By: Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi,
Moon Rays Trust School, Zambia, Africa,
Email: qasmikhursheed@yahoo.co.in

A polite teacher, Maulana Abdul Khaliq Sambhali (RahimahuAllah), popularly known among his students as “Maulana Sambhali Sahib”, who taught thousands of the students in his half century teaching career, had fallen sick for few months back. Following Ramadan this year, he became sick seriously. In June, he was admitted in a Hospital of Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. When he didn’t recover, he was transferred to a hospital in the capital city, Delhi. Then he started recovering and was brought back Deoband. Few days latter, again he fell sick seriously and was admitted in a hospital in Muzaffarnagar for treatment. He couldn’t return to a normal state of health; but the condition continued deteriorating. In the evening of 30th July 2021, the news of his sad demise was received through the social media. He was about 72 years old as he was born on 4th January 1950. Following the arrival of the appointed times, whatever age or health condition the people may have, they will have to taste death. The Almighty Allah says: “For every people there is an appointed time. So, when their appointed time will come, they cannot be late for a moment, nor will they get ahead.” (Al-Aaraf: 34)

The body was brought to Deoband. A good number of people were already waiting for the funeral prayer to participate in. The funeral prayer was led at about 11 pm by the VC of Darul Uloom Deoband, Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani (HafizahuAllah). The burial took place in the Qasmi Graveyard of Deoband. May Allah gran him Jannatul Firdaus!

Allah had blessed Maulana Sambhali Sahib with many qualities. He was an able, qualified, soft-hearted, soft-spoken, sweet-voiced, polite and a compassionate teacher. He was embodiment of humbleness and modesty. He was a simple man with praiseworthy characters. His whole career was spent in imparting religious knowledge. He taught almost half a century. Thousands of the students quenched their educational thirst learning from him. According to a narration (Sahih Muslim: 1631) of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Aleihi Wa Sallam), his teaching services will be regarded as a continuous charity for him, In Allah wills, as he imparted beneficial knowledge of Deen among its seekers. Briefly, a candle which was burning for a half century spreading the light of knowledge has extinguished leaving thousands of learners mourning.

Whenever, Maulana Sambhali Sahib is mentioned, his smiling and cheerful face will come in the minds of his innumerable students spread in the world. At whatever time he is talked about; his pleasing taking style, interesting critical ability and rhymed words will be remembered. He was unique in describing the basic of nomenclature of Urdu words which was purely the creation of his sharp mind and thoughts which was pleasing for the students in the class. Always, he used to be happy. He was not seen getting irritated on a student’s mistake. Following the mistake of a student, he himself used to interpret it suitably. When a student apologizes following a mistake, he used to accept it saying “al-Udhru ‘Ind Kirami al-Naas Maqbul” (Excuse is acceptable to the gentlemen). It seems as he preached in his life practically “No hurt, no trouble and no harm”. In another way, he was the sample of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS)’s Hadith where he (SAWS) said: "There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm." (Sunna Ibn Majah: 3241)

It is a beautiful Islamic teaching that one shouldn’t try to harm and cause hardship to someone. If one does so, he must get ready to face the sever outcome from Allah. It is narrated by Abu Sirmah (RA) that Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) said: "Whoever harms others, Allah will harm him; and whoever causes hardship to others Allah will cause hardship to him."' (Sunna Ibn Majah: 3242)

Teaching Methodology:
When this humble writer was learning in Darul Uloom Deoband, Maulana Sambhali Sahib was teaching Deewan Mutanabbi, Hidayah, Inshaa etc. I had opportunity to learn in “Takmile Adad” from him. He was dealing with the period of “Inshaa”, i.e. the translation from Arabic into Urdu and vice-versa. Occasionally, he used to bring the fresh Arabic newspaper to teach certain news from it. I still remember the news which he taught us from the Arabic newspaper: Al-Sharq Al-Awsat on the martyrdom of Sheikh Ahmad Yasin (1937-2004) of Palestine. The student whose exercise was not corrected in the class, he used to reach his home with the exercise-book. He used to correct happily. His teaching methodology was appreciable. The Almighty Allah had blessed him with the well ability of making the students understand. When he was questioned something related to the lesson in the class, he used to reply cheerfully. He was very punctual of the period. Had not he come to the class to teach, it means, he would have left for another town for a programme.

Educational Journey:
Maulana Sambhali Sahib started his educational journey from “Madrasah Waheedul Madaris” of his own locality, Mohallah Saraye Tarin of Sambhal which is also his birthplace. In those days, there was a teacher known as Mufti Muhammad Aftab Ali (May Allah grant him Jannah!) who was teaching in the Madrasah. Mufti Sahib was a qualified and popular teacher. Then he left the Madrasah and joined another one known as “Madrasah Shamsul Uloom”. Maulana Sambhali also followed the footstep of his teacher and got admission in the said Madrasah. First he memorized the whole holy Qura’an by heart under the care of Hafiz Fariduddin Sahib and became Hafiz. Then he began to learn from Mufti Muhammad Aftab Ali. He learnt up to the book: “Sharah Jami” (It means the fourth standard of Fazilah course) from Mufti Sahib. Then he headed to pursue further education at the prestigious Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband in 1968. He was considered one of the prominent students of Darul Uloom. He graduated in 1972 with flying colour securing the third position in his class.

Due to his interest in Arabic language and literature, next year, he got admission in Shobah Takmile Adab Arabi (Department of Arabic Language & Literature). Being a student of Arabic language, he learnt and benefited from the matchless and great teacher of Arabic language and literature, Maulana Waheeduz Zaman Kairanavi (1930-1995). In regard to Arabic language, he had good taste. He had command over written and spoken Arabic. He used to address and even sometimes teach in Arabic language. He used love Maulana Kairanvi too much. Once he revealed that at the time of his interview for teaching post in Darul Uloom Deoband, he was asked about his interest in Arabic language. He replied, at the time learning in Darul Uloom Deoband, I was one among those who used to serve with devotion to Maulana Kairanavi.

As a student of Drul Uloom Deoband, Maulana Sambhali learnt from Sheikh Fakhruddin Muradabadi, Sheikh Fakhrul Hasan Muradabadi, Sheikh Shariful Hasan Deobandi, Hakimul Islam Qari Muhammad Tayyib Qasmi, Mufti Mahmud Hasan Gangohi, Sheikh Nasir Ahmad Khan, Maulana Muhammad Salim Qasmi, Maulana Waheeduz Zaman Kairanavi, Maulana Sayyid Anzar Shah Kashmir etc. May Allah accept their services and grant them Jannah!

Teaching Services:
Following the graduation from Darul Uloom, Maulana Sambhali Sahib joined Madrasah Khadimul Islam, Hapur in Uttar Pradesh for teaching services. He taught in this Madrasah almost six years. He used to visit Jamiul Huda in Muradabad to meet his classmate Maulana Habibur Rahman Qasmi who used to teach there. The principal of Jamiul Huda, Maulana Alim Qasmi (RahmimahuAllah) liked him and offered him teaching job. He accepted the offer and joined this Madrasah in 1979 as a teacher. He taught here in this Madrasah about three years from the middle to the higher level classes. In 1982, he was appointed in Darul Uloom Deoband as a teacher. In 2008, he was selected as a Deputy Rector of Darul Uloom Deoband. He continued serving the seminary as one of its teachers and administrators until he breathed his last.

Works and Books:
He was expert in Urdu and Arabic both the languages. His speaking and writing skills both were outstanding. He used to present the weekly lectures on “Maududiyyat” on Thursday in the afternoon periods among Darul Uloom’s graduates enrolled in different departments following their graduation. They are published in five parts. The first part is in 39 pages, the second one is in 40 pages, the third one is in 35 pages, the fourth one is in 40 pages and the fifth one is in 42 pages. He translated the Kitabul Aaiman of Fatawa Hindiyyah (Fatawa Aalamgiri). He translated an Arabic book: “Kitab Al-Tauhid” that is in 500 pages. The book is originally written by an Arab author Abdul Hamid Zindani, a graduate of Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. He belongs to Yemen and is a famous politician.

Maulana Sambhali’s Survivors:
Maulaan Sambhali is survived by his wife, four girls and three sons: Maulana Muhammad Suhail Qasmi, Maulana Muhammad Uzair Qasmi and Mualana Muhammad Zubair Qasmi. All the sons are graduates of Darul Uloom Deoband, Al-Hamdulillah. His learned and dutiful sons will be ongoing charity for him, In Shaa Allah. May Allah accept his services and grant him Jannah! Aameen! ⦁⦁⦁⦁

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Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi,
Moon Rays Trust School,
Zambia, Africa,
Cell No.:+260978238541

By: Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi
Moon Rays Trust School, Zambia, Africa
Email: qasmikhursheed@yahoo.co.in

Qari Sayyid Muhammad Usman Mansoorpuri, popularly known as “Qari Sahib”, was from the famous Sadaat family of Mansoorpur. It is situated in Mazaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh in India. He was born on 12th August 1944 at his ancestral place. His father’s name was Nawab Sayyid Muhammad Isa.

Qari Sahib’s Father:
Qari Sahib’s father was a pious and God-fearing person. He practiced Islam in his day-to-day life as a true Muslim. He had much love and respect for the Ulama. He had taken the pledge of allegiance to Sheikhul Islam Maulana Sayyid Husain Ahmad Madani (1879-1957). He wanted his children to learn Islamic knowledge. He made Dua for his sons to memorize the holy Qura’an by heart. Allah accepted his Duaa and his all sons (Sayyid Muhammad Musa, Sayyid Muhammad Dawood and Qari Sayyid Muhammad Usman) completed the memorization of the holy Qura’an by heart. For the education of his children, giving the sacrifice, he left his hometown and shifted in a rented house in Deoband. He passed away in Deoband in 1963 and was buried in “Qasmi Graveyard” of Deoband. May Allah grant him Jannah!

Educational Journey:
Qari Sahib started his basic education at his hometown. He completed the memorization of the glorious Qura’an by heart at Madrasah Husainia, Mansoorpur. Then he got admission at Darul Uloom Deoband and started learning the Persian language. He learnt the whole Fazilat course at Darul Uloom. He completed the course 1965 (1385 AH) and passed the exams with flying colours.

Tajweed and Qira’ah:
After the graduation in Islamic studies, Qari Sahib remained in Darul Uloom in 1966 to learn Tajweed and Qira’at. He completed the course of Saba’h A’sharah to get perfection in the recitation of the holy Qura’an. While being the student of Qira’ah department and thanks to his perfect recitation of the holy Qura’an, he was invited in several programmes in Darul Uloom for the opening recitation. He, therefore, got fame as a Qari and it became the inseparable part of his name. Then commonly he was known as Qari Muhammad Usman Sahib.

It is appropriate to mention here that a delegation of Qurraa came from Egypt in Ramadan. They visited Darul Uloom Deoband. The programme was held in “Masjid Qadeem” for recitation of the Holy Qura’an following Zuhr Salah. They recited the holy Qura’an. When they had done their recitation, Qari Sahib stated that he had been a student of Qira’at Department in Darul Uloom Deoband. Then he also recited the Qura’an. He didn’t recite in Tarteel as they did. He chose Hadar method. He would have read about one quarter of a Juz, I think. His recitation was so nice that not only the audience; but also those Qurraa liked and expressed their happiness. If I recall correctly, it was in Ramadan of 2002.

For spiritual guidance and soul rectification, Qari Sahib took the pledge of allegiance to Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyyah (1898-1982) –May Allah grant him Jannah– But he was attached to Fidaye Millat Maulana Sayyid Asad Madani (1928-2006) with the suggestion of Sheikhul Hadith. He was granted Khilafah by Maulana Madani and was counted one among his great Khulafaa.

Teaching Career:
Following his graduation, Qari Sahib started his career as a teacher of Jamia Qasmia, Gaya, Bihar in 1967. The Madrasa was established by Maulana Qari Sayyid Fakhruddin (Rahimahullha), the Khalifah of Sheikhul Islam Maulana Sayyid Husand Ahmad Madani. He taught almost 5 years there. Then he resigned in 1972 to join Jamia Islamia Jama Masjid in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. In Jama Masjid, he taught the books like Abu Dawood, Jalalein, Mukhtasar al-Ma’ani etc. He established al-Nadi al-Adabi in Jamia Islamia so that the students can learn how to write and speak Arabic language practically. He served in this Madrasah until he was appointed in his seat of learning Darul Uloom Deoband in 1982.

When we were in Darul Uoom, Qari Sahib was teaching Mishkat al-Masabih, Hidayah, Muwatta Imam Malik etc. In the final year of Fazilah Course, I had opportunity to learn Muwatta Imam Malik from him. The period used to be once in a week on each Friday in the morning. He used to come to the class at the stated time. While teaching, his lectures were brief and to the point. When there was a certain difficult topic, he used to explain deeply to make the students understand easily. Whenever he used to explain something, he used to mention the reference book. He had learnt Muwatta Imam Malik from Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Ahmad who had learnt it from Allamah Muhammad Anwar Shah Kashmiri (1875-1933) (May Allah grant them Jannah!). Currently he was teaching Mishkat al-Masabih, Tahawi etc.

Interest in Arabic Language:
Qari Sahib had been one of the close students of Maulana Waheeduz Zaman Qasmi Kairanavi (1930-1995), a celebrated teacher of Arabic language and Literature in Darul Uloom Deoband. He had much interest in Arabic language. He had good command over spoken Arabic. At the time of learning, he was one of the prominent students of the Arabic language. He taught “Asalib al-Inshaa” in “Takmil-e-Adab” (the Department of Arabic language and Literature) several years as well. He was patron of al-Nadi al-Adabi. Mostly he used to preside over its annual function.

Administrative Duties in Darul Uloom:
Qari Sahib was a principled, cool-minded, soft-spoken and very taciturn person. He was very sincere and serious regarding his duty. He was considered just, fair and firm in taking a decision in the light of the rules and regulations. Along with teaching responsibility, he was assigned the several administrative duties in the course of different times. He was made administrator of “Kul Hind Majlis Tahaffuze Khatme Nabuwwat” in 1986, Chief Manager of Boarding from 1415 to 1418, Deputy VC (1997-2008) and lately he was selected as the Assistant VC of Darul Uloom Deoband (October 2020= Safar 1442). He used to perform his assigned duties with accountability.

Remarkable Work as the Administrator of Majlis:
Due to the spread of Qadianism, Darul Uloom Deoband held a three-day international conference on the topic: Tahaffuze Khatme Nabuwwat on 29-31 October 1986. Qari Sahib was the convener of the conference. Several scholars from India and abroad were invited to write the papers on the topic and participate in the conference. A good number of scholars partook in it from Saudi Arab, Bangladesh, UAE and another country. The conference was inaugurated with the comprehensive speech of Mufakkire Islam Maulana Sayyid Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi (1914-1999), ex-President of All India Muslim Personal Law Board. The concluding talk was delivered by famous scholar, Dr. Abdullah Omar Nasseef, General Secretary of the Muslim World League.

On the same occasion of the international conference, “Kul Hind Majlise Tahaffuze Khatme Nabuwwat” was established in Darul Uloom Deoband. The conference’s convener, Qari Sahib was nominated as its administrator, Mufti Saeed Ahmad Palanpuri (1940-2020) was selected as its chief administrator and the then VC of Darul Uloom Deoband, Maualana Marghubur Rahman (1914-2010) was selected as its President. The services of the Majlis to remove the misconceptions and false views created by the Qadianis are noteworthy. Several workshops were held to train the scholars how to tackle the issues of Qadianism. In other parts of the country also the programmes were held to let the people know the true colour of Qadianism. The Majlis published dozens of books/booklets to remove baseless interpretation of Islamic thoughts by Qadianis. Several branches of Majlis were established in other Indian provinces. Qari Sahib used to participate himself without any excuse in such programmes and supervise all activities of the Majlis in the love of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Aleihi Wa Sallam). He continued heading the Majlis until he breathed his last. Almost three decades back, he himself wrote about the achievement of the Majlis:

“(1) To prepare the working men, two training camps, in 1409 and 1410 AH, were held in Darul Uloom. (2) Apart from them, some big camps were held in Gauhati, Madras, Mel Palem (Tamil Nadu), Alwak (Kerala), Bhagalpur, Bengaluru etc. (3) Despite of challenge, the Qadiani scholars couldn’t muster courage to face the Islamic scholars in Khamini (Mathura) and Rohta (Agra). As the result, the debate was won by the Islamic scholars. (4) Our debaters have reached such places where the Qadiani group is busy secretly in its mischief-making. At some places, they had face-to-face talk where the Qadianis had to run away and Muslims were protected from their cheatings. (5) Almost 50 books have been published from the office. (6) Thousands of literatures have been spread in the whole country….” (Muhazrah Ilmiyyah Bar Mauzu’ Radde Qadianyyat 2/32-33)

Jamiat Ulamae Hind:
Qari Sahib was an active member of Jamiat Ulama from the very beginning. Latter he was made the member of working committee of Jamiat. As the senior member, on the occasion of “Mulk Wa Millat Bachaw Tahreek” in 1979, leading a group, he was arrested and imprisoned in Tihar Jail of Delhi. On 15th April 2008, he was selected as the President of Jamiat Ulama Hind. Following the demise of the third Amiru Hind, Maulana Marghubur Rahman Bijnori (1914-2010), he was selected as the 4th Amirul Hind in 2010 under the Imarat Shariah Hind. He served Jamiat as its President for more than 13 years until he breathed his last. As the president, he took several worth mentioning decisions like establishment of “Jamiat Youth Club”, “Jamiat Open School” etc.

Lectures on Qadianism:
Qari Sahib used to give weekly lectures on Qadianism among the students who were learning in several departments following their graduation in Darul Uloom, Deoband. Those lectures are published in 5 parts. In the first part, introduction of the topic, biography of Mirza Ghulam Qadiani, his character, his educational and religious background, introduction of his books and some other Qadiani leaders’ books and several Qadianis groups etc. have been presented. In the second part, the topics like: list of Ghulam Qadiani’s misleading beliefs, his political face, Qadianis’ interest in establishing Jew state and the historical services of the elders of Deoband against Qadianism etc. have been included. In the third part, the important topics like: the Prophethood, Messengerhood and its need, proofs of finality of prophethood in the Holy Qura’an and the holy narrations, meaning of finality of prophethood according to Qadiani group, doubts and fallacy of Qadianis regarding the verses and Hadiths related to the finality of prophethood and its replies, distortion of meaning of the Qura’anic verses and Hadiths by Mirza Ghulam Qadiani etc. have been discussed. In the fourth part, the beliefs of Jew, Christians, Muslims and Qadianis about Isa (AS) being alive, raised to the skies and coming before the Last Day as its major sign have been deliberated in detailed. In the fifth part, several claims of Mirza Ghulam Qadiani like being replica of Jesus (AS), Mahdi, the prophet and messenger, his misleading wrong prophecies, essential of Deen, categories of Kufr and the ruling regarding having relation with Qadianis have been presented in details. In brief, these lectures are very comprehensive and important to know the false views of Qadiani about Islam in the light of the authentic reference books.

Qari Sahib’s Sad Demise and Survivors:
Qari Sahib fell sick in the mid of Ramadan 1442 AH. Latter he was tested Covid-19 positive. Then oxygen level also went down. The oxygen was arranged and he was treated under the care of the doctors at the home. Following some days, when he was tested covid-19, the negative report came. Once again he fell sick and the health condition started deteriorating and the weakness grew. At that time, he was admitted in the Medanta Hospital Gurgaon in Haryana on 18th May 2021 = 5th Shawwal 1442. Then the health situation improved a bit; but again the condition started deteriorating and he left for heavenly abode on Friday 21st May 2021 = 8th Shawwal 1442 AH in Hospital. First his funeral prayer was performed in the central office of Jamiat Ulama Hind in Delhi and the second one in Darul Uloom Deoband which was led by Mualana Sayyid Arshad Madani, Head-Teacher of Darul Uloom Deoband. He was buried in the Qasmi Graveyard of Deoband. May Allah accept his services and grant him Jannah! Ameen!

Allah the almighty blessed him with one daughter and two sons. The first one is Mufti Sayyid Muhammad Salman. He is Mufti, teacher of Hadith and the editor of “Nidae Shahi”, Urdu monthly organ of Jamia Qasimia Madrasa Shahi Muradabad. He has compiled more than dozen books. He is a well-known and respected scholar within the country and abroad. The second one is Mufti Sayyid Muhammad Affan Mansoorpuri. He is head-teacher of Madrasa Islamia Jame Masjid, Amroha. He is also a qualified scholar and well-known for his oratory and writings. Qari Sahib was a distinguished person in upbringing the children. His two sons are the fruits of his upbringing as the elders say. Qari Sahib is survived by his wife, the daughter and two sons. May Allah give them long life with safe and sound health! Ameen! ••••

By: Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi
Moon Rays Trust School, Zambia, Africa
Email: qasmikhursheed@yahoo.co.in

Just within a few years, renowned Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband has lost several senior teachers of Hadith. One of them is Maulana Habibur Rahman Azmi Qasmi, who left for heavenly abode on 13th May, 2021 (30 Ramadan, 1442) at around 12:45 PM. News of his demise was shocking for thousands of his students spread all over the world as he was a popular teacher and an academic personality. He was born on 15th June, 1941, in Jagdishpur, a village of Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, India. His father’s name was Anwarul Haq, who was a Hafiz of the Holy Qura’an. He was very punctual in his day to day life of studying and reading books. His interest was in the science of Hadith, the chain of transmitters and history. He was a very distinguished scholar, a popular teacher of Hadith and a prolific Urdu writer. Thanks to his expertise and being an academic personality, he was appointed as a teacher in Darul Uloom Deoband. He also authored a number of books on various subjects. They are published and available in the market to be read. In this piece, the humble soul is going to highlight his educational journey, his teaching services, his writings and books and his organizational activities.

Educational Journey:
Maulana Azmi started his basic education: reading the Holy Qura’an, learning Urdu and Persian languages and basics of mathematics in the Maktab of his village from Haji Muhammad Shibli (Rahimahullah!). Then he continued his education in Madrasah Rauzatul Uloom, Phulpur. It is worth mentioning that he learnt the book of Sheikh Sa’di Sheirazi, “Gulsitan”, from Maulana Abul Ghani, Phulpuri, the Khalifah of Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (May Allah grant them Jannah!) in Rauztul Uloom. Then he moved to the renowned Madrasa of the vicinity, Madrasah Baitul Uloom, situated in Saraimeer, Azamgarh, UP, India. Then, for the secondary education, he moved to Madrasah Matlaul Uloom, Banaras and Darul Uloom, Mau, Uttar Pradesh respectively.

For the final year of his Fazilah Course, Maulana Azmi left for Deoband. In Darul Uloom Deoband, he got admission in the final year in 1963. During his stay in Darul Uloom, he learnt the books of Hadith, such as Sahih al-Bukhari from Sheikh Fakhruddin Muradabadi, Sahih Muslim and Ibn Majah from Maulana Bashir Ahmad Khan, few lessons of Ibn Majah from Qari Muhammad Tayyib Qasmi, then the VC of Darul Uloom Deoband, Sunan Tirmidhi (V.1) from Allamah Ibrahim Baliavi, Sunan Abi Dawood, Sunan Tirmidih (V. 2) and Shamail Tirmidhi from Maulana Fakhrul Hasan Muradabadi, Tahavi from Maulana Islamul Haq Azmi, Sunan Nasaiee from Maulana Shariful Hasan Deobandi, Muatta Imam Malik and Muwatta Imam Muhammad from Maulana Abdul Ahad Deobandi. After studying these abovementioned books of Hadith, he completed his Fazilat Course from Darul Uloom in 1964 (1384 AH).

Teaching Services:
Following the graduation from Darul Uloom Deoband, Maulana Azmi chose the path of teaching as his career. He, therefore, joined Madrasah Rauzatul Uloom, Phulpur as a preacher (Muballigh). Then he joined Madrasah Kheirul Madaris, Ghosi as head-teacher. Then he joined Madrasah Qura’aniyah, Jaunpur, UP. Later, he joined Jamia Islamia, Banaras and worked as a senior teacher and taught there till 1980. In 1982, he was appointed as a teacher at Darul Uloom, Deoband. In Darul Uloom, he was teaching “Sahih Muslim”, Abu Dawood, Mishkah Al-Masabih, Nukhbah al-Fikr and Muqaddamah Ibn Salah. He was a perfect teacher. He would study and read several books to prepare the lessons he was to teach the next day. He used to deliver the perfect academic material to the students.

This writer, being one of the students of Darul Uloom Deoband, got opportunity to learn from Maulana Azmi the second volume of Abu Dawood in the final year of the Fazilah course in 2003 and benefited a lot from his scholarly lectures. He used to explain each and every issue related to a Hadith. It was his habit to explain even a minor point being extracted from the Hadith. His explanation was very satisfactory. It is well-known among the scholars and the students of the Hadith the significance of the chain of transmitters (Sanad) in the science of Hadith. It was his favourite field, as it was his specialized subject, to discuss the chains of Hadith, the narrators and transmitters. Currently he was considered a leading authority on the chain of transmitters. His study in this science was considered deep and matchless. He had dedicated himself to studying and reading books. He was a popular teacher amongst the students. He was blessed with capability to deliver any difficult topic in the easiest way among the students. He used to read dozens of books for preparation of a lesson or before beginning to write on a topic. From his lectures, the students used to get the gist of hundreds of pages within the period.

Writings and Books:
Maulana Azmi was a prolific and successful writer and author too. Whenever he felt something necessary, he stood up with his pen and didn’t hesitate to write what was the truth in his opinion. Due to his writing skill and elegance of composition, in Safar 1405 AH (October 1984), he was selected as the editor of Darul Uloom’s Urdu monthly organ: Darul Uloom. He was one of the longest serving editors of the organ from October 1984 to November 2016. The incumbent editor of the monthly, Darul Uloom, and my respected teacher, Maulana Salman Bijnori Sb. (May Allah protect him!) writes about his editorship of the organ: “In the history of the editorship of the monthly, Darul Uloom, the period of Maulana Habibur Rahman Sahib is very long like the period of Maulana Sayyid Azhar Shah Qaisar. He was made editor in 1984 and the last month in November 2016, he resigned from this service due to his old age, additional teaching responsibility and academic works. In this long period, apart from editorial, he wrote numerous articles. His academic articles have been published namely “Maqalate Habib” (in three volumes). Besides it, he compiled about 30 books/booklets in Urdu and Arabic languages. During the period of his editorship, some special issues of the monthly Darul Uloom were published. “Khatme Nabuwwat Number” and “Al-Ihsan Number” are worth mentioning among them.” (Editorial Mahnamah Darul Uloom Deoband, December 2016)

He also worked as the editor of Urdu Monthly “Al-Qasim” in 1980. This Urdu monthly was the organ of the old boys association of Darul Uloom Deoband namely “Aalmi Motamar Fuzlaye Daurl Uloom Deoband” which was established in 1980.

Maulana Azmi complied and authored almost 30 books and booklets. They are considered to be the best research work on the topic. They are published and available in book depots and libraries. Here, I present an incomplete list of his published books:  (1) Tazkirah Ulamae Azamgarh, (2) Shajrah Tayyibah, (3) Ajudhiya Ke Islami Aathaar, (4) Babri Masjid Haqaaidq Aur Afsane, (5) Islam Ka Nizam Ibadat, (6) Islam Men Tasawwure Imarat, (7) Maqalate Habib (3 Volumes), (8) Muttahidah Qaumiyyat Ulamae Islam Ki Nazar Men, (9) Khumainiyyat Asre Hazir Ka Azeem Fitnah, (10)Khalifah Mahdi Sahih Ahadith Ki Raushani Men,  (11) Khawaatine Islam Ki Behtareen Masjid, (12) Imam Ke Piche Muqtadi Ki Qriat Ka Hukm, (13) Masa’il Namaz, (14) Imam Abu Hanifah Ka Ilm Hadith Men Maqam Wa Martabah, (15) Shrah Muqaddamah Sheikh Abdu Haq, (16) Nurul Qamar Fee Tauzih Nuzhatun Nazar Sharah Nukhbah, (17) Imama Abu Dawood Aur Un Ki Sunan, (18) Shuyukh Abi Dawood Fee Al-Sunan (Arabic), (19) Shiiat Qura’an Wa Hadith Ki Raushani Men, (20) Hadith Wa Sunnat Par Naqd Wa Nazar, (21) Babri Masjid Tarikh Ke Mukhtalif Maraahil Men, etc. Some books’ introduction is presented here:

Tazkirah Ulamae Azamgarh:
It is very famous book of Maulana Azmi. It is about the Islamic scholars of Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh. In the book, the author has mentioned the brief biographies of 245 Islamic scholars of the said district as it can be easily understood by its name. Initially, he started compiling this book following the suggestion of famous historian and well-known writer Maulana Qazi Athar Abdul Hafiz Mubarakpuri (1916-1996) to work on it. Firstly, it was published in 1976 comprising of the introduction of 197 scholars. Then, he included the biography of 48 scholars as its addendum and the book was republished in 2012 by Markaz Dawat Wa Tahqiq, Deoband. Moreover, 89 scholars’ introduction has been mentioned in the footnote according to the need. It is considered as a reference book on the topic. The scholars like Maulana Abul Ma’athir Habibur Rahman Al-Azmi (famously known as Muhaddithe Azmi – 1901-1992), Maulana Najmuddin Islami (1904-1994), Qazi Athar Mubarkpuri and Maulana Ajaz Ahmad Azmi have appreciated this work. The book is published from Markaze Dawat Wa Tahqiq, Deoband. It has 604 pages.

Ajodhya Ke Islami Aathaar:
It is a well-known book compiled by Maulana Azmi. It comprises of one preface and three chapters. In the preface, the author discussed about Ajodhya, its religious status, etc. In the first chapter, he has introduced 27 scholars and pious people, who played a key role in spreading Oneness of Allah and the true message of Islam in Ajodhya. In the second chapter, he has mentioned the mosques found in Ajodhya which have historic and Islamic values and status. In the third chapter, he has presented the graves which are found in Ajodhya like the grave of Sheeth (Alaihis Salam). Whatever has been mentioned in the book is in the light of the authentic references of books. The forward is written by Maulana Riyasat Ali Zafar Bijnori (1940-2017), ex-teacher of Hadith at Darul Uloom Deoband. It is published from Sheikhul Hind Academy of Darul Uloom Deoband. It has 200 pages.

Shuyukh Abi Dawood Fee Al-Sunan (Arabic):
This book is about the teachers of Imam Abu Dawood Suleiman Sajistani (817-889) from whom he narrated the prophetic narrations in Sunan Abi Dawood. The author has briefly written the biography of Imam Abu Dawood as well. He has introduced the Sunan Abi Dawood, number of chapters and the number of narrations. It was published from Sheikhul Hind Academy of Darul Uloom Deoband in 2006. The book contains 260 pages.

Organizational Activities:
In 1980, an old boys association of Darul Uloom Deoband namely “Aalmi Motamar Fuzlaye Daurl Uloom Deoband” was established. He was given the charge of its administration. Maulana Azmi worked as its administrator. He also worked as the editor of the association’s monthly Urdu organ “Al-Qasmi”. He was an old member and the member of Working Committee of India’s largest social organization, Jamiat Ulamae Hind. In the meeting of Jamiat, his opinion was valued and given much significance. It is said that it was him who mostly used to write the “resolutions” of Jamiaat’s meetings and the programmes. In 1420 AH, he was appointed as the supervisor of “Radde Isaiyat Committee” in Darul Uloom Deoband. Later, he was nominated as its head and director. He served and headed the committee for 18 years and resigned in 1438 AH.

Sad Demise:
It was Maulana Azmi’s habit to spend the whole year in Deoband and visit his hometown, Jagdishpur, Azamgarh in Shaban to spend the long vacation of Ramadan at his home with his family members. So, as usual, this year in Shaban 1442, he left for his hometown. He reached home with safe and sound health. He was physically fit. When he left Deoband, none would have thought that it is his last journey and he is not going to come back. But Allah had written for him that he would not come back.

Anyway, in the mid of Ramadan, he fell sick. Following the check-up, the doctor diagnosed him as suffering from typhoid fever. He got timely treatment and following few days, the medicine responded and he started recovering. Again he suffered from the typhoid and the oxygen level started going down. Then the condition began to deteriorate, until he breathed his last on 13th May 2021 (30th Ramadan 1442) at around 12:45 PM. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons: Maulana Obaidur Rahmadn Qasmi and Abdur Rahman. His funeral prayer was led by his grandson, Maulana Affan Qasmi. Despite the restriction of the lockdown in the area, a good number of Ulama, students and public from neighbouring villages participated in the funeral prayer. He was buried in the graveyard of his hometown. May Allah accept his services and grant him Jannah! Aameen! ••••

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Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi,
Moon Rays Trust School,
Zambia, Africa,
Cell No.:+260978238541