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Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi, also Thanawi, or Thanvi, popularly known in the Indian sub-continent as Hakim al-Ummat (Sage of the Muslim Community) was one of the most prominent scholars of Deobandi in India, hailing intellectually from Darul Uloom Deoband. He was born in Thana Bhawan in the Muzaffarnagar District of the Uttar Pradesh province of India on Wednesday, 5 Rabi‘ al-Awwal, (August 19, 1863). He died in, (1943).

“He led a very active life, teaching, preaching, writing, lecturing, and making occasional journeys”. A comprehensive knowledge of all branches of Islamic learning was evident in his personality, explicated in his lectures, and recorded in his writings. The Indian jurist Qadi Mujahidul Islam Qasimi said, “It is hard to think of an area of Islamic sciences left unattended by his writings”.

Describing Thanwi's endeavors and contributions, Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani wrote, “The likeness of his accomplishments is not found in many preceding centuries”

Early Life

Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi, named ‘Abd al-Ghani by his paternal family, was born in the village of Thana Bhawan on August 19, 1863). He was named Ashraf ‘Ali by the renowned majzoob saint Hafiz Ghulam Murtada Panipati, a maternal relative.

His family was well-respected and held an eminent position in Thana Bhawan. His father, ‘Abd al-Haq, was a wealthy landowner, devout Muslim, and respected citizen. ‘Abd al-Haq was well versed in the Persian language, and although he had not memorized the Qur’an, knew it so well that he would sometimes correct the recitation of the imam during prayer. Thanwi’s lineage can be traced back to the second Caliph, `Umar ibn al-Khattāb.

As a young boy, he was zealous in offering the salah, and by age twelve, he was constant in offering the Tahajjud. He attained his early Arabic and Persian education under his maternal uncle Wajid ‘Ali and Maulana Fath Muhammad in Thana Bhawan and also memorized the Qur’an at a very young age from Hafiz Husayn ‘Ali of Meerut.

Traditional Islamic Studies at Darul Uloom Deoband

Thanwi enrolled at the prestigious Darul Uloom Deoband, from where he graduated. after studying under some of the most renowned Islamic theologians of his time. Among his teachers were Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanotwi, Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, Maulana Muhammad Ya‘qub Nanotwi, and Shaikhul Hind Maulana Mahmood ul Hasan. Thanwi’s six years at Deoband were spent under the tutorship and guidance of God-fearing men, many of whom were the spiritual students of Haji Imdadullah Muhaajir Makki.

The spiritually charged atmosphere of Darul Uloom Deoband, coupled with brilliant teachers and Thanwi’s own intelligence and piety, contributed to the excellence of theory and practice that was manifested in his personality. His literary life began at Darul Uloom Deoband, when he wrote Mathnawi zer-o bam in Persian at the age of eighteen. He also mastered Arabic, Persian, and Urdu by the same age.

Graduation and Future Scope

Thanwi graduated from Darul Uloom Deoband in 1884 CE. When Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi arrived for the graduation ceremony, Shaykh al-Hind Mahmud al-Hasan informed him that on that day a very bright and intelligent student would be graduating. Gangohi wished to test this bright student. Hence, before the actual ceremony, Gangohi asked Thanwi the most difficult questions he could think of. His answers amazed and pleased Gangohi.

At the graduation, the turban-tying ceremony (Dastar bandi) was carried out by Rashid Ahmad Gangohi. The graduation ceremony of that year stood out from the past and was celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by the teachers of Deoband. At this occasion, Thanwi, with some classmates, said to his teacher Ya‘qub, “We are not deserving of such a celebration and our graduation might bring derision to Darul Uloom Deoband.” Upon hearing this concern from Thanwi, Ya ‘qub became incensed and said, “This thinking of yours is completely wrong! At Darul Uloom Deoband, you perceive of your personality as very meek and insignificant because of your teachers, and in fact, this is how you should feel. But once you graduate and step out of this institution, you will realize your worth and importance. I swear by Allah, you will prevail and become dominant wherever you go; the field is open and empty ” (Alwi 53).

After graduating from Deoband, Thanwi accompanied his father to the cities of Mecca and Medina. After performing his first hajj, Thanwi mastered the art of Qur’anic recitation under Qari Muhammad ‘Abdullah Muhajir Makki. In Mecca he also had the opportunity to stay with Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki, whose spiritual attention, personality, teachings, and methodology of training prepared Thanwi for the reform movement he would lead.

Spiritual training under Makki

Muhammad said, “Make the company of ‘ulama’ compulsory upon yourselves and listen to the words of the wise, for Allah Most Exalted restores life to dead hearts by the light of wisdom just as He makes alive the dead earth by rain” (‘Asqalani 25). Companionship of a pious, God-fearing shaykh is necessary for each and every Muslim. Through the knowledge of books, one’s external self is reformed, and through the companionship of a shaykh, one’s internal condition is purified. Thanwi was greatly concerned about focusing on his internal rectification. During his studies at Darul Uloom Deoband, he asked that Gangohi train him in the spiritual sciences as well. However, Gangohi advised him to wait until the completion of his traditional studies.

Thanwi visited Haji Imdadullah during his first hajj in 1884 but could not remain in his company for long. In 1893, Thanwi left for the pilgrimage a second time and, after performing the hajj, stayed with the shaykh for six months.

Strengthening Knowledge through Teaching

Thanwi spent 14 years after graduation teaching religious sciences in the city of Kanpur. Over a very short period of time, he acquired a reputable position as a sound religious scholar. His teaching attracted many students, and his research and publications enhanced Islamic academia. In these 14 years, he traveled to many cities and villages, delivering lectures in the hope of reforming people. Printed versions of his lectures and discourses would usually become available shortly after these tours. Until then, very few Islamic scholars had had their lectures printed and widely circulated in their own lifetimes. The desire to reform the masses intensified in him during his stay at Kanpur.

Eventually, he retired from teaching and devoted himself to reestablishing the spiritual center (khanqah) of his shaykh in Thana Bhawan. Upon this transition, Haji Imdadullah remarked, “It is good that you came to Thana Bhawan. It is hoped that the masses will benefit from you spiritually and physically. You should engage yourself in revitalizing our school (madrasa) and spiritual center (khanqah) once more in Thana Bhawan. As for myself, I am always praying for you and attentive toward you” (Alwi 58).

Effectiveness of Spiritual Efforts

Imam Shafi ‘i said, “Knowledge is not what is memorized; knowledge is what benefits” (Nawawi 43). Thanwi’s knowledge was such that it not only benefited its contemplator, but continues to benefit Muslims all over the world. Mufti Muhammad Shafi, former head mufti of Darul Uloom Deoband and later the Grand Mufti of Pakistan, after the partition of India, would sit in front of Thanwi as a student of traditional Islamic studies sits before his teacher. “He would closely observe Maulana Thanwi, and each move of his showed that he had left this world and whatever was in it while engaging in the study of his shaykh’s appearance. When Maulana Thanwi would say something remarkable, Mufti Muhammad Shafi ‘, who seemed totally absorbed in his shaykh while unconscious of everything else, would leap forward in excitement” (‘Uthmani, Akabir-e Deoband kya the? 30).

Thanwi laid great stress on prescribing proper remedies for the spiritual ailments of people. This cure was not to give them some sort of medicinal syrup or to engage in some formulas (wazifas), but his prescribed remedy comprised action (Irshadat-e akabir 25).

Students and Disciples

Thanwi’s students and disciples constitute a generation of leading scholars of South Asia. His disciples settled in all parts of South Asia. Among his famous disciples are:

• Qari Muhammad Tayyib Qasimi (grandson of the founder of Darul Uloom Deoband, Muhammad Qasim Nanotwi, and head principal of Darul Uloom Deoband for over 50 years, from the early 1930s to the early 1980s)
• Maulana Muhammad Masihullah Khan (founder of Madrasa Miftah al- ‘Ulum in Jalalabad, India, and a leading spiritual figure of the past century)
• Mufti Muhammad Shafi ‘ (head mufti of Darul Uloom Deoband before partition and, after migrating to Pakistan, founder of Dar al- ‘Ulum Karachi, one of the largest academies of religious sciences today in Pakistan, and, also the former Grand Mufti of Pakistan)
• Mufti Muhammad Hasan of Amritsar (founder of Jami ‘a Ashrafiyya, Lahore, Pakistan), Maulana Khayr Muhammad Jalandhary (founder of Jami ‘a Khayr al-Madaris, Multan, Pakistan)
• Maulana ‘Abd al-Bari Nadwi (renowned theologian and philosopher in India who taught modern philosophy at Osmania University in Hyderabad and translated the books of Western philosophers such as Descartes, into Urdu and left behind many valuable literary tracts)
• Allamah Sayyid Sulayman Nadwi (great researcher and the outstanding student of Shibli Nu ‘mani who turned to Thanwi for spiritual reformation)
• Maulana Muhammad Ilyas (founder of the Tabligh Movement)
• Maulana ‘Abd al-Majid Daryabadi
• Maulana Athar ‘Ali of Silhet, Maulana Shams al-Haqq Faridpuri
• Maulana Muhammad ‘Abd al-Ghani Phulpuri
• Maulana Shah Muhammad Abrar al- Haqq of Hardoi
• Khwaja ‘Aziz al-Hasan Majdhub (great poet and mystic, author of Ashraf al-sawanih, a four volume biography of Thanwi)
• Maulana Muhammad Idris Kandhlawi (author of Ma‘arif al-Qur’an, a commentary of the Qur’an, and Al-Ta‘liq al- sabih, a commentary of Tabrizi’s hadith collection Mishkat al-Masabih)
• Maulana Zafar Ahmad ‘Uthmani (author of a 22 volume compendium in Hanafi Law, I‘la’ al-Sunan)
• Mufti Jamil Ahmad Thanwi
• Maulana Shabbir ‘Ali Thanwi
• Dr. ‘Abd al- Hayy ‘Arifi
• Maulana Muhammad ‘Isa of Allahabad
• Maulana ‘Abd al-Hamid of North Waziristan
• Maulana ‘Abd al-Salam of Nawshehra
• Maulana Muhammad Sa ‘id of Madras
• Maulana Wasi’ullah of Fatehpur
• Maulana ‘Abd al-Rahman Kamilpuri
• Maulana Jalil Ahmad of Aligarh
• Maulana Murtada Hasan of Chandpur
• Maulana Asadullah of Rampur (head principal of Madrasa Mazahir ‘Ulum in Saharanpur for many years)
• Maulana Faqir Muhammad of Peshawar
• Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Binnori (author of Ma‘arif al-Sunan, a commentary on the Sunan of Imam Tirmidhi)
• Maulana Muhammad Na ‘im of Kabul
• Mufti ‘Abd al-Karim of Gamthla.
• Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi, the Grand Mufti of Hindustan and then Pakistan

Literary Contributions

Maulana Thanwi was a prolific author. His literary contributions “range from 800 to 1000 in the shape of sermons, discussions, discourses, treatises, and books of high standard and quality” (Khwaja vii). Sayyid Sulayman Nadwi said, “Maulana Thanwi was a translator and exegete (mufassir) of the Qur’an. He explained its injunctions and wisdoms. He removed doubts and answered questions pertaining to the Qur’an. Maulana Thanwi was a scholar of hadith (muhaddith) and expounded its intricacies and subtleties. He was a jurist (faqih) who issued thousands of legal rulings (fatawa). He solved many legal problems in contemporary issues in Islamic jurisprudence and answered them with the utmost caution and credible research. He was a moving orator (khatib) whose speech was infused with all skills of oration. He was an excellent admonisher (wa‘iz) and hundreds of his speeches have been published and widely circulated.

Maulana Thanwi was a mystic (Sufi) who revealed the secrets and subtleties of Islamic mysticism. His personality put an end to the battle that had been going on for some time between Shari‘a and tasawwuf by unifying these two essential parts of Islam” (Alwi 293). His books answered the objections raised against Islam by Orientalists and Modernists. “ analysis and refutation of the principles of modernism is not a merely theoretical exercise, but is meant to remove the obstacles to intellectual and spiritual understanding and growth for the pious and practicing Muslim” (Naeem 81).

His Arabic writings include Sabq al-ghayat fi nasaq al-ayat, Anwar al-Wujud, Al-Tajalli wa ’l-azim, Hawashi Tafsir Bayan al-Qur’an, Taswir al-muqatta‘at, Al-Talkhisat al-‘ashar, Mi’at durus, Al-Khutab al-ma’thura, Wujuh al-Mathani, Ziyadat, Jami‘ al-Athar, and Ta’yid al- Haqiqa.

Among his Persian books are Mathnawi zer-o bam, Ta‘liqat-e Farsi, ‘Aqa’id baniy-e kalij.

The rest of his books were written in the Urdu language, the most famous of which is Behishti Zewar , which has become a handbook for leading an Islamic life in the Muslim household. Although Maulana Thanwi was the most prolific author of his times, he did not use any of his books as a source of income.

Qur’an: The Special Interest of Maulana Thanwi

During his teaching career at Kanpur, Thanwi is reported to have seen `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas, the cousin of Muhammad, in a dream that indicated to him that Qur’anic exegesis should become his primary task (Alwi 297). Sayyid Sulayman Nadwi said, “He not only memorized the words of the Qur’an but also memorized the deeper significance of these words” (Alwi 297). He further said, “He was an exceptional reciter (qari) of the Qur’an who had mastered the art of recitation. The uniqueness of Thanwi’s recitation of the Qur’an was such that each letter was uttered from its proper place of pronunciation (makhraj). There was no imitation or overly exertive effort to make his voice melodious. He would rather recite in his normal voice, which was full of inspiration and absorbed in reflection” (Alwi 297).

Thanwi was also an expert in the various recitations of the Qur’an. In fact, he compiled the famous narrations of the different recitations in his book Wujuh al-Mathani and the rare narrations in his book Ziyadat ‘ Ala kutub al-riwayat. Thanwi’s books on recitation of the Qur’an also included Jamal al-Qur’an, Tajwid al-Qur’an, Raf‘ al-khilaf fi hukm al-awqaf, Tanshit al-tab‘ fi ijra’ al-sab‘, Yadgar-e haqq-e Qur’an, Mutasha­bi­hat al-Qur’an li ’l-Tarawih, and Adab al-Qur’an. Thanwi’s profound knowledge and insight into the Qur’an is reflected in his Urdu translation of the meanings of the Qur’an. His 12 volume exegesis, Bayan al-Qur’an, can only be appreciated by a scholar who studies it after having read more than twenty commentaries on the Qur’an (Alwi 323). Sayyid Sulayman Nadwi said, “His commentary relies heavily on Ruh al-Ma‘ani of ‘Allama Alusi al-Baghdadi, and because it was written in the mid-thirteenth century ah, it encompasses all previous explanations of the Qur’an” (Alwi 299).

Like Jassas and other scholars, Thanwi also wished to collect legal rulings from the Qur’an in support of the Hanafi school. However, his increasingly frail health in the last years of his life did not allow him to directly author this work, which he wished to name Dala’il al-Qur’an ‘ala madhhab al-Nu‘man. Instead, this academic desire of Thanwi's was fulfilled by three of his outstanding students and disciples who noted down his explanations of legal rulings and their extractions from the Qur’an. This Arabic work of Qur’anic jurisprudence, entitled Ahkam al-Qur’an li ’l-Thanwi, is available in five volumes and is co-authored by Mufti Muhammad Shafi‘, Maulana Muhammad Idris Kandhlawi, and Maulana Zafar Ahmad ‘Uthmani. Maulana ‘Abd al-Bari Nadwi said,

When Maulana Thanwi extracted Hanafi legal matters from the Qur’an, we would be astonished that this point was always in this verse but our knowledge could not grasp it. His explanations would remove the clouds , allowing us to fully benefit from the brilliant rays ”

(Alwi 303).

Maulana Thanwi: A Caller to Allah

Preaching Islam was an essential part of Thanwi’s life. He was highly organized and would plan his lecture tours well in advance. Thousands would attend these lectures, which usually lasted two to three hours, with some even up to five hours. Thanwi also undertook a visit to the area of Mewat, where Muslims were at the verge of disbelief. His first visit to this area was in 1922, when he visited Alwar. Thanwi also paid a visit to Gajner, a village in the Kanpur district when the Arya Samaj started to preach Hinduism among the Muslims of that area. Using wisdom and tolerance, Thanwi was able to take a pledge from the people there “that they would not commit apostasy” (Masud lv). To prevent the spread of apostasy, he wrote the treatise Al-Insidad li fitnat al-irtidad (The eradication of the evils of apostasy) (Masud liv).

Embodiment of Humility and Simplicity

Mufti Muhammad Taqi ‘Uthmani says that Thanwi used to say, “I consider myself inferior to every Muslim at the present time and possibly inferior to every non-Muslim with respect to the future” (Irshadate akabir 25). He meant that at this time, I am inferior to every Muslim, and inferior to every non-Muslim with respect to the future, because a non-Muslim may accept Islam in the future and become more advanced than myself. Thanwi was more concerned with rectifying his own self than correcting others. Once, when he had to deliver many lectures, he said, “Whenever I find the need of reforming myself, I speak on that specific shortcoming of mine. This method is very beneficial. My speech entitled Ghadab (Anger) is an example of this” (Alwi 131). Once, after praising Allah, Thanwi said, “I am never unmindful of reckoning with my own self. Whenever I admonish a disciple of mine, I also inspect my own self and continuously seek Allah’s protection from His reckoning” (Alwi 131).

Maulana Thanwi and Politics

Thanwi was not a politician, Mufti Muhammad Taqi ‘Uthmani explains, “nor was politics his subject of interest” (Hakim al-Ummat ke siyasi afkar 22). However, Islam is a lifestyle that encompasses all human activities and provides clear and complete guidelines for all aspects of life. Thus, at appropriate places in his speeches and writings, Thanwi does comment on politics and provides useful explanations in that field. While battling secularism, many contemporary Muslims perceived Islam as a branch of government and politics. Thanwi proved, mainly using Qur’anic verses, that political rule is only a means of instituting Islam in people's lives and not the purpose of life itself. All modern political notions in contradiction with the Qur’an and Hadith would have to be forsaken, and the pure, untainted political thought reflected in the Qur’an and Hadith should guide Muslims in organizing and structuring their governments (see Hakim al-Ummat ke siyasi afkar).

The great grandson of Maulana Ashraf's brother, Shaykh Irfan Bin Sarwar Ali Thanvi, comments on the political role of his Great Grand Father."Muhammad Ali Jinnah invited Maulana Ashraf to join the Pakistan Movement. The Maulana replied to Jinnah 'the end of my life is setting close I won't be able to participate, nor am I politician, but I am deputing my Khalifa, Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani, he will assist you.' Shortly, after this Maulana Ashraf died, and it remians a historical fact that Maulana Usmani raised the Pakistan flag for the first time on August 14th 1947.

The enormous contributions of the Deobandi school of thought, to Pakistan Movement are undeniable. Maulana Ashraf was the only scholar to support it. His followers abided by his choice, and migrated to Pakistan afterwards.

Controversy

Ashraf Ali Thanwi was declared a disbeliever by 33 Ulema of Makkah and Medina after Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi accused him of blasphemious writings in the book Hifzul Imaan. Many blind followers of Ahmad Raza Khan still believe that Ashraf Ali Thanwi was a murtad (apostate). However it is obvious that the book of Ashraf Ali Thanvi was misquoted and this has been proven by the ulema of Deoband:

'False Allegation Ashraf Ali Thanvi, a founder member of Deoband says: 'The Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) has an education like that of children, lunatics and animals of every category.' (Hifzul Imaan pg. 7)

The Truth The view of Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi is that: Hadhrat Moulana was asked, 'Did you in Hifzul Imaan or any other book write anything directly or indirectly comparing the education of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) to that of children, lunatics and animals? If not then what is your ruling regarding a person who holds such a belief?' In reply to that Moulana states, 'Let alone writing such falsehood and filth, my heart had never even perceived such falsehood and verily if anyone holds such a belief he is out of the fold of Islam.' (Faisal-e-Khusoomat pg. 21). So he declared himself out of the fold of Islam.

Clarification Hadhrat Hakimul Ummah, Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (author of the famous 'Bahishti Zewar') did not write the abovementioned statement in Hifzul Imaan. Nor is it his belief. It is a slander on the said Moulana. In fact Hadhrat Moulana has stated clearly in 'Hifzul Imaan' that, 'Knowledge with regard to the Excellence of Prophethood has been bestowed totally upon Rasul (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) (Hifzul Imaan pg. 12)'

Death

Thanwi toiled to reform the masses and trained a large number of disciples who spread all over the South Asian Subcontinent. He passed away in his hometown of Thana Bhawan on Rajab 2, 1362 ah (July 4, 1943 CE). His funeral prayer was led by his nephew, the hadith scholar Maulana Zafar Ahmad ‘Uthmani, and he was buried in the ‘Ishq-e Bazan graveyard. Thanwi's writings and teachings still serve many Muslims in helping them understand the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Books Cited in Biography, and Further reading

• Alwi, Mas‘ud Ahsan. Ma‘athir-e Hakim al-Ummat. Lahore: Idara Islamiyyat, 1986.
• al-‘Asqalani, Ibn Hajar. Al-Isti‘dad li Yawm al-Ma‘ad. Cairo: Dar al-Bashir, 1986.
• Jones, Kenneth W. Socio-Religious Reform Movements in British India. Cambridge: Cambridge University, 1989.
• Khawaja, Ahmed Ali. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi: His Views on Moral Philosophy and Tasawwuf. Delhi: Adam Publishers, 2002.
• Metcalf, Barbara Daly. Islamic Revival in British India: Deoband, 1860-1900. Princeton: Princeton University, 1982.
• Masud, Muhammad Khalid, ed. Travellers in Faith: Studies of the Tablighi Jama‘at as a Transnational Islamic Movement for Faith Renewal. Leiden: Brill, 2000.
• Naeem, Fuad S. “A Traditional Islamic Response to the Rise of Modernism.” Islam, Fundamentalism, and the Betrayal of Tradition: Essays by Western Muslim Scholars. Ed. Joseph E.B. Lumbard. Bloomington: World Wisdom, 2004. 79–120.
• Nawawi, Abu Zakariyya Muhyi ’l-Din ibn Sharaf. Tr. Aisha Bewley. Bustan al-‘Arifin: The Garden of the Gnostics. Leicester: Al-Faruq, 2001.
• Qurayshi, Muhammad Iqbal. Ma‘arif-e Gangohi. Lahore: Idara Islamiyyat, 1976.
• ‘Uthmani, Mufti Muhammad Taqi. Akabir-e Deoband kya the? (Who were the Elders of Deoband?). Karachi: Idarat al-Ma‘arif, 2000.
• ———. Hakim al-Ummat ke siyasi afkar (The political views of Hakim al-Ummat) in Islam awr Siyasat. Multan: Idara Ta’lifat-e Ashrafiyya.
• ———. Irshadat-e Akabir (Sayings of the Saintly Elders). Multan: Idara Ta’lifat-e Ashrafiyya, 1998.
• Zaman, Muhammad Qasim, Ashraf Ali Thanawi: Islam in Modern South Asia (Makers of the Muslim World), Oneworld, 2008.
• Zayd, Muhammad. Dini da‘wat-o tabligh ke usul-o ahkam. Multan : Idara Ta’lifat-e Ashrafiyya, 1994.

Books Written on his sayings

• Ashraf ut Tafaaseer: Collection of his sayings which contain Tafsir of verses of the Qur'an.
• Khutbat ul Ahkaam Li Jumuat ul A'am: Set of Arabic Sermons for Fridays.
• Tas'heel ul Mawa'iz: A collection of his sermons, in a simplified language for laymen
• Tuhfat ul Ulema: Collection of his sayings about Ilm e Deen and Ulema.

External links

• A Biography of Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi
• Another Brief Biography
• Another Biography
• Maktaba al-Ashrafia

Notes

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• Deobandis
• People from Muzaffarnagar