Maulana Saad

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Maulana Saad is a religious figure and the current Amir (leader) of the “Maulana Saad” Offshoot of Tablighi Jamaat. His faction was created after he treacherously violated the Shura agreement, abandoning the existing Shura and declaring himself the new Ameer.

Maulana Saad
Maulana Saad

Maulana Saad Biography

Name – Maulana Saad
Real Name – Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi
Nick Name – Maulana Saad Sahab
Address – Maulana Saad’s Residence in Banglawali Masjid; and Farmhouse in Shamli District, UP
Birthday – 10 May 1965
Age – 57 Years (as of January 2023)
Gender – Male
Nationality – Indian
Religion – Islam, Sunni
Profession – Indian Muslim scholar, Head of the Tablighi Jamat Nizamuddin Offshoot, New Delhi, India.
Qualification – Madrasa Kashiful Uloom, Nizamuddin (Incomplete)

Maulana Saad Age / DOB

Maulana Saad was born on the 10th of May 1965 at Kandhla, Shamli District, UP, India. Maulana Saad age is currently 57 years old as of January 2024.

Maulana Saad Family Tree

Maulana Saad’s father is Maulana Muhammed Haroon Kandhalvi who is only a son of Maulana Yusuf Kandhlawi, who is the son of Maulana Ilyas Kandhlawi, the founder of Tablighi Jamaat. His lineage can be traced to Mufti Ilahi Bakhsh and further traced to the Prophet Muhammad SAW’s greatest companion Abu Bakar As-Siddiq RA.

Maulana Saad Family Tree
Maulana Saad Family Tree

Click here for the Full History of Tablighi Jamaat

Maulana Saad Father

Maulana Saad’s Father is Maulana Haroon Kandhlawi. He passed away on the 28th of September 1973 when Maulana Saad was 8 years old. Maulana Harun Kandhalawi himself was 35 years old at that time. His death was due to a sickness where he was hospitalized for 13 days.

Maulana Saad Father Maulana Harun Kandhalvi
Maulana Saad Father Maulana Harun Kandhalvi

Maulana Saad Early Education

After Maulana Saad lost his father at an early age, Maulana Saad was fostered by Haji Mumtaz from Basti Nizamuddin. He was also Maulana Saad’s Caretaker. Since women do not generally go out of their houses, Haji Mumtaz would be the one to take Maulana Saad around and manage his early education.

Maulana Saad Religious Education

Maulana Saad furthered his education at Madrasa Kasiful Uloom, Nizamuddin Markaz, India, in 1987. While he was there, some of his teachers included Maulana Yaqub and Maulana Ibrahim Dewla.

According to one of the Madrasa’s Council members, Maulana Saad never completed his A’alim/Religious studies and never received a certificate.

Source: A Mewati insider explains the Nizamuddin controversy

Due to his lineage (as the great-grandson of the founder), he would often be absent from his classes for long periods unchecked. As he did not receive a formal religious certificate, he is technically not an Ulama/A’lim.

Maulana Saad’s Character

Maulana Saad is known to be a persuasive public speaker. Due to being the grandson of Maulana Yusuf (The second Ameer of Tablighi Jamaat), Maulana Saad was always treated with a golden spoon.

The principal of Darul Uloom Deoband, Maulana Arshad Madani, claimed that Maulana Saad did not undergo proper Tarbiyyah. This means that such a person has a poor character.

Source: Maulana Arshad Madani Audio at 5:26

Some of his poor character and attitudes have been documented as follows:

#1 Maulana Saad claims that Maulana Zakariyya and Inaamul Hassan are the enemies of Da’wa

Maulana Saad’s father, Maulana Haroon was the maternal grandson of Maulana Zakariyya Kandhlawi. Maulana Inamul Hasan who was the third Ameer of Tabligh, was the brother in law of Maulana Yusuf, the second Ameer of Tabligh (and grandfather of Maulana Saad).

Yet, despite these close family ties, after the demise of Maulana Inamul Hasan in 1995, Maulana Saad would othen say:

The enemies of Da’wa are two: Maulana Zakariyya because he did not make my father Ameer; and Maulana Inamul Hasan.

Maulana Saad (Ahwal Wa Atsar, p425)

Such words are not only evil but blasphemous. This contentious event was recorded in the book ‘Ahwal Wa Atsar’ written by Shaykhul Hadith Maulana Shahed Saharanpuri. Maulana Shahed was the grandson of Shaykul Hadith Maulana Zakariyya and the son-in-law of Maulana Inamul Hassan.

#2 Maulana Saad insults Maulana Iftikharul Hasan

Maulana Iftikharul Hasan Kandhelwi was tasked to be the spiritual guide of Maulana Saad. On one occasion, Maulana Saad insulted him on some matter. Maulana Ihtikharul Hassan left Nizamuddin saying “Neither did his father or his grandfather ever speak to me this way”.

#3 Maulana Saad throws a tantrum when asked to co-share Musafaha (farewell handshaking ceremony)

It is a tradition of the holy prophet SAW that before Da’wa parties were to depart, a Musafaha (farewell handshaking ceremony) was to be conducted. In the 2014 Bhopal Ijtema, it was decided that he and Maulana Zuhair were to conduct the Musafaha ceremony together.

Maulana Saad felt challenged by this decision. He walked off the stage during the ceremony which was attended by at least 1 million people.

Source: Ahwal Wa Atsar Page, p76

#4 Maulana Saad disrespects his teacher and the most senior elder in Nizamuddin

Maulana Yaqub was the most experienced worker and teacher in Nizamuddin. As a teacher, he was not only the teacher of Maulana Saad but the teacher of Maulana Saad’s father as well.

Once, with full disrespect, Maulana Saad looked directly into the eyes of Maulana Yaqub and told him:

“What do you know about the work of Da’wa? I am doing the work here!”

Source: Ahwal Wa Atsar, p489

Once, in a Bayan (public speech), Maulana Saad made a scoffing remark to Maulana Yaqub, as Maulana Yaqub denied his Emirate (leadership). Maulana Saad said: “That person who said there is no Amir (referring to Maulana Yaqub), is Majnun (Crazy). There is no Amir here except me.”

Source: Maujudah Ahwal ki Wadhahat se Muta’alliq, p21

In August 2016, Maulana Yaqub wrote a letter explaining the 2014 Tablighi Jamaat Crisis.

Source: Maulana Yaqub’s Letter

#5 Maulana Saad tells the senior elders of Nizamuddin to go to hell

On one occasion, Maulana Saad was so angry at a group of elders for not accepting his leadership that he told them all to “go to Jahannam(Hell)”.

Source: Actual audio recording

Maulana Saad was appointed to the World Shura at a young age

In 1993, at the age of 29, the young Maulana Saad was appointed to the World Shura, the highest council in Tablighi Jamaat. The purpose of the World Shura was to assist the Ameer. At that time, the Ameer was Maulana Inamul Hasan.

After Maulana Inamul Hasan passed away, the World Shura decided in a 1995 agreement that there would be no more Ameer but a rotating Faisal (deciding Chairman) during the Shura meetings. The rotating Faisal would emulate the role of an Ameer. The agreement also ceased the practice of Bay’ah (pledge of allegiance to an Ameer) as it would indicate the existence of an Ameer. (It is to be noted that Maulana Saad later violated this agreement to create his off-shoot faction)

Source: Ahwal Wa Atsar, p421, C Amanatullah, Maulana Yaqub’s letter, Haji Abdul Wahab’s statement

Maulana Saad takes control of the Markaz Treasury

In August 1996, Maulana Izharul Hasan, who was in charge of the Nizamuddin Markaz’s finances passed away. Maulana Saad took over the 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: C Amanatullah – Tablighi Headquarters Nizamuddin

Maulana Saad has never spent time in Jamaat

One of the key elements of the Tablighi Jamaat movement is the Da’wa missions or ‘Jamaats’. These Jamaats are typically organized in 3 days, 40 days or 4 months missions. Each members are encouraged to embark on these missions periodically.

After being appointed to the World Shura, Maulana Saad has never spent any time in Jamaat until today. This was testified by many including Haji Abdul Wahab Sahab who was the Ameer of Pakistan and a World Shura member as well.

Source: Haji Abdul Wahab, Chaudhry Amanatullah, Maulana Yaseen Mewati

Maulana Saad declares himself the new Ameer (Leader) violating the 1995 agreement

Maulana Saad declared himself the new Ameer(leader) of Tabligh in 2014 by initiating Bay’ah (pledge of allegiance) to himself. This move was highly criticized as it violated the 1995 agreement, which stipulated there would be no more Bay’ah as there is no more single Ameer.

The World Shura rejected his move to be the new Ameer

In November 2015, the World Shura met in Raiwind, Pakistan. At that time the World Shura had recently lost its third member (Maulana Zubairul Hassan). Only Haji Abdul Wahab and Maulana Saad was the remaining member left.

During the World Shura meeting, Haji Abdul Wahab was the Faisal (deciding chairman) at that time. Maulana Saad’s declaration of Ameership was criticized. The World Shura was also expanded by adding new members including Maulana Ibrahim Dewla and Maulana Yaqub.

Source: World Shura Appointment Letter 2015

The decision to expand the World Shura enraged Maulana Saad as he did not want the Shura to continue as there were only 2 members left. He aimed to be the sole Ameer himself.

Source: Haji Abdul Wahab’s Statement

Maulana Saad closes down the Markaz in protest

Upon returning from Pakistan, in protest, Maulana Saad for the first time ever closed down the Nizamuddin Markaz (in India) for local Jamaats. For almost one month, the Markaz was quiet with only foreigners attending.

Source: C Amanatullah – Tablighi Headquarters Nizamuddin

Maulana Saad creates his offshoot Tablighi Jamaat Faction

In December 2015, Maulana Saad created his own Shura where he was the sole Ameer and rejected the existing World Shura.

Since the World Shura was the recognized body as per the 1995 agreement, Maulana Saad has thus broken himself away from mainstream Tablighi Jamaat.

Maulana Saad attempts to disunite Tablighi Jamaat Worldwide

Maulana Saad began to seize control of various Tablighi Jamaat Halaqas (units) in India and worldwide by appointing his loyalists and demoting those who were against him. He sent many Jamaats worldwide to propagate his version of the story creating a slew of disagreements disuniting Tablighi Jamaat worldwide.

Those who were not in line with him were asked to leave their respected Markazs worldwide.

Source: Letter 18, Collection of Elders Letter, C Amanatullah – Tablighi Headquarters Nizamuddin

The World Shura members from India remain hopeful

The newly appointed World Shura members from India continued to stay in Nizamuddin despite Maulana Saad’s defiance. They wanted Tablighi Jamaat to continue as usual and were hopeful that Maulana Saad would eventually come to his senses and the situation would resolve by itself.

All hopes to mediate were lost when Maulana Saad resorted to violence

On the 19th of June 2016, on the night of the 13th Ramadhan, a group of Maulana Saad’s 100-150 gangsters stormed Nizamuddin Markaz and severely assaulted anyone who was not in line with him.

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Maulana Saad 2016 Nizamuddin Assault
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Maulana Saad 2016 Nizamuddin Assault

14 people were rushed to the ICU including the well-respected Maulana Ahmad Madhi, who was a close companion (Khadim) of Maulana Inaamul Hassan (This third Ameer of Tabligh).

Almost all the elders including the World Shura of Nizamuddin left the Markaz the very next day. This ended all hopes for mediation.

Maulana Saad denied involvement though many evidences point otherwise. Maulana Ibrahim Dewla himself witnessed a violent incident and was shocked to learn the truth when he confronted Maulana Saad.

For more details see: Markaz Nizamuddin’s First Ever Bloodshed – The Day Our Elders Left

Haji Abdul Wahab takes a Stand against Maulana Saad

Seeing the elders leaving Nizamuddin after the Ramadhan 2016 violence, Haji Abdul Wahab decided to take a strong stand against Maulana Saad.

  • He rallied and united all the elders
  • He instructed people to abandon Nizamuddin Markaz saying it has been occupied by irresponsible people.
  • He delivered an ultimatum to Maulana Saad singling him the source of the Fitna.

Source: Haji Abdul Wahab’s Audio, Ultimatum letter

Maulana Saad’s influence starts to decline

Maulana Saad has been on the decline since breaking away from Tablighi Jamaat:

  • In 2020 MarchNizamuddin Markaz was shut down following the Covid-19 hotspot where it became a super spreader. Many foreigners were jailed for up to 6 months.
  • In 2020 April, the media exposed Maulana Saad’s large farmhouse mansion with plush interiors, CCTVs, electric fences, dogs, swimming pools, luxury cars, and exotic animals [source1source2source3source].
  • In 2020 March, a money laundering case was opened against Maulana Saad as authorities found a large sum of money in his bank account.
  • In 2022, the Indian courts enforced strict conditions on Nizamuddin Markaz: No Tablighi activities, no lectures, no foreigners, and CCTVs must be installed at all entrances, stairs, and every floor [source]. Nizamuddin was reopened in late 2022 under these strict conditions.
  • 2018 – 2023 â€“ Maulana Saad was barred 6 times from entering Tongi Ijtema, the largest Muslim gathering after Hajj.
  • 2016-2023 â€“ Many Fatwas were issued on Maulana Saad to save the public from his ideologies.
  • 2023 â€“ A strong and detailed fatwa was issued by Darul Uloom Deoband. They prohibited people from spreading Maulana Saad’s views and mentioned his followers would be answerable to Allah SWT.

Maulana Saad Family

Maulana Saad’s Family members are Binti Salman Mazahiri (his wife), Maulana Yusuf Bin Saad (eldest son), Maulana Saeed Bin Saad (second son), Maulana Ilyas Bin Saad (youngest son), and 2 daughters. They are a wealthy family, owning luxury cars and living in a large mansion.

Maulana Saad Wife

Maulana Saad’s Wife is Binti Salman Mazahiri. She is the daughter of Maulana Salman Mazahiri, who is the principal of Mazahirul Uloom Saharanpur. They were married in 1990.

Maulana Saad’s Wife is known to be an extrovert and would give strong speeches to the ladies who came for Masturat (ladies) Jamaat in Nizamuddin Markaz. This is despite she has not spent any time in Jamat just like her husband.

Maulana Saad’s Wife’s father, Maulana Salman Mazahiri (Maulana Saad’s father-in-law), was one of the signatories of the Mazahirul Uloom Saharanpur’s stand against Maulana Saad.

Source: Mazahirul Uloom’s stance/fatwa

Maulana Saad Son

Maulana Saad has three sons, namely Maulana Yusuf Bin Saad (eldest), Maulana Saeed Bin Saad (second), and Maulana Ilyas Bin Saad (youngest). Maulana Yusuf Bin Saad is deemed to be his successor and the next amir of his faction.

All three of his sons appeared in Tongi Ijtema 2023 and gave talks there. Maulana Yusuf Bin Saad was selected to give the final dua (Akheree Munajat), which is usually done by his father.

Maulana Yusuf Bin Saad
Maulana Yusuf Bin Saad
Maulana Saeed Bin Saad
Maulana Saeed Bin Saad
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Maulana Ilyas Bin Saad

History of Tablighi Jamaat: Origin, Expansion and the Fitna

Maulana Saad and Deoband

Maulana Saad’s ideologies have been openly criticized by Darul Uloom Deoband.

The first-ever criticism of Maulana Saad’s speech came in the form of a letter from Maulana Muhammad Ishaq Utarwi in 2001. Maulana Ishaq claimed that Maulana Saad’s manner of speech is no longer in line with how the previous elders used to deliver lectures.

On 28th November 2016, Darul Uloom Deoband issued its first stance (Mawqeef) or Fatwa on Maulana Saad.

Following the Fatwa, Maulana Saad accused Doeband of being against the work of Da’wa but at the same time started a Rujoo process. The Rujoo was incomplete and was officially rejected by Darul Uloom Deoband in January 2018.

In June 2023, Deoband released a lengthy on Maulana Saad. The 27-page fatwa delves into great detail about why they believe Maulana Saad has deviated from the Ahlus Sunnah. In summary:

  • It is not permissible to propagate Maulana Saad’s views and ideologies by any means.
  • Those who are defending him are regrettable. They will be answerable to Allah SWT for their actions.

Due to his popularity in India, Maulana Saad seems no longer interested in making amends with the Darul Ulooms. He continued to persist in controversial statements until today. The most recent criticism of him was from Darul Uloom Farooqia Karnataka dated December 2023

Source: List of Fatwas

Maulana Saad Bayan

Maulana Saad is known to be a good speaker. His talks are often engaging as he is critical and often makes thought-provoking yet controversial statements. This has been the key contention the Ulema and Darul Ulooms have against him.

Some of his controversial statements include:

Wasiful Islam

Wasiful Islam is the leader of the Maulana Saad’s Faction in Bangladesh.

Wasiful Islam
Wasiful Islam

Maulana Shamim

Maulana Shamim is Maulana Saad’s key supporter in India. He is known to travel all over the world coercing people to obey Maulana Saad. Since it is inappropriate for Maulana Saad to speak about himself directly or asking others to obey him as the Ameer, he uses such people to do so.

Maulana Shamim
Maulana Shamim Ahmad Azmi

Where is Maulana Saad now?

As of 2023, Maulana Saad currently resides in his second home in Nizamuddin Markaz, Delhi. His main home is a large house in Shamli, UP. It is currently managed by his son, Maulana Yusuf bin Saad. According to his relative, Maulana Badrul Hisham, he spends most of his time there and only once a month (for a few days) at his large farmhouse mansion in Shamli District, UP.

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Maulana Saad House: Swimming Pool
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Maulana Saad House: Main Block

Maulana Saad Facebook

Maulana Saad’s official approved page is http://www.delhimarkaz.com/, which officially uploads his latest talks and events. As an individual, we do not know if Maulana Saad has a Facebook page. His fans however have created the following Facebook page: Hazrat Ji Maulana Sa’ad DB Un, which has 80K followers as of 2023.

Click here for the Full History of Tablighi Jamaat

Maulana Saad Topi

Maulana Saad is known to wear a distinct Topi (Muslim religious hat), which is cylindrical vs. the conventional semi-spherical one. This type of Topi is best for people who keep thick hair. The Topi is usually made from breathable cotton. As Maulana Saad wears a turban, the cotton helps with breathability.

Maulana Saad Topi
Maulana Saad’s Topi

Other Links

History of Tablighi Jamaat: Origin, Expansion and the Fitna

2 comments

  1. Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barkaathahu
    My name is Nayim Sayyed and I’m from BELGAUM Karnataka. Reason for commenting is seeking contact number of tableeg jamaat in Germany. Because I’m moving Germany this coming month in February for the purpose of work and I also love to do Tableeg jamaat and I also believe that my real success was in spreading in the Islamic knowledge.so please contact me as soon as possible. My contact number is 93538347 33

  2. To Respected
    Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi sahib
    Subject: Urgent Complaint Regarding Exclusion from Atiqaf and Rude Behaviour by Representatives of Masjid Rashad Committee, Baramulla Kashmir

    Dear Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi sahib
    Assalamalikum

    I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of grave concern regarding the conduct of the representatives of the Masjid Rashad Committee in Baramulla. It has come to my notice that common people are being unjustly denied participation in Atiqaf, and furthermore, there have been reports of rude behaviour exhibited by the so-called representatives, namely Shabir Ahmad Bhat mobile No :- 9469453088 and Showkat Hussain Khan mobile No 9797773137
    I would like to know who is controlling the Masjid Rashad Baramulla and is masjid Rashad Baramulla some once personal property? Please clear this to me
    Atiqaf holds immense spiritual significance for members of the community, offering a period of dedicated worship and reflection, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. However, it is deeply distressing to learn that certain individuals are being prevented from partaking in this sacred practice, violating the principles of inclusivity and fairness that are integral to our faith.
    Moreover, the reported instances of rude behaviour by Shabir Ahmad Bhat and Showkat Hussain Khan are unacceptable and reflect poorly on the reputation of the Masjid Rashad Baramulla Committee. As representatives entrusted with the responsibility of serving the community, they should conduct themselves with utmost respect and professionalism towards all members, regardless of their background or status.
    I urge the Amere Jammat to launch an immediate investigation into these allegations and take appropriate action to rectify the situation. It is imperative that measures are put in place to ensure that Atiqaf remains accessible to all members of the community, without discrimination or undue obstruction.
    Furthermore, I request that necessary disciplinary action be taken against individuals found guilty of exhibiting rude behaviour towards fellow worshippers. Such conduct is not only contrary to the teachings of Islam but also undermines the spirit of unity and brotherhood that should prevail within our religious institutions.

    In conclusion, I implore the Amere Jammat to address these issues promptly and transparently, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the values of inclusivity, fairness, and respect within the community.

    Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

    Sincerely,
    Siraj ud din salam
    R/o Kanispora Baramulla 193101
    7006880334
    Dated March 23 2024

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