Maulana Mohammad Hashim Ibrahim Hasan Rawat
(Founder of Madresha Mahmoodiya Baitul Atfal)
Maulana Mohammad Hashim Ibrahim Has-! Rawat, widely known as Maulana Hashim Nasilpuri, was born on 15th November 1924 in Nasilpor, a village in District Valsad (now navsari). From an early age, he displayed a keen interest in religious education and was deeply inclined towards Islamic learning. His childhood was spent in a simple environment, surrounded by the values of sincerity, honesty, and a love for faith.
Throughout his career, Maulana Hashim traveled across villages and remote areas, teaching in mosques and encouraging people to establish centers of religious learning. His efforts bore fruit in 1990, when, under the advice and spiritual guidance of Hazrat Mufti Mahmood Gangohi (RA), he laid the foundation of Madresha Mahmoodiya Baitul Atfal at Shankartalavdi, District Surat.
The vision behind this madrasa was unique and noble: to provide free religious and modern education to underprivileged children, particularly those from poor families and orphans. Maulana Hashim firmly believed that poverty should never be a barrier to knowledge, and he dedicated his life to ensuring that children from deprived backgrounds had access to both Islamic and worldly education.
Maulana Hashim was known as a teacher of rare talent and deep knowledge. Although he did not memorize the entire Qur’an himself, his recitation and mastery of Tajweed (correct pronunciation) was excellent. He was strict about maintaining the correct reading of the Qur’an and never tolerated mistakes in this sacred task. His lessons in Hadith and Fiqh reflected his deep understanding, and he was respected by both his students and fellow scholars.
He was also an inspiring speaker. His Friday sermons (Khutbahs) and religious talks were filled with wisdom, practical guidance, and a sincere call to live according to Islamic teachings. Alongside his knowledge, his humility and ability to connect with people made him deeply loved by the community.
On the path of Tasawwuf (spiritual purification), Maulana Hashim pledged allegiance (Bai‘at) to Hazrat Shaikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Zakariya Kandhalwi (RA). After the passing of Shaikh-ul-Hadith Hazrat Maulana Zakariyya Kandhlawi (RA) of Saharanpur, Maulana Hashim received Khilafat and Bai‘at permission from Hazrat Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi (RA).
This spiritual chain of Saharanpur, which carried the blessings of great buzurg like Shaikh Zakariyya, deeply influenced Maulana Hashim’s life and work. After Hazrat Mufti Mahmood’s passing, Maulana Hashim maintained a strong spiritual connection with Hazrat Maulana Qamaruzzaman Allahbadi , who was also closely linked to the Saharanpur silsila. Through these ties, his heart remained attached to the khanqahs and buzurgs of Saharanpur, a city known worldwide for its role in the preservation of Hadith and Tasawwuf.
Maulana Hashim’s life was a reflection of simplicity, humility, and devotion. He lived a disciplined lifestyle, avoiding extravagance and focusing on worship and service. He was known for his regular Tahajjud prayers, constant Zikr (remembrance of Allah), and his commitment to fasting and charity.
His character was shaped by the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He practiced modesty, preferred simple living, and maintained strong relations with people of all backgrounds. Those who met him were touched by his sincerity, while his students admired his strictness in discipline combined with kindness of heart.
In his later years, he continued to guide students, deliver lectures, and oversee the running of Madresha Mahmoodiya. His concern for the poor and orphans never faded, and he remained dedicated to his mission until his last breath.
On 18th Ramadan 1423 AH (23rd November 2002), while still engaged in his lifelong mission of education and service to Islam, Maulana Hashim Rawat passed away. His funeral prayer was led by his respected spiritual guide, Hazrat Mufti Ahmad Khanpuri and he was laid to rest with great honor.
Today, the legacy of Maulana Hashim lives on through Madresha Mahmoodiya Baitul Atfal, which continues to provide education to poor and orphaned children. His efforts have left an indelible mark on the community, ensuring that generations of children benefit from both religious and modern knowledge. His life stands as a reminder that sincerity, dedication, and service can transform communities and uplift society.
He began his basic education in his village, where he studied the Qur’an and elementary subjects. Later, he enrolled at the famous Darul Uloom Jamia Islamiya Talimuddin Dabhel, one of the leading Islamic seminaries of Gujarat. There, he was blessed to study under renowned scholars such as Maulana Siraj Ahmad Rashidi (RA) and Mufti Ismail Bismillah(RA), who nurtured his intellect and laid strong foundations in Qur’an, Hadith, and Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence).
After completing his studies at Dabhel, Maulana Hashim pursued further higher education at the prestigious Darul Uloom Saharanpur (Mazahirul Uloom). There, he benefited from the company of great scholars and completed his graduation in Islamic studies. This time at Saharanpur deeply shaped his scholarship, spiritual outlook, and lifelong connection to the legacy of its elders, especially Shaikh-ul-Hadith Hazrat Maulana Zakariyya Kandhlawi (RA).