Shaykh Shukri ibn Ahmad ibn ‘Ali ibn Ahmad al-Luhafi al-Hanafi (1920-2015 CE) was a distinguished Syrian Islamic scholar, renowned for his profound humility, asceticism, and mastery of various Islamic sciences. Born in Damascus, he began memorizing the Qur’an at the age of nine and continued his Islamic studies at the Faculty of Shari’a in Damascus University, completing his high school education in 1948.

From a young age, Shaykh Shukri embraced the Shādhilī-Darqāwī-Hāshimī spiritual path under the guidance of Shaykh Muḥammad al-Hāshimī (1881-1961 CE). His spiritual stature was widely recognized; Shaykh Muhammad al-Ya’qoūbī famously referred to him as ‘The Pole of Humility’ (al-Qutb al-Tawādhu’), while others remarked, “If you want to see a living example of the Companions, look at him!” Many who met him described an immense illumination radiating from his face, a testament to his deep spiritual realization.

Beyond his spiritual eminence, Shaykh Shukri was an erudite scholar, a master of the ten canonical readings of the Qur’an, and a highly respected calligrapher. Despite his significant scholarly achievements and leadership of the Shadhuli Tariqa in Damascus after the passing of Shaykh Mustafa, he remained remarkably humble. He was known for his simple lifestyle, choosing a path of voluntary poverty and immense generosity towards the less fortunate, a conscious decision to align himself with the great ascetics. His humility was not just an outward mannerism but a deep internal state that permeated his entire being, influencing even his posture. He would often engage in acts of service, such as serving water at gatherings or tidying shoes at the mosque, embodying the essence of humility and selfless devotion.