Moulana Qaasim Nanotwi: A Glimpse into his Life

Hujjatul Islam, Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Qaasim Nanotwi (rahmatullahi alayh) is the fountain-head of the Ulama-e-Deoband. He was born at a time when the Muslims lost their 600-year rule in India. British armies fought against the natives and forcefully took over the rule in India. Hadhrat Moulana (rahmatullahi alayh) was 25 years old when the uprising took place in 1857. He fought bravely in the Battle of Shamli and was prepared to surrender his life for the cause of Islam.
Hadhrat Moulana witnessed first-hand the killings, persecutions, oppression and tyranny meted out by the British to the innocent people of India. He had seen the bodies of Ulama hung up in the bazaars of Chandi Chok. He was an eye witness to dozens of people being slaughtered by British soldiers in the manner poultry is slaughtered in an abattoir. Hadhrat Moulana was concerned regarding the welfare of the Muslims in India.
In order to save the Imaan of the people, Hadhrat Moulana laid the foundation for a huge institute known as Darul Uloom Deoband. This institute became the means of guidance for millions of Muslims all over the world. Moulana had also written many kitaabs on different subjects and also took part in public debates against the Christians, Hindus and Shias. The name Moulana Muhammad Qaasim Nanotwi struck fear in the hearts of the British Priests. Hadhrat Moulana (rahmatullahi alayh) himself was a simple person but extremely brilliant and a genius in the field of Ilm and knowledge. There were very few who could match him in his piety, knowledge, wit, profound understanding and farsightedness. He passed away at a young age of 49 but the legacy he left behind took the world by surprise. Up to this day his legacy flows throughout the Ummah.