It is that time of the year again when mehafil and gatherings are held in honour of Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib (May Allah have mercy on his soul) in Makkah Masjid and in the houses of those who were very close to him. It has been five years since Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib suddenly passed away on the evening of 26 April 2005 (17th Rabi ul-Awwal 1426).
Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib (May Allah bless his soul) always used to say that a person leaves this world doing the same activities he indulged in during his lifetime. Therefore, rather than indulging in those activities that are forbidden in Islam or are disliked by Allah and His Messenger, Muslims should keep themselves occupied in those activities and actions which will bring them closer to their Lord, so that when they leave this world, they do so doing those activities which are considered as acts of worship. We see that this was very true of Hafiz Sahib as he passed away whilst sitting in the mosque, reading a biography of the beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). About 45 minutes before his departure from this world, Hafiz Sahib had given a lecture on the Holy Qur’an in the daily study circle that he had been holding for the past 10 years.
Hafiz Sahib’s whole life revolved around learning, reciting, teaching and reflecting on the Holy Qur’an and studying, discussing and honouring our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). He dedicated his life to the Qur’an and Sunnah, following the perfect example of the Prophet (May Allah shower blessings on him).
Professor Qari Fateh Muhammad Sahib was of very few distinguished Ulemas who excelled in both worldly and religious knowledge and understanding. He was indeed an inspirational figure who benefitted his community tremendously through teaching them the knowledge of Islam. He was a great believer in having inner peace, which would lead to establishing peace in the world. In order to provide a beacon of light, guidance, love and hope to mankind, he founded Leeds Makkah Masjid and Deen Foundation.
We pray to Allah (swt) that He grants Hafiz Sahib the highest place in Paradise, and grants him the company of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) on the Day of Judgement and in Paradise. Ameen.
A Jalsa and annual gathering in memory of Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib will be held at Leeds Makkah Masjid on Sunday 18 April 2010 at 2:30pm after the ZUHR PRAYER. In the gathering, Professor Sahib’s students, colleagues and contemporaries will talk about the life and works of the ambassador of peace and lover of the beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad (May Allah shower mercy on his soul).
TIME: 2:30 pm After ZUHR PRAYER
DATE: Sunday, 18th April 2010
VENUE: Makkah Masjid
The following are some of the comments made about Professor Hafiz Qari Fateh Muhammad (May Allah shower mercy on his soul):
“I will miss his inspiring conversations full of humour, wit and insight”, a PhD students from the Far East
“His optimism, his compassion and, most important of all, the love he always had for his faith and community was remarkable.” A Roman Catholic Vicar
He was “a wonderful mix of spirituality and practicality”, Faith Advisor to the former Prime Minister, Tony Blair.
His death was “a blow to the whole community”, a local MP.
“He was a reformer in that he began calling for imams to start using English in their sermons and in their teachings so that the British Muslim youth could learn something about their faith when attending the mosques”, Chair of a leading British Muslim Organisation.
“He was a true lover of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and that is why he was always at the forefront of any cause and campaign dealing with Tahafuz-e-Namose-e- Risalat”, Secretary of Ahl-Sunna wal-Jama’at.
“He effectively gave me a new life”, a revert who embraced Islam at the hands of Professor Qari Fateh Muhammad.
“His intelligent conversations, his ability to listen to opponents’ views, his inner beauty, his immense love for the Prophet, the Ahle-bait and the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) made me reconsider my beliefs”, a shia Professor from Iran.
“He was as friendly and hospitable to his opponents as he was towards his friends and followers”, a young enthusiast who enjoyed debating with Professor Qari Fateh Muhammad.
“Through his guidance and mediation, he saved my marriage”, a young newly married sister.
“He was an inspiration to me. If it had not been for him, I would not have had the love of my religion in my heart today”, a pharmacist.
“He helped me find myself”, an investment banker.
“He was always there for my family”, a mother of six children.
“If it had not been for his financial support, I would not have been able to do an MBA”, a student who went on to become an entrepreneur.
“He was our rock”, a grandmother.
“Whenever I followed his practical advice, I never regretted it”, a father of four and politician.
“I always confided in him and he counseled me” a granddad and community leader.
“If it had not been for him, my children today would have been somewhere else rather than in the mosque. He brought faith into our hearts”, a mother of three.
“He was my guide, my teacher, my source of inspiration, my role model and my spiritual father”, a student of Islamic sciences and Tassawuf.
“He was a truly humble and sincere servant of Allah, who was not after worldly positions or wealth; he declined whenever he was given a position of power and rather recommended his colleagues to take those positions”, founder of the British Muslim Forum.
“He was a man of extraordinary vision. He sat on a prayer mat but touched the hearts of thousands of people from all walks of life whether they be doctors, Imams, builders, politicians, professors, taxi drivers or entrepreneurs. It was his simplicity and spirituality, combined with his wisdom, that made him everyone’s hero”, a medical doctor.
“It was his love for the Noble Qur’an, his constant recitation day and night, which brought me closer to Allah”, a Hafiz and recite of the Holy Qur’an.
“He sometimes would give money in charity when he did not have much in his own pocket”, Trustee of a Charity.
“He was the father figure for our community”, teenage attendee of the mosque
“He was a shining star; people like him are not born everyday”, a professor colleague at Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan.
The Noble Qur’an is the word of God which was revealed in the month of Ramadan to the prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) The Glorious Qur’an is a source of guidance inspiration for all mankind and there are many ways in which the Qur’an. It is therefore important that Muslims study and understand the message that the Creator has send to the best of His creation, Man.
Reciting the Qur’an is described in the following Qur’anic verse as a profitable transaction, the profit of which shall never end. This is the case at any time of the year but in Ramadan the recitation and study of the Qur’an has greater status and significance due to many reasons.
Allah says: “Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah and establish prayer and spend (in His cause) out of what We have provided them secretly and publicly, can expect a transaction (profit) that will never perish. That He may give them in full their rewards and increase for them His bounty. Indeed He is forgiving and most ready to appreciate.” (Surah Fatir:30)
Mother of the Believers, Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be well pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘Read the Qur’an, for verily it will come as an intercessor for its companion on the Day of Judgement.’ [Sahih Muslim]
It is recommended that one finishes a complete recitation of the Qur’an in the month of Ramadan. It is the Sunnah to complete reciting the whole Qur’an once every month.
The great scholars of Islam, the pious predecessors devoted most of their time in Ramadan to reciting and studying the Noble Qur’an. When Ramadan entered, Imam Malik used to leave his study of hadith and devote his total attention to the reading of the Qur’an. Imam Azam Imam Abu Hanifa and Muhammad Ibn Idris Al-Shaf’i would accomplish sixty completions of the Qur’an in Ramadan, all in the form of prayer.
In Makkah Masjid, the recitation of the Holy Qur’an is completed in the Taraweeh prayer (night prayer) every year. It has been a tradition of Madina Jamia Masjid and Makkah Mosque, for the last 25 years, that the key themes contained in a part of the Holy Qur’an that is recited each night is explained to the congregation after the Taraweeh prayer. This tradition was set up by the late Imam professor Shaykh Hafiz Fateh Muhammad (May Allah bless his soul), who fist served as an Imam and khateeb at Madina Jamia Masjid for 20 years and then founded the Makkah Masjid in 2003. This year since the Tarweeh prayer finishes around midnight, it has been decided by the Imams of the Masjid that rather than presenting the meaning and tafseer of the juz (part) of the Glorious Qur’an that is recited each night after the Night (Taraweeh) prayer, the same undertaking will take place after zuhr prayer each day.
Throughout the month of Ramadan, the Qur’anic study circles will be held every day after the Zuhr prayer at 2:15pm. In these Qur’anic study circles, the key theme(s) of each of the juz/sapara/part of the Holy Qur’an will be explained in English and Urdu by the Imams, Qari Asim and Qari Qasim.
Makkah Mosque study circles are open to Muslims and non-Muslims, brothers and sisters who have an interest in learning about Islam.
O ye who believe! Spend out of (the bounties) We have provided for you, before the Day comes when no bargaining (Will avail), nor friendship nor intercession. Those who reject Faith they are the wrong-doers. (2.254): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
3 Ramadan
Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith? For Allah did take Abraham for a friend. (4:125): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
4 Ramadan
O ye who believe! Do your duty to Allah, seek the means of approach unto Him, and strive with might and main in his cause: that ye may prosper. (5:35): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
5 Ramadan
O ye who believe! make not unlawful the good things which Allah hath made lawful for you, but commit no excess: for Allah loveth not those given to excess. (5:87): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
6 Ramadan
It is We Who have placed you with authority on earth, and provided you therein with means for the fulfilment of your life: small are the thanks that ye give (7:10): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
10 Ramadan
Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred; the wealth that ye have gained; the commerce in which ye fear a decline: or the dwellings in which ye delight – are dearer to you than Allah, or His Messenger, or the striving in His cause;- then wait until Allah brings about His decision: and Allah guides not the rebellious (9:24): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
11 Ramadan
The prayer that man should make for good, he maketh for evil; for man is given to hasty (deeds) (17:11): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
13 Ramadan
O mankind! fear your Lord! for the convulsion of the Hour (of Judgment) will be a thing terrible! (21:01): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
15 Ramadan
And the servants of ((Allah)) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, “Peace!” (25:63): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
Over the years, Makkah Masjid has built strong links with Leeds Metropolitan University and Leeds University and their students. Imam Qari Asim has worked with them on projects such as the opening of the new Institute for Spirituality, Religion & Public Life at Leeds Met University.
Many University students undertake projects about the activities of the Mosque as part of their modules regarding theology, comparative studies, Islam in Britain, European Islam, multi-culturalism and community cohesion etc. Over the course of a year, Imam Qari Asim sees a large number of students researching these topics and has useful discussions with those students.
The Imam of Makkah Masque also receives student delegations from various countries, and they exchange views on Islamic and cultural practices in their respective countries. In the past couple of months, Imam Qari Asim has met student delegations from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Indonesia. Makkah Masjid and its sister mosque, Al-Madina Jamia Masjid has a long history of working with the Turkish people. Imam Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad who served the Muslim Leeds community used to work with people from various regions and backgrounds and set a good tradition of different groups working with each other for the greater good.
Imam Qari Asim recently also met Piet Hizbullah Khaidir, The Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Youth Movement-Central Board, Indonesia, and The Former Chairman of Leeds-Indonesian Muslim Society, and Arif Rahman Bambang, a senior lecturer at Assalaam, a modern boarding school for boys and girls in Indonesia.
Qari Asim discussed with them the work that Muhammadiyah has done in building the social and educational infrastructure in Indonesia in such a short period of time. Qari Asim said that many other organizations around the world could learn from the model propounded by Muhammadiyah. Piet said that “we will have great opportunities to build colaborative programmes in the future”.
Qari Asim also discussed the thesis of Arif Rahman Bambang regarding ‘Mosque and Community Cohesion: Interaction between Muslims and Non-Muslims in Leeds’. In this thesis Qari Asim worked with Arif Rahman Bambang and met him on a number of occasions for the purposes of interviews and to shed light on the activities of Makkah Masjid. Arif Rahman Bambang said that he was “grateful for the support that the community of Makkah Masjid had offered him during his stay in Leeds and wished to continue to work with them in the coming years.”
Qari Asim gave signed copies of his books, including copies of his most recent book Our Children -Our future to the delegation. For further details about Our Children -Our future, please click on: http://www.deenfoundation.org.uk/wp/index.php/2009/04/08/75/
Imam also invited the Leeds-Indonesian Muslim Society to the upcoming event at Makkah Masjid on Sunday 2 August 2009.
Following couplets were submitted by students of Hafiz sahib and read out at the annual Jalsa held at Leeds Makkah Mosque on 26th April 2009:
The lover of the Prophet, the advocate of Islam
The ambassador of peace, the beloved of us all
Lived his entire life in Masjid and Mihrab
Left for the heavens having enlightened us all
g
He was available to us day and night
Dedicated to his mission of spreading the light
Constantly in the Masjid reading the Quran
Always smiling, illuminated by Allah’s light
g
The news of his sudden departure rendered us lost
Memories of Hafiz sahib remains alive in our hearts
How he instilled in us love for the Prophet
And opened our eyes to the wonders of the Quran
Four years have passed since he left us for the heavens
Yet the void in our hearts is as vast as ever.
If you are from Leeds or its surrounding areas, you would have either met or heard about Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib (May Allah have mercy on his soul). It has been four years since he suddenly passed away on the evening of 26 April 2005 (17th Rabi ul-Awwal 1426) whilst sitting in the mosque, waiting for the adhan of the Maghrib prayer to be called, and in the meantime reading a biography of the beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). About 45 minutes before his departure from this world, Hafiz Sahib had given a lecture on the Holy Qur’an in the daily study circle that he had been holding for the past 10 years.
All those who had the honour to meet him will testify that Hafiz Sahib’s whole life revolved around learning, reciting, teaching and reflecting on the Holy Qur’an and studying, discussing and honouring our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). He dedicated his life to the Qur’an and Sunnah, living in accordance with the principles of Islam and encouraging others to do the same. His sudden departure from this world was a tragic loss to the Muslim community of Leeds which he had ardently and diligently served for over 20 years of his life. Hafiz Sahib was indeed one of very few distinguished Ulemas who excelled in both worldly and religious knowledge and understanding.
Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib was a great religious scholar, an ambassador of peace, an advocate of love of the Holy Qur’an and the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and the founder of Leeds Makkah Mosque and Deen Foundation. He was indeed an inspirational figure who benefitted his community tremendously through teaching them the knowledge of Islam.
We pray to Allah (swt) that He grants Hafiz Sahib the highest place in Paradise, and makes the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the Holy Qur’an his intercessors on the Day of Judgement. Ameen.
A Jalsa and annual gathering in memory of Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib will be held at Leeds Makkah Mosque on 26 April 2009 at 2:30 pm After ZUHR PRAYER
TIME: 2:30 pm After ZUHR PRAYER
DATE: Sunday, 26th April 2009
VENUE: Makkah Masjid
The following videos were recorded at the 40th khatam sharif (prayer services held after 40 days) of Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad (may Allah Almighty have mercy on his soul), on 12 June 2005.
We specifically would like to thank ARN Videos (Leeds 12) for recording and allowing us to utilise these rare videos.
A Jalsa and annual gathering is being held in memory of a great religious scholar, an ambassador of peace, an advocate of love of the Holy Qur’an and the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and the founder of Leeds Makkah Mosque – Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib
TIME: 2:30 pm After ZUHR PRAYER
DATE: Sunday, 27th April 2008
VENUE: Makkah Masjid
Part of the proceedings will be broadcasted live on Leed Radio FM.
It is three years since our Imam departed from this world in April 2005 to live in the ever-lasting world. Below is an article written by one of his students highlighting some aspects of Hafiz Sahib’s life:
Shaykh Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib, affectionately called Hafiz Sahib by all those who knew him, (May Allah have mercy on his soul) was the great Imam of Madina Masjid from 1984 – 2005 and of Makkah Masjid from 2003 to 2005. He passed away suddenly on the evening of 25 April 2005 (17th Rabi ul-Awwal 1426) whilst reading a biography of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). His sudden departure from this world was a tragic loss to the Muslim community of Leeds which he had ardently and diligently served for over 20 years of his life.
All those who had the honour to meet him will testify that Hafiz Sahib radiated love for the Holy Qur’an and our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). . He dedicated his life to gaining knowledge of Islam, living in accordance with its principles and encouraging others to do the same.
Hafiz Sahib was one of very few distinguished ‘Ulemas who excelled in both worldly and religious knowledge and understanding. He first came to England from his native Pakistan in 1984 to undertake a Masters degree in English Language Teaching and Linguistics. He had previously held the esteemed post of head of the English Department at the International Islamic University at Islamabad. He returned to Pakistan for a short while, before permanently settling in England in 1988 and taking up the post of Imam and Khateeb of Madina Masjid and spiritual guide for the community he served.
Hafiz Sahib – an ideal Imam
Hafiz Sahib was not only a religious instructor but had also been a professor at one of the most prestigious Universities in the Muslim world. He was therefore passionate about ensuring that religion was accessible to second generation Muslims in the UK. He reminded Muslims that they had not come to the UK as Pakistanis, Indians etc, but as Muslims. He advised Muslims to leave aside cultural issues and concentrate singularly on the cause of living Islam as it was given to them by the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Hafiz Sahib was always mindful of the numerous examples in the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) of living peacefully alongside those of other faiths, whilst not loosing one’s own faith and identity, and he strived to follow these examples.
He emphasised that Muslims should earn their place in society and win the hearts and minds of the host community by showing that the values taught by Islam are the same values that all human beings hold dear. For this reason, a long before there was any wide-spread recognition of the fact that there was a danger of youngsters losing touch with their religious identities as a result of the fact that most religious sermons were being held in Urdu, Hafiz Sahib was preaching in both English and Urdu. He attached great importance to ensuring that youngsters had access to Islamic knowledge in their first language, English. Thus his professionalism enabled him to pursue and resolve intricate issues and challenges faced by the second generation with clarity and conviction, always preferring debate and discussion whilst observing the Islamic etiquette rather than just demanding that youngsters did as told.
Another issue close to Hafiz Sahib’s heart was ensuring good relationships between people of different faiths. To this end, he was an active participant in the Leeds multi-faith forums, which saw him recite the Qur’an at inter-faith events and welcome those of other faiths into the Masjid.
Hafiz Sahib & the Qur’an
Hafiz Sahib led a simple life which revolved around his role as Imam. His first love was the recitation of the Qur’an, which he did alongside whatever other task he was doing. Those who had the honour of hearing him recite the Qur’an know that his pronunciation was impeccable and his voice was melodious and full of emotion. The hearts of his listeners could not help but be moved, and through him his audience felt closer to Allah.
Hafiz Sahib was also passionate about ensuring that Muslims did not blindly follow what they were told, but had a real understanding of the principles of Islam. His aim was to fill the hearts of the Muslims in his community with a love for the Qur’an as immense as his own, and instill in them a desire to understand the Qur’an as he did. Over the last 10 years of his life, Hafiz Sahib held daily study circles after prayers. During these study circles, he provided detailed analysis and commentary on almost half of the Holy Qur’an in a combination of both English and Urdu. His daily classes were attended by both old and young.
Distinguished Personality
Hafiz Sahib’s distinguishing trait was his unpretentious appearance and remarkable simplicity. Despite being well-versed in religious and worldly matters, he never promoted himself or tried to seek fame. Instead, he followed the way of his predecessors who worked behind the scenes, displaying profound insight and solicitude for the Ummah andshowing exceptional acumen for resolving the challenges presented by modernity. Hence, despite the fact that he was associated and affiliated to numerous national and international organisations, institutes and academies, he did not…..
Despite being a great scholar and leading a very busy life, Hafiz Sahib never shied away from doing mundane tasks. He used to say that given the fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) assisted his wives with household jobs, it could not be a stain on one’s status or masculinity to following his example. He was also proud to clean the mosque, saying that not everyone is given the honour of cleaning the house of the Lord.
Hafiz Sahib & Makkah Masjid
The biggest aspect of Hafiz Sahib’s legacy is without doubt Makkah Masjid, which was his vision and which only came into being as a result of his tireless efforts. For many years, Hafiz Sahib was deeply concerned that the converted terraced houses which formed Madina Masjid were not adequate to cater for the growing Muslim populations of Leeds 3, 4 and 6. His vision was that the community should have a Masjid of which it could be truly proud, which was not only aesthetically pleasing but which would also meet the practical needs of the Muslim community it would serve. He talked about a Masjid that would elevate the spirits of all who saw it and symbolise the beauty of the religion of Islam.
To this end, Hafiz Sahib worked assiduously firstly to help find the perfect location in which to build his dream Masjid, and then to raise the £1.8 million required to fund its construction. The passion with which he talked about the new Masjid encouraged the local communities to donate the staggering sums needed; very few individuals have the charisma and zeal to convince others to donate so generously. He reminded everyone that if they contributed towards building a house for Allah (swt) in this life, then, as is promised in the Holy Quran, Allah (swt) would build a house in Paradise for them in the hereafter.
Following years of hard work, Makkah Masjid opened its doors in June 2003. Without doubt, it would never have come into existence without Hafiz Sahib firstly having the vision of a magnificent Masjid located in Headingley, Leeds and secondly having the dedication to make his dream a reality.
Those who knew Hafiz Sahib as their Imam, their teacher and their spiritual guide are only too aware that he was a truly unique individual, who cannot be replaced. He was a very inspirational and dynamic person. He wanted to see the learned and professionals work together to advance the position of the Ummah, and reach mutual understanding and respect throughout the world. In a life span of 63 years, he will be remembered for, among other notable things, being a great scholar of Islam who practiced what he preached and instilled love for the religion in those who came into contact with him. His entire life was dedicated to steadfastly serving Islam and Muslims.
There are too many details about his life to cover in such a short article. However, to note a few, Hafiz Sahib emphasised greatly – and showed us practically in the way he lived – the following matters :
1. Love of the beloved Prophet and the Qur’an,
2. Love for seeking knowledge and displaying love for the people of knowledge;
3. Simplicity in our whole way of life
4. The importance of making an effort in one’s life to improve one’s status in the world and the hereafter.
We pray to Allah (swt) that He grants Hafiz Sahib the highestplace in Paradise, and makes the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and the Holy Qur’an his intercessors on the Day of Judgement. Ameen.
Administrator on April 13th, 2010
