In my previous article http://vohratimes.org/may-2016/index.php I stated that “One alim or alimah may serve to influence many villagers and congregations, equipping them with accurate knowledge and practice, thereby mobilising true Islamic values across the districts.”

Sometimes with ‘tongue in cheek’ I ask young people to question their parents that with all their lifelong efforts related to masjid, madressah, orphanage, welfare society and so on, how many Hindus ever became Muslim? As you would expect in every case the answer is none.Young people are then urged to consider all the good work and projects that they have inherited from their parents and elders, however imperfect, and then to develop suitable strategies that may spiritually and intellectually stimulate the modern congregations and thereby create a legacy that their children could be very proud to inherit. Put simply if the old folks left behind land and houses, we must endeavour to leave behind educational and vocational values that can make us proud and help our children become exemplary role models for the future.

Born to Hindu parents, when their father died, with discreet permission of their mother, four brothers and a sister in Bangalore converted to Islam. At the time Maulana Ismail Rajah of Chasa Village used to travel to Bangalore for performing Taraweeh during Ramadhan. The eldest brother, Yusuf Bhai, who later became a Khalifa of Maulana As’ad Madani (RA) asked Maulana Ismail Rajah to take the youngest brother, 6 years old Ilyas, to Gujarat and provide him with Islamic upbringing and education.

Ilyas Bangalory soon became Hafiz ul Qur’an at Degham Madressah, studied early alim course at Ashraful Uloom in Gangoh, and completed the alim course at Darul Uloom Deoband. When I came across his student days, he was a charming young man, very popular on the campus, but crucially showed every promise and enthusiasm of serving the Deen. He was academically gifted and became extremely articulate in both Gujarati and Urdu in his discourse.

For any child, let alone an orphan child, the traumatic experience of losing a parent, the physical and geographical dislocation from family and the city of birth, compounded with the unusual experience of embracing a new way of life would be extremely challenging. Ilyas Bangalory was no exception; however, he was patient and resilient in his efforts to remain on the noble path of seeking Deeni knowledge.

Most of us will agree that we are usually forthcoming in offering financial support to needy children and bereaved families; however very few amongst us take personal responsibility for their food, clothing and shelter.

Please send your comments about this article via email: salaam@talktalk.netNext time, if readers are interested, I would like to share my memories of Maulana Ilyas Qasmi’s inspirational widow and orphan children.

Also please encourage your family and friends through social media to sign up for http://vohratimes.org/ FREE newsletter.

Shakeel Hafez
14thRamadhan 1437
19thJune 2016