By Jamiat Ulama (KZN)
[We have compiled three different articles which shed a little light on the life of Shaykh al-Ḥadīth Mawlānā Hārūn ʻAbbās ʻUmar raḥimahullāh. We acknowledge that much more needs to be done to preserve the life of our illustrious seniors and elders who are leaving us at an alarming rate. We sincerely hope that more can and will be done to continue keeping their legacies alive and most importantly following in their illustrious footsteps. We ask that if you have additional information that can you would like to add to this page concerning our illustrious ‘Ulamā’ than kindly forward this to us. – The Editor, Ḥayāt al-‘Ulamā’]
The night of the 10 Shawwaal 1441 / 3 June 2020 marked the tragic demise of one of the great Ulama of South Africa, Shaikhul Hadith Moulana Haroon Abasoomar Rahimahullah.
Hadhrat Moulana was a giant in Islamic knowledge especially in the field of Hadith. He was an example of unwavering steadfastness in the service of Deen. He served as Imaam of the Isipingo Beach Masjid for over forty years from the late 1970s until his demise. This remarkable achievement displays not only Moulana’s commitment to his community but also their value and love for him.
Hadhrat Moulana was a true academic. As a student, he studied in the renowned Binnori Town Darul Uloom in Karachi, Pakistan under the tutelage of Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Yusuf Binnori Rahimahullah. His keen intellect and dedication to studying led to him become the first and only South African to achieve the first position in the national board examinations of Darul Ulooms in Pakistan.
Qadhi Mujahidul Islam Rahimahullah, one of the renowned jurists of the Muslim world in the last few decades, whilst visiting South Africa, commented on Hadhrat Moulana’s brilliant intellect and knowledge during his interactions with him.
When Moulana commenced teaching after his return from Pakistan then he was a fountain of knowledge quenching the thirst of thousands of students. Moulana would lecture for hours at a time and would list the various meanings of individual Hadith, at times quoting the deductions of more than ten Muhadditheen (Hadith Masters) regarding a single Hadith from memory alone.
Hadhrat Moulana was at one time the Shaikhul Hadith (the most senior teacher of Hadith) of Madrasah Taleemuddeen in Isipingo Beach and Madrasah Inaamiyyah in Camperdown. He would commence teaching at Madrasah Taleemuddeen and thereafter travel to teach at Madrasah Inaamiyyah before returning home, a round trip of 130km, despite the difficulties of ill-health.
In the latter years of Moulana’s life, he served as Shaikhul Hadith in Madrasah Hameediyyah in Durban as well.
In spite of the senior position Hadhrat Moulana held as Shaikhul Hadith, teaching Saheeh Bukhari to the final year students of the Aalim course, the level of his humility was such that he would, at the same time, teach small children in the Isipingo Beach Maktab (elementary Madrasah).
Hadhrat Moulana excelled and participated in all works of Deen. In the field of Tasawwuf, he was granted Khilaafat (spiritual successorship) by Hadhrat Hakeem Akhtar Saheb Rahimahullah. He gave strong support and encouragement to those involved in Dawah and Tabligh and would devote much time to the Majid Hilaal Markaz.
Hazrat Moulana was very particular when it came to attending Janazah Salaah whether the person was known to him or not. He would try his level best to attend every Janazah.
Hadhrat Moulana loved simplicity in every aspect of life from his home to his car and even in his dressing. At the same time, he was always impeccably well presented in his dressing and would always be seen dressed fully in white wearing a white kurta and topi.
Despite his simplicity, Hadhrat Moulana had an awe-striking personality. Even words spoken softly would bear the power of royal authority. He would never shirk from declaring the truth and defending it.
The Jamiatul Ulama KZN was fortunate to have had a very long-standing relationship with Hadhrat Moulana. He served the Jamiat in many capacities most notably as Secretary of the Jamiat and as the Ameer of the Jamiat from 2004-2007.
Hadhrat Moulana enjoyed an immensely close relationship with Moulana Abdul Haq Omarjee Saheb Rahimahullah, one of the senior most Ulama of South Africa and founder member of the Jamiatul Ulama KZN. He took Moulana Omarjee Rahimahullah as his mentor after his return to South Africa.
In his latter years, Hadhrat Moulana served on the Jamiat’s Executive Committee and would grace the important functions of the Jamiatul Ulama KZN. He inaugurated the official opening of the Jamiatul Ulama KZN Skills Development Centre in Overport, Durban on the 8th of November 2017. Hadhrat Moulana spoke highly of the centre and emphasised the importance of replicating such centres throughout the country.
Many of the Ulama who currently serve the Jamiatul Ulama KZN are the students of Hazrat Moulana.
Hadhrat Moulana was a trustee of various institutions, among them the first Darul Uloom in South Africa, Darul Uloom Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal. He was held in great esteem by senior Ulama from across the globe and the many tributes and condolences messages being circulated are testimony to this. He had a very close relationship with many of the Imaams of the Haramain Shareefain. He was greatly honoured by them whenever he visited the blessed lands.
His Janazah Salaah was conducted by Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Saheb, principal of Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen, Durban, after the Fajr Salaah on Thursday, 4th June 2020. Hadhrat Moulana was laid to rest at the Dayal Road Cemetery in Clairwood, Durban.
He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter and many grandchildren. May Allah Ta’ala grant his family, students, associates and the community of Isipingo Beach Sabrun Jameel (beautiful patience) and Ajrun Azeem (great reward) on this irreplaceable loss.
We have indeed lost one of our great spiritual leaders and giants. May Allah Ta’ala fill Hadhrat Moulana’s grave with Noor, grant him the highest of stages in Jannatul Firdaus, Ameen.
Tribute to Shaikhul Hadith Moulana Haroon Abasoomar Rahimahullah – Jamiatul Ulama KZN. Jamiatul Ulama KZN. Retrieved 25 June 2020, from https://jamiat.org.za/tribute-to-shaikhul-hadith-moulana-haroon-abasoomar-rahimahullah/.
Compiled by Al-Haadi
On the 10th of Shawwaal 1441 (3rd June 2020), when the news of the tragic demise of Hazrat Moulana Haroon Abasoomar Saheb (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) spread throughout the country and the world, it seemed as if a huge floodlight was suddenly switched off and countless people were left in grief. Like other great ‘Ulama and Mashaayikh who have passed on, Hazrat Moulana’s (rahmatullahi ‘alaihi) demise also has left a void in the world in general, and for us in particular at our Madrasah (Ta’leemuddeen) , that can never be filled. May Allah Ta‘ala make his complete maghfirat, elevate his stages in the Aakhirat and bless his family, students, friends and associates with sabr-e-jameel.
Some concise and comprehensive biographies about Hazrat Moulana’s (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) life and exemplary qualities have already been published, and many more will surely follow. Several asaatizah of the Madrasah penned short articles giving a glimpse of some aspects of his life and excellent qualities, especially a peek of the spectacle of the lessons of Bukhaari Shareef which Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) taught at the Madrasah for 25 years. Below is a condensed version of the various articles.
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Shaikhul Hadeeth Hazrat Moulana Haroon Abasoomar Saheb (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) was Ustaazul ‘Ulama, Imaam, Khateeb, Shaikh-e-Tareeqat, a compassionate teacher and a dynamic personality who possessed many unique qualities. He was a reflection of the life of his beloved Ustaaz and Shaikh, Hazrat ‘Allamah Yusuf Binnori Sahib (rahmatullahi ‘alaih).
Lessons of Bukhaari Shareef
Although he rendered great services in every field of Deeni effort, his great expertise and depth of knowledge truly shone while teaching Bukhaari Shareef. He was indeed befitting of the title of Shaikhul Hadeeth. Hazrat Moulana Yunus Jonpuri (rahmatullahi ‘alaih), who was among the greatest Muhadditheen that the world has seen in the last century, would also fondly call him by the title of Shaikhul Hadeeth.
His lessons were unique. Despite teaching for many years, he would thoroughly prepare every lesson. He would passionately teach Bukhaari Shareef in a very comprehensive, systematic and complete manner, which would give the students a glimpse of the lessons of the great scholars of hadeeth, such as his esteemed ustaaz, ‘Allamah Binnori (rahmatullahi ‘alaih). His delivery had an uninterrupted flow. There was hardly an occasion during the lesson when he would need to pause and think before presenting the next point. Some students would light heartedly say: “It seems as if Hazrat Moulana takes a deep breath before entering the class and it lasts for the duration of the entire lesson.”
His lesson would be a constant flow of knowledge which included the discussion of the conditions of narrators, meanings of words as well as the various opinions and explanations of the Muhadditheen, often interspersed with some anecdote, advice or some personal experience of his. His fluency in Arabic and his knowledge on Islamic history and the lives of our Akaabir added a unique flavour to his lessons. Whilst teaching, he would passionately quote ‘Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) and Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih). Perhaps not a day would pass wherein the views and opinions of these Akaabir were not mentioned in his lesson. In particular, the words “Allaamah Binnori ne farmaya” (Allamah Binnori had said) would be heard many times as he repeatedly quoted his beloved ustaaz.
Allah Ta‘ala had blessed him with a phenomenal memory. Despite his age and illness, till the end, Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) never brought his own kitaab or notebook to the class. Instead, he used a kitaab of the Madrasah that was permanently in the class and free of any personal notes. Only occasionally would he bring some small notes. Entirely from memory he would quote multiple views of the various Muhadditheen without pausing to recall any point.
He was passionate about teaching Bukhaari Shareef and fulfilled the rights of the lessons. Every student will remember the etiquettes of hadeeth that Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) would teach in the beginning of the year. For many years, after teaching Bukhaari Shareef at our Madrasah in the morning, Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) would travel to Madrasah In‘aamiyyah, Camperdown, where he would deliver lessons of Bukhaari Shareef (and other books of hadeeth), and return to lead the Zuhr Salaah at Isipingo Beach Jaami’ Masjid. He even taught Bukhaari Shareef in America. The day before he passed away, he was preparing to leave for the Madrasah to commence with his first lesson of Bukhaari Shareef for this year. However, in the course of getting ready, he took ill, was admitted to hospital the next morning and subsequently passed away that very night.
Humility
Despite his profound knowledge and lofty status, Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) was always very humble. At the beginning of the year, when commencing Bukhaari Shareef, he would quote the following two ahaadeeth:
إذا وسد الأمر إلى غير أهله فانتظر الساعة
“When matters are handed over to those who are unworthy, then wait for the final hour.”
إن الله ليؤيد هذا الدين بالرجل الفاجر
“Verily Allah Ta‘ala assists this Deen, even with a sinful person.”
He would then say to his students, “I am not worthy to teach such a great book. When a book like Bukhaari Shareef has been given to an unworthy person like myself to teach, then indeed this is a sign of Qiyaamat.” This was his great humility, whereas he was truly worthy of teaching Bukhaari Shareef. He would often say that whatever I have, is on account of the du‘aas of my asaatizah.
Affection for Students
Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) had great love for his students, enjoyed a very personal relationship with many of them, and would encourage them to regularly keep contact with him. When his students met him, he would fondly ask about the welfare of their children and their parents and always conveyed salaams to them. He would also reply to every message and would in fact often call back.
After his demise, it surfaced that many students felt that they enjoyed a very close relationship with Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih), not knowing that others also enjoyed a similar or even stronger relationship. This was one of the sunnats of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that he made every person feel special.
Simplicity
Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) lived a life of simplicity. Simplicity was evident in all aspects, whether his dressing, his car or his home. Once during the lesson, Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) asked the students whether they are normally concerned about having a smart and elegant kurta for the Day of ‘Eid. Moulana then explained that his personal preference, though others may differ, is that he would not make an effort to sew or purchase a new kurta for the Day of ‘Eid. This was quite visible on the Day of ‘Eid, when Moulana would be seen dressed in his normal white kurta and pants.
Visiting the Sick
Hazrat Moulana’s (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) concern for consoling the bereaved and uplifting the spirits of the sick was proverbial. There was hardly a sick person in the community, and often even in distant places, whom Moulana heard of and did not visit. It was his habit to take a few musallis with him when he visited a sick person. When the people of the house would ask who has come to visit, he would humbly say that a musalli from the masjid has come. Wherever and whenever he got a chance, he would visit the sick and quote the ahaadeeth on the virtues of visiting the sick. Even after his dialysis, he would visit all the Muslim male patients in the hospital whilst being pushed in a wheelchair. His words of encouragement had such an impact that it would bring great relief to the sick person.
Many people, including his own students, have wonderful memories of Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) visiting them when they were ill. A doctor mentioned that Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) came to visit him at his flat at a time when the lift was not working. Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) climbed up fourteen floors to visit him for just a few minutes and then left.
On one occasion when some students were leaving for ‘umrah, Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) advised them to also make the intention of visiting the sick in Makkah Mukarramah and Madeenah Munawwarah. He explained that in this way the angels will constantly be making du‘aa for them throughout their journey to the mubaarak lands.
Engrossment in Khidmat of Deen
Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) dedicated his entire life for the service of Deen. Rarely an ‘Aalim will be found engaged in so many different khidmaat of Deen at one and the same time.
He served as the Imaam of Isipingo Beach Jaami Masjid for 43 years, (30 years of which he was the only imaam). He would also personally supervise and teach at the maktab. Many families were privileged to have three generations who were taught by Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih).
Together with delivering lessons of Bukhaari Shareef for 25 years at Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen, Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) also conducted lessons of Bukhaari Shareef for several years at Madrasah In‘aamiyyah (Camperdown) and recently at Madrasah Hameediyyah (Overport).
Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) was also actively involved in Jamiatul Ulama, KZN for several years and also served in the capacity of the Secretary and Ameer.
Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) was very passionate about the effort of Da’wat and Tableegh and would often deliver lectures in the shabb guzaarees as well as the ijtimaas. He would strongly encourage the students to go out in jamaat for one year. Before leaving, he would make a point of giving them advice and would even regularly contact them when they were out in the path of Allah Ta‘ala.
He was also a khaleefah of ‘Aarif Billah Hazrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) and would conduct weekly majaalis for the students and others at the Isipingo Beach Jaami’ Masjid.
Correcting the Wrong
In emulating his esteemed ustaaz, ‘Allamah Binnory (rahmatullahi ‘alaih), nahi ‘anil munkar (prohibiting the wrong) was yet another outstanding quality in the life of Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih). He would not hesitate in correcting his students if he saw something wrong. When he visited their homes, if he was not happy about how their children were dressed, he would express it. Likewise, if he saw any student with long stylish hair, etc. he would make a point of correcting him.
Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) was extremely strict with regard to the usage of the cell phone in the masjid or in the surroundings of the masjid. If he noticed someone using his phone in the masjid, Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) would immediately caution him. Before every salaah he would make an announcement, “Please switch off your cell phones.” He detested any disturbances in the masjid.
Remembrance of Allah Ta‘ala
Hazrat Moulana (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) would keep a tasbeeh counter on his finger and would always be engaged in the zikr of Allah Ta‘ala. He loved speaking about the greatness of Allah Ta‘ala. Sometimes he would go with a few musallis to the beach and, whilst sitting in front of the ocean, he would quote the ahaadeeth and aayaat regarding the ocean, the skies, the ships, the birds, the waves, etc. and continuously recite takbeer, tahmeed, and tasbeeh as he sat watching the ocean.
He was very particular about reciting Tasbeeh-e-Faatimi after the fardh salaah. If he saw any of his students standing up after the Fajr and Asr Salaahs without having recited the tasbeeh, he would admonish them saying, “If we are not going to set an example and make our tasbeehaat after the fardh salaah, how will others take a lesson?”
Conclusion
Hazrat Moulana’s (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) demise is indeed a great loss for the Madrasah and for the entire Ummah. Innaa lillahi wa innaa ilaihi raji‘oon. May Allah Ta‘ala grant Hazrat Moulana the highest stages in Jannatul Firdaus and grant us all the ability of following in his noble footsteps, aameen.
Shaikhul Hadeeth, Hazrat Moulana Haroon Abasoomar Saheb (rahmatullahi ‘alaih). Alhaadi.org.za. (2020). Retrieved 25 June 2020, from http://alhaadi.org.za/articles-publications/articles/42-general/4448-shaikhul-hadeeth-hazrat-moulana-haroon-abasoomar-saheb-rahmatullahi-alaih.html.
By Mawlānā Muḥammad bin Mawlānā Hārūn ʻAbbās ʻUmar
Attached, is a eulogy of my Beloved Father, The Ameer and founder of Darul Hadith; Hazrat Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah).
Abasoomar, M. (2020). Eulogy of Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah) – Al-Miftah. Al-Miftah. Retrieved 25 June 2020, from https://www.al-miftah.com/eulogy-of-moulana-haroon-abasoomar-rahimahullah/.
Ḥayāt al-‘Ulamā’ 