My Teacher – My Friend
By Shaykh Hanif Dudhwala
Shaykh Hanif Dudhwala graduated from Darul Uloom Bury in 1991. After his graduation, he along with Shaykh Yusuf Hajat, Shaykh Rafiq Sufi and some other Blackburn-based graduates of Darul Uloom Bury established the Muslim Welfare Institute (MWI) under the guidance of Shaykh Yusuf Motala Rahimahullah. The institute has undertaken some pioneering work in Albania since the 1990s, resulting in the preservation of the faith of thousands of people, along with various initiatives in India, Bangladesh and the UK including much needed work on Adoption and Fostering. Shaykh Hanif is currently the CEO of the Institute and the founder of www.hdreflections.com.
The following collection of articles is re-produced from his website, featuring some of his memories regarding our respected Shaykh al-Hadith Mufti Shabbir Ahmad Sahib. For more articles and the Sanads of Mufti Sahib, refer to the following link: https://islamicportal.co.uk/profile-of-mufti-shabbir-ahmed/.
[PART 1]
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Saturday 22nd January 2022 / 20 Jumādā al-Thāniyah 1443H.
Today I am starting a very special 7-part series, regarding a very special personality.
The title of this series is ‘My Teacher – My Friend’.
As I entered the gates of Dārul Uloom Bury one August in 1982, a new world opened up to me. Here I was, a 15 year old accompanied by my best friend, in a place which was to be home for the next 8 years. Dārul Uloom Bury was in its prime in the 1980s and words will not do justice to the serene and spiritual atmosphere of this amazing and fascinating institute.
I had heard of the titles, Ḥāfiẓ Ṣāḥib and Mawlānā Ṣāḥib. Dārul Uloom had so many, ما شاء الله. It was in Dārul Uloom that I came across the title ‘Muftī Ṣāḥib’ and met a Muftī Ṣāḥib for the first time ever in my life.
Little did I know back then in 1982 that I was going to benefit from a Muftī Ṣāḥib, who I would become friends with and still be so close to, some 40 years later. Who was this Muftī Ṣāḥib? Or should I say ‘Ocean of Knowledge’?
If memory serves me correctly, there was only one Muftī Ṣāḥib in Dārul Uloom Bury in 1982. A person with such a prestigious title and with such a degree, he was simply referred to as Muftī Ṣāḥib. No fancy titles before his name, and nothing after.
As 1982 to 1984 were my Ḥāfiẓ Class days, there was not much interaction with Muftī Ṣāḥib. It was very apparent that Muftī Ṣāḥib was the right-hand man of our Ḥaḍrat Mawlānā Yūsuf Motālā Ṣāḥib, نور الله مرقده. I don’t think I have heard any other person’s name mentioned by Ḥaḍrat more than Muftī Ṣāḥib’s. He kept Dārul Uloom going like clockwork. He was one of the first to arrive in Dārul Uloom in the morning and one of the last to leave in the evening.
All my teachers in Dārul Uloom have had an effect on me and all have played a major part in taking me out of ignorance, into the world of knowledge. However, some of my teachers are absolute gems and stars. Muftī Ṣāḥib ranks amongst the highest. In this very special 7-part series, I want to introduce Muftī Ṣāḥib to the masses, especially the residents of Blackburn and Lancashire. Feel free to share far and wide.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ
Hanif Dudhwala
Graduate of Dārul Uloom Bury (1991)
[PART 2]
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Sunday 23rd January 2022 / 21 Jumādā al-Thāniyah 1443H.
Continuing with part 2 of ‘My Teacher – My Friend’.
Dārul Uloom Bury in 1982 was no hotel or holiday camp. Far from it. For over 300 students ranging from 11-year-old children to adults aged 25, there were 10 taps for wuḍūʼ in the famous round wuḍūʼ khānā, based on the ground floor of the 3-floor boarding building. With just 2 showers and 10 washrooms, living in the boarding facilities in those days was a real sacrifice.
One of the most important and best days of the year was the annual Khatme Bukhārī Jalsa day. With the Ramaḍān holidays to follow, there would be a very special buzz in Dārul Uloom in the run up to this event. This is where first hand I witnessed Muftī Ṣāḥib grafting hard with the students for the preparations of the Jalsa.
Hundreds of large heavy pieces of carpets had to be carried from the cellar into the massive tent erected specially for the Jalsa. Muftī Ṣāḥib would spend the whole Saturday, late into the night, ensuring that everything was in place for Sunday’s Jalsa. My fellow colleagues will agree with me that the tent day Jalsas were the best.
During my 8 years at Dārul Uloom, some amazing personalities and luminaries graced the Dārul Uloom with their presence. Once again Ḥaḍrat would appoint Muftī Ṣāḥib as the Commander in Chief.
I recall the visit by the Head Imām of Ḥaram, Shaykh Muḥammad al-Subayyil, رَحْمَةُ الله عليه, and Shaykh Ṣāliḥ ibn Ḥumayd. Muftī Maḥmūd ul-Ḥasan Gangohi, رَحْمَةُ الله عليه, graced us with his presence. One of the most regular visitors was Fidā-e-Millat Mawlānā Sayyid As’ad Madanī, رَحْمَةُ الله عليه.
In a nutshell, Muftī Ṣāḥib (with his team) ensured that all arrangements passed off smoothly, without any hiccups. Such were his organising skills. Those who remember the early days of Madīnatul Uloom Kidderminster, Jāmiah Bradford and Markazul Uloom Blackburn will also testify that Muftī Ṣāḥib gave the same sacrifice at all of these Institutes as well.
Our Ḥaḍrat would always keep Muftī Ṣāḥib at the forefront at the time of all of his purchases .مَا شَآءَ الله Such was the trust Ḥaḍrat put in Muftī Ṣāḥib. All of the institutes established by Ḥaḍrat are flourishing today ما شاء الله. They will all always remain the legacy of Muftī Ṣāḥib as well اِنْ شَاءَ الَّلهُ.
All my messages are also available to read on my website hdreflections.com.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ
Hanif Dudhwala
Graduate of Dārul Uloom Bury (1991)
[PART 3]
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Monday 24th January 2022 / 22 Jumādā al-Thāniyah 1443H.
Let’s move on to part 3 of ‘My Teacher – My Friend’ today.
As I had already memorised 10 Juz of The Qur’ān at the Madrasah Islāmiyyah on Daisy Street and then Masjid-e-Anīsul Islām on Troy Street, with the Grace and Blessings of The Almighty, I completed my Ḥifẓ within 2 years and decided to leave Dārul Uloom.
I had come to Dārul Uloom to become a Ḥāfiẓ and in April 1984, this dream became a reality الحمد لله. The next 12 months of my life were neither here nor there. I joined our local Masjid Jamā’ah group and was a regular for 3 days each month.
A few ‘Ulamā encouraged me to go back to Dārul Uloom and do the ‘Ālim course. This seemed like a mountainous task, especially as I had left the Institute.
One such inspiration for me was Marḥūm Mawlānā Ismāīl Manubari Ṣāḥib, نور الله مرقده, (Muftī Abdus Ṣamad’s father). He was insistent that I go back. So, after a 15-month break, call it a gap year, I was back in my beloved Dārul Uloom and in familiar surroundings again.
The next 6 years became my life changer. I observed Muftī Ṣāḥib very closely. If there was one teacher that hardly missed a day at Dārul Uloom, then it had to be Muftī Ṣāḥib. The zeal and passion of knowledge and teaching of Muftī Ṣāḥib is praiseworthy.
At the annual Bukhārī Sharīf Jalsas, Marḥūm Ḥaḍrat Mawlānā Islāmul Ḥaq Ṣāḥib, نور الله مرقده, would give the final Bukhārī lesson. When our Ḥaḍrat decided to have a second lesson on jalsah day, it was none other than Muftī Ṣāḥib who he chose to deliver the final lesson of Muslim Sharīf.
What an amazing privilege. On that day, Muftī Ṣāḥib’s knowledge shone brightly in the brand new Dārul Uloom Masjid. As I was progressing in the 6 year ‘Ālim course, the time when I would be sitting in front of Muftī Ṣāḥib as his student was getting closer. I was about to witness first-hand the remarkable knowledge and teaching skills Muftī Ṣāḥib possessed.
Make sure you don’t miss the next 4 parts of this very special 7-part series on Muftī Ṣāḥib.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ
Hanif Dudhwala
Graduate of Dārul Uloom Bury (1991)
[PART 4]
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Tuesday 25th January 2022 / 23 Jumādā al-Thāniyah 1443H.
Continuing with part 4 of ‘My Teacher – My Friend’.
The first time I was taught by Muftī Ṣāḥib was when I was in the 3rd year of my ‘Ālim course. We had only one subject with him. Muftī Ṣāḥib’s timekeeping and punctuality was second to none.
As students, we were always looking forward to one teacher or another to be absent, so that we could get a free period. That never happened with Muftī Ṣāḥib. In fact, if Muftī Ṣāḥib had a free period and noticed that we did not have a teacher, he would come and take the class.
This was amazing commitment, bearing in mind the number of responsibilities and commitments Muftī Ṣāḥib had. One thing I will admit, Muftī Ṣāḥib was very strict while in the classroom.
He ensured that he gave us the best education possible and wanted us to give 100% back to him as well. However, once the class finished and you met Muftī Ṣāḥib outside or bumped into him, he was just his normal simple self.
On many occasions he would lead the Jumu‘ah Ṣalāh in Dārul Uloom. One of Muftī Ṣāḥib’s unique qualities was that anyone and everyone could approach him. If you had any question in mind and you asked Muftī Ṣāḥib, you would get an instant answer.
I was now progressing nicely in my ‘Ālim Class studies, and had the good fortune and blessing to be amongst some of Dārul Uloom’s famous students, as classmates. There were 26 of us in the group that graduated in 1991. Each one was exceptional: Shaykh Riyādh ul-Ḥaq, Shaykh Junaid Desai, Shaykh Rashīd Dawūd (Portugal), Shaykh Rashīd ‘Umarji, Shaykh Shirāz & Shaykh Khālid of Trinidad, Shaykh Khalīl Jogwāri, Shaykh ‘Abdul Kabīr; the list goes on.
As we moved into the final 3 years of our course, responsibilities started to come our way. This is where became even closer to Muftī Ṣāḥib and got to know him much better.
Muftī Ṣāḥib had been with Ḥaḍrat from day one and was handling all the affairs of the Dārul Uloom very efficiently and smoothly. Being the first Muslim boarding school in the UK, the initial inspections and checks were very thorough. Muftī Ṣāḥib ensured that Dārul Uloom came through with flying colours. Ḥaḍrat could rely on Muftī Ṣāḥib at all times.
Although the initial trustees with Ḥaḍrat were Mawlānā Hāshim Jogwāri Ṣāḥib, Qāri Ismā‘īl Samniwālā (my father-in-law) and Mawlānā ‘Abdul Ḥaq Ṣāḥib, all of us knew that Muftī Ṣāḥib was no. 2 to Ḥaḍrat. Such were the qualities Muftī Ṣāḥib possessed.
Let’s move on into the final years. Make sure you don’t miss part 5 coming up tomorrow إن شاء الله.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ
Hanif Dudhwala
Graduate of Dārul Uloom Bury (1991)
[PART 5]
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Wednesday 26th January 2022/ 24 Jumādā al-Thāniyah 1443H.
The last 3 years in Dārul Uloom were wonderful. Alongside our studies the elder students shared various responsibilities, which enabled us to gain valuable life skills, such as organising and managing tasks and becoming independent.
All the students lived together as one big family. Within 10 years of opening, Dārul Uloom had attracted students, not just from the UK or Europe, but from all over the world. So many nationalities, so many languages, such contrasts in tradition and culture. However, Islām and Īmān united all our hearts.
Our teachers looked after us like our parents. Our Ḥaḍrat was always available for every student. Although anyone could approach Ḥaḍrat with any issue, students would take the easier option of broaching the matter with Muftī Ṣāḥib, who would help all the students and ensure their needs were met.
I was in my 4th year of ‘Ālim Class when the new Masjid at our Dārul Uloom officially opened in 1989. It was a very memorable long weekend, which began with Fidā-e-Millat Ḥaḍrat Mawlānā As’ad Madanī, رَحْمَةُ الله عليه, leading the Jumu‘ah Ṣalāh at the new Masjid.
The next day (Saturday) we travelled by coach to Madīnatul Uloom (Kidderminster). My Marḥūm father-in-law Qāri Ismā‘īl Samniwālā, who remained shoulder to shoulder with our Ḥaḍrat from day one, was given the honour by our Ḥaḍrat to lead the Ẓuhr Ṣalāh for the official opening. Ḥaḍrat appointed Qāri Ṣāḥib as one of the first trustees of Dārul Uloom. Today, Qāri Ṣāḥib’s eldest son, my brother-in-law and also my teacher, is a trustee.
From Kidderminster, our coaches went to the beautiful Masjid in Nuneaton, where we spent the night. Early next morning, we headed for the Annual Khatm-e-Nubuwwat Conference at the Wembley Conference Centre, returning back to Dārul Uloom late at night. Ḥaḍrat gave all of us a day off that Monday.
At the start of my 5th year, Muftī Ṣāḥib called me one day, and handed over the keys to the Dārul Uloom Tuck Shop. I refused saying, ‘not me Muftī Ṣāḥib, please’. Muftī Ṣāḥib politely requested me to take the keys temporarily, until we find someone else.
Till the day of my graduation, I looked after the Tuck Shop. I will never be able to repay the trust Muftī Ṣāḥib placed in me. Although running the tuck shop might have affected my education a little bit, the skills learnt running the shop are priceless, even to this day.
Interacting with all the students, showing courtesy and respect to the young and old, venturing into the world of cash & carry warehouses in Blackburn and Bolton to stock up, etc. All these proved to be very valuable and beneficial experiences.
For my very close colleagues, such as Shaykh Shirāz and Shaykh Rashīd ibn Mawlānā ‘Umarji Ṣāḥib, having a best friend with keys to the Tuck Shop was a huge blessing. Whenever they felt a bit peckish, even at midnight, they knew who they could turn to. Secret revealed today Muftī Ṣāḥib. Sorry!
Finally, the dream of all ‘Ālim Class students. The start of the 6th and final year, known as the year of Bukhārī. Don’t miss the final 2 parts coming up tomorrow and Friday إن شاء الله.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ
Hanif Dudhwala
Graduate of Dārul Uloom Bury (1991)
[PART 6]
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Thursday 27th January 2022 / 25 Jumādā al-Thāniyah 1443H.
Starting the 6th and final year at Dārul Uloom is a dream come true for all students. If only the clock stopped there for eternity. The feeling is fantastic, that you have finally made it.
Our Ḥaḍrat had entrusted the Bukhārī Sharīf students with various Dārul Uloom responsibilities. It was an amazing honour. During this year, the students get closest to their teachers and try their utmost best to benefit from them, knowing that this may be the last time we are in their auspicious company. Life will move on.
As well as being taught Muslim Sharīf by Muftī Ṣāḥib, I was regularly in contact with Muftī Ṣāḥib regarding various responsibilities. An amazing feature I noticed in Muftī Ṣāḥib in those days, which is prevalent even today, is that despite teaching for so many years and being so experienced and having the knowledge, Muftī Ṣāḥib will still do a lot of research (known as muṭāla‘ah in our terminology) before teaching his lessons.
Muftī Ṣāḥib was also one of the few teachers who had mastered virtually every kitāb taught in the 6-year course. When the time for the verbal (taqrīrī) exams approached (3 times every year), each and every ‘Ālim Class student would make very special Du‘ās that Muftī Ṣāḥib is not chosen as their examiner. Secret no. 2 revealed. Sorry, Muftī Ṣāḥib.
Muftī Ṣāḥib was strict and firm but also friendly and caring. He did lose his temper with us on a few occasions, but then we were no angels. All in all, a wonderful teacher.
One of the saddest times of my life was the day when I met all my teachers, upon the conclusion of my ‘Ālim course. At the moment of meeting Ḥaḍrat, I was unable to control my emotions and burst out crying. Ḥaḍrat consoled me. Today I don’t have Ḥaḍrat anymore. However, I do have a lot of my teachers and mentors around me. I also have Muftī Ṣāḥib.
In 1982, I was taught by Marḥūm Ḥāfiẓ Ismā‘īl Bodhāni in the famous cabins, next to our boarding building. In 1983, my over 16’s Ḥāfiẓ Class teacher was Mawlānā Farūq Desāi Ṣāḥib. Then, from 1985 to 1991, I benefited from many distinguished scholars. All of them were amazing.
Don’t miss the last and final part of this very special 7 part series coming up tomorrow إن شاء الله.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ
Hanif Dudhwala
Graduate of Dārul Uloom Bury (1991)
[PART 7]
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Friday 28th January 2022 / 26 Jumādā al-Thāniyah 1443H.
As I come to the final part of this very special 7-part series on Muftī Ṣāḥib, what lessons can we all learn from this ocean of knowledge?
There are so many qualities that I can mention, but will pick out the top 5 I have seen in this beloved teacher and friend.
No.1 has to be his love for the Holy Qur’ān. Since the last 50 years, I don’t know of anyone in the UK, who has continuously led the full 20 Rak‘āt Tarāwīḥ in the month of Ramaḍān. Twice in one night on many occasions.
A couple of years ago, I met Muftī Ṣāḥib during Ramaḍān, while he was out walking with Āpā Muḥtarmah. He was reciting the Qur’ān on his Nokia phone, to a student who was listening on the other end. Amazing. Last year he lead the full 20 Rak‘at at Dārul Uloom Blackburn and I previously wrote about the Tarāwīḥ led by Muftī Ṣāḥib at Dārul Uloom Bury in 1975.
No. 2 is the punctuality of praying Ṣalāh with Jamā‘ah in the Masjid. On numerous occasions, I have witnessed Muftī Ṣāḥib getting up from gatherings and heading for the Masjid. Muftī Ṣāḥib schedules his commitments around Jamā‘ah times.
There have been times when we were in the company of Muftī Ṣāḥib when Jamā‘ah time approached. Being a bit lazy and careless, we would say, ‘let’s pray here Muftī Ṣāḥib’ (meaning, at home or whichever location we were at). But, Muftī Ṣāḥib would insist on going to the Masjid to catch the Jamā‘ah.
No. 3 has to be hospitality. Not sure if this quality is to be attributed to Muftī Ṣāḥib, or Āpā Muḥtarmah (probably both), I have been blessed on so many occasions to be on the dastarkhwān at Muftī Ṣāḥib’s house, with so many eminent scholars and personalities.
The afternoon of Tuesday 11th June 2019, when Shaykh ul-Islām Muftī Muḥammad Taqī Usmāni, Muftī-e-Gujarāt Muftī Aḥmed Khānpuri and Shaykh ul-Ḥadīth of Dārul Uloom Deoband Muftī Sa‘īd Pālanpuri were all on Muftī Ṣāḥib’s dastarkhwān, was a sight to see.
So many distinguished scholars of the UK were also present. Our Ḥaḍrat had also been invited to the dāwat but could not make it. That would definitely have been the icing on the cake. This particular quality of hospitality is also exhibited by Muftī Ṣāḥib’s children.
No.4 has to be Muftī Ṣāḥib’s service to humanity at large. For over 35 years, Muftī Ṣāḥib served as the Head Muftī in the Dār ul-Ifta of Dārul Uloom Bury. Thousands of Fatāwā have been issued on virtually each and every aspect of Islām.
Even today, Muftī Ṣāḥib is regarded as the most knowledgeable and head Muftī of the UK. Muftī Ṣāḥib is also instrumental in supporting the work of many charities and has always supported and guided us at Muslim Welfare Institute, something I will write about separately, إن شاء الله, if time permits.
Finally, last but not least, how did Muftī Ṣāḥib achieve all this? What is the overriding quality which has taken Muftī Ṣāḥib to such heights?
No. 5 is humility and simplicity. Without a shadow of doubt, Muftī Ṣāḥib is the humblest and simplest of people I have seen. These are amazing qualities. He is hardly ever seen on stage.
Muftī Ṣāḥib will always sit in the back of the car, leaving the front seat vacant for others. I have hardly seen attendants (we call them khādim) around Muftī Ṣāḥib. He sacrificed his whole life for his beloved Dārul Uloom Bury, Jāmīah Bradford, Madīnatul Uloom Kidderminster, and Markazul Uloom Blackburn.
A few years ago, Muftī Ṣāḥib was forced to leave Dārul Uloom for no real reason. How did Muftī Ṣāḥib respond? Not a word against his beloved Dārul Uloom or any of its staff. I have included a reference to this incident only to highlight Muftī Ṣāḥib’s qualities and personality, not to rekindle any controversy.
Muftī Ṣāḥib continued with his mission of pleasing the Almighty and, to date, teaches Bukhārī Sharīf and other books at Dārul Uloom Blackburn and oversees the Fatāwā being issued by his son on Islamic Portal, along with the Fatāwā at Dārul Uloom Blackburn.
May Almighty Allāh lengthen Muftī Ṣāḥib’s shadow upon us and allow us to benefit from his vast knowledge and understanding of this beautiful religion of ours, Āmeen.
Finally, I’m sure most of you will have worked out who I was referring to as Muftī Ṣāḥib. Originating from Jogwād (India), and having lived in the Blackburn Road area of Bolton upon his arrival into the UK, ‘My Teacher – My Friend’, Muftī Shabbir Ṣāḥib moved to the Daisyfield area of Blackburn, before moving to his present residence in Little Harwood, here in Blackburn.
Apologies for the length of this final part. There is so much more that deserves to be written, but had to be left out to try and keep this brief, and avoid boring you. If you like me to expand upon this, please use the contact form.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا so much for reading this very special 7-part series on ‘My Teacher – My Friend, Muftī Shabbir Ṣāḥib’.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ
Hanif Dudhwala
Graduate of Dārul Uloom Bury (1991)
