THE SIDDIQ SARAI- A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

 

THE SIDDIQ SARAI

A Monument of Charity

(1921-2021)

Hundred Years of Noble Service

Introduction

Madras also known as Chennai is a home of many monuments. Upon disembarking at Dr. MGR Central Railway station (named in 2019) one can admire iconic red colour towers for its architectural marvel. Let me brief that this landmark was identified with two other names as the ‘Madras Central’ in 1873and Chennai Central in 1996. On walking towards west magnificent buildings catch the attention of viewers. Among them is Chennai Suburban Railway terminus and reservation centre. Where once stood Moore Market 1900-1985. Though I have not seen it but elderly people praise it as one spot shopping complex. Next comes The Madras Town Hall, built in Indo Saracenic Style by the contributions of 35 Elites of Madras Presidency (opened during 1888-1890) also known as Victoria Hall christened after Queen Victoria to commemorate her golden Jubilee tenure as Queen, is another remarkable edifice nearby. On moving further, there comes the Rippon Building (1913) named after Viceroy Rippon. As we know that Chennai Corporation (World’s second oldest corporation) is located in the same building.

 Location

 Opposite to the Rippon building and beside Park Station, there is a structure (indo saracenic style) with arches, domes and minarets named ‘Siddiq Sarai’ a twentieth century choultry for Muslim travellers built by Nawab C. Abdul Hakeem Sahib. A Merchant Prince, Philanthropist, Sheriff of Madras (1929), a politician and a social worker from Visharam.

Flashbacks

 On seeing this historic building, I am reminded of my childhood memories. Sarai was a home away from home to many Visharamians (natives of Visharam) and visitors alike. We spent our summer holidays touring different spots of Chennai. The fascinated view of the aforementioned historic buildings from the Sarai’s balcony, the buzzing transport in the Poonnamallee High Road, the clickety clack sounds of trains moving beside, the prayer calls (Azaan) and the muezzin’s thunderous knocks at the door to wake us for the fajar prayers are still in our evergreen memories.

The attachment with Sarai and childhood reminiscences are so profound that it recalls us the time we spent here during 1980s and 90s with our parents, relatives and played together with our cousins. The hot aromatic morning tea of Hotel Alfa, delicious dinners at Hindustan hotel, hotel Zubaida and Vasantha Bhavan. Soft idlies and tasty foods of Picnic hotel (opposite to Sarai) above all the homely delicious foods from BCs of Periamet and cheap and best foods merchant hotel are still deep in our thoughts. The mere sight of the Sarai kindled me to pen my thoughts. And I hope, especially people of Visharam will have the same feeling.

Background

Abdul Hakeem Sahib was born in 1863 to Siddiq Hussain Sahib who was a silk merchant, went to Mumbai where he faced severe loss and fell ill and returned to Madras. Upon reaching Madras, he realized the need for a choultry with facilities for Muslim travellers.

Father’s Last Wish

He reached home and called his son Abdul Hakeem and said “My illness may be fatal, if almighty Allah gives you wealth, construct a choultry for Muslims in Madras.” Abdul Hakeem promised to fulfil his father’s wish. Later his father passed away. Days passed, Almighty blessed him wealth and prosperity and he materialised father’s dream.

Father Wills, Son Fulfills

He setup his business on the Moore Street, Chennai 1890. Within a short span his trade flourished and earned huge profits which he spent generously for the welfare of the common. He purchased the land for Rs. 50,000 in an auction. Though some ill-motive people troubled him in the auction, Abdul Hakeem Sahib was successful in buying the land because of his noble intention. The foundation stone was laid in 1919, by Janab Moulana Moulvi Haji Shah Mohammed Badruddeen Hussain Khaderi Sahib of Madras.

Overcoming Obstacles

 As the work progressed, the authorities of the Southern Railway objected to its construction as the building comes very near to the railway track. This matter attained such significance that it was discussed in Privy Council in London (The Privy council heard appeals from various courts of the British colonies including pre-independent India). The judgement came in favour of Abdul Hakeem Sahib and the building was completed in two years.

Opening Ceremony

In 1921, it was declared open by Rayeeesul Ahrar Moulana Moulvi Abdul Quader Sahib Azad Subhani of Cawnpore (Kanpur) an Islamic scholar, a sufi saint and a freedom fighter. Nawab Sahib rightly named it ‘Siddique Sarai’ christened after his father C. Siddique Hussain Sahib. A dreamer’s dream materialised.

Accommodation with Islamic Standards

Siddiq sarai is a three storeyed building housing two mosques one for gents and the other for ladies. Prayers are offered at scheduled timings. Occupants of Sarai are instructed to perform prayers regularly. In the upstairs there are 43 rooms that can be occupied free of cost for three days. But on fourth day a nominal amount is collected as rent. Men and women can stay here strictly adhering to the Islamic principles. The four rooms in the downstairs are meant for the manager, the Imam of the mosque and the staff. There are two separate halls for men and women which can be accommodated free of cost. There are approximately 20 shops attached to the building whose rent assists the maintenance of the Sarai.

Legacy

The 102 year old Siddiq Sarai is the one of the heritage buildings in Chennai. In 2010, Justice E. Padmanaban Committee report has listed the Sarai under 2a grade of Chennai Heritage Buildings. The services of the Sarai are uncountable. Staying three days free of cost in the heart of the Chennai city is a big thing. Over the years, it has served travellers to rest in comfort. Being very near to Government Hospital and railway station it has facilitated thousands of patients to stay here for treatment and travellers to sojourn with ease. Especially, after the establishment of Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital at Chennai in 1957 and later the opening of Sankara Nathralaya at Nungambakkam attracted Muslim patients from across India and they preferred to stay here during their course of treatment.

Islamic Scholars and Muslim delegations from North India had stayed here. Earlier, it was a custom that Huffaaz (one who memorised the Holy Quran) from North India used to conduct Taraveeh prayers in the mosques of Tamilnadu. Siddiq Sarai was the home for them. From here they would disperse to different Muslim towns. In this busy part of the city, the mosque of the Sarai is a great blessing as it is used by travellers and locals as well.

Elders and scholars recall the Urdu Poetic gatherings of Hazrath Abdul Khuddus Shaadan Sahib. A poet from Visharam and also Urdu Munshi of Islamiah High School Melvisharam. He worked as a manager of Sarai. After Isha, he would treat the gatherings with his ghazals.

 I am informed by Hazrath Mufti Abubakr Sahib Visharami that Madarsae –Kashiful Huda functioned here for one month (1975-76) before getting its permanent place in Poonnamallee. Similarly, office of OMEIAT (Organisation of Muslim Educational Institution and Association of Tamilnadu) was operated from Sarai for certain period. In 1987, when Chennai became the embarkation point for Haj flights to Jeddah, Sarai was the assembling place for the pilgrims of Tamilnadu till the construction of Haj House at Choolai. Hazrath Moulana Malack Gulzar Ahmed Sahib Baqvi, a senior scholar from Visharam praises very high about Siddiq Sarai. He says “it is a great contribution of Abdul Hakeem Sahib who made this with sincerity of intention. Even when there was water scarcity in the surrounding areas, Sarai’s well never dried, it continuously provided water to the boarders.”

Challenges and Renewal

 The metro works started in 2013, interrupted the smooth functioning of the Sarai. By Allah’s grace, it does not cause damage to the structure but it was a great blow to shops in Sarai complex and also reduced the occupants too. From 2020 – 2022 due to pandemic the services at the Sarai were stopped. Recently, the services have been renewed.

The Management  

The managing committee of the Sarai consist of five members appointed by the Periamet Mosque Jamath. Janab S.M. Abdul Jameel Sahib, (grandson of Nawab C. Abdul Hakeem Sahib) served as the President of Sarai till his death. The following are the present committee members: Janab Sakvai Ziauddin Ahmed Sahib great grandson of the founder who is also the President of the Sarai, Janab Anaikar Imthiyaz Ahmed Sahib (Managing Trustee), Janab Malak Mohammed Hashim Sahib and Janab A. Mohammed Ameen Sahib. The dedicated members continue to uphold the legacy and vision of this noble establishment. Quranic Teachings The Holy Quran Says “They ask you (Prophet Muhammad SAW) what to spend, tell them to spend their wealth on their parents, on relatives, on orphans, on the needy and on the travellers."(Surah Al Baqarah:215). Similarly, in another verse Almighty Allah says, "Give the relatives, the needy and the travellers their due”. (Sura Bani Israil:26)

Conclusion-

A Century of Service and Devotion

 The purpose of writing this article is to record and remind the charities of our elders to inculcate such good qualities in ourselves. As said earlier, we cannot measure the contributions of the Sarai as it has been a source of solace and comfort for millions of strangers and travellers for more than a century. Their prayers would be still benefitting the founder and the caretakers of this noble trust. It was narrated that our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There are three prayers that are not rejected: the prayer of a father for his child, the prayer of the fasting person and the prayer of the traveller.” The visionaries envisaged the needs of the community and fulfilled it. As a result of their commitment, generations got benefitted. Abdul Hakeem Sahib spent his wealth generously for the welfare of the people. He never had a second thought while spending on good cause. There is an Islamic saying “A generous Muslim is beloved to Allah”. We would be amazed if we read his contributions recorded in his biography and some other research works. Even today it is serving for the cause it was made. As a well-wisher of this organisation, it is my sincere Prayer that May Allah with his infinite Mercy grant highest abode in Jannah to the founder and people who served it, May Allah accept the services of the caretakers of this Sarai and give strength to fulfil the vision and mission of this noble establishment. May Allah Safeguard this Sarai and bless with prosperity. May it continue to stand as a beacon of benevolence for generations to come. AAMEEN.

Gratitude

 I thank Allah the Omnipotent and Omniscient Who fulfilled my long-time wish of writing this article. Mukhaiyar-e- Aazam by Hazrath Hafiz Abdur Razzaq Baqwi Sahib and Fabulous Jewel of Madras Presidency published by MMES were very resourceful for this write-up. I thank Janab Ifthikhar Ahmed Sahib, the present Manager of the Sarai, was kind enough to share the details. I convey my thanks to one and all for giving valuable suggestion.                

                                                                                            Md Sadathullah .S                                  22^nd November, 2023 

                             Melvisharam                              .