Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudis, the Imam of the Kaaba, extended an invitation to him for breakfast. He offered him a formal meeting time of thirty minutes when he first saw him. However, as the discussion progressed, the Imam of the Grand Mosque came to understand that this man was no ordinary person; rather, he was a scholar of the highest order with a command of Arabic literature, an exceptional orator, a practical scholar with a high level of expertise in hadith, jurisprudence, and interpretation. Since he was so amazed, the 30-minute intended meeting evolved into several hours of casual sitting. My mentor Sheikh al-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Mohibullah Al-Qasimi al-Rifai al-Shazli was this outstanding individual.
He re-joined Jamia Ashrafia Lahore after earning his diploma from Darul Uloom Deoband in order to finish Hadith. Later, the esteemed teacher joined Karachi’s renowned Jamia Darul Uloom Rahmaniya, where he had the rare opportunity to teach Hadith for a considerable amount of time. He taught Arabic literature along with Bukhari Sharif, Muslim Sharif, Tahavi Sharif, Hedaya, and Hariri Sharif for many years.
There are millions of Sheikh’s pupils worldwide. I observed that every student at Jamia Darul Uloom Rahmaniya wanted to receive education from the revered Sheikh when I went there to study for my elementary courses. Instead, some students came to the Jamia for the privilege of becoming a disciple of Sheikh Mohibullah Qasmi and Maulana Shabir Ahmad Noorabadi.
The Sheikh was no less than a royal when I saw him in his heyday. The honorable teacher taught us Hedayah and Muqamat Hariri. His speaking manner was one of his standout qualities. All of the students would begin singing as soon as the lessons and words began. The exchange was delightful and amazing. Every old man used to convert on a regular basis since they saw Hazrat execute Niqabat procedures at most community gatherings. The community was represented whenever a visitor from the holy land or an Arab country visited the Jamia.
In addition to being one of the greatest writers, religious scholars, master artists, and public speakers of his era, Hazrat Sheikh was also a superb parent. He used to amaze us by his kind and cordial interactions with kids. His compassion, selflessness, and love for kids and students could not be more properly put into words.
With all his abilities and virtues, Sheikh Sahib was blessed by the Sheikhs of Sufism, Arab and Non-Arab, Sheikh Hakim Mohammad Akhtar and Sheikh Abdul Haamid Al-Kandah al-Hashani Al-Hashmi al-Rifa’i, among many other Sheikhs of Sufism and Knowledge. He was honored by their caliphate. In addition, he won the respect of numerous Sheikhs. The Sheikh supported and taught the knowledge of Islam and Sufism up until the very end of his life. Fortunately, I was one of his disciples and lover as he continued to mentor others. Under his guidance, I became aware that my bowl was empty. After my father died, I would have been lost if the Sheikh hadn’t taken me under his wing. But Sheikh’s compassion and leadership forever altered my course.
Although the Sheikh is no longer with us, his knowledge, wisdom, and spirituality continue to guide his students.
Hazrat Sheikh had been battling a number of illnesses over the previous five years, and he had long-term “sugar” condition. A few months ago, he received the bad news that he had liver cancer. He left this fleeting life early on April 29.
He dedicated his life to serving Islam, and numerous academics and students have benefited as a result. He was a living embodiment of the great Islamic thinkers of the past. He was a genuine supporter of Umma harmony. His passing left a large vacuum in the academic community.
“The gathering is still here, so is noises and throng of lovers
Only my Sheikh is missing who went to his grave”
