Administration

The great Muhaddith Hazrat Maulana Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri was born in early Safar 1369 AH (December 1852 CE) in his maternal grandfather's home in Nanota, Saharanpur District. He was given two names: Zahiruddin and Khalil Ahmad, and he became well-known by the latter name.
At the age of five, his maternal grandfather, the esteemed teacher Maulana Mamluk Ali Nanotwi, taught him to recite Bismillah, marking the beginning of his long educational journey. He received his early education in Anbhat and Nanota, and his true desire for knowledge led him, under the guidance of his uncle, Hazrat Maulana Ansar Ali, to Gwalior. After a brief stay there, he returned home and studied up to “Kafiya” with the renowned local teacher, Mawlvi Sakhawat.
He also enrolled in an English school for six months, where, due to his exceptional talent and intelligence, he advanced so quickly that he surpassed students who had been studying for two years. His English teacher was astonished by his ability to grasp English grammar, remarking, "How quickly he constructs English grammar! I am not capable of doing so. How is it possible for him?" His cousin, Maulana Siddiq Ahmad, who was also studying at the same school, attributed his success to having previously studied a book on Arabic grammar, Sharh Jami, which he deemed an excellent resource for understanding grammatical structures in any language.
Although he was excelling in English, he found the study unfulfilling. During this time, he learned that an Arabic madrasa had been established in Deoband, with his maternal uncle, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Yaqub Nanotwi, as the head teacher. He sought and received permission from his parents to go to Deoband. Upon arrival, his uncle admitted him in the Kafiya class, but he still felt discontented. By coincidence, during this period, Mazahir Uloom was established in Saharanpur, with Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Mazhar Nanotwi, his close uncle, as its first head teacher. Thus, he moved from Deoband to Saharanpur, where he felt an instant connection, as if he had always belonged there.
He gained permission to narrate hadith from prominent figures such as Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Mazhar Nanotwi, Hazrat Maulana Abdul Qayyum Budhanwi, Hazrat Sheikh Ahmad Dehlawi, and Hazrat Shah Abdul Ghani Mujaddidi (rh).
After completing his studies, he was appointed as an assistant teacher at his alma mater. However, to further master Arabic, he traveled to Lahore to study under Hazrat Maulana Faiz al-Hasan Adib Saharanpuri, completing his studies in Arabic and literature. Upon returning, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Yaqub sent him to translate Qamus at the Mansuri Mountain, where he spent a few months before teaching in Manglor, Bhopal, Bahawalpur, Bareilly, and Darul Uloom Deoband. Finally, upon the directive of Hazrat Maulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi, he returned to his alma mater, Mazahir Uloom, in 1314 AH, marking the beginning of a historic period of development.
As he progressed at Mazahir Uloom step by step, his alma mater also underwent great development alongside his personality. He held positions ranging from hadith teacher to Sheikhul Hadith, and later became the principal and chief overseer. The impressive building of Darut Talabah, which stands as a remarkable architectural achievement, is a result of his efforts.
During his tenure, Masjide Klosoomiyah was also built, known for its beauty and elegance. Additionally, he facilitated the construction of the old library and the acquisition of books, contributing to the institution’s reputation and popularity in the Muslim world. This period also saw an increase in the number of students and scholars associated with Mazahir Uloom.
Sheikhul Hadith Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariya Muhajir Madani was his esteemed student, special mustarshid, and devoted servant. A significant portion of the renowned commentary on Abu Dawood Sharif, Bazlul Majhood, was written in Madinah Munawwarah. The important tasks of its composition, editing, reviewing of books, research, etc., were carried out by Hazrat Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariya Kandhlawi (rh).
Due to his deep love and passion for the Prophet Muhammad (saws), he often traveled for Hajj, spending long durations there and completing Bazl as well. When he returned from the sacred land, he would engage in various administrative matters. On 3rd Jumada al-Thani 1344 AH, before his departure for the sacred land, he issued a letter instructing that: “With the passing of respected leaders like Hazrat Rai Puri and Maulana Ahmad, it is appropriate to include Maulana Ashiq Ilahi, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, and Maulana Abdul Qadir among the leaders. Sheikh Sahib has always been a supporter and servant of the madrasa, while Maulana Abdul Qadir is a Khalifa of Hazrat Rai Puri and is a man of great insight.
During my absence, Hafiz Abdul Latif will serve as the administrator, and Maulana Abdul Rahman will be the principal. Hafiz Sahib will take three periods, and the remaining time will be dedicated to managing the madrasa."
In light of this decree, the administration of the madrasa took shape, and the salaries he designated were issued. Thus, Mazahir Uloom lost the shade of a great organizer and exalted personality.
On 15th Rabi' al-Thani 1364 AH, this shining star of knowledge set in Medina, according to his longing and prayers. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Maulana Sheikh Tayyib, the head teacher of Shariah Madrasa in Medina, led the funeral prayer, and he was buried in Baqi.