The Virtues of Arabic

The Arabic language, which is the most eloquent, versatile, regulated & magnificent language of all languages, was chosen for the revelation of the Quraan. Since Nabi Kareem (SAW) was himself an Arab, it is apparent that the first addressees of it were going to be Arab. Then this light was going to spread in all four directions by means of the Arabs.

About The Author 

Shaykh Al Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Al Kandahlawi 

He was born in the village of Kandhla (in Uttar Pradesh, India) on Ramadan 10, 1315 AH (February 12, 1898 CE). His full name was Muhammad Zakariyya ibn Muhammad Yahya ibn Muhammad Ismail, and his lineage continues all the way back to Abu Bakr, the great Companion of the Messenger (SallAllahu alaihi wasallam).

Shaykh Abu al-Hasan Nadwi said about him, "Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya was born into a household rooted in knowledge and passion for Islam. His immediate family and his predecessors were distinguished by firm resolve, perseverance, steadfastness, and adherence to religion.... His family included many notable scholars... and his grandmother memorized the entire Qur'an while nursing her son [Shaykh Zakariyya's father]."

His father, Shaykh Muhammad Yahya, was among the great scholars of India, whose primary teacher in hadith was Shaykh Rashid Ahmad Gangohi. Under him he studied Sahih al-Bukhari, Jami al-Tirmidhi, and others of the six famous authentic books of hadith [sihah sitta]. Shaykh Yahya went on to teach at Madrasa Mazahir Ulum, in the district of Saharanpur, but did not accept any payment for his services. He instead made his living through his own book-publishing business.

As a young boy, Shaykh Zakariyya moved with his father to the village of Gangoh, in the district of Saharanpur. Since his father and Shaykh Gangohi had a close relationship, Shaykh Zakariyya quickly earned the affection of his father's teacher.

Growing up in this virtuous environment, he began learning how to read with Hakim Abd al-Rahman of Muzaffarnagar. He memorized the Qur'an with his father and also studied books in Persian and the introductory Arabic books with his uncle Shaykh Muhammad Ilyas (founder of the Tabligh movement). He stayed with his father in the company of Shaykh Gangohi until age eight, when the shaykh passed away.

At the age of twelve, Shaykh Zakariyya traveled with his father to Mazahir Ulum, There, under his father, he advanced his study of Arabic, tackling many classical texts on Arabic morphology, grammar, literature and also logic. But by the time he was seventeen, hadith became the main focus of his life. He studied five of the six authentic books of hadith with his father, and then he studied Sahih al-Bukhari and Sunan al-Tirmidhi (for a second time) with honorable Shaykh Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri. Out of his immense respect for hadith, Shaykh Zakariyya was extremely particular about always studying the hadith narrations with wudu'.

On Dhu 'l-Qa'da 10, 1334 AH, when Shaykh Zakariyya was just nineteen, his dear father passed away. This event was extremely traumatic for Shaykh Zakariyya, as he lost not only a father but also a teacher and mentor. His deep sorrow remained with him for the rest of his life.

Teachers

Shaykh Zakariyya was blessed to live and learn in an era considered by many to be one of great achievements in Islamic knowledge by scholars in the Indian subcontinent. He studied with few but select teachers who reached the highest levels of learning, research, authorship, and piety. In addition to his father (Shaykh Muhammad Yahya) and uncle (Shaykh Muhammad Ilyas), he studied under the hadith scholar Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri, author of the Badhl al-Majhud, a commentary of Sunan Abi Dawud. Shaykh Zakariyya acquired a hadith authorization from him and remained his student until Shaykh Khalil's death in Madina Munawwara in 1346 AH.

Before his death, Shaykh Khalil Ahmad expressed his desire to write Badhl al-Majhud, and he sought Shaykh Zakariyya's assistance as his right-hand man. This experience revealed Shaykh Zakariyya's gift of penmanship and, furthermore, expanded his insight in the science of hadith. He worked hard on the project, attained the pleasure and trust of his shaykh, and was even mentioned by name in the commentary. This indeed opened the door to Shaykh Zakariyya's authoring many literary works and treatises over the course of his life.

Teaching Career

In Muharram 1335 AH he was appointed as a teacher at Madrasa Mazahir Ulum, where he was assigned to teach books on Arabic grammar, morphology, and literature, as well as a number of primary texts of Islamic jurisprudence. In 1341 AH he was assigned to teach three sections of Sahih al-Bukhari upon the insistence of Shaykh Khalil Ahmad. He also taught Mishkat al-Masabih until 1344 AH. Shaykh Abu al-Hasan Nadwi said, "Although he was one of the youngest teachers at the school, he was selected to teach works generally not assigned to those of his age, nor to anyone in the early stages of his teaching career. Nevertheless, he showed that he was not only able, but an exceptional teacher."

In 1345 AH he traveled to Madina Munawwara, the city of Allah's Messenger (SallAllahu alahi wasallam), where he resided for one year. There he taught Sunan Abi Dawud at Madrasa al-Ulum al-Shar'iyya. While in Madina, he began working on Awjaz al-Masalik ila Muwatta Imam Malik, a commentary on Imam Malik's Muwatta. He was twenty-nine at the time.

When he returned to India, he resumed teaching at Mazahir Ulum. He began teaching Sunan Abi Dawud, Sunan al-Nasai, the Muwatta of Imam Muhammad, and the second half of Sahih al-Bukhari. The school's principle taught the first half of Sahih al-Bukhari, and after his death, Shaykh Zakariyya was given the honor of teaching the entire work.

In all, he taught the first half of Sahih al-Bukhari twenty-five times, the complete Sahih al-Bukhari sixteen times, and Sunan Abi Dawud thirty times. He did not just teach hadith as a matter of routine; the work of hadith had become his passion, and he put his heart and soul into it. Shaykh Zakariyya taught until 1388 AH, when he was forced to give up teaching after developing eye cataracts.

Travels to the Two Holy Cities

Allah blessed him with the opportunity to visit the two holy cities of Makka and Madina. He performed hajj several times, and his multiple trips had a profound personal effect on him, both spiritually and educationally. He made the blessed journey with Shaykh Khalil Ahmad in 1338 AH and with him again in 1344. It was during the second trip that Shaykh Khalil completed Badhl al-Majhud; he died shortly thereafter and was buried in the Baqi' graveyard in Madina. May Allah have mercy on him and put light in his grave.

Sincere Love for Allah and the Prophet (SallAllahu alahi wasallam)

Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya inherited piety, honesty, and good character from his father (may Allah be pleased with him). He aspired to follow the Qur'an and Sunnah in all matters, big and small, with a passion not found in many scholars. He had extreme love for the Prophet (SallAllahu alahi wasallam) and the blessed city of Madina. His students have related that whenver the death of the Messenger (SallAllahu alahi wasallam) was mentioned during a lecture on Sunan Abi Dawud or Sahih al-Bukhari, his eyes would well up with tears, his voice would choke up, and he would be overcome with crying. So evocative were his tears that his students could do nothing but weep with raised voices.

He was often tested with regard to his sincerity. He was offered many teaching jobs at two or three times the salary that was customarily given at Mazahir 'Ulum, but he always graciously declined the offers. For most of his teaching career, Shaykh Zakariyya never accepted any money for his services at Mazahir 'Ulum; he did the work voluntarily, seeking Allah's pleasure. Although he did accept a small salary at the beginning of his career, he later totaled up the amount and paid it back in its entirety.

Househould

Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya was married twice. He first married the daughter of Shaykh Ra'uf al-Hasan in Kandhla. She passed away on Dhu 'l-Hijja 5 1355 AH. He then married the daughter of Shaykh Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlawi in 1356 AH. Allah blessed him with five daughters and three sons from his first wife, and two daughters and one son from his second marriage.

Daily Routine

Shaykh Zakariyya organized his time meticulously. He would rise an hour before dawn and occupy himself in tahajjud and recitation of Qur'an before performing the Fajr prayer in the masjid. After Fajr, he would read his morning supplications and litany until sunrise. Thereafter he would go to meet with some people and drink tea (but never ate anything with it). He would then return to his quarters to read. During this time he would also research and compile his literary works, and, with few exceptions, no one was allowed to visit him at this time. When it was time for lunch he would come out and sit with his guests, who were from all walks of life; he would respect and treat them well, irrespective of who they were. After Zuhr prayer, he would take a siesta and then spent some time listening to his correspondence (which amounted to around forty or fifty letters daily from different places) and dictating replies. He also taught for two hour before 'Asr. After 'Asr, he would sit with a large group of people, offering them tea. After performing Maghrib, he would remain devoted in solitude to optional prayer and to supplication. He did not take an evening meal except to entertain an important guest.

Personality

Shaykh Abu 'l-Hasan 'Ali Nadwi says about his characteristics, "He was extremely vibrant, never lazy; light-hearted, smiling, cheerful, friendly; and he often jested with his close friends and acquaintances. We saw in him good character and forbearance with people, as well as a rare humilty; and above all, his personal qualities were always governed by his deep faith and sense of contentment."

Death

He had always hoped to meet Allah while in the city of the Messenger (SallAllahu alahi wasallam); Allah granted his wish. He died there on Monday Sha'ban 1, 1402 AH (May 24, 1982 CE) and was buried in Jannat al-Baqi', in the company of the Companions and the noble family members of the Messenger (SallAllahu alahi wasallam). His funeral procesion was followed by a large number of people and he was buried in the Baqi' graveyard next to his teacher Shaykh Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri. May Allah forgive him, grant mercy, and elevate his status. Amin.

Scholars' Praise of Him

Many scholars, both Arab and non-Arab, have praised him and recognized his knowlege and excellence. 'Allama Muhammad Yusuf Binnori relates:

About The Translator

Mufti Afzal Hoosen Elias

Mufti Afzal Hoosen Elias was born in Muharram 1375 (September 1955) in Estcourt, Kwa-Zulu Natal. During his youth, Allah inspired him with a yearning for a thorough Deeni education. After fulfilling his parents’ wishes of obtaining a secular education, Mufti Elias left for Deoband, India in 1977.

Here he obtained the following Deeni qualifications:

• Fazil Alim Certificate from Darul Uloom Deoband, India, in 1983.
• A specialized course on the Tafseer (Commentary) of the Noble Quraan under Moulana Ghulamullaah Khan in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in 1983.
• Mufti Certificate from Darul Uloom Deoband, India, in 1984.
• (A specialized course in Islaamic Jurisprudence)
• During his student years, Mufti Elias began writing, translating, and simplifying Islamic literature. After completing his studies, Mufti Saahib returned to South Africa, to impart the knowledge he had gained.

Seeing his works further translated into languages that include (but are not limited to) Afrikaans, Zulu, Sotho, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Danish, and Braille.

Mufti Elias was also a senior member of many Islaamic organisations, for as long as those organisations’ focus was the upliftment of Deen.

Mufti Elias was a people’s Mufti, and his main concern was making Deen easy for all, and accessible to all. Mufti Elias always availed himself to answer questions and was easy-going and approachable.

Mufti Elias’s contributions to spreading Deen in the western world are innumerable and immeasurable. May Allaah accept his works, make it a means of guidance, and allow it to flourish until the end of time.

On the 9th Shabaan 1439 (25th April 2018), Mufti Elias completed his journey of this world, and passed on to the next.

About The Publisher

Mustafah Publishers

Mustafah Publishers are one of the leading publishers of Islamic books.

Mustafah Publishers convey a message successfully and provide motivation for children and adults to follow the teachings contained within. Attractive and interactive illustrations have been used to capture their interest.

With help from these books, children and adults will learn a way of life that will help them gain happiness, serenity and success in this world as well as in the Hereafter in sha Allah. Reading these books will not just make them better Muslims, but also better children and adults, better siblings and improve them in every aspect of their character.

Mustafah Publishers biography is based on information collected from authentic sources including the Quran, Ahadith, books about Sirah-tul-Nabi and other trustworthy Islamic history books.

Additional Product Information

• ISBN 13: 978-969752-01-69
• ISBN: 10: 9697520169
• ISBN: 9789697520169
• SKU 1: TISTVOA
• SKU 2: TIS
• SKU 3: 52016
• SKU 4: 9789697520169
• MPN: 2016
• ASIN: 9789697520169
• EAN: 2016
• REF.NO: 2016
• Author: Shaykh Al Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Al Kandahlawi 
• Edited and illustrated By:
• Translated By: Mufti Abdullah Moolla
• Translated By: Mufti Abdullah Moolla
• Publisher: Mustafah Publishers
• Imprint: Mustafah Publishers
• Publication Date: 2022
• Cover: Paperback / Softcover / Paperboard / Softbound
• Format: Paperback / Softcover / Paperboard / Softbound
• Binding: Paperback / Softcover / Paperboard / Softbound
• Pages: 48
• Dimensions: 21 x 13.9cm Approx
• Weight: 85g
• Digital Bank

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