Tablighi Jamaat: 100 Years of Da’wa and Reviving the Ummah

Bismillah-irrahmaan-irraheem. This site provides a comprehensive and authentic Tablighi Jamaat History from its humble beginnings, expansion, and preservation. We provide full citations from reliable sources. Tablighi Jamaat (aka Tableegi Jamat / Tablig Jamat / Tableeq Jamaat / Tabligi Jamaat / Tabligh Jamaat) is the unofficial name given to the largest Islamic movement in the world with an estimated 100 million followers. It focuses on reviving the Muslim Faith (Iman) and returning to the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW.

Tablighi Jamaat started on November 1926 (Jumadal-Awwal 1345). By November 2023 (Jumadal-Awwal 1445), Tablighi Jamaat would have reached 100 years old by the Islamic Calendar.

Side Note: For those who just want to know about the 2014 Tablighi Jamaat Split Crisis, please read the following article: 3 Reasons Why Tablighi Jamaat Split & How it was Reunited

Tablighi Jamaat: The Chronology of Events

This chronology has been taken from authentic sources + compilations of Maulana Abdurrahman Cirebon Indonesia. Maulana Abdurrahman had the opportunity to be the Khadim (Close confidant) of Maulana Inaamul Hassan. He is currently one of the Shuras of Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world.

1886 – Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Kandhalawi bin Maulana Muhammad Ismail was born in Kandla, Muzaffar Nagar, UP, India.

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/14

Maulana Ilyas came from a very pious and loving family. Maulana Ilyas’ father, Maulana Ismail, was known to wait on the streets to serve thirsty labourers water. He would then pray 2 Rakaat Salaat thanking Allah for giving him the opportunity to serve. One day, he met some labourers from Mewat looking for work. He asked them how much they would earn from such work and offered them the same amount if they would learn Kalima and Salat from him instead. They agreed and since then almost 10 Mewati students would always remain with him at all times. Such was the start of the Madrasa at Banglawali Masjid.

Source: Life and Mission of Maulana Ilyas, pages 4-5

Maulana Ilyas’ brother, Maulana Muhammad, never missed a single Tahajjud prayer for 16 years before his death. He died in Sajdah while performing Witr Salat.

Source: Life and Mission of Maulana Ilyas, page 18

Maulana Ilyas’ mother, Bi Safia, would daily recite Durood Sharif 5000 times, Ism-i-Zaat Allah 5000 times, Bismillah-irrahmaan-irraheem 1000 times, Hasbunallahu-wani’mal wakil 1000 times, Manzil and several other Zikrs thousand times daily. During Ramadhan, on top of all this, she would recite the whole Quran plus another 10 juz every day. She would thus complete 40 times recitations of the Holy Quran in Ramadhan.

Maulana Ilyas was her favourite child, and she would say to him, “How is it that I see figures resembling the Sahaba moving along with you?’

Source: Life and Mission of Maulana Ilyas, page 7

Maulana Ilyas himself too was a man of great piety. It was said that he would often remain in solitude for hours in the Zikr of Allah. While he was in Nizamuddin, he would at times stay for hours till mid-day at the Gate of Arab Sara, a place where the great Wali of Allah, Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia used to worship.

Source: Life and Mission of Maulana Ilyas, page 20

1898 February 2 – Shaykhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhalawi bin Maulana Muhammad Yahya was born, coinciding with 10 Ramadhan 1315 Hijri. He was the nephew of Maulana Ilyas.

Source: The seerah of Maulana Yahya page 294

1898 February 26 – Maulana Ismail (Maulana Ilyas’ father) passed away.

Source: Life and Mission of Maulana Ilyas, page 5

1917 March 20 – Maulana Yusuf Kandhalawi bin Maulana Ilyas was born.

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/80

1918 February 8 – Maulana Ilyas (32 years old) took residence at the Banglewali Masjid. During that time, it was only a small masjid with a small room inside it. It was surrounded by thick forest. There was no tap water source and water had to be brought from elsewhere. Only 4 to 5 people used to pray there which were all his students. Maulana Ilyas used to spend a lot of time in the Masjid doing Zikr.

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/24

Food at the Madrasah was so meagre that they had to starve many times, but Maulana Ilyas bore it all with a cheerful heart. The extreme poverty made no Impression on him as what worried him was the prospect of abundance and prosperity.

Source: Life and Mission of Maulana Ilyas, page 19

1918 February 20 – Maulana Inamul Hasan Kandhalawi bin Maulana Ikramul Hasan was born in Kandla, Muzaffar Nagar, UP, India.

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/172

1922 – Haji Abdul Wahab was born in New Delhi, India. He was among the first five people who pledged allegiance to Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Kandhalawi to give his whole life to Tabligh. He is also the fourth Caliph of the Sufi Tharekat Maulana Shah Abdul Qadir Raipuri. Currently, he is one of the pioneers of Tabligh, whose Sanad (chain) is connected with all the three Ameers of Tabligh (Maulana Ilyas, Maulana Yusuf, and Maulana Inamul Hasan)

Source: The Life of Shaikh Zubayr, Page 156

1920s – Maulana Ilyas was perturbed to see the general ignorance and irreligiousness of Muslims in general, even among Darul Uloom Students. Once, a young man was presented before Maulana with the laudatory remark that he had completed the study of the Quran in such-and-such a Maktab of Mewat. The Maulana was shocked to find that his beard was shaven and no one could know from his appearance or dress that he was a Muslim.

Source: Life and Mission of Maulana Ilyas – S Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi

1926 April 29 – Maulana Ilyas (40 years old) went Hajj together with several Alims.

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/31

1926 July 20 – Maulana Ilyas’ Hajj group was supposed to return back to India on this day but Maulana Ilyas felt so perturbed and uneasy that he felt a strong urge to stay longer in Madinah.

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/31

1926 – One night, in the Holy City of Madinah, Maulana Ilyas fell asleep inside the Prophet’s Mosque in Raudhah. Maulana Ilyas dreamt the Holy Prophet SAW telling him to “Return to India for Allah SWT will take work for you”.

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/31

1926 November – Maulana Ilyas returned to India from Hajj and officially started the work of Tabligh at the age of 40.

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/31

1930 – Inamul Hassan, who was his student (13 years old), started joining Maulana Ilyas in his Da’wah trips and also as a Muqim (resident) of Nizamuddin.

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/222, 248

1930 April 28 – Maulana Ilyas presented the effort of Dawah to Darul Uloom Saharanpur (for the first time ever) at the Madrasah’s yearly event.

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/33

1932 – The first ever jamaat was formed 6 years after Maulana Ilyas first started the work of Da’wah and Tabligh. The 2 jamaats were:

• Maulana Hafiz Maqbul’s Jamaat – Sent to Kandhla
• Maulana Dawood Mewati’s Jamaat – Sent to Saharanpur

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/40

1933 April 25 – Maulana Ibrahim Dewla was born in Devla, Jamboosar, Bharuch district, Gujarat.

Source: Discourses Of Maulana Ibrahim Devla, Maulana Abdul Aziz Abdur Ghafoor

1934 August 2 – A Mashwara was made on how this effort was to be conducted. Maulana Ilyas (48 years old) and Maulana Zakariyya (46 years old) conducted the Mashwara. This is the Mashwara where 6 points of Tabligh were agreed upon (It is to note that originally Maulana Ilyas had up to 60 points). As of today, the 6 points of Tabligh are:

1. Kalima
2. Salat
3. Ilm and Zikr
4. Ikraamul Muslimeen
5. Ikhlaas
6. Da’wah and Tabligh

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/36

1939 November 8 – Maulana Haroon Kandhalawi bin Maulana Yusuf bin Maulana Ilyas (father of Maulana Saad) was born.

Source: The Tadzkirah of Maulana Haroon, Page 23

1941 May 28 – Maulana Talha, son of Maulana Zakariyya was born.

Source: The Life of Shaikh Zubayr, Page 133

1941 November 30 – The first ever Ijtema was conducted at Mewat where 25,000 attendees came, 1000 of them from outside Mewat. A lot of great Ulema came as well including Maulana Ahmad Madani and Maulana Rashid Gongohi

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/56

1942 – The first ever Masturat (Ladies) Jamaat was formed where Maulana Dawud Mewati was the Amir. Several Ulemas including Maulana Yusuf and Maulana Inamul Hasan at first did not agree with such a Jamaat. However, after being given the explanation and the full Tarteeb (methodology) of such Jamaat, they have fully supported it since.

Source: Sabilul Khoirot fiJama’atil Mutanaqqibat, Page 262

1944 January – Haji Abdul Wahab (22 years old at that time) went to Nizamuddin Markaz for the first time and joined the work of Da’wa. He was able to be in the company of Maulana Ilyas for 6 months before Maulana Ilyas passed away.

Source: The Life of Maulana Zubayr, Page 156

1944 May to July – Throughout that month, Maulana Ilyas’ illness got worse day by day.

The Elders and prominent scholars at that time had a common concern among them, namely; If Maulana Ilyas passes away, who will replace the leadership of the Da’wah and Tabligh Jamaat after his death?

On those nights, almost all the prominent scholars, such as; Shaykh Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, Maulana Shah Abdul Qadir Raipuri, Maulana Zhafar Ahmad Usmani, Hafizh Fakhruddin, Maulana Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri, and other scholars who loved him, both those who were in contact with Maulana Ilyas in preaching or personally, gathered and spent the night in the Nizamuddin Markaz mosque.

In the view of these scholars, the most suitable to replace the emirship of Maulana Ilyas in the Congregation of Da’wah and Tabligh is Shaykhul Hadith Maulana Zakariyya. He is the only person who is qualified to replace Maulana Ilyas as the emir of the Jamaat Da’wa and Tabligh, both in terms of knowledge, spirituality, practice, high degree, and wisdom.

Then the respected scholars came to Shaykhul hadith Maulana Zakariyya (46 years old) and conveyed their views to him. Maulana Zakariyya gently refused and replied, “You don’t need to worry about this as Allah SWT will arrange it.”

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/68

1944 July 11 – Two days before Maulana Ilyas passed away, Maulana Ilyas called Maulana Zakariya and Shaykh Abdul Qadir Raipuri to hold a consultation. After gathering, in the consultation, he said in front of the scholars and religious figures, “Immediately choose the people who will replace me after my death. I want them to pledge allegiance in front of me. There are six people of my choice; Maulana Hafiz Maqbul, Maulana Dawud Mewati, Maulana Ihtisyamul Hasan, Maulana Yusuf Kandhalawi, Maulana Inamul Hasan, Maulana Sayyid Ridho Hasan Bhopali. Personally, I propose Maulana Hafiz Maqbul, because he has long been involved in both Dhikr and this effort.”

Maulana Shah Abdul Qadir Raipuri on the other hand proposed Maulana Yusuf as the next Amir of Da’wa and Tabligh. When these two options appeared, Maulana Ilyas said, “Who can deal with the Mewatis better than Yusuf?”. Based on those considerations, Maulana Abdul Qadir Raipuri finally decided Maulana Yusuf to be the Ameer of Da’wa and Tabligh. Maulana Yusuf was 27 years old at that time.

Maulana Ilyas said, “If this is indeed your choice, then may Allah SWT grant goodness and blessings. Before my heart did not feel calm, but now my soul feels very calm. I hope that after my departure, this work will continue to go well.”

Then Maulana Zakariya and Maulana Ilyas wrote on a paper given to Maulana Yusuf; “I authorize you to take Bay’ah from people.”

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/65

1944 July 13 – Maulana Ilyas passed away in Banglawali Masjid and was buried outside the core of Banglawali mosque, Nizamuddin. Maulana Yusuf was appointed and sworn in as the second Amir of Da’wa and Tabligh through the consultation of all the members of Da’wa and Tabligh. Maulana Zakariyya ceremoniously put Maulana Ilyas’ turban on Maulana Yusuf’s head. The first Bayan of Maulana Yusuf was under a tree, in the courtyard of Banglawali Masjid, Nizamuddin. 

Source: Sawanih Hadrathji Tsalits I/66

Tablighi Jamaat: The Era of Maulana Yusuf

1946 – Maulana Yusuf sent the first ever Jamaat to work specifically during Hajj season in Saudi Arabia.

Source: Sawanih Maulana Yusuf, Page 411

1946 – Maulana Yusuf sent Maulana Ubaydillah Belyawi to stay locally in Madinah and start the work of Da’wah there amongst Arabs. He was later succeeded by Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan.

Source: Life of Maulana Zubayr, Page 148

1947 – Haji Abd Wahab (25 years old at that time) took residence at the Raiwind Markaz in Lahore, Pakistan.

Source: Life of Maulana Zubayr, Page 157

1947 August 15 – The conflict between India and Pakistan erupted. Thousands of Muslims left Islam out of fear. Many lives were lost. All the Mashaikh prayed and cried to Allah SWT. A large party from Mewat took refuge in Nizamuddin Markaz. Hadhratji Maulana Yusuf, Maulana Manzhur Nu’mani, Maulana Habiburrahman Ludyanwi, and Maulana Zakariyya decided that Muslims should not leave India. Either they stay or die. Maulana Zakariya was instrumental in urging the fatwa council to issue a fatwa for Muslims not to leave India. If this fatwa had not been issued, perhaps today there would be no more Muslims in India.

Source: Sawanih Hadhratji Tsalit: 1/121, 129

1947 August – Maulana Yusuf sent many die-hard Jamaats to call Muslims who became Murtad back to Islam. These Jamaats put their life in danger and were ready to be martyred in the Path of Allah.

Source: Sawanih Maulana Yusuf, Page 306

1947 September 15 – Maulana Yusuf’s wife passed away during Sujood (Prostration) while performing Maghrib Salat. Their son, Maulana Haroon was only 8 years old at that time.

Source: Tadzkirah Maulana Haroon, Page 31

1947 December 26 – The first ever Ijtema was held in Karachi after Pakistan’s separation from India.

Source: Sawanih Maulana Yusuf, Page 380

1948 March 13 – An Ijtema was held in Pakistan which Maulana Yusuf attended for the first time after Pakistan’s separation from India. During this Ijtema, a decision was made that the Markaz of Pakistan will be Raiwind, Lahore.

Source: Sawanih Hadhratji Tsalits: 1/106

1949 – Maulana Zakariyya completed the book Fadhail Sadaqat

Source: Dzikru Zakariyya, Page 614

1950 March 30 – Maulana Zubair Ul Hassan Kandhalawi bin Maulana Inamul Hasan was born.

Source: Ahwalwa Atsar, Page 36

1954 January 11 – The first Ijtema was held in Dhaka, East Pakistan (before the formation of Bangladesh). Maulana Yusuf and Maulana Inamul Hassan attended the Ijtema.

Source: Sawanih Hadrat Maulana Yusuf, Page 385

1954 April 10 – The first ever Raiwind Ijtema was conducted

Source: Sawanih Hadrat Maulana Yusuf, Page 376

1960 – Maulana Yusuf published the first copy of Hayatus Sahaba

Source: Sawanih Hadhratji Tsalit, I/165

1962 August 16 – Maulana Shah Abdul Qadir Raipuri passed away. He was not only a famous Sufi Shaikh but was also the Amir of the third walking Jamaat from Delhi to Saudi Arabia where in that Jamaat was also a young Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 89

1965 April 12 – Sheikh Maulana Yusuf died in Lahore at 14.50 on Friday. He was 48 years old at that time. Maulana Inamul Hasan recited Surat Yasin by his side. Maulana Yusuf continued to recite the Shahadat until his last breath. He was buried next to the maqam of his father, Maulana Ilyas.

Source: Sawanih Hadhratji Tsalits: I/274

Maulana Inamul Hasan’s Era

1965 April 12 – A Mashwara was conducted by Maulana Zakariyya. From that Mashwara it was decided that Maulana Inamul Hasan was to be appointed as the third Amir of Da’wa and Tabligh. The result of the Mashwara was announced by Maulana Fakhruddin Deobandi, after Maulana Umar Palanpuri’s Bayan (Talk).

Source: Sawanih Hadhratji Tsalits 1/274

1965 April – A Fitna emerged. There was a group of Mewati people that wanted Maulana Harun bin Maulana Yusuf (26 years old) to be the next Ameer of Da’wa and Tabligh. This group, along with some people from Delhi, urged Maulana Zakariyya to change his decision after the Mashwara. They continued to urge him through letters and exhortations. They even accused Hadrat Maulana Zakariyya of oppressing Maulana Harun. Maulana Zakariyya remained firm on the decision of the Mashwara. People said: ‘Maulana Inamul Hasan is not like Maulana Yusuf’. Hadrat Maulana Zakariyya replied, “It is true, but after Maulana Yusuf, you will never find an Amir like him (Maulana Inamul Hasan).”

Source: Sawanih Hadhratji Tsalit I/276, 277

1965 – Maulana Harun accepted willingly – Maulana Harun himself was happy and not at all lured nor influenced by the insistence of those who wanted him to be Amir. He accepted the decision of the Mashwara with an open heart. He even gave Bayans (Talks) on the importance of obeying the Mashwara’s decision, and whatever the decision is, that is the right one.

Source: Sawanih Hadhratji Tsalits I/277

1965 April 3 – The Bay’ah to Maulana Inamul Hasan started. One of the reasons why Maulana Inamul Hasan was chosen to be the Amir of the Da’wah and Tabligh is because he was Maulana Yusuf’s closest friend, from childhood til death. In addition, Maulana Inamul Hasan was also a direct student of Maulana Ilyas. He accompanied Maulana Ilyas on most of his da’wah journeys, thus understanding the ins and outs and the work of da’wah.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 31

1965 May 10 – Maulana Saad Kandhalawi bin Maulana Harun was born.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 117

1967 August 21 – Maulana Inamul Hasan made his first Dawa Safar abroad after being appointed the Amir of Da’wa and Tabligh. It was the Sri Lankan Ijtema held between the 26 to 30 August in Colombo.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 159

1967 November – The first ever Tonggi Ijtema was conducted in East Pakistan (before the formation of Bangladesh).

Source: Sawanih Hadhratji Tsalit: II/452

1969 – Maulana Ibrahim Dewla went for his 1-year Khurooj at the age of 36 to Turkey, Jordan, and Iraq. The Khurooj extended to 19 months.

Source: The Discourses of Maulana Ibrahim, Page 36

1971 March 26 – The separation of Bangladesh from Pakistan. Many Muslims lost their lives.

Source: Sawanih Hadhratji Tsalit, I/441

1973 April 23 – Maulana Zakariyya migrated to the Madinah Al Munawwarah at 75 years old.

Source: The Life of Maulana Muhammad Yahya al-Kandahlawi, Page 307.

1973 September 28 – Maulana Harun Kandhalawi bin Maulana Yusuf (Maulana Saad’s father) passes away at the age of 35 after a sickness engulfed him and was treated in the hospital for 13 days. His Janaza prayer was led by Maulana Inamul Hassan, 55 years old. At that time, his son, Maulana Saad was 8 years old.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 379

It was suspected that Maulana Harun was affected by Black Magic as before his death, he was perfectly fine. His disease came without any pre-symptoms. He would cough out Black Goo. Medically, this may be a result of internal bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract known as Coffee Ground Vomitus. There are many causes for this such as cancer, stomach illness, or even eating poison.

Without any basis, rumours began to emerge that it was Maulana Inaamul Hassan himself who administered the Black Magic. Maulana Inaamul Hassan was emotionally hurt due to the baseless accusation. What made it worst was some of the accusers were from the family of Maulana Harun himself, such as Maulana Harun’s wife, Khalida (i.e. Maulana Saad’s mother). Khalida was the daughter of Maulana Izharul Hassan.

It was recorded in a letter that at one point he could not stand the baseless accusations anymore that he consulted Maulana Zakariyya. He asked him whether it be a good idea for him to migrate to Madinah (Saudi) like how Maulana Zakariyya migrated as well. Maulana Zakariyya told him to be patient and stay in Nizamuddin. He obeyed this.

1974 August 9 – Maulana Zubayr (age 25) began a one-year going out in the path of Allah.

Source: Sawanih Hadhratii Tsalit I/239

1978 February 10 – Maulana Zakariyya (who was living in Madinah) officially gave permission to Maulana Zubayr to accept Bay’ah for his Tareeqa (Sufi Order). The ceremony was conducted in front of Masjid An Nabawi.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 98

Maulana Zubayr has obtained the Ijazat (Certification) of Tareeqa (Sufi Order) from 4 Mashaikhs: (1) Maulana In’amul Hasan, (2) Maulana Zakariyya, (3) Maulana Sayeed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, and (4) Maulana Iftikhar-ul Hasan. This, by any standards, would make him an ‘over-achiever’ in the world of Tazkiyya due to his extreme piety and dedication.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 107

1980 July 27 – Maulana Hafiz Maqbul Passed away. He was the Amir of the first ever Jamaat formed by Maulana Ilyas in 1932 and was the preferred choice of Maulana Ilyas as his successor (next Amir). However, Maulana Shah Abdul Qadir Raipuri decided on Maulana Yusuf instead.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 387

1982 May 24 – Maulana Zakariya Kandhalawi passed away in Madinah al-Munawwarah (84 years old), He was buried in ‘Jannatul Baqi‘ the grave of the Sahaba. The last words from his mouth were; ‘Allah….Allah”. He died at 17:40 before Maghrib and was buried after Isha on the same day.

Source: The Life of Maulana Muhammad Yahya, Page 308

1983 November 4 – Raiwind Ijtema in Pakistan was conducted which all the senior elders attended. During that Ijtema, the concept of having a Shura System for Tabligh was first introduced by Maulana Inamul Hasan during the World Mashwara which was conducted a week after the Ijtema on November 12.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 311, 450

From then onwards, Maulana Inamul Hasan established Shuras in all places in India and many parts of the world.

Source: Letter written by Maulana Shahid Saharanpuri to Maulana Saleemullah Khan

1993 May 20 – Maulana Inamul Hasan’s condition worsened. He collapsed in Mecca. Since 1990, this was the seventh time he collapsed.

Source: Sawanih Hadhratji Tsalits: 1/440

1993 May – During the Hajj season, in Mecca, Maulana Inamul Hasan gave a talk to Mufti Zainal Abidin, Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan, Haji Afdhal, Haji Abdul Muqit, Haji Abdul Wahab, and several other Elders: “You know my health is getting worse due to my illness and I don’t have the same vitality anymore. This work has already spread all over the world and is now becoming hard for me. For this, I want to form a Shura that will help the work of Da’wa.” 

Source: Dakwah wa Tabligh Azhim Mehnat ke Maujudah Halat, Page 15,16

1993 June 14 – At Nizamuddin Markaz, all the Elders gathered in Maulana Inamul Hasan’s room. They were: Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan, Mufti Zainal Abidin, Haji Afdhal, Haji Abdul Muqit, Haji Abdul Wahab, Maulana Izharul Hasan, Maulana Umar Palanpuri, and Maulana Zubayr. 

Hadratji Maulana Inamul Hasan said to those present, “You already know my health condition now. My health continues to decline, while this work continues to increase. I can’t handle this work by myself anymore. We have to work together.” Then he said, “From now on you are my Shura. And add two more; Miyaji Mehrab and Maulana Saad. By Allah’s will, with these ten Shuras, this work will continue to go well.”

The Shura was thus established: (1) Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan, (2) Mufti Zainal Abidin, (3) Haji Afdhal, (4) Haji Abdul Muqit, (5) Haji Abdul Wahab, (6) Maulana Izharul Hasan, (7) Maulana Umar Palanpuri, (8) Maulana Zubayr, (9) Miyaji Mehrab Mewati, and (10) Maulana Saad.

Source: Dakwah wa Tabligh Azhim Mehnat ke Maujudah Halat, Page 16

1993 June – The rotation of Faisal. After the Shura was formed, Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan asked Maulana Inamul Hasan in front of all the appointed Shura, “When you are here, you are our Amir and Faisal. But if you are not there, how will we make a Faisala?”. Maulana Inamul Hasan replied, “Choose a Faisala from amongst yourselves alternately.”

Source: Dakwah wa Tabligh Azhim Mehnat ke Maujudah Halat, Page 12

Why Maulana Saad was included despite never spending time in the Path of Allah

Maulana Inamul Hasan deliberately included Maulana Saad in the Shura, as he wanted to avoid any problems from the Mewat people. It was feared that a similar problem would arise as what happened after the death of Maulana Yusuf. At that time, Maulana Saad was 26 years old and had not spent any time on the Path of Allah, yet he had already been appointed into the world Shura.

Until today Maulana Saad has never spent any time in the Standard Tablighi Jamaat Khurooj

Source 1: C Amaantullah’s Detail Explanation.

Source 2: Haji Abdul Wahab Sahab, Raiwind Ijtema 2017 (Maulana Saad has not spent even 40 days in the Path of Allah)

Maulana Inamul Hasan never intended to make his son, Maulana Zubayr, his successor. He wanted to show that this work was not based on descent, lineage, or relatives, even though Maulana Zubayr was highly qualified to be the next Amir of Da’wa and Tabligh. Maulana Zubayr had spent a year in the path of Allah. He had also participated in various Safars (travels) of his father and was a student of Maulana Zakariyya too. At the same time, he obtained the Ijzazat (permission) to take Bay’ah for both of them. In spite of all these qualifications, Maulana Inamul Hasan did not appoint him as his successor but instead formed a Shura.

Maulana Ibrahim Dewla was not appointed into the Shura as he was not always available in Nizamuddin Markaz and spent most of his time in long Khuroojs (In the Path of Allah)

1994 March 31 – Maulana Inamul Hasan fainted while taking Bay’ah at the Ijtema in Hyderabad due to deteriorating health.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 147

1994 June 22 to July 2 – Maulana Inamul Hasan made a Safar to England for an Ijtema’ in Dewsbury. This was Maulana Inamul Hasan’s last Safar abroad, apart from Hajj and Umrah. Approximately 80,000 people were present in the Ijtema.

Source: Sawanih Hadhratji Tsalits III/139

1995 March 29 – Maulana Inamul Hasan performed Hajj with all the Shura. That was the last Hajj performed by Maulana Inamul Hasan during his lifetime in which he performed Hajj 17 times.

During this Hajj, a Mashwara was made in which it was decided that Maulana Inamul Hasan and the entire Shura would go on a long Safar from Sri Lanka to Australia.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 183

1995 June 6 – The Ijtema of Muzaffar Nagar, UP, India was the last Ijtema attended by Maulana Inamul Hasan. In his last Bayan, the first thing he said was (after praising Allah and salutations to the Prophet SAW) “Allah does not look at family and lineage at all, Allah SWT only looks at a person’s actions. If a person has good deeds, then he is close to Allah SWT. On the other hand, if a person whose deeds are bad, then indeed he is far from Allah SWT”

Source: Sawanih Hadhratii Tsalits: III/365

Tablighi Jamaat: The Era of the World Aalami Shura

1995 June 10 – At 1.20 am Hadratji Maulana Inamul Hasan passed away at the age of 77. His last words were “Shukr to Allah.” and that was his last breath. His Janaza was prayed for by half a million people from all over the world and was buried next to Maulana Yusuf.

Source: Sawanih Hadhratji Tsalits: III/368, 369

1995 June 10 to 12 – The entire Shura (from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh) gathered at Nizamuddin’s Markaz for a Mashwara that took 3 days. The key outcomes of the Mashwara were as follows:

• From now onwards, the responsibility of patronizing the work will not be on one individual; rather it will be on a whole Shura
• Those who belong to the Nizamuddin from the Shura are members of the Shura for Nizamuddin and together will take care of the work there. From these five Shura, three will work as a Faisal (Maulana Izhar, Maulana Zubayr, and Maulana Saad).
• There will be no more Bay’ah (Oath of allegiance) Nizamuddin Markaz.

Source 1: Dakwah wa Tabligh Azhim Mehnat ke Maujudah Halat, Page 17

Source 2: Tablighi Markas Hadhrat Nizhamuddin Kuch Haqaiq, Page 3

Source 3: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 421

Source 4: Maujudah Ahwal ki Wadhahat se Muta’allig, Page 11

Source 5: Maulana Yaqub’s letter

Source 6: Haji Abdul Wahab’s statement (below)

Haji Abdul Wahab, 72 years old then, vividly recollects the events of this Mashwara:

“After the demise of Maulana Inamul Hassan, we gathered for Mashwara. A lot of confusion, a lot of issues were discussed and the meeting lasted for many hours. Finally, it was decided by a mutual understanding of all the attendees in the Mashwara (including Maulana Saad) that the noble work of Tabligh will be managed through the Mashwara of the Shura System to avoid any further conflict. We all agreed and accepted this regulation. After this Maulana Saad demanded in the Mashwara that Bay’ah will not be done inside Nizamuddin. This was also accepted mutually by all attendees”

Source: Haji Abdul Wahab Sahab, Raiwind Ijtema, November 2017

1995 June – At that moment, there was a matter of disappointment from those that wanted Maulana Zubayr to be the next Amir, considering the various qualifications that he had. Maulana Zubayr however did not show any disappointment let alone any anger that he was not appointed as Amir. Seeing that Maulana Zubayr himself accepted the decision with open arms, the matter eventually subsided.

Source: Tablighi Markas Hadhrat Nizhamuddin Kuch Haqaiq, Page 3

At that time, Maulana Saad was 30 years old. Other than the people of Mewat, he was not well known within Tabligh. He had not yet obtained Ishlahi Ta’alluq (having a Shaykh to be his spiritual guide) and had never gone out in the Path of Allah, other than participating in Ijtemas. It is to note that until now he had not spent even 40 days in the Path of Allah as testified by Haji Abdul Wahab and Chaudry Amanatullah (Shura of Nizamuddin Madrasah)

Source: Tablighi Markas Hadhrat Nizhamuddin Kuch Haqaiq, Page 3

1996 – Maulana Zubayr was appointed Shaykhul Hadith Madrasah Kasyiful Uloom Nizamuddin. Although Maulana Zubayr was the only person in Nizamuddin’s, who obtained Ijazah(permission) to take Bay’ah from his father as well as from Maulana Zakariyya, he never took Bay’ah from anyone until the end of his life. He honoured the 1995 mashwara/agreement.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 41, 106

1996 – All Shura elders went on a Safar from Sri Lanka to Australia. This Safar was to honour the decision from Maulana Inamul Hasan before his death to go to these countries. During the Safar, many Mashwaras were made between the Shura members.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 183

One big decision was made with regard to the Faisal at Nizamuddin Markaz during this long Safar. It was decided that the rotating Faisal, will not be restricted to three, but to all five Shura Members of Nizamuddin, namely Maulana Izharul Hasan, Maulana Umar Palanpuri, Maulana Zubayr, Miyaji Mehrab, and Maulana Saad.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 187

1996 August – Maulana Izharul Hasan passed away. He was the most senior Shura of Nizamuddin Markaz. He was also the Imam of the Masjid, headmaster of Nizamuddin Kasyiful Uloom Madrasa, Sheikhul Hadith, and Manager of Nizamuddin Markaz. After his death, Maulana Saad took over Markaz’s treasury and finances. Until now, the financial accounts of Nizamuddin Markaz are only known to Maulana Saad and have never been audited.

Source: Tablighi Markaz Hadhrat Nizhamuddin Kuch Haqaiq, Page 4

1997 May 21 – Maulana Umar Palanpuri passed away. He was often called the ‘Voice of Tabligh’, or ‘Mutakallim of Tabligh’.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 432

1997 August – Miyaji Mehrab passed away.

Source: Tabligh Markaz Hazhrat Nizhamuddin Kuch Haqaiq, Page 5

1998 – All the Shura elders went on a Safar to several African countries, namely; Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Re-Union, Madagascar, and Mauritius. During the trip, the Faisal of the Mashwara always rotated between them.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 190

1999 October 18 – A world Shura member, Haji Abdul Muqit passed away in Bangladesh. He was alive during the time of Maulana Ilyas.

Source: Maujudah Ahwal kiWadhahat se Muta’alliq, Page 13

1999 November 15 – A world Shura member, Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan passed away in Madinah Al Munawwarah and was buried in Jannatul Baqi.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 319

1999 – Of the ten Shura members, 5 have passed away and 5 were left, namely: Mufti Zainal Abidin (Faisalabad Pakistan), Haji Afdhal, Haji Abdul Wahab, Maulana Saad, and Maulana Zubayr.

1999 December 31 – Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi passed away. He was in the direct company of Maulana Ilyas.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 409

2000 – All elders of the 5 remaining Shuras went on a Safar to America and Europe. This year also, two Shura members passed away, namely: Mufti Zainal Abidin and Bhay Haji Afdhal. 3 Shura Members were left, which were Haji Abdul Wahab, Maulana Saad, and Maulana Zubayr. Haji Abd Wahab was the most senior of the three as he was with Maulana Ilyas.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 321

2000 to 2014 – Since the death of Mufti Zainal Abidin and Haji Afdhal, there have been proposals from various parties to add the number of Shura members. Such proposals were always delayed with various issues being brought forward.

Source: Maulana Ahmad Mewati, khadim of Maulana Zubayr

2001 November 2 – The first-ever criticism of Maulana Saad‘s speech came in the form of a letter from Maulana Muhammad Ishaq Utarwi addressed to Maulana Saad, Maulana Zubairul Hasan and Maulana Iftikhar ul Hassan. The letter raised concerns about Maulana Saad’s speech on 2nd November 2001. In that Bayan, Maulana Saad propagated an incorrect understanding of Iman. He also falsely said that ‘Allah said this…..’, attributing something which Allah SWT himself never said! Na’uzubillah!

Source 1: Maulana Saad se Ulama Umat ke Ikhtilaf ki Bunyadi Wujuhat, Page 7 8

Source 2: Moulana Saad – Wifaaqul Ulema Al Hind, Page 6-7

2002 – Maulana Saad started distributing Muntakhab Ahadith.

Source: Maujudah Ahwal ki Wadhahat se Muta’alliq, Page 14

2004 May 15 – One of the World Shura members, Mufti Zainal Abideen passed away in Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Source: Tadzkirah Maulana Zubayr, Page 127

2005 April 11 – One of the World Shura members, Haji Afdhal of Pakistan passed away.

Source: Dakwah was Tabligh Azhim Mehnat ke Maujudah Halat, Page 18

2005 – A letter of complaint came to Darul Uloom Deoband from a prominent Kanpur scholar who criticized Bayan Maulana Saad. In his letter, he concluded that this Da’wa Jamaat has turned into a distinct sect. This complaint shocked the Ulama of Deoband.

Source: Darul Ulum Deoband ke Mauqif, Page 17

2006 September 12 – Maulana Saad for the first time ever instructed people (the audience at Nizamuddin Markaz) to start reading Muntakhab Ahadith in Ijtimai Amaals. This was a high alert and almost all the elders at Nizamuddin raised concerns on this. Such a large change in the Tarteeb (Methodology) of the work was done without Mashwara. Maulana Saad ignored all concerns and continued to ask brothers to include Muntakhab Ahadith in Ijtimai Amaals.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 460

2011 January – The Tongi/Bishwa Ijtema was for the first time ever conducted in two phases due to a large number of attendees.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 442

2014 March 18 – Shaykhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zubayr passes away in Banglawali mosque, Nizamuddin while at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, Delhi. He was 63 years old at the of his death. When he was about to be taken to the hospital, he said, “Bring me the Ihram cloth, I want to perform Umrah.” His family said, “No, you are to go to the hospital.” He said, “No, I want to perform Umrah. Bring me an Ihram cloth.”

Maulana Zubayr basically went to the Hospital with the intention of Umrah. When leaving Nizamuddin, he said, “Assalamu’alaikum. Goodbye, Nizamuddin.” 

When he was alive, one of his prayers was, “Ya Allah, take my life away before Fitna befalls Nizamuddin.”

Hundreds of thousands of Muslims attended his funeral prayer led by Maulana Iftikharul Hasan Kandhalawi (his uncle). 

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 501

After Maulana Zubayr’s Demise

Assalamualaykum, before reading further, please understand that our aim is to preserve the true history of Tabligh, no matter how bitter it is. As generations come, this history may be forgotten. We do not promote hate, and certainly not backbiting. See our article ‘Backbiting vs Warning‘. No matter how bad a Muslim is, he is still our Muslim brother. We love and hate only for the sake of Allah.

2014 November – The Fitna of Tablighi Jamaat Split started after Maulana Zubayr’s demise. It was decided in the world Mashwara by Haji Abdul Wahab that the recitation of Du’a and Musafaha (a ceremonial farewell handshake before a person goes out in the Path of Allah), which Maulana Zubayr usually did was to be replaced by his son Maulana Zuhairul Hassan to honour his father’s legacy. Maulana Saad was very upset with this decision.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 76

For a more comprehensive info SEE: 3 Reasons Why Tablighi Jamaat Split

2014 – Maulana Saad made a treacherous move by starting Bay’ah (taking the oath of allegiance) towards himself at Nizamuddin Markaz. This was a direct violation of the 1995 agreement. What was even more worrying is that he was doing the Bay’ah under the name of Maulana Ilyas which he met nor received Ijazah (permission).

Source: Maujudah Ahwal ki Wadhahat se Muta’alliq, Page 21

2014 November 16 – During Raiwind Ijtema, in front of all the Elders, Maulana Saad again brought up his dissatisfaction with regard to the Musafaha which was also given to Maulana Zuhair. This was despite he too was allowed to do Musafaha in the Raiwind Ijtema. He just didn’t want to share it with someone else. Further details: Read: Maulana Saad aggressively demands Musafaha

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Pages 77-79

2014 December 8 – On the closing of the Bhopal Ijtema in India, as per Mashwara, the stage was prepared for two people to do Musafaha (Maulana Saad and Maulana Zuhair). Maulana Saad was so furious and refused to Mushafaha due to this. Further details: Maulana Saad aggressively demands Musafaha.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 77

2014 – In this year, due to whatever reasons, Maulana Saad was known to be delivering many speeches that were critical of the Ulema. These speeches were highly criticized. Among his criticized speeches were:

“… Receiving a wage from teaching religion is worse than a prostitute’s wage….;

“… There are many Ulema, but they do not provide any benefit (religion)…;

“… Religious knowledge is only obtained through Khuruj with Tabligh Jamaat….;

“… What have the learned scholars done until today? The scholars did nothing. Everything about religion that is spreading now is not the result of the efforts of scholars, but the result of the efforts of the Tabligh. The scholars only do 4% of the religion, while the Tabligh Congregation does 96%. On top of that, the Scholars do not do religious work solely for the sake of God, but do it only for payment….;

“… There is no need for Tazkiyatun Nafs (such as; Suluk, Khanqah Dzikir, etc.) to achieve piety. By just going out with the Tabligh Jamaat, all these things can be achieved….;

“… Don’t hire any Ustadz as a mosque imam or madrasa teacher, if he has not been out for a year in Jamaat. In fact, it is better to fire them. Don’t even give your daughters to marry them….;

“… He who has never gone out for 40 days, his Fikr is not the Fikr of a man with Deen, in fact, his Fikr is not even the Fikr of a Muslim….;

“… Whatever efforts of Deen not following the efforts of Tabligh in Nizamuddin, no matter how much the effort is, is not an effort of Deen….;

“… Teaching religion for wages is selling religion. People who commit adultery will enter heaven before those who teach the Qur’an for wages….;

“… The Payer of a person who has a camera phone in his pocket is invalid. Get as many fatwas as you want from any scholar. Listening to and reading the Qur’an on a cell phone with a camera is a disgrace to the Qur’an, there is no reward for it. The person who does this is guilty. There is no reward. The scholars who issued fatwas allowing this, according to me, are Ulema Suu’ (Evil Scholars). Their hearts and minds have been influenced by Christians and Jews. They are ignorant. Their hearts do not have the greatness of Kalamullah…;

“… The three holy places are; Makkah al-Mukarramah, Madinah al-Munawwarah, and Banglawali mosque, Nizamuddin…;

“… Guidance is not in the hands of Allah. This is why Allah sends Prophets to spread guidance. Hidayah is the effect of effort. People have received guidance because of the efforts of the Prophets…”

Source: Various Audio Recordings

2014 – Many letters came to Darul Uloom Deoband which criticized the Bayans of Maulana Saad in Ijtema and his general talks. The contents of his Bayans were contrary to the Ijma of the Ulama and are often filled with Ghuloo’ (exaggeration in Islam).

Darul Uloom Deoband carried out an investigation that took a few years. First, they collected evidence and witnesses on Maulana Saad’s offences. Next, they sent a letter to Maulana Saad to reprimand him before publishing the Fatwa as they wanted to protect his honour, as well as the good image of the work of Da’wa. They waited for a considerable period but Maulana Saad did not give any response.

Source: Mawqif Darul Ulum Deoband, Page 5, 20

2014 to 2015 – All the senior elders of the Nizamuddin Headquarters constantly warned Maulana Saad to be careful in speaking, especially when giving Bayan in front of the public. One of the principles of Da’wa and Tabligh is not to discuss contemporary issues, or Islamic jurisprudence and to avoid four things, which are ‘Comparing’ (Taqabul), ‘Condescending’ (Tanqish), ‘Criticizing’ (Tanqid), and ‘Rejecting’ (Tardid).

Maulana Ibrahim Devla (82 years old), who was Maulana Saad’s teacher had always invited him to do Mashwara before delivering his Bayan. Unfortunately, Maulana Saad never took heed.

Maulana Saad felt uncomfortable with all the criticism of him. He started a two-month Tarteeb for his Hirasah and personal security. Many unknown youths came from Mewat. Most of them had never spent a single day in the path of Allah. They exhibit little manners and had a thug-like attitude. Their numbers averaged over a hundred people. Their job was not only to look after Maulana Saad but to also spy on anyone who is not in line with him.

Source: Tablighi Markas Hadhrat Nizhamuddin Kuch Haqaiq, Page 13

2015 August 18 – After the closing of the Old Workers Jod of Uttar Pradesh in Nizamuddin Markaz, Maulana Saad’s guards created a ruckus. They forbade and expelled those who wanted to do Musafaha (Ceremonial Hand Shake) with Maulana Zuhairul Hasan.

Further details: Maulana Saad aggressively demands Musafaha)

Source: Tablighi Markas Hadhrat Nizhamuddin Kuch Haqaiq, Page 10

2015 August 20 – During Shabguzari night at Nizamuddin Markaz, the responsible brothers of Delhi were provoked. At that time there was a commotion in Nizamuddin Markaz between the people of Delhi and Maulana Saad’s guards. Maulana Saad’s guards have adopted this attitude of extreme suspicion. Whenever the slightest evidence came about a person maligning Maulana Saad, such a person will be beaten up.

Source: Tabligh Markas Hazhrat Nizhamuddin Kuch Haqaiq, Page 10

2015 August 23 – As the situation got more and more chaotic, a group of Senior Elders (Including Maulana Ibrahim & Prof Sanaullah) went to address their concerns during the Markaz Mashwara which Maulana Saad was conducting. They raised concerns about the thugs that were controlling Nizamuddin Markaz. However, before they could speak, they were directly criticized and threatened and a commotion erupted. At that moment Maulana Saad proclaimed, “..I am the Amir. By Allah, I am the Amir of the Ummah…” A believer said, “Who made you Amir?!” He was silent. Then the people said, “We refuse.” He said angrily, “You all go to hell (Jahannam)…!”

Source: Audio Recording Maulana Saad Proclaims himself Amir of the Ummah

2015 September – During Fajr Bayan, Maulana Saad said, “Within the four walls of this room, there is no Amir except me.” His speech was opposed by Maulana Yaqub in the next Bayan. The next day, Maulana Saad returned to give Bayan and said, “That person who said there is no Amir (referring to Maulana Yaqub), is Majnun (Crazy). There is no Amir here except me.”

Note: Maulana Yaqub was not just Maulana Saad’s teacher, but the teacher of his father, Maulana Haroon as well.

Source: Maujudah Ahwal ki Wadhahat se Muta’alliq, Page 23

2015 September 10 – Various advice and warnings to Maulana Saad were completely ignored. Because of this, the Elders of Nizamuddin’s headquarters gathered. They agreed to write a letter in Ijtemai to Maulana Saad. In the letter, they mentioned their concerns with regard to the condition of Nizamuddin, his controversial Talks that have offended the Ulema, his Ideologies which are Ghuloo (extremism) in da’wa, etc.

The letter was signed by; Dr Khalid Shiddiqi, Bhay Faruq Ahmad Bangalore, Prof Tsanaullah, Prof. Abdurrahman, Maulana Ismail Ghodrah, and Maulana Abdurrahman.

Source: Maujudah Ahwal ki Wadhahat se Muta’alliq, Page 23

2015 November 5 – Raiwind Ijtema, Pakistan. Due to the chaos that had engulfed Nizamuddin Markaz, many elders agreed that the way to straighten this out was the completion of a strong Aalami Shura and Shura of Nizamuddin.

Source: Dakwah wa Tabligh Azhim Mehnat ke Maujudah Halat, Page 19

2015 November 15 – A Mashwara was conducted in Haweli in Raiwind. Haweli is a building where all the elders are accommodated there during the annual Raiwind Ijtema. Those who were present were approximately 30 people from Raiwind Markaz, 20 people from Nizamuddin Markaz, around 7-10 people from Bangladesh, and 5 from Basti Nizamuddin led by Haji Mumtaz. Haji Mumtaz was Maulana Saad’s caregiver/teacher for many years during his childhood.

Source: Maujudah Ahwal ki Wadhahat se Muta’alliq, Page 25

Haji Abdul Wahab, who was the Faisal (deciding chairperson) of the Mashwara, made a decision to add members new members to the Aalami Shura. The new Shura members were:

1. Haji Abdul Wahab, 93 years old
2. Maulana Saad (Nizamuddin), 50 years old
3. Maulana Ibrahim Dewla (Nizamuddin), 82 years old
4. Maulana Yaqoob (Nizamuddin)
5. Maulana Ahmed Laat (Nizamuddin)
6. Maulana Zuhairul Hasan (Nizamuddin)
7. Maulana Nazrur Rahman (Raiwind)
8. Maulana Abdur Rahman (Raiwind)
9. Maulana Ubaidullah Khurshid (Raiwind)
10. Maulana Zia ul Haq (Raiwind)
11. Qari Zubair (Kakarayel)
12. Maulana Rabiul Haque (Kakarayel)
13. Wasiful Islam (kakarayel)

An agreement was drafted and signed by all members except Maulana Saad and Wasiful Islam.

The agreement also stipulated that all the Nizamuddin-based Shura members would also be the Shura of Nizamuddin.

Source: Dakwah wa Tabligh Azhim Mehnat ke Maujudah Halat, Page 19,20

Maulana Saad strongly rejected both the addition of the World Shura and the Shura in Nizamuddin despite Haji Abdul Wahab being the Faisal of the meeting and a large majority of the attendees agreed upon it.

Maulana Saad refused and said to Haji Abdul Wahab, “This is absolutely unnecessary. I do not agree with this. What right do you have to determine the Shura? You have no right at all! This matter should not be discussed here. This must be discussed in Nizamuddin!” Haji Mumtaz, who was also present at the Mashwara, objected and said, “You told us that Nizamuddin Markaz should not be deciding about the matter as it should be decided in a bigger Mashwara. Now you say that the Shura matter should not be discussed here, how is this?” Maulana Saad said, “There is already a shura (at Nizamuddin Markaz)”. When asked who the shura was, Maulana Saad replied: “We will immediately form them when we return. Maulana Saad then said to Haji Abdul Wahab, “I do not want to follow you anymore! I do NOT want to follow you anymore!”. Haji Mumtaz (who was Maulana Saad’s caregiver for many years since his childhood), was really angry with his foster children.

It was then asked in the Mashwara regarding Maulana Saad declaring himself the Amir of the Ummah (on 23/8/2015). Maulana Saad denied it. An audio recording of his speech was then shown in which he confessed that he was angry at that time.

Source: Tablighi Markas Hadhrat Nizhamuddin Kuch Haqaiq, Page 14

The new appointment of the world Shura was approved through the Ijma/consensus of the attendees and Faisal (decision) of Haji Abdul Wahab. Eleven names have been decided. Each affixed their signature, except Maulana Saad and Wasiful Islam (See the signed letter here)

Source: Dakwah wa Tabligh Azhim Mehnat ke Maujudah Halat, Page 20

2015 November 16 – Disappointed and angry Maulana Saad immediately left Raiwind out of anger before other elders.

Source: Tablighi Markas Hadrat Nizhamuddin Dehli Kuch Haqaiq Kuch Waqiat, Page 11

2015 November 17 – Maulana Saad gathered all his followers at Nizamuddin Markaz, and before them, he said: “There was no shura formation there (Raiwind Ijtema). I was insulted there. There were some workers from Delhi who insulted me as well. You guys should boycott them all.”

Maulana Saad was so upset and angry that he did not allow any Jamaats into Nizamuddin markaz for several days. This was the first ever ‘Strike’ in Nizamuddin Markaz’s History as it had never happened before. Maulana Saad also ordered announcements to be made at Masjids around Delhi not to go to Nizamuddin Markaz temporarily. From the end of November to the beginning of December, Nizamuddin Markaz was very quiet even on its Shabguzari Night and was only attended by foreigners.

Source: Tablighi Headquarters Hadrat Nizamuddin Dehli Kuch Haqaiq Kuch Waqiat, Page 12

2015 December 6 – Not even a month has passed did Maulana Saad formed his own Shura for Nizamuddin Markaz, although he strongly opposed it before. The Shura included his son 22-year-old son, Maulana Yusuf Bin Saad and he was to be the only Amir with no alternating Faisal. They were: (1) Maulana Saad, (2) Maulana Ibrahim Dewla, (3) Maulana Yaqub, (4) Maulana Ahmed Laat, (5) Maulana Zuhairul Hasan, (6) Maulana Yusuf bin Saad, (7) Maulana Abdus Sattar, (8) Miyaji Azhmat (9) Dr Abdul Alim.

Source: Tablighi Headquarters Hadrat Nizamuddin Dehli Kuch Haqaiq Kuch Waqiat, Page 12

2015 December – Throughout this month, without Mashwara (resolution), Maulana Saad replaced the responsible person in some areas with people of his choice and dismissed those who were not in line with him.

Source: Tablighi Headquarters Hadrat Nizamuddin Dehli Kuch Haqaiq Kuch Waqiat, Page 12

A baseless slander was fabricated by Maulana Saad’s followers that the people of Gujarat; including Maulana Ibrahim Dewla, Maulana Ahmed Laat, and others, wanted to take control of Nizamuddin Markaz and seize power from Maulana Saad. This was a dangerous and baseless slander as for the first time ever, the notion of seeking power and favoring a particular race was attributed to the senior elders.

From here onwards, lies, slanders, twisted facts, and violence have become the habit of Maulana Saad’s followers.

Source: Tablighi Hadhrat Nizhamuddin Kuch Haqaiq Headquarters, Page 13

2016 June 19 – 13 Ramadan 1437 – The first-ever bloodshed occurred in Nizamuddin Markaz. A group of hoodlums who were in the service of Maulana Saad decided to purge Nizamuddin Markaz. In a neatly crafted plan, most of the foreigners were first sent out in Jamaat. The rest were not allowed to come downstairs. The front gate was locked from the inside.

It was just after Ifthar (the breaking of Fast after Ramadhan). All of a sudden, about a hundred gangsters stormed Nizamuddin Markaz. Anyone who was not in line with Maulana Saad was severely beaten. Some of the elder’s rooms were severely vandalized and even the furniture was destroyed.

No fewer than 15 people stormed Maulana Zuhair’s house and vandalized it. The door of the house was broken into pieces. In this terrifying environment, Maulana Zuhairul Hasan could not go to the Masjid to conduct Taraweeh. His family spent the whole night in a state of fear and terror; no arrangement could be made for Sehri (a meal before dawn in Ramadhan) the following morning.

A few of these people reached the first floor (where the rooms of Maulana Yaqub and Maulana Ibrahim were), broke the lock of two rooms, and stole the belongings inside. One of these rooms was used by Maulana Ahmad Laat’s guests. When Maulana Ahmad Laat came to know of this open barbarism, he left the very next day and returned to his hometown.

Blood splattered everywhere. The screams of the women and the cries of frightened children were heard from inside the Nizamuddin Markaz residential complex. The gangsters also went to the shops outside Nizamuddin Markaz. Any shop related or belonging to Gujaratis was ransacked and destroyed. The commotion caused some people to be injured and rushed to the hospital. Some were so severely beaten that they had to be rushed to the ICU.

Police came and Nizamuddin Markaz was temporarily closed. Instead of acting against these rioters, Maulana Saad did hardly anything. He just lodged a complaint with the police against local residents who were not in line with him. His explanation did not match the slightest description of what really happened, let alone give justice to the victims.

On this very day, the fabrics of morality, Ikramul Muslimeen, compassion, love, and honouring Muslim brothers have been shredded into pieces.

Source: Tablighi Headquarters Hadrat Nizamuddin Dehli Kuch Haqaiq Kuch Waqiat, page 13.

See Nizamuddin’s first-ever bloodshed: The day our elders left.

2016 June 20 – Local newspapers and media were instantly filled with the headline ‘Bloodshed at Nizamuddin’.

One of the victims was a family member of Maulana Ubaidillah Belyawi who made an audio statement regarding the incident. The sanctity of Nizamuddin Markaz crumbled into pieces due to the ambition and vengeance of a single person.

Several scholars came to Maulana Saad, including Mufti Abul Qasim Nu’mani, and Maulana Salimullah Khan. Even Maulana Arshad Madani (well-known Senior Mufti of Darul Uloom Deoband) had to beak his Iktikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan to meet Maulana Saad to solve this problem. All their pearls of advice were ignored by Maulana Saad. They all returned with deep disappointment. Maulana Arshad Madani himself claimed in an Audio recording that “It is clear that Maulana Saad did not get proper Tarbiyyah (Good character upbringing)“

Source1: Tablighi Headquarters Hadrat Nizamuddin Dehli Kuch Haqaiq Kuch Waqiat, page 13,14.

Source2: Maulana Arshad Madani Audio at 5:26 “Maulana Saad did not get proper Tarbiyyah”

2016 July 17 – As all advice was ignored by Maulana Saad, some of the senior elders wrote a letter to Maulana Saad. Among the contents of the letter are:

“The sanctity of Nizamuddin over the past century has been destroyed due to the recent event. It has been incorrectly perpetuated as a leadership conflict when in fact it is a conflict between the correct and approved pattern and doctrine of the work and the unapproved innovations of but a single person. For so long we have been trying to solve this problem, but now your followers have left the matter to a group of hooligans who use violence and physically abuse anyone who does not agree with you. The crux of the problem is that the elders who have been in the work since the era of Maulana Yusuf and Maulana In’amul Hasan have pleaded for the effort to continue according to the approved and original pattern and doctrine of the work, under the supervision of (the approved) Shura, while your followers want to impose your total unconditional leadership.”

“Maulana Ilyas had always felt uncomfortable if the effort were to continue under a single Amir. No one is free from shortcomings, and with the passage of time, these shortcomings will increase. The solution to the current problem, as suggested by Maulana Ilyas, is the existence of a special Jamaat (group of people), where the work will continue its guidance and supervision. This is our stand and the stance of locals and elders abroad. The innovations you introduced were never approved nor did they exist in the periods of the previous 3 Hadratjis (leaders). We brought this to your attention repeatedly as this issue is already dividing us. May Allah save us from the threat that Maulana Ilyas has forewarned us: ‘If the Usool (Doctrine) of this work is violated, then the fitnas which would have taken centuries to come, would come in a matter of days’. The signs are visible now.

Secondly, you have made statements in your talks that contradict the madhab (school of taught) and the Ijma (majority consensus of the scholars). These statements are echoed and practised by your followers. The Ulama are very concerned about the direction in which this effort is heading due to this. You also criticize religious institutions and some personalities. Our previous elders have always advised us to avoid any remarks that criticize, demean, and negatively compare others so that this effort is open to everyone.

Allah SWT has revived this effort through Maulana Ilyas; has explained this effort through Maulana Yusuf in the light of the Qu’ran, Hadith, and lives of the Sahaba; and has preserved the pattern and expanded this effort through Maulana Inamul Hassan. If it is deemed necessary to change the pattern of this effort, the change must be made through the unanimous agreement of Shura from all three countries (India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh).

We are at the end of our lives and want to state that we do not agree with the current conditions of the effort (in Nizamuddin). That is why we are no longer attending the quarterly Mashwaras (meetings). This effort needs to be run under the supervision of the Shura, otherwise, we lose the experienced old workers who do not agree with the way you are changing this effort.

Tabligh is the purpose of our lives and Nizamuddin is our homeland. If things get better, InshaAllah, we will immediately return to Nizamuddin. Today, workers from around the world are busy talking about what’s happening in Nizamuddin instead of doing the actual work. Every Mashwara is about Nizamuddin. May Allah remove the suffering from our hearts and return us to the right Fikr (worry and concern) of deen. Ameen.

Signed By: Maulana Ismail Ghodrah, Maulana Abdurrahman Mumbay, Maulana Uthman Kakosi, Haji Faruq Ahmad Banglore, Muhsin Ottoman Luknow, Prof Tsanaullah Khan Aligarh, Prof Abdurrahman Madras.

Source: Dakwah wa Tabligh Ki Azhim Mehnat ke Maujudah Halat, page 33, 34

2016 July 18 – Due to the abuse received from a baseless slander that he wanted to be the new Amir of Tabligh, Maulana Zuhairul Hasan wrote a letter that states:

I would like to humbly state that I have never desired to become an Amir and have never demanded it. How can I do so when my late father, Maulana Zubairul Hasan sbرحمۃ اللہ علیہ, in his whole life, never claimed and aspired to be one? He always obeyed local and world Mashwarahs. As such, how can I dare to claim IMARAT (leadership)?

Source: Dakwah wa Tabligh Ki Azhim Mehnat ke Maujudah Halat, p. 32

With the passage of time, it became more and more clear that the desire to be the Ameer of Tabligh came only from Maulana Saad. By the will of Allah, Maulana Zuhair’s good name was cleansed from this evil slander.

Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 78

2016 August 12 – Even though all his colleagues left, Maulana Ibrahim Dewla still hoped that the effort of Da’wa could be saved in Nizamuddin Markaz.

However, Maulana Ibrahim would receive threats from Maulana Saad’s hooligans. He was frequently visited and asked questions; “Maulana, if you don’t feel at home here, just leave”

Finally, Maulana Ibrahim decided to leave Nizamuddin Markaz. Maulana Saad’s hooligans threatened Maulana Ibrahim to leave quietly and dare not reveal the incidents in Nizamuddin. They fabricated a rumour that Maulana Ibrahim left due to illness.

Source: Tablighi Headquarters Hadrat Nizamuddin Dehli Kuch Haqaiq Kuch Waqiat, Page 14

2016 August 15 – Fake rumours on why Maulana Ibrahim Dewla departed from Nizamuddin began to spread. Maulana Ibrahim Dewla wrote a letter addressed to all the workers of Tabligh. He denied all rumours as to why he left Nizamuddin.

See: Maulana Ibrahim Dewla’s Letter

Source: Maulana Ibrahim Dewla’s Letter

2016 August 27 – Maulana Yaqub, who was the oldest elder in Nizamuddin and the teacher of both Maulana Saad and Maulana Harun (Maulana Saad’s father), finally wrote a letter reprimanding Maulana Saad.

See: Maulana Yaqub’s Letter

Source: Maulana Yaqub’s Letter

2016 October 13 – Saudi Arabia Elders (led by Sheikh Ghassan Madinah and Sheikh Fadil Makkah) went to meet Maulana Saad following an agreed meeting with him. They were to mediate a discussion between Maulana Saad and the ex-Nizamuddin Elders to resolve their differences. The Elders thus came from all over India following their call.

Maulana Saad, however, refused to meet the elders and made a threatening remark: “If these elders ever open up the topic (of differences), I will be upset and my voice will be loud. If that happens, this Markaz will be full of Mewatis within an hour. These elders won’t be able to leave my room, let alone leave the Markaz“.

The next day, the Makkah and Madinah Elders Jamaat were visited by the police saying they received complaints of terrorists. They were shocked!

The meeting thus did not happen and both the Saudi elders and ex-Nizamuddin elders left in sorrow.

Source: Sheikh Ghassan Madinah & Sheikh Fazil Makkah’s Letter

2016 November 13 – Raiwind Ijtema, Pakistan. Despite the many invitation requests to attend and resolve the current issues with the work, Maulana Saad refused to attend the Raiwind Ijtema. All senior elders came to Raiwind Ijtema except him.

In the presence of delegations from Nizamuddin, Kakrail, and Raiwind, Haji Abdul Wahab said: “No Amiraat will work. What has been agreed upon is what we will do. Yesterday, the people of Nizamuddin came to me and I spoke to them. If in Saad’s desire, there is this thing “I am Ameer”, “I am someone (big)”, and everyone makes Bay’ah to him, even so, it will not work. What has been agreed upon is what will happen. I have told the people of Nizamuddin: The members of the Mashwara came to me and after discussing with them, I am in agreement with them. (In the past) Whenever there were problems in various countries, Maulana Yusuf would tell me that his Shura members were not there as some were in Mecca, Pakistan, etc. The decision will only be made when everyone gathers.

(On this account,) After the demise of Maulana Inamul Hasan, we all sat in Mashwara. Saad said that if I am appointed as Ameer, those who want Maulana Zubayr (to be Ameer) will disconnect themselves (from this effort). If Maulana Zubayr is made Ameer, those who want me (to be Ameer) will disconnect themselves (from this effort). (From that Mashwara, it was decided that) This effort will be run by a Shura and Bay’ah will not occur there (referring to Nizamuddin). This matter has been agreed upon. Does everyone here understand? People should stop acting big and any such Bay’ah must be stopped. I have told the people of Nizamuddin: All of you should go (back) to Nizamuddin and make Du’a to Allah SWT (so that Allah SWT makes things easy for all of us). When you get there, whatever has been decided by Mashwara (referring to no Ameer and no Bay’ah), continue on that. Keep making Du’a. While putting (the guidance of) the entire humanity in front, ask Allah: Ya Allah, put in my heart the right thing to do!”

Source: Haji Abdul Wahab Recorded Statements

2016 November 28 – Darul Uloom Deoband, due to the need to protect the masses and the work of Tabligh, issued an official Mawqif (Stance or Fatwa) regarding Maulana Saad’s twisted ideologies who they deemed as having strayed from Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah.

See: Darul Uloom Deoband Fatwa on Maulana Saad: Deviation from Ahlus Sunnah

2016 November 30 – Maulana Saad initiates a Rujoo process to demonstrate his repentance and retract his statements with Darul Uloom Deoband.

See: The Rujoo of Maulana Saad: Did he actually do Rujoo?

2016 December 3 – The great Darul Uloom Saharanpur, the birthplace of Tabligh, also issued a fatwa/stance on Maulana Saad in support of the Darul Ulum Deoband’s fatwa. It was signed by 8 scholars, including Maulana Salman Saharanpuri who is the father-in-law of Maulana Saad.

2016-2018 – We have collected a count of 33 fatwas/stances that have been released by different institutions worldwide against Maulana Saad. They have raised concerns about the damage he has done and the fact that he has strayed from the path of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah.

See: A collection of 33 Fatwas against Maulana Saad

2017 September – The top most senior Ulemas of Bangladesh decided to put their weight into the matter. A meeting was held between them, government representatives, Shura of Kakrail, and Darul Uloom Deoband linked scholars. To force a peace reconciliation, they made a condition for Maulana Saad. He can only enter Tongi Ijtema if the following are met:

• Maulana Saad must reconcile and come to the Tongi Ijtema together with Maulana Ibrahim and Maulana Ahmad Laat.
• Maulana Saad must complete his Rujoo with Darul Uloom Deoband.

Source: Inkishaf Haqiqat, Page 22

2017 November 11 – Raiwind Ijtema, Pakistan. Maulana Saad was not present. However, an envoy from Nizamuddin came which consisted of Maulana Shaukat, Mufti Shehzad, and Bhai Mursalin. Haji Abdul Wahab gathered approximately 500 responsible brothers and Shuras from all over the world at Raiwind Markaz at 11:00 am. Haji Abdul Wahab gave an explanation of the Ikhtilaf. After reading some sayings of Maulana Yusuf (the second Amir of Tabligh), He said,

The people of Nizamuddin Markaz must repent and make Istighfar now. All of you should not go to Nizamuddin. Nizamuddin Markaz is not like before. Nizamuddin has been controlled by those who do not go out in the Path of Allah. Not even (Maulana) Saad has ever been out 40 days in the Path of Alah.”

Source: Haji Abdul Wahab’s Statement, Raiwind Ijtema, November 2017

2018 January 10 – Maulana Saad was not allowed to attend Tongi Ijtema, Bangladesh. The reason was that Maulana Saad did not fulfil the entry conditions set in September 2017, by the topmost Ulemas of Bangladesh.

• Maulana Saad failed to initiate even the slightest attempt at reconciliation with Maulana Ibrahim and Maulana Ahmad Laat.
• Maulana Saad was still considered a person who deviated from the path of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah. He had not completed his Rujoo with Darul Uloom Deoband.

Maulana Saad however entered Bangladesh with a tourist visa from Thailand. When this maneuver was known, the Ulemas were outraged as this was seen as defiance and disrespect to the direction of the topmost Ulemas of Bangladesh. Thousands of Ulemas protested the arrival of Maulana Saad and blocked all exits from the Shahjalal airport, Dhaka.

Wasiful Islam secretly took Maulana Saad out of the Dhaka airport using a back route into Kakrail Markaz. When this maneuver was discovered, thousands of Ulemas surrounded Kakrail Markaz and blocked all ways out of the Markaz.

Source: Dhaka Tribune

2018 January 11 – The 53rd Tongi Ijtema, Bangladesh started. As there was an overwhelming wave of protests on Maulana Saad’s arrival, the Bangladesh government banned Maulana Saad and his followers from leaving Kakrail Markaz.

Source: Dhaka Tribune

2018 March 20 – Questions came from various countries regarding the cause of the crisis. Due to this, the seniormost elders of Tabligh made a statement and Ultimatum:

“The solution to this problem rests solely on one individual:

(1) Maulana Saad must accept the (World/Aalami) Shura and accept the rotating Faisal (Deciding chairperson) between them.

(2) The effort of Tabligh must be retained in the approved and original pattern and doctrine of Hadhratji Maulana Ilyas, Maulana Yusuf, and Maulana Inamul Hasan. Maulana Saad must not introduce any changes without the approval of the Shura.

(3) Maulana Saad must stop propagating statements and ideas to which Darul Uloom Deoband has objected. He should do whatever it takes to make amends with Darul Uloom Deoband.”

Signed by: Haji Abdul Wahab, Maulana Ibrahim Dewla, Maulana Zuhairul Hasan, Maulana Abdurrahman Mumbai, Maulana Ubaidullah Khurshid, Bhai Hashmat Ali, Chaudhry Muhammed Rafiq, Maulana Muhammed Yaqub, Maulana Ahmed Laat, Maulana Nazur Rahman, Maulana Zia ul Haq, Maulana Uthman Kakosi, Maulana Ehsanul Haq, Maulana Ahmed Batlah, Dr Ruhullah, Bhai Babar Javed, Mian Muhammed Anwar, Bhai Irshad Ahmed, Bhai Fida Muhammed Piracha, Prof Muhammad Shahid, Bhai Bakht Munir, Bhai Sultan Iqbal, Bhai Naushad Baig, Bhai Muhammed Ali, Dr Manzur Ahmed.

TO BE CONTINUED…