Hakeemul Umaat H Maulana
Ashraf Ali Thanvi (RA)
By: Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi
Introductory Words:
Hazrat Maulana
Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullah Aleih), popularly known as “Hakeemul
Ummah” (Spiritual Physician of
Muslim Ummah) in the Indian subcontinent, was a prominent and
celebrated Islamic scholar for his all qualities, Allah had bestowed him. He
was a distinguished graduate of Islamic University, Darul Uloom, Deoband,
India. He was a wise preacher, well-versed teacher, famous Sufi, prolific
writer and dynamic orator. In brief, at a time he was preacher, teacher, Sufi,
writer and lecturer; all in one. He used the most part of his living without
wasting an hour, for reformation, rectification and betterment of the Muslim
community. In this write-up, I would make an effort to highlight his life as
well as his services rendered to the Muslim community.
Birth & Place
of Birth:
Thanwi (RA) was
born in a dignified family of a village, “Thana Bhawan” to Abdul Haqq Al-Hanafi
on 5th Rabi Al-Thani, 1280 (19th August, 1863). His noble
lineage goes back to the second caliph of Islam, Umar Bin Khattab (RaziAllah
Anhu). “Thana Bhawan” in North West India, is a small town of district, “Shamli”
of “Uttar Pradesh” in India. It is situated at the distance of 180 kms from
India’s capital city, New Delhi and 28 kms from Muzaffarnagar district under
which “Thana Bhawan” fell previously. Though it’s a small town, but known in India thanks to the knowledge, piety, mysticism, patriotism, martyrdom
and freedom struggle of its towering
personalities. A famous martyr and scholar, Sheikh Dhamin Al-Shaheed (RA)
belonged to the very town.
Learning &
Education:
Thanwi (RA)
acquired his basic and primary education in his birth place “Thana Bhawan” from
Sheikh Fath Muhammad Thanwi (1322 AH),
one of the Darul Uloom, Deoband’s graduates and Sheikh Manfat Ali Deobandi
(1322 AH). In 1295 AH (1880 AC) when he was 15 years old, got admission in
Darul Uloom, Deoband, for the secondary and higher Islamic education. He
remained as a learner there in Darul Uloom, Deoband, for five years and was
taught all the Islamic subjects of “Darse Nizaami” by the towering figures and outstanding scholars of the
time, like Sheikhul Hind Mahmood Hasan Deobandi (1268-1339 (1851-1920), Sheikh
Sayyad Ahmad Dehlvi (1322 AH), Sheikh Yaqoob Nanautavi (1249-1302 AH) and Imam
Muhammad Qasim Nanautavi (1833-1880). Thus, he completed his graduation in
Islamic Studies from the prestigious Islamic University, Darul Uloom, Deoband,
India in 1299 (1884).
At the end of the
final year of Thanwi (RA) and his calss-fellows, the convocation ceremony was
held and Maulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi (Rahmatullahi Aleih) (1244-1323=1828-1905),
Patron of Darul Uloom, Doeband, was invited to bless the occasion with his
presence. He arrived for the ceremony. Sheikhul Hind (RA) informed him about
Thanwi’s intelligence and calibre. Gangohi (RA) wanted to test him by asking
the most difficult questions that he could think of. Thanwi’s answers utterly
amazed and pleased Gangohi (RA), who himself tied the graduation turban (that
marks the completion of the course) to Thanwi’s head.
While learning in Darul Uloom, Deoband, he had many relatives in the
town. They used to invite him for having lunch or supper with them frequently,
but he never accepted their invitations saying, “I have come here just for
learning”. So, he spent five years in Deoband, but never visited any of his
relatives’ houses.
Following his
graduation, when Thanwi (RA) went for Hajj, he received the science of Tajweed
and Qiraat from an Indian scholar, Sheikh Muhammd Abdullah, who had migrated to
Makkah and was teaching in “Madrasa Sawltiyyah” (Established in 1292
(1875) by an Indian Islamic scholar, Sheikh Rahmatullah Usmani Kairanvi
[1818-1891]) in Makkah Mukarramah.
An Admonitory
Story:
A story of Thanwi (RA) which Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (HafizahuAllah)
has quoted in his “Foreword of Ilaaus Sunan” will be an admonitory one for the
readers, particularly for the students in today’s scenario and for educational
standard. When Thanwi (RA) came to know that Darul Uloom is going to hold a
convocation for them, he got stunned and along with his some classmates went to
the then Head-Teacher, Sheikh Yaqoob Nanautavi (RA) and said, “We hear that
Madrasa is going to grant us graduation certificate and turban will be tied to
our heads. But the fact is that we don’t deserve this certificate and the
turban. We fear that the people may doubt the Madrasa quality that it produces
like us students who have no knowledge.” Sheikh Yaqoob Nanautavi (RA) replied,
“You think so, because you are amongst your teachers, so you consider your
knowledge nothing in front of them. I bear witness that once you are graduated and step out of this institution,
you will realize your worth and importance, InshaAllah. You will be superior in the field of knowledge and you
will be incomparable.”
First Journey for
Hajj:
Following his
graduation, Thanwi (RA) left for Makkah Mukarramah accompanying his father in
Shawwal 1300 AH to perform Hajj. In the same journey, he took the oath of
allegiance to Sheikh Al-Hajj Imdadullah Rahmatullahi Aleih (1233-1317=1818-1899),
an Allah-fearing person of Thanwi’s birth place, who had migrated to Makkah
Mukarramah. Taking oath of allegiance, he accompanied Sheikh Imdadullah (RA) in
Makkah Mukarramah for a short period of time.
Though, Thanwi (RA) had taken the oath of allegiance to Sheikh
Imdadullah (RA), but he was attached to Sheikh Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (RA)
spiritually. Once he said, “Among my teachers, I was spiritually attached to
Maulana Gangohi more than anyone else, with the exception of Sheikh Imdadullah
Muhajir Makki. I have never witnessed such a unique personage, one in whom
external and internal goodness merged so cohesively, like Hazrat Gangohi (RA).”
Career &
Teaching:
After his return from Hajj, Thanwi (RA) was sent by his teachers to
Madrasah, “Faize Aam”, in Kanpur on the request from the Madrasa’s management
committee as a teacher in Safar, 1300 AH. He worked in the Madrasa as a teacher
and head for few years. Later, he established another Madrasa in the same city
of Kanpur namely “Jamiul Uloom” and started heading and teaching in that
Madrasa. His teaching attracted many students. He got sound position as a
teacher and mentor among the learners and the students became fond of his
teaching.
Second Journey for Hajj:
When Thanwi (RA) was in Kanpur in 1310 AH, he planned for the second
Hajj and went to Makkah Mukarramah. Having performed Hajj, he stayed there in
Makkah Mukarramah for six months in the company of his Sheikh, Al-Haajj
Imdadullah (RA) for spiritual guidance and soul rectification. Reflection of
being in the Sheikh’s company was apparent in Thanwi’s life and developed in
piety, righteousness and morality very soon.
Coming back to India, he continued in Kanpur’s Madrasa about 4 years. In
Safar 1315, he retired from the Madrasa and made one of his students, Sheikh
Muhammad Ishaq Bardawani its Principal. Within 14-year of his teaching, he produced
some such students who became the world’s renowned scholars for their works.
Some of his noteworthy students include: Sheikh Muhammad Ishaaq Bardawani
(1283-1357 AH), who had memorised the whole Bukhari Shareef, his nephew Sheikh
Zafar Ahmad Usmani Thanwi (1310-1394 AH), who compiled the famous book of
Hanafi school of thought: إعلاء السنن, in 22 volumes published by “Idartul Quran Wal
Uloomil Islamia”, Karachi, Pakistan, Sheikh Abdul Hai Al-Hasani
(1286-1341=1869-1923), father of Sayyad Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi (RA) and author of
الإعلام
بمن في تاريخ الهند من الأعلام المسمى بـ (نزهة الخواطر وبهجة المسامع والنواظر)
in 8 volumes published by “Daar Ibne Hazm”, Beirut, Lebanon and rector
of Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow, India and Sheikh Hakeem Muhammad Mustafa Bijnori
(Deceased 1941 AC).
Back in Thana
Bhawan:
Having retired from teaching, finally, he came back to his birth place,
Thana Bhawan. In Thana Bhawan, he devoted himself to re-establish the “Khanqaah
Imdadiyah” (spiritual centre) of his Sheikh Al-Hajj Imdadullah Muhajir
Makki (RA) on his Sheikh’s behest. Re-establishing the Khanqaah over a
short period of time, he acquired a reputable position as a Sheikh of
mysticism. The people, with the intention of manners’ reformation and soul
rectification, from the different parts of India (India-Pakistan-Bangladesh),
started visiting the Khanqaah. Not to speak of Ulamaa, even the secular
educated people took the oath of allegiance to him. This continued, until he breathed his last in Thana Bhawan.
Disciples of Thanwi (RA), who took the oath of allegiance to him,
settled in different parts of India and engaged themselves in rectification of
the Muslim community like Thanwi (RA) did. Some of his well-known disciples
are: Sheikh Muhammad Abdul Ghani Phulpuri
(1876-1963), Mufti Muhammad Hasan Amritsari (1880-1961), Allamah Sayyad Sulaiman Nadvi (1884-1953), Khwaja Azizul Hasan Majdhub (1884-1944), Sheikh Muhammad Ilyas
Kandhlawi (1885/86-1944), Sheikh Abdul Bari Nadvi
(1886-1976), Sheikh Wasiullah Fatehpuri
(Deceased 1976), Sheikh Zafar Ahmad Uthmani (1310-1394 AH), Qari Muhammad Tayyib Qasmi (1897-1983), Mufti Muhammad Shafi Usmani
(1897-1976), Dr. Abdul Hai Arifi (1898-1986), Sheikh Muhammad Idris Kandhlawi (1899-1974), Sheikh Muhammad
Yusuf Binnori (1908-1977), Sheikh Maseehullah Khan (1911/12-1992) and Sheikh Abrarul Haq Haqqi Hardoi
(1920-2005) (Rahmatullahi Aleihim Ajmaeen).
Speeches & Public Talks:
Thanks to his sincere practice for speech and elocution while learning
in Deoband, Thanwi (RA) became one of the most famous speakers and orators of
his time. He had command over oratory and public talks. He had an eloquent and
fluent language to present his inner feelings. The desire to reform the masses
intensified in him during his stay in Kanpur. So, being in Madrasa, he didn’t
restrict himself to only teaching books, but he engaged in delivering public
talks, uprooting the spread innovations, strengthening the true beliefs,
compiling the precious books and reforming and rectifying the worst conditions
of the masses. During these years, he travelled to various cities and villages
delivering public talks in the hope of reforming the Muslim community.
Thanwi (RA) wasn’t famous only in giving
public talks among masses, but he was also the most welcomed speaker in
colleges and Universities. His book, Al-Intibaahaa
Al-Mufeedah Anil- Ishtibaahaat Al-Jadeedah was actually written following his speech
delivered in Aligarh Muslim University (Established 1875) at the invitation of
the management in November 1909.
His public talks were full with positive
aspects and comprehensive messages. The sole purpose of his talks was to
benefit the audience, and non else. He wasn’t in the habit of touching a
disputed topic in his talks. If it was required, he used to bring it up in
details and in the best of manners with wisdom, insight and good counsel, so
that none gets hurt. He never targeted his opponents. He never tried to
humiliate his rival in public talk. He was a reputed orator, but never cashed
his reputation for personal gain. He never accepted a penny for his public
talks.
Generally the printed versions of his lectures and discourses would
usually become available shortly after the tours. Until then, just few Islamic
scholars had had their lectures printed and widely circulated in their own
lifetimes. Al-Hamdulillah, today, his published discourses are a lamp
for the young generation.
Works & Compilations:
The Almighty Allah blessed Thanwi (RA) with writing skill along with
expertise in the arts of oratory and teaching; therefore, he compiled about
eight hundred books touching to the crying needs of Muslim community of the
Indian subcontinent. Wherever he felt a call for a book or booklet for the
reformation of the Muslim community, he compiled and produced one, be it small
or big, but he didn’t leave the people go unguided. His works and compilations
are well known in Islamic institutions and well-received by Islamic scholars.
None from his contemporary could surpass him in this field. His prestigious
work is in form of Bayaanul Quraan, in Urdu Language, a commentary of
the Glorious Quraan in 4 volumes. Some of his books are:
Bayaanul Quraan, 4 volumes, At-Taqseer Fit-Tafseer,
Jamiul Aathaar, Imdadul Fataawaa, 6 volumes, Bahisthti Zewar, Tahdheerul
Ikhwaan Anir Ribaa Fil-Hindustaan, Raafiu Al-Dhank An Manaaf Al-Bank,
Al-Iqtisaad Fit-Taqleed Wal-Ijtihaad, Al-Heelah Al-Naajizah Lil-Heelah
Al-Aajizah, Al-Intibaahaa Al-Mufeedah Ani- Ishtibaahaat Al-Jadeedah,
Al-Masaalih Al-Aqliyyah Lil-Ahkaam Al-Naqliyyah, Shahadatul Aqwaam Al’a Sidqil Islam,
Masaailis Sulook Min Kalaami Malikil Mulook, At-Tasharruf Bi Marifati Ahaadeeth
Al-Tasawwuf, Hayaatul Muslimeen, Taleemud Deen, Huququl Islam, Huququl
Waalidain, Huququl Ilm, Islaahun Nisaa, Islaahur Rusoom, Aghlaatul Awaam,
Nashrut Teeb Fi Zikri Al-Nabi Al-Habeeb, Jazaaul Aamaal, Anwaarul Wujud Fee Atwaar Al-Shuhud, Tahzeer Al-Ikhwaan An Tazweer
Al-Shaytaan and Al-Qaul
Al-Faasil Bein Al-Haq Al-Baatil.
Daily Schedule:
Thanwi (RA) knew that “The time is more precious than the gold”. He was
very much punctual of his timetable. He never wasted the time. He used to
follow the time according to the schedule. No excuse could disturb his daily
schedule, except in some emergency cases. Even this exception was rarest of the
rare. After performing Fajr, he used to take a pew separating from the people.
In this time, he used to get busy with his activities, like reading and
compiling books. Then he used to have lunch. Following lunch, he had siesta,
thereafter he used to go for Zuhr Salaah. No one was allowed to bother him from
Fajr until he offers Zuhr Salaah. After Zuhr Salaah, his Majlis (Gathering/Assembly)
with his disciples was held. In this Majlis, he used to sit with them.
One person used to read a certain book and he used to explain some scholarly
points of the read text, which weren’t boring and tedious, rather a food for
thought for them. This Majlis used to continue up to Asr. Between Zuhr
and Asr, he also used to reply the received letters. After Asr, he used to get
busy with his day-to-day family affairs until he offers Ishaa Salaah. No one
could disturb him in this time as well.
Final Journey:
Benefiting the people with his knowledge, lectures and spiritual
guidance in the “Khanqaah Imdadiyah” for 48 years, Thanwi (RA) breathed
his last in Thana Bhawan on July 4, 1943 AC = Safar, 1362 AH; while he was
82-year old. His funeral prayer was led by his nephew, Sheikh Zafar Ahmad
Usmani Thanwi (RA). He was buried in the graveyard of Ishq-e-Bazan that
is actually his garden. Thanwi
(RA) is no more now, but he will be remembered for his inspiring, lucid,
rational writings, balanced approach and reformative teachings for a long
period of time. May Allah accept his services and
shower His blessing and mercy at his grave! Aameen!
(The author is a Darul Uloom, Deoband alumnus and presently
teacher of Moon Rays Trust School, Zambia, Africa. He can be reached at qasmikhursheed@yahoo.co.in)
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