Thangal was the thirtieth grandson of Sayyid Husain. His family came from Tarim of Hadhramaut, where they were regarded as prominent spiritual leaders in their community. Sayyid Alavi was born to Sayyid Muhammed bin Sahl Alhussainy and Fathima in Hijri 1166 in Tarim, Kathiri State of Seiyun in Hadhramaut. His maternal aunt took care of him during his early childhood.
His uncles, Hasan Jifri and Sheik Jifri, left for Malabar for the sake of propagation and influenced the natives of Malabar. At the age of 17, Sayyid left Sheharmukalla for the coast of Malabar by ship and reached Calicut in Hijra 1183 Ramadan 19. Later, he settled in Mambaram and Arabi Thangal. He became famous after he had done it during the early period of his settlement in Malabar. He predicted the arrival of communism in Kerala, even before the writings of the Communist Manifesto. He said to his disciple Avukoya about future events: When the British leave the country, our people will be in danger and will be affected by poverty in their lives and poverty in their spirituality.
Family life
Sayyid Alavi married Fatima, daughter of Jamaludin Maqdoomi, at Hijra in 1183. He stayed for a short period in his bride's house but later shifted to a permanent maliyakal house near Mamburam Juma Masjid. He had two daughters with his spouse: Sharifa Alaviya and Sharifa, the latter of whom was also known as Kunhbivi. After Fatima's death, he married the daughter of Sayyid Aboobacker Madani of Kovl Kandi Ambarkand of Koyilandy, also named Fatima. He had one son in this relationship, Fazal Pookoya Thangal. At the age of 50, he married Ayisha from Tanur and had two more daughters, Swaliha and Fathima. After the death of his third wife, he married Swalaiha from Indonesia.
Spiritualism
Sayyid Alavi followed the Ba'alawi Thareeqath, sub-branch of Quadriya Thareeqath, related to the saintAbdul-Qadir Gilani. He was recognized as Qutub Zaman by Sunni Islam. He suggested spiritual treatment for his disciples as well as infidels that consulted him. He was consulted for personal and social issues and was considered the greatest leader on the horizon of the spiritual world. There was a huge crowd follower for this prodigy. He provided elas.
Sayyid Alavi in the path of struggle
When the Mappilasattacked under the guidance of Sayyid Alavi, the British government felt threatened. Sayyid Alavi provided soldiers with guns and sophisticated weapons to arm the new generation for war. He was the founder of Cherur pada and inspired youngsters to fight against the British government.
Death
Sayyid Alavi Mouladaveela became ill in 1259 following an injury to his leg. Many doctors and vaidyars treated him, but he died on Sunday 1260 Muharram 7 in Malabar, Madras State, British India. He was buried in Mambaram.
