Voice of the Oppressed Indian Muslims, Fidae Millat Maulana Sayyid As’ad Madani (1928–2006)
By: Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi
It was Monday, 30th January 2006, when I set out on a long and distant journey. Al-Hamdulillah, I reached my destination safely and engaged in my usual work. On the evening of Monday, 6th February, after meeting a few friends, I returned to my residence. Suddenly, one of them broke the news: a phone call had just come in bearing the tragic message that shook the soul. The political and spiritual leader of the country, the eloquent voice of oppressed Indian Muslims, the fearless defender against the enemies of Islam, an active religious and national leader, a man of deep wisdom and remarkable action, the true successor of Shaikhul Islam Husain Ahmad Madani (Rahimahullah), and the embodiment of his spirit of struggle, the President of India’s largest Muslim representative body, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, a respected member of the governing body (Majlis-e-Shura) of Darul Uloom Deoband, patron of hundreds of Islamic institutions across the country, a widely acclaimed scholar, spiritual guide, Fidae Millat, Amirul Hind: Hazrat Maulana Sayyid As'ad Madani (Rahimahullah), has just returned to his Creator. As the words struck my ears, I was gripped by shock and heartbreak. With great difficulty, my dry tongue managed to utter: Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him shall we return. The death is a truth from which no soul can escape. If even the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Aleihi Wa Sallam) could not be spared from its grasp, how could anyone else? The Divine Word reminds us: “Muhammad is but a messenger, there have been messengers before him. So, if he dies or is killed, would you turn back on your heels?” (Aal Imran: 144) Thus, even a visionary like Amirul Hind, a man of resolve, a perceptive guide of the Ummah, and a soul of noble character, had to depart from this fleeting world to the everlasting one. And so shall every soul follow in turn.
Though the ancestral home of Fidae Millat was the town of Tanda in the district of Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh —a place well known due to its association with Ayodhya and the Babri Masjid— his esteemed father, Shaikhul Islam Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani (Rah.), the former Shaikhul Hadith of Darul Uloom Deoband and a legendary freedom fighter, chose Deoband as his second home. Deoband, a town of global repute, is known for its religious, national, reformative, cultural, revolutionary, scholarly and educational contributions. As a result, he was born in the very Deoband, on 27th April 1928, corresponding to 6th Dhul-Hijjah 1346 AH. He received his early education and upbringing at home under the guidance of his noble father. Later, he enrolled in the prestigious Darul Uloom Deoband, the great Islamic university of Asia. There, he studied texts such as Sahihul Bukhari under his father’s supervision and graduated in 1947.
After graduating from Darul Uloom Deoband, he travelled to the sacred city of Madinah, where he spent approximately five years. Eventually, he returned to India and accepted a teaching position at Darul Uloom Deoband. From 1950 to 1962, he served as a teacher, instructing students in various subjects of Islamic sciences. However, a person who bears a deep concern for the condition of the nation and community cannot remain confined to one place for long. The truth is that combining teaching with other demanding responsibilities becomes increasingly difficult. Therefore, he stepped down from his teaching duties at Darul Uloom and chose instead to devote himself fully to the service of the Ummah through the platform of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, stepping actively into the field of national and communal service.
In 1963, he took over the leadership of Jamiat Ulama Uttar Pradesh as its President. During his tenure, he served the nation and the community with dedication and distinction. Recognizing his unwavering determination and intellectual depth, the members of the Jamiat entrusted him, in August 1963, with the significant responsibility of serving as the General Secretary of the organization. He held this position for ten years, until 1973, discharging his duties with utmost sincerity, diligence and devotion to Allah. As a result of his exemplary service and leadership qualities, following the demise of Hazrat Maulana Sayyid Fakhruddin Ahmad (former Shaikhul Hadith of Darul Uloom Deoband and President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind), he was elected as the President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind. He remained in this esteemed office until the final moment of his life, upholding the dignity and legacy of the organization. The monumental contributions he made through the platform of the Jamiat are numerous. A brief glimpse of some of these outstanding achievements is presented in the following lines.
When the government of Pakistan officially declared the Qadiani sect as a non-Muslim minority, the followers of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani turned their attention toward India. They began propagating the Qadiani creed with great zeal, luring simple, unsuspecting, and uneducated Muslims with material incentives and distorting the belief in the Finality of Prophethood. Through such misleading tactics, they spread a wave of disbelief and apostasy. At such a critical juncture, how could Hazrat Amirul Hind remain silent? Consequently, on 20th June 1998, a grand conference titled "The Second Conference for Tahaffuze Khatme Nubuwwat" was organized at the Eidgah grounds in Jafarabad, Delhi. In this historic gathering, Hazrat Amirul Hind openly declared the Qadianis to be outside the fold of Islam, thereby giving voice to his religious conscience and resolve. In preparation for the conference, workers, representatives and office-bearers of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind travelled extensively for a full month, delivering sermons and speeches in numerous Masjids to raise awareness about the danger posed by the Qadiani sect. People were invited to attend the gathering, and when the day arrived, crowds of devoted lovers of the Prophet (Sallallahu Aleihi Wa Sallam) and followers of the Prophetic Shariah gathered in overwhelming numbers. They came to learn about the deceptions, conspiracies and doctrinal corruption of the Qadiani sect and they openly expressed their intense disapproval and hatred for this misguiding and misguided group. While presiding over the conference, Amirul Hind said in his Presidential address:
“Respected audience! From the explanation [referring to the Qur'anic verse and the strong, well-established arguments presented regarding the Finality of Prophethood], it becomes absolutely clear that merely reciting the Kalimah Tayyibah with the tongue is not sufficient to be considered a Muslim. It is essential to believe in all the tenets of faith. Today, the Qadiani group tries to deceive the Muslim community by verbally reciting the Kalimah Tayyibah. They display Kalimah stickers on their shops and gathering places to pose as Muslims. Then they object and complain, saying: ‘Look, even after reciting the Kalimah, we are being excluded from the fold of Islam.’ Therefore, every Muslim must understand that simply saying the words: La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah is of no benefit unless one also accepts and upholds the implications and requirements of the Kalimah. Among its most essential requirements is the unconditional belief in the Finality of Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Aleihi Wa Sallam) without any interpretation, alteration or justification. Without affirming the belief in Khatme Nubuwwat (Finality of Prophethood), reciting the Kalimah holds no value.”
Following this, in his presidential address, he presented strong and well-founded arguments proving that belief in the Finality of Prophethood is an essential part of faith. He then quoted a passage from the writings of Allama Iqbal and firmly declared the Qadianis to be outside the fold of Islam. To support this position, he cited the statements and religious verdicts of prominent scholars of Islam, including Maulana Rahmatullah Kairanvi, Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, Shaikhul Hind, Hazrat Thanvi, Allama Kashmiri, Mufti Azizur Rahman, Mufti Kifayatullah, Shaikhul Islam Husain Ahmad Madani, Muhaddith Azmi and Hakimul Islam Qari Muhammad Tayyib, among others. He also referred to the official Fatwa issued by the Fiqh Academy of Saudi Arabia. The entire presidential address was rich with scholarly content on the subject of the Finality of Prophethood, offering deep insights and authoritative references.
When Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (d. 1989) overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty in Iran in 1979 and established his rule under the banner of the “Islamic Revolution and Islamic Government,” a wave of enthusiasm and admiration swept through many circles, especially among Sunni Muslim youth. Numerous pamphlets, articles, speeches and sermons were presented in support of this so-called Islamic revolution, which came to be seen by many as the ultimate symbol of Islamic revival. However, in reality, Khomeini was orchestrating a deliberate and sinister campaign to distort Islam and the Shariah of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). His actions eroded people’s trust in the Qur’an and Hadith and sowed suspicion and hostility towards the Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them). Soon, a grave incident took place: on 13th July 1987 (corresponding to 6th Dhul-Hijjah 1407 AH), during the Hajj pilgrimage, approximately 150,000 of Khomeini’s volunteers desecrated the sanctity of the Holy Masjid (Haram Sharif) and committed serious acts of bloodshed and violence in Makkah. At this critical moment, Maulana Madani demonstrated his religious zeal and took a firm stand. From the revered seat of Darul Uloom Deoband, representing the honour of Indian Muslims, he issued a Fatwa declaring Imam Khomeini an apostate. Furthermore, on 8th November 1987, a successful conference titled the “Protection of the Haram” was held at the Superhouse in Delhi, India. The purpose was to educate people, especially the youth, about Imam Khomeini’s true intentions and to expose the sacrilege committed in the Haram Sharif. The conference was inaugurated by the “Imam of the Haram.” During the event, Amirul Hind condemned the killing and destruction at the Haram Sharif, declaring it a conspiracy orchestrated by the Iranian regime, he said:
“The incident that occurred at the Haram in Makkah during this year’s Hajj was the result of a carefully orchestrated conspiracy planned in Tehran. It has now been definitively proven that Iran, fully prepared, sent thousands of trained soldiers and militants to carry out the massacre and destruction within the two Holy Sanctuaries. Numerous newspapers around the world reported that Khomeini’s son, Ahmad, had met with certain Israeli officials in Switzerland, during which this plan was devised. Considering Iran’s current policies and conduct, this claim cannot be dismissed as far-fetched or impossible. According to verified information and credible testimonies, since the Iranian military possesses a significant arsenal of Israeli weaponry, it is inconceivable that Israel would supply such arms to Iran without conditions or cost.”
What we hear today regarding Iran, the United States, and Israel leaves no room for doubt or suspicion about the accuracy of the above statement. The recent rhetoric from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, U.S. President George W. Bush, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Israeli leaders reflects the rise and fall of political tides. On one hand, the determined opposition from Ahmadinejad is a response to George W. Bush’s policies, particularly concerning Iran’s advancing nuclear ambitions, which are seen as a threat to humanity. It is hoped that this resistance will continue, regardless of how far the U.S. might go, even if it resorts to the folly of military action against Iran. On the other hand, history reminds us that there was a time when Iran and Israel were quite close internally, indicating that political alliances and enmities are often complex and subject to change.
The mission of Darul Uloom Deoband, since its establishment, has been to equip Muslim children with the adornment of knowledge, to dispel the darkness of ignorance and misguidance through the light of education and understanding, to nurture patriotic hearts, to unify scholars and the general public, to eradicate innovations (Bid’ah) and promote the Sunnah, to suppress anti-Islamic sects, to devote all strength and energy to uphold the truth and to stand ready to confront falsehood with unwavering commitment. In line with this mission, one critical challenge has been the threat of Christianity, a movement actively working to uproot Islam and distance Muslims from Islamic teachings. To counter this apostate campaign, Darul Uloom organized a two-day training camp on 4-5 July 2001, in the northern hall of the upper floor of Jami Rashid. Amirul Hind was also invited to participate; but was unable to attend due to time constraints and serious illness. However, he sent an insightful written address in which he presented a detailed study of the situation of Christianity in Bangladesh, the activities of Christian organizations there, and their deceptive tactics. Below is an excerpt from that address.
“We wish to inform you that in the present age, Christian missionaries are actively working to spread Christianity by establishing English-medium schools, colleges, hospitals and women’s social organizations. They also offer monetary incentives and set up small industries to further their cause. Under the guise of education, they influence the poor and economically vulnerable by colouring them with religious teachings. Generally, it is portrayed that Christian missionaries are greatly contributing to reducing illiteracy by founding schools. However, the true objective is not the promotion of education itself, but rather the propagation and expansion of Christianity. If the sole aim were education, then why do Christian missionaries oppose English-medium schools established by Muslims?”
Fidae Millat was always an unsheathed sword against the forces of falsehood whether they opposed Islam and the Shariah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) or threatened the nation, community and society. He stood firmly on issues such as the Tahaffuze Khatme Nubuwwat, Tahaffuze Sunnah, Tahaffuze Shariah, Tahaffuze Haram, Tahaffuze Aayeen, opposing black laws and the Uniform Civil Code, securing Muslim citizenship rights, addressing the Babri Masjid dispute, supporting Aligarh Muslim University, overseeing the guardianship and protection of religious endowments and confronting sectarian agitators inciting unrest against Muslims. During times of communal strife and violence such as in Meerut, Moradabad, Raworkela, Godhra, Ahmedabad, Baroda and Indore, when most people were preoccupied with their own safety, livelihoods and businesses, Fidae Millat fearlessly stepped into the fire and bloodshed. Placing his life on the line, he visited the affected areas, offered solace and support to the oppressed and victims, assured them of all possible assistance, established relief camps and organized efforts to provide aid and rehabilitation. In doing so, he exposed the incompetence and failure of the ruling governments and its officials in addressing these crises promptly and effectively.
The state of Gujarat, renowned throughout India for its rich traditions and wealth, has unfortunately been under a dark cloud in recent times, repeatedly struck by natural disasters and sectarian violence. Following the “Sabarmati Express incident” in Godhra on 26th February 2002, sectarian agitators unleashed a brutal campaign of bloodshed. The violence spared no one, old or young, men or women. People were massacred, burned alive and subjected to vile acts of sexual violence and humiliation. The rioters committed atrocities beyond imagination, including the horrific act of extracting a child from a pregnant woman’s womb and hanging it on a spear. Schools, Madrasas, Masjids and Khanqahs were set ablaze; the Glorious Qur’an was desecrated by fire; homes and shops were destroyed and looted; and those who once fed others were left to wander homeless and hungry. Throughout this gruesome episode, both provincial and central governments remained inactive, merely watching as the chaos unfolded. Shockingly, the central government at the time, revealing a corrupt mindset, dismissed the carnage as a “reaction to an action,” a stance that sullied and fragmented India’s political history. In response to this tragedy, Maulana Madani dispatched a delegation from Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind to assess the plight of the oppressed and affected. Relief camps were established to provide aid and support, and numerous villages were rebuilt through Jamiat’s efforts. Hundreds of houses were constructed to shelter displaced families. Many Masjids and Madrasas, which the rioters had destroyed, were restored. Through these extensive rehabilitation efforts, the people of Gujarat were supported and comforted, reminded that even if the government had become indifferent and unresponsive, many compassionate and devoted individuals still existed in the world. This exemplary rehabilitation work shamed the government, which had failed to act, as a non-governmental organization and its leader succeeded where the state had faltered.
Whenever the nation, community or country faced a pressing need, Fidae Millat rose to the occasion and played such an exemplary role that it became a model for all to follow, whether the need was scholarly and reformative, social or political, whether expressed through gatherings and rallies or through travel and presence. He dedicated a formal span of eighteen years of his esteemed life exclusively to political service for the community’s welfare. He was elected three times as a member of the Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) by the ruling Congress Party, which led the country and played a significant role in the freedom struggle, during the periods 1968 to 1974, 1980 to 1986, and 1988 to 1994. During his tenure, he never used the benefits or privileges of his position for personal gain. Rather, from the seat of the Rajya Sabha, he tirelessly fought for the restoration of the rights of minorities, especially the oppressed Indian Muslims. When necessary, he challenged the government with wisdom and tact, sometimes even confronting officials directly and boldly. Whenever the Muslim minority was slandered or maligned, he responded decisively and convincingly, compelling those who opposed him to acknowledge the truth. While many in such high offices tend to forget their communities and lose their voice, Fidae Millat fearlessly exercised his rights and refused to bow to any pressure.
The truth is that during his entire tenure in Parliament, he kept the memory of Maulana Hafizur Rahman alive. He consistently raised a timely voice of protest on critical issues affecting Muslims, such as forced sterilization, the Uniform Civil Code Bill, polygamy, marriage registration bills and the right of Muslims to keep beards in the police and military forces. After the horrific riots that took place in Baroda and Ahmedabad in September 1969, he delivered a passionate and powerful speech on 19th November 1969 that stunned the members of Parliament. He silenced those who spoke ill of Indian Muslims and firmly declared:
"I belong to the community and the family that made magnificent sacrifices in the struggle for India’s independence and actively participated in the movement against the partition of India. I strongly dislike any interference by Pakistan in our affairs. We have sufficient capability within ourselves to resolve our own matters. However, I want to make it absolutely clear that it is completely objectionable and provocative to link any discussion of oppression, injustice, destruction or devastation of Muslims to Pakistan or any external power. Such attempts insult the dignity and honour of Indian Muslims and constitute a deliberate conspiracy against the oppressed. This has happened before, and it recently occurred in Indore and repeatedly in Ahmedabad. I strongly protest against this humiliation of Muslims."
An important aspect of Maulana Madani’s life was his role in the spiritual Khanqahi tradition. After the passing of Sheikhul Islam, his disciples, and followers warmly embraced Maulana Madani, recognizing that he was truly deserving of this honour. Despite his limited time, numerous responsibilities and frequent travels, he remained deeply committed to nurturing the spiritual purification and reform of Muslims both in India and abroad. He dedicated his precious time to serving as a spiritual guide and Murshid. For eleven months of the year, Maulana Madani spent his time without any fixed attachment to one place; however, he observed the month of Ramadan with great discipline, always staying in Deoband to fulfill its spiritual obligations. For many years, during Ramadan, he held his spiritual gatherings at the Madani Masjid. As the number of disciples grew, he moved this tradition to the vast and beautiful basement of the towering Masjid Rashid, where he continued this practice until the final years of his life. When Ramadan arrived, disciples from near and far would come together for I'tikaf in Masjid Rashid, benefiting immensely from his presence. The Masjid resonated with the sounds of Dhikr, supplications, additional prayers and Qur’an recitation, creating an atmosphere akin to a grand conference or gathering. Despite his busy schedule and advancing weakness, Maulana Madani never neglected his commitment to I'tikaf. Even in the last year of his life, marked by severe frailty, he observed I’tikaaf. Beyond Ramadan, the practice of Dhikr, recitation and the pledge of allegiance (Bay‘at) continued regularly at his newly constructed guesthouse, Al-Zawiyah al-Madaniyyah (Madani Khanqah), where disciples would engage in morning and evening remembrance and Qur’an recitation. Fidae Millat’s efforts in guiding people back to the right path during an era marked by doubt, skepticism, atheism and secularism are rare and remarkable, benefiting far fewer people than the many he reached with his spiritual and moral reform.
Fadae Millat (Rahimahullah) had witnessed 78 years of his life. It is a fact that at such an advanced age, a person is closer to death than to life; therefore, passing away at this age is not considered sudden; but rather a natural consequence of old age. However, his death was a great loss to the people; because of his immense contributions. After Eid Salaah, he went to Apollo Hospital in Delhi for a medical check-up. Satisfied with the doctor's assessment, he returned to Deoband on 5th November. While heading to the Masjid for Salaah, he slipped at the door, injuring his head, which caused a stroke and led to unconsciousness. His brothers and son, Maulana Mahmood Madani, took him back to Apollo Hospital in Delhi, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. A team of doctors from Apollo and All India Medical, appointed by the Prime Minister, began his treatment. He underwent two successful brain surgeries and began to recover physically, with his heart and mind starting to function again. However, he then fell into a coma and never regained consciousness. After struggling between life and death for three months and five days, on the evening of Monday, 6th February 2006 (7th Muharram 1427 AH), this dynamic and active leader, a mountain of spirituality and resolve, the embodiment of sincere devotion, a Sheikh of spiritual order and a sun of courage and bravery, who had risen in Deoband, set in the horizon of New Delhi and was laid to eternal rest beside his father in the "Mazar Qasmi" of Deoband.
The emotions and sentiments expressed above regarding Fidae Millat (Rahimahullah) and his accomplishments are but a mere glimpse. To truly encompass his vast political, social and reformative services, and to capture the boundless ocean of his life’s every aspect, entire book would be required, if Allah wills, these will come in the form of his detailed biography. Everything he achieved in this world through his unique qualities and distinctions benefited people, and those members of the community who benefited from him will now deeply feel the void left by his passing for a long time to come. Thus, his death will be remembered as a tragic calamity and a great disaster. The true reward for his services and achievements will be granted by Allah on the Day of Judgment, for whose pleasure he undertook all these efforts. I have penned these few lines as a humble tribute to him. May Allah accept it! •••• |