Humaithara

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Humaithara (Arabic: حميثرة), also spelled Humaisara or Al Maithara and known locally as Sheikh Shazily, is a small desert town in Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate. It lies in a hollow surrounded by hills and is famous for the Shrine of Imam Shadhili (Imām Nūr al-Dīn Abū al-Ḥasan ʻAlī al-Shādhilī). The main tomb building was constructed in 1259 CE, soon after Shadhili’s death, and the shrine was enlarged later as more pilgrims came.

Many important visitors have come here, including Imam Fassi of Mecca, the second al-Shadhili, and his 21st khalifah, founder of the Fassiya branch of the Shadhili order. Leaders from Mecca’s Bait Al Fassi also visited the shrine in Humaithara. There is a well outside the shrine; it is said Shadhili gargled water and poured it into this well the day before his death. The water never dries up and serves the local villages.

Humaithara is one of Egypt’s driest and hottest places. The nearest airports are Marsa Alam and Aswan, and there are bus connections from Cairo, Aswan, and Marsa Alam. Taxis and rickshaws are not available in the town.

Population was about 4,218 in 2012. Time zone is UTC+2 (or UTC+3 in summer).