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بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيم

 

Shaykh al-Islam Maulana (Mufti) Muhammad Taqi Usmani [حفظه الله] has left after spending 30 hours in his native birth place of Deoband. His visit was like the cool refreshing breeze which freshened up our hearts and souls. Our faces became radiant (with joy) when he came and it felt like a dream which had ended (prematurely) when he left. Although, his stay at Deoband was brief but many of the memories became enduring as he had come to Deoband after 22 years.

Perhaps it was in 1989, when he had first come to spend some time in the company of Shaykh Maseehul-Ummah Maulana Maseehullah Khan Sherwani [رحمه الله] and during his visit he spent some time in the Darul ‘Uloom itself. The first two volumes of his “Dars-e-Tirmidhi” had been released and the journey of his recognition amongst teachers and students of knowledge had started, but no one knew that this writer with a small stature and ordinary looks will one day shine like the sun upon the heavens of knowledge.

A lot has occurred in these 22 years and one profound event is that this mere particle of dust from the land of Deoband has risen to the great heights of fame and recognition and Deoband is proud of the son of its soil. Its beloved son is truly loved and cherished by millions of Muslims around the world and (as in the words of Poet Allamah Iqbal) from the shores of River Nile to the Oasis city of Kasghar.

The spectacle of his love and popularity was on display from the moment he stepped on to the Deoband Railway platform. A mass of Lovers of knowledge and Marifah were gathered to get a glimpse of their beloved and the environment was resounding with the slogans of “Shaykh al-Islam Zindabad” and his vehicle was surrounded by people as they were guarding their most precious possession. During his entire stay, his residence resembled a fair and the entire street was filled with students, teachers, Muftees, writers and rectors lost in the queue to meet him who are the shining beacons of their communities themselves.

Everyone wanted to just have a glance at the “Shaykh al-Islam” of his time and whoever had the opportunity to shake his hands, cherished the moment.

His stay was brief but resonant and powerful; it was as if time had stood still. During this brief time, he met thousands of students and ‘Ulama, spoke to three massive gatherings, gave a Saheeh Bukhari Dars and visited his relatives. The time spent with him and observing his routine reminded us of the Barakah in the time of our elders and indeed Allah azza’wajal gives Barakah in the time of His friends to the extent that the onlookers are astonished.

Mufti Taqi Usmani [حفظه الله] addressed three gatherings:

On the first day he addressed a general gathering which was organised by residents of Deoband attended by 30,000 students, ‘Ulama and city residents. He stated that this is the land to which he ascribes his spiritual and physical “Nisbah” and he has visited all continents of the world many times over and witnessed firsthand the “Faiz” of Darul ‘Uloom Deoband which has spread to wherever Muslims are present and the sons of Deoband are serving (the Deen) with distinction everywhere.

He spoke about his visit to a far-flung region of Indonesia where the hosts suggested spending some time on a remote hill station and he obliged. While there, when the time for Salah came, they discovered that the Imam was a graduate of Darul ‘Uloom Deoband.

He ascribed this to the sincerity of the elders. He specifically emphasised “Ai’tedaal (Moderation)” in the Maslak of Deoband stating that “Ai’tedaal (Moderation)” is required in the five sections of Deen namely in Aqa’id (beliefs), Ibaadat (Acts of worship), Mu’amalat (dealings and transactions), Mua’shirat (social dealings) and Akhlaaq (morals) and even slight deviation from “Ai’tedaal (Moderation)” will lead to Shirk and Bid’ah.

In Masjid Rasheed of Darul ‘Uloom Deoband Mufti Taqi Usmani [حفظه الله] in the evening completed his earlier address and stated that “Maslak of Deoband” isn’t a prelude to a sect, rather it is practical manifestation of “Maa Ana Alaikum Wa Ashabi (i.e. what Rasul-ullah [صلى الله عليه وسلم] and his companions were upon). He said that his mind is awash with his spiritual connection and heart-felt emotions which he and his predecessors have had with this land (of Deoband) and his thoughts are scattered and he is not sure what message to impart at this juncture.

The audience were astonished when he stated that he travels around the world and he is optimistic and hopeful about the future of Muslims and Islam. He stated that there are two on-going movements around the world, divergent and at odds with each other:

1. Movement which is Anti-Islam
2. Movement which is Pro-Islam

And he has noticed that whenever the Anti-Islam movement attacks this religion an equally or even more powerful wave from the Pro-Islam movement counters it and suppresses it and he gave an example that during one of his visits with an official delegation it was decided to give a gift of the Holy Qur’aan to the president of the country as they could think of no gift more noble then the Holy Qur’aan. However, the presidential aides informed them that the “Muslim” President will not accept the Holy Qur’aan because their country strictly ascribed to Secular ideology. This was indeed depressing and shocking news which gripped the entire delegation with despair and anguish. The same day while still sad they visited a local Masjid at Asar time and to their astonishment they found the spacious Masjid filled with youngsters who formed circles (Halaqahs) after Salah and engaged themselves in Mudakhara (of Deen). When they enquired about this mater and they were informed that this is usual for all Masjids in the country and youngsters are attracted to Islam and want to follow Islam without any movement or guidance. The scenes impressed upon him that the future of Islam is bright despite the despicable state of the Muslim political leadership.

Regarding the Madaris, he stated that the allegations of “Fundamentalism” and “Conservatism” can be tolerated but the allegations of “Terrorism” and “Torture/Persecution” can never be tolerated as Madaris are the bedrock of peace and tolerance.

He gave two positive messages in his speech:

1. Madrasa Administrators should bring greater clarity and transparency in their policies and processes
2. Youth should refrain from emotional rhetoric

Mufti Taqi Usmani [حفظه الله] left after giving his two simple messages but the scenes of his simplicity, morality and humility are etched in our memories. I was astonished at his humility despite his immense popularity and genuine outpouring of love and admiration from the masses (towards him) and it reminded me of the memories of Akabir of Deoband who were also humble despite being the leaders of their era in knowledge and practise. His 30 hours at Deoband became treasured and golden history and it will be the aim of everyone to preserve the memories even if it was a moment, spent in his company.

Written by: Maulana Nadeemul-Wajidi (Deoband, India),  Sha’baan 4; 1431

Translated by: Abu Salih Muadh Khan, August 12; 2010

Edited by: Friends of Deoband

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