A distinguished scholar, Hazrat Anwar Shah Kashmiri (RA), whose profound understanding of Quranic teachings and meticulous contributions to Hadith literature, left an indelible mark on Islamic thought.
By Dr.Syed Ubaidullah Bukhari
“Hazaron saal Nargis apni benoori pe roti hai, Badi mushkil se hota hai chaman mein deedawar paida.” These profound words resonate from the esteemed Muhadith, Hazrat Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri RA, a luminary revered for his contributions to Islamic scholarship and poetic prowess within the rich tapestry of Indian Hadith literature.
Maulana Shah Mohammad Anwar, affectionately known as Moulana Anwar Shah Kashmiri RA, was born on a serene Saturday, November 26, 1875 (Shawal 18, 1292 AH), in the enchanting confines of Kashmir’s Warnov village nestled within the Lolab Valley, Kupwara district. He was the son of Moulana Muazam Ali Shah RA and traced his lineage seven generations back to the revered BABA (Amjad Sheikh) Masood Narwari or Narwari Sahib.
Hazrat Shah Sahab was blessed with two illustrious sons, Hazrat Azhar Shah Qaiser and Hazrat Anzar Shah Kashmiri. His scholarly legacy shines brightly through an impressive array of literary works, among which his notable contributions include:
- Mushkilat al-Quran
- Ikfar al-Mulhidin
- Aqidat al-Islam fi Hayat Isa (AS)
- Anwarul Mahmud fi Sharah Sunan Abu Dawud
- Al-Arf al-Shaddi ala Jamiah Tirmidhi
- Faidh al-Bari fi Sharah-e-Sahih al-Bukhari
- Sharh Urdu Sahih Bukhari, and numerous others.
Hazrat Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri RA distinguished himself not only as a prolific writer but also as a revered Hadith teacher. He played a pivotal role in preserving and disseminating the teachings of the Holy Prophet (SAW) throughout the Indian subcontinent. His scholarly journey began at Darul Uloom Deoband under the tutelage of Hazrat Mahmud-Al Hasan DB and Hazrat Moulana Rashid Ahmed Gangohi Shahb DB. After acquiring permission from his mentors, he taught at Darul Uloom Deoband for several years, followed by a period of teaching in Hijaz, before establishing a new madrasa in Dhabil, Gujarat, aimed at fostering the study of Hadith literature.
Renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge and remarkable memory, he was often hailed as a “moving and walking library,” capable of quoting passages and citing sources with precise detail during his extemporaneous lectures.
His influence extended beyond scholarly circles, encompassing luminaries like Dr. Sir Mohammad Iqbal RA, who held him in the highest regard as an unparalleled authority on Islam in the 19th and 20th centuries. Hazrat Anwar Shah Kashmiri RA actively engaged in refuting Ahmadiyya doctrines through his writings, preventing their spread in the subcontinent.
In 1923, Hazrat Anwar Shah Kashmiri RA returned to his ancestral village of Lolab, delivering profound sermons to large gatherings, illuminating hearts with the teachings of Quran and Hadith. His international impact was evident when he addressed the esteemed audience at Jamia al-Azhar in Egypt, leaving a lasting impression on luminaries like Syed Rashid Raza. This encounter enriched the Egyptian libraries with the scholarly legacy of Hazrat Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri RA.
The Muslim ummah mourned deeply upon his passing in 1933 at Darul Uloom Deoband, where he had spent his final years in illness. His legacy as a beacon of knowledge and defender of Islamic principles continues to inspire generations worldwide.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine. The author can be reached at [email protected]
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