This post is dedicated to all lovers of Tawhid, those who turn only to Allah for their needs and do not approach the Ghayr Allah for what they cannot give:
Urs celebrations used to be held by some people in Gangoh at the Khanqah of Hadhrat Shaikh Abdul Quddoos Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaih) (long after his demise). Later on, this Khanqah became the residence of Moulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaih). However, during the three days of Urs, Hadhrat used to leave the Khanqah and depart from Gangoh. He used to grant leave to his students and mureeds as well, saying: “Brothers, go away for three days.” They would only return when the Urs was over.
It was the practice of Shaikh-ul-Hind Hadhrat Moulana Mahmood Hasan Deobandi (rahmatullahi alaih) that after teaching the sixth period on Thursdays, he would usually travel from Deoband to Gangoh to visit Hadhrat Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaih). Once, Hadhrat Shaikh-ul-Hind’s (rahmatullahi alaih) friend who was close to him during their student days and had later on become a government employee asked, “O Mahmood, tell me, what is there in Gangoh that makes you go there every Thursday?” Hadhrat replied, “O ignorant one! You haven’t tasted anything. Come with me.” He agreed to go along. Coincidentally the day that he accompanied Hadhrat to Gangoh turned out to be one of the days of Urs at the Mazaar of Shah Abdul Quddoos Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaih).
Initially, Imam-e-Rabbani, Hadhrat Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaih) used to leave Gangoh completely for the duration of these days but when he became blind he stopped travelling. However, he would not come to the Khanqah on these days. Yes, he used to come for all the Salaahs and lead the congregation himself. The organizers of the Urs were considerate to stop their qawwaali from the time of azaan until the musallees had completed their sunnats, etc., after namaaz.
Hadhrat would not allow anyone to visit him during the days of Urs. He would not even shake hands with anyone. Hadhrat Shaikh-ul-Hind (rahmatullahi alaih) reached Gangoh at night and proceeded directly to Hadhrat’s house. As soon as Hadhrat saw him, he began reprimanding him. He also instructed him to return to Deoband immediately. Another friend of Shaikh-ul-Hind (rahmatullahi alaih), Shah Mazhar Husain Sahib Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaih), was also present. (He was the brother of Moulana Fakhr-ul-Hasan Sahib Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaih), who had written marginal notes on Abu Dawood.) He spoke up and said, “Hadhrat, they haven’t come to attend the Urs. They have come to you.” Hadhrat replied, “I also know that they haven’t come to attend the Urs. Even I am not so gullible. They have come to me, but they have passed through the crowd attending the Urs. Thus, they have increased their numbers. And the Hadeeth says: ‘Whoever increases the number of any group of people, he is from them.’ On the Day of Qiyama, he may try to absolve himself.”
Thereafter, Shah Mazhar Husain Sahib took them home and said, “At least eat something before you leave.” Hadhrat Shaikh-ul-Hind (rahmatullahi alaih) broke into tears and said, “Hadhrat instructed me to leave immediately. With what face should I eat?” Hence he departed immediately from Gangoh.
It was the practice of Shaikh-ul-Hind Hadhrat Moulana Mahmood Hasan Deobandi (rahmatullahi alaih) that after teaching the sixth period on Thursdays, he would usually travel from Deoband to Gangoh to visit Hadhrat Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaih). Once, Hadhrat Shaikh-ul-Hind’s (rahmatullahi alaih) friend who was close to him during their student days and had later on become a government employee asked, “O Mahmood, tell me, what is there in Gangoh that makes you go there every Thursday?” Hadhrat replied, “O ignorant one! You haven’t tasted anything. Come with me.” He agreed to go along. Coincidentally the day that he accompanied Hadhrat to Gangoh turned out to be one of the days of Urs at the Mazaar of Shah Abdul Quddoos Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaih).
Initially, Imam-e-Rabbani, Hadhrat Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaih) used to leave Gangoh completely for the duration of these days but when he became blind he stopped travelling. However, he would not come to the Khanqah on these days. Yes, he used to come for all the Salaahs and lead the congregation himself. The organizers of the Urs were considerate to stop their qawwaali from the time of azaan until the musallees had completed their sunnats, etc., after namaaz.
Hadhrat would not allow anyone to visit him during the days of Urs. He would not even shake hands with anyone. Hadhrat Shaikh-ul-Hind (rahmatullahi alaih) reached Gangoh at night and proceeded directly to Hadhrat’s house. As soon as Hadhrat saw him, he began reprimanding him. He also instructed him to return to Deoband immediately. Another friend of Shaikh-ul-Hind (rahmatullahi alaih), Shah Mazhar Husain Sahib Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaih), was also present. (He was the brother of Moulana Fakhr-ul-Hasan Sahib Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaih), who had written marginal notes on Abu Dawood.) He spoke up and said, “Hadhrat, they haven’t come to attend the Urs. They have come to you.” Hadhrat replied, “I also know that they haven’t come to attend the Urs. Even I am not so gullible. They have come to me, but they have passed through the crowd attending the Urs. Thus, they have increased their numbers. And the Hadeeth says: ‘Whoever increases the number of any group of people, he is from them.’ On the Day of Qiyama, he may try to absolve himself.”
Thereafter, Shah Mazhar Husain Sahib took them home and said, “At least eat something before you leave.” Hadhrat Shaikh-ul-Hind (rahmatullahi alaih) broke into tears and said, “Hadhrat instructed me to leave immediately. With what face should I eat?” Hence he departed immediately from Gangoh.
(Maslak 'Ulama-e-Deoband aur Hubb-e-Rasul [sallahu alaihi wa sallam])
Subhanallah.
Wa'laykum Salam.
