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Hadhrat Molana

Sayyid Siddique Ahmad Bandwi RA

His legacy and its effects

Hazrat Molana Muhammad Zakaria Sanbhali

(Sheikhul Hadith, Darul uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow, India)

English translation:

Usman Maljee BSc. (Hons) MCOptom

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Translators note

I first came to learn of Hadhrat Molana Sayyid Siddique Sahib

RA from the discourses and conversations with Hadhrat

Molana Yahya Nomani Sahib on his tours of the UK. I was

immediately struck with awe and very humbled to learn of such

a personality as Molana Siddique RA in our modern times.

Even after his demise listening and reading about him is very

spiritually uplifting, Allah knows best how strong ones iman

would be if they were fortunate to meet him in person.

Alhamdulillah my family is fortunate to have a close

relationship with Hadhrat Molana Yahya Nomani Sahib.

During Ramadhan of 2010, Molana Yahya Nomani Sahib

gifted my brother Molana Imran Maljee the Urdu version of

this book and mentioned a translation of this book would be

nice. I was eager to read this book but had to wait for Molana

Imran to finish reading it first. A year had passed and Molana

Imran had still not read the book, nor was he prepared to loan

me the book. Getting a book from an alim is no easy pursuit.

The following Ramadhan (2011) I complained in jest to

Molana Yahya Sahib that Molana Imran has not read the book

he had gifted nor has allowed me to read it. Molana Yahya

Sahib laughed and gifted me a copy too, and requested me to

pen down a translation.

I was extremely honoured to have been delegated this task,

hoping it to be an opportunity to earn rewards for the hereafter.

If I remember correctly it was during October 2010 I began the

work of translating this book. I completed just less than half the

book in a short space of time, but a computer mishap and other

preoccupations meant I could not complete the translation in

the anticipated time. The year seemed be to passing very

quickly with Ramadhan (2012) was approaching. It occurred to

me how I will face Molana Yahya Sahib if the translation is not

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complete. I made a firm intention to complete the work before

the end of Ramadhan (2012).

Alhamdulillah the translation was completed on the 26th

Ramadhan 1433 (14th

August, 2012). Those who would like to

learn more about Hadhrat’s life are encouraged to read the

biography of Hadhrat Molana Siddique RA ‘Hayat e Siddique’

by Mufti Zaid Mazhari Sahib which has been translated to

English. The honourable readers are requested to remember me

in their duas.

Usman Ayub Maljee

BSc. (Hons) MCOptom

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Foreword

On the 28th

of August, 1997, at 10:25 am, the tragic loss of

Molana Sayyid Siddique Ahmad sahib RA took place.

Although the September edition of Al Furqan had already been

submitted for publishing, I made great effort to ensure the news

of Hadhrat’s demise, and request for duas to be published in

that edition.

For the October’s edition, this humble servant of Hazrat wrote

an article, in an attempt to portray only those aspects of

Hadhrat’s life which I have seen myself, or heard directly from

Hadhrat personally, and which would be of great benefit to

those who are connected to day to day life in darul ulooms, or

to those whom at any level have been given the ability to serve

the deen.

It is for this reason I have kept the heading of this article, “His

memories I remember abundantly”. The article was not

intended in any way to be a biography of Hadhrat’s life, nor

was it possible in this brief article to include all of Hadhrat’s

uniqueness, virtues and great work.

When the October’s edition of Al Furqan was published, it was

well received and largely appreciated by its readers, and within

days the Al Furqan office had sold every copy, even though

more copies were printed this month than usual.

Whatever has been written in this article does not have the

slightest amount of embellishment. I have written in the most

simple manner the incidents and sayings of Hadhrat.

Hadhrat’s stories were such, that whoever had read the article

could not hold back their tears. Some pious individuals,

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friends, close relatives, their wives and children also report of

shedding tears as they were reading the article.

There were a large number of people who wanted to learn

about Hadhrat’s life and eagerly awaited this edition of Al

Furqan. The only way the office of Al Furqan could fulfil the

rising demands of the ardent readers was to publish the article

in the form of a booklet. Alhamdulillah two editions of this

booklet were printed within a few months.

Thereafter I wrote another article in the January 2000 edition of

Al Furqan which was the second in the series of articles.

Alhamdulillah this was also as effective as the first one and it

will be the second article of this booklet.

A well known journal in Lucknow had written about Hadhrat

Molana Siddique Ahmad RA, which included this humble

servant’s two part article. When this journal intended to write a

further article about Hadhrat, upon their request I wrote a third

article “Hadhrat Molana Sayyid Siddique Ahmad in the eyes of

non Muslims”

This booklet now includes these three articles. It is requested

that whenever possible please make regular dua for Hadhrat,

and make efforts to take lesson from whatever that has been

written. May Allah also grant me the ability to do this. Ameen.

Mohammad Zakariya Sanbhli

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Part one

My first meeting with Hadhrat and my service at his

madrassa

I had known about Hadhrat Molana Sayyid Siddique sahib RA

very early on in my student life. During my second or third

year of studies I left my hometown Sanbhal for further studies.

My respected uncle Hadhrat Molana Muhammad Manzoor

Nomani RA had suggested the names of two madrassa, first, a

madrassa in Bahraich called ‘Noorul Uloom’, and second, the

madrassa of Hadhrat Molana Sayyid Siddique Ahmad RA,

‘Jamea Islamiyya’, of Hatohra, in the district of Banda. Due to

certain preferences it was decided for me to go to madrassa

Noorul Uloom.

Hadhrat RA was often mentioned at Noorul Uloom and for our

examination of Sullamul Uloom and Mukhtasar Al Ma’nee,

Hadhrat had written the test paper and they were sent to him

for marking. This was the only knowledge I had of Hadhrat and

his madrassa. On some occasions my respected uncle Hadhrat

Molana Nomani RA would mention Hadhrat’s Taqwa,

sincerity and simplicity.

After studying Mukhtasar Al Ma’nee and Sharah Wiqaya at

Noorul Uloom, I went to Darul Uloom Deoband. I studied

there for three years and then enrolled for takhasus fil adab

(Higher studies of Arabic literature) at Darul Uloom Nadwatul

Ulama.

There were a few months left for examinations during the

second year of my studies at Nadwa, a Tablighi ijtema was

held in the masjid of Nadwa which was attended by Hadhrat. I

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saw some people greeting an individual at the southern door of

the masjid. I was informed by someone that this is Molana

Siddique Sahib of Banda. Whatever my respected uncle

Molana Nomani RA had told me about Hadhrat RA was

embedded in my heart, and based on this I had great respect for

Hadhrat RA. I met Hadhrat and may have been introduced as

well.

After a short while that very same day I went to the Darul

Uloom Nadwatul Ulama’s book depot to meet my close friend,

Hafiz SameeAllah, who was at the time in charge of the book

depot. As soon as I step foot into the library I saw Hadhrat who

had also come to see him. I made salaam, to which he replied,

and immediately without any introduction Hafiz SameeAllah

said “Hadhrat take him”. I think Hadhrat was in search of a

teacher. Thus Hafiz jee had introduced me to Hadhrat.

Hadhrat said, “Brother, he (Molana Zakariya) is a high ranking

person, how is he going to come to our madrassa”. Without

any control over my tongue I said, “I am half way in the year

of my studies, if it is your request, I will discontinue my studies

immediately and accompany you”. Hadhrat said “complete

your studies, and come the next year”. Msha Allah, this was a

turning point in my life. This is what you call heavenly fate.

Today was my first meeting and today Allah decided for my

closeness with Hadhrat.

At the end of the academic year, when I was going from

Lucknow to my native town Sanbhal, my respected uncle

Hadhrat Molana Nomani RA enquired about my future plans. I

informed him of my meeting with Hadhrat RA and our

conversation. My late Uncle said “Molana is one of ours; I will

write to him and remind him”.

Fifteen or twenty days later I received a letter from my

respected uncle RA. It contained a summary of his

correspondence with Hadhrat which read, “You had a

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conversation with Zakariya, if you are in need of a teacher; he

will present himself for khidmah. But no one should be

removed to make space for him”.

Hadhrat’s reply was also included in the letter; in brief Hadhrat

wrote “Zakariya is most welcome to teach here, however the

following deficiencies are present in our madrassa: the

madrassa is in a village, comforts of the city are not found here

at all, there is no electricity, there are no barbers, there are no

dhobis (clothes cleaner), there is no tea shop, the road up to the

madrassa is untarred, the houses are made of tile, the salary of

the teachers is fifty to sixty rupees and the kitchen facilities are

poor. The condition of my house is such that I cannot make

appropriate food arrangements.

My respected uncle RA having read the letter wrote in his letter

to me, “first it was my opinion, but having read Molana’s letter

I think it is for you to decide if you can stay at a place like

this”.

I understood from Hadhrat’s letter, maybe he is excusing

himself from my coming; however I wanted to begin a life of

teaching, and I had no other place to teach. I wrote to my late

uncle RA informing him that I have made a decision to teach at

Hadhrat’s madrassa.

Towards the end of Shawwal I left Sanbhal and went to

Lucknow, intending to go to Banda from there. Here I had to

pass through one more test. Hadhrat Molana Nomani RA

mentioned one another madrassa, where the monthly

allowance was two hundred and fifty rupees.

On one side Hadhrat’s taqwa and good actions are mentioned

to me, and on the other side I am told the salary at Hadhrat’s

madrassa is fifty to sixty rupees and the other madrassa with

two hundred and fifty rupees.

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However, Alhamdulillah, I made the decision to teach at

Hadhrat’s madrassa and approximately on the 26th

or 27th

Shawwal I went to Banda accompanied by Hafiz Iqbal Sahib

Gondwi. My respected uncle sent Hadhrat Hafiz sahib with me

for my guidance. Arriving at the madrassa I realised Hadhrat’s

honourable letter was true to every word.

At the time of my departure, my respected uncle RA gave some

advice, which proved to be of lifelong benefit. Hadhrat Molana

Nomani RA said “be of assistance to Molana in all of his

works, however do not get involved in the finances, initially a

person does not intend to be unfaithful, but certain

circumstances will leave one with no choice but to carry them

out in an unfaithful manner”. Alhamdulillah, I have derived

great benefit from this advice.

The second thing Hadhrat Molana Nomani RA had said “if

Hadhrat RA enquires from you as to which books you would

like to teach, using me as a reference, you should say you are

ready to teach those books that are beneficial and necessary for

the madrassa. But since you are asking me, my wish is to teach

the initial books of each subject, and one higher level book,

Hidaya or Sharah Wiqaya, so that competence from lower

level books continues to develop and the connection with

higher level books remain firm.

After arriving at the madrassa, Hadhrat kept me as a guest for

three days. Even upon my request of being excused as a guest,

Hadhrat said “you are here to teach anyway, take rest for two

three days”. In those three days, Hadhrat kept me with him at

all times, even when he had to go Banda. This was the first

occasion I was fortunate to receive such beautiful love and

compassion from Hadhrat. Alhamdulillah this remained

permanent throughout Hadhrat’s life and did not cease for even

one second.

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After three days I was allocated to teach the initial books of

every subject, and Sharah Wiqaya, first and second. However

the initial books were not of the types which are often regarded

as unimportant in madrassa’s. Only a few months of the first

year had lapsed and I was given some parts of Jalalayn to

teach, and in the second year I was given Tafseer Baydhawi to

teach. Thereafter the books given, continued to increase to the

higher levels.

It was only about my fourth or fifth year as a teacher, and I was

teaching Tafseer Baydhawi, Hidaya Akhirayn, Mishkat

(volume two), Fusool AKbari, and some other light hearted

books. Regarding the allocation of books Hadhrat had a special

kindness towards me. May be Hadhrat was thinking I would

not be able to stay here for long, and thus under his guidance

he wanted me to teach everything. It was purely for Hadhrat’s

khidmah my teaching here began. That is why on many

occasions I would without any formality I would ask and

receive guidance from Hadhrat.

Whenever I needed a solution to a text I would go and ask

Hadhrat. After I had left, he would tell the students “see, this is

how one should teach”. Hadhrat would not be content upon

this, and to ensure the students are not left with any negative

thoughts regarding my teaching ability, Hadhrat would call me

and ask the solution regarding a text in the presence of the

students. If I gave an answer, he would show extreme

happiness, and if my answer happened to be inadequate,

Hadhrat would explain the meaning and would confirm with

me if this was correct, he would then go on to say, “it is

because of your blessing that I understood this”.

I have never seen or heard of a madrassa principal like

Hadhrat. I will write another story of Hadhrat encouraging

respect towards me in his very words. I have never allowed the

good thoughts of others regarding me to overtake me. This

unintelligent one is well aware of his reality.

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I was in the gallery opposite Hadhrat’s room teaching Sharah

Wiqaya, when all of a sudden he came out of his room with

great speed, and began to praise my teaching in front of the

students, and exclaimed “I was wondering how you will solve

this difficult text, by Allah, what amazing interpretation you

have given, Molana! Pleas write this in your words,”. He then

kept on repeating “Molana! Pleas write this. It will assist me”.

Even now as I am writing this there are tears in my eyes.

I have never been able to nor can I ever compensate the favours

of Hadhrat. Alhamdulillah, without doubt, love and firm

respect of Hadhrat has always remained, and I have been able

to make dua for Hadhrat as well, may Allah maintain this

practice. There are numerous incidents of kindness and

affection Hadhrat has shown to this insignificant person.

After my teachers, Hadhrat has had a great input in the

development of my teaching and learning as a result of the

many favours shown upon me. Hadhrat kindness and affection

was akin to all teachers, however this was concealed, one knew

very little of the favours conferred on others, hence each

person thought Hadhrat shows me the most love.

All of the teachers at the madrassa in every aspect were much

younger than Hadhrat. Hadhrat would however respect and

serve everyone. If any of the teachers delayed visiting Hadhrat

to collect their allowance, then Hadhrat himself would take it

to their house and give it.

When Hadhrat would go to Banda, he would ask the teachers,

“I am going to Banda, are there any errands that need to be

done?” this question was so sincere, some teachers would

inform Hadhrat the errands that need doing, and Hadhrat would

carry them out.

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Many occasions when Hadhrat would return from Banda, he

would come to my room and call me very quietly and say”I

went to Banda and have bought this for you”. Amongst the

things he used to bring were, seasonal fruits and sometimes

sweets. The above practice mentioned must have been met with

other teachers too, but I only have knowledge of the kindness

and affection shown to me.

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Hadhrat initial studies

On many occasions Hadhrat would narrate the story about his

early learning, he would say, “my teacher, who taught Hifzul

Quran in the village masjid, had only memorised seven or

eight paras of the Quran. When I had also memorised that

many paras, he said to me “son, go out of the village to study

somewhere, I can only teach you this much”.

Hadhrat was very young when his father passed away so his

late mother made the arrangements for Hadhrat to go and study

in Kanpur. His mother gave him some dry bread and may be

some roasted chick peas to take with him. Hadhrat did not take

meals from the madrassa, either there were no arrangements

for food at the madrassa or Hadhrat did not prefer to receive

food, this detail I do not remember. For a few days Hadhrat

lived on the food he had brought with him. When this had

exhausted, Allah (SWT) made arrangement of one meal per

day in the following way.

A teacher from Kanpur said “Siddique! Fill up water from the

municipal well and bring it to my house, you will get one

meal”. The teacher’s house was situated on the roof top,

Hadhrat used to carry two buckets of water up the stairs.

Hadhrat used to say “I would to stand at the centre of the

staircase and cry, but there was no other alternative”. In twenty

four hours only one meal was taken, however for the

development Hadhrat Allah had agreed for further arduous

reformation.

Hadhrat narrated over and over again, that it had not even been

one month of this system of one meal per day, when a

colleague from my village Hafiz Ni’matullah came to Kanpur

to study with me. The situation now was, one meal shared

between two people. A few days later another student arrived,

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now in twenty four hours, one piece of bread itself was eaten in

parts. The new student could not tolerate this test and quickly

returned home. But Hadhrat and respected Hafiz Ni’matullah

passed the entire year on one meal per day.

The motive to establish a madrassa

The district of Banda and its surrounding areas did not have

any noteworthy religious institutions. There was a long absence

of any personalities who could carry out the work of deen. It is

for this reason the area’s religious condition was very poor. A

large number of people were only Muslim by name; the reality

was that their condition was far worse than just having a weak

connection with Islam; some communities use to introduce

themselves by saying, we are neither Muslims nor Hindu; we

keep ties with so and so community.

After independence (from British rule), the “Shuddhi”

movement in the district of Banda began to convert weak

Muslims to Hinduism, and a flood of conversion had occurred.

Not hundred, but rather thousands of Muslims had certainly left

the fold of Islam, or were very close to doing so.

During this time Hadhrat was teaching at Madrassa Islamiyya

in Fatehpur. Hadhrat would continue to receive news about

events in Banda and surrounding areas. Hadhrat himself would

tell us, “one night, when I intended to sleep and was lying

down, this thought occurred to me, tomorrow on the day of

judgement, Allah will not ask me, did you teach this kitab or

not? Rather I will be asked, in your locality, people were

leaving the fold of Islam in huge numbers, what did you do?

The thought of this question made me lose my sleep. All night

I remained wallowing and distressed with this concern and I

couldn’t sleep for a single minute. However even before

morning had dawned, my mind and heart made a decision, that

now I have to work amongst the people of my locality, and

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make worry and concern regarding their Iman. This in mind I

took leave from my madrassa and returned to my locality”.

In the beginning Hadhrat alone toured the villages where the

sin of retraction from Islam was increasing. Wherever and

whenever he got a chance he would speak about deen.

Not long ago, I had asked some details regarding these tours of

Hadhrat. Hadhrat said “when visiting those people who knew

my village Hatohra; I would use Hatohra as reference to

introduce myself and talk to them, and when visiting those who

knew my in laws, I would mention my in laws as a reference

and begin my talk. In this manner I covered several villages in

one day and conveyed to them the dawah of deen”. In the

answer to my question I was also told, “Sometimes the night

would be spent in bale of hay, and sometimes in the pathways

of fields”.

Hadhrat had been making effort in this manner for several

months, and felt a need for a madrassa which would serve as a

centre for this work and a place where the children of these

people can go to learn deen. Hadhrat went to the people of

Banda and nearby neighbourhoods and proposed the idea of a

madrassa. He visited certain individuals with great hopes, but

upon even hearing about this task they would, fearfully, put

fingers in their ears. People went as far saying, “Siddique,

people are struggling and awfully frustrated here, and you are

talking about a madrassa”.

Hadhrat would often tell us in detail regarding these events.

Until now there are so many other things I have preserved in

my memory, however it will become too lengthy.

Faced with despondency from all directions Hadhrat opened a

madrassa, after all. The inhabitants of his village were

extremely poor, the houses were of mud, and the masjid was

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small and in a pitiable condition. However nothing was an

obstacle when faced by Hadhrat’s firm determination.

During those days Hadhrat would recite a lengthy poem, he

would relate to me on many occasions some the verses of that

poem. Whenever he would narrate the poem, his eyes would

begin to weep with tears.

I hope (it is Allah will) that this poem is preserved somewhere.

What a poem, it was the cries of a broken and sorrowful heart.

The construction of the madrassa

Today Hadhrat’s madrassa looks like a magnificent fortress.

When I was teaching at the madrassa, quite a few buildings

had already been made, however today there are ten times as

many buildings.

About thirty five years ago, Hadhrat Molana Abdul Majid

Daryabadi RA, having seen the madrassa wrote “Allahu

Akbar! How small the village is and how big is the madrassa,

the servants of Allah have built the fortresses of Allah’s deen

all over”.

The madrassa appears as a definite delight in the jungle. But

how were these buildings made? In today’s time, we would

find it difficult to even contemplate this. I have seen and heard

that for the construction of the madrassa, a very small furnace

used to be in place. Hadhrat, the teachers and students would

help at every stage, and would work in the same manner as the

labourers during the construction. When mixing the cement

and sand their hands would bleed. Without any exaggeration,

this beautiful building that has been made, not only includes

the sweat, but the blood of Hadhrat, numerous students and

teachers. Allah reward them all according to his glory for their

efforts and favours.

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There is a stream close by to the madrassa. Whenever it rains,

small stones move along the stream and gather at particular

places on the river bank. These stones would then be mixed

with lime to produce bricks. Hadhrat knew very well, about the

various junctures in the streams that would gather the most

stones. He also knew perfectly well how to collect and clean

these stones. Hadhrat along with the students would collect and

gather stones from the stream, clean them, put them into

baskets and load them on to the ox cart.

Working hard in this manner Hadhrat would be very pleasant

and working with him was rather enjoyable. Everyone was

very informal with him. Some senior students would even have

some banter with Hadhrat. I have never seen or heard of such a

beloved mentor. Hadhrat would laugh and make others laugh.

Such admirable smile and beautiful teeth was rarely seen.

Regarding the construction of the madrassa, Hadhrat would

take opinions from all and accept opinions too. In this was

way, straw by straw, this nest was made.

Other than his own madrassa, Hadhrat was greatly concerned

about establishing elementary madrassa (maktab) all over

towns and villages. Hadhrat established and was financially

responsible for approximately one hundred makatib and

madrassas.

Only Allah knows how many villages there are, where as a

result of Muslims being in a minority, masjids could not be

established. Hadhrat would gain the trust of the Hindu brothers

in those areas and build masajid.

Those areas where there was no possibility of building a

masjid, a room that faced the qibla was built, under the name

of a school, classes and salat would take place there. Hadhrat

would often say, “The difference between the level of deen in

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the Muslims in villages with and without masajid is that of

between the earth and the sky”.

Courtesy and humility

Hadhrat was an icon of courtesy and humility. He would

consider himself the most inferior and an unworthy servant to

all. You may have read many stories of affection previously,

also read this one please.

There were twelve toilets situated opposite the masjid in the

madrassa that were used by all students and teachers. The

uncultured students from the villages would spoil the toilets in

every possible manner. However in the morning the toilets

were spotlessly clean. No one had any idea who was cleaning

them. Once about two thirty in the morning I needed to answer

the call of nature. As I got nearer to the toilets I saw a person

taking from a pit and putting into a bucket, water that would

collect from the masjid wudhu place and wash the toilets. On

closer inspection I realised it was our Hadhrat himself. I

continued to observe Hadhrat, and quietly then went back and

lay down on my bed. I didn’t have the courage to go any closer

and join Hadhrat, as Hadhrat would feel sad upon the exposure

of his secret. Upon seeing Hadhrat do all this, sleep was out of

the question for me. Thereafter Hadhrat would go to the well of

the masjid that had a tap attached, and would take a bath, after

which he would then begin tahajjud salat in the masjid

courtyard. Allah knows best what reward he will receive for

this work and how much this tahajjud salat would have been

beloved to him. To sweep the courtyard and balcony opposite

his room was nothing special; this was a daily errand for

Hadhrat.

A very well respected buzrug planned to visit Hadhrat. In order

for the stay of elderly guests to be comfortable Hadhrat had

two toilets close to his room. The tank of these toilets had

become blocked. Hadhrat called upon two of his close friends

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Molana Mohammad Manzoor and Molana Anis Ahmad, and

said “I have a job, which only we can do, will you help?”

“Most definitely, tell us what needs to be done” they replied.

Credit to the two the young Molanas, who themselves narrate,

after being informed of the task, they as well as Hadhrat

collected filth from the blocked toilets into buckets and

disposed of it far away in the fields.

Kindness towards students

Hadhrat would treat the students like his own children and care

for all their needs. All the students would receive their meals

from the madrassa, if a poor student had no clothing, Hadhrat

would also see to this. He would visit the sick students at their

room and arrange for their medications.

One of the students developed small pox whilst Hadhrat was

away. Hadhrat returned a few days later and immediately

enquired if all was well at the madrassa. Hadhrat become very

distressed when he came to know a student was ill and

instantly made his way back to Banda.

We pleaded with Hadhrat, that he has just returned from a long

journey and the weather is extremely hot at this time.

Alternatively he can send someone on his behalf with a letter to

any doctor in Banda. However Hadhrat did not give in, and

made his way to Banda in the severe heat. During those days

you had to walk two kilometres before taking a bus to Banda.

Bus services were limited so there was always a long wait in

the face of a heat wave during the afternoon.

Hadhrat left the madrassa at about 12 o’clock, and returned at

three o’clock with some doctors who had a very good

relationship with him. The doctors examined the student and

reassured Hadhrat he will be fine. Hadhrat would nurse the

student until he regained health.

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On one occasion Hadhrat remarked about an old student when

his mention was made, that he cleaned him when spoiled by

urine and faeces, and further went to say that he was not

exaggerating.

The issue in the district of Banda and nearby villages was not

only limited to whether knowledge or piety was present. Rather

it was about survival and death of Islam. This issue was close

at heart to Molana and he gave it great importance in a manner

that it deserved.

It is for this reason Hadhrat was very lenient towards students

from these villages. If these students were not actively

studying, Hadhrat would still allow them to stay on. I would

sometimes look down upon these students and say some

inappropriate words regarding them to Hadhrat. There was a

student called ‘Laal Mohammed’ who never paid any attention

to his studies. On many occasions I requested Hadhrat to send

him back home, however Hadhrat would ignore my request.

One day Hadhrat said “people are saying Laal Mohammed will

not be able to complete his studies, he has however completed

his recitation of the entire Quran”. I realised I was being

addressed and replied “it took him five years just to complete a

recitation of the entire Quran”. I will never forget Hadhrat’s

response, with great fervour he said, “Molana, Laal

Mohammed is probably the only one in his village that

understands Islam, if children from these areas remain here

without studying one word, I am prepared to tolerate this”.

I can great worry and concern still cannot reach this level.

Entertaining guests

It is mentioned in the Ahadith that honouring the guest is a sign

of Iman. Hadhrat would very often have visitors that would be

entertained to the highest degree. Hadhrat did not want the

madrassa to be responsible for his guests. Therefore whatever

22 | P a g e

food that was available at his home was brought for the guests

and at times food was arranged by those close to him.

Hadhrat’s room was also the guest’s room, which contained

one aluminium tray, four aluminium plates and one cloth that

had patches of various colours. If guests had arrived

unexpectedly then Hadhrat would take these utensils and

collect food from his house and from the homes of his close

friends that were en route, and return to the madrassa.

Alhamdulillah, to a certain degree I was close to Hadhrat. The

people of the village also had great love for me. I would

occasionally also carry out this errand of arranging food. On

one occasion during the absence of Hadhrat some guests had

arrived unexpectedly. I went to a very close friend’s house that

however was not at home. I informed the house members

through the children of that home that guests have arrived, may

I have a plate of daal (lentils) or curry. May Allah reward my

friend’s wife, she put forward through the children a pot of

food, and said “feed the guests, whatever is left over you can

bring back, the children are still yet to eat”. The people of this

village set an example in honouring the guest.

Hadhrat would always mention those people in the village who

had helped him during the early days of the madrassa. As I

mentioned earlier I would sometimes go to some of the homes

of the villagers as Hadhrat did and request some food, Hadhrat

however would never tolerate me asking for food at someone’s

door step, and this is what exactly happened on one occasion.

Hadhrat was not feeling well and decided to go home whereby

guests had arrived at the madrassa. I thought to myself I should

arrange the food for the guests rather than troubling Hadhrat,

and collected the utensils from Hadhrat’s room. Hadhrat was

also informed about the arrival of guests and immediately

made his way to the madrassa. I met Hadhrat on my way and

upon seeing me with utensils in my hands he began to shed

23 | P a g e

tears, and said “Molana I will do this, this work cannot be done

by you” and with great pain said “this has certainly been

destined for me”.

Worry and concern for the reconciliation between Muslims

Islam places great importance in having love, affection and

good relations with the slaves of Allah, and on the other hand

detests fighting and controversy.

Hadhrat had great concern regarding the reconciliation between

the ummah, especially those of the religious class, or those that

were attached to a religious group or institution, because the

disputes that occur amongst them was not just limited to two

personalities or two groups, but rather its effect would spread

far and be harmful for deen. Hadhrat would try his utmost to

resolve disputes amongst such people and would never shy

away from the task.

There was a dispute between two teachers from one madrassa,

which was beginning to get out of control. Hadhrat wished to

make peace between the two. He managed to convince one of

the teachers, but the one who felt he had been wronged was not

prepared to forgive the other teacher even if he asked for

forgiveness. Hadhrat tried his best to make him change his

mind. I was present with another person during this incident.

When all else failed Hadhrat took off his topee and placed it at

the feet of the unforgiving teacher. Those of us present felt as if

we were struck with lightning and everyone came to a halt.

This softened his heart and peace was made between the two

teachers.

There was similar incident to this in Lucknow, where unity was

needed amongst two groups of Muslims. When Hadhrat could

not convince some angry youth for peace he again took off his

topee and placed it at their feet, and again a positive result was

24 | P a g e

achieved. Alhamdulillah a terrible situation of bloodshed was

avoided.

There were several stories like this in Hadhrat’s life, and

through his efforts several Muslim families and institutions

have been saved from destruction. I have never seen anyone

like Hadhrat who bore the pain of others in his heart.

A few days before Hadhrat’s demise a dispute occurred at a

particular madrassa. Hadhrat’s condition was such that it was

even painful for him to put his feet on the ground. In this

condition Hadhrat travelled hundreds of miles from Banda to

resolve this difference. On his return Hadhrat came to

Lucknow, I said to Hadhrat “even in this condition you do not

refrain from travelling?” Hadhrat replied I had no choice but to

make this journey and Alhamdulillah it was a fruitful one, the

dispute in the madrassa has been resolved and the people of

the madrassa are happy.

Hadhrat’s childhood

From beginning till the end Hadhrat’s life was full of struggles.

His entire life was without ease, comfort, contentment and

peace. Perhaps there isn’t a great scholar like him today who

endured such rigour.

Hadhrat would narrate to us his childhood. Hadhrat lived in a

very poor village. Every day the children of the village were

sent to the forests in the morning just like the animals, where

they would roam and spend the whole day and eat figs or

something similar to fill their stomachs. When the children

were able to eat chickpea leaves they would eat this to remove

their hunger and return home.

Due to the fact Hadhrat was doing hifz he would receive roti to

eat, however his two younger sisters would be sent to the

25 | P a g e

forests like the other children. Hadhrat would cry and desire to

share his roti with his sisters but he was never allowed to do so.

Whenever Hadhrat would narrate this part of his childhood he

would weep and his voice would be lost in his throat. Hadhrat’s

two younger sisters died at a very young age.

A few examples of sympathy and sacrifice

The food in Hadhrat’s house was very simple and there were

very few households in the village that could afford two meals

a day. It was common for all the homes in the village to eat

chutney with roti or rice or a meal similar to this such as dalya

or maheer. Maheer is dish often eaten by villagers in the

Bundelkhand (central India) region, where rice is cooked with

butter milk. Hadhrat himself would have roti with dry chutney.

May Allah grant Hadhrat the best of all foods in paradise.

He was quite fond of chutney, and when I first started at the

madrassa, for the first few days I would have my two meals

with Hadhrat. It was only later I came to know that daal and

vegetables were cooked because of me. Hadhrat would take

roti made of wheat and hand them to me. Hadhrat would make

the roti into small morsels and eat it. After a while I came to

learn Hadhrat would eat his roti like this as he was eating roti

made of millet (the small seeds of a plant similar to grass, used

as food) and the roti made of wheat was made especially for

me.

Eating together with Hadhrat did not last for long as he was

usually pre occupied. There was no fixed time for his meals nor

was it fixed if would have a meal that day. His pre occupation

meant his afternoon meal would be left till the evening and if

he was still busy then he would not even eat in the evening.

Later on he began to only have one meal for the day, which

meant there was no breakfast and no evening meal. What can I

26 | P a g e

say about this noble person and his family? Every thought of

him makes me shed a tear.

When I began to eat my meals on my own, the food sent from

the madrassa kitchen was simple daal and roti, however

almost every day from Hadhrat’s home a plate or a pot of daal

and vegetables would be sent for me. At this point I was still

unaware of the true condition in Hadhrat’s home. A few

months had only passed since my arrival in Hatohra, one day

when I was getting ready to eat in my room, one of Hadhrat’s

daughters who was about six or seven brought some vegetables

for me to eat. I asked her to partake of some food but she

replied she had already eaten. I further asked “what have you

eaten?” the innocent girl unknowingly told me the true

situation of her home. She replied she had eaten rice and

chutney and that the vegetables were only cooked for me. As

soon as I heard this tears flowed from my eyes and I told her to

take the food back home, she initially refused but upon my

insistence took the food back home. After some time the food

was sent back to me and again I returned the food through

some children. I later complained to Hadhrat that my little

brothers and sisters are made to eat chutney while I am

regularly sent vegetables or better daal. Please do not think I

am so shameless or selfish. Hadhrat paid no attention to this

incident and said “I don’t know what this child has said to you

and you have taken it so seriously, the children get to eat

everything at home”, in the end I gave in, and this regular

practice continued.

Stories like this would be an everyday occurrence with

Hadhrat, ‘at the end of the day Hadhrat was Hadhrat’. In this

matter I find Hadhrat’s late wife’s participation greater than

Hadhrat’s. She was from a family of wealthy landlords, and

gave preference to others over herself and her children. What a

heart she had been blessed with. May Allah grant this heavenly

couple the highest abode in jannatul firdous, and May Allah

reward them according to his glory because of the favours

27 | P a g e

granted to me and thousands of others by them. There are so

many other countless stories like this I remember, and I will

narrate one more.

A few days had only passed since Hadhrat’s eldest daughter

had been married; guests from her in laws had arrived. The

guests were to stay for two or three days in Hatohra as they had

several relations there. The guests were invited for a meal by

one of Hadhrat’s close relatives one evening. That day after

Asar salat it rained heavily and the roads in the village became

unsafe. The host sent the food to Hadhrat’s house and passed a

message that the guests should not come as they would be

greatly inconvenienced. It was Allah’s will that some time after

Maghrib salat, guests from Kanpur unexpectedly arrived at the

madrassa. Hadhrat became concerned regarding their food

arrangements and went home to enquire if there was any food.

The household members informed Hadhrat what had happened

earlier on and further said that because they were also invited

for the meal their share of food had also been sent over, and

nothing has been cooked at home. Hadhrat expressed signs of

happiness and sent this food to the madrassa and told the house

members to cook some dalya or rice etc, and whatever that was

left over from the madrassa would be sent home. To give

preference to the guests of the madrassa over guests that are

close relatives is very difficult.

On one occasion Hadhrat intended to visit Kanpur as Mufti

Mahmood sahib RA was also going to be there. He quickly

completed his afternoon classes and delegated many duties for

the madrassa that needed to be completed. I rushed to

Hadhrat’s house to get him some food, his usual roti and

chutney. I requested Hadhrat to eat and he replied with great

annoyance “is that all you care about, food? I am in a rush”. I

requested once more and he again refused. However I objected

a little further and strongly made my request; as a result

Hadhrat had one roti and then made his way to Kanpur.

28 | P a g e

On the fourth day I received a letter from Hadhrat which had

been sent from “nine mile” (‘nine mile’ is the name of place

about one and a half miles from the madrassa which is

uninhabited, as it is nine miles from Banda, it is called ‘nine

mile’. Buses coming from Hatohra drop passengers at nine

mile, who from here then make their way to Banda.) The letter

read “send some food and a jug of water for me, also arrange

and send two or three bicycles as I have daal for the madrassa.

I immediately sent the food, water and a bicycle with two

students, advising them to inform Hadhrat more bicycles were

on their way. I further told the students that one of them should

wait for Hadhrat to finish eating and bring him to the madrassa

on the bicycle, and the other should remain there to look after

the food.

As soon as Hadhrat returned he made salaam and said to me

“did you have kashf?” I didn’t know what Hadhrat meant and

he asked again “did you have kashf?” I replied “Hadhrat I do

not understand what you mean.”Hadhrat said “the only food I

have eaten is the one roti you forced me to eat, and now the

food you had sent for me.”I asked Hadhrat “didn’t anyone offer

you food in Kanpur” Hadhrat replied in the negative. Very few

people had the ability to insist Hadhrat to eat; otherwise the

people of Kanpur would go out their way to entertain Hadhrat.

Hadhrat’s piety and cautiousness for himself

The salary of the teachers at Hadhrat’s madrassa wasn’t very

much; however there were many other benefits that would

compensate for this. For example Hadhrat would to the best of

his ability provide accommodation for those teachers in need of

it with nominal rent. In a similar manner, grains, oil etc for the

madrassa kitchen were bought at the time of the harvest, with

enough purchased to take into consideration the needs of

teachers. The rate at they were purchased during the harvest

was the rate they were sold to teachers all year round. These

crops were given as a loan or paid for in instalment from their

29 | P a g e

salaries. Food crops for Ramadhan were supplied to the

madrassa kitchen in Shabaan before it would close.

During Shabaan of the year in which Hadhrat’s son, Molana

Habib Sahib became a teacher, the person in charge of the

kitchen was providing teachers with grains etc and per chance

Molana Habib Sahib walked passed. Molana was asked “if you

require anything you can also take as you are now a teacher

too. Upon this offer Molana purchased two or three kilos of

chickpeas lentils. As he was leaving Hadhrat had arrived and

asked in a harsh tone “what is this?” poor Molana became

worried. The person in charge of the kitchen answered for

Molana saying “two kilos of lentils have been purchased and

paid for”. I had never seen Hadhrat in such a state of anger, he

admonished Molana Habib Ahmad in the most harsh tone, and

said “are these your father’s goods, after repeated begging I

bring things for you”. I quickly arrived at the scene and

pleaded “that this benefit (buying grains at cost price) was for

all teachers”, however there was no change in Hadhrat’s anger,

we were all petrified. Molana went back to the kitchen and

returned the lentils. This is how cautious Hadhrat was for

himself and for those of his household. Hadhrat did not accept

any salary from the madrassa nor did he take any benefit from

the madrassa for himself or his children.

The majority of the land on which the madrassa had been built

belonged to his family or close ones. Hadhrat used his own

money to build the room he resided in at the madrassa.

Whenever Hadhrat made a journey in connection with the

madrassa, to the best of his ability he would not use funds

from the madrassa. He would do some business on his journey

to cover the costs. There was a teacher at the madrassa called

Molana Saadullah Sahib who had a shop. Once when Hadhrat

was going Kanpur, he asked Molana Saadullah Sahib “what

can I get from Kanpur for your shop that will allow me to

cover the cost of my journey”. Molana replied that ‘sun light’

(particular brand of soap to wash clothes) soaps cost this much

30 | P a g e

in Banda and in Kanpur it will cost you this much, bring a case

of sun light soap and I will purchase this, it will give you

enough profit to cover the cost of your journey. When Hadhrat

returned from Kanpur he handed the case of soaps to Molana

Saadullah Sahib, the profit made covered the cost of the soaps,

the cost of his journey and he was left with six bars of soap, at

which Hadhrat remarked “this will be of use to the poor

students”.

His life was a continuous journey

A lot people are aware of the way Hadhrat use to travel. He

used many modes of transport including, bicycles, cars, ox cart,

trains, buses and walked. Due the overwhelming work he had

he would never stay over somewhere. Many people who

invited Hadhrat were very selfish. They would never consider

ease or comfort for Hadhrat, nor would they even contribute to

reasonable travel costs, their only purpose being how Hadhrat

can come to them regardless of the difficulties he may have to

go through. I have accompanied Hadhrat on many such

journeys. Many occasions’ people would take Hadhrat far into

the villages without arranging any transport for his return,

Hadhrat would then have to make his own arrangements.

Regardless of all the difficulties he faced Hadhrat never uttered

a word of complaint. Hadhrat never hurt someone’s feelings.

Those fortunate individuals who wished to pay for travel costs,

Hadhrat would initially decline and if they insisted Hadhrat

would only take that much which was necessary. One

individual, who invited Hadhrat, put forward to me enough

money to pay for Hadhrat’s travel via first class. Hadhrat

remarked “this is a lot of money”, the person replied “it is my

wish you travel first class; the contribution is from me, not

from the madrassa funds”. Hearing this Hadhrat said “is this

what the Muslim’s should spend their money on? I will remain

at the station throughout the night but will not travel first

class”.

31 | P a g e

From amongst the many journeys Hadhrat made, there were some

which we use to think were unnecessary. However in Hadhrat’s

foresight, they were very beneficial. One afternoon, Hadhrat

completed his classes and was going somewhere on a bicycle. I

enquired where he was going, and after repeated questioning

Hadhrat finally told me, “a child in a certain village was being

circumcised”, I greatly disapproved this, and later asked “is this a

reason to make a travel?”. “Molana by participating in their

celebrations I have passed on the message of deen to them” was

his answer to my question. After a long time it occurred to me that

by taking part in these events, Hadhrat made the way easier for

the work of deen to take place.

Serving mankind

In Ahadith the importance of serving mankind has been

reported. Rasulullah Sallalahu Alayhi Wasallam has said “the

creation of Allah is part of the ‘family’ of Allah, those who

show kindness towards the creation become highly beloved to

Allah”; in serving mankind Hadhrat was a great example.

Hadhrat would do his utmost to assist those in need, be it

arranging marriages, helping the sick with medical treatment,

or seeking employment for someone. One had to just ask

Hadhrat, or if it came to Hadhrat’s knowledge someone was in

need, he would make it compulsory on himself to help this

person to the best of his ability.

Hadhrat accompanied many sick people to Mumbai, Kanpur,

Lucknow, Banda city, and Allah knows where else to assist

them. The amount of people whom Hadhrat made efforts for

employment is not hundreds but rather thousands. There must

be many families Hadhrat has helped who are greatly indebted

to him.

Appreciating the value of time

There is a replacement for everything in this world except for

time that is wasted which can never be compensated for, and it

32 | P a g e

is to time we fall prey to by in appreciating it the most. Hadhrat

took great care of his time and had value for it, whatever he

spent his time in doing, he considered it as deen and utilised his

time accordingly.

Along with teaching senior kitabs that were challenging,

Hadhrat would see to the construction work of madrassa and

physically take part in it. Hadhrat would take time out to ensure

smooth running of the kitchen and entertain the guests, meeting

all their needs to provide a comfortable stay. Daily Hadhrat

would write, if not a thousand then definitely hundreds of

taweez, and along with this there would some writing done

every day for the composition of some literature or academic

book.

Hadhrat would be steadfast in his daily worship (Ibadat and

mamoolat) even when travelling; his recitation of Quran would

rather increase during travels. Once I accompanied Hadhrat to

Mumbai, we had set out from Lucknow. While we are at

Kanpur and Jhansi people came to visit Hadhrat, some of

whom were in need of some help. At around two o’clock in the

morning our train departed from Jhansi, sleep had overtaken

me again but Hadhrat was busy in tahajjud salat. I woke up at

three o’clock only to see Hadhrat busy in dua and prayers.

After Mumbai our journey was to Bhatkal in the state of

Karnatak. As we were approaching Bhatkal there was beautiful

natural scenery which I was admiring, I once or twice diverted

Hadhrat’s attention to this, he would look for one moment and

then get back to his work i.e. reciting Quran. I once more

pressed Hadhrat to look at the beautiful scenery, “what is there

to see, what I gain by seeing it?” he replied with a little bit

displeasure, and returned to his recitation of Quran.

Ardour and solidity in deen

Apart from Hadhrat’s great humility, he was independent; he

had honour for deen, and was uncompromising in matters

33 | P a g e

pertaining to religion. None has seen Hadhrat flattering or

making sweet-talk to someone for any material gain even if it

be for the madrassa.

During my early days at the madrassa Hadhrat narrated an

incident. A person from Banda city mentioned to Hadhrat that

a particular wealthy person wanted to see him. Hadhrat said he

will personally go to see him, however either Hadhrat forgot or

due to his pre occupations did not make a visit. A few days

later that man came again to inform Hadhrat that this wealthy

person wants to see you and has mentioned a five hundred

rupee donation for the madrassa. Five hundred rupees was a lot

in those days, it could pay a teacher’s salary for about eight to

ten months. However Hadhrat’s great honour for Islam and his

self respect as an Alim would never allow him to make a visit

to gain rupees. In the end this person sent the money, and later

Hadhrat went to visit him.

Hadhrat’s uncompromising attitude for religious matters would

never change for the sake of anyone. This was a notable quality

of Hadhrat, he would not say much but rather his actions spoke

louder.

Once during the ‘emergency era’ in India, the district collector

of Banda who was a Shia and a Muslim minister came to visit

Hadhrat, with the hope of getting a fatwa that gave the

permissibility of sterilisation (form of birth control). It was the

last ten days of Ramadhan; Hadhrat was in i’tikaf in the Jamea

masjid of Banda. Hadhrat told them politely “our elders are

present in Lucknow and Delhi, please ask them regarding a

fatwa, there is no need to ask so many people”. However these

people wanted a fatwa of permissibility from Hadhrat and

remained resolute in their request. During the conversation the

district collector said to Hadhrat “do not worry about anyone in

Banda uttering a word against you” Hadhrat became extremely

angry and said “do you think I give a fatwa of lawfulness and

unlawfulness on the basis of pleasing people or on the basis of

34 | P a g e

fearing or not fearing someone”. As Hadhrat had spoken in a

rather harsh tone, one of the individuals in the group

accompanying minister said to Hadhrat “do you know whom

you are talking to?” in the same harsh tone Hadhrat replied I

know he is the district collector and this is the minister”

Hadhrat further went on to say “do whatever you can, I will not

issue a fatwa that makes sterilisation lawful”. In the end these

people went away. Hadhrat’s popularity with the people meant

they could not dare cause any harm to Hadhrat, otherwise the

‘emergency era’ was terrible.

Kashf and miracles are nothing commendable

Allah knows best what stories of Hadhrat’s miracles (Karamat)

people have fabricated. Other than Hadhrat’s constant striving,

adherence to Sunnah, sincerity, piety, and sympathy, we have

not seen any special miracle, rather when confirming with

Hadhrat the hearsay regarding miracles attributed to him, he

would deny them.

Only a few days ago Hadhrat said “kashf and miracles are not

difficult, one has to be a little devoted, aloof from people, and

sit in seclusion and it will be obtained. When I was studying in

‘Pani Pat’ I was mostly in my room and would refrain from

mixing with people and at that time I had clear kashf”. Hadhrat

then went to narrate an incident of his kashf.

I had kashf about a young man that the police would arrest him;

I mentioned this to him in secret, to which he remarked “do

you know about me?” I said “I only know this much that you

are student here”. The young man then went on to tell me his

story, “I began a revolt against the British government in my

locality, when I felt danger ahead, I temporarily enrolled as a

student here”. This is all that he had told me and at that very

moment he disappeared from the madrassa. The following day

the British police had surrounded the entire madrassa, and

began searching every corner. The officer repeatedly said “the

35 | P a g e

report of our intelligence dept can never be wrong, the student

was here yesterday. The people of the madrassa who were

unaware of the situation began to tell the truth, “there was a

student of the description given but he is no longer here and

this is all that we know”. After narrating this incident,

regarding his kashf Hadhrat said but it (kashf) is no longer

present.

Hadhrat was a very open person, from time to time he would

joke with the students and teachers. Whilst joking about

sensitive nature of the people of Lucknow he would say there

was woman who became displeased with her husband and said

“isn’t there anybody who can get me two paisa worth of

yellow lentils that I can eat to commit suicide”. In the same

way he used to tell us about an angry aristocrat from Lucknow

who saw a snake in his house, he began to say “are there any

men in the house who can kill the snake” the maid in the house

told him “sir, you are also a man in the house” to which he

replied “oh yes, I am also a man”, Hadhrat would laugh a lot

after narrating this.

Those who had only seen Hadhrat in the last eight or ten years

of his life, when his efforts, travels and worries had exhausted

him will not be able to picture Hadhrat’s openness and joking.

36 | P a g e

Part two

An example for the people of “madaris”

The owner of ‘public laundry Lucknow’, Haji Rafiq Sahib RA

came to visit me at my respected uncle Hadhrat Molana

Nomani RA home. He told me in private that “Hadhrat Molana

Siddique does not have a fan in his room and he must be in

great discomfort, I have purchased a fan but do not have the

courage to present it to him myself, go to Hatohra and present

this fan in Hadhrat’s service, I have hope Hadhrat will accept it

upon your approval, no one else has the courage to present it to

Hadhrat, nor will Hadhrat accept it from anybody else”.

During those days I was at Darul uloom Nadwatul Ulama;

however I was regularly coming to and from Banda. The

coming Thursday I set off for Banda, when I arrived at the

madrassa Hadhrat was not there, and considered this a good

opportunity, and got Hadhrat’s room opened. However I soon

became despondent when I noticed there was no hook on the

ceiling for the fan to be attached to, nor did I have it in me to

make a hole on the ceiling to place a hook or a pipe for the fan

to be attached to.

The next day Hadhrat arrived and I explained the purpose of

my visit, I added to Haji Rafiq’s request the fact that the fan

was for him and not the madrassa. Initially Hadhrat declined

owing to the fact that there is no hook on the ceiling. But when

we (there was with me Molana Manzoor and one or two others)

provided an alternative and were persistent with our request,

Hadhrat then began to make other excuses saying “I don’t feel

too hot anyway and you know very well that I sleep in this

room even when it is hot” etc. I continued my request and

mentioned Haji Rafiq had sent me, according to what he said

he had selected me for this because only I could accomplish

this task, otherwise he could have sent the fan with anyone.

37 | P a g e

Finally Hadhrat said what was in his heart. He said “you know

that here teachers generally do not have fans, it is not possible

for me to have a fan in my room while other teachers do not.

When all the teachers have fans fitted in their rooms then I will

also have one fitted, for now you can put the fan in the office, I

will write a letter to Haji Rafiq, please pass this onto him”.

Hadhrat thereafter wrote the letter addressed to Haji Sahib

which contained an apology and a mention of my efforts.

True breaking of the nafs Whilst I was teaching there during one monsoon season it

rained heavily and continuously for some days, there was no

sign of the rain stopping. A river stream near the madrassa

had overflowed causing damage to many homes and farmland

of the villagers. Rain and flooding of this level had not been

seen for many years.

Many people would request Hadhrat to make dua and likewise

Hadhrat would enjoin others to make dua and made dua

himself too. After salat dua would regularly be made in the

masjid.

During one afternoon when the rain was very heavy, water

began to seep out beneath the eastern wall which is attached to

the central gate of the madrassa (today the library is found

above this). We all understood that due to excessive rain and

flooding water levels in the ground had increased and caused

this outburst and as a result the building is in danger of

collapsing to the ground.

I informed Hadhrat of this who then took us all to the place of

this water outburst. He began to dig the soil nearby and place it

at the base of the wall; however this was not enough to stop the

water. Becoming restless he stood in the courtyard of the

masjid and began making dua. After a few sentences of dua he

made an uncontrollable outcry and said these words “Oh my

Allah, do not punish the madrassa because of my sins”, he

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remained weeping and repeated over and over again “Oh my

Allah, do not punish the madrassa because of my sins, Oh my

Lord, do not allow the ill effects of my actions to befall the

madrassa. A large number teachers and students also stood in

the masjid courtyard busy weeping in dua.

In the end Allah bestowed his grace and mercy, the rain

subsided and weather was clear. Later it came to light that

damage to the roof caused substantial amount of water into the

wall, to then seep out from its base.

An example of Hadhrat’s kindness towards teachers

It was my second year of teaching and during those days I had

severe pain in my thighs as a result of an injury. I remained

restless because of this and pursued treatment accordingly.

It is in connection with this injury I went to Lucknow for

treatment, and from there went to my hometown Sanbhal. I

stayed between these two places for about a month. When I set

off for Banda from Sanbhal, my respected brother Molana

Zaheer Alam RA said “you have been absent from the

madrassa for one month, take some money from home to cover

your monthly expenses and do not accept this month’s salary.”

I collected this money from home and stopped over for one day

and one night in Lucknow as this is en route to Banda from

Sanbhal. As I was to leave for Banda the next morning that

night my respected uncle Molana Mohammad Manzoor

Nomani Sahib RA told me the same thing as my brother and

was giving me fifty rupees, I told him what my brother had

said and that I had taken money from home to cover my

expenses for the next month.

I arrived at the madrassa with the intention of not receiving

any salary for this month. It was customary at Hadhrat’s

madrassa for the salary to be paid on the first of every month.

Hadhrat would call the teachers to his room where they would

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collect their salary. If for some reason a teacher could not

attend, Hadhrat would either meet them in the masjid or in their

rooms and hand the salary.

After arriving at the madrassa Hadhrat called upon me two or

three times to collect my salary but I did not present myself.

Hadhrat met me after Dhuhr salat in the masjid and said “I

called upon you two or three times but you failed to come”. I

told Hadhrat what had transpired from Sanbhal to Lucknow,

and more importantly that I brought with me money to cover

my expenses for the next month. Hadhrat took out the salary

from his pocket, handing it over to me but I was refusing to

accept, during his insistence and my refusal I said “Hadhrat,

when I haven’t taught for one month, how is it permissible for

me to accept this salary?” Hadhrat smiled and said “I am also

aware of this matter”, but when I remained firm on my refusal,

Hadhrat informed me the reality of the matter.

The whole purpose of mentioning this incident is to highlight

what he said and it is the moral of this old story. He said

“Molana (Hadhrat use to refer to all the teachers as Molana),

the day you left, I taught all your classes on your behalf, not

even one lesson was left out”. Ah! This exemplary character

has left with him.

A rare example of sympathy and sacrifice One very cold winter’s night at ten o’clock a student came to

my house which was in the madrassa to inform me Hadhrat

has a fever; he is feeling very cold and is shivering. He is

laying down in the masjid and groaning loudly.

I knew Hadhrat had just arrived a little earlier after Esha salat

from a journey but I did not have the opportunity to meet him. I

didn’t quite know what to do at this very moment, I was sure

Hadhrat would be hungry and so for the time being made some

egg desert and a nice hot cup of tea, and took this hot food to

serve Hadhrat. I made salaam, to which Hadhrat replied from

40 | P a g e

under his quilt. His condition was the same as what had been

described by the student. He had difficulty in speech due to the

cold and had a severe fever. I requested Hadhrat to drink the

tea to lessen his fever, Hadhrat then said some guest from

Kanpur have accompanied him, and are staying in so and so

room, give them some tea. I said “please have some tea; I will

give them some tea too. I have specially made this tea for you”.

With difficulty he drank little tea and some desert. As I was

making my way back I said to Hadhrat I will now give some

tea to the guests, “the guests have probably gone to sleep now,

do not disturb them” Hadhrat replied. As I have written

previously in these current times I have never seen or heard of

someone with such sympathy and hospitality towards guests.

A beautiful conduct of discipline The manner in educating those close to him was very

wonderful. There was a respected person called Munawwar

Khah Sahib, a senior officer in the government’s electricity

board. He was originally from the district of Meerut and was

posted at Banda. He was well educated in English, and he as

well as his children had a very pious nature. Every Muslim

coming to Banda would develop love and a bond of trust with

Hadhrat very quickly. Munawwar Sahib would also regularly

attend to Hadhrat, travelling by his car. Hadhrat would always

serve him tea.

On one occasion Munawwar Sahib was sitting at the dinner

spread busy having tea and some food, Hadhrat took some food

and a cup of tea and offered this to Munawwar Sahib’s driver

himself. This had a great effect on Munawwar Sahib; after all

he was a great follower of Hadhrat, thereafter only once or

twice food was sent to the driver and Munawwar Sahib

understood that Hadhrat wishes that the driver too sits with us

to eat, and this is what happened from then on.

Taking care of the madrassa

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Hadhrat would be disturbed greatly if anything of the madrassa

was destroyed. Hadhrat would personally look after the

building materials of the madrassa and prevent them from

being wasted. He would look after smallest of things and

would be well aware of his responsibility regarding this.

The central portion of the masjid is the original part of the

masjid and the eastern part is a later addition. When the new

portion of the masjid had been built, with the flooring complete

it looked very beautiful. The flooring of the old masjid for

some reason or other had sunk in and compared to the new

flooring did not look as nice, and hence there was a mismatch

between the two that could be seen. Once Hadhrat said to those

teachers who had an input in the building of the madrassa,

“how nice it would be if the old flooring was like the new one”.

Upon this statement only, when Hadhrat was absent these

people began to break the old flooring to make a new one.

Only a small portion had been broken and Hadhrat had just

returned from a journey. Upon seeing this Hadhrat became

very sad. I was at Nadwa at the time but I would regularly visit,

by chance during these very days I was in Hatohra, Hadhrat

came to the masjid and was trying to ensure flooring is

removed in larger portions so that they could be use as flooring

elsewhere. When the labourers were breaking the flooring

Hadhrat said to me “each strike of the labourers hammer is

hitting my heart”. Hadhrat then narrated to me the whole

incident which has been written above and said “my intention

was not to have new flooring made”.

One more example of Hadhrat’s kind teaching

As a result of Hadhrat’s blessing, good management, and dua,

during the days when I was teaching there, the environment in

the madrassa was very good, the relationship teachers had with

one another was very close, just like with the people of one’s

home and extended family. If whenever one had a complaint

against another then after few days itself or if it came to

Hadhrat’s knowledge it would be resolved.

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In those days there was no madrassa committee, this came into

existence much later on. If a problem did arise Hadhrat would

call all the teachers and a consultation would take place.

On one occasion during a consultation I and Molana Nafees

Akbar Sahib had conflicting opinions. Molana in all respects

was my senior, head of teachers at the time, and during

Hadhrat’s absence Molana Nafees would be responsible for

administration of the madrassa. Regardless of Molana being

my senior he would always show affection to me, and I too

would respect him. However according to me Molana’s

opinion was not worthy of acceptance and during the course of

the disagreement I said “Molana you are very insistent in your

opinion”, it was quite obvious the tone in the manner of my

speech was inappropriate. Molana Nafees Akbar Sahib replied

“I also think of you as doing the same”. After this the

consultation did not continue for very long and I think a

decision had not been made regarding an issue. We left the

consultation room and I immediately apologised to Molana

Nafees about my behaviour, Molana Nafees said “there is no

need to apologise; I too gave you a similar answer”. Anyhow

our hearts remained clean and we continued to meet in a

friendly manner, with love and compassion.

However this incident remained on Hadhrat’s mind. A few

days later I went to Lucknow for some reason. Upon my return

I went to visit Hadhrat, “have you met Molana Nafees Akbar

Sahib?” he asked. This type of questioning was completely

new, I replied “no, I have not met him”, “please meet him”

Hadhrat said. Thereafter I met Molana Nafees Akbar Sahib, but

didn’t think much of it. A few days later when returned to

Hatohra from Lucknow, I went to see Hadhrat and he again put

forward the same request, “please visit Molana Nafees Akbar

Sahib”. Now it occurred to me that Hadhrat may be of the

impression that our hearts may render ill feelings towards each

other, and because it was my fault, and in all respect I am

43 | P a g e

Molana’s junior, Hadhrat wants me to make an apology. When

I had realised this I would then on several occasions show by

words and actions my good relations with Molana Nafees

Akbar Sahib. Hadhrat was then finally content and no longer

asked the same question. Many years later I mentioned this

whole incident to Hadhrat, to which Hadhrat simply smiled.

Kindness towards students

There was a student named Ahmadullah from the district of

Pratapgarh studying at the madrassa. He narrated a story of

Hadhrat’s compassion. Once he became ill, and Hadhrat took

him to Banda for treatment. When Hadhrat would visit Banda,

he would reside in a small masjid that had one small room

either for the imam or the muazzin. This room had space for

only one person to lie down; I have accompanied Hadhrat and

stayed in this room and masjid several times.

The student went on to say Hadhrat made me sleep on the

imam’s bed, and he himself lay on the floor of the masjid and

tied one end of a rope to his hand and gave me the other end in

my hand saying “if you need anything during the night pull the

rope to awaken me”. I have already written before that such

acts of love and affection were not rare occurrences or a

coincidence with Hadhrat. His behaviour towards the most

common student was exactly the same.

Pelted with stones for the sake of deen Hadhrat had the privilege to be pelted with stones for the sake of

religion and have an affinity with the Sunnah of the ambiya (AS).

There was a small town in the district of Fatehpur where

staunch Barelwis had a stronghold. There were only a few

people in that area that had correct beliefs. Hadhrat wanted to

begin a series of visits there so that the beliefs can be imparted

to the people, however he could not figure out a way for this to

happen.

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Some people of this town were staying in Mumbai and Calcutta

in search of regular employment. They were not staunch in

their beliefs and they would see how senior leaders of Mumbai

and Calcutta were hospitable to Hadhrat, and for this reason

they wanted to become close to Hadhrat.

On one occasion Hadhrat went to Calcutta, one of the people

from that small town came to know of Hadhrat’s arrival and

went to see him as they had a connection of being from the

same town.

Allah (SWT) had bestowed Hadhrat with an extraordinary quality

of winning the hearts of the people. When this person arrived

Hadhrat welcomed him showing great affection and introduced

him to important people of Calcutta. “He lives near my

hometown, and very close to his town is a village where my

relatives reside” Hadhrat remarked, and said other such similar

things. Hadhrat then also made him partake of some food.

This person was now ready to give his heart to Hadhrat.

Whenever Hadhrat would visit this person’s hometown, he

would invite Hadhrat and make him deliver a speech in front of

his house. The people of this small town initially didn’t make

any serious opposition to this, however later at night they threw

stones on the stage, (where Hadhrat was delivering a talk),

Hadhrat was hit by some stones, but this was the moment, ‘the

coal was hot’, Hadhrat put his heart out and gave a speech

regarding the love of Rasulullah (saw) and the following of

Rasulullah (saw). Many stone hearted hearts became soft and

this opened the way for the future. Alhamdulillah our people

have a madrassa there and Alhamdulillah the work of deen is

taking place there.

We had a student that was a great follower of Hadhrat and

wanted him to perform his nikah ceremony and so he came to

collect Hadhrat for this purpose. The people of his village were

staunch type of Barelwis. Those present in the nikah ceremony

45 | P a g e

pelted Hadhrat with stones. Somehow Hadhrat gave a brief

talk, performed the nikah and went back. The poor student

became very embarrassed; he had a completely different

intention in mind. Hadhrat however consoled him and gave

him words of encouragement to be steadfast. Only Allah knows

how many times Hadhrat had been pelted with stones for that

sake of Islam. This incident Hadhrat had never narrated to me,

it was the Molana (mentioned in above story) himself that

narrated it.

The southern door of the madrassa was faced towards the

village. During those days the animals of the villagers,

buffaloes, goats, and chickens would come into the madrassa,

some of the teachers would also keep goats and chickens. As a

result the courtyard of the madrassa and its platform would be

covered with animal droppings.

Hadhrat himself would clean the animal dung outside his room.

One day outside the same door, some cows or buffaloes had

left droppings in the courtyard. Hadhrat expressed a gesture of

annoyance when he saw this, and rolled up his sleeves and

went to pick up the dung, I was with Hadhrat at this time and I

quickly picked up the dung, Hadhrat surprised at this said

“what are you doing?” and tried to take the dung from my

hands. I requested “Hadhrat I have made my hands dirty

already, why are you getting your hands dirty?” I took the dung

out of the madrassa and disposed it. It caused Hadhrat great

pain that I had to clean the dung and he became furious at the

students, “how will you learn knowledge, you make your

teacher of Hadith and Tafseer pick up dung, where were your

eyes, why did not see” he rebuked.

Regardless of the many journeys Hadhrat would make he was

very considerate in being punctual for classes the classes he

taught. This is why he would want to return from a journey as

soon possible. In order to do this he would withstand great

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difficulties in his travels, this would happen so often, here I

will narrate just two incidents.

On one occasion Hadhrat went to a village in the district of

Fatehpur called Alamganj to deliver a speech. After delivering

the speech, at around one or two o’clock at night Hadhrat

requested the locals if one of them could take him on a

motorcycle to the riverbank of Jamna (there use to be a

temporary bridge there), from there he could travel to Banda on

a truck that may be passing by, and teach the students in the

morning. The locals did as they were requested and took

Hadhrat to the riverbank of Jamna which was an uninhabited

place. Hadhrat waited alone the entire night, but no trucks had

passed that way until the morning. When Hadhrat arrived at the

madrassa he said with great grief, I spent the entire night on

the sands of Jamna, I didn’t sleep, nor did I get any transport. I

lost my sleep and I missed my class as well.

Hadhrat was returning from a similar journey at night and

stopped over at the eidgah of Banda city in the hope that a

truck passing by could take him to ‘nine mile’, and either

before or after fajar he could teach his class. However on this

occasion too no transport was available. On his return he said

the entire night I was bitten by mosquitoes in the eidgah, I

couldn’t get any transport and I missed my class as well.

Part three

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Hadhrat Molana Siddique Ahmad Sahib RA in the eyes of

non Muslims

A considerable amount of literature has been written about

Hadhrat in recent times. Very few people have had that much

amount written about them. Whatever has been written by

authors has been done so on the basis of their personal

experiences. All those who have met Hadhrat acknowledge the

fact that no one can reach the depths of such a diverse and

simple personality. Alhamdulillah I was very close to Hadhrat.

However I too could not gauge the true height of his nobleness.

He was a scholar of Islam, and in this respect was accepted and

considered an important personality amongst other respected

scholars. He was a founder and principal of a madrassa and

because of this he had close contact with teachers, students and

people associated with madaris. He was a famous and well

known Islamic preacher, and thus his presence would enlighten

Islamic conferences and gatherings. The general masses and

important people would refer to him for taweez and request his

duas.

Along with all these qualities he was also bestowed with the

miraculous character that is specific to vicegerents of the

prophets. This is why he was accepted amongst the non

Muslims too. Onlookers have seen such great examples of his

acceptance amongst non Muslims that it will be very difficult

to witness such an incomparable character elsewhere. I will

relay to the readers a few such stories that I have personally

seen and some which I have come to learn through reliable

sources.

A Tablighi ijtema was to take place for the first time in

Hatohra. Preparations for this had begun well in advance. The

eastern portion of the madrassa contained uneven land which

belonged to various people that needed to be levelled. In order

to do this Muslims and non Muslims from Hatohra and nearby

48 | P a g e

villages worked regularly for several days at the fields from

morning till evening. Amongst the people who helped greatly

was the district collector of Ilayha, and Hindus from Purwa and

Duha. Although these people were very strict in their religious

practices, Hadhrat’s personality had a great effect on them.

I have seen several times, that if one of these people were to

meet Hadhrat on the roadside, they would step aside and put

their hands together and with great respect and say “salaam

brother”. Hadhrat too would greet them with a smile and say a

few kind words. When Hadhrat would walk through the

markets of Banda the shopkeepers would either come out or

stand in their shops and greet Hadhrat.

Following the martyrdom of Barbari masjid Hindu-Muslim

relations had been affected everywhere, and forces aiming to

cause divisions amongst the people had succeeded in many

places. However these efforts were not successful in the Hindu

villages around Hatohra. There is a village called Ilayha a few

kilometres away from Hatohra that has large populace of

Thakor (feudal title) Hindus. A worshipper from the temple in

this village reported to the police that Muslims from Hatohra

were preparing to attack Ilayha. The following day the villagers

were surprised to see the presence of PAC (provincial armed

constabulary). After some investigation it came to light that the

arrival of the PAC was instigated by the report of a worshipper

at the temple. First of all the villagers scolded this worshipper

harshly and then they informed senior police officers their

relationship with the people of Hatohra is such that they were

not in danger from each other, and reminded them that Molana

Siddique Sahib resided there too.

I have mentioned a story in the previous article that during the

state of emergency, the district collector of Banda and a

minister from the then congress government wished to obtain a

fatwa from Hadhrat for the permissibility of sterilisation.

Hadhrat had spoken to them in a harsh manner and people

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feared the government would punish Hadhrat severely, and

take Hadhrat into custody that very night. News of Hadhrat

being in danger was spreading in Banda. That night a group of

fifty selected Hindus that did not even have one Muslim

amongst them paid a visit to the district collector. They told

him they were all Hindus from every political party, not even a

single Muslim was present with them as they prohibited them

from coming and there were plenty more Hindus ready to join

them. If he was going to arrest Hadhrat then he would have to

arrest all fifty of them first. Even if the district collector had it

mind to arrest Hadhrat (according to some reports he did) he

changed his mind. During the state of emergency for non

Muslims to take steps such as this, was only possible because

of the extraordinary love and following of Hadhrat.

It should be borne in mind that this acceptance and following

of Hadhrat was a result of his miraculous character, which did

not have the slightest amount of pretence. Inviters towards

deen need to have these characteristics and there is a great need

for these teachings.

Muslims of various groups acknowledge Hadhrat’s admirable

character and would also have good relations with Hadhrat

regardless of being firm on their difference of opinion

regarding religious matters. The following story of Hadhrat

below highlights this and allows one to gauge just how

effective good character is.

There is a Barelwi madrassa in Banda city; the people

associated with this madrassa are pious in nature and not so

staunch in their beliefs and kept a close connection with a great

saint. I have had no interactions with these people and this is

just my opinion.

On one occasion this madrassa had a conference and invited a

speaker from out of town who was delivering a fiery speech.

During the course of the speech he began to say some

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inappropriate words regarding Hadhrat, immediately one of the

members of the audience stood up and said “Molana, I am a

committee member of this madrassa, we invited you to speak

about the life of Rasulullah (saw), not about Molana Siddique,

we know more about him than you do”, thereafter he sat down

and the speaker changed the direction of his speech.

The love and acceptance Hadhrat had amongst Muslims and

non Muslims was the result of his strong faith and good

actions. This is always the result when any individual becomes

obedient to Allah; he instils love in the hearts of people for this

individual. Allah (SWT) promises in the Quran:

Finally I request the reader to supplicate forgiveness on behalf

of Hadhrat, furthermore supplicate that Hadhrat’s disciples

become his true representatives. (Ameen)