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About the mission
and personality of Hazrat Pir Ghulam Habib Sahab (R.A.)
Hazrat Pir Ghulam Habib Naqshbandi Sahab (RA) was given by the Ulaama the
laqab (title) of "Murshid-e-Alam" (world mentor) as he had many
Mureeds (disciples) around the world and as he also traveled to many
places around the world on his Tablighi missions.
He was indeed a great personality of this
time and age. I have
never seen or met any greater Pir (Mentor) in my life. He was the
most genuine, sincere and humble person I have ever met. He was the most beautiful person I
have ever seen in my life. His face was so full of "noor" that one was
immediately reminded of Allah by seeing him. He had a naturally fair skin
complexion and all his hair was white. Even his eye brows were white. He
was tall and of strong built. He was not fat.
He closely observed the Sunnah in
every aspect of his life. I have not seen him doing anything against the
Sunnah and Shariah. He truly practiced what he preached. He had the best and perfect Akhlaq (manners)
- rarely found in others in this age. He was very hygienic and observed
cleanliness in every way. His teeth were sparkling white. They were his
natural teeth. His clothes and body were always clean and fresh. He never
had a foul smell. He was very particular about his personal hygiene. He was
never scruffy and used to get angry at those who were.
He used to wear a white Kurta (Jubba) with loose
sleeves and no collar. The length of his Kurta used to be below his
knees but above his ankles. (somewhere between his ankles and knees).
His Izaar was above his ankles. He used to wear a white Amaamah. He
could wrap this neatly and perfectly on his head without looking in the
mirror. He also used to keep a white "roomal" (scarf) with him over his
shoulder when walking. He used to walk with an "Aasaa" (long stick) - like
the one used on Jummah for Khutbah. He had a habit of taking long
walks regularly. He really had so many special
qualities that it is really difficult for me to explain here. In short,
all I can say is that he was a true slave and lover of Rasoolullah
(SAW). I just wonder how beautiful and great our beloved Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) himself was, if this was the condition of his simple
slave !
His Bayaans were unique in
many ways. His Bayyans were based on only the Qur'aan and Hadith -
nothing else. He used to love listening, reading and preaching the
Qur'aan. He was a Hafeez-ul-Qur'aan (committed the whole Qur'aan to him
memory). His knowledge and understanding of the Qur'aan and Hadith was
very extensive. Many great Ulama have also testified to this fact. I am
also convinced that he was the greatest Pir (Shaikh) of this time and
age.
The monuments of knowledge and spirituality left behind
by Murshid-e-Alam Hazrat Maulana Pir Ghulam Habib Naqshbandi (RA):
Teaching and learning is what makes people to be humans and makes humans rise above the
rest of the creation.
The centres of
teaching and learning are the Madaris and
the Makatib. Wherever there are no Madaris or Makatib and authentic Ulama,
there is total darkness. In these
places, injustice, immorality and un-Islamic customs and evil practices are
always prevalent.
The habit
of the Ulama, Fuqaha, and Soofiya has always been to set-up Madaris for the
sake of reforming humanity wherever they lived or went, so that teaching and
learning continues.
One such personality of our times was Murshid-e-Alam
Mahboobul-Arifeen Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Habib Naqshbandi (RA) who was born
on 2nd December, 1904 (23rd Ramadhan, 1322 AH) and passed away on 21st
September, 1989 (19 Safar,1410 AH).
He was a well known Deeni personality of our times, who taught the lesson of
following the Sunnah for almost all his adult life. The establishment of Masajid, Madaris and
Makatib was always first and foremost of his goals.
Chakwal: (Hazrat's
Town)
Hazrat (RA) was invited to Chakwal by a Biddatti Maulvi
in 1950. Hazrat (RA) arrived in Chakwal at the Maulvi's invitation to talk
to people about Islam. As he used to do, he
held the Qur’an in his hands and started the talk. The Maulvi snatched the
Qur’an from Hazrat’s (RA) hands, called him “Ghustakh-e-Rasool” and dragged
him down the Mimbar. Hazrat (RA) said that the Biddatti had invited him
assuming that he was a Pir like others who narrate tales and stories. When
he started the talk based on the Qur’an, he
couldn’t tolerate it, he snatched the Qur’an, grabbed his hands, and dragged
him down the mimbar. Hazrat then made dua to Allah (SWT) at that very moment to give
him
the means to do the Da'awah work in that town and area so that people may
learn the message of Tawheed and the Sunnah.
This incident became the reason for Hazrat’s (RA)
migration to Chakwal. In the beginning Hazrat (RA) used to spend a few days
in Chakwal. Hawaldar Haji Ghulam Muhammad Khare Wala and Hawaldar Haji Ameer
Ali (a.k.a Khadim-e-Qa’um) and some of their acquaintances provided a lot of
help to Hazrat (RA). In the beginning Hazrat (RA) narrated the words of
Qur’an and the Sunnah to neighbours in the living room of Hawaldar Haji
Ameer Ali (a.k.a Khadim-e-Qa’um). Hazrat (RA) used to try to counter the
ways and the customs of the people which they had adopted due to the
fabricated tales narrated to them by the Biddattis. Slowly the attendance
began to rise. In the middle of 1951 Hazrat (RA) moved from Wa’ula to
Chakwal permanently; a volcano of opposition erupted before him when he
started the Tabligh of the Truth and the Sunnah. People of Biddat started
using shameful means and methods in order to stop him. Hazrat (RA) was
incarcerated, and fake Janazas of him were sent to his family several times,
but Hazrat (RA) remained a mountain of steadfastness.
In the beginning Hazrat (RA) started out from a Mosque in the rear of the college located on
Rawalpindi Road. Then he relocated to the present Jamia Mosque (which used
to be small). Hazrat(RA) used to call the A’dhan, and wait for someone to
show up, but used to end up calling the Iqama and praying himself. When
times were hard, Hazrat (RA) used to cry in the Masjid, and then call the
Adhan, Iqama, and be the Imam and the Muqtadi himself. The Biddattis had
spread the news far and wide that this man is a “Wahabi” and
Gustakh-e-Rasool” and whosoever goes to his Masjid or sends his children to
his Masjid will become the same, therefore people didn’t associate with him.
Hazrat (RA) used to go around the neighbourhood with a Qur’an and show
people the verses, and say that verses have made me “Wahabi”, if you people
don’t want to cooperate with me then take these verses out so no one else
can become a “Wahabi”. Hazrat (RA) also fitted a loudspeaker at a high
place, distributed Qur’an with translations wherever the voice of the
loudspeakers reached, and then started giving tafseer of the Qur’an
indicating the page number and the verse numbers on the loudspeaker.
Gradually people started coming to the Masjid and listening to the Dar’s (tafseer),
some also started sending their children to the Masjid. After a while people
became accustomed to Hazrat (RA). Allah (SWT) had blessed Hazrat (RA) with
beautiful Akhlaq, and soon people were coming from great distances to listen
to the Dar’s. This was the beginning of the Madrasa.
It was the custom of the time that people only used to
listen to individuals who had a few people with him. Therefore Hazrat (RA)
asked some of his acquaintances and people from nearby villages to send
their children to the Madrasa. Hazrat (RA) also started a cloth shop at the
Chappath Bazar, as a means for some income and to interact with the local
folk. Hazrat (RA) used to deliver the message of following the Sunnah to the
customers while engaged in trade.
The movement of Khatme-Nabbuwwat started through out
Pakistan in 1953. Hazrat (RA) organised people of Chakwal and presented
voluntary arrests in this regard. During this movement people began to
realise that this “Wahabi and Gustakh-e-Rasool” is a true lover of Sunnah,
and he is a man of action instead of merely providing lip service. The
number of students in the Madrasa began to grow. Hazrat (RA) with the
Mushwara of his associates decided to purchase the house located in the rear
of the Masjid, so the visiting students can stay while engaged in learning.
The Masjid was also extended and some rooms for boarding were also added. In
1965 a house was purchased which is now the building for Jamia Aisha Siddiqa,
and the department of Hifz was moved into this building. However the
department of teaching (Hadeeth et.) remained in the Masjid.
This was the time of great need, and due to constraints
Hazrat (RA) was unable to travel. However Hazrat’s (RA) son Maulana Hafiz
Abdur-Rahman (RA) who was 18-19 at the time, now started to help with the
responsibilities of the house, the shop and other things along with his
studies. The teachers also helped with the administrative affairs, this gave
Hazrat (RA) a chance to travel outside. Due to the travels undertaken by
Hazrat (RA) people became familiar with the Darul-uloom and the man who was
striving to deliver the message of Tawheed and Sunnah in extremely difficult
circumstances.
Colonel Fazal Ilahi relates that he visited Chakwal in
1966. Hazrat (RA) was engaged in appointing a Maulana, and offered him
Rupees 130.00/month. After the Maulana had left Hazrat (RA) commented that
he is a very big scholar indeed (Maulana Naemm-ullah thinks that this might
have been Maulana Ghulam Rabbani). Along with him Hazrat (RA) also appointed
Maulana Masood Ahmad Hazarwi and Maulana Shams-uddin.
Maulana Masood Ahmad Hazarwi relates that he was
appointed at Rupees 60.00/month. At the end of the month, when he didn’t
receive his salary, he sent a note to Hazrat (RA) stating that the salary
was the only means of income to him therefore kindly expedite his salary
along. In reply to the note Hazrat (RA) came himself with tears in his eyes
and explained that there wasn’t even anything to eat at home and apologised
for not providing the salary. Hazrat (RA) then asked him to make dua for the
situation to get better. From that point the financial situation of the
Darul-uloom began to improve and kept getting better and better.
From 1954-1980 renowned and highly qualified teachers
served at the educational and the technical departments of the Darul-uloom
and hundreds of students graduated.
From March 1980 the second phase of progress dawned at
the Darul-uloom. Hazrat’s (RA) personality was introduced to the world, and
Hazrat’s (RA) second son Maulana Abdur-Raheem had graduated from Jamia
Ashrafia. Hazrat (RA) decided to open various centres for the propagation of
Tawheed and Sunnah around Chakwal. Hazrat’s (RA) associates and his son
Maulana Hafiz Abdur-Rahman (RA) provided great support and cooperation in
this regard. First and foremost the construction of the present Markazi
Masjid Darul-uloom Hanafia was started which finished in 9 years. A
beautiful building was built in the rear of the Masjid encompassing an area
of 10 Marla. Another Masjid (Masjid Hamza) was built at a central location
next to the government Degree College.
Maulana Pir Ghulam Habib Trust Chakwal:
The property of the Darul-uloom was increasing in value
by the day. The department of Auqaf (Government of Pakistan) is known to
take over institutions of this nature. Hafiz Abdur-Rahman (RA) advised
Hazrat (RA) of the situation and recommended for the continuity of the work
in the present format to form a trust. Hence after extensive Mushwara a
trust known as Maulana Pir Ghulam Habib Trust Chakwal was formed with the
following two conditions:
a) The properties of the trust will be non-transferable
and non-sellable.
b) Hazrat’s (RA) children and grandchildren will only be
able to run the administrative affairs as long as they stay on the true path
and the path of the Ulama of Deoband.
Hazrat’s (RA) intention with these conditions was to
continue the propagation of Tawheed and Sunnah through the institutions and
to keep his progeny on the same path.
Institutions under the
care of the Trust:
Jamia Al-Habib Chakwal:
This Jamia is to be located on Sargodha Road in
Habib-abad. The total cost of the program is nearly Rupees 20,000,000. A
further 80 kanal of land has been purchased at Chawaseden Shah Road (5
kilometres from Chakwal in Alhabib town) for the extension of this project
fulfilling one of the Hazrat’s (RA) dreams. This land has been surveyed, and
a contract he been done with the infamous engineering firm of Lahore “Gias
Associates”. The architectural plans and designs of this Islamic university
are still being produced. During the boring process, water was found at 500
feet, which in itself is a good omen of future success, by the grace of
Allah (SWT).
This grand university will have an educational system
comprising of tradional and secular syllabus. The graduates of this
university will be versed with the current fields of knowledge as well as
the knowledge of the Deen.
Jamia Aisha Siddiqa Chakwal:
Women are equal partners alongside men in the acquisition
of knowledge. Hazrat (RA) laid the foundation of this institution for the
benefit of the daughters of Islam in his last days. In the few years of its
establishment, the standard of education has risen to exemplary levels.
Students come from great distances due to the unique way of education and
Tableegh under the guidance of exemplary teachers. This work is being done
in a two-story building of the trust, however a land comprising of 80 kanal
has been purchased for the extension project on Sargodha Road. The new
institution will be one of a kind in the country, and the total cost is
estimated to be in the millions (Rupees). This year 21 students have
graduated from this institution.
Until 1988 the Darul-uloom used to teach Hif’z and Nazira
Qur’an. Hazrat (RA) wanted to start the teaching of Hadeeth as well. Due to
the importance of the task ahead, some of the associates asked Hazrat (RA)
to delay this project. However Hazrat (RA) had made strong intentions in
this regard, he himself travelled to various locations in search of teachers
and started the teaching of Hadeeth in 1989.
The same year Hazrat (RA) announced the establishment of
Jamia Aisha Siddiqa after recognising the need of educating young Muslim
girls and delegated the responsibility to the wife of one of his close and
trusted Mureed Dr Mursal.
Darul-uloom Gulshan-e-Habib:
The foundation stone was laid down by Justice Mian
Mahboob Ahmad approximately five kilometres from Chakwal on Lahore Road (Murshid-abad)
on a land comprising of 13 kanals. A grand Masjid by the name of Masjid
Usman will also be built on this location.
Darul-uloom at Kordhi:
This Darul-uloom is being established at Kordhi wadi
(District Khoshab) on a land comprising of 40 kanals. The establishment of
this institution will be a great boon for the people of the wadi, and Hazrat
(RA) himself had dedicated this land for this purpose in his life.
Jamia Masjid Darul-uloom Hanfia:
This beautiful Masjid is a sign of beauty, grandeur, and
elegance. This Masjid is a milestone in the history of Chakwal District.
Jamia Masjid Hamza:
Located next to the Government college of Chakwal, this
Masjid presents a tranquil environment for the worshipers.
Jamia Masjid Al-Habib:
This Masjid is located nearly two kilometres from the
city at Sargodha Road.
Jamia Masjid Habib-e-Khuda:
This Masjid is to be built near general Bus stand Chakwal.
Land has been purchased for this project, a well has been dug for water, and
construction is to start soon.
Wali Masjid Chakwal:
This Masjid is located in the busy trade centre of
Chappath Bazar.
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