Ja’far Bhai – My Brother!
The pain of grief was already profound, but his passing has magnified it into an extraordinary tragedy. Today, on 15th January 2025, the heart-wrenching news of the demise of my dear Ja’far Bhai, Maulana Sayyid Ja’far Masood Hasani Nadwi, has deeply shaken my soul. He was the Nazir-e-Aam of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, a teacher of Arabic literature and Islamic thought, and the Chief Editor of the Arabic fortnightly Al-Ra’id. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un.
Your departure has shaken the world’s balance. You departed, and the world erupted into a storm of chaos.
In 1978, I joined Nadwa as a student. Among a cohort of 50 students was a young man who always remained on the sidelines. Quiet and unassuming, he came and went silently. His face radiated dignity, and his conduct was harmless—he argued with no one and avoided confrontations. He was among us yet distinct from us. Building a friendship with someone so reserved seemed impossible, but admiration for his noble qualities grew within me. This student, adorned with angelic traits, was Ja’far Bhai. Over time, he became my dear friend, and I have always been proud of our bond.
For six years, we studied together at Nadwa. Upon graduation, I became a teacher at Nadwa, while Ja’far Bhai was appointed at Madrasah Irfaniyah. We met almost daily, often gathering after Asr near Nadwa’s canteen, sharing conversations and poetry. Our mutual friend Zahid Sahib led these gatherings, and we circled around him like a halo. Oh, how memorable those days were! Even today, their sweet memories pierce my heart.
Ja’far Bhai’s life intertwined with mine from 1978 until his passing. He was connected to me through many relationships, each deepening my respect and affection for him. He was a descendant of the noble Hasani Sayyids. He was the grandson of Maulana Sayyid Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi’s sister. He was the nephew and son-in-law of Maulana Sayyid Mohammad Rabe Hasani Nadwi. He was the esteemed son of my revered teacher, Maulana Muhammad Wazih Rashid Nadwi. He was my classmate. He was a remarkable writer in both Arabic and Urdu. In an era when extremism has infiltrated scholarly circles, he embodied moderation. Above all, he was a righteous human being, a quality that magnified my deep regard for him.
Our camaraderie at Nadwatul Ulama was exemplary, marked by moments of academic and recreational unity. However, the tides of time disrupted our gatherings, dispersing us across distant lands.
There was a time when we all lived together, and now, one is here, another there, far apart. Yet, despite the separation of bodies, our hearts remained connected, and our tongues filled with mutual remembrance: Physical distance does not harm when hearts remain close.
After years of separation, WhatsApp emerged as a reward for our patience, rekindling the essence of our past gatherings. Through it, we revived our discussions, literary debates, and informal conversations, bridging the gap imposed by time and space. Whenever I visited Lucknow, moments of our bygone era returned. In those gatherings, familiar melodies were sung, and our shared joys were relived.
It is rare to find people of knowledge and virtue who do not succumb to anger, envy, or malice. Many lose composure, engage in disputes, and harbor hostility. Yet, Ja’far Bhai was an exception. I never witnessed him angry, envious, or resentful. He remained unaffected by such negative emotions, and his speech was always gentle and refined.
The sight of his demeanor captivated all. Whether in the garden or the cage, he was always serene.
I recall an incident from around 1985 when we were newly appointed as teachers. Ja’far Bhai was teaching at Madrasah Irfaniyah. One day, Hashmatullah Sahib and I decided to visit him. Upon arrival, we found him engrossed in teaching. Standing at the classroom door, we expected him to warmly welcome us. Instead, he continued teaching with unwavering focus, paying no attention to our presence.
This dedication and professionalism left us in awe, showcasing the ideal behavior for educators.
Whenever I saw him sitting alone in quiet contemplation, I was reminded of the spiritual practice of solitude amidst crowds. This mental migration far surpasses physical journeys in significance, as it is the wellspring of wisdom and insight. With age, his resemblance to Maulana Wazih Rashid increased, deepening my affection and reverence for him.
Ja’far Bhai excelled as an administrator, teacher, writer, and humble human being. His sincerity, simplicity, and modesty were unparalleled. May Allah forgive him, elevate his status, and grant him a place among the righteous in Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
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Disclaimer: This article was translated by AI. The original article can be found here: https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/5809
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