Shaykh Ahmad Ali

Born in Azad Kashmir in 1971 Shaykh Ahmad Ali came to the U.K. at the tender age of 6. Coming from a moderately practicing family, the odds were always stacked against him, but even as a young boy Shaykh displayed a yearning for deen.

His stubborn determination resulted in him completing the memorisation of the Holy Quran at the age of 14 under the supervision and guidance of his teachers at the local mosque, Masjid Quba. Having completed this great feat, the thirst for furthering his Islamic knowledge could no longer be quenched in the confines of the local mosque. Searching for more in 1986 Shaykh enrolled at Darul Uloom Al Arabiya Al Islamiya, Bury, the main nucleus of Islamic study in Europe at the time.

During his time in Darul Uloom, Shaykh excelled in his studies undertaking an intensive study of many Islamic sciences including Arabic, Quranic Tafseer, Hadeeth, Fiqh and Aqeedah under the supervision of Hadhrat Yusuf Motala Sahib.

After graduating from Darul Uloom Al Arabiya Al Islamiya in 1993 realising that the there was much more to be gained from the beauty of the Quran and Hadeeth, his insatiable hunger for knowledge still not satisfied, Shaykh left the confined borders of the United Kingdom and headed towards the Middle East, Madina. Here he studied at Al Jamiiyah al Islamiyah.

Following this 1n 1994 Shaykh moved on to the world famous Azhar University in Egypt, specialising in Hadeeth. Having journeyed through many lands in order to substantiate this zeal for knowledge, Shaykh returned to the U.K. in 1996. A chapter closed.

Now were the beginnings of many new chapters. In 1999 he was appointed second Imam at his local mosque, Masjid Bilal. From here Shaykh devoted almost all of his time and efforts to the work of dawah, initially to his immediate community, and then further afield nationally and internationally.

In the field of Dawah for Shaykh Ahmad Ali there have been no boundaries. His desire to build on his dawah work has always been foremost and was the main tool that instigated the establishing of Al Ma’hadul Islami (The Islamic Academy) in Bradford, England. This institution to this day has been providing Islamic counselling, education and guidance to the youth and elders alike.

A combination of his vast knowledge and an unreal talent of capturing the hearts of listeners with his effervescent words took Shaykh Ahmad Ali across four continents to convey the teachings of Allah (swt) and his Beloved Prophet (saw).

Apart from his international work touring various countries delivering dynamic lectures and speeches, by the grace of the Almighty, Shaykh continued to work from his base Al Ma’hadul Islami to establish further institutes that would inshallah benefit the community and ummah on a whole.  2003 saw the beginnings of a Muslim Secondary school for girls, The Fountain where students benefit from the alimiya classes as well as secular studies.

Throwing aside any barriers that were placed before him, Shaykh’s determination to inculcate deen in our young then led him to purchase and renovate a building in order to set up Crystal Gardens Primary School in 2005, catering for Muslim children from the ages of 5 to 11.

Shaykh begins to work selflessly and has only just completed the renovation of his new school building purchased in 2007. Eternal Light Secondary School for Boys currently has 40 boys on the register and will insha’Allah expand gradually. Boys undertake the hifz (memorization of the Holy Quran and Alim classes as well as their secular education.

Over the years Shaykh Ahmad Ali has worked very closely with the charity organization, Lifecare U.K. Products of his work with the charity have been helping to build an orphanage, hospital and school, for the under privileged, close to his birth town in Azad Kashmir.

Shaykh Ahmad Ali’s listed speeches found on audio tapes and c.d,s currently number in the region of 80. He has also authored many books; Major Signs of The Day of Judgement, The Prophet Jesus, Imam Bukhari, The Wisdom of Imam Abu Hanifa,’ of the Pious to list just a few.

A selection of Shaykh Ahmad Ali’s beneficial lectures and lessons will be available for downloading in the near future(website currently under construction) from the www.almahad.co.uk website. Some other talks can be heard online from the Shaykh Ahmed Ali youtube channel.

No doubt Shaykh Ahmad Ali will, Allah willing, continue to strive towards his purpose in life, a mission to serve his Creator. May Allah (swt) always grant him and those associated with him the ability to do this selflessly. The Ummah can only benefit from the work of such auspicious people.

May Allah (swt) grant Shaykh a long prosperous life so that we may continue to benefit from his lessons and knowledge, and may Allah (swt) accept all his efforts and make them a means of salvation for him and his loved ones. Ameen.

Shaykh Sulaiman Moola

Shaykh Sulaiman Moola [may Allah preserve him] began studying the sacred sciences at an early age. After having completed the memorization of the Quran at the age of 14 in 1989, for the next seven years he went on to study the Islamic sciences which include Arabic [and all its related sciences becoming especially fluent in Arabic poetry], Tafsir, Hadith, Aqidah and Fiqh [specializing in the Hanafi School].

Having studied under senior ulama from South Africa and the Indian Subcontinent and receiving ijazah from them, he went on to teach at various Madaris in South Africa including Dar al-Uloom Zakariyya.

Shaykh Sulaiman Moola currently lives in South Africa and has travelled extensively throughout the Muslim world and the West for the purpose of Dawah and teaching. Some of the countries he has visited include various Central African nations, the Middle East, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Australia, Canada, West Indies and the U.S. His travels and lectures have been a means of great inspiration to many across the globe.

Shaykh’s lessons and lectures can be heard/ downloaded from the Sulaiman Moola website.

We pray and make du’aa that Allah accept Shaykh’s efforts and allow us to take benefit from his dedication to the deen, Ameen.

Maulana Abdul Hayy Lucknawi

Maulana Abdul Hayy Lucknawi [1264 – 1304 A.H.]


He was born in Banda, India, on Tuesday 26 Zul Qada 1264 A.H, author of many famous works and a great scholar of his time. He was a descendant Sayyidina Abu Ayyub Ansari (R.A).

His predecessors emigrated from Madinah Munawwarah to Hirat, then to Lahore, Delhi and finally to Sihala and Firangi Mahal near Lucknow. Pious and noble scholars always inhabited this locality.

Maulana Abdul Hayy began memorising the Noble Qur’an at the age of five. He was endowed with an outstanding memory from childhood to the extent that in his own words, he remembers the time when he was beaten at the age of three.

He initially learnt the Quran by Hafiz Qasim Ali. Subsequently his parents relocated to Jaunpur where he continued his by Hafiz Ibraheem. He completed memorising the Quran at the age of ten. During the period of his hifz, he also studied some Persian books under his learned father.

When he turned eleven, he began his Islamic studies under his father who was at that time teaching in Jaunpur. He learnt all the books from Mizanus Sarf (Arabic Morphology) till tafsir Baydawi, qualifying at the age of seventeen. After the demise of his father, he studied some books in mathematics under his fathers tutor, Maulana Muhammad Ni’matullah. (1290 A.H)

Allah Ta’ala endowed Maulana Abdul Hayy from childhood with the love of teaching and writing. Any book that he learnt, he taught it thereafter. As a consequence, he developed uncanny ability in every subject. No textbook on any subject remained difficult for him to the extent that he was able to teach books he had not previously studied by any tutor like Al Isharat of Tusi, Al ufuqul Mubin and Qanunut Tibb etc.

He taught for a while in Hyderabad. Subsequently he left for Lucknow where he remained for the rest of his life serving Deen. Maulana Abdul Hayy ibn Fakhruddin Nadwi (1896 – 1923), the father of Maulana Abul Hasan Nadwi and the author of Nuzhatul Khawatir, narrates that he attended Maulana Abdul Hayy’s Majlis (lecture) several times and found him to be extremely intelligent, erudite, an ocean of knowledge, well acquainted with the intricacies Shariah to the extent that he became an internationally recognised scholar. Whenever there was any discussion with scholars, Maulana Abdul Hayy would remain silent until all the scholars had spoken and they would eventually turn to him of a decisive statement. Everyone would unanimously accept his verdict. He was one of the wonders of India and none disputed his matchless virtue.

His students were completely satisfied with his methodology. Maulana Ni’matullah, his teacher, used to extol his praises generously. Due to intense love for writing, he wrote more than a hundred books on many subjects like Arabic grammar, morphology, logic, Jurisprudence and Hadith etc.

He was offered the post of Justice after his father’s demise but refused, considering the dangers of the occupation and being content with the little possessions he had. He felt that had he accepted the offer, it would have impeded his teaching and writing career.

One of the great bounties of Allah Ta’ala upon him was his excellence and compatibility with the science of Hadith and Jurisprudence of Hadith. He always chose a moderate, accepting the view of the Jurists as long as there was adequate proof from Quran and Hadith.

Allah Ta’ala also granted him the ability to see true dreams in which he would be given some indications. He saw Sayyidina Abu Bakr, Umar, ibn Abbas, Fathima. Aisha, Umme Habibah and Muawiyah (radiyallahu anhum ajmaeen). In his dreams and he also met Imam Malik (rah), Shamasud Deen Sakhawi, Imam Suyuti and other scholars, from whom he benefited as mentioned in a separate book on this on this topic.

The Mufti of Makkah, Sheikh Ahmad Ibn Zain Dahlan granted him permission for all isnad (chain of narration) from Al Hidayah of Marghinanai as well as what he had learnt from all his teachers. Mufti Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Hanbali of Makkah, Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Muhammad Al- Gharbi and Sheikh Abdul Ghani Dehlwi also granted him permission for various isnad.

He passed away in Rabi ul Awwal 1304 A.H. at the young age of 39 and was buried in the graveyard of his ancestors.
An Nasihah – February 2003
source: Jamiatul Ulama (KwaZulu-Natal)

May Allah swt forgive him, grant him mercy, and elevate his status. May Allah also give us the ability to benefit from the written works of the Maulana.
Ameen.

Shaykh Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki

SHAYKH HAJI IMDADULLAH MUHAJIR MAKKI (RAHMATULLAHI ALAYHI)
(1233 AH – 1317AH) (1814 AD – 1896 AD)

Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) was such a great personality that the title given to him by his contemporary Ulama was “Sheikhul Mashaikh” which means the leader of leaders.

His personality was well respected by the Ulama of the sub continent India and Pakistan and also by the Arab Ulama. That is why his title was also Sheikhul Arab wa Ajam (the leader of the Arabs and non-Arabs).

Haji Sahib’s background and education 
Haji Imdadullah Muhaajir Makki (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) was born in 1233 AH (1814 AD) in Nanota, a town in the district of Saharanpur, India U.P. He father was Hafiz Muhammad Amin (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) and by lineage and ancestral background, Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) was a Farooqi, a descendent of Hadhrat Umar Farooq (Radiyallahu anhu).

When he was born, his father Hafiz Muhammad Amin (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) kept his son’s name Imdad Hussein. When the famous Muhaddith, Shah Muhammad Ishaaq Sahib (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) heard this name, he didn’t like it and he changed the name to Imdadullah. Imdad Hussein means the assistance of Hussein. All assistance comes from Allah. So there was a form of shirk in this name.

Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) also used to attribute the name Khuda Bakhsh to himself. Some say his name was Imdadullah and others say his name was Khuda Bakhsh (gifted by Allah). Both names are close in meaning. In some places Haji Sahib calls himself Abdul Kareem (the slave of Kareem).

Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) had three brothers and one sister. He grew up without motherly care as his mother passed away when he was seven years old. Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) started his education very early but he acquired very little education.

When Haji Sahib was 16 years of age, he studied Sarf, Nahw, Farsi and one quarter of Mishkaat Shareef by Maulana Mamlook Ali Sahib (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) of Delhi. Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki didn’t study Bukhari and the other books of Sihah Sitta, but Allah Ta’ala blessed Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) with Ilm Ladunni. One is that knowledge that a person acquires. He studies different subjects and books. Another form of knowledge is from Allah Ta’ala without studying.

When Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) would talk to the Ulama, he would resolve such intricate issues with the insight that Allah Ta’ala had given him. However, he would not use the Istilaahi language (academic terminologies). This is Ilm La Dunni.

When he was 18 years of age he took bayat upon the hands of Maulana Naseeruddin Sahib (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) who was the student and son-in-law of Shah Ishaaq Sahib (Rahmatullahi Alayhi). When Maulana Naseeruddin Sahib (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) passed away, Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) was looking for another person to give him guidance and advice in life.

This is where we learn of the famous Sheikh and the spiritual guide, Hadhrat Maulana Mayanji Noor Muhammad (Rahmatullahi Alayhi). Haji Sahib took bayat on his hands. At the age of 28, Haji Imdadullah (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) performed Hajj. When he returned after Hajj, his heart and mind remained attached to the Haram Shareef. He had a burning desire to return to Makkah Mukarramah. When he returned from Hajj, he made a firm intention that one day he will make Hijrah and go back to Makkah Mukarramah.

Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) came back to his town in a place near Thanabawan. Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullahi Alayhi), Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (Rahmatullahi Alayhi), and other great Ulama used to frequent Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) and they had taken Bayat on his hands.

Generally when one hears of these Ulama, Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Rahmatullahi Alayhi), Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullahi Alayhi), Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (Rahmatullahi Alayhi), one would think that these were great saints just sitting in the corner of a Musjid. That was not the case. These were personalities that had complete E’tidal (moderation) in their life.

Hardships whilst in Makkah Mukarramah
When he reached Makkah Mukarramah he had much difficulty. For nine days he had no food at all. He only lived on Zamzam water. He became extremely weak. When it was the tenth day he requested help from people he knew but no one assisted him until one person came and gave him 100 riyals. From that month on, every month of his life, he used to get 100 riyals. He never suffered after that for his needs. Allah arranges for his pious slaves in strange ways.

There is an incident of four Mohammads who were experts in Hadith and Tafseer; Muhammad ibn Jareer Tabri, Mohammad ibn Haroon, Mohammad ibn Nasaf and Mohammad ibn Ishaaq. These four Mohammads were traveling and became stranded. They conducted a raffle among themselves for the person who will be responsible to arrange for food. The name of Mohammad ibn Ishaaq came out.

Mohammad ibn Ishaaq never spread his hands before anybody. So he engaged himself in salaah. Suddenly, one person tapped at the door and he asked for Mohammad ibn Jareer. The person then presented fifty riyals for him on behalf of the governor of Egypt. He took the name of Mohammad ibn Haroon and presented fifty riyals for him. He gave Mohammad ibn Nasaf Zafar fifty riyals. He also gave Mohammad ibn Ishaaq fifty riyals. Then he said that the governor of Egypt was sleeping and in his sleep he was ordered to assist four Mohammads that are stranded.

Haji Imdadullah (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) was also stranded. He says that he knew that this was a test from the side of Allah. If you love the Haram Shareef, you have to undergo difficulties and hardships, so you pay the price to be there. Haji Sahib became very popular in the Arab world.

There were approximately 500 or more Ulama who have taken bayat upon the hands of Haji Imdadullah Sahib (Rahmatullahi Alayhi). Not one Alim, 10 Alims or 100 but 500 Ulama. When we look at the lives of the Akaabir we don’t find so many Ulama who have taken bayat upon somebody who outwardly and apparently has very little traditional knowledge.

Some special qualities of Haji Sahib
One very outstanding quality of Haji Sahib was that he was a person who was very facilitating and very tolerant. That is why in his majlis people who didn’t subscribe to Ahle Sunnat wa Jammat used to attend Haji Sahib’s majlis (gathering). Haji sahib never picked on them. His only concern was Islah and to take the people and make them closer to Allah.

Once, a ghayr muqallid who used to make Raful yadain and Ameen bil Jahr took bayat with Haji sahib. The moment he took bayat he stopped raful Yadain and Ameen bil Jahr. Haji Sahib called him and said to him, “Before this you were making Raful Yadain and Ameen bil Jahr, why did you stop?” “Because you took bayat on my hands?” “Brother, if you stopped that because you took bayat on my hands, then don’t do that because that is also proven from the hadith. So if you stopped it because of me then you carry on doing that. But if you stopped it on your own and not because you have taken bayat upon my hands, then I understand.” (as this is the correct thing to do).

Another person who was very close to Haji Sahib (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) was Maulana Rahmatullah Kiranwi (Rahmatullahi Alayhi). He was a very powerful orator. The British were also looking for him. He also escaped and reached Makkah Mukarramah with Haji Sahib. Ahmad Deedat (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) benefited from the book Izhaarul Haqq of Maulana Rahmatullah Kiranwi (Rahmatullahi Alayhi).

There is a Madressah named Madressah Saulatiyyah in Makkah Mukarramah. Saulatiyyah is derived from the word Saulat. When Maulana was going to Makkah Mukarramah he requested some people for help to establish a Madressah in Makkah Mukarramah. So one woman from Calcutta, Saulat, gacve money. Maulana established the Madressah in Makkah Mukarramah with her money and that is why the Madressah is named Saulatiyyah. Maulana Rahmatullah Kiranwi (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) stayed very close to Haji Sahib in Makkah Mukarramah and that is where both of them passed away.

Marriages and demise of Haji Sahib
Haji Sahib married at the very old age of 55. He married three times. The first wife passed away. The second wife was blind. The third was a woman who wanted to make his khidmat (serve him). But, all his marriages were in old age and he only married with this intention that you can’t be a true Wali of Allah until you don’t make Nikah.

Haji Sahib passed away in 1317 AH (1896 AD) at the ripe old age of 84. In his inheritance he had one stick, two sets of winter clothes and two sets of summer clothes. Haji Sahib is buried in Makkah Mukarramah in Jannatul Maala.

May Allah Ta’ala elevate the status of Haji Sahib. Ameen.

Source: AlMahmood.org

Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi

MAULANA ASHRAF ALI THANWI [1280 – 1362 A.H.]

Hakimul Ummat Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi was born on 5 Rabius Sani 1280 A.H. in the village of Thana Bhawan. He lost his mother at a tender age and was brought up by his father in a fairly affluent background. His father took great pains in teaching Maulana and his younger brother discipline and good character.

From a young age he had a great desire for namaaz. Even whilst playing he used to imitate the namaazis eg. he gathered all his friends shoes, placed them in a line, put one shoe in front of the line and expressed his happiness that the shoes were performing namaaz.

He also had a great desire to give lectures. On his way to the shops he used to enter any masjid, ascend the mimbar and deliver a khutbah. At the age of 12 he began performing tahajjud and other nafl salaats and wazifahs.

His desire for Deen was initiated by his initial ustaad Maulana Fateh Muhammed Sahab(R.A). After learning the basic kitaabs by his uncle and Maulana Fateh Muhammed(R.A) he proceeded to Deoband to complete his studies and qualified at the tender age of 19 or 20 years.

From his student days he became famous for his intelligence and sharp wittedness. He never wasted his time in futile play and amusement. He had such a burning desire to obtain knowledge that he learnt certain kitaabs which he could not study during class times, from his ustaads while they were performing wudhu.

Maulana’s ustaads were all great luminaries of their time. The most important amongst them was Maulana Muhammed Yaqub Sahab(R.A) from whom he achieved the greatest amount of knowledge and spiritual benefit.

He learnt qiraat from the well-known Qari Muhammed Abdullah Saheb Muhajir Makki(R.A) and mastered it to such an extent that it became difficult for the listener to distinguish between the recitation of the student and the teacher.

After qualifying he spent 14 years in Kanpur teaching, writing and propagating to the people. During this period thousands of students quenched their thirst at this “ocean of knowledge”. Although Maulana was still very young, the people of Kanpur respected and honoured him tremendously and it was at that time that he became famous.

His discourses were greatly appreciated and were being printed in the form of booklets. Very few scholars in the history of Islam have had so many of their discourses printed.

During his student days in Deoband he desired to make a pledge on the hands of Maulana Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi(R.A) who refused, saying that it would harm his studies. Maulana then wrote a letter to Hajee Imdadullah(R.A) in Makkah urging him to make Maulana Gangohi accept the pledge. Hajee Imdadullah instead by means of a letter accepted Maulana Thanwi as his disciple. When Maulana Thanwi accompanied his father for haj one year after qualifying he renewed his pledge at the hands of Hajee Imdadullah. After his return from Haj, he continued teaching and propagating while his desire for zikr intensified. He used to deliver lectures while standing 5,6 and sometimes even 7 hours continuously.

In 1315 A.H. he left Kanpur and on the advice of his spiritual mentor Hajee Imadadullah returned to Thana Bhawan. This was all part of the divine plan of the Creator so that the Khanqah of Hajee Imdadullah would once again be reinhabited. This was the termination of the first phase of his life which was devoted more to deeni education.The second phase which began with his return to Thana Bhawan was devoted more to imparting sprititual benefits to the masses.

Maulana has written books in every field whether it be tafseer or tasawwuf, fiqh or tajweed. All his works total more than a thousand. In the field of hadis he did not write any voluminous work directly because he had many assistants. In this way the voluminous “Ila us Sunan” was written under his guidance. Regarding this kitaab he said that if this madressah does no other work besides the writing of this book, it will be a great achievement because it is a unique work.

Perhaps very few Muslim homes do not posses “Behisti Zewar” and “Munajaat e Maqbool”, Two of Maulana’s famous books. His Tafseer “Bayanul Quraan” is unparalleled.”

Maulana Anwar Shah Kashmiri well known for his in-depth knowledge used to say that after reading Bayanul Quraan I developed a desire to read Urdu books. Although Maulana wrote such a large number of books, yet he did not earn a cent from them. All his work was solely for the pleasure of Allah. He has granted full permission to anyone who desires to print his books. Some of his works have been through hundreds of editions. Maulana used to say that Alhamdulillah all the necessary work has been done. The path towards deen has been cleared for centuries. Insha-Allah, my books, discourses and advices will be of assistance in deeni matters for future generations. This is all due to the blessings of Hajee Imdadullah.

On 20 Jamadul Awwal 1346 A.H. whilst performing Fajr Salaat he was inspired about the effects of certain acts. If the Muslims practised these acts, their calamities could be overcome. Consequently Maulana gathered 25 principles and had them printed in a booklet namely “Hayatul Muslimeen” (now available in English). Although Maulana has written over 1000 books, yet he had this to say: “I never had any thought of any of my books being a means of salvation for me. However, with regards to Hayatul Muslimeen, I have a strong feeling it will be a means of my salvation. I regard it as the earning and capital of my entire life.” Maulana Thanwi spent his entire life serving deen in every field. It is for this reason that he has been given the titles Hakimul Ummat and Mujaddid-e-Millat.

After blessing the earth for 83 years with his presence, he passed away on 16 Rajab 1362 A.H. (20 July 1943). Namaze Janazah was performed by Maulana Zafar Ahmad Usmani. Maulana Thanwi was buried in the graveyard – Ishq-Bazaan of Thana Bhawan.
source: http://www.alhaadi.org.za/

Shaykh al-Hadith Zakariyya Kandhlawi (r.a.)

Shaykh al-Hadith Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi [1315 – 1402 A.H.]

He was born in the village of Kandhla (in Uttar Pradesh, India) on Ramadan 10, 1315 ah (February 12, 1898 CE). His full name was Muhammad Zakariyya ibn Muhammad Yahya ibn Muhammad Isma’il, and his lineage continues all the way back to Abu Bakr (R.A.), the great Companion of the Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

Shaykh Abu l-Hasan Nadwi said about him, ‘Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya was born into a household rooted in knowledge and passion for Islam. His immediate family and his predecessors were distinguished by firm resolve, perseverance, steadfastness, and adherence to religion. His family included many notable scholars and his grandmother memorized the entire Qur�an while nursing her son [Shaykh Zakariyya’s father].’

His father, Shaykh Muhammad Yahya, was among the great scholars of India in both the Related (manqulat) and Logical sciences (ma’qulat). His primary teacher in hadith was Shaykh Rashid Ahmad Gangohi. Under him he studied Sahih al-Bukhari, Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja and others of the six famous authentic books of hadith (Sihah sitta). Shaykh Yahya went on to teach at Madrasa Mazahir Ulum, in the district of Saharanpur, but did not accept any payment for his services. He instead made his living through his own book-publishing business.

As a young boy, Shaykh Zakariyya moved with his father to the village of Gangoh, in the district of Saharanpur. Since his father and Shaykh Gangohi had a close relationship, Shaykh Zakariyya quickly earned the affection of his father’s teacher.

Growing up in this virtuous environment, he began learning how to read with Hakim Abd al-Rahman of Muzaffarnagar. He memorized the Qur’an with his father and also studied books in Persian and the introductory Arabic books with his uncle Shaykh Muhammad Ilyas (founder of the Tabligh movement). He stayed with his father in the company of Shaykh Gangohi until age eight, when the shaykh passed away. Shaykh Abu al-Hasan Nadwi says, ‘He was brought up in the best of environments in this era; the most adhering to the conduct and the sunna and the furthest from the corruption that had begun to spread in the world.’

At the age of twelve, Shaykh Zakariyya traveled with his father to Mazahir Ulum. Shaykh Muhammad ibn Yahya [his father] bathed and performed two rak’ats of prayer and began teaching Mishkat al-Masabih. He then made a lengthy prayer for himself and his son. From that day on, hadith became the main focus and goal of Shaykh Zakariyya’s life. There, under his father, he advanced his study of Arabic, tackling many classical texts on Arabic morphology, grammar, literature, and also logic. But by the time he was seventeen, hadith became the main focus of his life. He studied five of the six authentic books of hadith with his father, and then he studied Sahih al-Bukhari and Sunan al-Tirmidhi (for a second time) with the honorable Shaykh Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri. Out of his immense respect for h adith, Shaykh Zakariyya was extremely particular about always studying the hadith narrations with wudu.

On Dhu l-Qa’da 10, 1334 ah, when Shaykh Zakariyya was just nineteen, his dear father passed away. This event was extremely traumatic for Shaykh Zakariyya, as he lost not only a father but also a teacher and mentor. His deep sorrow remained with him for the rest of his life.

Teachers
Shaykh Zakariyya was blessed to live and learn in an era considered by many to be one of great achievements in Islamic knowledge by scholars in the Indian subcontinent. He studied with few but select teachers who reached the highest levels of learning, research, authorship, and piety. One of his most influential teachers was his own father, Shaykh Muhammad Yahya, born in 1287 ah. Shaykh Zakariyya memorized the Qur’an at the age of seven, then as per his father’s instruction he would recite the whole Qur’an each morning. In addition to his father and uncle (Shaykh Muhammad Ilyas), he studied under the hadith scholar Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri, author of the Badhl al-Majhud, a commentary on Sunan Abi Dawud. Shaykh Zakariyya acquired a hadith authorization from him and remained his student until Shaykh Khalil’s death in Madina Munawwara in 1346 ah.

Before his death, Shaykh Khalil A h mad expressed his desire to write Badhl al-Majhud, and he sought Shaykh Zakariyya’s assistance as his right-hand man. This was the beginning of his good fortune and the route to his excellence. His work earned him a special position with his Shaykh. The shaykh would direct him towards the possible texts and religious sources from which he could take the subject matter. Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya would collect the information and present them to his Shaykh, who would then select from the collection whatever he required. Thereafter he would dictate it to Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya who would write it down. This is how the completion of Badhl al-Majhud fi hall Abi Dawud took place. This experience revealed Shaykh Zakariyya’s gift of penmanship and, furthermore, expanded his insight in the science of hadith. He worked hard on the project, He undertook the task of publishing his shayk’s work in the Indian press and devoted his attention to its correction, publishing it with complete sincerity. He attained the pleasure and trust of his shaykh, He became a successor (khalifa) and representative (na’ib) of his shaykh and was even mentioned by name in the commentary.

Shaykh Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri mentions in the introduction of Badhl al-Majhud, ‘I was helped by some of my friends, notable amongst whom is my relative and the coolness of my eyes and heart, Hajj Hafiz Molwi Muhammad Zakariyya ibn Mawlana Hafiz Molwi Muhammad Yahya Kandhlawi (may Allah have mercy on him). I was incapable of writing or pursuing it (without his help), due to the shaking of my hand and due to weakness in mind and vision. I would dictate to him and he would write. He would search for the difficult subject matter from the sources, thus facilitating the dictation for me. I thank Allah for his effort and ask Him to grant him the best reward for whatever he spent of his effort. Allah has gifted him with intrinsic and apparent knowledge, beneficial in this world and in the hereafter, and with accepted, illuminated, good deeds.’

This indeed opened the door to Shaykh Zakariyya’s authoring many literary works and treatises over the course of his life.

Teaching Career
In Muharram 1335 ah he was appointed as a teacher at Madrasa Mazahir Ulum, where he was assigned to teach books on Arabic grammar, morphology, and literature, as well as a number of primary texts of Islamic jurisprudence. In 1341 ah he was assigned to teach three sections of Sahih al-Bukhari upon the insistence of Shaykh Khalil Ahmad. He also taught Mishkat al-Masabih until 1344 ah. Shaykh Abu al-Hasan Nadwi said, �Although he was one of the youngest teachers at the school, he was selected to teach works generally not assigned to those of his age, nor to anyone in the early stages of his teaching career. Nevertheless, he showed that he was not only an able, but an exceptional teacher.

In 1345 ah he traveled to Madina Munawwara, the city of Allah’s Messenger (upon him be peace) where he resided for one year. There he taught Sunan Abi Dawud at Madrasa al-Ulum al-Shar’iyya. While in Madina, he began working on Awjaz al-Masalik ila Muwatta’ Imam Malik, a commentary on Imam Malik‘s Muwatta. He was twenty-nine at the time.

When he returned to India, he resumed teaching at Mazahir Ulum. He began teaching Sunan Abi Dawud, Sunan al-Nasa’i, the Muwatta of Imam Muhammad, and the second half of Sahih al-Bukhari. The school’s principle taught the first half of Sahih al-Bukhari, and after his death, Shaykh Zakariyya was given the honor of teaching the entire work.

In all, he taught the first half of Sahih al-Bukhari twenty-five times, the complete Sahih al-Bukhari sixteen times, and Sunan Abi Dawud thirty times. He did not just teach hadith as a matter of routine; the work of hadith had become his passion, and he put his heart and soul into it. Shaykh Zakariyya taught until 1388 ah, when he was forced to give up teaching after developing eye cataracts.

Sincere Love for Allah and the Prophet
Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya inherited piety, honesty, and good character from his father (may Allah be pleased with him). He aspired to follow the Qur’an and Sunna in all matters, big and small, with a passion not found in many scholars. He had extreme love for the Prophet (upon him be peace) and the blessed city of Madina. His students have related that whenever the death of the Messenger (upon him be peace) was mentioned during a lecture on Sunan Abi Dawud or Sahih al-Bukhari, his eyes would well up with tears, his voice would choke up, and he would be overcome with crying. So evocative were his tears that his students could do nothing but weep with raised voices.

He was often tested with regard to his sincerity. He was offered many teaching jobs at two or three times the salary that was customarily given at Mazahir Ulum, but he always graciously declined the offers. For most of his teaching career, Shaykh Zakariyya never accepted any money for his services at Mazahir Ulum; he did the work voluntarily, seeking Allah’s pleasure. Although he did accept a small salary at the beginning of his career, he later totaled up the amount and paid it back in its entirety.

Daily Routine
Shaykh Zakariyya organized his time meticulously. He would rise an hour before dawn and occupy himself in tahajjud and recitation of Qur’an before performing the Fajr prayer in the masjid. After Fajr, he would read his morning supplications and litany until sunrise. Thereafter he would go to meet with some people and drink tea (but never ate anything with it). He would then return to his quarters to read. During this time he would also research and compile his literary works, and, with few exceptions, no one was allowed to visit him at this time. When it was time for lunch he would come out and sit with his guests, who were from all walks of life; he would respect and treat them well, irrespective of who they were. After Zuhr prayer, he would take a siesta and then spend some time listening to his correspondence (which amounted to around forty or fifty letters daily from different places) and dictating replies. He also taught for two hours before Asr. After Asr, he would sit with a large group of people, offering them tea. After performing Maghrib, he would remain devoted in solitude to optional prayer and to supplication. He did not take an evening meal except to entertain an important guest.

Death
He had always hoped to meet Allah while in the city of the Messenger (upon him be peace); Allah granted his wish. He died there on Monday Sha’ban 1, 1402 ah (May 24, 1982 CE) and was buried in Jannat al-Baqi’, in the company of the Companions and the noble family members of the Messenger (upon him be peace). His funeral procession was followed by a large number of people and he was buried in the Baqi’ graveyard next to his teacher Shaykh Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri. May Allah forgive him, grant mercy, and elevate his status. Amin.

The source of this extracted information and more details of Shaykhs works, students, teachers and his status amongst scholars can be found at:Shaykh al-Hadith Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi provided by White Thread Press publications.

Mufti Ziyaulhaq Patel

Mufti Ziyaulhaq Patel is a dynamic and vibrant Shaykh who is actively engaged in the services of the Deen of Allah Ta’ala. He was raised in the city of Lusaka, Zambia; it was here where he began his education in the field of Islamic Studies and where he completed Hifz-ul Quraan at a young age. In the year 2002 he advanced his studies at the auspices of Jamiah Islamiyyah in Lusaka, Zambia to study Aalimiyyat. He studied here for one year and then went forward to continue his studies at the Islamic Da’wah Academy (IDA) in Leicester, UK whereupon he finished his Aalimiyyat course – in 2008.

Upon completing his Aalimiyyat in the year 2009 he joined and graduated from the Iftah Department of Darul Uloom Arabiyyah Islamiyyah Matliwala Bharuch, India – here he studied the sciences of Fiqh and Jurisprudence (Takhassus-fil-fiqh) as well as studying some Islamic law. His fervour of Deen inevitably drew him into studying various fields of Islamic Studies.

Ever since he graduated from the Iftah Department of Darul Uloom Arabiyyah Islamiyyah Matliwala, he has been engaged in teaching and delivering lectures and commentary (Tafseer) of the Holy Qur’an and Ahadeeth which he routinely performs at Masjid Muadh Ibn Jabal in Leicester, UK (a local Masjid and Madarasah) in which he is an Imam.

Passionate about the youths he has actively engaged and involved himself with the khidmah (care) of the local youths. He has diligently devoted himself to their personal and moral development through engagement of various programmes and activities to nurture their spiritual, physical and mental wellbeing.

Mufti Ziyaulhaq Patel is also the director of muftianswers.com.

May Allah SWT shower Mufti Sahib with Barakah and Blessings in this life and the hereafter; allow him to serve the Muslim Ummah for many years to come and enable the entire Ummah to benefit from his wisdom (Hikmah) and knowledge (Ilm), Ameen.

Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq

Born in Gujarat, India in 1971, Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq came to the UK at the age of three, to join his father Moulana Muhammad Gora sahib who was serving as an Imam and religious leader for the Muslim community in Leicester, UK.

Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq’s Education

His father, himself renowned for his piety and learning, began his son’s religious instruction at a very young age. By the age of ten Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq had memorised the entire Quran, and also completed the study of a number of books in various Islamic topics. When Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq was thirteen he enrolled at Darul Uloom al Arabiyyah al Islamiyyah, Bury, UK, (the first and most prestigious Muslim seminary in the West) and graduated six years later, in early 1991. In Darul Uloom Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq undertook an intensive study of many Islamic topics including Arabic, Quranic tafseer, hadeeth and fiqh under traditionally qualified scholars. His eminent and erudite teachers from whom he has ijazah in various Islamic sciences include Shaykh Yusuf Motala and the late Shaykh Islamul Haq. He also has ijazah in hadeeth from the late Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi and the famous Muhaddith, Shaykh Yunus of Saharanpur, India.

Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq at present

Currently Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq serves as the honorary principal of Madinatul Uloom al Islamiyyah, Kidderminster, UK (a branch of Darul Uloom, Bury, UK) where he has also been head teacher since 1992. Since graduation Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq has selflessly devoted himself to the work of deen and remained actively involved in dawah and teaching. He has taught and commented on many classical Islamic works and has lectured extensively on a range of topics including Quranic tafseer, hadeeth, aqeedah and fiqh. Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq has also travelled widely teaching and lecturing in various countries in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America. Many of his inspirational sermons and lectures are recorded and are widely available. He has also authored two books, ‘The Salah of a Believer in the Quran and Sunnah’ and ‘The Causes of Disunity’.

Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq’s extensive knowledge, command of both Arabic and English, together with his natural ability and eloquence in conveying the words of Allah Subhanu wa ta’ala and His Rasul (peace be upon him) have moved the hearts of many and continue to do so.

Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq is currently teaching on a weekly basis, in a systematic manner, the abridged Sahih al Bukhari. These lessons are streamed live from Al Kawthar Academy, and other recorded audio may also be heard on there.

May Allah swt give good health and long life to Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq in order that the ummah continue to benefit from his lessons and knowledge, Ameen.

Maulana Qasim Nanotwi

(1248AH – 1297AH) (1852AD – 1901AD)

Hadhrat Maulana’s background and education

Hadhrat Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) was born in 1248 AH (1852 AD) and passed away at a young age of 49 in 1297 AH (1901 AD). The name of Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) seems older than his life due to his prominence. In reality, this is barakah that Allah Ta’ala had granted him in his life.

Hadhrat Maulana Qasim Nanotwi’s title was Hujjatul Islam (the proof of Islam). Generally this title is given to such a person who has such great qualities that if such a person was a Muslim and practiced upon Islam, this itself is a proof that Islam is the true religion. Hadhrat Maulana Qasim Nanotwi’s ancestral background reaches up to Abu Bakr Siddique (Radiyallahu anhu). Therefore, he is known as Siddiqi.

Hadhrat Maulana acquired his knowledge at a very young age and he was known to be very brilliant. He traveled to Delhi with Hadhrat Maulana Mamlook Ali Sahib (Rahmatullah Alayhi) who was a very great Alim of that time. Previously we discussed that Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki Sahib (Rahmatullah Alayhi) also benefited from Hadhrat Maulana Mamlook Ali (Rahmatullah Alayhi).

Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) acquired his education in all fields Sarf, Nahwa, Tafseer, etc. from Hadhrat Maulana Mamlook Ali (Rahmatullah Alayhi) but acquired Hadith from Shah Abdul Ghani Muhaddith Delwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi). Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) was with him in acquiring Hadith from Shah Abdul Ghani (Rahmatullah Alayhi).

Some dreams of Hadhrat Maulana
Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) used to see many pious dreams. Once he saw a dream that he was sitting on top of the Kabah Shareef and many streams were flowing from his hands to many parts of the world. He related this dream to his Ustadh Hadhrat Maulana Mamlook Ali (Rahmatullah Alayhi) who interpreted the dream that the world will benefit from the knowledge of Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi).

Hadhrat Maulana founded Darul Uloom Deoband and the branches of Darul Uloom Deoband are spread throughout the different parts of the world. Once he also saw a dream that he was sitting above the Kabah Shareef and facing towards Baghdad. There was a stream flowing from there, which touched his feet. The dream was interpreted that the Hanafi Madhhab would spread through Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi). Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahmatullah Alayhi) was from Baghdad and the Hanafi Madhhab was established from there.

Hadhrat Maulana�s knowledge
Hadhrat Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) had taken bay’at on the hands of Hadhrat Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (Rahmatullah Alayhi). Hadhrat Maulana Qasim Nanotwi’s Uloom was very deep. Maulana Yaqub Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) who was the first Ustadh of Darul Uloom Deoband and a great Muhaddith said that he read Aab-e-Hayat of Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) six times and has understood some of it.

One can imagine what depth of Uloom and what insight was in that kitab. Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) says that Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) wrote such kitabs that if his name was not written on those kitabs, and if it was translated into Arabic then the Arab Ulama would have thought that Imam Razi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) or Imam Ghazali (Rahmatullah Alayhi) wrote those kitabs.

Imam Razi and Imam Ghazali (Rahmatullah Alayhi) were great thinkers and philosophers of their times. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi’s depth of Uloom is also well known. He says, “I read the books of Maulana Qasim Nanotwi RA and I don’t understand them.” He says, “Somebody has to put a lot of pressure on one’s mind to understand some of what Maulana Qasim meant but I didn’t have the habit to put pressure on my mind to understand it. So I consoled myself by saying that there are other simple kitabs and I acquired my knowledge from there.”

Hadhrat Maulana Qasim (Rahmatullah Alayhi) used to work in the library of Hadhrat Maulana Ahmad Ali Saharanpuri (Rahmatullah Alayhi) and make tasheeh (correction) of kitabs. He always had this inclination towards kitabs and anything to do with academics. Hadhrat Maulana memorized the Quran late in life in two Ramadhans. Effectively in two months. In the following Ramadhan he would perform one and a quarter juz and the listener would think that he is an old Hafiz.

Debating skills of Hadhrat Maulana
Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) was a great debater and very witty. The British sent many Christian missionaries to India to propagate Christianity. They were proud that they have sent the world’s best missionaries to India to propagate Christianity. One person arranged a debate and called all the Ulama. He also called Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi). The Hindus were also invited but they did not participate because this was a debate between the Islam and Christianity. They were there as observers.

Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) presented such a powerful speech in substantiation of Islam against Christianity that the Christian Missionaries who were regarded to be world-renowned missionaries were severely defeated. They stated that they have gone to so many debates and conferences and they haven’t heard the like of Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi). Some Hindu pundits also started debates with Muslims. They felt that if Christian missionaries can debate with the Muslims then we too could debate with Muslims. One pundit arranged a debate. When this pundit heard that Maulana Qasim Nanotwi was going to address this debate, he fled.

Humility of Hadhrat Maulana
Hadhrat Maulana was very simple. If someone were to look at him they would have thought that he was a villager. The British were also misled because of Maulana’s simplicity. When a warrant of arrest was issued by the British against Hadhrat Maulana, they were looking for a person who would be well dressed. They saw a person with simple clothing and thought that he was a villager.

Maulana wouldn’t make imaamat and he always preferred to be a muqtadi and follow the Imam. He also wouldn’t even give talks, but because of the need of the time he used to go and join the debates. He was so humble that once he said, “I am disgraced among the Sufis.” My understanding of this is, what a Sufi is supposed to be, he stated, “I did not live up to the expectation of the Sufis, or to the expectations of the people about the Sufis.” He also mentioned, “I have a stain of being a Molvi on myself.” He further mentions, “Had it not been for the stain of being a Molvi, even the sand wouldn’t have known of Qasim Nanotwi.”

When there is a fruit tree and the branch is laden with fruits then it goes more down. When a branch is laden with fruits and because of the heaviness of the fruits, the branch also lowers itself. If Hadhrat Maulana perceived some pride in some student then he would make that particular student pick somebody else’s shoes to make the student’s Islah. But at the same time if he saw humbleness in any student, then Hadhrat Maulana Qasim Nanotwi himself would pick up the shoes of that particular student. Who would do that today?

Demise of Hadhrat Maulana
Hadhrat Maulana passed away in Deoband at the young age of 49. May Allah Ta’ala put Noor in the Qabr of Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) and may Allah Ta’ala give us the benefit and roohaaniyat of Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah Alayhi) and grant him a great reward for establishing Darul Uloom Deoband and spreading Uloom in the different parts of the world. (Ameen)

Source: The Truth

Mufti Siraj Saleh

Hazrat Mufti Siraj Saleh sahib was born in Surat Lohara, India in 1970. At the age of 15, he completed hifz of the Holy Qur’an. He then went on to study Qiraat, and qualified as an Alim from Randair Jamia Husainia in the year 1993. After receiving authorisation in various books, including the six major books of Ahadith. He went on to teach at Jamiah Qasimiya Khorooq where he taught many Kutub (books) of Fiqh and Hadith.

In 1994, he moved to Durban, South Africa where he got married, and stayed under the auspicious company of Hakeem Akhtar sahib (d.b.) for 11 years. He was the Imam and Khateeb at Mahbubiya Masjid. He carried on teaching Hadith and Tafseer in Durban.

In 2005, Mufti Siraj sahib moved to Bradford, England under the instruction of his ustad. He has since been here. Currently, he?s an Imam and Khateeb of Masjid-e-Quba, and a teacher of Tafseer and Hadith at Jamiah Khatamun Nabiyeen, Bradford.

Currently, Mufti sahib is holding Dhikr majlis every Friday and Qur?an Tafseer majlis every Sunday at Masjid-e-Quba. Alhamdullilah, he has finished the tafseer of four parahs/juz in a period of 4 years (audio of the tafseer is available on the website).

Hazrat Mufti Siraj sahib is the Khalifah of Mufti Abdur-Razzaq Boupali and of Qari Ramzaan sahib. He’s the younger brother of Shaikh-ul-Hadith Hazrat Maulana Hanif Luharvi sahib (d.b.), who is a well renowned scholar in the sub-continent.

Hazrat Mufti Siraj sahib is the author of two books; Safwatul Masadir and Rawda-al-adab (translated into English).

Please remember Hazrat in your duas. May Allah grant Hazrat Mufti Siraj sahib more knowledge and a long and prosperous life. May Allah also give us the ability to benefit from his enlightened company. Ameen.

Source: http://tafseersaleh.com/
Mufti Siraj Saleh’s speeches and lectures can be heard on the above website.

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