Khan Bahadur Ziauddin Muhammed (1864-1941) A Scholar of High Repute And Resolute Leader

Moulana Khan Bahadur Ziauddin Muhammed Sahib (1864-1941)  

(A Scholar of High Repute and a Resolute Leader)

Early life and Education

Janab Moulvi Ziauddin Muhammad Sahib was the only son of Moulana Abdul Wahab Sahib, the founder of Madarsa Baqiyathus Salihath, Vellore. Moulana Ziauddin Sahib was born on November 23, 1864. When he was just three years old, his mother, Ameer Bibi Sahiba, passed away. Later, Abdul Wahab Sahib married Rahmat Bi Bi, a very pious woman who brought up Ziauddin Muhammad Sahib with the utmost care.

Education 

Moulana Ziauddin Muhammad Sahib received his early education at Madarsa E-Baqiyathus Salihath. For higher education, his father sent him to study under the guidance of his own sheikh, Hazrath Moulana Rahmathullah Kiranwi, at Madarsa E-Saulathiya in Mecca. It is worth mentioning that Hazrath Mohammed Rahmathullah Kiranwi is the author of the famous book Izharul Haq. Ziauddin Sahib stayed there, completed his studies and returned to India. A scholar of high repute, he was blessed with a profound understanding of the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic Jurisprudence. He was a man of extraordinary capacity and wisdom.

Teaching at Baqiyath and Marriage

Ziauddin Sahib joined Baqiyath Madarsa as a teacher, and in 1895, he married. He continued to serve at the Madarsa, but as time passed, he found it difficult to support his family on his meagre income. He requested the principal, who was also his father, to increase his salary. However, Abdul Wahab Sahib refused, stating that no increment would be given. During the early days of the Madarsa, there were limited financial resources, and even the founder himself lived with a modest income. Ziauddin Sahib then sought permission from his father to leave the Madarsa and pursue business. Initially reluctant, Hazrath Abdul Wahab Sahib eventually gave him permission.

Leather Business

Ziauddin Sahib’s decision to leave the Madarsa was not only driven by the need for financial support but also to strengthen the Madarsa through the financial benefits of his business. He started his business on a small scale in Madras. By Allah’s grace, his business flourished, with branches spreading to Madras, Katpadi, and Vijayawada. Within a short period, he became one of the most well-known leather traders in the region.

 Establishment of Institutions

            The prosperity in business gave him opportunity to establish and support various institutions. He felt the need for a good madarsa in Madras for girls. He established Madarsa E Niswan with high standards at Madras. A pious and scholarly woman was appointed for teaching girls. Women servants were arranged for bringing girls in bullock carts with purdah.

With a view to equipping youngsters with vocational skills, he established Anjuman E Isha'atul Hasanath in Vellore in 1900. It was quickly recognized by the government. An Industrial School Leaving Certificate course was introduced, and hundreds of people joined, gaining various skills. The students were given monthly stipends, secular and moral education during the period of study. The initiative created opportunities for self-employment, especially for the poor. Although it was closed for some reason later on, elders still speak highly of its impact in the region, particularly in carpentry.

 Father’s Demise and Re-joining Madarsa

In 1919, his father, Hazrath Moulana Abdul Wahab Sahib, passed away. This was a great shock, not only to those associated with the Madarsa but also to the whole of South India. The administrative body of the Madarsa appointed Ziauddin Mohammed Sahib as its principal (1919-1941). As he had dedicated himself to social, educational, and welfare activities, he could not devote enough time to his business and trade. As a result, he suffered a huge loss and ultimately closed his business, left Madras, and fully dedicated himself to the upliftment of Madarsa E-Baqiyathus Salihath. During his tenure, he introduced revised syllabus in Urdu, Arabic and Persian and provided good infrastructure.  In 1925, a hostel  and a library block was built. He also introduced a Unani Course of Afzalul Athibba. He was a man of principles who treated the students with kindness and always strived for their welfare until his death.

Other Services

 One of the founding members of MEASI, honorary Secretary (1902-1910) also its' Vice President for a long tenure. He was the president of Vaniyambadi Muslim Educational Society from 1905-1935. Acted as a beacon to guide the community. He was a bridge between North and South Indian educational institutions. Raised funds to support Jamia Millia Islamiah, backed Nadwa movement, Leaders of Muslim Community had always consulted with him on important matters.

Ziauddin Mohammed Sahib was the founder President (1917-1924) of AISTHMA (All India Skin Tanners and Hide Merchants Association) in 1917. He was the President of Jamia Baqiyathus Salihath (1919-1941).

During the second convocation of the Madarsa, he and his father, Moulana Abdul Wahab Sahib, passed important resolutions at the 1906 Educational Conference held at the Madarsa in Vellore. Seven hundred delegates from different parts of the country participated in the conference. He also played a key role in the Khilafat Movement. Recognising his services for the nation, the British Government conferred him the title of ‘KHAN BAHADUR’.

He died on 4^th November, 1941 and laid to rest next to his father’s grave in Madarsa premises.

As the people of Melvisharam had close contacts with Baqiyathus Salihath and its founder, same was the case with his son also. Out of love and affection, elderly people in Melvisharam used to name their sons as ‘Ziauddin Muhammed’ or Muhammed Ziauddin. The 162 years old Madarsa E Baqiyathus Salihath,  also called as UMMUL MADARIS is still beloved to people of Melvisharam and to the wider world.

Alhamdulillah, I had collected the details from various sources few years back. I compiled this article on the request of one of the fourth generation descendants of Ziauddin Muhammed Sahib, presently residing at Melvisharam.

This is a brief note on his services. The community is grateful to this stalwart. May Allah grant him the highest abode in Jannah. Aameen.

                                                          

  S. Mohammed Sadathullah

                                                                                         26.01.2025

                                                                                        Melvisharam