Hadhrat Shaikh-ul-Hind رحمة الله عليه is reprimanded for Traveling to Gangoh at the time of the Urs

It was Hadhrat Shaikh-ul-Hind’s رحمة الله عليه practice on Thursdays, after teaching the sixth period in Deoband, to leave for Gangoh to spend his time in the service of Hadhrat Moulana Gangohi رحمة الله عليه . On one occasion, one of Hadhrat’s friends, who studied with him, but was employed by the government asked, “Mahmood! Tell me, what is there in Gangoh that makes you run there every Thursday?” Shaikhul- Hind رحمة الله عليه replied, “Zaalim! You haven’t tasted the enjoyment that I experience there. Why don’t you accompany me?” Hence, they set out for Gangoh. Coincidentally, at that time, the urs at the mazaar of Hadhrat Shah Abdul Quddoos Gangohi رحمة الله عليه was in progress.

It was Hadhrat Moulana Gangohi’s رحمة الله عليه practice that on the days of the urs, he would leave Gangoh and instruct everyone in the khanqah to do the same. When he fell ill in his old age, he stayed at home and would not come to the khanqah. He would however come to the musjid and lead the five times Salaah. The people in charge of the urs would be considerate enough to stop the qawwali at the time of the Azaan until the Sunnahs for that Salaah were over. On the days of the urs, no visitors were allowed to come and meet Hadhrat Moulana Gangohi رحمة الله عليه . He would not even allow anyone to greet him.

Nevertheless, Hadhrat Shaikh-ul-Hind رحمة الله عليه proceeded to the house of Hadhrat Moulana Gangohi رحمة الله عليه . On seeing Shaikh-ul-Hind  , Hadhrat Moulana Gangohi رحمة الله عليه reprimanded him saying, “Go away from here immediately.” Shah Mazhar Husain Sahib Gangohi, the brother of Moulana Fakhr-ul-Hasan Gangohi رحمة الله عليه was also present and he mentioned to Hadhrat Moulana Gangohi ,رحمة الله عليه

“Hadhrat, he has not come here to take part in the urs. He has come to meet you.”

Hadhrat Moulana Gangohi رحمة الله عليه replied, “I am aware that he hasn’t come here to participate in the urs. I am not so naive. I know he has come to meet me, but he had to pass through this crowd thereby (involuntarily) adding to their splendour. من كثر سواد قوم فهو منهم (He who adds to the splendour of a people is counted to be from them.) This is mentioned in the Hadeeth. On the Day of Qiyaamah, you may present excuses for him.”

Shah Mazhar Sahib took Hadhrat Shaikh-ul-Hind رحمة الله عليه to his house and invited him to partake of some food, but he refused saying,

“Hadhrat has asked me to leave immediately. What face do I have to stay and partake of meals?” He immediately left Gangoh and only returned some time later when the urs celebrations were completed.

Malfoozaat of Faqeeh-ul-Ummat