OUR Pious elders

Mawlana Ubaidullah Sindhi (rahmatullahi alayhi) was a non-muslim during his early life. On 29th August 1887, when he was 15 years old, he embraced Islam. In September 1888, he took admission into Darul Uloom Deoband. He received the grand opportunity of benefitting from Shaykhul Hind (rahmatullahi alayhi) (Hadhrat Shaykhul Hind was the first teacher of Darul Uloom Deoband). Hadhrat (rahmatullahi alayhi) spent most of his life in the fight for freedom for his country. Because of this, he was forced to endure exile from India for 30 years.

The entire life of Mawlana Ubaidullah (rahmatullahi alayhi) was full of endeavours and difficulties. He was once asked if he had a single day of comfort during his exile. Hadrat replied, “I did not sleep for even one night with ease during this entire period.” Regarding his return to Delhi, Mawlana Sa’eed Ahmad mentions,

“All the people proceeded to Delhi station to await Hadhrat’s arrival. I had conjured up an image of Hadhrat Mawlana by looking at the present leaders. I expected him to have a turban on his head and to be wearing a jubbah. He would be a passenger of the first class. He would have at least one servant with him, heavy suitcases, heavy bedding and much more luggage. However, when the train reached, all these thoughts were left stagnant. The people began searching for Hadhrat on the first and second class coaches. Meanwhile, a man with nothing on his head, wearing clothing of coarse cotton and a coarse sheet around his neck, emerged from third class. Those who recognised him immediately ran towards him.

This was the great Hadhrat Mawlana Ubaidullah Sindhi (rahmatullahi alayhi). The hair of his beard and head was completely white. He was about 65 years old. People began searching for his goods, but where did he have any luggage?! Whatever was on his body was all that he owned. I have not seen and probably will never see in the future, a person who has renounced material pleasures so totally.”