Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
Allama Sayed Abul Hasan Nadwi, May Allah Have Mercy on Him (Part 13)
On the way to Turkey
Every step of this blessed land reminded Imam Nadwi of the many great figures in Islamic history. It seemed that this earthly realm painted a picture of the days of honor, glory, and the rich and proud history of Islam for this esteemed traveler. In this land, Maulana Nadwi did not observe alienation from Islam or the overwhelming influence of Western civilization; rather, he perceived the brilliant history of renowned figures as a testament to the dignity of Islam and Muslims through the lens of his truth-seeking imagination.
However, is it possible to always remain in a world of fantasy or to deny the evident truths? Upon reaching Ankara, Maulana Nadwi proceeded to Constantinople (Istanbul), but he was pained by the lack of hijab among women and their immersion in Western culture, which had completely pervaded their lives. After arriving in Istanbul, Maulana Nadwi spent a day lost and wandering until, after much effort and fatigue, he managed to visit friends and acquaintances.
On the first day of his trip, he visited the grave of Hazrat Abu Ayyub Ansari, where he reflected on the determination, faith, steadfastness, and perseverance of this first host of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He drew lessons of sacrifice and devotion. He also visited the Hagia Sophia, where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk had forbidden prayer. Despite this prohibition, he performed two rak’ahs of prayer.
Later, he visited the park and, observing the mingling of men and women as well as the unveiled, remarked, “In this place, one forgets that there is an Islamic country; rather, it feels as if one is in England’s Hyde Park.”
Speech To the Youth:
During a lecture to the youth and educated individuals at a ceremony concluded by Turkish youth, Maulana Nadwi first quoted Hazrat Umar ibn Khattab, who had urged his followers to “send and conquer the cities.” He then expressed his wish that the young people would rise up and lead a new Islamic resurgence in these cities. He hoped that if they acted on this valuable call, they could incite a revolution.
However, he emphasized that this uprising requires two essential elements:
1. Recognizing the powers that Allah has endowed upon you and understanding the value of knowledge and its preservation.
2. Having a steadfast heart.
He illustrated his speech with examples of Muhammad ibn Qasim al-Saqfi, Muhammad the Conqueror (the conqueror of Constantinople), and Sheikh Ahmad Sarhandi. He urged the youth to recognize that the world today needs a combination of faith and modern civilization’s powers, along with correct planning for life.
Throughout this trip, he visited the libraries of Istanbul and explored the remaining palaces of the officials and kings of the past, reflecting on their legacies in the present language of mourning for their lost owners.
Maulana Nadwi has mentioned that after the era of banning the call to prayer in Arabic, when the government allowed the call to prayer in Arabic, the people were very happy and even crying in the streets and alleys, they prostrated and according to the vow they had made and Because of the happiness and pleasure he brought to them, Allama Nadwi went to meet Pir Rumi Maulana Jalaluddin Maulvi in the last moments of this memorable trip.
Continues…
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