Juma Masjid. Serving as the President of Puttur Central Juma Masjid for nearly 37 years, he played a vital role in the development of mosques and madrasas associated with the central Juma Masjid.

Furthermore, he acquired 12 acres of land in Salmara, Puttur, where he established a mosque and a Yatim Khana (orphanage). Collaborating with his colleague Kumbra Mammunhi Haji, they laid a strong foundation for the care, nutrition, and education of numerous orphans in the community.

Umar Shafi Haji, during his two-decade tenure as the president of the historic Kallega Juma Masjid in Puttur, oversaw the reconstruction of the old mosque, which boasts a rich history spanning centuries. He also chaired the Seerat Committee of Puttur for many years and served as the President of the Puttur Traders Association.

Having performed Hajj four times, Umar Shafi Haji was blessed with three sons and five daughters. His sons are now carrying forward the trade and business endeavors initiated by their father. Born and raised in a humble farming family, Umar Shafi Haji exceeded expectations in business and commerce, while remaining actively engaged in religious and social endeavors from a young age. He passed away at the age of 84 on May 6, 2012.