Tabligh Movement
1. MAULANA ILYAS
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their parents in ploughing, grazing the cattle and
other such activities. So the idea of supporting their
children without any return from them had no
appeal But the Maulana was the last man to accept
defeat he did not weaken in his resolve, but rather
intensified his campaign, sometimes approaching
them personally, and sometimes entering their
congregations to plead his case. He would tell them,
“If only you would spare your children, I would
take the responsibility for all their expenses at the
school” They ultimately surrendered before his
indomitable will, and he succeeded in establishing a
number of schools where, besides the teaching of
the Quran, elementary religious education was also
imparted. Work on this pattern continued until
another incident occurred which changed the
course of his activities. On a visit to Mewat, the
Maulana was introduced to a young man who had
just completed his education in one of his schools.
Much to his astonishment, he saw no traces of Islam
in his clean-shaven appearance. He was quick to
relaize his failure. His aim had not been fulfilled.
He had been aware of this problem to some extent
before, but now it had become plain for all to see.
The schools did serve a purpose, but to the
