By Mohd.Rafique
LUCKNOW: Maulana Rabe Hasani Nadvi, one of the most respected Islamic scholars of India, passed away at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama — a prominent Islamic seminary in Lucknow — on Thursday after a prolonged illness.
He was 94. The cleric is survived by his three daughters.
Maulana Nadvi was the president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Rector (chancellor) of Nadwatul Ulama.
As the head of two important organizations — AIMPLB which represents Muslims in legal and social issues and Nadwatul Ulama which is instrumental in imparting Islamic education — Nadvi played a significant role in upholding the rights of the Muslim community in India.
Given his contribution to the community, Maulana Nadvi was named among the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by surveys done by various organizations.
Born in Rae Bareli, he started his career as a teacher of Islamic studies at Nadwatul Ulama in Lucknow. In 2000, he was appointed as the Rector of the institution — the post he held until his death.
Nadvi was the nephew of author-reformer and Nadwatul Rector Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi, who was popularly known as ‘Ali Miyan’, and proved to be a worthy successor of his uncle by managing the organization skillfully after Ali Miyan’s death.
"His death is a big loss to humanity. Having known him for years, both as a doctor and a social observer, I can say that I have never seen such a well-read person who was so down to earth. World may remember him as an Islamic scholar but he was more of a humanist," said Dr Kauser Usman, professor of medicine at KGMU.
Reminiscing his contribution towards Islamic education, jurisprudence, and interfaith dialogue, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, chairperson of Islamic Centre of India, said, "As president of AIMPLB for over two decades, he undertook many reforms for the community. He was an able educationist and administrator."
"His contribution towards the community is unparalleled, and it will not be easy to fill the void," Mahali said.
Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad described him as a well-respected figure who had contributed immensely to the community. "Having represented India at many international forums, Maulana Nadvi left a lasting impression on people with his knowledge and thoughts. Death of such a great scholar is a great loss to the Muslim world which cannot be compensated," he added.
"Throughout his life, Maulana Rabey Hasani Nadvi tirelessly advocated for the advancement of Muslim education," said Mazhar Farooqui, founder of a charitable organization. "He inspired people to work harder towards the goal of empowering future generations through education," he said.
Nadvi was also an accomplished author and had written several books on Islamic theology, including a commentary on the Quran. He also headed several organisations in India and abroad.
He was the vice-president of Riyadh’s Aalami Rabita Adab-e-Islami and a founding member of the Muslim World League.
"He was also well travelled and had participated in several conferences and seminars across the world. His contribution in promoting understanding and cooperation between different religious communities is immense," said Mohd Gufran Naseem, member of Youth Sunni Federation.
He was also an active member of All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, an umbrella body of Muslim organizations in the country.
Nadvi’s burial will take place in Rae Bareli on Friday morning, said Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali.
BSP chief Mayawati and SP president Akhilesh Yadav tweeted their condolences.
