Al-I‘tidal fi Maratib al-Rijal – Book Review by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani

Al-I‘tidal fi Maratib al-Rijal

 by Shaykh al-Hadith Mawlana Muhammad Zakariyya

 

Book Review by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani

 

This is actually a letter that Shaykh al-Hadith wrote in reply to seven questions posed by one of his students. The letter was written when the political fall out between the Muslim League and Congress was at its peak in pre-partition India, and a difference of opinion arose between Mawlana [Ashraf ‘Ali] Thanawi and Mawlana [Husayn Ahmad] Madani. Some Muslims were concerned about which path to choose in this difference between the seniors. Shaykh al-Hadith has explained the legislative (shar‘i) viewpoint of the difference in this letter, and detailed what the general masses should do in such circumstances. Apart from this, the general poor state of Muslims in the political and social arenas, and the issue of the ‘ulama differing has also been included [in this letter]. Shaykh al-Hadith has explained these issues in detail in his special style, which refreshes one’s faith and conviction. The book is actually a review of a temporary political issue. However, due to its encompassing discussions, it is a specific work that is beneficial in all ages.

 

(Rabi‘ al-Thani, 1392 AH)

 

Tabseray, (Karachi: Maktabah Ma‘arif al-Qur’an, Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1426/April 2005 ed.) p. 76

 

Mawlana Ahmad ‘Ali Saharanpuri’s Handwritten Edition Of Sunan Abi Dawud

Mawlana Sayyid Mahbub Ridwi writes:

 

His (Mawlana Ahmad ‘Ali Saharanpuri’s) handwriting was very clear. Mawlana Khalil Ahmad Anbethwi (Saharanpuri) was in possession of a complete manuscript of [Sunan] Abi Dawud which was handwritten by Muhaddith [Ahmad ‘Ali] Saharanpuri. This is the very same manuscript that Mawlana Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri would keep in front of him whilst writing Badhl al-Majhud[1].

 

Sawanih ‘Ulama’-e-Deoband (Nawaz publications Deoband) Vol. 1, p. 244, by Dr. Nawaz Deobandi.

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[1] Mawlana Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri’s multi-voluminous commentary of Imam Abu Dawud al-Sijistani’s Sunan. 

 

Book: A Brief Biography Of Shaykh al-Hadith Mawlana Fazlur Rahman Azmi

Book Cover: A Brief Biography Of Shaykh al-Hadith Fazlur Rahman Azmi

 

A Brief Biography Of Shaykh al-Hadith Fazlur Rahman Azmi

Biographies tend to surface after the death of a notable individual. The mere fact that this biography is before you in the lifetime of its subject- Shaykh Fazlur Rahman Azmi, is an indication of the acceptance with which he has been bestowed. This book will provide the reader with a glimpse of one of the great contemporary scholars of Islam and a leading authority of hadith. Furthermore, it is hoped that this brief work will serve as an inspiration to all: with effort, sacrifice and devotion to Allah, a great deal can be achieved.

Shaykh al-Hadith Fazlur Rahman Azmi was born in 1356/1946 in Maunath Bhanjan (Mau), Uttar Pradesh, India. After memorizing the Qur’an at an early age by his father, Shaykh Hafiz al-Rahman Azmi, Shaykh al-Hadith embarked on an intensive period of studying during which he mastered Arabic, Persian and Urdu. Upon completion of the rigorous Shari’ah program (‘alim course) at Madrasah Miftah al-‘Ulum, Mau in the traditional Islamic sciences, he studied the various modes of Qur’anic recitation (qira’ah), thereafter specializing in hadith and answering legal questions (ifta) under the great scholar of hadith, Shaykh Habib al-Rahman Azmi.

Shaykh al-Hadith’s illustrious teaching career began in his home town of Mau. On the advice of his teacher he moved to Madrasah Mazhar al-‘Ulum, Varanasi where he taught for four years. In 1395/1975 he moved to the renowned seminary, Jami’ah Islamiyyah Dabhel, Gujarat where he taught the major books of tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis), hadith, fiqh (Islamic law) and qira’ah. In 1406/1986 he was invited to Madrasah Arabia Islamia, Azaadville, South Africa and was offered the post of Shaykh al-Hadith (‘Senior Lecturer of hadith’). To date he has been teaching Sahih al-Bukhari, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Mishkat al-Masabih and other major books at this institute.

Shaykh al-Hadith is a prolific writer and has authored over forty books. His most famous works include introductions to Sahih al-Bukhari and Sunan al-Tirmidhi. He has also been active in the field of da’wah and tabligh and has benefited many as a distinguished disciple (khalifah) of Shah Hakim Muhammad Akhtar in the field of spiritual reformation (tazkiyah). Shaykh al-Hadith currently resides in Azaadville with his family.

Praise of Shaykh al-Hadith from distinguished scholars …

‘His mere presence is a great bounty for the people of South Africa.’ – Shaykh Marghub Ahmad Lajpuri

‘Hold firmly to him … firstly, because of his faith (iman), then because of his love of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him), then because of his knowledge.’ – Shaykh Zuhayr Ibn Nasir al-Nasir (al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia)

‘…of whom the term ”mountain of knowledge” is most appropriate.’ – Mufti Muhammad Faruq Mirathi

………………..

Cover: Paperback

Author: Mufti Atiqur Rahman Azmi

Translator: Muhammad Abdul Khaliq Yusuf

Editor: Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera

Publisher: Madrasah Da’watul Haq (Azaadville South Africa)

Pages: 130

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This book is available from: http://www.azharacademy.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=1978 and other Islamic bookshops.