Maulana Saad: The Chief of Tablighi Jamaat and His Contributions

The Tablighi Jamaat, a significant Islamic movement, has had many influential leaders throughout its existence. Currently, Maulana Saad serves as the Ameer (chief) of the organization. This article delves into the background of Maulana Saad, his role within the Tablighi Jamaat, and the evolution of the movement under his leadership.

Background of Maulana Saad

Maulana Saad is the present Ameer of Tablighi Jamaat, a position he held after his grandfather, Maulana Mohammad Ilyas Kandhlavi, first established the movement in the early 1920s. Born into a respected lineage, Maulana Saad is a son of Maulana Haroon and the great-grandson of Maulana Yousaf. This lineage has significantly contributed to his piety and respectability, especially due to the influence of his grandfather Maulana Ilyas and his grandfather Maulana Yousaf. Maulana Saad often references the Malfozat (words and teachings) of Maulana Yousaf and Ilyas, which can be found through a simple Google search.

Rise to Leadership

Maulana Saad's rise to the leadership of Tablighi Jamaat has been controversial. Critics argue that he took the position forcefully, naming himself as the head without following the proper procedures. However, the Tablighi Jamaat has consistently refuted these claims, attributing any wrongdoing to the media, which they believe is spreading misinformation.

Origins and Evolution of Tablighi Jamaat

The roots of the Tablighi Jamaat trace back to the early 1920s in Mewat, South Asia. During this period, Maulana Mohammad Ilyas Kandhlavi prepared a team of young madrasah graduates from Deoband and Saharanpur, sending them to establish a network of mosques and Islamic schools. This movement was initially known as Tehreek-e-Imaan, meaning the movement for the promotion of faith. However, the followers of the movement became known as Tableeghis, and this term eventually gained wider acceptance.

The central Masjid Bangla Wali in Basti Hazrat Nizamuddin in New Delhi serves as the Markaz (center) of the Tablighi Jamaat. The Mewat region, particularly its inhabitants, played a crucial role in the early development of the movement. Following the death of Maulana Mohammad Ilyas Kandhlavi in 1944, his son Maulana Mohammed Yusuf Kandhlavi assumed the position of chief, becoming the second Hazratji (title for chief). Maulana Mohammed Yusuf was a distinguished scholar, with several books to his name, including Sharh Maani Alaasar, Hayatus Sahabah, and Muntakhab Ahadees. Post his death in 1965, the mantle passed to Maulana Inaamul Hassan Kandhlavi, who in turn passed away in 1995. A shoora (advisory) council, comprising of Maulana Mohammad Zubair and Maulana Muhammad Saad, among others, took over.

With the passing of time, the members of the shoora council have unfortunately passed away, leaving Maulana Saad as the sole surviving member of the Tablighi Jamaat leadership. While the majority of the organization agreed with Maulana Saad's leadership, some old members have separated from him, with a notable figure being Maulana Ahmad Lath, who now resides in a mosque in Ajmeri Gate, Delhi.

Conclusion

Maulana Saad's leadership of the Tablighi Jamaat continues to shape the organization and its mission. Despite the controversies and challenges, his lineage and dedication to the movement have solidified his position as a respected leader. The evolution of the movement under his leadership offers valuable insights into the ongoing significance of Islamic movements in today's global context.