This document provides biographical details about Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A), a religious scholar from Pakistan. It describes how he devoted his life to serving religion and exemplified piety, humility, kindness and selflessness. It discusses his family background and upbringing, how he established mosques and spread Islamic teachings, his scholarly activities and relationships with various people, and his exemplary character traits such as generosity and commitment to fulfilling guests' needs. The document portrays him as a role model who embodied righteousness through his words and actions.
This document provides biographical details about Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A), a religious scholar from Pakistan. It describes how he devoted his life to serving religion and exemplified piety, humility, kindness and selflessness. It discusses his family background and upbringing, how he established mosques and spread Islamic teachings, his scholarly activities and relationships with various people, and his exemplary character traits such as generosity and commitment to fulfilling guests' needs. The document portrays him as a role model who embodied righteousness through his words and actions.
This document provides biographical details about Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A), a religious scholar from Pakistan. It describes how he devoted his life to serving religion and exemplified piety, humility, kindness and selflessness. It discusses his family background and upbringing, how he established mosques and spread Islamic teachings, his scholarly activities and relationships with various people, and his exemplary character traits such as generosity and commitment to fulfilling guests' needs. The document portrays him as a role model who embodied righteousness through his words and actions.
This document provides biographical details about Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A), a religious scholar from Pakistan. It describes how he devoted his life to serving religion and exemplified piety, humility, kindness and selflessness. It discusses his family background and upbringing, how he established mosques and spread Islamic teachings, his scholarly activities and relationships with various people, and his exemplary character traits such as generosity and commitment to fulfilling guests' needs. The document portrays him as a role model who embodied righteousness through his words and actions.
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 35
All praise is due to Allah.
We praise Him, seek
His help, and ask for His forgiveness. We also seek refuge in Allah from the evil of our souls and the evil of our actions. Whoever Allah guides, there is none to misguide, and whoever Allah leaves to go astray, none can guide. We bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His last and final messenger. To proceed, a period has passed since the parting of Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A), may Allah have mercy on him."
Abu Hurayrah (radi Allahu anhu) narrated that
he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saying:
"The world is cursed, and what is in it is
cursed, except for the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) and what is conducive to that, or one who has knowledge or acquires knowledge." (Reported by Ibn Majah, No. 4112, and declared to be Hasan by Sheikh Al-Albaanee, may Allah have mercy on him, in As-Saheehah, No. 2797) Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A),
May Allah have mercy on him, the former Amir
of Markaz Jam'iyat Ahlul Hadith of Great Britain, has departed from us forever. May the sky shed dew on his grave. No living being escapes from death. However, there are those who leave behind an aroma of beautiful memories with their good deeds and character, something that remains fragrantly impactful for a long time. These people's lives serve as a guide for the new generation.
One such person who is not present among us
anymore is Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A), may Allah have mercy on him. A significant period of time has passed since he departed from this mortal world. However, it should be known that every day of his life was devoted to serving the religion, and his life served as an example of the piety of the predecessors and the righteous.
Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A) was an
exemplary figure of piety, purity, asceticism, contentment, and simplicity. His entire life beautifully portrayed qualities of patience, trust in Allah, and selfless sacrifice.
In addition to possessing intellectual qualities,
he was also kind-hearted, an active individual, and full of love. Whenever he met a friend, he had the ability to make them feel as though they had known each other for a long time, establishing an immediate and enduring friendship. Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A),
May Allah have mercy on him, was of medium
to tall stature, healthy, possessed a gentle temperament, spoke politely, and had a noticeable charisma. Devoted to the Quran and Sunnah, he strived to follow them and preferred simple attire, such as the traditional Pakistani Shalwar Kameez. The life of Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti, may Allah have mercy on him, exemplified the piety of the righteous predecessors. He embodied humility, kindness, generosity, selflessness, and benevolence, especially towards students. He was good-natured and eloquent in speech, yet he preferred quietness. He distanced himself from modern-day worldly extravagances, living a life of teaching, learning, and devotion. Free from worldly desires, he focused on research, preaching, and the remembrance of Allah. His life's purpose revolved around imparting wisdom, contributing to household chores, and propagating the true teachings of Islam as understood by the pious predecessors of the Ummah.
His speech was void of backbiting, slander, or
sarcastic remarks about others. He never complained about anyone nor did anyone have any complaints regarding him. The true people of Allah, may Allah have mercy on them, exemplify patience and gratitude.
He, may Allah have mercy on him, was indeed
one of the Rabbani scholars (from those scholars who raise others in knowledge) apparent through his actions. A remarkable aspect of his life, may Allah have mercy on him, was his ability to unite the pursuits of this world and the deeds for the Hereafter. He conducted every action with a spirit of worship and the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure.
He held a special place in his heart for every
member of his family. He was a loving husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. In fact, due to his affectionate and kind nature, many who were not related to him by blood also regarded him as if he were their own father, uncle, or grandfather.
He maintained daily contact with people of
various backgrounds and perspectives. Political and social figures frequently crossed paths with him. He was connected with scholars and in regular contact with students, engaging in discussions with scholars from diverse backgrounds on various issues. May Allah have mercy on him; he also had a relationship with the general population of his locality. Ordinary people would visit him, and those with questions related to Shari'a often sought his counsel. He displayed kindness to the younger generation and showed respect to the elders, which was a defining trait of his noble character.
He was constantly engaged in a multitude of
affairs, yet this never wore him out. May Allah have mercy on him; he always bore signs of contentment and serenity on his face. He was a practicing religious scholar and a sincere servant of Allah's religion. In addition to having close ties with the people of his own methodology, the Salafis and the Ahlul-Hadeeth, he also maintained sincere relations with scholars from other schools of thought, earning high respect from some of them.
However, this did not mean that he
compromised on the pure 'aqeedah taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his noble companions. Instead, he was a person who lived and died firmly adhering to the pure 'aqeedah of Tawheed and submission to Allah 'azza wa jall alone.
Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A),
May Allah have mercy on him, held a deep
affection for the Qur'an, reciting it daily. His tongue was constantly engaged in the remembrance of Allah. He generously assisted the poor and needy individuals. Despite personal circumstances that were different from what people may have assumed, he remained very hospitable. He never allowed anyone to leave without hosting them generously.
Frequently, religious, political, and social
dignitaries came and went, and many of them can attest to his extreme generosity. One of his most notable characteristics was his commitment to fulfilling the specific needs of his guests, taking special care of them. He provided specific instructions to his family to support in hosting these guests and fulfilling their needs, even if it meant going out of their way or accommodating them during unconventional hours. His entire life was a shining example of patience, trust in Allah, and selflessness.
Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A),
His father's name was Ghulam Muhammad,
and his grandfather's name was Abu Ghulam Muhammad. He had four brothers: - The late Haji Muhammad Aslam, - Haji Muhammad Muslim, - Haji Muhammad Yusuf, - and the late Rana Ehsanullah.
He also had four sisters, three of whom passed
away during his lifetime. His parents, along with other family members, settled in Ladhar, a village near Sialkot, during the partition from the Gurdaspur district of India. Their ancestors belonged to the Rajput caste. His father, Ghulam Muhammad, was not only a farmer in the village but also a religious scholar, serving as the Khatib and Imam at the local Masjid.
When Sheikh Sanaullah's father, Ghulam
Muhammad, arrived in Ladhar, there were no Ahlul Hadith Muslims in the area.
He took the initiative to build an Ahlul Hadith
Masjid in his neighborhood and named it Jami'a Masjid Gharbi. In 1955, Ghulam Muhammad, along with his brothers, friends, and local residents, purchased a small room- like space for 11 rupees. Initially, this space was used for the five daily prayers, and later, regular Jumah prayers were organized. Eventually, the responsibility for this Masjid fell upon Sheikh Sanaullah himself, and he consistently worked to expand and beautify it over various periods of time. Alhamdulillah, Jami'ah Masjid Gharbi continues to serve as a central hub for the Ahlul Hadith da'wah in that area, remaining active to this day. Ghulam Muhammad's house was known as "The House of the Maulanas," a term of respect used for people with religious knowledge. His neighborhood was referred to as "The Neighborhood of the Maulanas," and his street was called "The Street of the Maulanas." This designation stemmed from the entire family's dedication to upholding the principles of the Quran and Sunnah. This outcome is a testament to his sincerity, and now, Alhamdulillah, there are more than seven Ahlul Hadith Masajid in the surrounding areas of the region, which are the direct result of his initial efforts.
Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A),
His respected father was deeply devoted to the
religion. While he was in India, he frequently attended the lectures of the renowned scholar Sheikh Ul-Islam Sanaullah Amritsari (may Allah have mercy on him).
After the partition of the Indian subcontinent,
Ghulam Muhammad emigrated to the newly established Islamic homeland for Muslims, Pakistan. Once there, he would invite the great scholars of Ahlul Hadith to his village for regular lessons and seminars, a privilege and honor considering the difficulties of travel at that time. As a result, hundreds of people benefited from these gatherings. The impact of this da'wah was so profound that hundreds of individuals returned to the correct creed of Ahlus-Sunnah Wal-Jama'ah, the creed of the Ahlul Hadith. Ghulam Muhammad, the father of Sheikh Sanaullah, was greatly influenced by Sheikh Ul-Islam Sanaullah Amritsari and became an admirer of his knowledge. He would embark on foot journeys that took three days to reach him and another three days to return. His father had a wish that one of his sons would become a religious scholar like Sheikh Sanaullah Amritsari. When Allah, the Most High, blessed Ghulam Muhammad with a son on Sunday, the 4th of April 1948 CE (24th Jumada Ul-Ula 1367 Hijra), he named him Sanaullah after the great Sheikh, Sanaullah Amritsari.
At the age of five, his respected father enrolled
Sheikh Sanaullah in school, where he studied up to the primary level. To provide him with a proper religious education, in 1960 CE, his father admitted him to Madrasah Dar Ul-Hadith in Sialkot. This institute was founded by the students of the great scholar, Ibrahim Mir Sialkoti, particularly Hafidh Muhammad Sharif and Sheikh Sadiq Sialkoti (may Allah have mercy on them).
This Madrasa, Dar Ul-Hadith, was later
relocated to Masjid Ibrahimi in Miyanpurah, and its name was changed to Jamia Ibrahimiyya in honor of Sheikh Ibrahim Mir Sialkoti. Eventually, the institution moved again, this time to Nasir Road in Sialkot, and today it is known as Jamiah Rahmaniya.
Sheikh Sanaullah spent two years studying at
Madrasah Dar Ul-Hadith. Afterward, in 1963 CE, he enrolled in the famous Islamic University of Gujranwala and completed his Dars Nizami studies there. By 1969 CE, he had graduated with a degree in Islamic Studies from the aforementioned university. During his time at the university, he studied Sahih-ul-Bukhari with a renowned scholar of recent times, the Muḥaddith Sheikh Muhammad Gondolwi (may Allah have mercy on him). He obtained a chain of narration from him in the Tafsir of the Quran. Among his contemporaries at the University of Gujranwala were many famous scholars and advocates of the religion of Allah.
They include:
- The great caller to the Sunnah and a brave
defender of the correct creed against the enemies of Tawheed Sheikh Ehsan Ilahi Dhahir (may Allah have mercy on him) - Sheikh Irshad Ul-Haq Athari (may Allah preserve him) - Sheikh Ul-Hadith Sheikh Mas'ud Alam (may Allah preserve him) - Professor Yusuf Sajad (may Allah have mercy on him) - Sheikh Ul-Hadith Sheikh Muhammad A'dham (may Allah have mercy on him) - The famous caller, Sheikh Habib Ur-Rehman Yazdani (may Allah have mercy on him) - Sheikh Hafidh Ur-Rehman Lakhvi (may Allah preserve him) - The great caller to Islam and Tawheed in the U.K., Sheikh Mahmud Ahmad Mirpuri (may Allah have mercy on him) - Sheikh Salahudin Yusuf (may Allah have mercy on him)
By 1970 CE, Sheikh Sanaullah had
successfully completed the Advanced Arabic Teaching Program in Pakistan, known as Fazil Arabic, at a private institute, which qualified him to teach Arabic.
Then he passed the AOT (Assessment of
Training) exam and joined the Pakistani Armed Forces as an Imam and Khatib. During this time, he also successfully completed the National Metric Exam.
In 1982 CE, he completed a Qadhi course in
Lahore. In 1986 CE, he passed the examination of the Federation of Salafi Schools and obtained a B.A. from Punjab University.
In total, Sheikh Sanaullah taught as an Arabic
and Islamic Studies teacher in various schools and institutes for thirteen years. Among those counted as his teachers are:
- Sheikh Ul-Hadith, Sheikh Muhammad Ali
Janbaz (may Allah have mercy on him) - Professor Abdul Qayyum of Lahore (may Allah have mercy on him) - Sheikh Ul-Hadith, the great Muḥaddith Sheikh Muhammad Gondolwi (may Allah have mercy on him) - Sheikh Ul-Hadith, Sheikh Abul Barakat (may Allah have mercy on him) - Sheikh Fazlur Rahman of Lahore (may Allah have mercy on him) - Sheikh Syed Muhammad Mateen Hashmi (may Allah have mercy on him) - Sheikh Abdul Majid Sohal (may Allah have mercy on him) - Sheikh Abdul Malik Hanafi (may Allah have mercy on him) - Sheikh Abdul Rahman Lakhvi (may Allah have mercy on him) - Professor Qadhi Maqbul Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) - Colonel Abdul Ghafur (may Allah have mercy on him) - Sheikh Mahmud Ahmad Mirpuri (may Allah have mercy on him)
Allah, the Most High, blessed Sheikh
Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A) with a remarkable talent for writing. Following the passing of Sheikh Mahmud Ahmad Mirpuri (may Allah have mercy on him), Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A) regularly contributed a column to the monthly "Straight Path" magazine, featured in the section titled "Bitter and Sweet." Additionally, he occasionally wrote for other newspapers and magazines.
He also undertook the compilation of three
books authored by Sheikh Mahmud Ahmad Mirpuri: "Fatawa of the Straight Path," "Bitter and Sweet," and "Maqalat." Furthermore, Sheikh Sanaullah authored his own works, including "Golden Events of True Dreams."
In his book "Golden Events of True Dreams,"
Sheikh Sanaullah expresses his gratitude, acknowledging that it was by Allah's blessings that he had the favorable circumstances to publish various books. This underscores Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti's humility.
In the book's preface, he pays tribute to the
scholars of truth and elders of the religion who dedicated their lives to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, tirelessly promoting the prophetic mission of da'wah and preaching. This reflects his deep connection to the people of the Sunnah and Tawheed.
Several editions of the book "Bitter and Sweet"
have also been published.
Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A) authored a
book titled "Asfar E-Nabi" (Journeys of the Prophet) where he discusses some of the journeys of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This unique book, filled with valuable content, has been published by his sons after his passing. It's currently in the process of being translated into English.
Out of his love for Pakistan, he penned a book
on the importance of the country. He also authored a fascinating book on the occurrences that have affected both good and bad people, leaving readers amazed and bewildered at the same time.
Another one of his books delves into stories of
poverty. After reading this book, one's own hardships seem to fade, replaced by a sense of gratitude towards Allah. Many individuals have found guidance on the straight path through his books and articles, a testament to the significant impact of his work for the sake of Allah.
During his lifetime, these books were
published, and now there is an ongoing project to republish them through different publishers. Following his passing, his Friday sermons and other speeches have been compiled into book form under the supervision of his sons. The first and second volumes have already been published. Additionally, efforts are underway to translate all of Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti's (R.A) books into various languages.
Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A), may Allah
have mercy on him, was a dedicated teacher who shared his knowledge with others, imparting what he had learned himself. He regularly gave lectures on the Quran and Hadith, and his teachings of Sahih Bukhari were met with great interest from many students. He continued this noble endeavor until the final days of his life. An incredible testament to his remarkable life is that his last lesson on Sahih Bukhari, held in Walthamstow, North-east London, centered around the famous Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Who Said:
"Allah Will Not Deprive You Of Knowledge (by
Taking It Away From The Chests) After He Has Given It To You, But It Will Be Taken Away Through The Death Of The Religious Learned Men With Their knowledge. Then There Will Remain Ignorant People Who, When Consulted, Will Give Verdicts According To Their Opinions Whereby They Will Mislead Others And Go Astray(themselves)."
(Reported By Bukhari in His Sabib, No.6877)
During the lesson, a student posed a question:
"O our Sheikh, how is it possible that knowledge will be taken near the Day of Judgment?" Sheikh Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A), may Allah have mercy on him, responded: "Allah will remove the pious scholars from the world, and people like us will be left without knowledge."
Almost precisely three days after this solemn
yet profound response from the Sheikh, his health deteriorated, and he was admitted to the hospital. A few days later, on the 12th of February 2021 CE, he passed away. Indeed, to Allah, we belong, and to Him, we shall return.
Allah, the Most High, blessed Sheikh
Sanaullah Sialkoti (R.A) with five sons and one daughter. His five sons are as follows:
Ziaullah, the eldest among them, is an
electrical engineer by profession. After his father's passing, he has assumed the responsibility of delivering the Jummah Khutbah and performing religious duties in the same manner as his father, may Allah have mercy on him.
Samiuallah, who, alongside his father, used to
run their own business. After his father's demise, he has taken on the leading role in managing the Samr Trust charity. He oversees all the day-to-day affairs of the trust.
The three youngest sons have all pursued
careers in medicine and are specialists in various fields:
- Dr. Matee ullah
- Dr. Kaleem ullah - Dr. Zabeeh ullah All the sons of Sheikh Sanaullah have been fortunate to receive both religious and contemporary education. They have acquired a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of religion from their illustrious father, may Allah have mercy on him.
Undoubtedly, like all other truth seekers,
Sheikh Sanaullah inherited the noble responsibility of spreading goodness to all of humanity. He exemplified this when he traveled to Britain and assumed the role of leading Markaz Jamiat Ahlul Hadith. During this immensely productive, active, and blessed period, he journeyed to numerous countries to engage in da'wah (preaching) and humanitarian efforts.
For instance, he visited Sri Lanka and the
Maldives following the devastating tsunami, providing assistance and support to those affected. In the wake of the earthquake in Kashmir, he also traveled there to engage in humanitarian work in collaboration with reputable and trustworthy organisations. Sheikh Sanaullah, may Allah have mercy on him, recognized the pressing need for welfare initiatives within the Muslim Ummah. In response, he not only encouraged but also established a separate branch of Markaz Jamiat Ahlul Hadith dedicated specifically to welfare work. Later, upon his retirement from Jamiat Ahlul Hadith in 2011 CE, he joined forces with his sons to establish the Samr Trust Charity.
The motivation behind this charitable endeavor
was Sheikh Sanaullah's solemn oath to Allah, which he made in the late 80s before coming to the UK. He vowed that if Allah blessed one of his sons to become a doctor, he would dedicate a certain portion of their earnings to help the poor and needy in the way of Allah, ultimately contributing to the construction of a hospital. By the mercy and blessings of Allah, three of his sons, as mentioned earlier, fulfilled this vow by becoming doctors.
Through the Samr Trust, Sheikh Sanaullah
Sialkoti (R.A) has provided and facilitated a range of vital services, including:
- The installation of 50 filter plants and solar
power plants in Pakistan. - The distribution and installation of 1000 freshwater hand pumps in some of the poorest and remotest areas of Punjab, Sarhad, Baluchistan, and Sindh in Pakistan. - Operation of free dispensaries in various regions, where hundreds of people receive free medical treatment daily. - Provision of free food to the neediest and most deprived areas. - Offering free ambulance services in crucial locations. - Establishment of multiple sewing machine schools where hundreds of girls have learned the skill of sewing. - Distribution of gifts and Qurbani meat to the poor on Eid days. - Installation of solar-powered water wells. - Construction of community centers and schools in different areas. During Sheikh Sanaullah's final treatment, as his health deteriorated, and following consultations with the doctors, the family was granted the opportunity to spend their last moments with him. They were allowed to come together, bearing in mind that COVID-19 regulations were still in effect at that time.
In his final moments, Sheikh Sanaullah shared
these words with his eldest son, who was present with him at the hospital:
"All thanks be to Allah, it is by Allah's favor.
Continue the work of the charity, do not abuse anyone, and do not oppress anyone."
These were the last words of Sheikh Sanaullah
Sialkoti, spoken during a brief moment with his eldest son. He expressed contentment and gestured towards the heavens, indicating that everything should be left in Allah's hands. Afterward, he fell unconscious and, two weeks later, he passed away. His departure from this world was indeed a tragedy and an unbearable shock for the Jamiat Ahul Hadith of Britain and around the world. May Allah, the Almighty, grant him a place in Jannatul Firdaws. Ameen.
Undoubtedly, Sheikh Sanaullah dedicated
himself to the cause and promotion of the Ahlul Hadith methodology in Britain, emphasizing the call to Tawheed (monotheism) and the Sunnah (the practices of the Prophet). His funeral prayer in England was led by Sheikh Aqil Mahmud, the son of his dear friend Sheikh Mahmud Ahmad Mirpuri. May Allah have mercy upon both of them. Indeed, his funeral prayer was offered in absentia at various mosques of the Markaz Jamiat Ahlul Hadith of Britain, as well as in different parts of Pakistan, including his hometown of Ladhar in Sialkot.
May the sky shed dew on his grave, and may
spaciousness and light fill the abode in which he now resides. Ameen. O' Allah, Forgive Our Sheikh And Have Mercy On Him. Protect And Pardon Him, Honour His Rank And Make His Resting Ground Spacious. O Allah Wash Him With Pure, Fresh And Cold Water And Purify Him From Any Impurity Or Sin Just As The White Cloth Is Pure. O' Allah Make His Abode In The Hereafter Better Than His Previous Life And His Company Better Than The Previous One And Protect Him From The Trial Of The Grave And The Punishment Of The Fire.