I am indebted to Mr. Ishtiyaq Ahmad Zilli, Director of the  Darul Musannefin / Shibli Academy for recommending Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi’s “Muhammad Ali: Zati Diary ke Chund Awraq” (Mohammed Ali: A Few Pages from the Personal Diary).

The book, among other things, records Maulana Daryabadi‘s personal interactions with the leader of the Khilafat Movement in India, and presents a succinct picture of the towering and unique personality of Maulana Mohammed Ali.

The sacrifices he made, his resolve, his tenacity, and above all, his undying concern for the Muslim ummah across the globe, remain unparalleled in modern Muslim history.  Daryabadi shares some very intimate and lesser-known aspects of Mohammed Ali and his contributions to the Turkish cause.

One generation of Muslims in this region, and elsewhere, has grown old totally oblivious of their rich history. Another generation has graduated with even more ignorance of their heroes. Allah willing, amends will need to be made. Pray that this endeavour picks up momentum and the present and future generations find inspiration in the lives of these forgotten men and women. Allah will not cause to go waste the deeds of the doers of good.

InshaAllah, I will share interesting anecdotes from the book every other day. Please share your own sentiments in the comments box.