Introduction
Ashraf Ali Thanawi (1863-1943) was an esteemed Indian Islamic scholar and prolific author. A student of the Deoband theological school, he dedicated his life to elevating the spiritual, ethical, and educational standards of less-educated Muslims. His reformist and pedagogical efforts deeply influenced his community and extended into debates on Sufism, Islamic law, and women’s education.
Etymology and Translations
- Name in Arabic/Urdu: أشرف علي ﺘﻬﺎﻧﻮﻱ
- Name in Turkish: Aşraf Ali Tahanvi
Educational Background and Influences
Ashraf Ali Thanawi received his education from the Darul Uloom Deoband, a highly esteemed Islamic seminary in India known for its rigorous emphasis on orthodox Sunni doctrines, Hanafi jurisprudence, and a focus on reformed Sufism. Among his teachers was Mahmud Hasan, also known as “Shaikhul Hind,” from whom he learned both religious sciences and reformist outlooks.
Contributions to Islamic Thought
Bihishti Zewar (Heavenly Ornaments)
Thanawi’s most widely recognized work is Bihishti Zewar (Heavenly Ornaments), a comprehensive ten-volume guide primarily written in Urdu. It was tailored for the education of Muslim women and addresses various facets of personal and spiritual life, embodying practical teachings of Islamic values, family matters, rights, and responsibilities.
View on Women’s Roles
While Ashraf Ali Thanawi acknowledged the inherent equal capabilities of women compared to men, he endorsed traditional roles within the family. He saw these roles not as indications of inferiority but as aspects of a stable social order governed by divine wisdom and practical considerations.
Sociopolitical Engagement
Thanawi was also a supporter of the Muslim League and endorsed the movement for the creation of Pakistan. He participated in broader socio-political discourses, promoting non-violent efforts for Muslim rights and socio-political integrity within a majority Hindu context.
Reformed Sufism Practice
Ashraf Ali Thanawi practiced what he termed as reformed Sufism. This blend involved strict adherence to Sharia (Islamic law) alongside the mystical dimensions of Islam, aiming for ethical self-purification without deviating into practices considered unorthodox by traditional scholars.
Further Readings
For deeper engagement with Ashraf Ali Thanawi’s life and contributions, the following books are highly recommended:
- Metcalf, Barbara Daly. Islamic Revival in British India: Deoband, 1860-1900 (1982).
- Zaman, Muhammad Qasim. Ashraf Ali Thanawi: Islam in Modern South Asia (2014).
- Hermansen, Marcia K. The Conclusive Argument from God: Shah Wali Allah of Dehli’s Hujjat Allah al-Baligha (1996).
Takeaways
Thanawi’s legacy revolves around his impactful pedagogical methods and his dedication to learning and teaching Islamic sciences within pre-colonial and colonial India. His works continue to be a cornerstone for many within the subcontinent and diaspora communities, highlighting an aspiration for a balance between spirituality and the adherence to Islamic law.
Conclusion
Ashraf Ali Thanawi remains a seminal figure in modern Islamic thought. His lifelong devotion to education, both religious and practical, has left a lasting impact on Muslim communities in South Asia and beyond. His practical guides, coupled with his reformist approach to Sufism and Sharia, provide valuable insights into the multifaceted dimensions of Islamic practices and gender roles in contemporary Islamic discourse.
