Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri
Encyclopedia
Aqdas Hafizul Qur'an wal 'Hadis Al Haj Shaikhul 'Hadis Moulana Khalil Ahmad ibn Shah Majid 'Ali ibn Shah Ahmad 'Ali Al Ayyubi Al Ansari Al Ambhetawi Thummas Saharanpuri Thummal Madani rahmatullahi alaiyh (December 1852 – 12 October 1927) was an eminent Islamic scholar of British India and the author of Badhlul Majhud, a commentary on Sunan Abu Da'ud
.
, and the daughter of Moulana Mamluk 'Ali. Khalil commenced his studies at a maktab at the age of five. Moulana Mamluk 'Ali, conducted his Bismillah and, soon after, he completed the recitation of the Qur'an
. Then, he commenced his Urdu
and Persian
studies under various 'Ulama. Thereafter, he accompanied his maternal uncle, Moulana Ansar 'Ali, to Gwalior, where he studied Arabic. Thereafter, Khalil returned home, where his education was assigned to Moulana Sakhawat 'Ali Ambhetawi. During this period, some of his relatives insisted that he be enrolled at an English school. However, he did not wish to. Nevertheless, he commenced his secular studies out of respect for his seniors. However, during this period, he prayed and hoped for freedom from this imposed education. Then, when Darul Uloom Deoband
was established in Muharram
of 1283 AH and his maternal uncle, Moulana Muhammad Ya'qub, was appointed as the principal, Khalil asked his parents if he could enroll there, to which they accepted. Thus, Khalil travelled to Deoband
, where he commenced studies from Kaafiyah at Darul Uloom Deoband
. Six months later, Mazahirul Uloom Saharanpur
was established. Therefore, Khalil transferred to Mazahirul Uloom Saharanpur
, where he entered the class of Mukhtasarul Ma’ani. Khalil commenced his studies in hadith
by studying Mishkatul Masabih in 1285 AH. The following year, he studied Sahihul Bukhari and Hidaayah. Finally, in 1288 AH, Khalil completed his studies and graduated from Mazahirul 'Uloom.
. Thus, he passed much of his time in Gangoh
. While in Gangoh
, Khalil remained in the blessed company of Gangohi. However, the thought of requesting Khalil for bay'at did not occur to him. However, after his graduation, the idea of bay'at did occur to him. Coincidentally, Moulana Muhammad Qasim Nanotvi
arrived. At night, in privacy, Moulana Khalil said, "I have the thought of bay'at. In our surroundings, there are several buzurgs. I do not know what is best for me. If you feel that it is best for me to enter into the association of your khuddam, then do accept me. However, instruct me according to what you feel is best for me." In reply, Moulana explained that there was none better than Moulana Rashid Ahmad for this. Moulana Khalil then said, "He is extremely reluctant regarding bay'at. However, if you intercede on my behalf, then this matter will be finalised." He responded, "Good, when I come to Gangoh
, be there." Thus, when he was informed that Moulana was travelling to Gangoh
, Moulana Khalil immediately did the same. In the morning, after he had conversed with Gangohi, he called Moulana Khalil. Moulana Khalil entered, greeted Gangohi, and sat down. Gangohi, with a slight smile, said, "Humble and lowly people become my murids. You are the son of a pir and selected one. Why do you wish for your bay'at to be accepted by me?." This statement incapacitated Khalil's senses and he stammered, "‘Hazrat, I am worse, more contemptible, and useless than them (the humble folk)." Gangohi responded, "Enough! Enough! Make Istikhara. I am coming to the masjid". Moulana Khalil immediately proceeded to the masjid, performed wudhu, and performed Istikhara. On his arrival, Gangohi instructed Moulana Khalil to repent and initiated him into the System of Subjection thereafter.
. His monthly salary was three rupees. However, soon after, he proceeded to Lahore
to pursue further studies in 'Uloomul 'Adabiyya. He remained in Lahore
for a few months. After studying Maqaamaat and Mutanabbi under Moulana Faidhul Hasan, he travelled to Deoband
. Moulana Ya'qub arranged for him to be employed as the translator of Qaamus into Urdu
. The monthly salary was ten rupees. He was sent to a mountain to execute this task and returned after approximately two months. Thereafter, he became the principal of Manglore's madrasa. At around this time, an offer of employment from Bhopal arrived for Maulana Ya'qub for a monthly salary of three hundred rupees, but he declined the offer. However, he was pressed to send another reliable person to occupy the post, so he decided to send Khalil. By the choice of his honourable uncle and on the approval of Gangohi, he departed in 1293 AH to occupy the post in Bhopal at a monthly salary of fifty rupees. However, due to his dislike of Bhopal and its atmosphere, Khalil resigned and requested permission to return. In accordance with the instructions of Moulana Gangohi, Khalil remained in Bhopal until the Hajj
season. Khalil then departed from Bhopal with a few months of salary in advance.
After returning from his first Hajj
, Khalil passed a few days in his hometown. Thereafter, he departed for Sikandarabad in the Bulandshahr district
of Uttar Pradesh
in Jumadul Awwal of 1294 AH, where he became a teacher at the Madrasa 'Arabiyya of Jami’ Masjid. However, the people there vehemently opposed him. Thus, he sought permission from Gangohi to return. However, Gangohi refused. Despite Khalil's affection and affability, the intransigence of the people increased. Thus, with the permission of Gangohi, Khalil resigned and returned. In 1295 AH, a letter from Moulvi Shamsuddin, Chief Justice of Bhawalpur, was sent to Moulana Muhammad Ya'qub. The letter was a request for a highly qualified teacher. Moulana Ya'qub selected Khalil for this post. Finally, upon the instructions of Moulana Ya'qub and Moulana Gangohi, Khalil accepted the post in Bhawalpur at a monthly salary of thirty rupees.
Thereafter, Khalil returned to Saharanpur
and resumed his post as a teacher there. He soon progressed into a senior teacher and taught Tawdih Talwih, Hammaasa Rashidiyya, Sharhul Wiqaayah, Shara Nukhbatul Fikr, Mu'atta Imam Muhammad, and Siraji. The following year, together with several kitabs of various subjects, Khalil taught Sahih al-Bukhari
, Sunan Abu Da'ud
, Sunan al-Tirmidhi
, and Sahih Muslim
. Khalil, together with internal spiritual knowledge, also possessed external theoretical knowledge. He could lecture on any kitab with ease and possessed perfect methodology. Even Moulana Anwar Shah Kashmiri
would visit Khalil for advice and guidance in his writings and discourses.
in his lifetime. His first Hajj occurred in 1293 AH, while he was in Bhopal. Although he did not possess sufficient money, his enthusiasm compelled him to proceed for Hajj
. On reaching Makkah, he presented himself at the home of Haji Imdadullah. After completing Hajj, his intention was to proceed to Medina
. Thus, Khalil departed for Medina
. He remained there for about two weeks, after which he returned home. During this journey, Khalil received ijaazah in hadith
from Shaikhul Haram Ahmad Dahlan
and Shaikhul Mashaa'ikh Shah Abdul Ghani Mujaddid An Naqshbandi Ad Dehlvi. The ijaazah from Shaikh Ahmad Dahlan
was acquired in Makkah, while that of Shah Abdul Ghani was obtained in Medina
in 1294 AH.
Khalil's second Hajj
occurred when he was in Bhawalpur in Shawwaal of 1297 AH. When he departed for Hajj
, Moulana Gangohi wrote to Haji Imdadullah requesting him to confer the mantle of khilaafah onto Khalil. Thus, on seeing Khalil, Haji became overjoyed. In Muharram
of 1298 AH, he presented the document of khilaafah adorned with his seal to Khalil. In a state of elation, Haji placed his turban on Khalil’s head. Khalil presented both of these gifts to Gangohi and said, "I am not deserving of these. This is only your affection and grace for me." Gangohi replied, "May these be blessed for you. He then signed the Khilaafat Naama and handed it with the turban to Khalil. However, the respect of Khalil was such that whenever he would initiate a murid, he would instruct the murid to proclaim, "I have made bay'at to Hazrat Moulana Rashid Ahmad Saab at the hands of Khalil Ahmad".
Khalil's third and all subsequent Hajj
journeys were undertaken from Saharanpur
. The third Hajj
was after the demise of Gangohi. Consolation for the immense grief that he suffered as a result of this event could only be obtained from the grave of Muhammad(saw).
Khalil's fourth Hajj
was performed in 1910. He departed from Saharanpur
in the middle of Dhul Qa'da and reached Makkah on 8 December. After Hajj
, he travelled to Medina
via Yambu’. He remained there for twenty-two days and then returned to Saharanpur
at the end of Safar
in 1329 AH.
Khalil's fifth Hajj
was a momentous occasion which occurred in Shawwaal of 1332 AH in the company of Shaikhul Hind. In Makkah, on account of the oppression of Sharif Husain, Khalil was compelled to return before Hajj
. He departed from Makkah at the end of Shawwaal and his ship arrived in Bombay on 6 September 1916. However, as he alighted from the ship, him, his wife, and his brother, Haji Maqbul Ahmad, who was his right-hand man, were arrested. All three of them were transported to Nanital with their luggage. They were released shortly after.
Khalil's sixth Hajj
occurred in 1920. He departed from Saharanpur
on 21 April 1920 and reached Makkah on 29 May. Despite his weakness and dizziness due to seasickness, Khalil led Tarawih Salaah while standing. He would recite half of a para in eight rak'aats. When Khalil arrived in Makkah, Moulana Muhibbuddin Muhajir-e-Makki, while embracing him, said, "Moulana, why have you come here? The greater Qiyaamah is about to be enacted here. Return immediately to India after Ramadan
". Thus, Khalil said to his companions, "It was my intention to reside in Medina
, but Maulana Muhibbuddin Saab vehemently forbids it. I have already visited Medina
several times. Since this is your first Hajj
and it is unknown if you will receive this opportunity again, proceed to Medina
". Khalil reached Saharanpur
in Safar
of 1339 AH.
Khalil's seventh Hajj
was the journey during which he bid a final farewell to India. On the insistence of his attendants from Hyderabad, it was arranged for Khalil to remain in Hyderabad for a week. Khalil departed from Saharanpur for Hyderabad on 29 April 1926. After his sojourn in Hyderabad, he left for Bombay. He departed from Hyderabad at 9:00 AM on Saturday, 8 May 1926 and arrived in Bombay the following morning. From Bombay, the ship on which he was travelling departed on 19 May 1926. The ship arrived in Kamraan on 29 May 1926, left Kamraan on 30 May 1926, and arrived in Jeddah
on 2 June 1926. From Jeddah, the journey to Makkah was by camel. The party reached Makkah on 6 June 1926. Khalil had rented a house on a narrow street opposite Babul Ibraheem, where he remained with three or four of his attendants. On 8 June, they left for Mina
. Khalil and his wife rode one camel. In Mina, they remained in the tent of the mutawwif. One tent was for the ladies and another tent was for Khalil and his attendants. After Hajj
, they remained in Makkah for a few days. It was then decided to proceed to Medina
. The departure was planned for 24 June, but the government confiscated twenty-three camels, which resulted in a delay of two days. They arrived in Medina
on Monday, 19 July 1926 at the time of Chasht. Aqdas Moulana Al-Haj Sayyid Ahmad had rented a house in Madrasa Shari'a Qadim. He occupied the ground floor of this house. Khalil occupied the second floor. The third floor was occupied by Moulana Sayyid Ahmad's womenfolk. Adjacent to this was the residence of Khalil’s womenfolk.
After Ishraq Salaah, Khalil would remain in his room for a few hours in complete solitude, engrossed in writing Badhlul Majhud. After the completion of Badhlul Majhud, this portion of the morning was utilised to study Wafa ul Wafa and other kitabs which had accumulated during Khalil’s sojourn in Medina
. During Ramadan
, Khalil would engage in recitation of the Qur'an
after Ishraq Salaah for a considerable time. If it was not Ramadan
, he would partake of a meal in the same room thereafter. After his meal, Khalil would rest in the zanaana. If it was Ramadan
, he would rest in the zanaana right after he completed his morning activity. After a siesta, he would depart for Masjid un Nabawi before Zawwaal. He would return home after Dhuhr Salaah. There, he would engage in the recitation of the Qur’an for approximately an hour. Thereafter, he would occupy himself by studying Wafa ul Wafa. After Asr Salaah, he would proceed to the home of Moulana Sayyid Ahmad and remain there until Maghrib Salaah. Here, Khalil held a majlis, which was open to the public. In Ramadan
, he would leave for Masjid un Nabawi shortly before Maghrib Salaah and partake of iftar there with dates and Zam-Zam water. After Maghrib Salaah, Khalil would recite two paras of Qur'an
in Awwaabin Salaah on the roof of Madrasatul 'Uloom Shari'a in a sitting position. After 'Isha Salaah in Masjid un Nabawi, Khalil would return to the madrasa and perform Tarawih Salaah behind Qari Muhammad Taufiq. Tarawih Salaah would end at approximately 12:30 AM. He would then retire to bed at approximately 1:30 AM and instructed his attendants to awaken him at 3:30 AM.
On his arrival in Medina
, Khalil engrossed himself in the completion of Badhlul Majhud which had reached a length of four volumes prior to his arrival in Medina
. When he arrived in Medina
, he commenced Kitabul Jana'iz. The solitude which Khalil had coupled with the baraka of Medina
enabled him to complete one and a half volumes in seven and a half months. The work was written in Moulana Sayyid Ahmad’s room. However, for the acquisition of baraka, it was completed at Raudatu min Riyadhil Jannah in Masjid un Nabawi. On the completion of Badhlul Majhud, Khalil was overwhelmed with happiness, so he invited the 'Ulama of Medina
for a lavish feast.
and then paralysis set in. At the end of Ramadaan, he experienced the effects of partial paralysis. Even on Eid ul-Fitr
, the effect of the paralysis was predominant to such an extent that he was unable to attend Salaatul 'Id in the Haram. However, when he regained his strength, he limped to Masjid un Nabawi with a cane. In the month of Rabiul Akhir in 1346 AH, the severity of his illness intensified. His fever and paralysis increased. Sometimes, when the severity of his illness increased, he could not attend salaah at Masjid un Nabawi. However, when he felt somewhat better, he would go to Masjid un Nabawi with the support of a cane and the aid of one of his attendants. In the first week of Rabiul Aakhir in 1346 AH, he experienced pain in his chest, which would disappear when he was massaged. In the second week, on the request of some of the 'Ulama of Medina
, Khalil started to teach Sunan Abu Da'ud
after 'Asr Salaah at the residence of Moulana Sayyid Ahmad. After conducting lessons for a weekend, while returning from Dhuhr Salaah on Monday, Khalil complained of more pain in his chest. He added that he had felt a similar pain three or four days earlier, which disappeared within two or three hours after a massage. On reaching the house, he was massaged. At the time of 'Asr Salaah, although the pain had decreased, weakness did not permit him to attend salaah in the Haram. Thus, he performed 'Asr Salaah at home behind Moulvi Sayyid Ahmad. Despite his weakness, he stood and performed his salaah. His weakness increased and, instead of feeling feverish, he started to feel cold and perspired. He could not perform Maghrib Salaah while standing. Thus, he sat and requested Moulvi Sayyid Ahmad to perform the salaah quickly. His condition deteriorated and he performed 'Isha Salaah while seated on his bed. He passed the night in restlessness while constantly performing dhikr
. He did not sleep at all. On Tuesday morning, Khalil performed Fajr Salaah while seated on his bed. His perspiration and coldness continued to increase. Medicine was administered for a day. At the time of Dhuhr Salaah, Khalil was overcome with weakness to such an extent that he was unable to perform wudhu. Thus, he performed tayammum
and then performed salaah while seated on the bed. Thereafter, movement became difficult. By the time of 'Asr Salaah, his condition had further deteriorated. He performed 'Asr Salaah with much difficulty. By Maghrib Salaah, he no longer had any strength to lift himself. Besides Pas Anfas, which is a method of dhikr
by breathing, Khalil did not do anything. He did not respond to any conversation nor did he ask any questions. Twenty-four hours passed in complete silence and on Thursday, 13 October 1927, Khalil died as he repeatedly proclaimed "Allah!" aloud. Then, his eyes closed and he became silent. Allah yarhamu, Ameen.
while Abu Sa'ud poured the water. Moulvi Sayyid Ahmad and Moulvi Abdul Karim assisted. The Janaaza was prepared, brought outside Masjid un Nabawi, and placed near Babul Jibra'il for Salaatul Janaaza. After Maghrib Salaah, Moulana Shaikh Tayyib, the rector of Madrasa Shari'a, led the Salaatul Janaaza. The Janaaza then proceeded to Jannatul Baqi thereafter. Khalil was buried in his grave shortly before 'Isha Salaah.
Sunan Abu Da'ud
Sunan Abi Daawud is one of the Sunni Six Major Hadith collections, collected by Abu Dawood.-Description:Abu Dawood collected 500,000 hadith, but included only 4,800 in this collection. Sunnis regard this collection as fourth in strength of their Six major Hadith collections.-External...
.
Early life
Khalil was born in December 1852 in Ambheta, a town in the district of Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, India. He was named both "Zahiruddeen" and "Khalil Ahmad", but Khalil Ahmad became his official name. His mother, Bibi Mubaarakun Nisa, was the sister of Moulana Muhammad Ya'qub, the principal of Darul Uloom DeobandDarul Uloom Deoband
The Darul Uloom Deoband is an Islamic school in India where the Deobandi Islamic movement was started. It is located at Deoband, a town in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was founded in 1866 by several prominent Islamic scholars , headed by Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanotvi...
, and the daughter of Moulana Mamluk 'Ali. Khalil commenced his studies at a maktab at the age of five. Moulana Mamluk 'Ali, conducted his Bismillah and, soon after, he completed the recitation of the Qur'an
Qur'an
The Quran , also transliterated Qur'an, Koran, Alcoran, Qur’ān, Coran, Kuran, and al-Qur’ān, is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God . It is regarded widely as the finest piece of literature in the Arabic language...
. Then, he commenced his Urdu
Urdu
Urdu is a register of the Hindustani language that is identified with Muslims in South Asia. It belongs to the Indo-European family. Urdu is the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan. It is also widely spoken in some regions of India, where it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and an...
and Persian
Persian language
Persian is an Iranian language within the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages. It is primarily spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and countries which historically came under Persian influence...
studies under various 'Ulama. Thereafter, he accompanied his maternal uncle, Moulana Ansar 'Ali, to Gwalior, where he studied Arabic. Thereafter, Khalil returned home, where his education was assigned to Moulana Sakhawat 'Ali Ambhetawi. During this period, some of his relatives insisted that he be enrolled at an English school. However, he did not wish to. Nevertheless, he commenced his secular studies out of respect for his seniors. However, during this period, he prayed and hoped for freedom from this imposed education. Then, when Darul Uloom Deoband
Darul Uloom Deoband
The Darul Uloom Deoband is an Islamic school in India where the Deobandi Islamic movement was started. It is located at Deoband, a town in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was founded in 1866 by several prominent Islamic scholars , headed by Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanotvi...
was established in Muharram
Muharram
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months of the year in which fighting is prohibited...
of 1283 AH and his maternal uncle, Moulana Muhammad Ya'qub, was appointed as the principal, Khalil asked his parents if he could enroll there, to which they accepted. Thus, Khalil travelled to Deoband
Deoband
Deoband is a city and a municipal board in Saharanpur district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located in the upper Doab region of Uttar Pradesh. Deoband used to be surrounded by dense forests, and was believed to be the abode of the Goddess Durga, according to one tradition this is...
, where he commenced studies from Kaafiyah at Darul Uloom Deoband
Darul Uloom Deoband
The Darul Uloom Deoband is an Islamic school in India where the Deobandi Islamic movement was started. It is located at Deoband, a town in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was founded in 1866 by several prominent Islamic scholars , headed by Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanotvi...
. Six months later, Mazahirul Uloom Saharanpur
Mazahirul Uloom Saharanpur
Jamia Mazahir Uloom Saharanpur is an old Madrasa established in Saharanpur city of Uttar Pradesh, India. The Jamiah was founded in Nov 1866 just months after Darul Uloom Deoband was founded in May 1866...
was established. Therefore, Khalil transferred to Mazahirul Uloom Saharanpur
Mazahirul Uloom Saharanpur
Jamia Mazahir Uloom Saharanpur is an old Madrasa established in Saharanpur city of Uttar Pradesh, India. The Jamiah was founded in Nov 1866 just months after Darul Uloom Deoband was founded in May 1866...
, where he entered the class of Mukhtasarul Ma’ani. Khalil commenced his studies in hadith
Hadith
The term Hadīth is used to denote a saying or an act or tacit approval or criticism ascribed either validly or invalidly to the Islamic prophet Muhammad....
by studying Mishkatul Masabih in 1285 AH. The following year, he studied Sahihul Bukhari and Hidaayah. Finally, in 1288 AH, Khalil completed his studies and graduated from Mazahirul 'Uloom.
Bay'at
One day, Moulana Khalil's paternal uncle, Moulvi Ansar 'Ali, said, "After your studies, you should acquire tasawwuf from Moulvi Saab (i.e. Gangohi)". Previously, Moulana Khalil did not have any connection with Gangohi. However, he held Moulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi in his highest esteem. He had complete reliance on Moulana Gangohi and believed that there was nobody greater than him. At around this time, Moulana Khalil's marriage was conducted with a woman from GangohGangoh
Gangoh is a town and a municipal board in Saharanpur district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.-Geography:Gangoh is located at . It has an average elevation of 292 metres .-Demographics:...
. Thus, he passed much of his time in Gangoh
Gangoh
Gangoh is a town and a municipal board in Saharanpur district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.-Geography:Gangoh is located at . It has an average elevation of 292 metres .-Demographics:...
. While in Gangoh
Gangoh
Gangoh is a town and a municipal board in Saharanpur district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.-Geography:Gangoh is located at . It has an average elevation of 292 metres .-Demographics:...
, Khalil remained in the blessed company of Gangohi. However, the thought of requesting Khalil for bay'at did not occur to him. However, after his graduation, the idea of bay'at did occur to him. Coincidentally, Moulana Muhammad Qasim Nanotvi
Muhammad Qasim Nanotvi
Muhammad Qasim Nanotvi was a world famous Islamic Scholar and one of the main people responsible for establishing the Deobandi movement. Nanotvi was born in 1833 in Nanota, a village near Saharanpur, India. He completed his primary education in his hometown and then he was sent to Deoband, where he...
arrived. At night, in privacy, Moulana Khalil said, "I have the thought of bay'at. In our surroundings, there are several buzurgs. I do not know what is best for me. If you feel that it is best for me to enter into the association of your khuddam, then do accept me. However, instruct me according to what you feel is best for me." In reply, Moulana explained that there was none better than Moulana Rashid Ahmad for this. Moulana Khalil then said, "He is extremely reluctant regarding bay'at. However, if you intercede on my behalf, then this matter will be finalised." He responded, "Good, when I come to Gangoh
Gangoh
Gangoh is a town and a municipal board in Saharanpur district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.-Geography:Gangoh is located at . It has an average elevation of 292 metres .-Demographics:...
, be there." Thus, when he was informed that Moulana was travelling to Gangoh
Gangoh
Gangoh is a town and a municipal board in Saharanpur district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.-Geography:Gangoh is located at . It has an average elevation of 292 metres .-Demographics:...
, Moulana Khalil immediately did the same. In the morning, after he had conversed with Gangohi, he called Moulana Khalil. Moulana Khalil entered, greeted Gangohi, and sat down. Gangohi, with a slight smile, said, "Humble and lowly people become my murids. You are the son of a pir and selected one. Why do you wish for your bay'at to be accepted by me?." This statement incapacitated Khalil's senses and he stammered, "‘Hazrat, I am worse, more contemptible, and useless than them (the humble folk)." Gangohi responded, "Enough! Enough! Make Istikhara. I am coming to the masjid". Moulana Khalil immediately proceeded to the masjid, performed wudhu, and performed Istikhara. On his arrival, Gangohi instructed Moulana Khalil to repent and initiated him into the System of Subjection thereafter.
Career
In 1871, Khalil became a teacher at Mazahirul Uloom SaharanpurMazahirul Uloom Saharanpur
Jamia Mazahir Uloom Saharanpur is an old Madrasa established in Saharanpur city of Uttar Pradesh, India. The Jamiah was founded in Nov 1866 just months after Darul Uloom Deoband was founded in May 1866...
. His monthly salary was three rupees. However, soon after, he proceeded to Lahore
Lahore
Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the second largest city in the country. With a rich and fabulous history dating back to over a thousand years ago, Lahore is no doubt Pakistan's cultural capital. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains a...
to pursue further studies in 'Uloomul 'Adabiyya. He remained in Lahore
Lahore
Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the second largest city in the country. With a rich and fabulous history dating back to over a thousand years ago, Lahore is no doubt Pakistan's cultural capital. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains a...
for a few months. After studying Maqaamaat and Mutanabbi under Moulana Faidhul Hasan, he travelled to Deoband
Deoband
Deoband is a city and a municipal board in Saharanpur district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located in the upper Doab region of Uttar Pradesh. Deoband used to be surrounded by dense forests, and was believed to be the abode of the Goddess Durga, according to one tradition this is...
. Moulana Ya'qub arranged for him to be employed as the translator of Qaamus into Urdu
Urdu
Urdu is a register of the Hindustani language that is identified with Muslims in South Asia. It belongs to the Indo-European family. Urdu is the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan. It is also widely spoken in some regions of India, where it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and an...
. The monthly salary was ten rupees. He was sent to a mountain to execute this task and returned after approximately two months. Thereafter, he became the principal of Manglore's madrasa. At around this time, an offer of employment from Bhopal arrived for Maulana Ya'qub for a monthly salary of three hundred rupees, but he declined the offer. However, he was pressed to send another reliable person to occupy the post, so he decided to send Khalil. By the choice of his honourable uncle and on the approval of Gangohi, he departed in 1293 AH to occupy the post in Bhopal at a monthly salary of fifty rupees. However, due to his dislike of Bhopal and its atmosphere, Khalil resigned and requested permission to return. In accordance with the instructions of Moulana Gangohi, Khalil remained in Bhopal until the Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
season. Khalil then departed from Bhopal with a few months of salary in advance.
After returning from his first Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
, Khalil passed a few days in his hometown. Thereafter, he departed for Sikandarabad in the Bulandshahr district
Bulandshahr District
Bulandshahar District is a district of Uttar Pradesh state in northern India. Bulandshahr city is the district headquarters.-Geography:...
of Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh abbreviation U.P. , is a state located in the northern part of India. With a population of over 200 million people, it is India's most populous state, as well as the world's most populous sub-national entity...
in Jumadul Awwal of 1294 AH, where he became a teacher at the Madrasa 'Arabiyya of Jami’ Masjid. However, the people there vehemently opposed him. Thus, he sought permission from Gangohi to return. However, Gangohi refused. Despite Khalil's affection and affability, the intransigence of the people increased. Thus, with the permission of Gangohi, Khalil resigned and returned. In 1295 AH, a letter from Moulvi Shamsuddin, Chief Justice of Bhawalpur, was sent to Moulana Muhammad Ya'qub. The letter was a request for a highly qualified teacher. Moulana Ya'qub selected Khalil for this post. Finally, upon the instructions of Moulana Ya'qub and Moulana Gangohi, Khalil accepted the post in Bhawalpur at a monthly salary of thirty rupees.
Thereafter, Khalil returned to Saharanpur
Saharanpur
Saharanpur is a city and a Municipal Corporation in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. It is the administrative headquarters of Saharanpur District as well as Saharanpur Division...
and resumed his post as a teacher there. He soon progressed into a senior teacher and taught Tawdih Talwih, Hammaasa Rashidiyya, Sharhul Wiqaayah, Shara Nukhbatul Fikr, Mu'atta Imam Muhammad, and Siraji. The following year, together with several kitabs of various subjects, Khalil taught Sahih al-Bukhari
Sahih al-Bukhari
Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī , as it is commonly referred to, is one of the six canonical hadith collections of Islam. These prophetic traditions, or hadith, were collected by the Persian Muslim scholar Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari, after being transmitted orally for generations. Muslims view this as one of...
, Sunan Abu Da'ud
Sunan Abu Da'ud
Sunan Abi Daawud is one of the Sunni Six Major Hadith collections, collected by Abu Dawood.-Description:Abu Dawood collected 500,000 hadith, but included only 4,800 in this collection. Sunnis regard this collection as fourth in strength of their Six major Hadith collections.-External...
, Sunan al-Tirmidhi
Sunan al-Tirmidhi
Jāmi` al-Tirmidhi , popularly and mistakenly Sunan al-Tirmidhi , is one of the Sunni Six major Hadith collections. It was collected by Abu 'Eesa Muhammad ibn 'Eesa al-Tirmidhi.-Title:...
, and Sahih Muslim
Sahih Muslim
Sahih Muslim is one of the Six major collections of the hadith in Sunni Islam, oral traditions relating to the words and deeds of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. It is the second most authentic hadith collection after Sahih Al-Bukhari, and is highly acclaimed by Sunni Muslims...
. Khalil, together with internal spiritual knowledge, also possessed external theoretical knowledge. He could lecture on any kitab with ease and possessed perfect methodology. Even Moulana Anwar Shah Kashmiri
Anwar Shah Kashmiri
Maulana Anwar Shah Al Lolabi Kashmiri was an Indian scholar of Islam. During his career, he taught at a number of prominent institutions, including the Darul Uloom Deoband which contains a gate named at his honor...
would visit Khalil for advice and guidance in his writings and discourses.
Journeys for Hajj
Khalil performed seven HajjHajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
in his lifetime. His first Hajj occurred in 1293 AH, while he was in Bhopal. Although he did not possess sufficient money, his enthusiasm compelled him to proceed for Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
. On reaching Makkah, he presented himself at the home of Haji Imdadullah. After completing Hajj, his intention was to proceed to Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
. Thus, Khalil departed for Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
. He remained there for about two weeks, after which he returned home. During this journey, Khalil received ijaazah in hadith
Hadith
The term Hadīth is used to denote a saying or an act or tacit approval or criticism ascribed either validly or invalidly to the Islamic prophet Muhammad....
from Shaikhul Haram Ahmad Dahlan
Ahmad Dahlan
Kyai Haji Ahmad Dahlan , born Muhammad Darwis, was an Indonesian Islamic revivalist who established Muhammadiyah in 1912.-Education:...
and Shaikhul Mashaa'ikh Shah Abdul Ghani Mujaddid An Naqshbandi Ad Dehlvi. The ijaazah from Shaikh Ahmad Dahlan
Ahmad Dahlan
Kyai Haji Ahmad Dahlan , born Muhammad Darwis, was an Indonesian Islamic revivalist who established Muhammadiyah in 1912.-Education:...
was acquired in Makkah, while that of Shah Abdul Ghani was obtained in Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
in 1294 AH.
Khalil's second Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
occurred when he was in Bhawalpur in Shawwaal of 1297 AH. When he departed for Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
, Moulana Gangohi wrote to Haji Imdadullah requesting him to confer the mantle of khilaafah onto Khalil. Thus, on seeing Khalil, Haji became overjoyed. In Muharram
Muharram
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months of the year in which fighting is prohibited...
of 1298 AH, he presented the document of khilaafah adorned with his seal to Khalil. In a state of elation, Haji placed his turban on Khalil’s head. Khalil presented both of these gifts to Gangohi and said, "I am not deserving of these. This is only your affection and grace for me." Gangohi replied, "May these be blessed for you. He then signed the Khilaafat Naama and handed it with the turban to Khalil. However, the respect of Khalil was such that whenever he would initiate a murid, he would instruct the murid to proclaim, "I have made bay'at to Hazrat Moulana Rashid Ahmad Saab at the hands of Khalil Ahmad".
Khalil's third and all subsequent Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
journeys were undertaken from Saharanpur
Saharanpur
Saharanpur is a city and a Municipal Corporation in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. It is the administrative headquarters of Saharanpur District as well as Saharanpur Division...
. The third Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
was after the demise of Gangohi. Consolation for the immense grief that he suffered as a result of this event could only be obtained from the grave of Muhammad(saw).
Khalil's fourth Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
was performed in 1910. He departed from Saharanpur
Saharanpur
Saharanpur is a city and a Municipal Corporation in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. It is the administrative headquarters of Saharanpur District as well as Saharanpur Division...
in the middle of Dhul Qa'da and reached Makkah on 8 December. After Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
, he travelled to Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
via Yambu’. He remained there for twenty-two days and then returned to Saharanpur
Saharanpur
Saharanpur is a city and a Municipal Corporation in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. It is the administrative headquarters of Saharanpur District as well as Saharanpur Division...
at the end of Safar
Safar
Safar is the second month in the Islamic calendar.The root of the name, صفر ṣafr, has three basic areas of meaning: 1) whistle, hiss, chirp; 2) be yellow, pale ; 3) to be empty, devoid, vacant...
in 1329 AH.
Khalil's fifth Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
was a momentous occasion which occurred in Shawwaal of 1332 AH in the company of Shaikhul Hind. In Makkah, on account of the oppression of Sharif Husain, Khalil was compelled to return before Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
. He departed from Makkah at the end of Shawwaal and his ship arrived in Bombay on 6 September 1916. However, as he alighted from the ship, him, his wife, and his brother, Haji Maqbul Ahmad, who was his right-hand man, were arrested. All three of them were transported to Nanital with their luggage. They were released shortly after.
Khalil's sixth Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
occurred in 1920. He departed from Saharanpur
Saharanpur
Saharanpur is a city and a Municipal Corporation in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. It is the administrative headquarters of Saharanpur District as well as Saharanpur Division...
on 21 April 1920 and reached Makkah on 29 May. Despite his weakness and dizziness due to seasickness, Khalil led Tarawih Salaah while standing. He would recite half of a para in eight rak'aats. When Khalil arrived in Makkah, Moulana Muhibbuddin Muhajir-e-Makki, while embracing him, said, "Moulana, why have you come here? The greater Qiyaamah is about to be enacted here. Return immediately to India after Ramadan
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and...
". Thus, Khalil said to his companions, "It was my intention to reside in Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
, but Maulana Muhibbuddin Saab vehemently forbids it. I have already visited Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
several times. Since this is your first Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
and it is unknown if you will receive this opportunity again, proceed to Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
". Khalil reached Saharanpur
Saharanpur
Saharanpur is a city and a Municipal Corporation in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. It is the administrative headquarters of Saharanpur District as well as Saharanpur Division...
in Safar
Safar
Safar is the second month in the Islamic calendar.The root of the name, صفر ṣafr, has three basic areas of meaning: 1) whistle, hiss, chirp; 2) be yellow, pale ; 3) to be empty, devoid, vacant...
of 1339 AH.
Khalil's seventh Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
was the journey during which he bid a final farewell to India. On the insistence of his attendants from Hyderabad, it was arranged for Khalil to remain in Hyderabad for a week. Khalil departed from Saharanpur for Hyderabad on 29 April 1926. After his sojourn in Hyderabad, he left for Bombay. He departed from Hyderabad at 9:00 AM on Saturday, 8 May 1926 and arrived in Bombay the following morning. From Bombay, the ship on which he was travelling departed on 19 May 1926. The ship arrived in Kamraan on 29 May 1926, left Kamraan on 30 May 1926, and arrived in Jeddah
Jeddah
Jeddah, Jiddah, Jidda, or Jedda is a city located on the coast of the Red Sea and is the major urban center of western Saudi Arabia. It is the largest city in Makkah Province, the largest sea port on the Red Sea, and the second largest city in Saudi Arabia after the capital city, Riyadh. The...
on 2 June 1926. From Jeddah, the journey to Makkah was by camel. The party reached Makkah on 6 June 1926. Khalil had rented a house on a narrow street opposite Babul Ibraheem, where he remained with three or four of his attendants. On 8 June, they left for Mina
Mina, Saudi Arabia
Mina is a location situated some 5 kilometres to the east of the Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It stands on the road from Mecca's city centre to the Hill of Arafat....
. Khalil and his wife rode one camel. In Mina, they remained in the tent of the mutawwif. One tent was for the ladies and another tent was for Khalil and his attendants. After Hajj
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
, they remained in Makkah for a few days. It was then decided to proceed to Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
. The departure was planned for 24 June, but the government confiscated twenty-three camels, which resulted in a delay of two days. They arrived in Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
on Monday, 19 July 1926 at the time of Chasht. Aqdas Moulana Al-Haj Sayyid Ahmad had rented a house in Madrasa Shari'a Qadim. He occupied the ground floor of this house. Khalil occupied the second floor. The third floor was occupied by Moulana Sayyid Ahmad's womenfolk. Adjacent to this was the residence of Khalil’s womenfolk.
After Ishraq Salaah, Khalil would remain in his room for a few hours in complete solitude, engrossed in writing Badhlul Majhud. After the completion of Badhlul Majhud, this portion of the morning was utilised to study Wafa ul Wafa and other kitabs which had accumulated during Khalil’s sojourn in Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
. During Ramadan
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and...
, Khalil would engage in recitation of the Qur'an
Qur'an
The Quran , also transliterated Qur'an, Koran, Alcoran, Qur’ān, Coran, Kuran, and al-Qur’ān, is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God . It is regarded widely as the finest piece of literature in the Arabic language...
after Ishraq Salaah for a considerable time. If it was not Ramadan
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and...
, he would partake of a meal in the same room thereafter. After his meal, Khalil would rest in the zanaana. If it was Ramadan
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and...
, he would rest in the zanaana right after he completed his morning activity. After a siesta, he would depart for Masjid un Nabawi before Zawwaal. He would return home after Dhuhr Salaah. There, he would engage in the recitation of the Qur’an for approximately an hour. Thereafter, he would occupy himself by studying Wafa ul Wafa. After Asr Salaah, he would proceed to the home of Moulana Sayyid Ahmad and remain there until Maghrib Salaah. Here, Khalil held a majlis, which was open to the public. In Ramadan
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and...
, he would leave for Masjid un Nabawi shortly before Maghrib Salaah and partake of iftar there with dates and Zam-Zam water. After Maghrib Salaah, Khalil would recite two paras of Qur'an
Qur'an
The Quran , also transliterated Qur'an, Koran, Alcoran, Qur’ān, Coran, Kuran, and al-Qur’ān, is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God . It is regarded widely as the finest piece of literature in the Arabic language...
in Awwaabin Salaah on the roof of Madrasatul 'Uloom Shari'a in a sitting position. After 'Isha Salaah in Masjid un Nabawi, Khalil would return to the madrasa and perform Tarawih Salaah behind Qari Muhammad Taufiq. Tarawih Salaah would end at approximately 12:30 AM. He would then retire to bed at approximately 1:30 AM and instructed his attendants to awaken him at 3:30 AM.
On his arrival in Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
, Khalil engrossed himself in the completion of Badhlul Majhud which had reached a length of four volumes prior to his arrival in Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
. When he arrived in Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
, he commenced Kitabul Jana'iz. The solitude which Khalil had coupled with the baraka of Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
enabled him to complete one and a half volumes in seven and a half months. The work was written in Moulana Sayyid Ahmad’s room. However, for the acquisition of baraka, it was completed at Raudatu min Riyadhil Jannah in Masjid un Nabawi. On the completion of Badhlul Majhud, Khalil was overwhelmed with happiness, so he invited the 'Ulama of Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
for a lavish feast.
Last Years & Death
Towards the end Ramadaan, Khalil became affected with paralysis and moved about with difficulty. The paralysis had started after the completion of Badhlul Majhud, when he became ill. However, this illness disappeared with the dawn of Ramadaan. However, the illness reappeared two or three days before Eid ul-FitrEid ul-Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr, Id-ul-Fitr, or Id al-Fitr , often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting . Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity," while Fiṭr means "breaking the fast"...
and then paralysis set in. At the end of Ramadaan, he experienced the effects of partial paralysis. Even on Eid ul-Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr, Id-ul-Fitr, or Id al-Fitr , often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting . Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity," while Fiṭr means "breaking the fast"...
, the effect of the paralysis was predominant to such an extent that he was unable to attend Salaatul 'Id in the Haram. However, when he regained his strength, he limped to Masjid un Nabawi with a cane. In the month of Rabiul Akhir in 1346 AH, the severity of his illness intensified. His fever and paralysis increased. Sometimes, when the severity of his illness increased, he could not attend salaah at Masjid un Nabawi. However, when he felt somewhat better, he would go to Masjid un Nabawi with the support of a cane and the aid of one of his attendants. In the first week of Rabiul Aakhir in 1346 AH, he experienced pain in his chest, which would disappear when he was massaged. In the second week, on the request of some of the 'Ulama of Medina
Medina
Medina , or ; also transliterated as Madinah, or madinat al-nabi "the city of the prophet") is a city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and serves as the capital of the Al Madinah Province. It is the second holiest city in Islam, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and...
, Khalil started to teach Sunan Abu Da'ud
Sunan Abu Da'ud
Sunan Abi Daawud is one of the Sunni Six Major Hadith collections, collected by Abu Dawood.-Description:Abu Dawood collected 500,000 hadith, but included only 4,800 in this collection. Sunnis regard this collection as fourth in strength of their Six major Hadith collections.-External...
after 'Asr Salaah at the residence of Moulana Sayyid Ahmad. After conducting lessons for a weekend, while returning from Dhuhr Salaah on Monday, Khalil complained of more pain in his chest. He added that he had felt a similar pain three or four days earlier, which disappeared within two or three hours after a massage. On reaching the house, he was massaged. At the time of 'Asr Salaah, although the pain had decreased, weakness did not permit him to attend salaah in the Haram. Thus, he performed 'Asr Salaah at home behind Moulvi Sayyid Ahmad. Despite his weakness, he stood and performed his salaah. His weakness increased and, instead of feeling feverish, he started to feel cold and perspired. He could not perform Maghrib Salaah while standing. Thus, he sat and requested Moulvi Sayyid Ahmad to perform the salaah quickly. His condition deteriorated and he performed 'Isha Salaah while seated on his bed. He passed the night in restlessness while constantly performing dhikr
Dhikr
Dhikr , plural ; ), is an Islamic devotional act, typically involving the repetition of the Names of God, supplications or formulas taken from hadith texts and verses of the Qur'an. Dhikr is usually done individually, but in some Sufi orders it is instituted as a ceremonial activity...
. He did not sleep at all. On Tuesday morning, Khalil performed Fajr Salaah while seated on his bed. His perspiration and coldness continued to increase. Medicine was administered for a day. At the time of Dhuhr Salaah, Khalil was overcome with weakness to such an extent that he was unable to perform wudhu. Thus, he performed tayammum
Tayammum
Tayammum is the Islamic act of dry ablution using sand or dust, which may be performed in place of ritual washing if no clean water is readily available.-Circumstances when tayammum is necessary:...
and then performed salaah while seated on the bed. Thereafter, movement became difficult. By the time of 'Asr Salaah, his condition had further deteriorated. He performed 'Asr Salaah with much difficulty. By Maghrib Salaah, he no longer had any strength to lift himself. Besides Pas Anfas, which is a method of dhikr
Dhikr
Dhikr , plural ; ), is an Islamic devotional act, typically involving the repetition of the Names of God, supplications or formulas taken from hadith texts and verses of the Qur'an. Dhikr is usually done individually, but in some Sufi orders it is instituted as a ceremonial activity...
by breathing, Khalil did not do anything. He did not respond to any conversation nor did he ask any questions. Twenty-four hours passed in complete silence and on Thursday, 13 October 1927, Khalil died as he repeatedly proclaimed "Allah!" aloud. Then, his eyes closed and he became silent. Allah yarhamu, Ameen.
Funeral
Despite the small amount of time available, funeral arrangements were accomplished successfully. Sayyid Ahmad Tawwaab performed the ghuslGhusl
Ghusl is an Arabic term referring to the full ablution required in Islam for various rituals and prayers. The ablution becomes mandatory for any adult Muslim after having sexual intercourse, any sexual discharge , completion of the menstrual cycle, giving birth, and death by natural causes.Islam...
while Abu Sa'ud poured the water. Moulvi Sayyid Ahmad and Moulvi Abdul Karim assisted. The Janaaza was prepared, brought outside Masjid un Nabawi, and placed near Babul Jibra'il for Salaatul Janaaza. After Maghrib Salaah, Moulana Shaikh Tayyib, the rector of Madrasa Shari'a, led the Salaatul Janaaza. The Janaaza then proceeded to Jannatul Baqi thereafter. Khalil was buried in his grave shortly before 'Isha Salaah.
See also
- QawmiQawmiQawmi is an adjective describing one of the two major madrasah educational categories in Bangladesh. By definition, all madrasahs not regulated by the Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board are Qawmi...
- Muhammad Yusuf KandhalawiMuhammad Yusuf KandhalawiMuhammad Yusuf Kandhlawi was born on 25 Jumada al-Awwal 1335 H in Kandhla, India. He was born to a notable family of scholars and was exposed to an environment of piety at a young age. His memorized the Quran at the age of ten and continued to study Hadith and the Islamic Sciences...
- Muhammad Taqi UsmaniMuhammad Taqi UsmaniMuhammad Taqi Usmani is a Hanafi Islamic scholar from Pakistan who was born in 1943. He served as a judge on the Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan from 1981 to 1982 and the Shari'a Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan from 1982 to 2002. He is an expert in the fields of Islamic...
- Nurul Islam OlipuriNurul Islam OlipuriAllama Nurul Islam Olipuri is one of the distinguished Islamic Scholars of Bangladesh. Nurul Islam Olipuri is specially famous for his prominent interpretation of the Holy Qur'an. He is populrly known as Tarjumane Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama'at in Bangladesh ....
- Fazlul Hoque Amini
- Azizul Hoque (Islamist politician)Azizul Hoque (Islamist politician)Allama Azizul Hoque is a famous Bangladeshi Islamic scholar and a Islamist political leader. Azizul Hoque was born to a distinguished family in 1919, Louhojang, Dhaka. Allama Azizul Hoque was the first person who translated the Sahih al-Bukhari into Bengali language. And he founded the Jamiah...