Maulana Salim Bhana Sahib

My teacher in many areas, mostly in Arabic language and grammar (Nahw & Sarf), is one that I will always thirst to spend more time with and regret not making the moments I spent with him more rewarding.

Maulana Salim Sahib is a teacher that influenced me in many ways, something I realised after graduating. His approach, manner, attitude and unbiased love were characteristics that made him stand out from the crowd. However, he was mostly known to be short tempered, becoming extremely angry and also being very strict, especially in examinations.

One of the many things I recall about Maulana Salim Sahib is that, as opposed to many teachers, he would mark really strictly and would set extremely hard exams.

As a student, this was something I didn't look forward to and did not appreciate either. It seemed as though our characters were totally opposite and at many times this created a barrier between us.

However, there was great evidence from his teaching and his attention that he held great concern, love and care for his students, especially me.

Through my Madrassah life his lessons were a form of great discipline for me as doing something out of turn would result in displeasing him and angering him.

I never realised his contribution in my life; the way he cared and had a concern; the manner in which he silently contributed to my life and the way I thought.

Even now, many a times, I miss seeing him around, due to having moved away from Leicester; and at times where I feel down and disheartened I always look towards him, his teachings and his the way he touched my life - something that I will treasure eternally.

May Allah increase him in his piety and decrease him in all the problems of this world and the hereafter. Aameen

Purifying the Heart

My teacher Maulana Imran Sahib has always been a father-like figure to me; guiding me, advising me and offering me his company whenever I required. He always made me wonder what I had done in order to deserve the company of such a down-to-earth and knowledgeable scholar.

As mentioned before, Maulana Imran Sahib has always offered his guidance to me and, despite not being my Sheikh, his guidance has always shown me the right track and aided me in times of spiritual dilemmas.

Recently, my teacher, Maulana Imran Sahib, sent me the following:

Imam ibn al-Jawzi رحمه الله was once asked:

"Is it better for me to make Tasbeeh (praise Allah) or to make Istighfaar (seek forgiveness)?"

He replied:

"The dirty robe is more in need of soap than perfume"

Simple words which holds great meaning for the person who understands. It is necessary to prepare the heart before to contain the love of Allah; the heart is the house of Allah and therefore before we intend to place Him within our hearts we have to ensure that it is clean and free of the filth of sins, and this can be achieved by seeking the forgiveness of Allah from our sins.

Nur (divine light) and Dhulumaat (darkness of sins) cannot be contained within the same heart; in the same way, Allah cannot reside in that heart which contains greater love for anything and anyone but Allah. The preparation of the heart is beautify it for its true occupier, Allah.

May Allah give us all the understanding of the words of our pious 'Ulamaa and predecessors. May He give us the courage, strength and method of making preparations for His arrival within our hearts, which should be His abode alone. Aameen.

Thanking Allah

There are many lessons that I've learnt from all my respected teachers during the six year course and am continuing to learn even now. However, these lessons are not restricted to classrooms neither are they restricted to the lessons taught or the words spoken. Many a times, the lessons I learn from my teachers have been instilled in me through their actions.

Like the English saying, 'Actions speak louder than words', every action of my teachers have been a great source of knowledge and education for me. At times, without uttering a single word I've learnt what would take weeks of explanation. Their behaviour, attitude, patience, perseverance, their love and fear for Allah and their dedication to the Religion of Islam.

One of the many lessons I learnt, which came into my mind today, is one acted upon by my Hadhrat. His actions have not, to this date, contradicted his teachings and I have never found him saying one thing and acting upon another.

During our lessons, Hadhrat frequently mention two excellent and vital qualities of a believer, صبر (Sabr - Patience) and شكر (Shukr - Thankfulness).

Hadhrat would mention how one should always thank Allah in every situation and every difficulty, he would use the term الحمد لله على كل حال (Alhumdu Lillahi 'Alaa Kulli Haal - Praise and gratitude be to Allah in every situation). Praising Allah and being thankful for what He has given to us is essential upon every person for it is the condition for the increment in what we have.

One way in which this can be achieved is through our tongue as mentioned above and the other is through our actions; by performing good deeds and refraining from evil ones.

Every time I've approached my Hadhrat or seen someone approach him to ask him his health, he would reply, الحمد لله, الله كا شكر ہے (praise be to Allah and thanks be upon Him). Despite the fact that Hadhrat suffers from severe knee pains at many times, even in this condition I have seen Him praise Allah for His blessings and overlooking the pain he has.

I end this lesson with one request from every reader; to make Du'a for my Hadhrat. as he is recovering from a knee operation. May Allah bless him with a long, prosperous and healthy life full of good deeds so that his rank elevates with each moment and so that he may continue to fill our lives with essential blessings and lessons. Aameen.

Pleasure of Allah and الهام / وحي

Another of Hadhrat's advice whilst he was teaching us Tarjumat-ul-Qur'an.

Hadhrat mentioned that once, Maulana Qasim Nanotwi رحمه الله was taking a walk during which a person asked him: "What is the difference between الهام / كشف (matters made apparent by Allah) and وحي (revelation)?" Upon hearing the question, Maulana Qasim Nanotwi رحمه الله asked him to how much distance was left to their intended destination. The person replied: "approximately five to six hundred yards". Maulana Qasim Nanotwi رحمه الله replied, "That is the answer to your question".

Meaning that whatever Allah reveals upon His slaves as الهام or كشف can sometimes be misinterpreted by the person and the information can differ. However, that which is revealed to the Prophets علهم الصلوة و السلام can never be incorrect nor can its meaning contain any ambiguity in its meaning.

From this I understood that Allah, at times, reveals hidden matters for His slaves from which they can derive benefit and benefit others. At times, these matters aid them in decision making as their goal and aim is always to please Allah and by committing themselves to Allah; they gain His pleasure and enjoy His guidance in matters which are unknown to the general people.

Therefore, the one who intends to please Allah and makes a firm intention to accomplish this and exercise all his efforts in pleasing Allah then surely Allah will help in his aim.

May Allah aid us in acquiring His pleasure and giving us the strength to make all our desires in accordance to Allah's will. Aameen.

Allah's Mercy Upon One, Spreads to Another

Whilst looking through my notes, I found some Naseehah (advices) given to us by Hadhrat whilst he was teaching us Tarjumat-ul-Qur'an.

Hadhrat mentioned that once, Maulana Qasim Nanotwi رحمه الله was sitting, and his disciples were fanning him. During which a person came to him and questioned him: "When a sinful person is buried next to a pious person does he benefit from the mercy and blessings that are revealed on the pious person?"

On hearing this question, Maualana Qasim Nanotwi رحمه الله questioned him, "Can you feel the breeze from the fanning that is being done for me?" He replied, "Yes". To this Maulana Qasim Nanotwi رحمه الله replied, "There it is, if you can experience the benefits in this world for an act which is being done for me, then surely Allah's mercy and blessings are much more vast."

For me, this statement diverted my attention towards the fact that the questioning of a person begins in the grave and that each individual will be tormented in the grave or will be rewarded for his piety.

Similarly, if the proximity and adjacency of a pious person can be of benefit even after his death, one should try and ponder over the benefit that can be derived from a pious person during his life. Through his company a man can enjoy and benefit from the mercy and blessings of Allah.

May Allah give us all the inclination to keep in the company of the pious. Aameen.

Maulana Ahmad Ali ibn Adam Sahib

Maulana Ahmad Ali Sahib is my teacher in both Tarjumatul Qur'an, Mishkat, Hidaayah as well as Sunan Tirmidhi. His strict nature and soft and loving heart have always been a great form of guidance in many ways.

He is the eldest son of my Shaykh, Hadhrat Maulana Adam Sahib. He was originally based in Canada where he used to run a Darul Uloom. However, he later on moved to the UK and has been a great blessing to all of his students and the Darul Uloom as a whole.

His nature is unique and is a source of teaching one manners and etiquettes, which are ever so necessary for every scholar. His loving nature only increases one's love for him but his delicate nature always left me alert and aware of his feelings and also of exercising the best of manners.

His knowledge is an ocean and his methods of teaching and delivering speeches are excellent. I have learnt many a things from him and I pray that I remain in his company for eternity to learn further from him.

May Allah bless him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. May he increase him in knowledge and all aspects. Aameen.

The Realistion of Allah's Presence

During the 'Alim course there were numerous occasions when my teacher, Maulana Imran Sahib, would take time out to advice us and guide us in an attempt to make us better people.

On one occasion, I can recall him stating the importance of realising that Allah is Omnipresent. He stated that when one establishes this realisation then he would automatically stop or decrease sinning and would also be extra cautious in pleasing Allah.

However, many people tend to forget or overlook the fact that Allah is aware of all that we do and then after forgetting this we also overlook the fact that His wrath is severe and the favours He has done upon as uncountable.

Therefore, my respected teacher, Maulana Imran Sahib, gave us a short supplication to make every night before sleeping. A supplication that should be recited at least three times before sleeping and during the day.

With the recitation of this supplication, Insha Allah, we will be constantly reminded of Allah's quality of Omnipresence as well as supplicating to Him to remain in our thoughts at all times.

Following is the supplication:

اَللهُ حَاضِرِيْ - اَللهُ نَاظِرِيْ - اَللهُ مَعِيْ

"Allah is present with me - Allah is watching me - Allah is with me"

May Allah Ta'ala always be on our minds throughout the day so that we can aim to please Him alone. Aameen.

Maulana Imran ibn Adam Sahib

Maulana Imran Sahib is my teacher in many subjects. He has taught me subjects which relate to the Alim course as well as subjects which relate to wordly affairs as well as general Islamic knowledge that was relevant in the outside world. His wisdom and knowledge gave me a firm understanding of practical knowledge as opposed to theoretical knowledge obtained from books.

He is the son of my Shaykh, Hadhrat Maulana Adam Sahib and has many of the qualities of his respected father. His dedication and enthusiasm was the means of the commencement of the Alim course. He dedicated his entire time to teaching in the initial years of Alim course and was the only teacher at the time. Therefore, he has taught me the majority of the first year and second year syllabus of the Alim course. He has also taught me Tarjumatul Qur'an, Riyadhus Saliheen and Sunan Nasaai.

He overlooks and the smooth running and administration of the Darul Uloom as well as the Maktab and plays an active part in many other projects. His talks are held in the Masjid on a weekly basis from which some are quoted and referred to on the 'my respected teacher' blog.

After my Shaykh, who enrolled me into Madrassah after leaving, I am most indebted to my respected teacher, Maulana Imran Sahib. From the moment I enrolled in Alim class he has supported me and advised me throughout the course. His merciful and loving nature was the reason that I was able to complete the course and his attention and moral support prevented me from leaving many a times.

From the moment I enrolled in the course till date, he has been my guide in all aspects of life and my library of knowledge. His piety and humbleness only elevate him in my eyes and he sees everyone as an equal.

His company has taught me many lessons and his friendly nature has drawn me closer to him day by day. He is my teacher who has stood by me and aided me all that I have chosen to do. His care and love opened doors for me that I could have never achieved and through his blessings and supervision I was given opportunities to lead prayers as well as give talks and lectures in places I could not imagine.

In brief, all I am today is due to his dedication, watchfulness, concern and wonderful nature.

May Allah bless him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. May he increase him in knowledge and all aspects. I pray to Allah that he keeps me under the guidance of my respected teacher for eternity and that his shadow and blessings remain over me for eternal. Aameen.

Religion is Easy

On many occasions, my Ustadh, Maulana Anwar Sahib, would relate an incident that occurred whilst he was in the company of Hadhrat Yusuf Motala Sahib, in Umrah.

Maulana Anwar Sahib, by narrating this incident, would educate us in many ways and teach us many lessons from this one single episode. I have never forgotten this incident and it remains clear and fresh in my mind as the day it was told to us.

He stated: On one occasion, when we were near the Ka’bah, Hadhrat Yusuf Sahib saw a man taking support on the Mataaf (area near the Ka’bah) whilst doing Tawaf. On seeing this Hadhrat explained to him that this was against the Sunnah and that one should not lean on the Mataaf, especially if he is able.

On hearing this that man replied, “الدين يسر” (religion is simple), to which Hadhrat immediately replied, “اليسر ما ثبت عن اليني صلي الله عليه و سلم” (easiness is in that which has been established from the Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم).

On hearing this reply the man felt ashamed and straight away removed his hand from the Mataaf.

From this incident, my Ustadh, taught us that although religion is simple, easy and compromising as well as lenient, we cannot start doing our own actions and say that religion allows it because easiness lies in what we are doing. Instead, we are taught that whatever the Prophet of Allah صلي الله عليه و سلم has taught is easy and simple to act upon and carry out as he was the Prophet of Mercy.

Another point which my Ustadh pointed out was the love of such saints for the Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم. Their love reached to such an extent that they were unable to see a person go against the Sunnah and they would not remain silent upon it. If this was the case, then we can imagine how punctual and dedicated they must be on their Sunan. Furthermore, if their dedication to the Sunan is as mentioned, then what would be the possibility of them committing a sin due to negligence?

May Allah increase our love for our Beloved Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم and make this love reflect in our actions. May he give us the inclination to adopt all the Sunan and refrain from the Haram.

Advices on Seeking Knowledge

Whilst I was looking through some of my notes, I came across the notes for my first lesson with Maulana Anwar Narma Sahib for the lesson of Jalaalayn.

He gave us a few advices regarding knowledge and its importance which I would like to share:

1. If you give and dedicate yourself completely to knowledge only then will knowledge give you a little of itself.

2. Knowledge is a great blessing and gift of Allah which is given to only those whom Allah chooses.

3. Knowledge angers Shaytaan and makes his work of deceiving us more difficult.

4. It is such a blessing that all the living creatures on the earth, in the sky or in the sea make supplication for its seeker.Even the angels spread their wings for the seeker of knowledge.

5. Hadhrat Paalanpuri رحمه الله states that students of knowledge resemble the angels as they are constantly in their group; and the effects of being in such a group become apparent.

6. When a person seeks knowledge a fragrance emits from him which draws the angels closer to him; and when a person sins a smell is emitted which distances the angels.

7. Furthermore, he mentioned some advices for students seeking knowledge:

اخلاص نية - Sincere Intention.

It is essential for a student of knowledge to make the correct intention and to ask himself why he is seeking this knowledge; the reason should be none other than to gain the closeness of Allah.

ادب و احترام - Respect and Manners.

The student should of knowledge should feel happiness and joy in seeking knowledge as well as experience a connection and dedication. At the same time optimum respect and manners should be exercised; one should always remain in the state of purity (Wudhu) at all times.

It should be remembered با عدب با نصيب بے عدب بے نصيب - A person with respect will be successful and a person without respect will be unsuccessful. Hadhrat Abdul Qadir Jilani once came running out from the toilet due to finding a spot of ink on his finger. Imam Shafi'ee رحمه الله would turn the pages of his book so slowly so that his teacher would not be discomforted with the noise.

ترك گناه - Refraining from sins.

A student should always refrain from sinning. Imam Shafi'ee once complained to his teacher regarding his bad memory. In return his teacher advised him to refrain from sinning as sins are a darkness and cannot coincide with the Nur (divine light) of knowledge. It is also narrated that sinning results to a dark spot of dirt being placed on the heart, the result if which is that knowledge cannot be absorbed.

شكر - Being Thankful.

One should always be thankful for being chosen for the knowledge of Islam and being a student. Thankfulness increases the mercy and blessings of Allah whilst carelessness and ungratefulness could result to this blessing being taken away.

عمل - Actions.

It is essential that the student acts upon the knowledge he has acquired; for knowledge which not acted upon is in reality a source of Allah's anger and disappointment. Acting on knowledge also ensures the student will remember this knowledge.

زيل اور طلب - Craving and Desire for Knowledge.

A student should have a craving and desire for knowledge and should question regarding those things which he does not understand. There should be a zeal which makes the student search deeper into the knowledge acquired.

May Allah give us all the inclination and zeal to seek knowledge in the correct and advised manner. Aameen.

Maulana Anwar Narma Sahib

My teacher for Qur'an Tafseer was Maulana Anwar Narma Sahib. He taught be Jalaalayn and also Sunan Ibn Majah in my final years of the 'Alim course.

There is not much that can be written in his biography as he is a down to earth and humble person and a hidden pearl. His knowledge is vast and his piety even greater. A scholar that is easily approachable and very warm and welcoming.

He also teaches at another Darul Uloom and has, over the years, given me insight to many current issues as well as advices that have helped me after graduating from the 'Alim course.

His episodes and incidents have always inspired us as well as taught us lessons in life and in Islam. He is a scholar who is contact and in the company of the great Ulamaa and saints of today.

His lessons have always been inspiring and his teaching methods have left me with knowledge that is not only available in my books but instilled within our hearts.

May Allah elevate his rank and grant him peace and tranquillity in both the worlds. May his guidance and shadow be a part of my life forever. Aameen.

King of Hearts

Hadhrat would always relate to us poetry of great poets in the Arabic, Persian and Urdu language. His extensive knowledge and skill of representing lessons with examples related to one's daily life would, within moments, allow one to understand what message Hadhrat would be trying to get through to us.

Alhumdulillah, Hadhrat, through this method of teaching, has managed to explain complex matters in a matter of moments. His poetry and incidents in themselves prove his wisdom and insight.

On one occasion, during Dars-e-Bukhari, Hadhrat mentioned a couplet of Urdu poetry to explain to us one of our lessons. The poetry is as follows:

ملا کسی کو ہے کیا سوچیے امیری سے

دلوں کے شاہ اکثر غریب ہوتے ہیں

"What has anyone gained from being rich

The kings of heart are predominantly the poor"

From this poetry Hadhrat explained many lessons to us; a few I will mention below as points:

1. Richness is of no use if you become the beggar to desires.

Meaning, when a person has riches in this world but is unable to enjoy it according to the Shari'ah and all that his riches leads to is greed then these riches are of no good because it makes him poorer than that beggar who is satisfied with his limited wealth.

2. The poor should not be looked down upon.

In this world, especially in today's society, the poor are looked down upon because they do not meet the standards of 'society'. They only have enough money for necessities and are devoid from the luxuries of life.

However, there are many glad tidings for the poor and those who are not wealthy; Allah will grant them an early entrance in to paradise as they will have less to answer for. Furthermore, the Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم chose poverty over being wealthy.

May Allah give us all the understanding to realise the true value of things and to understand that richness is that with that person who appreciates what he has and his actions are for Allah and the Hereafter, for the Hereafter holds the best return and currency. Aameen.

Greed / Expectations (شُحٌّ)

The 'Alim course requires dedication and commitment; it is a course where the student has to realise and understand that the return is not measured in pounds and money but in rewards and blessings from Allah.

It is a course that requires understanding and detachment from the pleasures and desires of the world. A way of life that teaches you the value of things and what holds true value in this world and the hereafter.

This message would be put forward to us in many ways on many occasions. My respected teachers would always state that the purpose of this course was not to gain large sums of money but was to ensure that whatever we acquired was done so correctly and if that was the case Allah would automatically place Barakah (blessings) within such earnings.

Hadhrat would tell us, on several occasions, an incident that took place between a student and his teacher. Before I continue with the incident, I would like all the readers to remember and acknowledge that the methods and efforts and devotion in both teaching and studying today are no comparison to those many years back. In those days, especially in poorer countries, there would be hunger and struggle for teachers and students; limited sleep, occasional food, broken shelter and the hard floor would serve as a bed. During those times this incident took place:

There was once a dedicated teacher that would teach his students their daily lessons. It would be apparent to the students that the teacher was on limited income and due to this they could see the apparent signs of hunger, poverty and lack of sleep.

The students were also aware that the teacher would never accept any help from the students as it would seem as though they were obliged to aid him due to being his students. Therefore, this matter continued for some time until it got to a point where the teacher could no longer teach comfortably due to the pangs of hunger.

There was a bright and clever student from amongst other students who thought of a way in which he would be able to help his teacher. In effort to do so, he prepared a nice meal and walked past his teacher. The sight of the food made the teacher hungry and he desired within his heart to have that food. The student, after a few moments, approached the teacher with the food as a gift for him.

On seeing this the teacher was very pleased and was just about to being when his facial expressions changed. He thanked the student for the gift but explained that he was unable to take the food as it would be regarded as شُح (greed or expectation). He desired for the food and thereafter the taking of that food would be incorrect for him.

The student tried to compromise with his teacher but to no avail the teacher turned down his gift and asked him to leave. The student took leave but was clever to think of another method to complete the task he had begun.

He returned again several minutes later and approached his teacher and said, my respected teacher, when I presented this food to you before you had desire and expectations that it was for you that I had brought this food and thus you asked me to take leave. But once I left there was no desire in your heart neither did you expect me to return with this food. Therefore, now it would be correct for you to accept this gift.

After mentioning this episode our Hadhrat would advice us to never expect anything from anyone in this world, especially because of our position in the society.

He would also tell us to never accept as a gift an item for which we showed desire or need. For example, if on occasion we mentioned in general that, I really have a need for a red fountain pen, and then due to that someone presented us with that pen as a gift then this would also be incorrect to take.

The only expectation one should have is in Allah, for He provides for all and He is the one who knows the needs and the desires of the heart.

May Allah save us all from expectations from anyone but Him and may He grant us all His blessing by providing for us in times of need. Aameen.

Value of Time

One of the many lessons taught to me by Hadhrat is the importance of time. On several occasions he would tell us that the saying "Time is gold" is totally incorrect. This saying gives time a value and furthermore gives a feeling that this value fluctuates regularly or that it can be gained once lost. However, this is not true in the case of time, for its value increases with every second that passes and every moment lost in one's life cannot never be acquired once again.

On occasions, Hadhrat would send us out of the classroom to call someone or send a necessary message to someone. However, we the remaining of the class would see how uneasy Hadhrat would feel on these occasions and would become restless. So much so, that in every few moments he would call out the person he sent so that he could continue his lesson.

At that moment, I had not realised why he would become so restless, especially after having himself sent out someone to do something. But along with time and his company, I have come to realise and understand that Hadhrat had the value of time and realised its true price tag.

May Allah bless him for his words of wisdom and deep insight. May Allah grant him a long and healthy life and allow us to continue to benefit from him and his words of wisdom. Aameen.

Hadhrat Maulana Adam Sahib

My greatest teacher is non other than my respected Shaykh, Shaykh al-Hadith Mawlana Adam ibn Yusuf حفظه الله.

As the principal of Jame'ah Uloomul Qur'an, Maktab and Darul Uloom section, Hadhrat has always been a father like figure watching over the progress of students as well as keeping their well-being in mind.

He has taught me a number of subjects throughout the course which include parts of Zadut Talibeen, Tarjumatul Qur'an, Mishkatul Masabeeh and the complete Sahih al-Bukhari.

His overlooking has always been a source of encouragement and his kind and heartfelt words have always guided as well as spiritually revived me.

It is through his individual attention and company that I have learnt many lessons relating to both my Islamic studies as well as Islam in general.

Short Biography

Shaykh Mawlana Adam is a well known figure throughout the world and is regarded as a grand scholar of the United Kingdom. Amongst his many achievements are the institutes of Jame'ah Uloomul Qur'an, Jame'ah Girls Academy, Khanqah Imam Muhammad Zakariyya رحمه الله. Additionally, he is also the founder of Leicester Islamic Academy (Muslim Girls High School) which was initiated in 1981.

Shaykh Mawalana Adam was born in Manekpore, Western India, in the year 1937 and currently resides in the United Kingdom with his family. In total, he has five children, all of whom are scholars in Islam and dedicated in the Khidmah of Deen. From amongst my teachers are his blessed sons; Maulana Ahmad Ali, Maulana Imran and Mufti Muhammad.

He was admitted at the Islamic University, Jame'ah Islamiyyah in Dabhel, where he completed his initial Islamic education and then completed his memorisation of the Holy Qur'an at an astounding age of nine. He then studied the initial sciences of the Arabic language and the principles of Islamic jurisprudence.

Thereafter, he was enrolled at Darul Uloom, Deoband, the renowned Islamic university of India to study Islamic subjects specialising in the field of Hadith, Tafseer, Fiqh and various interrelated sciences, including the further branches of Shari'ah by various great Shuyookh. At the age of twenty-two, he completed his scholarship and graduated as an 'Alim (Islamic scholar), possessing doctorates in the various principles and teachings of Islam.

Subsequently, he taught many Islamic sciences for five years at the Jame'ah Islamiyyah in Dabhel. Later on, he moved to Malawi (Central Africa) where he resided for seven years and opened an Islamic institution, benefiting many individuals.

He then repositioned to Leicester, England in the November of 1975. He was at first an Imam of Masjid al-Noor and later on by help and grace of the Almighty Allah he purchased the Jame' Masjid and established the Jame'ah Uloomul Qur'an, which began with a single Hifzul Qur'an class consisting of only twelve students and at present accommodates 1300 students.

On the other hand he is one of the leading Shuyukh of Tasawwuf in the present era. He was granted Ijazah (authorization) in the Chistiyya Tariqah (spiritual path). His spiritual chain traces back through a series of authentic teachers all the way to the Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه و سلم.

At present, he is still the Imam of Jame Masjid, Leicester (where he has been Imam for 30 years), and teaches Sahih al-Bukhari at Jame'ah Uloomul Qur'an. He also gives Dars (lectures) on Thursday and Sunday evenings and holds a Dhikr Majlis everyday after Fajr Salaah at the Khanqah.

Full biography