Imam e Rabbani Hadhrat Moulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi RA

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Imam-e-Rabbani Hadhrat Maulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi RA

Hadhrat Maulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi رحمه الله stands among the most illustrious Islamic scholars and spiritual reformers of the nineteenth century. His life was a radiant example of deep scholarship, spiritual excellence, humility, and unwavering adherence to the Sunnah of Rasulullah ﷺ. Born on 6th Dhul Qa’dah 1244 A.H. (10 May 1829) in the town of Gangoh near Saharanpur, he belonged to a noble lineage tracing back to the revered companion Hadhrat Ayyub Ansari رضي الله عنه. From early childhood, signs of piety, intelligence, and love for religious knowledge were evident in him.

He received his initial education in Gangoh, where he memorised portions of the Qur’an and studied the foundational Islamic sciences. Driven by a thirst for higher learning, he later travelled to Delhi, which at that time was a major centre of Islamic scholarship. There, he studied under eminent scholars such as Maulana Mamluk Ali رحمه الله, a teacher renowned for shaping some of the greatest minds of the era. During this period, he developed a close and lifelong bond with Maulana Qasim Nanotwi رحمه الله. This companionship was rooted in mutual respect, shared devotion, and a common vision for the revival of authentic Islamic knowledge, a vision that later materialised in the establishment of Darul Uloom Deoband.

Maulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi رحمه الله was known for his exceptional dedication to learning. He would often spend long hours immersed in study, sometimes throughout the night, neglecting food and rest in his pursuit of knowledge. His academic journey reached its pinnacle when he completed the study of Hadith under the legendary Shah Abdul Ghani Muhaddith Dehlawi رحمه الله. By the young age of twenty-one, he had attained mastery over the major Islamic sciences, including Tafsir, Hadith, Fiqh, and Usul.

Alongside his scholarly brilliance, his spiritual journey was equally profound. He became a disciple of the great Sufi master Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki رحمه الله, from whom he received spiritual training and khilafah. After returning to Gangoh, he devoted himself to the spiritual and moral reformation of the Muslim community. He revived the historic Khanqah of Shah Abdul Quddus Gangohi رحمه الله, transforming it into a centre of spiritual guidance, remembrance of Allah, and ethical reform. People from far and wide would travel to benefit from his company, advice, and spiritual insight.

Despite his towering status as a scholar and spiritual guide, his humility was remarkable. He lived a life of simplicity, free from worldly attachment, and treated his students with affection and equality. He often served them personally, emphasising character-building alongside academic excellence. His daily life reflected complete submission to Allah and deep love for the Sunnah.

Maulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi رحمه الله was a master of Hadith and Hanafi Fiqh. His renowned work, Fatawa Rashidiyyah, remains an important reference for scholars even today. He was also a teacher and mentor to some of the greatest scholars of the subcontinent, including Sheikh-ul-Hind Maulana Mahmood Hasan رحمه الله and Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رحمه الله, who carried forward his legacy of knowledge and reform.

He passed away on 6th Jamadul Thani 1323 A.H. (11 August 1905), but his influence continues to live on through his students, writings, and the enduring institutions inspired by his vision. His life remains a timeless source of inspiration for those who seek knowledge, spiritual purification, and sincere service to the Ummah.