The Great Muslim Of 20th Century, Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Sahab Kandahlawi Options

[atherzaidi]

Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Sahab Kandahlawi (RAH)

Maulana Muhammad Ilyas, the founder of the Tablighi Jama’at of South Asian subcontinent, is arguably one of the most influential, yet least well-known , figures of the twentieth century Islam. Despite his enormous contribution towards the development of a powerful grass root Islamic Da’wah movement, Mawlana Ilyas has not received much attention in the literature on modern Islamic movements. Most of the Western, and even Muslim, scholarships have remain occupied with the more spectacular and dramatic manifest ions of Islamic revivalist upsurge. The available literature on Maulana Ilyas and his Tablighi movement is mostly in Urdu and that too consists mainly of inspirational works by its leaders and devotional writings by its followers and supporters.

Mawlana Ilyas was born in 1885 in a small town in the United Province of British India in a family of religious scholars. He received his early religious education at home and later went to the famous center of Islamic education in Deoband where he studied the Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh and other Islamic sciences under the early Deoband luminaries. After completing his education at Deoband, Mawlana Ilyas took up a teaching position at another famous Madarsah Mazaharul Uloom in Saharanpur (U.P., India)

It was at this point in his life that Mawlana Ilyas became aware of the "dismal Islamic situation" in the Mewat region near Delhi where majority of Muslims were living a life that had very little to do with Islamic teachings and practices. Mawlana Ilyas sent several of his disciples to Mewat to survey the situation and later himself undertook many Da’wah trips there. Mawlana Ilyas met Mewati Muslims who could not even recite Shahadah and who had not prayed even once in their life because they did not know how to pray. He saw Muslims greeting each other in a typical Hindu manner; some had even adopted Hindu deities and visited Hindu temples to participate in devotional practices.

Mawlana Ilyas fully aware of the difficult task ahead was, nevertheless, determined to bring the Meo Muslims back to the fold of true Islam. In the early 1920s, he prepared a team of young Madrasa graduates from Deoband and Saharanpur and sent them to Mewat to establish a network of Masajid and Madrasas throughout the region. He soon realized, however, that the Madrasa ulama trained in the Deoband tradition were simply reproducing their prototypes and had no significant impact on society at large. Mawlana Ilyas concluded that these Madrasas were ill-equipped to produce Muslim preachers who would be willing to go door to door and remind people of their Islamic obligations. These institution were good only for producing religious functionaries, not Da’wah workers.

It was because dissatisfaction with the Madrasas that Mawlana Ilyas resigned from a prestigious teaching position at Madrasa Mazaharul Uloom in Saharanpur and came to Basti Nizamuddin in the old quarters of Delhi to begin his Da’wah. The Tablighi movement was born in this place in 1926. Basti Nzamuddin became his permanent residence as well as the headquarter of the Tablighi movement.

The new movement met with dramatic success in relatively short period of time, thanks to Mawlana Ilyas’s utmost devotion, untiring efforts and sincerity of purpose. As a result many Muslims joined Mawlana Ilyas to preach the message of Islam in every town and village of Mewat. The rapid success of his efforts can be seen from the fact that the first Tablighi conference held in November 1941 in Mewat was attended by 25,000 people many of them had walked on foot for ten to fifteen miles to attend the conference.

Mawlana Ilyas was neither a charismatic leader like Mawlana Mohammad Ali Jauhar of the Khilafat movement, nor an outstanding religious scholar like Abul Kalam Azad of the Indian National Congress. He was not even a good public speaker like Ataullah Shah Bukhari of the Ahrar movement.

Physically frail and intellectually unassuming, Mawlana Ilyas was, nevertheless, enthused with the zeal of a dedicated Da’wah worker. His passion to reach out to the Muslim masses and touch them with the message of the Qur’an and Sunnah knew no bounds.

Like a true missionary, he was persistent, untiring, and whole-heartedly devoted to his cause. During one of his many missionary tours of Mewat, he was once hit with a stick by a peasant upon whom he was impressing the importance of leading a religious life. The Mawlana, already physically frail, fell on the ground and collapsed. When he regained consciousness, he got up and, holding his assistant affectionately, said: "Look, you have done your job. Now would you let me do my job and listen to me for a little while?" As one of his colleague put it, "Mawlana Ilyas, though a mere skeleton, can work wonders where he takes up anything."

His eagerness and indomitable determination to reach every Muslim and remind him of his obligations as a believer took precedence on every thing else. His passionate concern for the spiritual welfare of his fellow Muslims caused him great anguish. A friend once came to visit him while he was on his deathbed. Mawlana Ilyas greeted his friend by telling him. " People out there are burning in the fire of ignorance and you are wasting your time here inquiring after my health!"

He wanted every Muslim to be on his feet, preaching the message of Islam to others. He exerted his friends and followers to dedicate their lives to this cause. Once when he was trying to peruse his audience to volunteer for a missionary trip to Kanpur, U.P. India, not a single person responded to his call. Spotting one of his friends in the audience, Mawlana Ilyas asked him what prevented him from going to Kanpur. His friend was suffering from serious ailment and was obviously too weak to travel. He told Maulana Ilyas that he was "almost dying" and there was no way he could travel. The Mawlana said, "If you are dying already, you had better die in Kanpur."

It is important to note that while Mawlana Ilyas kept himself completely aloof from politics of the day and focused his program of action exclusively on making the Muslims aware of their religious obligations, he did not, at any time, criticized those Islamic groups which were actively engaged in politics. On the contrary, he maintained extremely cordial relations with Hussain Ahmad Madani and other Ulama of Deoband school whose political organization, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, a pro-Indian National Congress group, was very much active in Indian politics. Mawlana Ilyas had equally warm relation with pro-Pakistan faction of the Deoband school led by Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanvi and Mawlana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani. However he refused to take any position on the issue of united India vs. a separate Muslim state of Pakistan for the obvious reason that this would distract his movement from its main religious tasks, and would also create dissensions within its ranks. Mawlana Ilyas was of the view that the Tablighi movement and the politically-oriented Islamic groups, although operating in two different spheres, were complementing each other’s work and hence there should be no competition and rivalry between them.

Once when someone pointed out that his movement was "too narrowly focused" and did not address the larger issue of socio-political reforms in Muslim society, the Mawlana responded that this narrow focus in the initial phase of the movement was necessitated by the available manpower and that the movement could grow to encompass a larger and more comprehensive program in the future. It is unfortunate that those who succeeded Mawlana Ilyas did not realize his larger vision and saw the Mewat model of Da’wah as eternally fixed. Nevertheless, the fruits of Mawlana Ilyas’s efforts are visible all over the world today.

[Samira Saeed]

Mohammad Ali Jinnah Founded a Nation for his muslim brethrens. What did this guy find? God? lol.

[vitalsignsguy]

maybe this guy was "all that" but me for one has never herd of this dude, did he started the raiwind ijtema (sorry i just couldnt read theloooooooong article)

[atherzaidi]

well its difficult 4 u both to understand what he was b/c the thing which required 4 that u both dont have it ,but in short 4 u guys that he is a MOHSEEN of muslimss he to whome ALLAH make the responsible of starting the toil of deen after the break of 1250 years alhamdulilah and now billions of muslims are involved in that toil which NABI and SAHABA left 4 us and 4 which ALLAH deputed us on earth, the toil of tabligh and dawaat

This post has been edited by atherzaidi: Jun 20 2004, 08:08 AM

[akifnaseer]

Isn't he the person who founded "Tableeghi Jamaat" ?

[atherzaidi]

yes akifnaseer

[Sher]

"Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day; give him a religion, and he'll starve to death while praying for a fish."

[LuXoR]

^^ Yes, such would be the case for the common superstitious illiterate. It is also a common, may i add lame, argument by people who try to throw all religions in a melting pot whilst generalizing. You can't do that. Many times the faults somebody picks up in religions are taken from Christianity (or Judaism) and then generalized for Islam. No, islam is a Way of Life, too. That is why there is something called B-A-L-A-N-C-E for Muslim. That is why islam is complete and poses its OWN light.

Prayer quenches the thirst of the Soul. Prayer grants you unparallel closeness and Love from Allah, self-control, and positiveness. How do i know? Or how do those billions of people, regardless if Muslim or not, know? Because we Pray! Do you? -No? Well maybe that explains your illusion and pessimism. Had to answer ya.

..also, is there a way you would mind not to divert from the topic at hand? Thanks.

This post has been edited by LuXoR: Jun 21 2004, 11:23 AM

[vitalsignsguy]

ok, without geting ny personal bashing can i find out more about this dude

[atherzaidi]

luxor what u discussing here ?????

[Samira Saeed]

Who certified this dude as 'Great' !?

[Zara06]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^



'great' ?? lol to be honest, i've never heard of him. may be hez just popular in pakistan, wherever atherzaidi lives....

I'm imagining you say such for Abu Jabir, for example. Do you know who he is? No? Will you ridicule his persona as well? He was a Sahaba btw, and i don't think anyone has the right to mock someone especially when they have no understanding to their being. Wasalaam.

This post has been edited by LuXoR: Jun 25 2004, 09:32 PM

[PappooBacha]

So he was the founder of all terrorist groups?
Fantastic indeed!

[mehmoodtily]

Assalamualaikum,

It is amazing how you can ridiule a person without knowing him. And he is not related to any terrorist group (by the way, the people who you are labeling terrorist are the opressed people but alas media power is so much that whatever media says becomes the truth). He is the founder of Tablighi jamaat who visits muslims as well as non muslims (in Pakistan, India as well as the west) to preach Islam. I have no figures but they are one of the factors of conversions to Islam in the West. So if you can not help Islam, do not ridicule a person who was founder of preaching group of Islam.

I may not be very comfortable with the way in which they preach, but they are definitely making impact.


Mehmood

[Samira Saeed]

So you are saying before this 'Great' dude, nobody went around knocking on doors and literally 'INVITING' people to ditch their faiths in favor of Islam!? ahahahahahha. thats funny.

By LUX:

Mind your language Sam.

This post has been edited by LuXoR: Jun 25 2004, 09:30 PM

[mehmoodtily]

Assalamualaikum,

I am not saying that no body did it earlier. But now it is done in more organized way and it does not depend on a single personality. There are thousands (if not tens of thousands) of muslims who are enganged in this work. The way in which normal muslims (i mean muslims who are not ulema) are involved and used in the process is a great idea.

And the reason people do not know him is his intention was to preach and not publicity. Just look around the world and see how many muslims are doing things not for publicity but for the good of Islam and then say anything about this dude.

My point is if you do not know (or have not heard of) some one, you should not make fun of him. If he is doing something good, help his cause. If you have differences, the differences should be for the good of Islam. (Again this is my point, you have every right to disagree)

I repeat, i may disagree with him on some of his ways but tablegi jamaat is making good impact in this difficult times.

[Zara06]

[LuXoR]

^^ no need to get defensive. Can you see how i said "I'm imagining you say such for Abu Jabir, for example."... notice the "e.g." , it indicates that it was a hypothetical statement.

I don't understand how someone describing another person as "great" can trigger humor. What's your connotation of "great" anyways?

If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to pm me. I wouldn't want to carry on this.. "nothing" over "something"

[Samira Saeed]

Its called 'Propoganda' Luxor, in the common world, its laughed upon, when realised. How is this different from lets say, MGA's claim to fame? or Some peer's claim to fame? explain. elaborate.

I've asked time and again, to be enlightned to what this dude's actually done to be awarded the 'Gr8' status. I would have no problem if the poster would specifically say, 'IN MY OPINION......'

This post has been edited by Samira Saeed: Jun 26 2004, 06:53 AM

[mehmoodtily]

Assalamualaikum,

Atleast differentiate Muslim scholars and non muslim kazib imposter.

Mehmood

[Samira Saeed]

As far as my opinion goes.. there was only ONE muslim scholar. Prophet Muhammad, the rest are just imitations of the real deal and/or introduce the 'Human Errata' factor.

[mehmoodtily]

Assalamualaikum,

Hadiths:

Allahu ta'ala will disgrace a person within the community if he insults a scholar without a just cause. A person who respects scholars will be honored and held high like prophets by Allahu ta'ala

If a person while speaking raises his voice higher than the scholar's voice then Allahu ta'ala will disgrace him in this and in the next world. If he feels sorry and repents then he will be forgiven

There is one degree of difference between a prophet and a scholar who possessess correct knowledge and acts according to that knowledge. This one degree is the degree of prophethood

Anyone who is not saddened with a dead of an Islamic scholar is a hypocrite. There is no bigger disaster for human beings then the death of an Islamic scholar. When an Islamic scholar dies, the skies and the occupants of the skies cries for seventy days

A human being is either a scholar or a student in the way of learning knowledge or he is the one who loves them. People other than these three types are like the flies in the stable

(these are not speaking of the Prophet peace be upon him but scholar)

(I repeat, i may have a difference of opinion with any scholar, but it should be for the good of Islam).


And these Hadiths clear state the existence of Islamic scholars besides the great guidance of the prophet Muhammed peace be up on him.

[atherzaidi]

thank u very much mahmood in my absence u replied tham sukriaa
aur app ko kia aitraaz hay tablighy jammat pay pls mujhay email kerkay bataoo ho aktha hay koi answer ho meray paas
ather_zaidi@hotmail.com
pm maat kerna kion kay may abb nahi aoon ga

[Samira Saeed]

Atherzaidi.. did this 'gr8' scholar hold any degree or diplomas in Islam from any university or educational institution?

[atherzaidi]

[atherzaidi]

molana mohmmed iliyaas (rah) kay zamanay may 25000 kay ijtima hoaa tha maywat may aur last year2003 alhamdulilah 13 lac muslims ka ijtama hoaa raiwind may aur 55000 loog ALLAH kay rastay may niklay, iss saal ALLAH ka fazal say abb 350 jamatain abroad ja chuki hain tablighy mehnat kay liay. Yah sab MOLANA ILIYAAS SAHABA (RAH) ko credit jatha hay .ajj arab asians,americans australian europeans, africans sab iss kaam may lagay hoey hain iss waqt duniya may tablighy jammat say ziyadaa bari koi jammat nahi hay aur na itni strong koi aur jammat hay yah sab MOLANA ki mehnat aur roonay ka natija hay kay muslims ajj aik plate form pay jama hoo rahay hain alhamdulilah her raang aur nasal kay.

[mehmoodtily]

Assalamualaikum,

I have no problems with tablighi jamaat. I wanted to say that even if i have difference of opinion with them, it should be for the good of Islam.

Nice to see you again.

Mehmood

[Coolfi]

It is very necessary to know the mind of the founder of the association (Jamaat), for finding the real motives and definite objectives of its activities, because according to practical results, the adherence of the Jamaat to the thoughts and ideas of its founder is so natural that it can never be disputed.

Their Sheikhul Islam Maulana Husain Ahmad of Deoband, personally accepted this fact in a letter addressed to the Amir of Jamaat Islami (Hind). The yardstick that he has proposed for the Jamaat Islami, shall be used to judge “Tableeghi Jamaat” also.

The words of the said person are: “When a movement is associated with a certain person, then he will naturally be the Central figure to be concentrated on and the effect of that person’s beliefs and behaviour will certainly influence the members.” (Maktoobate Sheiku/ Islam, Book 2, pp/227)

Bear this point in mind and then read the details of the origin of this movement and also about the founder of the Tableeghi Jamaat. At This link http://www.raza.co.za/Deviant%20Sects%20&%...Chapter%201.htm

[mehmoodtily]

Assalamualaikum,

Out of context quotes in the website. You need to read the whole articles/arguments and not a single sentence.

Mehmood

[Diva]

A great person is one judged but others not his personal decission .