Honoring Ash-Sharif Muhammad Wadhih Rashid al-N

🔗 Source: Translated from the original Arabic article by Dr. Mohammad Akram Nadwi
Disclaimer: This translation has been done with the help of AI to enhance accessibility.

Minor differences may exist.
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✍️ By: Dr. Mohammad Akram Nadwi, Oxford

All praise is due to Allah, worthy of all gratitude, generosity, and kindness. May the finest blessings and peace be upon His chosen Messenger, the praised Prophet, and upon his pure family, noble companions, steadfast in the truth, and all who follow them in goodness until the Day of Judgment. May they be blessed as they spread the teachings of the Sunnah and uphold beneficial knowledge.

It is a great honor for me to introduce this work about our beloved teacher, Ash-Sharif Abu Ja‘far Muhammad Wadhih Rashid al-Hasani al-Nadwi (1935–2019), a beacon of knowledge and literature, one of the most prominent contemporary thinkers, and a leading figure in modern Arabic literature. Known for his eloquent style, profound intellect, and noble character, he served as the Dean of Educational Affairs at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama in Lucknow. His dedication greatly influenced the development of academic curricula and strengthened the foundations of true knowledge within academic circles. Additionally, he held the role of editor-in-chief for the journal Ar-Ra’id, which became a platform for Islamic literature and contributed significantly to intellectual thought through noble themes and insightful, constructive perspectives.

Our teacher, al-Nadwi, possessed a unique gift for writing. He nurtured countless students who learned from him the art of writing, the secrets of language, and the beauty of literature. As a figure of moral excellence, he embodied virtues that set a high standard for others. His humility, noble character, and refined manners stood out, maintaining a dignified presence reminiscent of the manners of righteous scholars. He was cautious in speech, avoided unnecessary words, and valued his precious time, limiting his interactions to necessary occasions and staying away from fame or the pursuit of recognition.

A Life Devoted to Education and Morality

Our teacher was deeply passionate about his educational and moral mission, dedicating all his time and energy to it. He generously gave his time to his students, not just in academics but also in instilling high moral principles. His relationship with his students was warm and caring, treating them with fatherly affection and guiding them with sincere advice. His students felt close and secure in his presence, and they could confide in him without hesitation.

His reputation for high scholarship and noble character was well-known among teachers and colleagues at Nadwatul Ulama, who consistently praised his virtues, acknowledged his esteemed position, and celebrated his scholarly and literary contributions. During my own time at Darul Uloom, I eagerly sought his company, drawing from his knowledge, refined manners, and lofty character. May Allah reward him greatly and make his knowledge an ongoing charity for him until the Day of Judgment.

I have authored a book on his life and works titled Al-Allamah al-Sharif Muhammad Wadhih Rashid al-Nadwi: His Life, Thought, and Works, published by Maktabah Salma Thaqafiyyah in Tetouan, 1441H. I also included his biography in my books History of Nadwatul Ulama and Al-Jami’ al-Mu’in fi Tabaqat al-Shuyukh al-Mutqin wal-Mujizin al-Musnidin.

One of his renowned works is the book being presented to readers here: Shaykh Abu al-Hasan Ali al-Hasani al-Nadwi: His Sources of Thought and Methodology, a collection of essays compiled by Ustadh Muhammad Wathiq al-Nadwi. In his introduction, our teacher wrote: > “This is a collection of essays that I wrote about various aspects of the life and thought of Shaykh Abu al-Hasan Ali al-Hasani al-Nadwi (may Allah have mercy on him). I drew from his autobiography, detailing the figures he met, the events that marked his life, and the movements that arose during his time in various spheres of social life. I have also mentioned the personalities that influenced his thinking and directed his attention to matters that deserved his attention.”

Translations and Continuing Influence

Recently, Ustadh Abu al-Zubayr al-‘Umari from Zahedan in the Islamic Republic of Iran translated this work into Persian. He is a distinguished scholar known for his comprehensive knowledge, balanced thinking, and esteemed standing in his community. Al-‘Umari, an admirer of the reformist scholars of Nadwatul Ulama, has dedicated himself to translating their works into Persian, thereby enriching Persian-speaking readers with this knowledge.

Currently, al-‘Umari is translating my book on the great scholar Shibli al-Nu’mani into Persian, extending Shibli’s ideas and contributions to a wider Persian audience.

May Allah reward him abundantly for his dedication to this effort, benefiting Persian readers just as it has benefited Arabic readers, and may He bless his knowledge and endeavors. All praise is due to Allah in the beginning and the end, and may blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.

Written by
Dr. Mohammad Akram Nadwi – Oxford
11 Jumada al-Awwal 1446 AH