Ustadh al-Asatidhah Hazrat Mawlana Muhammad Salim Qasimi (May Allah have mercy upon him)

Source: https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/249

Disclaimer: Translated with AI. The original content is in Urdu, and this translation is for informational purposes only. Some nuances of the language or cultural context may not be fully captured.

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In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Ustadh al-Asatidhah Hazrat Mawlana Muhammad Salim Qasimi (May Allah have mercy upon him)
By: Mohammed Akram Nadwi
Oxford

April 12, 2018
I received a message from the respected Shahnawaz Badr Qasimi Sahab. He informed me that a collection of articles and reflections on the life and services of our esteemed teacher, Ustadh al-Asatidhah Hazrat Mawlana Muhammad Salim Qasimi (may Allah have mercy on him), written by prominent figures from India and abroad, was soon to be published. He invited me to take part in this noble endeavor and further emphasized this invitation by mentioning the respected sister Uzma Baji (may Allah preserve her), which solidified my resolve to participate.

The scholarly and practical contributions of Hazrat Mawlana Muhammad Salim Qasimi (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his countless virtues, are deserving of recognition. His life calls for seminars to explore its many aspects, and books and collections of articles should be published. Scholars would consider it their good fortune to be a part of this intellectual discourse.

With this sense of honor, I quickly responded to the invitation and began writing my article. I had almost completed half of it when, on Saturday, the 28th of Rajab 1439 AH (April 14, 2018 CE), I received the heart-wrenching news of his passing. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un (Surely, we belong to Allah, and to Him, we shall return). May Allah have mercy on him, grant him vast mercy, and elevate his rank in Jannat al-Firdaws. After the initial shock subsided, I revisited my article, and reluctantly had to change the tense from present to past—a painful task of reflecting on a life that had now passed.

“Ibn Sa’id has passed;
there is no East or West,
but where his praises have not reached.”

In the Indian subcontinent, the legacies of Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi, Shah Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi, Shah Waliullah Dehlawi, the scholars of Farangi Mahal, and the noble Sayyids of Raebareli live on. Among these noble lineages stands the family of Imam al-Hind, the Proof of Allah upon His creation, the pinnacle of humanity, the educator of Islam, and the leader of the elite, Mawlana Muhammad Qasim Nanotwi (may Allah have mercy on him). Hazrat Mawlana Muhammad Salim Qasimi (may Allah have mercy on him) was the true heir of this blessed family.

This family is a cradle of wisdom where intellectual brilliance has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a garden from which many shining stars have emerged—luminaries of knowledge whose contributions have shaped Islamic thought. This blessed family produced scholars and individuals who embodied the highest virtues of scholarship, humility, and sincerity.

Hazrat Mawlana Muhammad Salim Qasimi (may Allah have mercy on him) was born on the 22nd of Jumada al-Akhirah 1344 AH (January 14, 1926 CE) in Deoband. He was nurtured in an environment of deep scholarship and spirituality. In 1367 AH (1948 CE), he completed his studies at Darul Uloom Deoband under the guidance of illustrious scholars such as Shaykh al-Islam Husain Ahmad Madani, Mawlana Fakhruddin, Allama Ibrahim Balyawi, and Mawlana A’zaz Ali Amrohi (may Allah have mercy on them). Through their teachings, he gained both academic knowledge and spiritual refinement, becoming a torchbearer of their legacy.

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His Contributions

For many years, Hazrat Mawlana Muhammad Salim Qasimi served as a distinguished teacher at Darul Uloom Deoband. His brilliance in explaining complex texts and his mastery of Islamic sciences earned him deep respect. Early on, he excelled in understanding the intricacies of religious texts, demonstrating remarkable clarity in speech and thought.

He became known as a successor to his father, Qari Muhammad Tayyib (may Allah have mercy on him), in the field of public speaking, delivering speeches that were both captivating and profound. His eloquence and wisdom made his sermons a model for future generations.

Among his notable works are A Review of Quranic Translations, The Message of the Crown of the Sacred Land, and The Warriors of Islam. His writings reflect his deep understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah and his commitment to serving Islam and humanity. He received numerous awards, both nationally and internationally, and was a member of the Shura (advisory boards) of several prestigious Islamic institutions. His extensive travels across the world earned him global recognition and respect.

His Character

Despite his many achievements, Hazrat Mawlana Muhammad Salim Qasimi remained deeply rooted in humility and kindness. He was known for his wisdom, generosity, and commitment to serving his students and community. His life serves as an inspiration for scholars and students alike, exemplifying how knowledge must be paired with action and used for the benefit of the Ummah.

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Encounters with Hazrat Mawlana Salim Qasimi

I had the honor of meeting Hazrat Mawlana Salim Qasimi on several occasions, whether in Lucknow, England, Turkey, Bombay, or Deoband. A few years ago, during a notable event in Bombay, he personally presented me with an award. I had the privilege of conversing with him for some time, and once in Deoband, I had the honor of visiting him in his home, where he welcomed me with great generosity, treating me with more respect than I could have imagined.

On several occasions, he granted me general permission (ijazah) to narrate hadith, and each time we met, he received me warmly, showing deep affection. His kindness left an indelible mark on my heart, deepening my respect and admiration for him.

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Among the letters I received from him is one dated the 21st of Jumada al-Akhirah 1418 AH (October 24, 1997 CE):

“My dear and respected Mawlana Mohammad Akram,
May Allah increase your knowledge and honor.
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
Your letter requesting permission to narrate hadith brought me joy. I pray that Allah blesses your knowledge and piety, and makes you a source of benefit to others. I am sending you my permission for all the books of hadith, including the musalsalat, with the sanad (chain of transmission). May Allah bless it.
Please continue to remember me in your letters, phone calls, or faxes; my contact information is provided below.
Wassalam.”

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Four Qualities of Hazrat Mawlana Muhammad Salim Qasimi:

1⃣ Deep Scholarship: He did not settle for mere certification; rather, he delved deeply into the Islamic sciences. His profound connection to the scholars and knowledge meant that every conversation with him yielded wisdom and insight.

2⃣ Open-Mindedness: He had a remarkable ability to distinguish between religious principles and sectarian differences. He once told me in Oxford, “People often elevate their sect to the level of religion and fail to distinguish between the two.” This clarity of thought is rare and reflects his intellectual depth.

3⃣ Determination: His perseverance was unparalleled. Despite difficult circumstances, he founded Darul Uloom Waqf and transformed it into a prominent center of Islamic learning in a short period.

4⃣ Humility and Kindness: He was a model of humility and kindness, always treating others with respect and care. His life serves as a shining example of how scholars should conduct themselves.

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May Allah have mercy on him and grant him a high place in Jannat al-Firdaws.