السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Wednesday 26th January 2022/ 24 Jumādā al-Thānī 1443H.
The last 3 years in Dārul Uloom were wonderful. Alongside our studies the elder students shared various responsibilities, which enabled us to gain valuable life skills, such as organising and managing tasks and becoming independent.
All the students lived together as one big family. Within 10 years of opening, Dārul Uloom had attracted students, not just from the UK or Europe, but from all over the world. So many nationalities, so many languages, such contrasts in tradition and culture. However, Islām and Īmān united all our hearts.
Our teachers looked after us like our parents. Our Ḥaḍrat was always available for every student. Although anyone could approach Ḥaḍrat with any issue, students would take the easier option of broaching the matter with Muftī Ṣāḥib, who would help all the students and ensure their needs were met.
I was in my 4th year of ‘Ālim Class when the new Masjid at our Dārul Uloom officially opened, in 1989. It was a very memorable long weekend, which began with Fidā-e-Millat Ḥaḍrat Mawlānā As’ad Madanī, رَحْمَةُ الله عليه, leading the Jumu’ah Ṣalāh at the new Masjid.
The next day (Saturday) we traveled by coach to Madīnatul Uloom (Kidderminster). My Marḥūm father-in-law Qāri Ismā’īl Samniwālā, who remained shoulder to shoulder with our Ḥaḍrat from day one, was given the honour by our Ḥaḍrat to lead the Ẓuhr Ṣalāh for the official opening.
Ḥaḍrat appointed Qāri Ṣāḥib as one of the first trustees of Dārul Uloom. Today, Qāri Ṣāḥib’s eldest son, my brother-in-law and also my teacher, is a trustee.
From Kidderminster, our coaches went to the beautiful Masjid in Nuneaton, where we spent the night. Early next morning, we headed for the Annual Khatm-e-Nubūwwat Conference at the Wembley Conference Centre, returning back to Dārul Uloom late at night. Ḥaḍrat gave all of us a day off that Monday.
At the start of my 5th year, Muftī Ṣāḥib called me one day, and handed over the keys to the Dārul Uloom Tuck Shop. I refused saying, ‘not me Muftī Ṣāḥib, please’. Muftī Ṣāḥib politely requested me to take the keys temporarily, until we find someone else.
Till the day of my graduation, I looked after the Tuck Shop. I will never be able to repay the trust Muftī Ṣāḥib placed in me. Although running the tuck shop might have affected my education a little bit, the skills learnt running the shop are priceless, even to this day.
Interacting with all the students, showing courtesy and respect to the young and old, venturing into the world of cash & carry warehouses in Blackburn and Bolton to stock up, etc. All these proved to be very valuable and beneficial experiences.
For my very close colleagues, such as Shaykh Shirāz and Shaykh Rashīd ibn Mawlānā ‘Umarji Ṣāḥib, having a best friend with keys to the Tuck Shop was a huge blessing. Whenever they felt a bit peckish, even at midnight, they knew who they could turn to. Secret revealed today Muftī Ṣāḥib. Sorry!
Finally, the dream of all ‘Ālim Class students. The start of the 6th and final year, known as the year of Bukhārī. Don’t miss the final 2 parts coming up tomorrow and Friday, اِنْ شَاءَ الَّلهُ.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala
Graduate of Dārul Uloom Bury (1991)
Part 1 ; Part 2 ; Part 3 ; Part 4 ; Part 5 ; Part 6 ; Part 7