Remembering the Legacy of Hazrat Shaykh Yusuf Motala (Rahimahullah): A Scholar and A Spiritual Guide

In the annals of Islamic scholarship, certain luminous figures stand out for their profound knowledge, spiritual insight, and dedication to serving the ummah (Muslim community). One such revered personality is Hazrat Shaykh Yusuf Motala (rahimahullah), affectionately known as Shaykh al-Hadith. Born in Gujarat, India, in 1946, Shaykh Yusuf Motala devoted his life to the service of Islam, becoming a prominent scholar and spiritual guide.

Exploring the Life Journey, Scholarly Contributions, and Spiritual Teachings of Hazrat Shaykh Yusuf Motala (rahimahullah)

In this blog, our Online Islamic Book Store pays tribute to his legacy, exploring his life journey, scholarly contributions, spiritual teachings, and lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.

• A Life Dedicated to Seeking Knowledge:

  Shaykh Yusuf Motala Rahimahullah’s pursuit of knowledge began in his homeland, where he received his early education. However, his thirst for deeper understanding led him to the renowned Islamic seminaries of India. Under the tutelage of distinguished scholars, especially Shaykh al-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi, author of the renowned book “Fazail-e-A’maal,” Shaykh Yusuf Motala excelled into the intricacies of all major traditional Islamic sciences. Read more on Wikipedia.

• Early Life & Education

  Born in Nani Naroli, a village near Surat District in Gujarat, in 1946, Hazrat Shaykh RA belonged to a farming family committed to religious education. Shaykh RA completed his memorisation of the entire Qur’an at a very young age, he was enrolled first at the Jamiah Husayniyyah, Rander, Gujarat in 1961, and then from 1966-68, he completed his final two years of ‘Darse Nizami’ at the world renowned Mazahir ul-Uloom Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh in North India. At Saharanpur, he studied extensively under who was going to be his spiritual mentor and the most impactful personality in his future life, one of the most knowledgeable scholars of his time Shaykh al-Hadith Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhalwi RA (1898–1982). Hazrat Shaykh Yusuf RA was especially close to his shaykh and received an exceptional amount of love and attention from him.

• Contributions toward the Western community

  Hazrat Shaykh Motala RA, on instructions of his Shaykh – Shaykhul Hadees Hazrat Maulana Zakariyya Muhajir Madani Nawwarallahu Maraqadahu, founded the Dar ul-Ulum al-Arabiyya al-Islamiyya in Holcombe near Bury in Lancashire in 1973. It was the first higher educational institution set up in the UK that taught the dars-e-nizami (the traditional Islamic seminary syllabus )& possibly the first institution of its kind established outside of the Indian Subcontinent to offer the full alimiyya syllabus.
  
  Popularly known as “Dar al-Ulum Bury”, this institution has produced hundreds of graduates who have gone on to serve communities in Europe, North America, Africa, and elsewhere and Sheikh Yusuf’s students have gone on to establish several seminaries of their own.

• Mastery in Islamic Sciences:

  Shaykh Yusuf Motala (Rahimahullah)’s expertise in Islamic sciences became widely recognized. His profound understanding of the Islamic traditions and their application to contemporary issues made him a revered authority. Students from around the world sought his teachings and benefitted from his insightful explanations and explanations of Islamic literature. Shaykh Yusuf Motala’s ability to impart this knowledge in a clear and accessible manner endeared him to his students, leaving an indelible mark on their spiritual development.

• Spiritual Mentorship and Emphasis on Purification:

  Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Shaykh Yusuf Motala RA was revered as a spiritual guide. His teachings emphasized the importance of purifying the heart and nurturing a profound connection with Allah SWT. He encouraged seekers of truth to embark on a journey of self-reflection and self-improvement, seeking closeness to Allah SWT. His spiritual discourses and insightful guidance inspired countless individuals to deepen their spirituality and live a life of righteousness, by deepening the love of Allah SWT & and his Messenger Muhammad SAWS in their hearts.

• Legacy and Impact
  

  Shaykh Yusuf Motala RA’s profound knowledge, piety, humility, and devotion to Allah left an enduring impact on the lives of countless individuals. His teachings continue to inspire and guide Muslims seeking knowledge, spiritual enlightenment, and a deeper connection with their Creator. His legacy is carried forward by his students and followers, who strive to emulate his commitment to scholarship, spirituality, and service to humanity.

Conclusion:

Hazrat Shaykh Yusuf Motala (rahimahullah), an eminent scholar and spiritual guide, devoted his life to the pursuit of knowledge, the dissemination of Islamic teachings, the spiritual upliftment of individuals, and enlightening the hearts of his disciples with the love of Allah SWT and his beloved Messenger Muhammad SAWS. His mastery of hadees, emphasis on the purification of the heart, and global influence left an indelible mark on the lives of those who encountered his wisdom. As we remember his legacy, we honor his contributions to Islamic education, spiritual guidance, and community development. May Allah SWT bless Shaykh Yusuf Motala’s soul and grant him a lofty place…AAMEEN