Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Autobiography
Of
Shaykhul Islam Sayyed
Moulana Hussain Ahmad Madni (RA)
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Naqshe Hayat
Contents Page
Preface
Forward: (to be included)
Chapter 1: My Birth
Chapter 2: My Genealogy
Chapter 3: Family Livelihood
Chapter 4: My Fathers Birth and Upbringing
Chapter 5: My Fathers Marriage
Chapter 6: My Fathers Children
Chapter 7: My Fathers Property in India
Chapter 8: My Fathers Migration to Madeenah
Chapter 9: My Fathers Life; A brief Insight
(Updated 15/09/13)
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Authors Preface
Bimillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem
All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, we beseech help from Him and ask His
protection, we confide in Him, we trust Him alone and we seek protection against
the evils and mischief of our souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever He guides
on the right path, none can misguide him; and whosoever He declares misled,
none can guide him onto the right path. We bear witness that none deserves to be
worshipped except Allah. He is alone and has no partner. We bear witness that
our leader and patron Muhammad is His servant and Messenger and may Allah
send salutations upon him, upon his family, his companions and may He bless and
grant them peace.
Since a long period of time, friends have continually asked me about different
aspects of my life and I have from time to time fulfilled their requests. Some
friends have quoted my words in newspapers and other publications, yet these
articles have not been free from exaggeration, additions and omissions. When the
published material was reviewed, it became apparent that some details had been
misprinted and thus emphasis was laid upon the need to write accurate narrations.
My extensive commitments and busy schedule did not allow me to even write a
short summary about events in my life. Nevertheless, in 1914, when I was held in
detention at Neeni Jail, Alabaad, a strong inclination arose within me and I
thought to myself, 'At this time you are liberated from many engagements, so why
not see this as a valuable opportunity and complete this important task; because
apart from being able to provide accounts of a historical nature, there will be
hidayat (guidance) and light within it for generations to come. Furthermore, I
found that it would be a befitting way to relay the blessings of Allah T'aala.
After contemplating, I realised that just like the showering of rain, the blessings
and mercy that Allah had bestowed on me both spiritually and in terms of physical
health were gifts that I was neither worthy of nor could ever lay personal claim to.
Following the absolute destitute condition of our family, as a result of the
revolutionary times, the way our family were raised again in status is only owing to
the deep kindness of Allah Taala and we are indebted to Him.
It was a family tradition that in every era, at least one or two sahih majzoob and
many ahle salook remained. However, just before 1857, the family became empty
of ahle and irfan e Sulook and eveyone became engrossed in the world. Ignorance
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and the pursuit of desires replaced knowledge and maarifat. Later, the events of
1857 completely destroyed all forms of livelihood; all wealth and valuables were
stolen and most of the property was lost, and thus, the extreme poverty from all
four sides left us crippled. The elders of our family had travelled to their eternal
abode and any provisions that could have helped us to rise again had been
destroyed.
The continuous famine that manifested itself towards the end of the 19 th Century
and left all of India, especially thousands of people in UP and Eastern Oudh in
deaths valley. Complete households and lineages were wiped out. Sir William
Digby has also stated that between 1875 and 1900 India suffered eighteen droughts
and three million lives were lost. At such a time, was it not the matchless blessings
of Allah Taala that He took care of the needs and welfare of these destitute
families and orphaned children and showered them with unlimited blessings? We
are indeed indebted to Him always.
(Persian verse to be added)
As a proclamation of Allah Taalas blessings in conformity to the words of the
Quraan: But the bounty of the Lord - rehearse and proclaim, I find it essential
to mention His Grace and Favour that enveloped my parents, my family and
myself, and still remains present over us. I want to sing verses of gratitude to Him,
and make fragrant the minds and hearts of the onlookers.
(Persian verse to be added)
I have observed how pious predecessors in previous generations have written their
autobiographies such as the writings of Hadhrat Shah Waliyullah Rahmatullah Alaih
and others. Likewise, there are many present examples of them written by Muslims
and non-Muslims alike. An individual knows his own lifes events and accounts like
no other would, so there remains no reason for me to refrain from writing my
autobiography. It is written specifically because there is hope that people will
benefit from learning about the accurate nature of events.
To conclude my explanation, I want to present the following words, and raise my
hands to Him because of His many favours and pray that He protects me from 'who
He is not pleased with and gives me the ability to do and say all that is pleasing to
Him.
And it is not hard for Allah and there is no success but from Allah. In Him I trust
and I turn to in repentance: My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may
be grateful for your favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my
parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my
offspring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of
the Muslimeen (submitting to Your Will).
Chapter 1: Birth
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I was born on Tuesday night* on the 19th of Shawwal 1296 Hijri (at 11.00 pm in the
town of Bangarmau, situated in the Unao District. At birth, I was named Chirage
Muhammad (Lamp of Muhammd Sallalahu-alaihi-wasallam): this was the only name
my late father had written for me in his commonplace book and no corresponding
English date was recorded- it equates to the year (October)1879.
In those days my late father was the Head Teacher at The Urdu Middle School in
Bangarmau where he lived for many years with his dependants. My middle brother,
the late Moulana Sayyed Ahmad Sahib was also born there before me in 1293 Hijri1876 CE. There was a viscous outbreak of Malaria during the time period I was born
and it resulted in many deaths. My late mother used to say that it was common
occurrence that mothers that gave birth during that time and their new-born did
not survive. In the whole town, only she and another mother with children
managed to survive.
My early upbringing took place in Bangarmau and I was quite young when my father
left Bangarmau and settled in our ancestral town of Tanda in the District of
Faizabad. He chose to relocate to Tanda and made effort to be transferred there
as it was difficult for him have ownership of land in Bangarmau because of his
roots in another area. The higher authorities, however, were evasive towards his
request; as the Head Teachers monthly wage in Tanda was only twenty Rupees
and yet he was currently receiving thirty Rupees in the same post in Bangarmau.
The need of the time left him with no choice but to transfer to Tanda regardless of
his reduction in his wages. At the time, I was no more than three years old, so I
have little memory of our relocation. Thereafter, we remained in Tanda until I was
twelve years old and it is where I started my early years education.
_______________________________________________________________________
* According to Islamic tradition the new day begins after sunset, therefore, Tuesdays night would
follow after sunset on Monday.
Chapter 2: My Genealogy
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Shah Wilayat Ahmad Sahib Laherpuris work Masaaee Jameela. May Allah reward
him with goodness.
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(Note) Tawkhta is a Turkish word and it means to stand for a very long time.
Sayyed Ahmad Tawkhtas Spiritual Leader and Guide called him to his room and
thereafter became busy with Dhikr and other practices. When Sayyed Ahmad tried
to enter the room he found the door was locked from inside so he stood outside on
the porch all night. In the morning when his Shaykh opened the door and saw him
standing there he gave Sayyed Ahmad the title Tawhkhta.
Secondly, he is referred to as Tamthale Rasul because his contemporary, a Saint,
actually asked the Prophet Sallahu Alahi Wasallam: If I wanted to see somebody
from your descendants in this era that has your resemblance who would you say it
was? The Prophet Sallalahu Alahi Wasallam replied, Visit Sayyed Ahmad Tawkhta
as he resembles me; looking at him will be as though you have looked at me. This
is the reason why he is given the title Tamthale Rasul Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam
Hadhrat Makhdoom Sayyed Noorul Haq Chisti Tandwi Quddus Sirruhul Azeez is
from the progeny of Hadhrat Sayyed Ahmad Tawkhta Tamthale Rasul, from the
progeny of Sayyed Muhammad Madni (appellation of Sayyed Nasir Tirmidhi), from
the progeny of Hadhrat Sayyed Hussain Asghar, son of Hadhrat Ali Zaynul Abideen,
son of the Martyr of Karbala; Hadhrat Imam Hussain Ali.
(Consensus formed upon amongst the Authors of the genealogy: Umdat-Talib, Munbi-ul-Ansaab
Kanzul Ansaab, Aymatul-Huda, Tareekhee Ainae Uodh)
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because Tanda (Oudh) was a place famous for Cloth Weavers. The majority of
Tandas population were of this profession. This is why many people thought that
our family also belonged to that group.
However, Moulana Fadhlul-Rahman Sahib Ganj Muraadabaadi Quddus sirruhu once
stated in a full audience: 'Mudarris* is a Sayyed and from the progeny of a Saint.
His distant ancestor was Shah Noorul Haq (RA) who was from amongst the very
prominent Awliy-Ullah: He came to me in a dream at night and said, 'Look after my
son Habeebullah, he is from the progeny of a prominent Saint. Thereafter,
Moulana Fadhlul Rahmans (Quddus Sirruh) kind attention was very heavily upon
me. The peoples thoughts about my lineage also changed and the statement that
he made became famous.
My father also related about himself, 'In my younger years I used to see a dream
that Hadhrat Fatima Radhi Allahu Anha was sitting at the edge of a large lake
under a tree working at a spinning wheel. In the dream I was a child and was
standing on the edge of the opposite side of the lake. I then saw that I was
swimming in the lake and going towards Hadhrat Fatimah Radhi Allahu Anha like a
child would go to his mother. In my dream I thought she was my mother and I have
reached her. Following his migration to Madina Munawwarah, my father Rahmat
Ullah Alaih mentioned how he could not understand the meaning of the dream so I
told him, The meaning is clear; You were on the other side of the sea and now
you have made hijrah (migration) and have come to Hadhrat Fatimah Radhi Allahu
Anha and in respect of the genealogy, she is our mother.
Once he also told me, 'I was searching for our genealogy and thereafter I saw a
dream that I was standing next to Imam Hussain Radhi Allahu Anhu who was
seated on a horse ready for Jihaad. He said to me, you are from my progeny.
Although these dreams cannot be presented as categorical proof about our
genealogy, however it surely does shed light upon it.
*This is what Moulana Fadhlul Rahman Quddus Sirruh used to call my late father
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All the Saadaate Hussainiya are from the progeny of Zainul Abideens mother,
namely Hadhrat Sheher Banu Radhi Allahu Anha who was from the progeny of the
Shahs of Persia and was previously a captive. Likewise these forms of lineage can
be found in many of the Aiimmae (leaders) Saadaat and amongst the Siddiqiyya
and Farouqiyya Shuyookh. Similarly, Hadhrat Ismaeel Alayhis Salam, from whom
all the lineages of Arabia take root, is the son of Hajrah Radhi Allahu anha and it is
well known that she was a slave-woman.
There have also been many offspring born to slave-women in the lineage of nobles
and saadaat of Hijaaz yet they continue to be haughty and arrogant about their
own lineage. The Shahs of Turkey have continued to be excessive in their respect
towards them as well. Similarly, this was a misguided practice amongst the Indian
nobles, which in most probability, originated from the practices of their Hindu
neighbours. In India it was common for Muslims migrants to established lineages
through marriage with Indian women or by Milke-yameen (marrying a female
slave).Therefore, how can the limitations and criteria set for marriage partners be
deemed correct?
Amongst our ancestral family relations, there were roots with Saadaat and
Shuyookh who were affiliated with Shiaism and this plague spread throughout
Uttar Pradesh and particularly concentrated in Oudh because of the Shiite
authority in Oudh. If a few Awliya-ullah did not exist within our family at the time,
then most likely our family would have been unprotected from this curse.
Nevertheless, there was no clear escape for us: our late Nana Hasan Ali Shah (who
was the trustee and had power over the family estates), started a new tradition
amongst our families. He built an imambarah, held a mehendi (henna) ceremony
on the night of the sixth of Muharram and led a procession through the whole city
with great pomposity, lights and the playing of bajas (musical instruments).
The effects of some of these innovations remained; until our childhood days, we
witnessed the housing of a taziyah (a commemorative model of the tomb of Imam
Hussain) within all our family households. All praise is to Allah Taala as this
affliction was gradually lifted from our family and whilst the curse of the Mehndi
ceremony still remains, most relationships with the Shiites have ended and remain
only in a small minority.
Pride and arrogance with regard to lineage is a vile illness that Islam has
endeavoured to eliminate. It is only ones effortful deeds that will hold importance
in the court of Allah. Noble Lineage without Amale saleh (virtuous deeds), Akhlaqe
Kaamilah (perfect character) and Aqaaide sadiqa (true beliefs) hold no worth. The
prominent lineage of Abu Lahb, Abu Jahl, Ummaya (Bin Khalaf) and Waleed (Bin
Mughyrah) prevented them from attaining even a millionth share of the status and
prominence that Hadhrat Bilal (Habshi), Hadhrat Salman (Farsi) and Hadhrat
Suhayb (ar-Rumi) Radhi Allahu Anhum achieved during Islams establishment. The
arrogance of the Quraishi leaders led them to become the fuel for the hell fire.
Despite his distant lineage, Hadhrat Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu became the first
Caliph, received the title Siddique Akbar and was buried alongside Hadhrat
Khatumun Nabiyyeen Alaihis Salatu Wassalam because of his sincerity and true
sacrifices. Even though Hadhrat Abbas and Hadhrat Ali Radhi Allahu Anhum are of
closer lineage to the Prophet Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam they did not receive this
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honour that Hadhrat Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anha received. This is the bounty of
Allah that He bestows upon whom He wishes. It is very sad that the Muslims of
India, until today, hold onto this false arrogance and wrong vanity in relation to
their lineage which should be completely removed from hearts and minds.
Hadhrat Qutubul Aarifeen Sayyed Ahmad Sahib Shaheed Rahmat Ullaha Alahi states
in Siraatul Mustaqeem:
(Persian text to be added.)
Hadhrat Sayyed Sahib Shaheed Rahmat Ullaha Alahi was from amongst the Saadaat
and the progeny of a very prominent saint. He had ties with the well-known and
distinguished families amongst the prominent people of Takia, Rae Bareli. Many
great Awlia-Ullah have passed in his ancestral chain. Regardless of his own
lineage, his words (Persian text above) effectively express the negativity of pride
about ones lineage. It is extremely important that this baseless pride is removed
from the mind and instead effort is made to improve and rectify ones deeds,
character and beliefs; as this is the only way one can achieve perfection and the
closeness of Allah and its innumerable blessings. Not only will this lead to
salvation, it will be a source of respect and honour both in the world and in
religion for the whole family and Allah Taala will adorn them with His pleasure
and His happiness.
Those that have pride about their lineage are both crippled and have become idle
in their deeds and therefore their character and beliefs have become ruined. The
ghost of ignorance and imperfection and the devil of wordly-worship and selfworship has got a hold over them. They have become so intoxicated with
nonsensical and baseless visions that they look down at all the Muslims, including
the people of knowledge and the God Fearing (Ahlul Ilm wat-taqwa). Furthermore,
they confront others with impolite words and offensive practices; with utter
boldness, they continue to practically disgrace and humiliate those people who are
less noble or of a lower class in terms of their lineage, disregarding them even if
they are God Fearing individuals, Scholars and have qualities of forbearance.
This practice is completely against Islamic teachings and the practices of previous
predecessors (Aslaaf). Ahadeeth have strongly discouraged that a Muslim looks
disdainfully at another Muslim. Instead Islam actively orders that other Muslims are
shown respect and compassion and the Ahle Tasawwuf are very conscious about
this matter.
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Furthermore, everyone knows the condition of a person when the ruh (soul)
has been extracted, whether the body was of a King or one who was
debased, poor, strong or weak; He becomes inorganic matter; that bloats,
bursts, rots, causes the infestation of eels, creates a strong pungent smell,
gorges with pus and blood, disintegrates into the earth and becomes part of
it. Noble lineage does not make a difference at this time and neither does
wealth, riches, authority or strength.
4. Allahs absolute and limitless mercy and blessings are so abundant that it
would not be surprising if in a single moment he was to turn a particle into a
mountain or a drop of water into an ocean. Likewise, it is not difficult for
Him to turn a common person into a Qutub ul-Aqtaab, an ignorant man into
a Scholar or a madman into Plato (Greek philosopher). If an ignorant
herdsman started proclaiming, I spent the night as a Kurdiya and in the
morning I awoke as as an Arab scholar then is it not possible that an eighty
year old fire worshipper and idol worshipper is blessed with imaan and is
made the Qutub uz-zaman and the Gawth e-Dawrah. To give someone
capacity that has no capacity and someone status who has no status, is the
play of His Left Hand.(Urdu phrase i.e. very easy for Him)
Persian verse to be added
The conclusion is that pride in lineage that is found in Muslims everywhere
and particularly in India and specifically amongst the Saadaat, the children
of prominent saints and Shuyookh is a false pride and is the cause of much
corruption and ruination. Despite Islams relentless efforts to remove its
roots, unfortunately its full removal did not occur. Instead when these
people came to India, they began to emulate their fellow countrymen and
the problem grew worse.
In reality, the perfection of knowledge and deeds lies in good character and
in attaining Allah Taalas pleasure. It is the reason why the respected
Aslaaf (May Allah have mercy upon them) received prominence and honour
over their contemporaries and their own progeny. Nevertheless, if their
children or grandchildren followed in the footsteps of the Aslaaf and were
to attain similar deeds and character then they too would be eligible to be
called Khalfe Sadq (Truthful progeny) and Sapoot (dutiful sons). Otherwise,
they will be similar to Prophet Nuh Alayhis Salams disobedient son and will
be counted amongst the disobedient sons. These disobedient and illmannered people should always be fearful lest the lineage of the respected
Aslaaf and its nobility is cut off like what happened to the son of Nuh
Alayhis Salams and it is proclaimed; Surely he is not of your family; verily
his work is unrighteous, and they are made to taste the great punishment
as part of the deprivation from the blessings of the respected Aslaaf.
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Instead, these people have become absorbed in pride and arrogance, and to
a greater extent in humiliating, debasing and disgracing others. These forms
of impolite actions cause distress to minds and heart rending blows to the
poorer Muslims, Muslim labourers and reverted families. Additionally, it
creates a negative impact on propagating Islam and its all embracing
nature and crumbles Islamic principles and its high status. They become a
veil over Rasullullah Sallahu Alaihi Wasalams guidance and leadership and
are obstacles in the growth of the Ummat which has been severely warned
against within Islamic Teachings.( We seek refuge with Allah)
The above mentioned reasons are the very reasons why I feel fearful and
ashamed; that I can call myself or refer to myself in writing as a Sayyed or
the son of a prominent Saint and express pride in my lineage, when I only
have my existing impoverished deeds and character. However, there
remains no doubt that the bounties of Allah upon all humans-without
anyones choosing, are also significant blessings. For example; the birth of a
human and all the correctly formed and healthy bodily parts, beauty and
bodily proportion, acumen and memory etc. are from those blessings of
Allah in which a human has no say. A person should remain forever grateful
to Allah Taala and should proclaim the blessings bestowed upon him,
contemplate and make Allah Taala happy through the expression of
gratitude. In the same way, nobility of lineage is a blessing and gift from
Allah, without anyones choosing. Thus it is important to show thankfulness
for it and in accordance with Quranic Ayah But the bounty of the Lord rehearse and proclaim, it is essential that a proclamation is made.
Therefore the following extract has been included in this book:
Hadhrat Shaheed Rahmat Ullaha Alahi writes in Siraatul Mustaqeem:
Persian text
In conclusion, the progeny of the Ahlul Kamal (people of perfection) possess
many qualities. If those qualities and capabilities are utilised by them, there
is an opportunity for them to make a considerable attainment and very
quickly make achievements. In contrast, if there is a failure in putting these
qualities and capabilities to use, then consequently the bad deeds and the
lack of knowledge of the progeny of the Arbabe Kamal (men of perfection)
will lead them to becoming deprived of Kamal and at times, human respect
itself. They will have become like a paralysed pair of hands or feet that
have lost the capacity to support a person in walking or disabled them from
using their hands to hold anything. Another example of them is that of a
rusting iron sword that begins to deteriorate and become useless. It was the
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compulsory duty upon the honourable families to put a lot effort into
acquiring knowledge and practicing good deeds so that their own qualities
did not begin to rust and become completely ruined.
In accordance with the undoubted promise; And those who believe and
whose offspring follow them in faith may they also journey on the same
route and live a similar existence (of their elders) and may Allah grant
them the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of their Aslaaf and allow it
to become a means of reaching the eminent status of the Aslaaf, regardless
of their limited deeds.
Wallahi Wa-littawfeeq
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uncles grew up, they put forward a claim at the civil court for the villages that
were taken from them. However, their limited funds and the excessive fees of the
civil court were no match against the rich Landowner Raja Beti. In order to raise
the fees for the court case, they had also pledged their existing land as mortgage,
hoping that they would win their case and regain their assets. Instead, they lost
everything and there was no escape from the interest-based loan; and it resulted
in poverty and a life of continued hardship.
My paternal grandfather was the inheritor of two annas and eight (land
measurement) within the two afore mentioned villages. At the time, when my
Father left Bangarmau and came to Tanda, this inheritance was also taken by the
bank as part of the mortgage repayment. What only remained was one seer
(measurement) of land, which my Fathers eldest brother used for cultivation
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After having passed Normal School, he started to learn English following much
persuasion from his close associates. A week later, after starting his English
studies, he saw a dream in which both of his hands were soiled in excreta which
resulted in his dislike for the English language. His continued effort in career
proved successful.
Chapter 5: My Fathers Marriage
When my father was 18 years of age and in employment at Iltifatganj, Teeg Alis
wife (my fathers adoptive mother) strongly expressed that he should get married.
As I have mentioned earlier, my maternal grandfather Akbar Ali Sahib (May Allah
have mercy on him) was the administrator and manager of all the land owned by
the family. He died by drowning in River Ghagra in 1857 and had left behind three
young sons and one daughter (my respected mother). My mother was six months
old at the time of her fathers death. The income from their remaining land was
minimal and neither was there another earning adult in the family. Therefore,
raising these orphaned children took place in poverty stricken conditions. My
maternal grandmother was well educated and good at managing the household
affairs. She taught the children Urdu and Persian etc. according to the standard of
the time. My paternal grandmother made a specific effort to ensure my father was
married within the family and succeeded in doing so; when my mother was
fourteen years old she was married to my father and my eldest brother was born in
1288 Hijri.
My maternal grandmother was from the saadaat family from Nandroli situated in
Bikapur in the Faizabaad District. Her maternal Uncle was a Kaamil Walliyullah
and Sahibe Ilm and he had undertaken the upbringing of my maternal
grandmother. Apart from being able to write Hindi and Urdu, she was competent in
shariat wa tareeqat, and had mastery in kashfe quboor etc. She put an utmost
level of effort and self-sacrifice into riyazate shaqah and dhikr wa adhkar . She
had also taught my mother how to speak and write Hindi, as well as teaching her
literature in Hindi such as Padmavat and Hans Jawahir. She instigated within her a
passion for Tasawwuf which deepened after she took bayat with Hadrat Molana
Fadhlul-Rahman Gunj-Muradabadi. Although she had many children, my mother
used to regularly wake-up in the night and perform tahajjud prayers and engage in
dhikr and munajaat until morning. It was her practice until the latter part of her
life to recite Surah Ikhlas two hundred times daily and gift it to the beloved
Prophet Sallahu alayhi wasallam. Throughout her lifetime, she worked diligently at
her housekeeping as well.
When My mother moved to Madinah Munawwarah, she had to grind flour with her
own hands owing to the poverty that befell them: it was something she never had
to undertake whilst living in India. Even at this old age she used to grind flour daily
with one of her three daughter- in-laws. She showed wisdom in her love for the
children and never complained about having to separate them for their educational
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development. She took great concern in the education and upbringing of the
children. From a young age, she displayed a passion for deen and she took care
that stories and parables contained elements of spiritual and moral development
for the children.
Her genealogy is as follows: Binte Akbar Ali bin Makhdoom bin Toorab Ali bin Shah
Madan (May Allah be pleased with them). Shah Madan had three sons; Toorab Ali,
Hidayatullah and Noor Ashraf. My father was from the children of Noor Ashraf and
my mother was from the children of Toorab Ali and had three brothers called
Tasdeeq Hussain, Tafaddhul Hussain and Abdul Gafoor (who had no children). Shah
Madans third son also had no children. My mother passed away in 1322 Hijri and
was buried in Jannatul Baqee. Thereafter my father married several times but did
not attain the contentment that he hoped to achieve by remarriage. My mother
was very fortunate; from the moment she married many blessings were witnessed
in the wealth and number of children in our family. Although she encountered the
death of some of her children during infancy, she never had to face the death of
any children during their youth.
My father, intentionally, transferred his employment from Bangarmau (to Tanda)
on a lower wage scale, as their remaining landownership was at risk. My paternal
uncle was unable to release it from the existing mortgage and he was not safe
from the violence and aggression of the affected shared owners. My father reached
Tanda and took a loan out on cottonseed oil and had the mortgaged land released.
Within six to seven years they were able to repay the new loan because of the
income of the land, and thereafter, the land was mutually divided between them.
My paternal uncle and his children were able to live with ease, my father was also
able to gain benefit from the landownership and they were both able to conduct
their childrens marriages etc. without incurring any loans.
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Saeed Ahmad Sahib (marhoom) was born in 1293 Hijri- 1876/77 CE in Bangarmau
and most probably passed away in Madinah Munawwarah in Shawwal 1359 Hijri1940/41. He was buried in Jannatul Baqee. He had married many times and
fathered many sons and daughters, but only one daughter survived him. He
founded a Madrasah e Shariyyah called Madarasa-tul Uloom ash-Shariyyah liYatamaa al-Madinah an-Nabawiyyah. Following the War, The government founded
many Madaris (schools) focussing on modern sciences, with limited provision of the
Islamic sciences. During the Turkish Rule, even the limited provision of Islamic
Sciences came to an end; the children of Madinah Munawwarah were left without
direction and were becoming estranged to the knowledge of Islamic Sciences.
Realising this concern, Saeed Ahmad Sahib established the Madrasah and some
committed and good-willed people from India offered help and support; this is why
many benefits were reaped from this Madrasah.
The two elder brothers (may Allah have mercy on them both) were graduates from
Darul Uloom Deoband. Prior to attending Darul Uloom, they passed their studies at
the Urdu Middle School with exemplary results and completed their Quran and
Persian studies with our parents. My eldest brother, Moulana Mohammad Siddique
received Khilafat and Ijazah from Moulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi (Quddus
sirruhul Azeez), yet my second eldest brother stayed at his Khanqah for many
years, was honoured with the opportunity of khidmat and the practice of dhikr and
ashgal, but did not receive the honour of ijazah from him. Thereafter, Hadhrat
Shaykhul Hind and Moulana Khaleel Ahmad (May Allah have mercy on them both)
granted him ijazah. Both of my brothers taught the Islamic Sciences in Madinah
Munawwarah.
Jameel Ahmad (Marhoom), was born Al-Haddadpur in Dhil Qadah, 1302 Hijri
1885 CE. He was studying the middle level of Arabic studies at the time my father
decided to migrate. He was enrolled at the Turkish Madrasah Rushdiyya in Madinah
Munawwarah. Owing to his deep intelligence and his previously developed
competence in his Arabic studies; within a small period of time he made
considerable progression and achieved first position at each level. He was given a
medal for achievement in the highest category and received special attention from
his teachers. When he graduated from all the stages of Madarasah Rushdiyya, the
Turkish authorities sent him to Istanbul along with all the other graduates. From
amongst the graduates he was the only one that had achieved at the highest
category. The Governor of Madinah was Uthman Pasha and the Sultan of the era
was Abdul Hameed Khan; Uthmaan Pashaa arranged a celebratory parade for their
departure from Madinah to Istanbul and communicated their arrival via a telegram
to the royal court. As the graduates were from the city of Madinah, Sultaan Abdul
Hameed Khan (May Allah have mercy on him) ordered that they receive a special
welcome when they reached Istanbul; much pomp and parade awaited them and
were given special treatment when they were enrolled into Madrasah Edaadiyah.
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Within his first year of study there, my brother managed to achieve first position
from amongst 150 students approximately. In effect, he gained the special
attention of his teachers and the authorities. However, it was destined that he
would become ill with tuberculosis. He remained ill for many months and
underwent many different treatments but they were to no avail. Consequently, he
returned to Madinah Munawwarah, only to remain alive for some days; he passed
way in his youth and was buried in Jannatul Baqee. It was only natural that my
father severely mourned the death of his son.
Mahmood Ahmad was born in Shawwal 1308 Hijri-1891 CE, in Al-Haddadpur. At the
time of migration he was eight years old and was studying basic Urdu. He was also
enrolled in a Turkish Madrasah. Following the completion of all the levels, my
brother and all the other graduating students at the highest level were admitted to
different institutes as apprentices. Mahmood Ahmad was admitted into the
Department of Justice, where he very quickly made progress and within a very
short period of time he was given a paid role as an employee within the legal
writing department. Following the War, during the authority of Shareef Hussayn he
was made he was Chief Scribe/Head Clerk and during the rule of Saudi he became
a judge/magistrate in Jeddah. He lived in Jeddah for many years, yet was
unsettled there, so he requested a transfer to Madinah Munawwarah. His request
was declined, so he resigned and returned to Madinah Munawwarah and took up
trade: which he had simultaneously begun whilst working as an employee in the
Department of Justice. He imported water irrigation machinery from Germany
which he sold to orchard/plantation owners and he also opened a workshop for
repairs and equipment which were profitable for him. The authorities of Madinah
continued to include his presence in important courts /departments because they
were highly assured by his capabilities and capacities; and no form of complaint
was ever received from the public. He has since been retained as a member in
both a paid and unpaid capacity. Alhumdulillah he is successfully spending his
time. He has one son called Habeebullah who is in his youth and a few daughters.
Habeebullah is presently the supervisor and Principal of Madrasah Shariyyah.
My Father had three daughters; one daughter was called Zaynab who was born in
Al-Haddadpur in 1299 Hijri 1881/82 CE and passed away when she was three to
four years old. The second daughter was called Naseem Zahra who was born in
1311 Hijri- 1893/4 CE and she passed away at the tender age of one to one and a
half years old. The third daughter, Riyadh Fatemah was born in 1305 or 1306 Hijri 1887 -1889 CE and passed away in 1330 Hijri 1911/12 CE leaving behind a
daughter; who also passed away a few days after her mother. Both mother and
daughter were buried in Jannatul Baqee.
During my fathers (marhoom) lifetime, thirty three to thirty five members of our
family (May Allah have mercy on them) passed away in the city of Madinah
Munawwarah and were buried there.
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by Darul-Uloom Deoband, yet he sent one rupee to my father to help him cover his
additional expenses on a monthly basis. Sometimes we found ourselves in a situation of
debt largely because of our own foolishness and we were severely reproached for it.
Furthermore, we had to cover the cost of travel for our annual holidays from Deoband to
our home and this is the reason why we went home only after a two year period had
passed.
At the time, my fathers future vision was to develop plantations for all the children and
extend our house, but it was fated that in on the 22nd of Rabiul Awwal; 1313 Hijri (August/
September 1895 C.E.), my parents peer and murshid; Hadhrat Moulana Fadhlur Rahman
Ganj Muradabadi (Quddus Sirruhul Azeez) passed away at the age 105 years. It is true that
every Mureed will have formed a connection and developed love to some degree for his
murshid, however my parents, and in particular, my father had an extremely deep love for
his murshid. My father had remained in his khidmat for a very long time and was blessed
with dhikr-wa-shugal, istifada-e-batini (spiritual benefits) and the completion of the
manazile-sulook. Moulanas (marhoom) special favour and attention had always remained
on him. For a long while he remained grief-stricken; he wrote very many Qasaid (poems)
expressing his separation from his murshid and many of them were written in powerful
words in the language of bahakha (referred to in Hindi as birog: separation or separated
lover). During the prevailing period, my brother Sayyed Ahmad wrote a letter to my father
stating: Miah, (that is what we used to call our father) India has no longer become a
place for living and we should move to Madinah Munawwarah. The concern of developing
the plantations is a waste.
My brothers words greatly affected my father like a burning match in liquid spirit: His
reading of the letter, enflamed the fire of love for the beloved Prophet Sallahu Alayhi
Wasallam. Thereafter he constantly remained in deep thought and developed the idea
that he should migrate to Madinah with the whole family. He started thinking about
strategies of how it could be achieved; it was not a simple task for a family of eleven or
twelve to relocate to Madinah. People explained to my father that he should go himself
and perform Hajj and Ziyyarah, yet he was persistent in his viewpoint. The in-laws of his
sons placed a lot of pressure on him and then he replied, you may take with you the
divorce of your daughters if you want as I will be taking my sons with me. He told his
daughter-in-laws; Whoever amongst you chooses not to relocate should request a divorce
from her husbands, yet all of you should know and should be reminded how it is
considered a detested practice in the Indian tradition and within our society.
I expressed to my father that I had still to complete some books on Adab (Arabic
literature) and Hayat (Astronomy) and that he should commence his migration and that I
would join him after one or two years. He replied, You may complete them in Madeenah
Munawwarah. My wife was brought up by her maternal uncle, Shaykh Kifayatullah
Marhoom Katalpuri because her father had passed away much earlier on. Shaykh
Kifayatullah was her guardian at the time of marriage and had worked for the Government
in Balrampur. He was residing in Lucknow at the time and was working for the Lucknow
Government. He tried to prevent me from leaving and he spoke to my father himself and
said, I am present in Lucknow , I will keep Husayn Ahmad here with me and I will send
him to Hakeem Abdul Azeez Sahib (marhoom) to study medicine. Leave him here. My
father replied, Should I mount Husayn Ahmad on a donkey after having mounted him on a
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horse? He has been given an education in Uloome Deeniyah and what education can there
be more worthy than that?
Friends, relatives and others tried to explain matters to him but in the words of the poet;
Upon the one who is sick with love, May Allahs mercy be,
The sickness only grew worse with every attempted medicine.
His passion and love was further heightened nearing the time of his migration to Hijaz. It
was known that there were many difficulties meted out by the Government at the time
(which will be discussed later).Someone mentioned the difficulties sustained because of
the quarantines placed in Allahabad and advised him not to make intention to go that
year. He replied, If it was said unto me that you will be mounted at the mouth of the
cannon and it will be blasted so that you will reach Madinah Munawwarah. Im ready for
that as well. In our household, apart from my brother Saeed Ahmad Sahib (marhoom), no
one was of the same thinking as my father on this matter. My eldest brother observed my
fathers strong will and complained to Hadhrat Gangohi (Quddus Sirruhu); he replied, It is
not a problem, you take leave as well. My brother then added Hadhrat, I have not yet
completed my spiritual education and I want to pursue it. Hadhrat replied, Go for now
and then later on take leave from them and return here.
Consequently, my fathers passion and yearning kept growing and he started thinking of
ways to sell the land he had owned so he could leave. This process took a long-time and it
was only after much effort, a rich man from Tanda called Rajah Ali Hussayn purchased all
the owned plantations in Al-Haddadpur and Jarawanpur at the price of approximately
three thousand rupees. He also wanted to sell our homeland but he could not find anyone
who was ready to pay even half or a third of its price and thus it was not sold. We finally
left India during the end days of Shabaan 1316 Hijri (1898/1899 C.E.).
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thus, is aware of its worth and all its levels. He thereafter laid a very strong emphasis on
dhikr etc. upon my brother and increased his husn tawajjuh kind attention towards him.
During his stay in Madeenah, despite his weak and old age, he remained constant in
practicing the sunnah and committed to reading the five daily prayers with jamaat etc;
Regardless of extreme cold and hot weather, he kept punctual with the timings,
something that we as youth were incapable of managing. Till his death, He diligently
completed all his waraid, wazaif and muraqabah.
He diligently managed both domestic affairs and the needs of the construction work which
entailed; clay kneading, transferring the kneaded clay and stones to the builders,
gathering broken bricks and stones etc and likewise, out construction hours; moulding
bricks, visiting the bazaar daily to buy necessary building material, making pegs and bed
posts-whilst residing in India he never needed to undertake such tasks. Whenever anyone
of us would explain to him that these were his days of old age and rest, and question him
about why he chose to endure these difficulties day and night, he would remark, I cannot
remain lying around and being useless.
Furthermore, he had sound skills and expertise in curing illness and Naqsh-bandiya
amaliyaat. It was for this very reason his health once became critical in Tanda where he
undertook the practise of trying to cure an illness; the patient recovered, but he in turn
became so ill that people doubted his recovery and life. This was because his practise of
curing the illness was first to draw the illness towards himself and then to expel it from
himself. On this occasion, the illness was of a severe nature and his body was not able to
tolerate its effects, so he consequently was afflicted with the same illness (of the
patient).
Within the field of taweez and amaliyaat he had notable skill and complete expertise. He
used to mention, There was a time when I had become so proficient that I used to write
naqsh myself for curing illnesses and benefits were derived from them. At the time when
my father granted me verbal ijazah to practice amaliyat and nukoosh, he added, I have
fulfilled the zakaah required for all the amaal within this common place book (his own
hand-written compilation). There is no need for you to fulfil the zakah. I present you with
ijazah; however, it will be better for you to carry out all the amaal in my presence once.
Unfortunately, owing to my own insolence and idleness I avoided this opportunity because
I considered it an exertion and gave precedence to my Ilmi commitments. I was left
regretting my decision thereafter.
Apart from the amaliyaat passed down within the family, my father acquired many
amaliyaat from renowned people during his stay in Lucknow and Safipur etc. To add to
that, when Molvi Muhammad Ramzan sahib Marhoom Bawryuwi had made a printed copy of
Risalah Madan-ul-amal wal-masail and sent it to Moulana Fazlur-Rahman Muradad-aabadi
quddus sirruhul Azeez , he called my father and gave it to him and stated ,I grant you
permission of all the amaal that have been mentioned in here.
In 1327 Hijri (1909 CE), when I was in India, my father marhoom wrote the following words
across the top of the Risalah Madan-ul-amal wal-masail;
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Bismillah-hirRahmanir-Raheem
Alhumdu lillahi Rabbil alimeen-wassalatu wassalam ala sayyidilmursileen
I, weak servant Habeebullah, grant permission to my son Hussayn
Ahmad to practice, to write and to gift it to anyone (but family) all
this books amaliyaat and taweezat in the same way Hadhrat
Murshiduna Moulana Fadhlur-Rahman Rahmatullah ilayhi gifted and
presented it to me without amal (practise) or the fulfilment of its
zakah. He has also similarly received it without amal and the
fulfilment of zakah. Insha Allah Taala, he will benefit Allahs
creation. In the same way I have given him permission of another
handwritten book. Thus, may Allah Taala, the Omnipotent, allow
people to take benefit from him, ameen. If my son, Saeed Ahmad is
desirous and would like permission then this note of permission is
sufficient.
Merely
Habeebullah (written by my own hand)
20 Jamadil Thani 1327 Hijri (8th July 1909 C.E.)
He distributed all his remaining provisions and assets amongst family members upon
reaching Madinah Munawwarah, in accordance to the compulsory Islamic laws of
inheritance. He used to say, I have made the intention of hijrah and I have come to die
only here. I will not be moving from here. I give all of you my permission should you
decide to remain here or return to India. It was inconsiderate to leave alone a doting and
elderly parent and so neither our mother nor anyone amongst us children was happy to
separate. Our father marhoom was the only one who had made an intention of hijrah,
therefore we had made an intention to remain with him during his lifetime. It was
intended that the assets (mentioned earlier) would be used for business- the details be
will explained later.
My Father had a natural passion for poetry and in particular, those Qasaid that were
composed in the Hindi language were deeply intriguing and powerful; they were rich in
their theme of tasawwuf. Apart from these, he also has many verses written in Urdu and
Persian. He has written many heartfelt poems about his separation from Moulana FazlurRahman Muradad-aabadi quddus sirruhul Azeez, and some Qasaid have also been printed
in Bar-fugan dile Hashmi (Bearer of lamentations of the Hashimi Heart). If it had not been
a lengthy process, I would have included them in their full form here. However, as an
example, I will write a few poems here so that my fathers qabiliyat and the nature of
grief can be understood:
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(Three additional poems have been presently omitted: Separation from Murshid written
Bahaka, Munaajaat written in Bahaka and an Urdu/Persian poem)
In his youth and madrasah days, he was very apt with mathematics and calculation. He
was able to instantaneously solve the most difficult of questions. In later years, he
became so deeply impassioned by tasawwuf that he had forgotten everything (in relation
to that topic). If anyone would present a question him on that topic he would tell them I
have now forgotten everything. He was also very hard working; within the enclosure
where our buildings were being constructed he dug six seven wells and post holes etc.
with his own hands. He managed the tasks although it was hardened ground that was full
of stones and presented many difficulties; it was only possible to dig approximately one
and half to two hand spans within an hour.
Whilst residing in Madinah, he busied his time in dhikr wa fikr (remembrance and
reflection), awraad wa wazaif (regular invocations) and Salatus salaam (Blessing and
Salutations) and sometimes he would sit with other muhajireen from India and ahle islah
wa taqwa to appease his heart. He socialised very little with the general public and
neither did he waste time in useless and unnecessary talk. He had a habit to smoke
hookah; Hadhrat Moulana Fadhlur Rahman sahib marhoom smoked hookah and all his
Mureeds did likewise. In Arabia, hookah tobacco was not available so we used to take
tobacco there or asked someone to bring it. The Turkish authorities had very strict
customs and it presented problems at times. My father also had a habit of chewing
tobacco leaves and betel leaves.
In 1333-34 Hijri, at the time of the World War and when Turkish authorities had also
become involved, Hadhrat Moulana Shaykhul Hind quddus sirruhul Azeez and Moulana
Khaleel Ahmad Sahranpuri quddus sirruhul Azeez had come to Hijaz. For different
reasons, the police of Madinah Munawwarah had become suspicious of our family,
especially of those who had lived in India. Following Shaykhul Hind quddus sirruhul
Azeezs return from Madeenah after visiting Makkah, my father and two brothers; Saeed
Ahmad Marhoom and beloved Mahmoon sallamahu were arrested without any prior
knowledge and were taken to Adrianople. The women and children were left behind in
Madeenah. They provided the army with many explanations, but they avoided giving a
response. At the time, a daughter of Moulana Abdul Haq sahib Madni: Muhtamim of
Madrasahh Shahi Masjid Muradabaad, was married to Bhai Saeed Ahmad and he (Bhai
Saeed Mahmood) had been acquainted with him since many years. He displayed great
affection and was considerate in looking after all the children and the women (during the
absence of the menfolk). Jazahullahahu Khayrul Jaza (May Allah reward him with a good
return).
At the time, amongst these women and children was my wife, daughter Zahra aged teneleven, son Ashfaq around one and half years old, Bhai Saeed Ahmads wife, Mahmoods
wife and my fathers wife who was elderly. It was only natural that he would become
greatly affected by the oppression and difficulty encountered. His heart and mind were
deeply affected by his separation from the weaker members of our family and by his
lifelong burning desire to meet his death in the courtyard of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi
Wasallam. He was reluctant to travel to any other town, to the extent that he did not
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(One whose all duas are readily granted). There were many incidents where it was seen
that the one who troubled him or whom he cursed did not prosper. Rahima hullahu waraziya anhu- warzaahu (may Allah have mercy on him and be pleased with him, and he be
pleased with Him). In truth, the qualities that Allah Taala had placed in both my parents
combined can be scarcely be found in a group of people.
Our father, A father-if there was for all the people
A father like him, he would still be richer in qualities than all.
In the latter part of his life, especially after my mothers death he remained restless and
grieved. From amongst his family, his children and grandchildren, around forty individuals
had passed away one after the other. He, himself exclaimed, with my own hands I have
buried up to forty individuals from our family. Regardless of these hardships, He displayed
great patience and steadfastness. It was painstaking, that his hopes and desires met their
end in this manner and that his death and burial took in a place away from Madeenah.
Thalika taqdeerul azeezil Aleem (This is the Decree of the Almighty the All-Knowing). At
the time of his demise, I was in the company of Shaykhul Hind Rahmatullah ilayh in
captivity in Malta. When I received the news of his death, I was deeply saddened, but
there was nothing that could be done except to be patient and grateful. Fa lil-Lahil hamd
wa shukr- alaa ma qaddara wa qadha (For Allah is praise and gratitude for what He has
decreed)
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