SAKVAI MOHAMMED SAFIULLAH SAHIB
SAKVAI MOHAMMED SAFIULLAH
(Champion for the cause of Education
in Melvisharam)
Sakvai Mohammed Safiullah Sahib was born in Melvisharam in 1892 to
Sakvai Abdur Rahman and Tarkatti Umme Salma Sahiba. Abdur Rahman Sahib was a
landlord and a prosperous merchant. He owned tanneries and godowns in Bangalore. He was known for his commitment to
education, holding scholars in high regard. He generously paid a gold coin as
salary to a madrasa teacher and contributed in various other ways. In honour of
his services, S R Street in Melvisharam, also known as B.S. Street (Sana
Rana or Savanna Rana in Tamil) was named after him. His son inherited the
qualities of his father. S.M. Safiullah sahib was a man of vision. Let's know
about the services of S.M. Safiullah Sahib.
His Services
Majlis E Salah E Darain
Janab S. Md Safiullah sahib along with some of his friends (Puttu Mohammed
Basha Sahib, Sakvai Abdul Khadeer Sahib and Pakthini Mohammed Yacoob Sahib
etc.,) took keen interest in the educational upliftment of the town. As there
were no institutions in and around Melvisharam where Islamic and secular
education could be imparted simultaneously, so, these young men formed an
organisation named Majlis e Salah e Darain in 1918.
Madarsa E Islamiah
Soon they established a school named Madarsa E Islamiah in a
thatched hut. The curriculum framed by Jamia Millia Islamiah was followed in
this institution. Within a short span of
time the institution gained name and fame. The strength of the school increased
rapidly and it became difficult for the members of the majlis to maintain
the school. So in 1926, the majlis
handed over the school to Melvisharam Muslim Educational Society and the
administration of the school was under taken by MMES. S.M. Safiullah Sahib as a humble man of the
Majlis and also its President endeavoured day in and day out for the
development of the school.
Donations
The school expenses were met out by the monthly subscription
of the members of majlis and other generous well-wishers. In spite of these
contributions there was severe shortage of money. Hazrath Moulana Mufti Hafiz Puttu
Abubakr Sahib quotes the following from Janab S.M. Abdul Jameel Sahib “Though my grandfather C. Abdul Hakeem Sahib
contributed much for the school, the services of Janab S. Md Safiullah Sahib and Janab P. Md
Khasim Sahib could not be neglected. Because these two people had served a lot.
They used to pay the salary of the teachers of the school by selling the grains
of their fields.”
In connection to this I would like to quote an interesting
anecdote related to the bags of paddy.
Recalling the
contributions of S.M. Safiullah Sahib, Hazrath Moulana Gulzar Ahmed Sahib
Visharami shared an insightful anecdote: "Soon after the harvest and
packing of paddy and grains, Safiullah Sahib would call his servant, would
reward him and instruct him to unload a significant amount of bags at the
school, with the balance taken to his home. Importantly, he would caution the
servant not to inform his wife about the bags delivered to the school."
During that era, the women of his household and the broader community of Melvisharam often held objections about English education. The school, known as Madarsa E Islamiah (also referred to as Salahe Darain School ), was sometimes critically termed "Iblees School," meaning Devil's School, due to the attitudes prevailed against English education.”
Safiullah Sahib's strong support for the school revealed his
deep commitment to advancing education, despite societal resistance. His actions
emphasized his dedication to promoting learning opportunities, even in the face
of cultural challenges and opposition to modern education among some members of
his community.
Other Organisations of the Town
Sakvai Md
Safiullah Sahib was integral to various institutions and initiatives that
shaped the educational and social landscape of Melvisharam. He played a
foundational role as one of the founding members and joint secretary of MMES
(Melvisharam Muslim Educational Society), dedicating himself from 1926 to 1972
to its growth and development. He was a founding committee member of C. Abdul
Hakeem College of Arts and Science in 1965.
Within the
community, Safiullah Sahib held a prominent position in the Ahle Sunnath
Lababeen Jamath of Melvisharam, where he advocated for social cohesion and
harmony. His encouragement for women's education was notable, and he was a member
of Anjuman e Ansaarul Islam, which continues to oversee Madarsa e Niswan, an
institution pivotal for the education of girls in the region for the past 8
decades.
Conclusion
Throughout
his tenure and beyond, his efforts made a lasting impact, demonstrating his
steadfast dedication to education, community service, and societal advancement in
Melvisharam.
In recognition of his extensive contributions to education, MMES
bestowed upon him the title 'The
Champion for the Cause of Education'. Sakvai Md Safiullah Sahib passed away
in 1972, leaving behind a legacy of educational development and community
service that continues to inspire.
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