The Sacrifice and Consideration of Moulana Asghar Husain (Rahmatullahi Alaihi)

Moulana Asghar Husain (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) had some differences on certain political matters with a leading Aalim. On one occasion that Aalim announced that he would lead the salaatul istisqaa (i.e. a special salaah performed for rain) due to the impending drought. Through some indication perhaps, Moulana Asghar Husain (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) made out that there would not be any rain during that period. Despite that, he requested Mufti Muhammad Shafee’ (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) to accompany him to take part in that salaah (behind that Aalim). The salaah was performed, however it did not rain.

That Aalim announced the salaah for the next day. Again Moulana Asghar Husain (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) joined the salaah, yet again there was still no rain. The salaah was scheduled for the third day again and Moulana Asghar Husain (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) asked permission to lead the salaah on that day. This request surprised everyone because it was not his habit to even lead the fardh salaah. Nevertheless, he led that salaah and his students and followers were confident (on account of his piety) that now it would definitely rain. Yet after the salaah, the sun still shone brightly with no indication of any rain. Everyone returned home dejected and sad. When Mufti Muhammad Shafee’ (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) enquired from him as to why he had led the salaah on that occasion whereas it was not his habit to even lead the daily fardh salaah. He replied, “I deliberately led the salaah, though I made out that rain was not forthcoming. My intention for leading the salaah was so that the people would not look down on that Aalim when they had seen that no rain was coming after him performing that salaah. So I deliberately led the salaah so that if there were any defamation that came to him, then he would not be alone in it. (The Great Scholars of the Deoband Islamic Seminary Pg. 72)