Honorable Founders

Hazrat Aqdas Al-Haj Hafiz Fazl Haq (rh) was a wealthy and respected peroson of the city of Saharanpur. For a long period, he served as the first custodian of finances at Mazahir Uloom Saharanpur. He was highly regarded and beloved by all the prominent figures of his time due to his integrity, piety, and righteousness.
To bring Mazahir Uloom to its present location, Hafiz Sahib made unparalleled sacrifices, endured public opposition, and donated a portion of his valuable land to the institute, along with a substantial amount of money. The first building of Mazahir Uloom, known as the "Daftar Madrasa Qadeem," still stands today. During its construction, he actively worked with masons and laborers with great dedication, personally supervising and overseeing the work throughout the day.
The materials used for the construction were brought from his personal connections and homes, with the women of his household grinding and sending these materials day and night. These materials were then utilized by the masons wherever needed.
Hazrat Maulana Inayat Ilahi Saharanpuri (rh), who later became the administrator and head of the school, assisted Hafiz Sahib in managing the accounts and overseeing the construction expenses. Before this, the institute had been in rented accommodations, but in 1293 AH, when the institute's own building was completed, Hafiz Fazl Haq Sahib, along with other benefactors, was extremely pleased. Accordingly, he organized a celebration for this joyous occasion and invited all the participants.
He was a close companion, right-hand man, special assistant, servant, and true devotee of Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Mazhar Nanotwi (rh). Whenever Hazrat Maulana taught, he was always present, fanning him continuously during the hot seasons.
Hazrat Maulana Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri (rh) acknowledged Hafiz Sahib’s services, sincerity, and devotion at the annual session of Mazahir Uloom Saharanpur in 1314 AH, stating: "The transfer of the institute from the southern edge of the city to the northern edge was significantly due to the passionate dedication and love of Ulama by Hafiz Fazl Haq Sahib, the institute’s treasurer. At the time of the construction of the institution, a significant portion of the land was donated by Hafiz Sahib, and he also provided substantial financial assistance."
Since he was a disciple of the spiritual leaders and a special member of Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Mazhar Nanotwi’s group, it was inevitable that the impact of their companionship would be evident in him. This is why the trust, assurance, and reliance on Allah that Hafiz Fazl Haq Sahib possessed is illustrated by an incident recorded by Hazrat Sheikh al-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariya Mahajir Madani (rh) in Aap Beeti, Volume 2.
Hafiz Fazl Haq Sahib was very devoted to his teacher, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Mazhar Nanotwi (rh), whose name is honored in the institution’s name, Mazahir Uloom. He was a great devotee, always present in the service of Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Mazhar, often fanning him during hot weather. His constant refrain was, “Allah Ke Fazl Se” (by the grace of Allah). He would always say, "This happened by the grace of Allah, that happened by the grace of Allah."
Once, Hafiz Sahib mentioned to Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Mazhar in the morning, "Last night, by the grace of Allah, there was divine wrath." Hazrat Maulana, amused, asked, "What was this divine wrath, by the grace of Allah, Hafiz Ji?" He explained, "I was sleeping alone in the house. When I woke up, I saw three or four men clinging to my rooftop door. I asked them, 'Are you thieves?' They replied, 'Yes, we are thieves!' I said, 'Listen! I am counted among the respectable of this city, and the institution’s treasure is with me, all in this room. The lock is worth six paisa, which your ancestors couldn’t break. You are just three or four; bring ten or twelve more and keep trying this lock; it won't break. I have been taught by Hazrat Ji (Maulana Muhammad Mazhar Nanotwi) that any wealth for which Zakat has been paid is protected by Allah. I have given more than the required Zakat on this wealth, so I don’t need to worry; Allah will protect it.' Saying this, I fell asleep, and when I woke up later, they were still there. I reminded them that I had said earlier to bring more people; this lock will not break by the grace of Allah.
I then went to pray, telling them I was going for Salah, and they fled by the grace of Allah." (Aap Beeti, Volume 2.)
Hazrat Sheikh al-Hadith also wrote in another place: "Haji Fazl Haq Sahib, who was a special servant of Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Mazhar Nanotwi, is a significant benefactor of Mazahir Uloom."
Hafiz Fazl Haq passed away in Safar al-Muzaffar 1302 AH due to an injury he sustained while peeling off sugarcane.
The views about Hafiz Sahib published in the institute’s records are as follows: Some significant events occurred in that year affecting not only the institute but also the general Muslim community of Saharanpur. The events were so serious that they brought shivers and tears to listeners.
The first incident involves Hafiz Muhammad Fazl Haq Sahib, the treasurer of the school, whose contributions were immense. He kept all forms of financial aid securely, ensuring that whenever anyone asked for a deposit, it was promptly returned. Despite limited means, his generosity was remarkable. Many students depended on him for assistance, and he was always alert to the needs of the school, providing all kinds of support to teachers and students.
The institution faced a significant challenge after his passing; finding a custodian like him was nearly impossible. Such a trustworthy, pious benefactor is hard to come by."
Hazrat Maulana Faiz al-Hassan (rh) reported Hafiz Fazl Haq's death with deep respect in his monthly publication, Shifaus-Sudoor, stating:

وھکذا موت الحافظ فضل حق السھارنفوری فانہ کان جواداً کریماً امیناً متدیناً محباً للعلماء معاوناً لمدرسۃ السھارنفور

Translation: "Thus, the death of Hafiz Fazl Haq Saharanpuri occurred; he was generous, kind, trustworthy, pious, fond of scholars, and supportive of the Saharanpur madrasa."
He further wrote, وبالجملۃ عاش ما عاش سعیداً ومات اذ مات حمیداً
Translation: "As a whole, he lived piously and died praised."
After the passing of Hafiz Fazl Haq, the issue of appointing a new treasurer arose. Hazrat Maulana Faiz al-Hassan (rh) wisely chose Haji Ilahi Bakhsh (rh), appointing him as the new treasurer (Rudad Mazahir Uloom, 1321 AH). In 1321 AH, Haji Ilahi Bakhsh also passed away, and the position was transferred to Haji Ahmad Jan.
Among the offspring of Hafiz Fazl Haq (rh), the names of two sons are mentioned in Aap Beeti: Hafiz Zinda Hassan and Hafiz Haji Sheikh Habib Ahmad. Both followed in their father's footsteps, maintaining close ties with scholars and benefactors, actively participating in charitable works, and holding deep respect and love for Hazrat Gangohi and Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Yahya Kandhlawi (rh).
When Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Yahya Kandhlawi passed away and there was disagreement regarding his burial, these sons insisted that, since Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Yahya had a special connection with Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Mazhar Nanotwi (rh), who is buried in Haji Shah Kamal cemetery, he too should be buried near him. This decision was made, and the burial took place in Haji Shah.
Just as Hafiz Fazl Haq (rh) had dedicated land for the first building of the Old School Office, his son Hafiz Zinda Hassan (rh) also donated land in Sarai Kedar Nath for the construction of the second significant building, "Darut Talabah Qadeem".