Islamul Haq

Hadhrat Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Islamul Haq was an eminent Indian Muslim scholar of hadith.

Hadhrat Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Islamul Haq taught Mishkaatul Masabeeh at Madrasa Ameeniya and was a lecturer on hadith at Darul Uloom Rampura and Jamia Hussainia. For the final fifteen years of his life, he taught Sahihul Bukhari at Darul Uloom Al-Arabiyyah Al-Islamiyyah. Despite ill health, he participated in numerous public gatherings and lectured at significant functions. His vacations were spent in Makkah and Madina and, during his return journey, he would visit Baitul Maqdis and Egypt.

In 1996, though unwell and weak, Hadhrat desired and was determined to journey to and spend his holiday in Makkah and Madina. On January 18th, 1996, three days before Ramadan, he left his home in Bolton, UK and departed with his youngest son, Maulana Nurul Haq. Hadhrat spent a few days at his daughter's house in London and, during his stay, managed to deliver a short lecture at Balham Masjid. On Saturday, January 20th, 1996, after performing Maghrib Salaah and lengthy Nawaafil, he bid farewell to his friends and relatives and left for London Heathrow Airport. At the airport, Hadhrat was very restless and repeatedly inquired about the sighting of the moon. Upon hearing of the sighting, he felt a great deal of joy and became relaxed. During the flight, though tired and weak, he partook of Sehri and commenced the first fast of Ramadan.

After arriving in Makkah, Hadhrat joined the party from Darul Uloom Al-Arabiyyah Al-Islamiyyah, which was staying at Darus Salaam Hotel. During his visits, Hadhrat would usually perform one Umrah per day and two on Fridays. However, on this occasion, he was only able to manage his first Umrah after three days, when he felt better. Hadhrat would perform salaah in Haram Sharif if he felt alright, otherwise he would perform salaah in his room. However, Taraweeh Salaah was always performed in Haram Sharif whilst seated.

In Makkah, Hadhrat's health deteriorated and he suffered from severe chest pain and fever. Dr. Shoaib Wajid of Durban, South Africa was called. He arrived as soon as he could have and prescribed medicine, which provided Hadhrat with some relief. On the 17th of Ramadan, Hadhrat, together with his party, left Makkah and travelled to Madina.

In Madina, despite ill health, Hadhrat performed Maghrib, Isha and Fajr Salaah in Masjid-e-Nabawi and spent the period of time between Asr and Maghrib Salaah in front of the blessed tomb of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), conveying salutations. However, he continued to suffer from severe chest aches, which caused him to be restless. Hadhrat was frequently heard saying, “May Allah forgive me" or "Oh Allah, forgive me". With Hadhrat in this state, his companions planned to hospitalize him. Overhearing the conversation, Hadhrat grievously and painfully said, “The hospital staff will simply delay my departure". Nevertheless, after Isha Salaah, Hadhrat was transported to the hospital for a medical examination. X-rays were taken and, after receiving medicine to stabilize his condition, Hadhrat was discharged.

For the following days, Hadhrat continued his daily routine. On the eve of the 27th of Ramadan, Hadhrat returned to the hotel after Taraweeh Salaah and consumed some refreshments. He appeared fine and, with the help of his son, packed all of his luggage and said, “Nothing remains to be packed except for the clothes that we are to wear on Eid". Hadhrat's son offered to massage his head, but he refused and said, “Go and rest". They retired to bed at 4:15 AM. Hadhrat's son immediately fell asleep, but was awakened by a telephone call for Sehri at 4:45 AM. He awoke and, to his amazement, Hadhrat was not on his bed. He searched and found Hadhrat in the state of prostration (sajdah). He called, “Oh Father! Oh Father!” but, to his disbelief, there was no movement or reply. It seemed as if Hadhrat had felt pain in his stomach and sat on the floor as one would sit in Qaidah in Salaah, which was his usual habit. In this state, his soul departed and, as a result, he fell forth in a position which seemed like "sajdah".

Hadhrat Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Islamul Haq departed from this world on the 28th of Ramadan at Sehri, after the completion of 27 fasts. His relatives and close friends were notified immediately and, within five minutes, the news of his death became widespread. Following Fajr Salaah, special prayers were recited in the masjids of Britain and the rest of the world.

Meanwhile, in Madina, funeral arrangements were made. Maulana Nurul Haq, Maulana Zubair Malik and two others bathed Hadhrat's body and prepared it for burial. Prior to Dhuhr Salaah, the "Janaaza" was brought to Masjid-e-Nabawi and Shaykh ibn Zaheem performed Salatul Janaaza after Dhuhr Salaah. The "Janaaza" was then transported to Jannatul Baqi, where Hadhrat was laid to rest. His son, Maulana Nurul Haq stepped into the grave to lay the body and pay his final respects.