بسم اللّٰهِ الرحمن الرحيم
Hadrat
Hafiz Millat Shah Abdul Aziz
حَافِظُ الْمِلَّة
(Rahimahullah) رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ
? 1312 AH
1 Jumada al-Thani 1396 AH
(1312 AH (1894 CE)) — Bhojpur, district of Muradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
clothes: Long shirt gusseted at the sides with trousers above the ankles — made of thick cotton
headwear: Hat with a turban tied above it in all weathers
outergarment: Long coat-like garment (Shayrwani)
accessories: Walking stick
gaze: Kept his gaze lowered whilst walking, saying 'I do not wish to see people's faults'
modesty: Even at home, observed strict modesty — would tap his walking stick on entering the house so those inside could hear his arrival
- ◈His teacher Sadr-ul-Shari'ah, Mufti Amjad Ali A'zami (rahimahullah) stated: 'In my life, I have only come across two assiduous students: Maulvi Sardar Ahmad (Muhaddis A'zam Pakistan) and Hafiz Abdul Aziz (Hafiz Millat)'
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈A'la Hadrat's son, the Grand Mufti of India, 'Allamah Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (rahimahullah) stated: 'The void left by those people who depart from this world remains unfulfilled; in particular, it is very difficult to fill the void left by someone like Maulana Abdul Aziz, who was an illustrious scholar, a pious man, a warrior, a highly respected individual and saint'
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈His whole life exemplified the way of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) — Ameer-e-Ahl-us-Sunnah stated in Call to Righteousness: 'Hafiz Millat was very mindful of the Sunnah in every action of his'
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈Established Al-Jami'ah-tul-Ashrafiyyah in Mubarakpur — one of the most prestigious Islamic educational institutions of the subcontinent, whose graduates have spread across India, Europe, America and Africa
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈His grandfather Maulana Abdul Raheem (rahimahullah) named him after the famous Hadees scholar of Delhi, Shah Abdul Aziz (rahimahullah), praying he would become a great scholar — a du'a that Allah Almighty fulfilled
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
“He who seeks knowledge and attains it will have a double portion of reward, but if he does not attain it, he will have a single portion of reward”— The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
“Adorn your gatherings by sending Salat upon me, for your sending of Salat upon me will be light for you on the Day of Judgement”— The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
Birth in Bhojpur, district of Muradabad, on a Monday morning
Early Quran memorisation and education under his father — later served as teacher at the madrasah of Hifz-ul-Quran in Bhojpur and as imam in the main masjid
Gained admission at Jami'ah Na'eemiyyah in Muradabad, aged approximately 27
Visited Ajmer Shareef and gained admission at Jami'ah Mu'eeniyah, where Sadr-ul-Shari'ah (rahimahullah) personally took him under his care
Completed Daurah Hadees and graduated from Dar-ul-Uloom Manzar-e-Islam in Bareilly Shareef
Arrived in Mubarakpur and commenced teaching duties at Madrasah Ashrafiyyah Misbah-ul-Uloom
Founded Dar-ul-Uloom Ashrafiyyah Misbah-ul-Ilm — one of the most prestigious educational institutions of the Islamic world — named after Sultan-ul-Tarakeen, Sayyiduna Makhdoom Sayyid Ashraf Jahangir Simnaani (rahimahullah)
Temporarily resigned from Dar-ul-Uloom Ashrafiyyah and went to Jami'ah Arabiyyah in Nagpur; later returned upon the specific order of Sadr-ul-Shari'ah (rahimahullah)
Served as project manager for the construction of Jami' Masjid Mubarak Shah in Mubarakpur — during which the saintly miracle of the halting of the sagging roof occurred
Grand Mufti of India, Mufti Mustafa Raza Khan (rahimahullah) — son of A'la Hadrat — laid the foundational stone of Al-Jami'ah Al-Ashrafiyyah (Arabic University) due to Hafiz Millat's (rahimahullah) endeavours
Departed from this world at 11:55 on the eve of the 1st of Jumadal Ukhra 1396 AH
Birth in Bhojpur, district of Muradabad, on a Monday morning
Early Quran memorisation and education under his father — later served as teacher at the madrasah of Hifz-ul-Quran in Bhojpur and as imam in the main masjid
Gained admission at Jami'ah Na'eemiyyah in Muradabad, aged approximately 27
Visited Ajmer Shareef and gained admission at Jami'ah Mu'eeniyah, where Sadr-ul-Shari'ah (rahimahullah) personally took him under his care
Completed Daurah Hadees and graduated from Dar-ul-Uloom Manzar-e-Islam in Bareilly Shareef
Arrived in Mubarakpur and commenced teaching duties at Madrasah Ashrafiyyah Misbah-ul-Uloom
Founded Dar-ul-Uloom Ashrafiyyah Misbah-ul-Ilm — one of the most prestigious educational institutions of the Islamic world — named after Sultan-ul-Tarakeen, Sayyiduna Makhdoom Sayyid Ashraf Jahangir Simnaani (rahimahullah)
Temporarily resigned from Dar-ul-Uloom Ashrafiyyah and went to Jami'ah Arabiyyah in Nagpur; later returned upon the specific order of Sadr-ul-Shari'ah (rahimahullah)
Served as project manager for the construction of Jami' Masjid Mubarak Shah in Mubarakpur — during which the saintly miracle of the halting of the sagging roof occurred
Grand Mufti of India, Mufti Mustafa Raza Khan (rahimahullah) — son of A'la Hadrat — laid the foundational stone of Al-Jami'ah Al-Ashrafiyyah (Arabic University) due to Hafiz Millat's (rahimahullah) endeavours
Departed from this world at 11:55 on the eve of the 1st of Jumadal Ukhra 1396 AH
Birth in Bhojpur, district of Muradabad, on a Monday morning
Early Quran memorisation and education under his father — later served as teacher at the madrasah of Hifz-ul-Quran in Bhojpur and as imam in the main masjid
Gained admission at Jami'ah Na'eemiyyah in Muradabad, aged approximately 27
Visited Ajmer Shareef and gained admission at Jami'ah Mu'eeniyah, where Sadr-ul-Shari'ah (rahimahullah) personally took him under his care
Completed Daurah Hadees and graduated from Dar-ul-Uloom Manzar-e-Islam in Bareilly Shareef
Arrived in Mubarakpur and commenced teaching duties at Madrasah Ashrafiyyah Misbah-ul-Uloom
Founded Dar-ul-Uloom Ashrafiyyah Misbah-ul-Ilm — one of the most prestigious educational institutions of the Islamic world — named after Sultan-ul-Tarakeen, Sayyiduna Makhdoom Sayyid Ashraf Jahangir Simnaani (rahimahullah)
Temporarily resigned from Dar-ul-Uloom Ashrafiyyah and went to Jami'ah Arabiyyah in Nagpur; later returned upon the specific order of Sadr-ul-Shari'ah (rahimahullah)
Served as project manager for the construction of Jami' Masjid Mubarak Shah in Mubarakpur — during which the saintly miracle of the halting of the sagging roof occurred
Grand Mufti of India, Mufti Mustafa Raza Khan (rahimahullah) — son of A'la Hadrat — laid the foundational stone of Al-Jami'ah Al-Ashrafiyyah (Arabic University) due to Hafiz Millat's (rahimahullah) endeavours
Departed from this world at 11:55 on the eve of the 1st of Jumadal Ukhra 1396 AH
- ♥Regularly performed all obligatory and Sunnah acts from childhood. After reaching puberty, he began offering Tahajjud Salah and continued to do so for the rest of his life
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Would offer Salat-ul-Awwabeen and recite Dalaail-ul-Khayraat without failure. In his final days, he would have others recite it for him to listen to it
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Daily recited Surah Yaseen and Surah Yusuf in the morning; recited Surah Kahf every Friday without exception
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Applied kohl to his eyes every night before sleeping in accordance with the Sunnah. Even in his seventies, an ophthalmologist marvelled that his eyesight had not deteriorated — as good as that of children
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥During the month of Ramadan, despite serious illness and doctors' orders to rest, he did not miss a single fast and completed the Quran in Taraweeh
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Whilst passing a cemetery, he would often stand on the roadside, recite Fatihah and convey its reward to the deceased
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Punctually offered all five daily Salahs in congregation at the local masjid. No matter how long he stayed awake during the night, he would never miss Fajr Salah
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Would remove the left sock before the right even when there was a wound on the right foot, observing the Sunnah of removing from the left side first
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Showed such deep reverence for the Holy Quran that when a student was walking towards him carrying the Holy Quran, he told him: 'Walk in front' — as a mark of respect for the Book of Allah Almighty
The Greatness of Hafiz Millat, p.9 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥In his later years, on one occasion his daughter placed rotis (flatbreads) and dal (lentils) before him in dim light. He ate only the roti and drank water. Afterwards, she asked if the dal was not to his taste — he replied: 'Oh, there is also dal? I thought there was only roti for today.' — a story that became famous for illustrating his absolute simplicity and contentment
The Greatness of Hafiz Millat, p.14 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦A vehicle continuing without fuel: On one occasion, when returning from a journey, the petrol ran out and the driver said the car could not continue. Hafiz Millat (rahimahullah) stated with complete confidence, 'Continue, the car will move.' As instructed, the driver turned the key and the car actually started and completed the remaining journey without stopping
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Causing a falling roof to halt: At Jami' Masjid Mubarak Shah in Mubarakpur, after the roof of the newly constructed masjid began to sag, Hafiz Millat (rahimahullah) performed Wudu, went to the masjid, recited Bismillah and affixed some wooden beams. Not only did the roof remain balanced and intact, but even thereafter no sign of sagging could be seen
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
A compilation of Hadees translation and scholarly analysis
A work on Quranic guidance
Published by Maktaba-tul-Madinah under the name Haq-o-Baatil mayn Farq
A unique booklet on the subject of the knowledge of the unseen
An answer to a question posed regarding the saved sect
A compilation of questions presented early on to Dar-ul-Uloom Ashrafiyyah Dar-ul-Ifta (unpublished)
Marginal notes on Sharh Mirqat, a commentary in the Hadees sciences
Hafiz Ghulam Noor (rahimahullah) — a practicing Hafiz who strictly followed the rulings of Shari'ah, practised the Sunnah and had great love for the Quran. Famous by the title 'Baray Hafiz Ji (The Senior Hafiz).' Departed from this world aged approximately 100
A deeply pious woman — very steadfast in her Salah and fasting, passionate and selfless in doing good to other Muslims. Despite poverty, she would give her food away to widowed neighbours and remain hungry herself
Maulana Abdul Raheem (rahimahullah) — named him after Shah Abdul Aziz (rahimahullah), the famous Hadees scholar of Delhi, praying he would become a great scholar
Daughters mentioned in accounts of his home life and modesty
Eve of 1st Jumadal Ukhra 1396 AH (31 May 1976 CE)
Approximately 84 years (born 1312 AH, passed 1396 AH)
His final resting place is situated in the courtyard of Al-Jami'ah-tul-Ashrafiyyah, towards the west side of the old Dar-ul-Iqamah and the north side of Aziz-ul-Masajid in Mubarakpur
“Exercise is necessary for strengthening the body, and Tahajjud is necessary for strengthening the soul.”
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
“Become a useful person; being of use is what makes a person respectful.”
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
“Being conscious of one's responsibilities is the most valuable asset.”
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
“Wasting time is the greatest misfortune.”
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
“When a book is held close to the chest, it will penetrate the heart, and when it is kept away from the chest, the book will also remain far from the heart.”
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
“To expel students from the madrasa is just like a father separating his son from himself, or just like someone amputating an ailing part of their body. Although Shari'ah permits excluding a student in light of an organisation's policies and interests, I deem it to be an act from the most disliked acts that are permitted.”
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
“One should only perform voluntary actions which one is able to uphold.”
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
“I do not wish to see people's faults.”
book-greatness-hafiz-millat — Maktaba tul Madina
- 🌟Hadrat Hafiz Millat (rahimahullah) memorised the entire Quran when he was very young — and his father was such a great Hafiz that people called him 'The Senior Hafiz'!
- 🌟He loved his books so much that he always held them against his chest when carrying them — he said a book held close to the chest will go straight to the heart!
- 🌟Even when he was very old — over 70 years — his eyesight was still as sharp as a child's, because he followed the Sunnah of applying kohl every night before sleeping!
- 🌟He built one of the most famous Islamic universities in the world — Al-Jami'ah-tul-Ashrafiyyah — so that students from all over could come and learn about Islam!
- 🌟He was so kind to his students that he helped them with everything — from their studies to their health, money problems and even finding jobs after they graduated!
