Shah Abdur Raheem Raipuri ({{| شاہ عبد الرحیم رائے پوری|}}) (1270-1337 AH / 1853-1919 CE) was a prominent Islamic scholar, spiritual leader, and a key figure in the Indian freedom struggle against British rule. He played a vital role in the development of Darul Uloom Deoband and Mazahir Uloom Saharanpur. As a guardian of the "Silsila-e-Haqah," he was known for his deep knowledge of Shariah, Tasawuf (spirituality), and his political wisdom.

Early Life and Education

Shah Abdur Raheem Raipuri was born in 1270 AH (1853 CE) in Tigri, district Ambala (now in Haryana, India). His father belonged to a noble Syed family and was a disciple of Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki.

He began his education at an early age, reportedly receiving divine inspirations. At the age of five, he saw Muhammad Qasim Nanotvi in a dream, which marked the beginning of his Quranic studies. He studied under Maulana Habib-ur-Rahman Ludhianvi and later moved to Mazahir Uloom Saharanpur, where he learned from Maulana Ahmad Ali Muhadith Saharanpuri and Maulana Muhammad Mazhar Nanotvi. He completed his formal education in 1391 AH (1874 CE).

Spiritual Lineage

Shah Abdur Raheem Raipuri first took bay’ah (spiritual pledge) with Mian Abdur Raheem Saharanpuri. Later, he became a disciple of Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki and Rashid Ahmad Gangohi. He received khilafat (spiritual succession) in all four major Sufi orders:

Scholarly and Religious Services

Supervision of Darul Uloom Deoband

Rashid Ahmad Gangohi appointed him as a member of Darul Uloom Deoband governing council. In 1915, after Mahmud Hasan Deobandi traveled to the Hijaz, Shah Abdur Raheem Raipuri became the chief supervisor of the institution until 1919.

Leadership at Mazahir Uloom Saharanpur

In 1320 AH, he was appointed as the president of Mazahir Uloom, where he introduced educational reforms and strengthened the institution.

Quranic Education

Through Madaris-e-Nizamiyah and Nazarat-ul-Ma’arif al-Quraniyah in Delhi, he promoted Quranic studies. He also reviewed Mahmud Hasan Deobandi’s famous *Urdu translation of the Quran*.

Establishment of Khanqah-e-Raipur

In 1300 AH (1882 CE), he established the *Khanqah Rahimia * in Raipur, which became a center for spiritual enlightenment and a hub for the freedom movement.

Role in the Indian Freedom Movement

Jamiat-ul-Ansar

He was a patron of Jamiat ul-Ansar, an organization uniting scholars against British colonial rule.

Reshmi Rumal Movement

He actively supported the Reshmi Rumal Movement, led by Mahmud Hasan Deobandi. His residence served as a secret base for freedom fighters, where he provided guidance despite the dangers involved.

Personality and Spiritual Excellence

Shah Abdur Raheem Raipuri was highly regarded for his spiritual wisdom.

Shaikh-ul-Hind Mahmud Hasan Deobandi said about him: "Shah Abdur Raheem Thani (RA) was the living embodiment of the Quran and a true successor of Qasim-e-Furqan. All the spiritual blessings of our elders were gathered in his personality."

Ashraf Ali Thanvi remarked: "His heart was so enlightened that he perceived truths without needing divine visions or dreams."

Death and Legacy

He passed away on *25 Rabi’ al-Thani 1337 AH (28 January 1919 CE)* in Raipur. His funeral was attended by thousands, and Shaikh-ul-Hind Mahmud Hasan Deobandi (RA) wrote an elegy in his honor.

Conclusion

Shah Abdur Raheem Raipuri was a remarkable combination of religious scholarship, spirituality, and political wisdom. His contributions in education, spirituality, and the struggle against British rule remain an inspiration. His legacy continues to guide students of knowledge and seekers of spiritual enlightenment.

See Also

References

Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Abdur-Raheem_Raipuri
No tags for this post.