Shah Abdur Rahim Raipuri | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Title | Shah |
| Personal life | |
| Born | 1855 (1855) Ambala, Punjab, India |
| Died | 27 January 1919(1919-01-27) (aged 63–64) Raipur, Saharanpur, India |
| Resting place | Raipur |
| Main interest(s) | Islamic education, Sufism, Quranic teaching |
| Notable work(s) | Establishment of maktabs (Quranic schools) |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Islam |
| Denomination | Sunni |
| Movement | Deobandi |
| Senior posting | |
| Teacher | Rashid Ahmad Gangohi,Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri |
Influenced | |
Shah Abdur Rahim Raipuri (Arabic:الشيخ عبد الرحيم الرائ فوري, 1855–1919; 1272–1337 AH) was an Indian Islamic scholar, Sufi, and mentor associated with theDeobandi movement. He served as the spiritual guide (murshid) to many disciples and as a senior patron ofDarul Uloom Deoband andMazahir Uloom Saharanpur.
Shah Abdur Rahim Raipuri was born in 1855 (1272 AH) in the village of Ambala, Punjab, India, to Rao Ashraf Ali Khan. His family later settled in Raipur, Saharanpur district.[1][2] He received his early education in his native village, Takri, and pursued advanced religious studies in Rampur and Saharanpur. Among his teachers wasKhalil Ahmad Saharanpuri.[3]
During his youth, he developed a deep spiritual connection withRashid Ahmad Gangohi, whom he first met as a child. Later, he became a disciple (murid) of Shah Abdul Rahim Saharanpuri and was formally authorized in the Sufi path (ijazah).[3]
Raipuri was known for his asceticism, humility, and devotion to Islamic learning. He played a leading role in establishing and supervising religious and Quranic schools (maktabs) in his region.[4] His residence near theJamna canal in Raipur became a center for spiritual instruction and guidance. He emphasized simplicity, seclusion, and continuous remembrance of God.[4]
He was appointed a member of the governing council (Majlis-e-Shura) ofDarul Uloom Deoband in 1902 (1320 AH). WhenMahmud Hasan Deobandi departed for theHejaz in 1914 (1333 AH), Raipuri was chosen as the senior patron (sarparast) of the seminary and continued in this position until Mahmud Hasan’s return fromMalta in 1918 (1337 AH).[5][4]
He also served as a patron ofMazahir Uloom Saharanpur, maintaining close ties with its rector,Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri.[4]
Although Raipuri did not leave behind formal writings, his teachings and sayings were preserved by disciples and later chroniclers. His biography and spiritual practices are recorded in works such asSawānih-e-Maulana Shah Abdur Rahim Raipuri (Urdu:سوانحِ مولانا شاہ عبد الرحیم رائے پوری,Biography of Maulana Shah Abdur Rahim Raipuri) by Abdul Khaliq Azad Raipuri.[6]
His personality and contributions are also discussed inMashāhīr-e-Ulama-e-Deoband (Notables Among the Scholars of Deoband) by Qari Fuyūz ar-Rahman.[7]
Raipuri died on 25 Rabi al-Thani 1337 AH (27 January 1919 CE) in Raipur, Saharanpur.[8] He was buried in the same garden where he spent the final years of his life, near the mosque on its southern side.[8]
He was succeeded spiritually by his discipleAbdul Qadir Raipuri. His devotion to Quranic recitation, emphasis on moral reform, and establishment of Quranic schools left a lasting impact on theDeobandi movement in northern India.[8]