Huzoor Mujahid-e-Millat Maulana of Orissa: A Reflection on His Hunar, Dedication, Life and Legacy

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 19 December 2024 Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat Maulana, born in Odisha, Was A Humble Spiritual Guide, Known for His Dedication to The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) And His Miraculous Acts. His Legacy Continues Through His Disciples, And His Tomb in Odisha Remains a Place of Pilgrimage. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Mujahid-e-Millat Maulana was born in Odisha and received religious education from esteemed scholars and institutions. 2. He was initiated into the Qadiriyya-Naqshbandi Silsila and mentored by several spiritual leaders. 3. Known for his miracles, including crossing a river and riding through heavy rain without getting wet. 4. Despite belonging to a wealthy family, he lived humbly, focusing on education, charity, and service to others. 5. Hazrat Maulana passed away in 1981, with his tomb in Dhamnagar, Odisha, being a pilgrimage site. ------ In the intricate journey of human life, there comes a moment when a person, overwhelmed by doubts and struggles, yearns for a way to navigate through the darkness and regain their lost vigour. During such times, many seek guidance from the lives of the righteous and noble figures of the past. History is full of examples where the memories of great ancestors helped misguided souls find their path to righteousness. It is at these crossroads that resilient individuals rise, carrying the torch of perseverance and faith to find their way, often by following the shining examples of the past. These historical figures, who dedicated their lives to the service of humanity and truth, continue to illuminate the paths of those who seek guidance. The importance of the lives of our ancestors cannot be overstated, as their stories of dedication and sacrifice continue to inspire people even today. When we look at the world of biographies and accounts of their lives, we find that many books continue to be published, many of which remain a valuable resource in libraries. However, as we delve deeper into these works, we often find ourselves questioning the authenticity of the content—how much is genuine, and how much is embellished? The task of sifting through these writings to find truth can often seem overwhelming. Among the books written in recent years, one significant work stands out: “Huzoor Mujahid-e-Millat: Hayat, Khidmaat aur Aitiraafaat” (The Life, Services, and Acknowledgements of Mujahid-e-Millat). This book, which has recently made its way to my reading desk, offers a unique and illuminating perspective on the life of a remarkable figure. I clearly remember that just a few months ago, during the lockdown period, Maulana Rahmatullah Siddiqui gifted me this book at the premises of Al-Jamia Razvia in Patna. Today, after reading it thoroughly, I feel compelled to share my reflections and a fair assessment of its contents. The title of the book immediately indicates its focus on a pivotal figure of recent history—Shah Habib-ur-Rahman Qadri Abbas, popularly known as Mujahid-e-Millat. His life serves as a beacon of dedication to the Prophet (PBUH) and the teachings of Islam, guided by a firm commitment to righteousness. Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat Maulana was born on 8th Muharram, 1322 Hijri (26th March 1904) in the Bhadrak district of Odisha, India. His early life was shaped by his parents, Hazrat Maulana Abdul Mannan and Hazrat Hikmatun Nisha, who played a significant role in guiding him toward spirituality. Hazrat Maulana learned the Qur'an from Hazrat Saah Mujibur Rehman and Farsi from Hazrat Maulana Safaqat Hussein. Maulana’s formal education journey began at Ravenshaw Collegiate School, but he left after completing the 8th standard to pursue religious education. He traveled to Allahabad to join Madrasa Subhaniya and later went to Madrasa Moiniya-Usmaniya in Ajmer Shareef for further studies. He then attended Jamiya Naimiya, where he studied Hadith under the guidance of Hazrat Sadul Afazil Allama Naimuddin Muradabadi. His spiritual journey began when he was initiated into the Qadiriyya-Naqshbandi Silsila by Hazrat Ka’afi Alehir Rehman. Throughout his life, Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat Maulana was mentored by several esteemed scholars and spiritual leaders, including Hazrat Hakim Syed Mohammad Ahsan Sahib, Hazrat Maulana Ziauddin, Hazrat Maulana Zahoor, Hazrat Hujjatul Islam Maulana Hamid Raza, and others. On 9th Rajab, 1340 Hijri, Hazrat Maulana married Hazrat Umme Salma Bibi, and it was during this period that he embarked on his pilgrimage to Hajj for the first time in 1341 Hijri (1922 AD). He made a total of six Hajj pilgrimages throughout his life, with the dates being: 1st Hajj – 1341 Hijri, 2nd Hajj – 1955 AD, 3rd Hajj – 1967 AD, 4th Hajj – 1972 AD, 5th Hajj – 1974 AD, and 6th Hajj – 1980 AD. Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat Maulana was known for his miracles and spiritual insights. One famous incident occurred when he was traveling in Moradabad and encountered a river that was impossible to cross due to its heavy flow. When his disciple Hazrat Maulana Abdul Rab expressed concern, Hazrat Maulana assured him, saying he knew how to swim. To the amazement of the disciple, Hazrat Maulana crossed the river without the water ever rising above his knees. Another miracle occurred when he travelled in heavy rain on a bicycle, and despite the downpour, he did not get wet. Such events were seen by his followers as manifestations of his divine connection and his special place in the sight of Allah. Throughout his life, Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat Maulana lived humbly, despite belonging to a wealthy Zamindar family. He chose to ride a bicycle instead of cars, and devoted much of his life to helping the poor and promoting education. He even adopted a son, Maulana Abdul Wahid, who became his first Sajjada Nashin after his passing. Today, the legacy of Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat Maulana is carried forward by his disciples and followers, especially through the efforts of Hazrat Goolam Mohammad, the current Sajjada Nashin. What truly set Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat apart was his deep and genuine love for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a love that reflected in every aspect of his life. Even though he held the position of a prominent leader in Odisha, his life was largely spent in service to his community, tackling political and social issues, while also ensuring his devotion to prayer and worship. He was a devout worshipper, spending his nights in prayer, often pouring his heart out in supplication to his Lord. The author of “Huzoor Mujahid-e-Millat: Hayat, Khidmaat aur Aitiraafaat” does an excellent job of shedding light on these various facets of Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat’s life. The writing style is engaging and vivid, bringing to life the spirit of his time and the challenges he faced. At times, as I read, I could almost see his figure coming to life, and once I stopped reading, the echoes of his life’s story lingered in my mind, urging me to reflect further. One notable section of the book is the "Acknowledgements" chapter, where the author compiles heartfelt tributes from 115 distinguished scholars and peers who recognized Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat’s unparalleled intellect and piety. This section offers a rare glimpse into how he was viewed by his contemporaries, many of whom held him in the highest regard. As I continue to read the book, I am reminded of how Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat faced challenges with courage and conviction. In one particular speech, he fearlessly addressed the political leaders of the time, declaring that he would continue to speak the truth, no matter the cost. His words echo in the pages of the book, "I know that there are many of the government’s loyalists present in this gathering, but let them know that I stand by my words. If the rulers consider my truthfulness a crime, I am ready to face the consequences alone. No one else should be held responsible." His boldness and commitment to speaking truth to power were remarkable, and his courage continues to inspire. In today’s world, where the lessons of the past seem to fade into obscurity, it is essential to revisit the lives of great figures like Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for justice, integrity, and faith, even in the face of adversity. Sadly, as time passes, the valuable lessons from his life and the countless others like him are often forgotten. The organizations that once stood boldly against oppression are now struggling to survive, and the knowledge and wisdom of figures like Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat are often neglected. In conclusion, Huzoor Mujahid-e-Millat is more than just a biography; it is a tribute to a life dedicated to service, truth, and justice. Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat Maulana passed away on 6th Jamid-ul-Awwal, 1401 Hijri (13th March 1981) on a Friday at 5:45 p.m. in Mumbai. His death left a profound impact on his followers, and his legacy as a spiritual guide continues to inspire. The Urs of Hazrat Mujahid-E-Millat Maulana is celebrated on the 5th and 6th of Jamid-ul-Awwal each year, marking his death anniversary. His tomb, located in Dhamnagar, District Bhadrak, Odisha, continues to be a place of pilgrimage for thousands of devotees. ----- A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/huzoor-mujahid-millat-maulana-orissa-dedication-life-legacy/d/134068 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism