Initial Effort of Dakwah and Tabligh at Aligarh Muslim University

Excerpts taken from the Biography of Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Sahid - Amire Tabligh by Maulana Mufti Azizur-Rahman Bijnori (Publisher: Madrasah Arabia Islamia, South Africa)

The first ijtima' after the demise of Hadrat Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlawi rahmatullah alayhi took place in Muradabad (India). The inactivity of the people caused despondency about the success of future ijtima' and the despatching of jamaats to other areas. This despondency prevailed because jamaats of even 10 individuals could not be prepared to proceed to nearby areas like Rampur, Chandpur and Bajnur. On this occasion, Hadrat Ji Maulana Muhammad Yusuf rahmatullah alayhi expressed his determination in an enthusiastic tone. He said, "A time will come when you will proceed to Iraq, Sham and Egypt. However, at that time the effort would have already become widespread." Those with poor courage and determination did not understand the reality of these words. Nevertheless, these were divinely inspired and accepted words.

Hadrat Ji rahmatullah alayhi  was of the opinion that presently the English language had become globally widespread and common. He wanted professionals with an English education to join the effort for the work to spread in other countries. He considered the active participation of the lecturers and students of Aligarh University indispensable to achieve this gol. However, the question arose: How should the effort be introduced to them? None of them were prepared to listen to what the ulama' said. After much deliberation, it was decided by mashwarah that the Pathan community of the district of Bulandshahar should be assigned to introduce the work of dakwah to them. Consequently, they accepted this responsibility and, through their efforts, the work began at the university.

I have personally heard from some responsible brothers involved in the dakwah and tabligh effort that initially the lecturers and students blankly refused to accept the work. This was the time when bearded persons could not even pass through the university without being taunted. Nevertheless, the effort continued until I personally visited the university. It became difficult for me to recognise who was who. Their plain shari'e clothing, illuminated faces, forehead with marks of sajdah, trousers above the ankles, shari'e beards made it difficult for me to distinguish whether this was a student of Deen, an imam or a mu'azzin. This drastic change was mind-boggling.

Faridi Sahib sacrificed much of his time at Aligarh. He won the hearts of the students and, finally took them to Nizamuddin. They spent their vacations in the path of Allah. Hadrat Ji rahmatullah alayhi directed his special attention towards them and advised them in the following manner, "The time you spent for useless pursuits should be utilised for the sake of Deen. Your entire vacation period which is spent in entertainment and fun should be correctly utilised in the path of Allah. We do not want you to forsake your studies."

When the students did as they were advised - they spent time in the path of Allah, studied hard, started the effort in the university, the lecturers were also affected. They also proceeded with their students to the different countries of the world in the path of Allah. They brought along their English educated Muslims from other parts of the world to work amongst the English educated professionals of the Indo-Pak subcontinent. In this manner, the work flourished throughout the country.