Foreward
The central miracle of Islam was, and remains the Qur`anic
revelation. To this day, no one has put forward a defensible explanation
of how Al-Nabi-al-Ummi (The unlettered Prophet) of the early 7th
century AD gave the Ummah a text of Ahadith of such immutable
beauty and of such capacity to explain the divine message of the Qur` an,
which was revealed unto him for the guidance of the entire mankind.
These two primary sources of Islam and the divine Shari `ah proved to
be the Ummahdt-ul- `Ulum (the mother of sciences). The Sahdba (may
Allah be pleased with them) started studying them at Ddrul Arqam in
Makkah-al-Mukarramah, then moved onto Suffa, the raised platform in
Al-Masjid-al-Nabawi, the Prophetic Mosque in Medina, which proved
an ideal model for all educational institutions. The early Sahdba studied
in depth the sciences of `Ulum al- Qur `an and `Ulum al-Hadith under the
benevolent shadow of the Prophet (SAW). It was further established
amongst the Arabs themselves, that the highest authority relating to all
aspects of theArabic language, is the glorious Qur`an, and next after that
the Hadith of the Noble Prophet, upon whom be peace. TheAl-maddrisal-
Diniyyah and the Darul `Ulum`s sprang up throughout the world and
there came a time when Dars Nizdmi was devised and implemented in
Islamic seminaries worldwide. Attempts were made by scholars to
devise curricula including the one designed by Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali
(d.llll) called Thy a `Ulum al-Din(the Revival of the religious sciences).
Even with the proliferation of various religious educational institutions,
Darul `Ulums play a very important role in the dissemination of
religious education today. It actually is the highest and most perfect
embodiment of an educational system
3
Darul `Ulum Newcastle, which grew through the farsightedness and
under the patronage of Hazrat Moulana Cassim M. Sema Saheb is one
such institution, which has played an important role not only in
Southern Africa but also in the East and Horn of Africa. It was the first
Darul `Ulum to be established in this country and has a proud record of
producing a large number of `Ulema who render their services in length
and breadth ofAfrica.
Though started as a modest institution, by the grace of Allah it has
grown into a flowering institution of learning. Moulana Ismail Akoo, a
lecturer at Darul `Ulum, undertook the present work of tracing the
growth and development of this institution for his research essay to be
submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of his
postgraduate degree. Moulana Akoo has devoted a lot of his time and
energy to researching as well as discussing the alumni of the institution
and herein done justice to the topic. MayAllah make this book a source
of inspiration for those involved in the daily affairs of these institutions,
especially the scholars, students, and generous donors.
Wa ma taufiqi illah billah
Prof. Dr. Abdur Rahman I. D01R.A.
Rand Afrikaans University
Director: Dar al-Salam Islamic Research Centre,
Pretoria
Islamic Date: 20* Rajab 1418
English Date: 20* November 1997
Cambridge, United Kingdom.
First Edition -1997
Second revised Edition - 2006
4
‘My sincere thanks and appreciation to my dear father R.A. who so much
encouraged me to pursue my postgraduate studies at the Rand Afrikaans
"University. I owe a great deal to my wife Umm Usamah, who did a
splendid job typing my well-nigh illegible script.
I also wish to express my most heartfelt thanks to my mother, Brother and
sisters for their continuous support.
I cannot forget my dear friends, Ml` Naemullah Allie, Ml IM Ali, Ml
Faiz Haroon as well as his wife for their assistance in completing this
work.
I am very grateful to Moulana Cassim M. Sema Saheb for his time and
patience in completing this work^ It was an honour for me to write about
his life and the sacrifices he made for the sake of Islam and the `Muslims.
M.y Allah accept it and reward him in full measure.
Lastly, I wish to thank Dr. ProfessorA.R.I. Doi (R.A) of the Rand
Afrikaans University for his supervision and most valuable guidelines
while doing this work. I am greatly indebted to him for awarding me this
opportunity. May Allah grant him Jannah.
Acknowledgements
5
6
Introduction
This thesis, as its main theme tries to explore the development
and purpose for the establishment of the Darul `Ulum Newcastle, South
Africa, as well as the zeal of its founder by way of a biography. It is a
humble attempt to highlight Hazrat Moulana Sema Saheb’s own sincere
contribution in the eradication of the problems and challenges faced by
Muslims of South Africa and the world at large.Adetailed biography of
his life and work to develop qualified `Ulema, who in the future can
serve and assist in the promotion and establishment of the Muslim
Ummahas a force to be reckoned with.
Above all, his vision, that Islam is a universal religion and
therefore, must take up its natural place in a South African context, i.e.
that of assisting in establishing a healthy environment of trust and
cooperation amongst its diverse practising and believing religions.
More importantly, to bring to the notice of those in governmental
authority, that the Muslims of Southern Africa as well as the world at
large, are a well intentioned and meaningful Ummah, constructive in its
approach to life and the preservation thereof as a whole and wishes to
remove the stigma of terrorism and of being limited under apartheid, to
mere Mosque worshippers but rather an " Ummah of believers who
dearly want to emancipate themselves as equal citizens under any
future government, not only as Muslim worshippers but more so, to be
recognised and be given full rights to be and remain practising
Muslims, with full citizenship.
7
Muslims Realise Educational Shortcoming
With the population growth of the Muslim minority in South
Africa, a painful realizations confronted the `Ulemd of South Africa.
The quantity and quality of skilled Muslim educationalists available,
far outstripped by the demand for such people.
The western cultural and educational systems were, by and
large, creating laws within Islamic communities and homes. It became
successful in tearing families apart by shifting ideological beliefs in
children to believe in material requirements. Its educational systems
were scientifically based, and education was taught void of a belief
system, and only to serve its industrial requirement base thereby
creating a people void of a moral stability. Thus the educational system
devised by western thought is not holistic in its approach, but rather
devised to suit and serve the requirements of the industrial revolution,
which was well established then, in SouthAfrica.
The Muslims were thus being weakened, losing face and
respectability. Their voice wherever being raised to defend its basic
right was smothered, without being heard. This position was traumatic
for the SouthAfrican Muslim leaders and gave rise to the realisation and
awareness of its educational shortcoming. Out of this awareness was
created the need for a Darul `Ulum on South African soil with a
curriculum designed and tailor made to suit the requirements of the
South African Muslims without changing the fundamental base of
Islam -The Qur an and Sunnah.
8
This urgent need for a South African Darul `Ulum was fulfillel
by the sincere effort and courage of Moulana Cassim Mohammed SemJ
who despite being confronted by apartheid red tape and unfoundel
criticism by the Muslim ignoramuses, managed to establish thl
Newcastle Darul `Ulum in the 1970`s, which has produced qualified
`Ulemd who are serving the needs of their communities with sterlinl
devotion.
The ensuing pages of this treatise discusses Moulana Sahebl
luminous life and work, from the time of his birth unto current dajj
giving details of his mission and struggle, his journeys and experiences
his accomplishments and ongoing contribution in the establishment and
development of the Deen ofAllah in SouthernAfrica.
As an educationalist with a holistic Islamic approach Moulanj
Cassim Mohammed Sema, a person who has (and still is) dedicated hj
life towards the up-liftment of Islam, was born on 12lhMay1920.
At the tender age of five, unknown to him, his career towarq
becoming a leader in society began. It was at this time that he began bot
his secular and Islamic education.
His parents, without any other option, enrolled him at the S
Oswalds School in Newcastle where he successfully completed hi
junior primary. It was during the time in which the Indian South Africa
was restricted from obtaining a qualification higher than standard si
(grade eighf). This however did not affect his zeal for knowledge as we
as his progress in the field of Islamic Education, which progresse
without limitation and continues to be a memorable one.
Moulana Cassim Mohammed Sema Saheb His early life
9
His very first tutor was Moulana Hafiz Shams-al-Din. of Baroda
- India, a learned and pious `Aliin. Moulana Shams-al-Din, an Islamic
teacher at Newcastle, taught there for three years before returning to
India. Moulana Sema Saheb was fortunate to have remained under his
instruction for this period.
During this three year period Moulana Sema Saheb completed
twenty chapters of the Holy Qur "an, (looking inside) and learnt the
Urdu language from the famous " Urdu Qa "idah ".In addition to this
Moulana Saheb learnt a host of other primary and important Deeni
`Uh`nn. which was to be the start of his great journey in Islamic
knowledge. Moulana Saheb`s second teacher was Hafiz lkram-al-Din
of India, by whom he completed the recitation of the Holy Qur`an and
studied a few more books. At this young age of nine, he was already
respected for his knowledge and singled out to recite the Holy Qur`an
whenever guests visited the madrassah of which he was a student.
Moulana Saheb began memorising the Holy Qur`an and
completed seven chapters under the supervision of Hafiz Amin al-Din
`Uthmani of Dabhel India. Hafiz Amin al-Din `Uthmani was an
excellent Hafiz. and gifted with a melodious voice. During this time
Moulana Saheb also memorised four parts of Ta `Urn al-lslam. which
was written in the Urdu language.
10
After this Moulana Sema Saheb was tutored by a number of
teachers for short periods of time.Amongst these were:
Hajee Abd-al-Sattar of Porbandar, a master calligrapher, who taught
him for some six months. Hafiz Patel then tutored him for some time
and thereafter Moulana `AliAhmedAnsari, who arrived in Newcastle
in the year 1935. MoulanaAnsari was a graduate of Darul `Ulu Deoband
- India. He was a very pious man and a powerful lecturer. During his
stay in Newcastle, Moulana Saheb memorised two more chapters of the
Qur’an bringing the total number of chapters memorised to nine.
By now a young man, Moulana Sema Saheb was very dedicated
and punctual with his prayers and duties towards the OneAllah. He had
an intense desire for knowledge and engaged himself in research and
reading from various authentic Urdu books.He was also at that time
teaching young family members at his home. The more he delved into
his books, the greater his quest for knowledge became. Another
inspiration for him was the late Moulana Mia of theWaterval Islamic
Institute, who had visited Newcastle in 1935 and delivered a lecture
encouraging the community at large, to undertake Islamic studies.
The people of the town came to respect the young Mou Sema
Saheb as a righteous, talented young man and offered to spo: him to
further his education. Moulana Mia in a discussion gave ad to Moulana
Saheb in this regard. He informed him that he had the ch of becoming
either a Medical doctor, or going abroad to becom `Alim. Also
explaining that if he chose the medical profession he would have to test
the urine of his patients throughout his life whilst on the other hand
going abroad to become an `Alim would be difficult and entailed many
hardships. Despite the odds, Moulana Saheb chose to go abroad in quest
of Islamic knowledge and pursue a career as an `Alim.
11
Departure to India
All the necessary documents needed to go abroad were
prepared. Accompanied by his father, Moulana Sema Saheb left
Newcastle on the 23rd of September 1935 and headed for Durban where
they resided for a few days awaiting the ship, which was to take him to
India. Moulana Sema Saheb, whilst in Durban stayed with the family of
Dr. HaroonAmeen`s wife`s family.
After a sad farewell to his father, the ship left the Durban
harbour and after a tiresome journey Moulana Sema Saheb arrived in
India on the 23rd of October 1935. Moulana Sema Saheb set off to
Jdmi`ah -Islamiyyah - Dhabel, an Islamic Institute situated in the
Gujarat state of India, to enrol for the `Alim course. He became aware
that preparations for the annual examinations were already in progress.
He was referred to Moulana Ahmed Buzurgh Saheb, who was the
Rector of Jam" ah Islamiyyah - Dhabel, to whom he presented all his
documentation, which included a letter of reference from Moulana Mia
Saheb. He explained to Moulana Buzrugh Saheb what studies he had
previously done in SouthAfrica and that he had already memorised nine
chapters of the Holy Qur`an.
12
Moulana Ahmed Buzrugh then consulted a colleague, Sufi
Akhalwaya Saheb, then a lecturer at Jami`ah - Islamiyyah. regarding
Moulana Sema Saheb. A decision was made to enrol him in the `Alim
Fddil course.
Aqualifying requirement for the course, was to be versed in thJ
Persian and Urdu languages. As Moulana Saheb was already versed 9
the Urdu language, he had only to concentrate on the courses offeredm
Persian, which consisted of the following subjects:
• Morphology
Syntax
Islamic jurisprudence
Adab
Moulana Akhalwaya Saheb. acknowledging that Moulana
Sema Saheb was not familiar with the Persian language at all. took it
upon himself to personally teach him the course. Due to the special
attention he received from Moulana Akhalwaya Saheb. Moulana
completed the two year course in one year with exemplary results,
obtaining first position in both the first and second year courses.
Thereafter, in the year 1937. Moulana began his Arabic course through
the medium of Urdu. The following teachers tutored him during the
`Alim Fadil course:
• Hazrat MoulanaYusuf Binnouri Saheb
• Hazrat Moulana Badre `Alam Saheb
• Hazrat Moulana Nazim Nadwi Saheb
• Hazrat Moulana `AzizAhmed Behari Saheb
•
•
•
13
> Hazrat MoulanaYahya Saheb
> Hazrat Moulana Idris Saheb
> Hazrat MoulanaAmrohi Saheb
> Hazrat Moulana QariMuhammedYamin Saheb
> Hazrat MoulanaMuhammedAkhalwaya Saheb
> Hazrat Moulana `AbdulAziz Saheb
> Hazrat MoulanaAhmed Nur Saheb
Onbeing asked this, Moulana Sema Saheb responded in the following
manner.He said: "To me, allmyteachers were most beloved, for each
one of them was a specialist in his own field. MoulanaMuhammad
Ndzim Nadwi SahebRAwasmybest first year teacher because of his
mastery inArabic litrature.Mysecond year teacher was MoulanaAziz
Ahmed Behdri Saheb RA, and he was a master in teaching all the
second year subjects, particularlyAl-Quduri, a Hanafi Fiqh book.
Hazrat Moulana BadreAlam Saheb wasmymost beloved teacher for
whomI had a very high regard. He was an expert in explaining the
most difficult masd `il in the easiest manner. I studied under him the
following books:
> Mishkat al Masabih Shareef
> Tirmidhi Shareef
Moulana Sema Saheb`s FavouriteTeacher
> Kanz al-Daqa iq
I also loved Hazrat Moulana Sayyid Yusuf Binnouri Saheb. He
was an expert teacher by whom we studied Maqdmdt al-Hariri and Abu
Dawood Shareef and of course, Moulana Amrohi Saheb was our grand
Muhaddith who was in his 90 `s when he taught us Bukhdri and Muslim
Shareef.
14
I studied Hiddyah by Hazrat Moulana A.Azmi Saheb and went
on to study ‘Usool ‘e Shashi and Mebzi - a book on philosophy by
Hazrat Moulana Ahmed Nur Saheb. I studied Qutbi & Meel-Qutbi
by Hazrat Moulana Yahya Saheb.
Moulana Saheb qualified successfully in September / October
1942, at the age of twenty two. He then decided to return home to
South Africa. A teaching post at Mia`s Farm already awaited him.
Unfortunately it was during the period of the SecondWorldWar, and
Japanese forces were heading towards India, and as a result of
which, no passenger boats were in operation.
Due to strong requests from passengers, a steamboat called the
"Tilawa", was allocated to transport passengers to various parts o
Africa, including SouthAfrica.
On the 23 November 1942, the Tilawa left Bombay harbour
with its crew consisting of the cabin crew, three hundred Goanese `
sailors and one thousand passengers. On departure the captain
assured the passengers protection in the event of an attack or any
other danger. While on the ship, Moulana Sema Saheb had
flashbacks regarding advice that MoulanaYusuf Binnori Saheb had
given him, which proved useful on this trip.
Moulana Sema Saheb`s ordeal on the"Tilawa"
15
It was to recite a five times after every Saldh.Also
to read Salawdt Tunajjind three hundred and thirty-six times, if the
steamer was caught in any dangerous situation. This could either be
recited individually or in a group during times of distress and difficulty.
Moulana Saheb shared this advice with two friends, one from Kala
Kacha, and the other from Dabhel, who were with him aboard the
.Together they recited these prayers.
After five days of relatively peaceful travelling, there was a sudden thud
against the ship, causing it to rock violently. The crew members and
passengers were in total disarray. There was absolute chaos and panic as
they realised that a Japanese submarine had torpedoed the ship. At that
moment everyone was concerned for his own safety and the promise by
the captain to protect the passengers did not prove true. The crew
members and sailors were first to abandon the ship in life jackets and
life boats, leaving the passengers to fend for themselves.
Moulana Sema Saheb say that;
"Surah-al-Quraish "
Tildwa
"Whilst I was asleep, I was awakened by the whistle of the
topedo even before it struck. It was an eerie whistle sound like "weee ". I
was so shaken that I completely forgot about my two travel companions
and ran for my own safety ".
16
It was a prior arrangement and instruction that should the ship go into
trouble the passengers were to proceed to the second class. Moulana
Sema Saheb did so.
Moulana Sema Saheb says;
"Then I spotted a lifeboat already being lowered with a few
cabin members. I began to climb down in order to get into the boat via
the aid of a rope. When I reached halfway down the rope, I saw the boat
moving away with only these few cabin crew members on it. I had no
alternative but to despondently climb up the rope into the second class
which was situated on the deck of the steamer.
Thereafter, I saw another lifeboat being lowered down, so I thought of
climbing down again. But unfortunately, it got stuck whilst being
lowered down (about halfway down).
Then I saw a third lifeboat which was already down on the water, with
just a few passengers and I, with the help of The Almighty and Mercifull
Allah, managed to climb down into this boat.
After my boarding the boat, more passengers climbed down into the
boat until it was filled to capacity. The boat had a capacity of48 people
and so did every other lifeboat on the Tilawa.
Once the lifeboat was full, it was decided that we should rowaway as
far as possible fi-om the sinking ship, fearing that the tiny lifeboat may
be dragged into the depths of the sea together with the sinking ship.
17
About this time someone asked "What is the time ". The only
person who had a wrist watch was one of my two companions. The time
was 1:30 am and to my surprise I noticed that the other companion was
on board as well. All this time I did not even think about my two
companions “
Moulana Sema Saheb firmly believes that he being saved was
due to the recitation of Suratul Al-Quraish five times after every salaat.
Moulana Sema Saheb continues his narration saying;
AChinese astronomer, who was one of the crew members of the
Tilawa, gazing at the stars, recommended that we should try and direct
our course easterly, in the hope of reaching dry land in a few days time.
Now, at least we had some direction and course of action. The seating
positions were adjusted in such a manner that the weight of the
passengers was distributed equally on both sides so that the lifeboat
does not tilt nor topple. Thereafter it was decided that the passengers
take turns in rowing the boat. In this manner we sailed amidst rough seas
and mountain-high waves in the hope of survival and reaching dry
land.
"After we rowed away a reasonable distance, a second torpedo
was launched directly at the already sinking Tilawa. We, from a
distance, saw black smoke coming out of the steamer and thereafter, in a
matter of a few moments, the ship disappeared into the depths of the sea.
After the steamer disappeared from sight, we lost all hope of
going back to the steamer, for it was thought by some of the crew who
were onboard our lifeboat that should the steamer not sink, we may be
able to return and repair the damage. Then our perilous journey began!
18
At times, huge waves like mountains lifted the boat high and then flung it
back to the surface of the sea. It was very frightening and nerve
wrecking. In this manner we sailed for the rest of the night until dawn
appeared. During the day the sea was comparatively calm. After sailing
for a few hours into the day, we spotted a steamer at a distance which
gave us hope in being rescued, but after a little while it disappeared
from our sight. We began feeling hungry and thirsty. Some of the crew
members of the Tilawa, who were on board broke open a survival box in
which we found some thick biscuits, long aluminium containers
containing fresh water, an axe and some other items. Small bits of
biscuits were distributed amongst us and each was allowed to drink a
few sips of fresh water as a life saving measure.
I personally, because of my
weakness and continuous vomiting, was completely exhausted and was
unable to eat the thick biscuits. I was convinced within me, that even if
we were to reach land in ten days time, I will not be able to survive. We
continued sailing in this manner till sunset without seeing any other
steamer nor were there any signs of land. At nightfall, which was our 2r
night on this perilous sea, the waves were even more dangerous &
devastating than the previous night. Most of us were convinced that we
may not be able to survive this catastrophic ordeal and perish in the
depths of the sea. But, Alhamdulillah, with the mercy of The Almighty A
Hah, our small boat kepi on sailing through the night till the dawn of
Moulana Sema Saheb continues "
the
second day appeared bringing us fresh hopes of survival with renewed
hopes of being rescued.
19
Early that morning,well after sunrise, our hopes of survival rose
even higher as we spotted another steamer. But unfortunately, a veil of
heavy rain acted as a screen between us and the steamer. When the veil
disappeared, we sighted the steamer again. It was then decided that we
beckon the steamer by waving a cloth in the hope of attracting its
attention towards us. We actually used a red shirt of one of the
passengers as a flag. This proved successful and the steamer began
sailing towards us. It took approximately one hour for the ship to reach
us and by 11amor 12 pm, the steamer had reached us and it was the S. S.
Birmingham which was a British battle ship returning to the British
Isles after spending some time in the Indian Ocean. This Battle Ship
lifted all the passengers from our lifeboat and entertained us with black
coffee and biscuits.
When the Tilawa was torpedoed, the Captain immediately sent
out an SOS message to all boats, battleships and steamers at sea. The
S.S. Birmingham was the nearest battleship to the disaster area and it
instantly changed its course and came to the rescue of the unfortunate
Tilawa`spassengers. There were two seaplanes on this battleship which
took turns to fly from the battleship in search of further survivors. Ours
was the third boat that was rescued by the S.S. Birmingham. After
extensive searches up until nightfall, the S.S. Birmingham was able to
pick up a total of TO lifeboats and no more. It was then established that
only one hundred and twenty five passengers had survived.
20
It was then decided to take the passengers hack to Bombay
because it did not have sufficient rations for the surviving passengers.
Otherwise it would have dropped the passengers at their desired
destinations which were, East Africa as well as South Africa. The S.S.
Birmingham then sailed on to Bombay.
Friday:We Boarded Tilawa
Saturday to Tuesday: At Sea on board the Tilawa
Tuesday night: Torpedoed
Wednesday: At Sea onboard the lifeboat
Thursday 11am: Rescued&searched for more passengers
Thursday night: Began journey to Bombay
Friday sunset: Reached Bombay
In less than 24 hours the S. S. Birmingham touched the Bombay
harbour. It was the 1st day of December 1942. This Ship was much
faster than the Tilawa as it was a battleship and not a passenger liner.
There the A.R.P. (Air Raid Protectors) servicemen entertained the
survivors with coffee, tea & biscuits. Each one of the survivors was
given a telegram form to fill in a brief message that, "We are safe ", to
their dear ones at home and addressing the telegram to their home
address.
The Muslim survivors who were but a handful were taken to the Sabu
Siddiqui Musafir Khana whilst the Hindustani passengers were taken
elsewhere for accommodation.
At the Musafir Khana, each one of us was given a vest and a white calico
trouser and provided with meals by a charitable institution for the
duration of our stay there. After a few days Moulana Sema Saheb 20
decided to visit his former alma mater.
Recap
21
A colleague of Moulana Sema Saheb, Moulana Qassim Tayib
Saheb of Lorenzo Marks (Maputo) who was studying at that time in his
old Jdmi `ah came with some clothes, money & aided Moulana Sema
Saheb to travel back to Jdmi `ah Islamiyyah - Dhabel.
Moulana Sema Saheb continues;
Moulana Sema Saheb, being a person of strong belief, constantly
remembered . He would often have visions of pious and saintly
people. This was one such an occasion. While seriously ill aboard the
lifeboat, he awoke from a fitful sleep, and had a vision of Muhtamim
Moulana Ahmed Buzrugh Akhalwaya Saheb, encouraging him to
constantly remain engaged in Durood Shareef (salutations upon the
Prophet, ).
For weeks, Moulana Saheb had problems sleeping, re-living the
experience in his dreams. He would awaken startled and perspiring, the
sounds of men and women screaming ringing in his ears. Even during
his return by train to Jami` ah Islamiyyah - Dabhel, when the train
"Thereafter we boarded the Bombay
Baroda train at approximately 8pm and arrived the next morning at
Marori Station. From there we boarded the bus to Dhabel which is
situated 3 miles away from the station. We arrived at the Jdmi `ah
Islamiyyah - Dhabel at about 10am while the classes were in progress.
The news of our arrival immediately spread in the institution and
teachers and students came out to meet me. I narrated to them my
terrifying ordeal at sea at length ".
Moulana Sema Saheb`sVisions
salalaahu alaihi wasallam
TheAftermath of the Ordeal
Allah
22
passed a bridge he woke up terrified having a feeling of despair and
drowning.
Moulana Saheb was eager to return home to his family and friends.
However this was not yet to be. His teachers were not pleased at all with
his intentions to travel as the war was still in progress. Moulana Badre `
Alam Saheb was especially disturbed because he desired that Moulana
Saheb teach his son Aftab `Alam, and despite being offered a post as
teacher at the Jami`ah Islamiyyah, he preferred to be a research scholar
atMajlis-e-`ilmi.
Moulana Hakim Abdul `Ahad was astonished to hear about Moulana
Sema`s near death encounter. A few nights before the incident took
place, together with friends, he had visited Hazrat Moulana Amrohi
Saheb R.A., a teacher of Moulana Sema Saheb, in his room, after the
`Isha prayer as customary. The Sheikh in his discourse made mention of
people in difficulty at sea, and that most of them were in the process of
drowning. On ascertaining from Moulana Sema Saheb the exact date of
the tragedy, it was realised that it coincided with the date on which
Hazrat Moulana Amrohi Saheb R.A. had narrated this incident in his
A colleague of Moulana Sema Saheb, the late Moulana Qasim
Baiyat of Springs - South Africa, also narrated an incident which
happened whilst in the presence of Hazrat MoulanaAmrohi Saheb R.A.
Moulana Abdul Rahman Amrohi Saheb`s Spiritual Visions
Regarding Moulana Sema Saheb`s Nightmarish Experiences
majlis.
23
He said that once all the teachers of Darul Ulum Dabhel were invited to
a wedding in Kulwar - India. They travelled by bus which was arranged
by Moulana Baiyat himself, who was also present on this trip.
However before reaching Kulwar, the bus switched off as a result of
insufficient fuel. During that period of time there was a fuel shortage
due to the war, and it was extremely difficult to obtain fuel at such short
notice. Everyone was confused when Hazrat Moulana Amrohi Saheb
R.A. asked for a can of water. He said a prayer and blew into the water.
He then requested the driver to pour it into the petrol tank. The driver,
knowing fully well the consequences of doing such a reckless thing
reluctantly complied. At the insistence of Hazrat Moulana Amrohi
Saheb R.A, the driver, without expecting anything positive to happen,
turned on the ignition and to everyone`s astonishment the engine sprang
to life. It was unbelievable but praise is due to The Almighty, they
reached Kulwar on time.
These were the types of incidences that happened to Hazrat Moulana
Amrohi Saheb R.A. who was a man of untainted faith, a great Buzrugh
and Sahib-al Kashfwal kardmah.
After Moulana Sema Saheb, stayed for a few days on the campus of the
Darul Uloom, the late Moulana Mohammed Mia Saheb (the founder of
Mia`s Farm -Waterval Institute) sent a telegram from Johannesburg to
Moulana Sayed Ahmed Raza Saheb (the Nazim of Majlis`e `ilmi) to
employ Moulana as a staff in the majlis Ilmi. Hazrat Moulana
MohammedMia Saheb who had been an illustrious student of
Moulana Sema Saheb`s Employment at
Majlis`e `ilmi- Dabhel
24
Hazrat Allamah Shah Anwar R.A and a great lover of him. founded
Majlise `ilmi in order to publish articles, lectures and books written on
the life of HazratAllamah ShahAnwar Kashmiri R.A.
Moulana Sema Saheb`s duty at the said Majlis`e `ilmi was to make
Takhrij of ShahAnwar`s footnotes on the famous book "Athdr-al-Sunan
" by `Allamah Nimwi which contained ahadith according to the
Madhab of Imam-e-`Azam Abu Hanifa (R.A.). The footnotes were
written by HazratAllamah ShahAnwar Khashmiri R.A. Moulana Sema
Saheb completed the Takhrij of the first volume in one year under the
supervision of Hazrat MoulanaYusuf Binnouri Saheb.
The Majlis`e `ilmi was in Simlak. During the course of this one year,
Moulana Sema Saheb stayed in an old rented house and prepared his
own daily meals and he bought hand-made bread (roti) from a Muslim
home. Moulana Sema Saheb said his daily prayers at the Simlak Musjid
but occasionally, he would go to Jami`ah Islamiyyah to read his
Maghrib & Esha, meet his teachers & friends, then return home. The
distance between Simlak and Dhabel was 3kms.
It was during the cause of this one year that a new large Masjid was built
at Simlak. Now and then Moulana Sema Saheb was asked to lead the
Fajr&Maghrib Salats at the new Masjid.
25
Moulana Sema Saheb accompanied a group of students from Punjab, of
the undivided India who were returning home for the holidays, with the
intention of visiting Hazrat Moulana Ilyas Saheb R.A. in Nizamudeen,
Delhi. Moulana Ilyas Saheb is the reviver of theTablighi effort amongst
the Muslims of India. Delhi is 1000 miles from Dhabel.
On arriving in Nizamudeen the group walked around asking directions
to the Banglawali Masjid. After receiving directions, they walked on
the directed footpath but missed the Masjid and walked a few
kilometres further up. They were then redirected by someone and then
only did they find Hazrat Moulana Ilyas Saheb sitting under a tree.
They introduced themselves and then eagerly sat in his gathering,
waiting to learn from his knowledge. Hazrat Moulana Ilyas Saheb
immediately began speaking to them about the importance of tabligh or
"Da`wah", (Islamic Propagation) amongst the Muslim community.
Although Hazrat Moulana Ilyas Saheb had a stammer, it did not hinder
his wisdom. He went on to tell them that the greatest means of bringing
back the Muslims to the original Deen of Nabi-e-Kareem (salalaahu
alaihi wasallam) which has gone out of the Muslims all over the world
was to adopt the method which was used by Nabie (salalaahu alaihi
wasallam) to spread Islam by visiting the people individually and
collectively; in their homes, working places and during the Haj season
Moulana Sema Saheb`s Meeting
With Hazrat Moulana Ilyas Saheb
26
He met the various tribes who came from all over the Arabian
Peninsula to perform Haj. He did not distribute pamphlets and books
but spoke to them and strengthened the urge for Islam found in people.
Hazrat Moulana Ilyas Saheb`s effort in this world was to strengthen the
faith of the Muslims. He believed that if this was done, then all the
injunctions of Islam would be put into practice and thereby
strengthening the fabric of Islam. This in turn would lead to more
learned Ulemd and Huffdz, as well as more learning centres, and will
also bring the reality of Islam into the hearts of the people, causing the
places of worship to overflow. The eagerness of worshipping the One
Allah will be revived in all spheres of life. (This is the crux of the
message he gave them). After meeting with Hazrat Moulana Ilyas
Saheb, the group visited the graveyard in Delhi, where Shah Wall -
Allah (R.A.) is buried. They also visited some historical places built by
the Mogul Muslim Rulers.
Thereafter the group dispersed at this juncture, so while the others went
home to spend the rest of their holidays; Moulana Sema Saheb
proceeded to Deoband. He was very eager to meet Hazrat Moulana
HussainAhmed Madani Saheb.
Unfortunately this did not materialize as Hazrat Moulana Hussain
Ahmed Madani Saheb was being held prisoner by the British because of
his active participation in the "Quit India Campaign". (A motion that
was passed by the Congress Party urging the British
*
Government to hand over the governance of India to the people of
llndia).
Moulana Sema Saheb`sVisit to Deoband
27
Moulana Sema Saheb then went on to visit the Mazaars of Ulemd and
Saints. Like the Mazaars of Hazrat Moulana AzadAli Saheb; Hazrat
Moulana Uzair Ghul Saheb; Hazrat Moulana Azhar Husain Mia Saheb
and many others. He also visited the Darul `Ulum Library, which
contains a large amount of Islamic literature and rare handwritten
manuscripts.
After staying in Deoband for a few days Moulana Sema Saheb travelled
alone by train to Lahore. Here he met a greatWall-Allah and a renowned
`Alim. Hazrat MoulanaAhmedAli Lahori Saheb, Principal and also the
founder of Anjumani Himdyat Islam - Lahore. He has published a
commentary of the Holy Qur`an giving logical links between every two
verses known as Rabt-ul-Aydt. Hazrat Moulana Ahmed Ali Lahori
Saheb conducted Tafsir classes (commentary of the Holy Qur`an) for
the public on Fridays and special Tafsir classes for the new graduates
from the various Darul `Ulums existing in India. Moulana Sema Saheb
participated in these classes for the few days that he remained in Lahore.
Afterward Moulana Saheb proceeded to Ghat Hera, a village about 8
miles away from Saharanpur. Moulana Sema Saheb made this trip to
spend the month of Ramadhan by his former tajweed Teacher Hazrat
Moulana Qari Mohammed Yamin Saheb. Moulana had completed
memorising the Qur`an in 1941. (He had memorised the entire Qur`an
during the course of his studies at the hands of Moulana Qari
MohammedYamin Saheb).
Trip to Lahore
Moulana Sema Saheb`s Revision of the Holy Qur`an
28
Moulana Sema Saheb thought it a good idea to revise the Qur`an
once more by his former Ustddh. Whilst Moulana Saheb revised the
Holy Qur`an by Qari Yamin Saheb, he lived in a room situated in the
courtyard of the musjid in close proximity to Hazxat Moulana Qari
Mohammed Yamin Saheb. For Eid Salat, Qari Saheb with Moulana
Sema Saheb and the Muslim Community from the village went to
Chilkhana District by foot to perform the Eidul Fitr Salat which is about
8 miles away. The Eid Salat was performed at about 10 o`clock because
people from all surrounding villages attended it.After the Eid Salat they
immediately returned to Ghat Hera again by foot.
For the benefit of the reader, it is appropriate to explain "Tay-al-
Ard" and "Kashf-al-Quboor" as it will enlighten us in understanding
Moulana Sema Saheb`s experiences with the same. Certain people
become "friends" of Allah because of their extreme dedication, piety,
and abundant remembrance of Allah. They are known as saints and
Auliya of Allah, and as such, Allah honours them with miraculous
qualities. Of these miraculous qualities is "Tay-al-Ard" which means
the"Wrapping of the Earth". The person, who is blessed with this gift, is
capable of travelling the earth in a matter of moments and with just a
few steps. Another such miraculous gift is "Kashf-al-Quboor". This is
possesing the ability to see what happens to the inmates of the grave.
Information Regarding Mysticism
29
Moulana Meets Hazrat Moulana Raipoori Saheb
The day after of Eid, Moulana Sema Saheb decided to meet
Hazrat Moulana Abdul Qadir Raipoori Saheb who was a Sheikh-e-
Kamil (complete saint) of the time. Moulana Saheb went to the
Khanqah at Raipoor with a Murid (spiritual follower) of Hazrat
Moulana A.Q. Raipoori Saheb from Ghat Hera. Since there was no
transport, they went on foot to Raipoor. It took them nearly two days to
reach the village. On arrival, to their great disappointment, they were
informed that MoulanaA.Q. Raipoori Saheb had left for Saharanpur. In
the meanwhile they met Moulana `Abdul-Aziz Saheb who was one of
the senior Murids of Moulana A.Q. Raipoori Saheb and he related the
following incidents to them.
He told them that Moulana A.Q. Raipoori Saheb had many
religious followers (Murids) who took council by him. He said that one
of these followers was granted a special gift of Kashf-al-Quboor,
(insight into the grave). This young man even after stern and severe
warnings from Moulana Raipoori Saheb not to abuse this gift and not to
reveal anything he saw, did not take heed. He exposed everything he
saw and took this gift very lightly. Moulana Raipoori Saheb became
very angry and disappointed, and banished him from his presence.After
a few days, this young man became mentally deranged and roamed the
streets like a mad man. This transformation in mysticism is termed
"Mqjdhub" which means that the gift that was bestowed upon him by
theAlmightyAllah is taken away from him.
30
Moulana ` Abd-al-Aziz Saheb went on to tell them that Moulana
Raipoori Saheb had two renowned scholars of a very high calibre. One
them was Moulana `Abd-al-Qadir Raipoori Saheb and the other
Moulana Sema Saheb could not recall his name. It was common talk
that this scholar was more superior and that he would most likely be the
successor to Moulana Abdul Rahim Raipoori Saheb. Contrary to
everyone`s expectation, Moulana A.R. Raipoori Saheb chose Moulana
Abd-al-Qadir Saheb as his successor. This was a surprise amongst the
other scholars. It so happened that one day Moulana `Abd-al-Qadir
Saheb and his colleagues went for a walk. It was late afternoon, when
suddenly in a matter of minutes they reached another village, which.
was miles away from where they had been. His colleagues were
astonished at his miracle and they realised that this happened due to
"Tay-al-Ard" (shortening of distance). They then realised that he was
bestowed with this gift and became aware of their folly in doubting the
choice of Hazrat MoulanaAbdul Rahim Raipoori Saheb.
Moulana Sema Saheb and his companion spent approximately
two days at the Khanqah. They took time to visit the village, the
outlying farmlands and saw the canal which irrigates the entire region.
After the 2 days stay, Moulana Sema Saheb decided to go and
meet MoulanaA.Q. Raipoori Saheb at Saharanpur.To get there they had
first to walk two miles to the national roads in order to hitch a lift.After a
little while, a military lorry stopped and offered them a lift. Moulana
Sema Saheb`s colleague spoke to the driver to give Moulana Sema
Saheb a lift, which he did. Moulana Sema Saheb and his companion
separated at this point as they each intended different destinations
31
His companion then proceeded on foot towards Ghat Hera and
Moulana Sema Saheb accepted the lift to Saharanpur.He spent the night
in a local Musjid and the following morning went to Madrassah
Mazdhir `Ulum where he was fortunate enough to meet MoulanaAbdul
Qadir Raipoori Saheb at the residence of Hazrat Moulana Zakariyya
Saheb.
Moulana Zakariyya Saheb was still a young man at the time. Moulana
Sema Saheb was fortunate to be present in the Dars-e-Hadith of
Moulana Zakariyya Saheb the following day. Moulana Sema Saheb
stayed there for two days, learning whatever he could from this great
saint and then returned to Nizamuddeen in Delhi. After all these
experiences, Moulana Sema Saheb again wanted to become a Murid of
Moulana llyas Saheb. He then returned to Nizamudeen with this
intention
At this point, Moulana Sema Saheb travelled alone as his companions
had already departed for home. He reached Nizamuddeen in the late
afternoon in time for the `Asar prayers. He joined the congregation for
his prayers which, was led by Hazrat Moulana Mohammed llyas Saheb
himself. Immediately after the prayers, Moulana llyas Saheb advised,
very emphatically to those who had been performing their prayers, to
straighten their rows in the future because according to the teachings of
the Sunnah, the improper formation of the rows creates dissention and
discord in the hearts of the people.
Moulana Saheb meets Moulana llyas SahebAgain
32
Thereafter Moulana Ilyas Saheb sat in the courtyard with two
young `Alims, Moulana `Ubaidullah and Moulana Habibullah Balyawi.
Here Moulana Sema Saheb requested Hazrat Moulana Mohammed
Ilyas Saheb (R.A.) that he would like to take Bay `at on his hand (i.e. to
become his Murid). Hazrat Moulana Ilyas Saheb refused the request
saying that he preferred the qualified `Ulema to spend 7 chillas (7 x 40
days) in da`wah and tabligh (propogation work) according to his
inspired principles as it was his opinion that Da `wah & Tabligh had
much more benefit than Bay `at as Bay `at was to do with oneself whilst
Da `wah was to do with theUmmahat large.
Thereafter Hazrat Moulana Mohammed Ilyas Saheb (R.A.)
continued with his daily discourses on the importance of da `wah work
amongst the Ummah and spoke of such high principles of da `wah at the
end of which he remarked, pointing at Moulana `Ubaidullah, that none
except he had understood what was said.
The following morning Moulana Sema Saheb boarded the train
to Dahbel and returned to his former duties at Majlis`e `Ilmi as a research
scholar.
After a further 4 months stay with the Majlis `e `Ilmi in Simlak,
Moulana became restless and wished to go home. He inquired about
ships travelling to South Africa and learnt that there was one
("Khandala ") leaving in late January. Moulana Saheb left Bombay for
Moulana Sema Saheb ReturnsHome
33
the second time on the 28th day of January 1944 and reached the
Durban harbour on the 5th February 1944.After a warm welcome by his
father and grandmother, (his grandfather had passed away before he left
for studies to India and his mother passed away in 1941, one year before
his graduation), they boarded the train to Newcastle. When the train
stopped in Glencoe (a neighbouring town nearby Newcastle), they were
made to alight from the train to attend a welcome reception in Moulana
Saheb`s honour, hosted by his brother Mr. Ismail Sema and some
notable residents of the town. At the persistence of the residents of
Glencoe he spent one night there and then proceeded to his hometown,
Newcastle the next day.
It was a great joy for Moulana Sema Saheb to be back at home
and meeting his family members whom he had left before departing for
his studies. However, it was very heartbreaking not to meet his beloved
mother and other beloved family members who had passed away during
the course of his studies.
He was very happy to meet his former Ustadh, Moulana` Ali
Ansari Saheb who was his teacher in Newcastle at the time when
Moulana Sema Saheb left for his studies.
The Newcastle Muslim Community (NMC) were delighted to
have Moulana Sema Saheb back as a qualified` Alim who they hoped
will be a great asset to the Muslim community as a teacher as well as an
Imam. The NMC gave Moulana Sema Saheb a very warm welcome
reception a few days after his arrival at the Newcastle Madrassah Hall
34
At the request of the Chairman, Moulana Sema Saheb gave a
detailed story of the events leading to, as well as the actual incident of
the
Hereunder are the names of a few of the forerunners of Islamic
Education in Newcastle, as well as names of some members of the
NMC : HajeePatel Saheb
HajeeAhmed Limbada Saheb
HafizAhmed Saheb
Hajee C.M.D. Moola Saheb
Hajee IsmailVawda Saheb
Hajee EbrahimVawda Saheb
HajeeAhmed Lokhat Saheb
Due to the fact that Moulana Sema Saheb was ill with malaria,
even before he boarded the ship "Khandala ", it was imperative that he
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