Allama Abdul Alim Siddiqi: A Great Preacher

Compiled

By

Seraj Ahmad Misbahi

Ph. D

Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

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 Content

Dedication

Preface

Main Article

References

About Author

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 Dedication

I dedicate this humble work

To

My parents and grand parents

And

All respected teachers

I ask Allah Almighty to protect them from all evil,

And shower on them His kindness and blessing in this world and the
hereafter.

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 Preface

A short biography of the great Islamic scholar globally known as Muballigh-

e-Islam who paved the first time in the history an effective roadmap of
spreading Islam for thousands of Indo Pak Islamic scholars and preachers
to convey the message of peace and humanity in these three faraway
continents of Africa, Europe and America.

This book has been written in order to under mark his services that have
been recognized by the millions of people across the world.

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 Moballig-e-Islam Allama Abdul Alim Siddiqi

Roving Ambassador of Islam known as Muballigh-e-Islam Allama Abdul

Alim Siddiqi was born on 15th Ramadan 1310 Hijrī. He hails from the noble
Siddiquī family who are direct descendants of first rightly guided caliph Abu
Bakr Al-Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho in the 37th generation.

Early Life

He was born in Meerut, British Raj, Siddiqui travelled continuously for forty
years. Having earned his Master's in English, he'll become a polyglot and
learn many other languages, including French and Japanese, which would
eventually help him during his missionary activities around the world, while
he also mastered the natural and social sciences. He visited Singapore
where he pioneered the All-Malaya Muslim Missionary Society, now known
as Jamiyah, in 1932. He also travelled to Hejaz, Malaysia, Indonesia,
Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Ceylon, China, Japan, Philippines, Mauritius,
Madagascar, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Belgium, Egypt,
Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, France, England, West Indies, Guyana,
Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, the United States, and Canada. The All-
Malaya Muslim Missionary Society (now known as Jamiyah Singapore) has
built a mosque named after him.

In 1935, in the British Colony and Protectorate of Kenya at Mombasa,

Abdul Aleem Siddique met with Irish philosopher George Bernard Shaw,
and they enjoyed an exchange of thoughts in which Shaw called Abdul
Aleem Siddique "a learned sage".

Blessed Birth

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It was in the blessed month of Ramadaan that the world welcomed the
blessed soul and the physical being of Moballig-e-Islam (Radi Allah Ta’ala
Anho). His terrestrial journey began on the 3rd of April 1892 (15th
Ramadan 1310) at Meerut (U.P India). From the time of his birth he was
immediately recognized as a gifted child with extraordinary potential. Many
sages had already foreseen this child as a roving ambassador of Islam.
From the time of his birth he was instantaneously immersed into an
atmosphere of deep religious and spiritual values. His mother was a deeply
pious and caring woman while his father, Hazrat Abdul Hakeem
Rehmatullah Alaih was an illustrious scholar as well as a highly and well-
respected human being. His parents affectionately nurtured him with a
healthy spiritual and an emotional environment. As his young years
progressed, he slowly inherited the knowledge and deep-rooted spiritual
discipline of his father and grandfathers. Regardless of his tender age,
because of his highly elevated spiritual capacity, he was initiated into his
father’s spiritual order.

Youth and Education

HazratMoballig-e-Islam (Radi Allah Ta’ala Anho) was an exceptionally

intelligent child, since his childhood he proved to have an intellectual
capacity beyond his years. He brilliantly finished the memorization of the
Holy Quran at the age of 4 years and ten month at the Madrassa Islamia
Arabia, Meerut. He studied Urdu, Persian, and Arabic from the blessed
companionship of his father. At the age of only 9, his oratory skills matured
and he consequently delivered his first public speech at the Jamma Masjid
of Meerut. He mesmerized the audience for 90mins with his captivating
eloquence. His father left this world when Moballig-e-Islam (Radi Allah
Ta’ala Anho) was only 12 years old. It was a very sad turn in his life but
coming from one of the greatest faiths, he put all trust in the Almighty and
persevered in his Islamic studies and the betterment of humanity.

His father, Hadrat Mawlana 'Abd al-Hakim Siddiquī al-Qadirī Radi ALLAHu
Ta'ala Anho was a distinguished scholar and a high ranking 'Alim of Dīn.

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He was also a devout Sufi Master of the Qadiriyyah Spiritual Order. He
took special care in the education of his son who completed his Nazara
(visual recitation) of the Holy Qur’an at the tender age of 4. He studied
elementary Arabic and Persian under the guidance of his father at home
and was then enrolled at the local Madressa 'Arabiyyah Qoumiyyah where
he graduated as an 'Alim. He then pursued his Secular studies at the
Islamiyah High School until Matric (Grade 12). His classmate was the
former president of India Dr. Zakir Hussain. In 1917, he then enrolled at
Meerut University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree with
distinction.

At the age of 16, in 1913 he graduated with distinctions in his Theology

degree. He pursued his education at the Divisional College of Meerut
where he studied modern subjects and Law. His motivation to proliferate
Islam inspired him to acquire more knowledge. He met with Hazrat
Maulana Shah Ahmad Raza Khan Bareilly (Radi Allah Ta’ala Anho) who
was then the greatest living Islamic scholar, who had agreed to become his
mentor. During his apprenticeship with Hazrat Maulana Shah Ahmad Raza
Khan Bareilly (Radi Allah Ta’ala Anho) he had the opportunity to absorb
many lessons and teachings from this great scholar. He acquired an
advanced knowledge in Quranic Rules, Hadith, Tassawuf and the four
Islamic laws in Mecca and Madina under the strict guidance of Sheikh
Ahmad As-Sams (Radi Allah Ta’ala Anho) of Morocco, Sheikh As-Sunnua
(Radi Allah Ta’ala Anho) of Libya and Maulana Abdul Baqi of Ferrangi
Mahal of Madina. Moballig-e-Islam (Radi Allah Ta’ala Anho), also studied
the Arabian Medicine System from Hakim Qazi Ihteshamuddin of Meerut.
The knowledge of medicine imparted to him had proven to be of great help
for his humanitarian efforts and serving the ailing population in many
countries.

Exalted Teachers

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Besides his noble father and Imam Ahmad Rida Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho,
some of his other notable teachers were:

a) BaHr al-'Ulūm Mawlana 'Abd al-Hayy Farangī Mahellī.

b) 'Arif Billah Shaykh Ahmad al-Shams Shamil Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
of Morocco.

c) Shaykh Al-Sanusee Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho of Libya.

d) Hakim Ah’tasham al-Dīn (taught him Tibb : Unani Medicine).

Spiritual Development

Hazrat Allama Abdul Aleem Siddiqui (Radi Allah Ta’ala Anho) was already
swimming in the ocean of Ishq (love) that led him to adhere to a stable
spiritual life. His mission started when he was ordered by his spiritual
teachers to visit the Holy Land of Mecca. His journey to Mecca was the
culmination of his spirituality; it was at that pinnacle moment that his
lessons in ‘Baatin’ (inner) had to be lived in “zahiri’ (exterior). He set
himself, body & soul to the pilgrimage in 1919. His life took a different turn
when he stepped on the doorway of our Beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihe
Wasallam. He was warmly welcomed, as our Beloved (Sallahu Alaihe
Wassallam) blessed the heart of Moballig-e-Islam. Immediately he was
convinced and inspired that he was a man chosen by Allah The Almighty
and our Beloved prophet (Sallahu Alaihe Wassallam) to sacrifice his entire
life to the service of humanity. His mission was handed over by beloved
Prophet (Sallahu Alaihe Wassallam) to his heart and soul. This was when
his real journey commenced.

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He endured many painful obstacles and tribulations, but continued to
persist through them with admirable patience. His heart was set to acquire
the inner knowledge that he was taught during his early years. His
approach to Tassawuf and spirituality was a distinctive feature that
differentiated Huzoor Moballig-e-Islam from other living scholars. The
desire to spread the teaching of Islam became so intense, that he traveled
far and wide not only to spread Deen Islam and to enrich people’s
conception about spirituality but also for the gratification of his soul.

His elder brother, the great 'Alim Hadrat Mawlana Sha Ahmed Mukhtar
Siddiquī Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho then took him to Bareilly and handed
him over to the great Mujaddid, 'Arife Billah A'la’Hadrat Imam al-Akbar Qutb
al-Irshad Muhaqqiq Ahmad Rīda al-Qadirī Muhaddith Bareilwi Radi
ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. Here he was groomed in many Islamic sciences
including strenuous spiritual training in Tasawwuf under the able
supervision of the Sufi Master and 'Arif of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala.
After spiritual perfection, the Imam bestowed on him the Khilafah of the
Qadiriyyah Barkatiyyah Silsilah. It was here that the ardent love of the
Beloved Habīb Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam was injected into his heart that
transformed him into a perfect human (Insan al-Kamil).

The Great Sufi

He traveled throughout the entire globe for 30 years with that sacred
inspiration and mission to revive humanity and reveal the truth to
everyone’s heart. He was not only a scholar, but also a highly endowed
spiritual master conveying the message. He brought spiritual illumination to
the hearts of thousands; Muslims and Non Muslims. His prayers had given
hope to many that were struck by incurable illnesses. People around the
world felt the sweetness of his presence. Many were attracted by his
sincerity, others by the manifestation of a divine light, which encompassed
his entire being and many others, by his friendly and compassionate
attitude. His blessed presence and spiritual magnetism had given new

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impetus to the religious and social lives of thousands. He had gained a high
esteem in everybody’s heart and continues to be remembered by so many
as a great Sufi and spiritual leader.

Huzoor Moballig-e-Islam was such a highly endowed Sufi that his

intelligence conquered eminent persons such as leaders and statesmen of
different religious beliefs. His spiritual achievements were enormously
admired and many political leaders and businesses sought his guidance in
their matters. He had instilled purity and spirituality in the hearts of those he
met. Even the celebrated intellectuals of the west had the opportunity of
admiring this great saint of Islam. We cannot forget the infamous encounter
between Moballig-e-Islam and George Bernard Shaw.

Achievement

Hazrat Moballig-e-Islam’s main intention was to help mankind by means of

instigating the knowledge of Islam. One of his achievements was the
pressure he gave the Arabian government, with the support of the Muslims
Leaders around the world, to eliminate the unjust imposition of the Hajj tax.
The Saudi government clearly understood his concern and the next year
itself the Hajj tax was reduced.

In the wake of his visits to different part of the world, he urged Muslims to
build orphanages for the helpless youths, infirmaries for the destitute,
hospitals for the suffering, spiritual assemblies for spiritual discipline,
libraries for the preservation of the Islamic traditions and intellectual
heritage, several masajids, organizations of Ulemas for the coordination of
Islamic forces, Muslim youth brigade & Muslims scouts for the physical and
moral discipline of the youth.

Books and Articles

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Hazrat Moballig-e-Islam also encouraged the publication of several
magazines such as Muslims Digest and the Ramadaan Annual (South
Africa), The real Islam (Singapore) and the Prophets Birthday Annual
(Mauritius). He himself compiled his missionary works in terms of books or
articles under the following titles:

 History of The Codification of Islamic Law Cultivation Of Science By

Muslims
 Bahare shabab For Youth
 A Short Catechism Of Islam
 Meeting Between A Shavian And A Theologian
 The Universal Teacher
 The Universal Religion
 The Islamic Ideal
 Quest For True Happiness
 The Meaning Of Worship
 Women And Their Status In Islam
 The Forgotten Path Of Knowledge
 Islam’s Answer To The Challenge Of Communism
 Kitabbut Tassawuf ( Urdu)
 Zikre Habeeb and many others

His Poem dedicated to the Holy Prophet

Zara Chahray

Zara Chahray say kamli ko hatta dow Yaa Rasool Allah

Hamayn bhee apna deewaana bana-do Yaa Rasool Allah

Muhabbat ghair say mayri churra do Yaa Rasool Allah

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Meri sow-ee huwi qismat, jaga-do Yaa Rasool Allah

Ba-ro-zay hashr daykhayn gay waseela aap ka Hazrat

Harr-ik aasi-kahayga bakshwaado Yaa Rasool Allah

Bari qismat hamaari hai kay ummat mayn tumhaari hai

Bharowsa deen-o-duniya mayn tumhaara Yaa Rasool Allah

Andhayri qabr mayn mujhko akay-la chhowr ja-ayn gay

Wahan ho fazl say tayray ujaala Yaa Rasool Allah

Khuda mujk ko Madinah mayn jo pahuncha-ay to behtarr hai

Kay Rowzay par hi day-dun-jaan ja-karr Yaa Rasool Allah

Translation

O Prophet of Allah, please look towards my direction

And accept me as your devoted follower.

O Prophet of Allah, save me from the love of duniya

And help me to awake from my slumber.

O Prophet of Allah, let me on the Day of Qayyamah

Be amongst the fortunate ones so that I can receive thy shafa’at

O Prophet of Allah, how fortunate I am to be born into your ummah

And on thee I depend for guidance in this world, so help me.

O Prophet of Allah, when I die dark and lonely will be my qabr,

But with thy Light my abode will be filled with nur.

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O Prophet of Allah, I pray to Allah SWT that he takes me to Madinah

And cause me to die besides thy blessed rawda.

Another Poem

My heart yearns to show it’s bleeding scars

And to teach everyone on earth the laws

Which might make blessed life’s u

This is my yearning and this is my aim

This is my intention and this is my claim

With this I yearn to scan the globe

And deliver to humanity the message of Hope

(An extract from a poem by Mawlana Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqui written in
his college years)

The Spiritual Chain of Succession / Spiritual Genealogy

1. Hadrat Muhammad Mustapha Sallallahu Alaihe wassallam

2. Hadrat Ali Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

3. Hadrat Hasan Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

4. Shaykh Habibbe Nil Ajamiyi Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

5. Shaykh Dawood Datt Ta’irri Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

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6. Shaykh Marouf Fil Karoukhiyi Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

7. Shaykh Sirriyi Nis Saqa - Tiyyi Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

8. Shaykh Sayyidit twa-I-fatti Abil Qasim Junaid Baghdadi Radi Allahu

Ta’ala Anho

9. Shaykh Abi Bakr Nis Shibli Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

10. Shaykh Abdil Wahidi Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

11. Shaykh Abdil Azeezi Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

12. Shaykh Abil Farahi Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

13. Shaykh Abil Hasani Aliyil Qurayshi Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

14. Shaykh Abi Saidi Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

15. Sayyidina Shaykh Abdul Quadeer Jilani Ghawse Azaam Radi Allahu
Ta’ala Anho

16. Shaykh Sayyidi Abdil Razzaq Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

17. Shaykh Sayyidil Abdil Swalihil Faqeeri Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

18. Shaykh Sayyidi Ahmad Shah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

19. Shaykh Sayyidi Shihabbiddin Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

20. Shaykh Sayyidi Shamsid Deene Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

21. Shaykh Sayyidi Alaa-id Deen Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

22. Shaykh Sayyidi Nouri Muhammad Shah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

23. Shaykh Sayyidi Abdil Jalaalis Sahra-yi Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

24. Shaykh Sayyidi Bahaawal Shee Qalandar Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

25. Shaykh Abil Ma’ali Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

26. Shaykh Muhkamid Deeni Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

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27. Shaykh Shah Amir Baa Laa yayru Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

28. Shaykh Abdil Lateef Fil Bourriyyi Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

29. Shaykh Durweishi Muhammadin Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

30. Shaykh Shah Ahmad Shah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

31. Shaykh Abdil Lateefi Thani Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

32. Shaykh Madhe Shah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

33. Shaykh Sayyiddi A’azam Ali Shah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

34. Shaykh Sayyidi Muhammad Ghawse Ali Shah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

35. Shaykh Mawlana Muhammad Abdil Hakeem Al Quaderi Radi Allahu

Ta’ala Anho

36. Shaykh Ahmad Mukhtaar Siddiqui Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

37. Shaykh Mawlana Shah Muhammad Abdul Aleem Siddiqui Al Quaderi

Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho

Politics

A staunch supporter of the Pakistan Movement and a personal friend of

Jinnah, at partition his family relocated there where his son, Shah Ahmad
Noorani, would become an influential political figure.

He led Pakistan's first-ever Eid prayer. Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdul Aleem
Siddiqui Rehmatullah Alaih is a shinning luminary in the family of the first
caliph of Islam Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq Radi Allah Ta’ala Anho. He has not
only captured the hearts’ of thousands throughout the world but has also
improved the lives of several people. He came from a very distinguished
ancestral background who were all very well respected for their faith, piety,
purity, sincerity and intelligence (All praise to Allah). As both scholars and
teachers of Tassawuf they were all driven in the same blessed direction:
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preaching Islam and serving humanity. Their teachings focused on the
reconciliation of Shariah and Tariqat. Their high spiritual devotion and their
eagerness in the promotion of Tassawuf made them great Sufis of their
time. Thousands of thousands of people gathered around them, seeking
their guidance and spiritual advice. Coming from such a divine lineage, this
paved the road for Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqui Al Quaderi
Al Madani Rehmatullah Alaih’s spiritual quest.

A Great Politician

Hadrat Mawlana was also a great politician and took an active part in local
and international politics. He was very instrumental in abolishing the Hajj
Tax then introduced by the Saudī Regime. The introduction of the Hajj Tax
infuriated him as it was against the Sharī'ah and affected millions of
incoming Hujjaj to the Holy land. It is also ethically incorrect to charge a
Hajj Tax on pilgrims who spend thousands and undertake such a strenuous
journey only to be welcomed at Jeddah seaport and airport by an
unjustified tax instead of being given a warm welcome to the Holy Land as
the guest of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala and His Rasūl Sallallaho Alaihi wa
Sallam.

Man of Superb Qualities

In Madina al-Munawwarah he was lovingly called “Tabeeb al-Hindi” (Indian

Physician). Mawlana was also a celebrated poet and used “Aleem, ‫ ”عليم‬as
his poetic pen name. He inherited this science from his noble father. Since
childhood, he was an influential orator and addressed a huge crowd of
Muslims at a Mawlid celebration in Meerut, India at the tender age of 9
years. This was his first public speech and he spoke on the excellence of

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Sayyiduna Rasūlullah Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam. His speech had the
audience spellbound.

His noble father passed away when he was only 12 years old. Since his
mother was a very knowledgeable and pious woman, she undertook the
initiative to educate and groom her son to the peak of perfection. Since he
was raised in a cradle of knowledge and piety, he possessed a refined
character with an impeccable personality. His ancestral Siddiqī blood
generated a great sense of awe in his personality that subdued intellectuals
and peasants alike.

Expert in more than 15 Languages

He also studied at the Punjab University where he obtained a degree in

Oriental languages. Mawlana was fluent in many languages, namely, Urdu,
Arabic, Persian, English, German, Japanese, Indonesian, Suhailee ant etc.

Roving Ambassador of Islam

Till this day, Muballigh-e-Islam is recognised and accepted as the “Roving

Ambassador of Islam” for his invaluable services to Islam and the Muslims
internationally. He travelled extensively to the four corners of the globe and
preached Islam. Numerous persons embraced Islam on his hands and
millions benefited from his services of Dīn. Some of the countries he
frequented were:

1) United Kingdom

2) United States of America

3) Germany

4) France
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5) China

6) Japan

7) Indonesia

8) Malaysia

9) Vietnam

10) Burma

11) Ceylon

12) Mauritius

13) Reunion

14) Madagascar

15) Portugal

16) South Africa

17) Canada

18) Thailand

19) Lebanon

20) East Africa

21) Kenya

22) Tanzania

23) Uganda

24) Congo

25) Egypt

26) Arabia

27) Syria
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28) Palestine

29) Jordan

30) Iraq

31) South America

32) Holland

33) Italy

34) Belgium

35) West Indies

36) Singapore, etc.

In his tours, he met with leaders of every religion and faith exchanging
views not only on religion but also on political and social dimensions. His
approach and presentation of Islam won the hearts of many intellectuals
and statesmen, who reverted to Islam on his hands. He not only
propagated Islam wherever he went, but he also established socio-religious
centres that to this day are rendering invaluable services to the masses.

His Eminence was also responsible for establishing various Mosques

(Masaajids) and Islamic Educational Centres throughout the world. Three
of the famous Mosques are the Hanafi Masjid in Colombo, the Sultaan
Masjid in Singapore and the Naagarya Masjid in Japan.

The Inter-Religious Organization was founded in the '40s by Mawlana

Muhammad Abdul Aleem Siddiqui Qadiri (may Allah be pleased with him),
who also founded the All Malaya Muslim Missionary Society in 1931 and
who was the first Muslim "missionary" to travel around the globe a number

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of times to spread the word of Islam. Jamiyah Singapore was founded in
1932 as an offshoot from this organization.

Thousands Embraced Islam at his Hands

Thousands embraced Islam at his hands including the well-known thinker

Maria Levinskya and her husband the nuclear scientist Dr. Antonoff. An
interesting account of Mawlana Muhammad Abdul Aleem Siddique's great
work for Islam is found in the account of his world tour written by Dr. Tahir
bin Ahmad's father - Professor Dr. Ahmad bin Ibrahim presently at the
International Islamic University of Malaysia.

During his tour of the world, he met with various western dignitaries and
had lengthy discussions with them on Islam. He met the world-renowned
Irish dramatist and Philosopher, George Bernard Shaw, on 17th of April
1935 during his visit to Mombassa, Kenya and discussed many religious
problems with him. He was very much impressed by Mawlana Abdul Aleem
Siddiqi and said, "I have been very pleased to make the acquaintance, and
it will be the most precious of all memories of this trip of mine." (Ref:
"Shavian and Theologian" published by Genuine Islam and World
Federation of Islamic Missions, Karachi)

World Islamic Mission in Trinidad

The work of World Islamic Mission (WIM) in Trinidad began with the arrival
of His Eminence Mawlana Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqui al-Qadiri at the
opening of the Intercolonial Muslim Conference, held at the Jama Masjid
Hall, Queens Street, Port of Spain in 1950.

Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqui visit to Trinidad in 1950 accompanied by

his student and secretary, Dr. Muhammad Fazlur Rahman Ansari al-Qadiri,

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lasted for six months as part of his world tour. The presence of His
Eminence for such as sustained and intensive period had a profound
impact on Islam in the West Indies and indeed it created a generation of
highly skilled Muslim Theologians, Imams, leaders and intellectuals most of
whom became the spiritual disciples (murideen) of His Eminence.

His Eminence visited neighboring countries in the region including: Guyana

(then British Guiana), Suriname, Barbados, etc. The idea of the conference
came from His Eminence himself and it gave birth to the Inter-colonial
Muslim Organization. Officers of this organizations were:

* Mohammed Hosein Shah (President - Trinidad)

* Moulvi M.A. Nasir (Vice President - British Guiana)

* Wahid Ali (Secretary - Trinidad)

* Tawfiq-ur-Rahman (Ass. Secretary - Trinidad)

* H.I. Hussein-Ali (Treasurer - Suriname).

The welcome function for His Eminence was held at Queen's Park
Savannah on Sun. March 12th 1950. Many thousands attended - Muslims
and non-Muslims. In the audience there were government representatives
and members of the diplomatic corp. At this event a soul stirring recitation
of al-Qur'an was rendered by Br. Ali Bin Khamis of Zanzibar who then
became a regular at His Eminence's gatherings. Another regular was Br.
Jameel Bin Ahmed of Malay (now Malaysia). Both were students at the
Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture at St. Augustine (now part of the
University of West Indies). After graduating they returned to their respective
countries and both became highly acclaimed leaders.

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Throughout his stay in Trinidad, and through tireless effort and dedication,
Islamic propagation was always at the foremost priority and to the Muslim
masses His Eminence expounded on the the principles of the Ahl Sunna
wal Jamaah. In particlular, His Eminence Mawlana Shah Abdul Aleem
Siddiqui made a significant contribution to Islam in the following areas:

1. Hundreds of non-muslims embraced Islam. Prominent amongst them

were Haji Yusuf Mitchell, Ahmed Rifae Scope, Abu Bakr (a humble shoe
maker of Santa Cruz) and Sr. Muriel Donawa Mc Davidson.

2. His Eminence's lectures captivated Muslims, Christians, and Hindus who

paid glowing tributes to him as the "Roving Ambassador of Peace".

3. His regular dars (Islamic classes) at Jama Masjid Hall, Port of Spain,
produced some of the leading thinkers in the Muslim community. Amongst
his students were:

* Haji Mohammed Ibrahim (President of Anjuman Sunnah wal Jamaah

Association - ASJA)

* Haji Mohammed Yusuff Mitchell (Government architect and prominent

Islamic worker)

* Haji Kamaluddin Mohammed (long standing govt. Minister and acting

Prime Minister)

Visit to Canada

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In 1939 Hadrat Abdul Aleem Siddiqui became the first Sufi saint to spread
Islam and explain the meaning of Tassawuf in Canada. He initiated the
project of the first Masjid that was built in Edmonton , Canada. He
successfully carried out his mission by converting thousands of non-
Muslims in North America. He was also given the opportunity of expressing
his thoughts in Toronto where he once again captivated his audience. He
instilled the Sufi traditions which are still kept alive by many other Sufis and
muhibeens. Hadrat Sahab (Radi Allah Ta’ala Anho) was deeply convinced
that Tassawuf and spirituality was the gateway for non-Muslims to
comprehend Islam. He also firmly believed that the Sufis are most suitable
successful in converting people to Islam. He performed the opening
ceremony of the first mosque to be built in Canada in Edmonton in 1939.
He also visited Toronto, the largest metropolis in Canada, where he
presented Islam as a gift to a largely non-Muslim gathering.

Alhamdollillah through his prayers, Allah has accepted this land to be

blessed by other Sufis and the light of Noor-e-Mohammadi (Sallahu Alaihe
Wassallam) continues to burn North America.

Visit to Singapore

He came to Singapore in 1930 to spread the message and beauty of Islam.

He laboured intensively in the cause of Islam and delivered numerous
lectures in Singapore and attracted many people to Islam. He pioneered
the establishment of the All Malaya Muslim Missionary Society, now known
as Jamiyah, in 1932. He also pioneered the establishment of the Inter-
Religious Organisation (IRO) to foster greater understanding between the
faiths and to promote the spirit and message of peace amongst the people
of Singapore. In IRO’s inauguration ceremony, on 18 March 1949 at
Victoria Memorial Hall, Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddique gave an inspiring
speech, in which he said,

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“As far as the common evils and accepted moral principles were
concerned, no religion could have any difference, and in the spirit of
tolerance and sympathy and the desire to establish peace, all of them were
as one. The task of the religious leaders was to let the followers of each
and every religion know the teachings of other religions, so that a spirit of
fellowship could work together to spread the accepted moral principles and
to fight the common evils.”

In 1953, the land of Abdul Aleem Siddique Mosque was conveyed to

several trustees and office-bearers of the All-Malaya Muslim Missionary
Society (now known as Jamiyah Singapore). Prior to this, Mawlana Abdul
Aleem Siddique had identified and chosen the land to be developed as a
Mosque. In 1954, Abdul Aleem Siddique Mosque was subsequently built on
the land from donations collected through the society.

The Mosque was named after Mawlana Shah Muhammad Abdul Aleem
Siddique, as recognition for his immense contribution to Islam and the
social development of a plural society in Singapore. The contributions of
Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddique are in itself historic and seminal efforts that
deserve to be carved in stone. Abdul Aleem Siddique Mosque is a
testimony and recognition of Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddique’s immortal
work of spreading the faith of Islam and the message of hope and peace.

Visit to Mauritius

Between 1928 to 1953, his Eminence Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqui made
five visits to Mauritius. Sir Abdul Razzack Mohammed, then a Muslim
leader in Mauritius met his eminence in Colombo and invited him to come
to Mauritius which his Eminence accepted without hesitation.

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First visit: In December 1928 he arrived in Mauritius at Port Louis Harbour
where thousands of Muslims were waiting to welcome him. His lectures
(waez) worked wonders in the hearts of Muslims and other communities as
well. His Eminence created the Hizbullah in order to revive Islam in
Mauritius.

Second visit: On 26 September 1931 he paid his second visit on the

requests of several Muslim leaders.

Third visit: On the 30 March 1939 he paid his third visit. Some of his
speeches were relayed by radio from the Jummah Mosque.

Fourth visit: He was expected to arrive in Plaisance on 5 May 1949 on

board a plane KLM of Batavia at 6hrs 45 am. His flight was delayed by
twenty four hours and he reached Mauritius only on 6 May 1949. The
Jummah Mosque invited all the Muslims to welcome the Mawlana. His
Eminence delivered several waez (Lectures) in Urdu and English
throughout the Island.

His Request for Verdict from Mufti Aazam al-Hind

He consulted with the most senior Jurist of the Muslim World, the great
'Arife Billah, Qutb al-'Alam, Muftī al-A'zam, Imam Mustafa Rīda al-Qadirī
Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, and requested him for an Islamic ruling (Fatwa)
on the Hajj Tax. The Grand Mufti issued an Islamic decree in the Arabic
language condemning the Hajj Tax as un-Islamic which was later published
by the title “Tard al-Shaytan un Sabeel al-Rahman al-Muqallib bihi Omdat
al-Bayan fi Hurmate Koshan”. This Fatwa was acknowledged by many
Giants of the Islamic world, namely Sadr al-Afadil Mawlana Sayyid

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Naī'mudīn Muradabadī Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, Sadr al-Sharee'ah
Mawlana Amjad 'Alee al-Qadiree Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, etc.

Hadrat Mawlana 'Abd al-'Aleem Siddiquee Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho took
this Fatwa and set out to meet the Saudi authorities. He met with the King
in Hijaz and debated the Hajj Tax and presented the Fatwa. He convinced
the King who then abolished the Hajj Tax. But unfortunately, the Saudi
authorities later reinstated this un-Islamic Tax again to exploit the pilgrims
to the Holy Land. It is indeed unfortunate that the Muslim world has
forgotten the services of this great Ambassador of Islam.

Tabhleegh in form of Literature

Although he was extremely busy in his international mission of Tableegh,

he still found time to write numerous books in Urdu and English. Some of
them are:

1) Zikr-e-Habīb (Urdu)

2) Ahkam-e-Ramadan wa Eid al-Fitr (Urdu)

3) Qadyanī Haqiqat ka Izhar (Urdu)

4) Bahar-e-Shabab (Urdu)

5) Quest for True Happiness (English)

6) Principles of Islam (English)

7) Forgotten Path of Knowledge (English)

8) Muslim Contribution to Science (English)

9) Kitabbut Tassawuf ( Urdu)

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10) Elementary Teaching of Islam (Hanafi) (English)

11) Elementary Teaching of Islam (Shafa’ī) (English)

12) The Mirror (English)

13) A Shavian and Theologian (English)

14) History of The Codification of Islamic Law Cultivation Of Science By

Muslims (English)

15) A Short Catechism Of Islam (English)

16) The Universal Teacher (English)

17) The Universal Religion (English)

18) The Islamic Ideal (English)

19) The Meaning Of Worship (English)

20) Women And Their Status In Islam (English)

21) Islam’s Answer To The Challenge Of Communism (English)

22) The Preservers of Hadith (English)

23) Ijtahad and Mujtahid (English) etc.

Newspapers and Magazines

He was also the founder of various newspapers and Islamic magazines

from amongst which are, "The Muslim Digest" (South Africa), "Trinidad
Muslim Annual" and the "Pakistani News" and was author of numerous
books such as the "Cultivation of Science by the Muslims".

Insha-Allah, Barkatur-Raza Publications (Durban, South Africa) intends

gathering as many books as possible of this great scholar and publishes

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them so that the wealth left behind by him once again enlightens the hearts
of the people.

His devotion for Services of Imam Ahmad Raza

Sayid Ayoob Ali narrates, "The distinguished orator, Allamah Mawlana Haji
Qaari Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqi Qadiri Razvi Meerti, on returning from the
Haramayn Shareefayn presented himself to the Great Imam and recited the
following Manqabat in praise of Sayyiduna Ala Hadrat (RadiAllahu Anhu).

You are more than what is said in your praise,

O Sha Ahmad Raza! You are the distributor of Irfaan.

You are drowned in the Ocean of love and intoxicated from the goblet of
Tawheed,

You are the accepted of He who is the Beloved of Allah.

You are the centre of Shariah,

The orbit of those on the path of Tariqah and the axis of Haqiqah.

Such a Qutbul Awliya are you!

The oceans of Shariah and Tariqah join here.

Your chest is the confluence of those oceans.

Such a guide are you!

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The people of the Haram have accepted you as their Qibla and Kabaah,

You are the ‘people of the Qibla's’ Qibla.

Such a Qibla are you!

Through whom the Crowns of the Eminent are decorated,

You are such a radiant emerald and priceless gem!

I went to the land of the Arabs and saw with my eyes your activities;

Undoubtedly, you are the direction of the Ajam (Non Arab)!

The people of the path of Tariqah travel for you,

Such a Qutb of the time and Leader of the Awliya are you!

The glory of Siddique Akbar is demonstrated through your taqwa,

Why should I not call you the most pious when you are the most virtous!

The awe of Farooq-e-Azam is demonstrated from you,

You are the epitome of harshness on the kuffar,

You are the courageous lion of whom the dissentors fear!

You have collected the secret Quranic points,

This is your inheritance from Uthmaan!

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In the sincerity of Ali, mannerism of Hassan and the resolve of Husayn,

By Allah you the most unique of the times and someone unfound!

You are spreading the knowledge of truth into the corners of the globe,

You are the Imaam of the Ahle Sunnah and the Successor to Sayyiduna
Gauth-e-Paak!

Beggars beseech and spread their bags before you,

Fill the bags of the mendicant because you are their hope!

No one is ever returned empty handed, such a generosity is yours!

This unfortunate Aleem is a humble beggar of your court,

You are his King who will show favour on his condition!

Once the Mawlana had recited these verses, Sayyiduna Ala Hadrat asked
him, "Mawlana, What can I present to you? The Imam pointed to his turban
(which was very expensive) whilst he asked this to the Mawlana. Even if I
had to present this turban to you, it still would not be worthy to be placed at
your feet as you have come from the most sanctified of places. However, I
have a very expensive jubba (Cloak) which I shall present to you.”
Sayyiduna went into his home and returned, carrying in his hands a velvet
jubba. He gifted this jubba which could not have been less than 250
Rupees to the Mawlana who stood up to receive it. He received it with both
his hands, kissed it and placed it upon his eyes and then upon his head.
Then he held it against his chest for a very long time. (Hayat-e-Ala Hadrat
by Malikul Ulema, Shah Zafarudeen Bihaari)

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We pray to the Bounteous Lord through the Waseela of His Compassionate
Rasūl, Sayyidun wa Mawlan MuHammadur Rasoolullah Sallallaho Alaihi
wa Sallam to shower the grave of the author with choicest blessings and
through him, bless us all and let his struggle be a source of guidance to the
Mankind. Ameen.

His Body Rests in Jannatul Baqi

It was the 22nd of Zil Hadj (August 22, 1954) at the age of 63 after a last
visit with our beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihe Wa Sallam that Hazrat
Maulana Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqui Al Quaderi Rehmatullah Alaih left this
world for the hereafter. Allah the Almighty had responded to his prayers, as
he always wanted to be buried in Madina Munawara. His body rests
peacefully at the Jannatul Baqqi near the tomb of Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqua
Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha.

Hadrat Mawlana Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was an ardent Lover of the
Beloved Habīb, Sayyiduna Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam and
always prayed to die and be buried in the sacred city of Madinah al-
Munawwarah. The compassionate Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam was
fully aware of his ardent lover’s desires and hence granted him his wish.
Sadly, this brilliant son of Islam finally departed at the age of 63 years in
1373 Hijree and was laid to rest at the feet of Umm al-Mo'minīn Sayyidah
A’iesha Siddiqah Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anha in Jannat al-Baqee.

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 References

 Allama Abdul Alim Merthi: Ek Azeem Muballig.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Abdul_Aleem_Siddiqi.
 Muhammed Haron, "The formation of religious networks between the
Muslim heartlands and the South African Muslims" in Boleswa
Journal of Theology, Religion and Philosophy, 2007.

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