Allama Mohammed Ziauddin Amani

 

Hazrath Moulana Allama Mohammed Ziauddin ‘Amani’

Introduction

This article provides a brief biography of Allama Mohammed Ziauddin, famous as ‘Amani Hazrath,’ one of the most renowned Islamic scholars of 20th-century Tamil Nadu. A multifaceted personality whom elders recall  with high regard but to facilitate the younger generation to recognise his identity, it is important to mention a few of his close relatives, many of whom were well-known figures in the recent past. Amani Hazrath was the father-in-law of Hazrath Allama Abu Sawood Sahib (commonly referred to as Bade Hazrath), the founder of Sabeelur Rashad Arabic College in Bangalore. He was also the maternal grandfather of Hazrath Mufti Ashraf Ali Sahib, the former Principal of the same college and former Ameer E Shariat of Karnataka. Additionally, Hazrath Moulana Mohammed Valiullah Sahib, who was the former Principal of Madarsa Madinul Uloom in Vaniyambadi, was also one of his grandsons.

Birth and Early Life (1894)

Amani Hazrath was born in 1894 at Pallikonda in Vellore District. His grandfather originally migrated from Kayalpattinam to Vellore and later settled in Pallikonda.

Early Education

Amani Hazrath’s father, Janab Abdul Rahim Sahib was a student of Hazrath Maulana Abdul Wahab Sahib (founder of Baqiyathus Salihath) at Baqiathus Salihath in Vellore, a prominent Islamic institution. Amani Hazrath followed his father’s footsteps, receiving his education at Hazrath Makkan in Vellore and then at Baqiathus Salihath under the guidance of Maulana Abdul Wahab Sahib.

His service at Madarsa E Baqiyathus Salihath

After completing his Aalim course, Amani Hazrath became a teacher at Baqiathus Salihath and served there until 1940  

Move to Jamia Manbaul Anwar (1940)

In 1940, Amani Hazrath moved to Jamia Manbaul Anwar in Lalpet, where he took on the role of principal. He served as the dynamic head of the institution striving for its development.

Scholarly Contributions and Works

Amani Hazrath became renowned for his scholarly work in Arabic, Persian, Tamil, and Urdu. He authored nearly 21 books during his lifetime, covering a wide range of subjects, including Islamic studies, poetry, and practical guidance. His notable work, Umdatul Adilla, became an important reference text used to determine the direction of Qibla and the timing of prayers.

Amani Hazrath was also a distinguished poet in Urdu and Persian, using the pen name "Amani." His poetic works gained significant recognition and were appreciated by scholars across South and North India.

His book Gulshan-e-Seerat, a biography of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) written in poetic form, became widely read and highly respected by scholars like Hazrath Abdul Majeed Sharar Alanduri Sahib, Hazrath Mufti Muhammad Shafi Sahib, S.A.W. Bukhari Sahib, Dr. Abdul Haq, Sheiquna Aadam Sahib and others. This book is available in Rekhta.org in the following link

https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/gulshan-e-seerat-ziyauddin-ahmad-amaani-ebooks

Invention and Engineering Contributions:

Amani Hazrath was not only a scholar but also an inventor. He developed a new and automatic method of drawing water from a well without the use of an electric motor. This invention highlighted his versatile intellect and practical ingenuity. He was also an expert in writing chronograms, showcasing his talent in various fields beyond traditional Islamic scholarship.

Support for Tablighi Jamaat (Early 1940s-1950s)

When the Tablighi Jamaat movement began to spread in South India, there was initial confusion and doubt among many Muslims. Amani Hazrath stood firm in supporting the movement, recognizing its value for the Muslim community.

To clarify misconceptions, he led a delegation of South Indian Ulama to Nizamuddin, Delhi, where they met with scholars of the Tablighi Jamaat and became convinced of its importance. Amani Hazrath and the delegation then returned to Tamil Nadu, where they encouraged others to participate in the movement. This support played a crucial role in spreading the Tablighi Jamaat’s message across South India and later to Southeast Asia.

Leadership and Influence at Jamia Manbaul Anwar (1940-1966)

As principal of Jamia Manbaul Anwar, Amani Hazrath was instrumental in shaping the direction of the institution and influencing generations of students. His leadership was marked by a focus on education, discipline, and the promotion of Islamic values.

Unique Meal System at Jamia Manbaul Anwar

One unique aspect of Jamia Manbaul Anwar is its approach to student welfare. Unlike most Madarsas, where a kitchen is typically attached to the hostel to provide free food and accommodation, this Madarsa has no kitchen or canteen facilities. Instead, each household in the Lalpet area takes responsibility for feeding a student three times a day. Local families adopt a student and ensure they are provided with meals throughout their studies. The Madarsa staff collect the food daily, and the community continues to support the students in this way until they complete their education. I think it is the only Madarsa in Tamilnadu which follows this unique system. The arrangement of food by the people of the town considering students as their sons is a reflection of their sacrifice, sincerity, Islamic consciousness and also their attachment with the Madarsa. Even today, the same system is in practice.

Death and Legacy (1966)

Amani Hazrath passed away in 1966, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the fields of education, poetry, Islamic scholarship, and community service. He was buried within the madrasa campus at Lalpet, where his contributions are still revered.  

Conclusion

 He had close contacts with Quaid e Millath Ismail Sahib who use to always consult with him on important matters. Similarly, he had a very cordial relations with the famous freedom fighter and translator of Quran Janab Abdul Hameed Baqwi Sahib.

Qaide Millath Ismail Sahib and Amani Hazrath 

Although Amani Hazrath’s contributions were somewhat forgotten by later generations, his work has been preserved in historical records. His life and achievements are chronicled in books such as History of Urdu Literature in Tamil Nadu by Janab Aleem Saba Navedi Sb, and in commemorative souvenirs published in 2013 on the 150th anniversary of Baqiathus Salihath and Jamia Manbaul Anwar.  Similarly, the services of Madarsa E Manbul Anwar, Lalpet has been documented in an M. Phil., thesis by Mr. M.A. Elahi Baqsh Sahib, former senior Lab assistant, Islamiah College, Vaniyambadi.

Amani Hazrath’s life was marked by dedication to education, scholarly pursuits, and leadership in community development. His contributions, both academic and practical, remain significant to this day, ensuring his place as a pivotal figure in the history of Islamic education in Tamil Nadu and beyond.  Thanks to  Prof. D. Abul Fazal Sahib, Head of the Department of History, Islamiah College (Autonomous) Vaniyambadi and   Dr. Muhammed Mudassir, Head of the Department of Urdu, JMC, Trichy.

                                                                              S. Mohammed Sadathullah                                                                                                     Melvisharam

                                                                                  18.01.2025