Shah Ali Akbar, a direct descendant of Shamsuddin Sabzwari, an early propagator of Isma'ili Islam in South Asia, had his ministry thrive in the mid-16th century.

[1] A 1585 foundation stone on his tomb, coupled with oral traditions, suggest Ali Akbar personally funded the tomb, indicating significant personal wealth and probable favorable relations with local authorities, suggesting some level of official acceptance of Ismai'li activities during this period.

[1] In a first for Multan, plaster was extensively used inside the tomb, mirroring the contemporary use at the Maryam Zamani mosque and Fatehpur Sikri.

[1] The architects, Ibrahim and Rajab, sons of Musa of Lahore, may have introduced this trend from one of the Mughal Empire's main cities.

[1] Initially, the tomb's interior plaster surfaces were adorned with high-quality murals and frescoes, which have suffered significant damage due to time and continuous exposure to pigeon droppings.