Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
Allama Sayed AbulHasan Nadwi ” R.H” (part 11)
Allama Nadwi in Egypt:
During the era when Hazrat Allama Nadwi was advancing in his personal and scientific development, Egypt was a cradle of renowned scholars in science and literature, as well as a center of Arabic literary excellence. Notable figures from this period include Mustafa Lotfi Manfaluti, Abbas Mahmoud Akkad, Mustafa Sadegh Rafi, Dr. Ahmed Amin, Shahid Sayyid Qutb, Rashid Rida, and others.
It was for this reason that Allama Nadwi extensively engaged with Egyptian writers in the literary field during the middle period of his education—not directly, but through their books, compositions, and scientific and literary articles published in popular Egyptian magazines. It is certain that Allama Nadwi held a beautiful and affectionate image of Egypt in his mind, which likely fueled his enthusiasm and motivation. The memories of his childhood may have also inspired him to visit Egypt. Before Allama Nadwi actually traveled to Egypt, his mind and thoughts had already journeyed there, connecting with the writers, thinkers, and scholars of that land. His valuable works had already added to the scientific and literary atmosphere of Egypt.
This time, however, his travel took on a different nature; it was scientific and literary, but more importantly, it was focused on reform, invitation, and propagation. This made Imam Nadwi’s trip fruitful, meaningful, vibrant, and inspiring.
Dr. Yusuf al-Qarazawi states that one of Allamah Nadwi’s first and most significant trips to the Arab world was to Egypt in 1951. During this trip, he met scholars, preachers, writers, thinkers, and various Islamic groups in Egypt. He spoke at numerous gatherings, universities, cities, and villages, and stayed there for six months. He also met with leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood during this visit.
Allama Nadwi spent approximately six months in Egypt, during which he interacted with many prominent scholars, preachers, writers, and intellectuals, including Sheikh Azhar Abdul Majid Salim, Sheikh Hassanin Muhammad Makhlouf, Sheikh Muhammad Shaltut, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Bana Saati (the father of martyr Hassan al-Banna, the leader and founder of the Muslim Brotherhood), Sheikh Ahmed Muhammad Shakir, Sheikh Hamed Al-Faqi, Sheikh Zahid Kothari, Sheikh Abdul Wahab Bek Khalaf, Sheikh Mustafa Sabri Effendi (the former Sheikh al-Islam of the Ottoman government), and Sheikh Muhammad Fawad Abdul Baqi.
He also met with leaders, officials, and writers, such as Mufti Amin al-Husseini, Amir Abdul Karim Rifi, Major General Saleh Harb Pasha, Abdul Rahman Azzam Pasha, and Amin Mahmoud Khattab. Among Islamic preachers and intellectuals, he met martyr Sayyid Qutb, Ustad Mohebuddin Khatib, Sheikh Mohammad Sharbasi, Sheikh Mohammad Ghazali, Dr. Saeed Ramadan, Ustad Saleh Ashmawi, and Sheikh Behi Khouli. Additionally, he interacted with writers like Dr. Ahmad Amin, Professor Abbas Mahmoud Akkad, Professor Ahmad Hassan Zayat, Professor Mahmoud Mohammad Shakir, and Dr. Mohammad Hossein Heikal.
In his meetings, Allamah Nadwi shared his pure and reformed thoughts and ideas, delivering very valuable, meaningful, and impactful speeches drawn from his studies in Islamic history. He had the opportunity to give lectures at Al-Azhar University, Fouad University, and Cairo University, engaging with many religious and Islamic groups and parties, leaving a significant impact. Brigadier General Saleh Harb Pasha even organized a meeting to introduce “Sheikh Abulhasan Ali Nadwi,” attended by distinguished personalities such as Sheikh Hassanin Muhammad Makhlouf (former Mufti of Egypt), Sheikh Muhammad Sharbini (head of Al-Azhar Scholars’ Association), and Amir Abdul Karim Khattaby.
In his speeches, Allamah Nadwi sometimes discussed the reformative and revivalist figures of Indian history, and at other times, he recited the inspiring and awakening poetry of Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Lahori. This approach introduced something new to his audience. He also informed them about the noble and significant personality of the present age, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Kandhalvi, the founder of the Da’wa and Tabligh movement. His discourse on this subject was highly influential; many attendees felt motivated to follow in his footsteps regarding Islamic Da’wah.
Although Allamah Nadwi’s true intention was not to indulge in worldly pleasures, but rather to focus on the reformation of the Ummah and the mission of Da’wah, he intentionally chose his accommodations accordingly. He preferred smaller, humble places and alleys over large, luxurious hotels, as he believed that staying in such hotels would distract him from his true goals and hinder his ability to connect meaningfully with people. Even during seminars organized by the Islamic World League, he maintained this approach, opting not to choose the grandest hotels despite having the option.
Dr. Yusuf al-Qarzawi notes that when Sheikh Nadwi visited Egypt in his youth, his beard was black, his face was fresh, his determination was strong, his spirit was lively, and his zeal was palpable. He combined the energy of youth with the wisdom of experience, embodying the intellect of a successful scholar alongside the heart of a devoted believer.
Continues…
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