Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanawi, referred to by many South Asian Muslims as Hakim al-Umma (“Spiritual Physician of the Muslim Umma”) and Mujaddid al-Milla (“Reformer of the Nation”), is a towering figure of Islamic revival and reawakening of South Asia in the twentieth century. Mawlana Thanawi was the “most eminent religious figure of his time, a prolific author, and believed to be the greatest Sufi of modern India.”

“He led a very active life, teaching, preaching, writing, lecturing, and making occasional journeys” (Naeem 94). The distinguishing mark and guiding principle that led to the vast success of his message was a remarkable sense of balance and straightforwardness in his speeches and writings. Mawlana Thanawi was an exemplar of the Qur’anic verse “And thus have We made you a nation justly balanced, that you might be witnesses over mankind” (Qur’an 2:143). An astounding, comprehensive knowledge of all branches of Islamic learning was evident in his personality, explicated in his lectures, and recorded in his writings. The Indian jurist Qadi Mujahid al-Islam Qasimi said, “It is hard to think of an area of Islamic sciences left unattended by his writings” (Zayd 11).

His religious approach encompasses all aspects of the subject under discussion, and his viewpoints on different issues reflect a genuine, thorough examination of traditional Islamic thought. His acute intelligence, revolutionary method of training and teaching, love of Allah and His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace), organized management of time, broadmindedness, tolerance, and unique and fresh, yet conservative, understanding of religious disciplines has etched him a permanent place in Islamic history.

He will be remembered as a reformer of the masses, an exemplary spiritual guide (shaykh), a prolific author, a spiritual jurist, an intellectual sage, and a fortifier of Islamic tradition who, at a time when Muslims were physically and intellectually attacked by Western colonial powers, supplied them with literary and academic firepower in the form of his speeches, writings, legal verdicts (fatawa), and spiritual training (tarbiya) to battle all irreligious influences of the Modern Age. Describing the great religious services and endeavours of Mawlana Thanawi, Mufti Muhammad Taqi ‘Uthmani writes, “The likeness of his accomplishments is not found in many preceding centuries” (Hakim al-Ummat ke siyasi afkar 22).

About The Publishers

White Thread Press

White Thread Press is a leading Islamic book publisher dedicated to preserving and sharing authentic Islamic knowledge based on the Qur'an and Sunnah. Known for its high-quality Islamic books and scholarly publications, White Thread Press offers a wide range of Sunni Islamic books that combine classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary relevance.

At The Islam Shop, we carefully select books from Turath Publishing to provide our customers with trusted Islamic literature, authentic Islamic books, and reliable resources for Islamic learning. Their collection includes books on Hadith, Tafsir, Aqeedah, Fiqh, Islamic history, Seerah, spirituality, and personal development, helping readers strengthen their understanding of Islam and grow in faith.

Whether you are looking for educational Islamic books, Islamic study resources, Muslim books for beginners, or advanced scholarly works, White Thread Press offers valuable guidance for students of knowledge and anyone seeking a deeper connection to their faith through authentic Islamic teachings.

Turath Publishing

Turath Publishers is a respected name in Islamic publishing, producing authentic Islamic books rooted in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Their collection combines classical scholarship with contemporary learning, offering trusted resources in Islamic studies, Hadith, Seerah, Aqeedah, and spirituality. At The Islam Shop, we carefully curate books from leading Islamic publishers to provide reliable Islamic literature for readers across the UK. Whether you are seeking Sunni Islamic books, educational resources, or inspirational guidance, explore our range of trusted Islamic books from Turath Publishers to strengthen your Islamic knowledge, faith, and lifelong journey of Islamic learning.

Additional Product Information

• Author: Hakim al-Umma Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi
• Publisher: White Thread Press  / Turath Publishing
• Publication Date: 1 January 2010
• Edition: First Edition. May vary from batch 
• Format: Print Book, May vary from batch  
• Binding: Paperback
• Pages: 303 pages
• Dimensions: Approx. 24 × 16.5 cm (9.4 × 6.5 in)
• Language: English
• Genre: Islamic Studies / Hadith / Sufism & Spirituality
• Category: Hadith & Hadith Commentary / Tasawwuf (Islamic Spirituality)
• ISBN-13: 9781906949044
• Translator: Shaykh Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo
• Editor: Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo
• Illustrator: Not specified / Not applicable
• Suitable Age: 12+ years
• Grade / Level: Intermediate to Advanced; suitable for students of Islamic knowledge and adult general readers