An exquisite example of Indo-Islamic architecture, associated with legends about doomed lovers, the dargah contains the tomb of Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.

[5] According to legends[6] surrounding his life, once the saint saw a poor woman crying on the road, holding an empty vessel.

[7] Later, Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari had a recurring and disturbing dream that he had injured Earth by his act.

Then with the permission of his mother, he traveled to India with his brother and finally reached the shore of Mumbai – near Worli or at some place opposite the present tomb.

Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari sent a letter with him to their mother informing her that he was keeping good health and that he had decided to reside at that place permanently for the spread of Islam and that she should forgive him.

[7] The dargah is built on a tiny islet located 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the coast, in the Haji Ali Bay, in the vicinity of Worli.

The islet is linked to the city precinct of Mahalakshmi by a narrow causeway, which is nearly one kilometre (zero point six two miles) long.

As of 2009[update], the six-hundred-year-old[9] dargah structure was subject to constant erosion, due to saline winds and the impact of c. 80,000 visitors per week.

[citation needed] The 'Haji Ali for all' is a feminist movement launched by Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan[13] and Bhumata Brigade to secure equal 'right to pray', near sanctum sanctorum (or traditional patriarchal prohibited areas).