FOREWORD AUTHOR: Mohammad Manzoor Nomani (1905-1997)
Mohammad Manzoor Nomani was one of the most trusted companions of Maulana Mohammad Ilyas and a direct witness to the Tablighi movement's formative years. A distinguished scholar in his own right, Nomani served as editor of the influential journal Al-Furqan and was known for his incisive Islamic commentary on contemporary issues.
His relationship with Maulana Ilyas began in the late 1930s through his friend Maulana Syed Abul Ala Maududi, who after visiting Mewat encouraged both Nomani and Maulana Nadwi to observe the work firsthand. Nomani became deeply involved with the movement, regularly staying at Nizamuddin and accompanying Maulana Ilyas on tours. During the founder's final months, he was constantly present, carefully recording the Maulana's sayings and observations?material later compiled as a valuable appendix to this biography.
Nomani's foreword is itself a primary historical document, written shortly after Maulana Ilyas's death while memories were fresh. He provides essential context about the Maulana's personality, the early reactions to the Tabligh movement among scholars, and the spiritual atmosphere at Nizamuddin. His personal anecdotes?including his first meeting with Maulana Ilyas and observations of the founder's final days?offer readers intimate glimpses into a great reformer's character.
Throughout his long career, Nomani authored numerous works on Islamic jurisprudence, Hadith commentary, and contemporary issues. His authentic testimony in this foreword, combined with his own scholarly credentials, adds significant weight to the biography's credibility and enriches our understanding of a pivotal figure in modern Islamic history