Background of the Establishment of Madrasa Rahmaniya, Supaul–Darbhanga, and Its Achievements
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Before the establishment of Madrasa Rahmaniya, a small maktab (an elementary religious school) had already been founded in the Sheikhpura area of Supaul. On the instruction of Hazrat Amir-e-Shariat Muhammad Ali Mongiri (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ), and through the dedicated efforts and encouragement of Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Arif Sahab Harsinghpuri, this maktab was soon elevated to the status of a madrasa. The institution was named Madrasa Rahmaniya in honour of Qutb-e-Dauran, Hazrat Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman Ganj-e-Muradabadi (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ).
The academic activities of the madrasa formally began in 1322 AH, and the renowned saintly scholar Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Arif Sahab Harsinghpuri personally took charge of teaching and educational responsibilities. The regions of Supaul, Bairoul, and the wider Muslim population became the primary field of his efforts. After completing his education, Maulana Muhammad Arif dedicated himself to promoting, preserving, and expanding Arabic and Islamic sciences at Madrasa Rahmaniya, Supaul. Alongside teaching, he also played a significant role in reforming the religious beliefs and practices of the local Muslim community.
Hazrat Maulana led a life of simplicity, piety, and spiritual discipline. He was among the distinguished and eminent disciples (khulafāʼ) of Hazrat Maulana Syed Muhammad Ali Mongiri (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ), and numerous spiritual miracles (karāmāt) are attributed to him. On 4th Safar 1363 AH (4 February 1933, Friday), at the age of 79, he departed from this transient world.
Madrasa Rahmaniya was established at a time when the Muslims of the region were largely unaware of the teachings of Islam and its truth. People lacked even the basic knowledge of religious obligations. Religious institutions and maktabs were extremely scarce, and due to widespread ignorance, the Muslims of the region remained entangled in various innovations, customs, and superstitions. From the very beginning, the madrasa and its sincere members made remarkable efforts for the propagation of the Prophetic sciences (‘ulūm-e-nabawiyyah). The institution worked tirelessly to eradicate un-Islamic practices and harmful traditions, and played a crucial role in building a reformed, righteous society.
With the support and blessings of the elders of the Ummah, the madrasa continued to flourish and extend its influence. Eventually, due to lack of space in Sheikhpura locality, the institution was shifted to Mohalla Afzalah, though a maktab still continues to operate in Sheikhpura under its supervision.
Qutb-e-‘Ālam, Hazrat Maulana Syed Muhammad Ali Mongiri (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ), served as the lifelong President of Madrasa Rahmaniya. After his demise, on 13 September 1927, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Lutfullah Sahab Rahmani (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) was elected as the new President. He dutifully accepted this responsibility and led the institution on the path of progress, rendering invaluable services to the Muslim community. After his passing in 1341 AH, Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Minatullah Rahmani (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) served as President for nearly half a century, a period during which the madrasa reached the peak of its growth and achievements. In 1957, at this very institution, Hazrat Maulana Minatullah Rahmani was unanimously elected as the Fourth Amir-e-Shariat. Under his leadership, the madrasa continued to make significant progress.
After the passing of the Fourth Amir-e-Shariat, Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Muhammad Wali Rahmani (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) assumed the presidency. During his tenure, all administrative and academic decisions held final authority by his direction. After his demise, according to the principles established by the madrasa, the Sajjada-Nashin (spiritual successor) of Khanqah Rahmaniya, Munger, automatically becomes the President of the institution. At present, Amir-e-Shariat VIII (Bihar–Odisha–Jharkhand–West Bengal), Mufakkir-e-Millat, Hazrat Maulana Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani (دامت برکاتہم), serves as the President and continues to lead the institution on the path of growth and excellence.
The renowned Persian scholar Haji Syed Kamaluddin Sahab (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) was the first teacher and Principal (Muhtamim) of the madrasa. After his passing, freedom fighter Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Qasim Sahab Supaulvi (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) temporarily took charge as Principal. Subsequently, with his efforts and the approval of the board members, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Usman Sahab Garolvi (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) was appointed Principal in 1353 AH.
Hazrat Maulana Usman Sahab Garolvi discharged the delicate responsibilities of teaching, spiritual training, and administration with excellence. He initiated a strong movement for public awareness, through which the institution emerged as a vibrant, community-recognized religious centre. Under his leadership, the madrasa experienced comprehensive progress and gained widespread popularity and support across North Bihar and regions such as Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Purnea, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Kishanganj, and Araria.
Maulana Usman Sahab served as Principal and Shaykh-ul-Hadith until his passing on 13 Safar 1396 AH. After his demise, the spiritual luminary and eminent scholar Hazrat Maulana Shamsul Huda Sahab Saharsavi (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) was elected as Principal. He was not only a distinguished scholar but also a Shaykh-e-Kamil (a perfected spiritual guide). During his tenure, the madrasa achieved remarkable fame, public acceptance, and financial stability.
When Hazrat Maulana Shamsul Huda Sahab passed away on 31 January 2005, Amir-e-Shariat VII, Mufakkir-e-Islam, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Wali Rahmani (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) entrusted the administration to Hazrat Maulana Saadullah Siddiqi Sahab Harsinghpuri (دامت برکاتہم), who served as Principal until 07 June 2022. Maulana Saadullah Siddiqi Sahab is known for his principled nature and reflection of the noble elders of the faith.
A large number of students have received religious education and spiritual guidance from this institution. Hundreds of scholars (‘ulama’) and huffaz (memorizers of the Qur’an) have graduated and are serving Islam and society both within India and abroad. The alumni of this madrasa have always played active roles in various religious movements and reform initiatives.
Since the institution is spiritually associated with Hazrat Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman Ganj-e-Muradabadi (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ), it continues its journey with steadfastness and dedication. Under the blessings of this sacred connection, the madrasa continues to progress toward its religious, educational, missionary, intellectual, and reformative goals, and it has now completed nearly 124 years of outstanding service.
At present, Madrasa Rahmaniya offers education from Nazirah (recitation of the Qur’an) and Hifz (memorization) to the level of Fazil (graduate studies). Along with traditional Islamic sciences, it also provides education in modern subjects. To ensure a comprehensive system of learning, several specialized departments have been established within the institution.
