Aap Beati (Kandhlawi)

Aap Beati (آپ بیتی) is a seven-volume autobiographical work authored by Zakariyya Kandhlawi, first published in 1970. This book presents a historical account of Kandhlawi's formative years, early education, and encounters with renowned scholars of his time. It delves into his spiritual transformation and offers a recent picture of the circumstances and accomplishments of his predecessors. Taqi Usmani regards it as Zakariya Kandhlawi's most remarkable literary achievement.

Background
This work is not an independent composition by Zakariya Kandhlawi. After the demise of Yusuf Kandhlawi, Mohammad Sani Hasani Nadwi wrote Sawaneh-e-Yusufi. When Zakariya Kandhlawi came across the chapter dedicated to him, he supplemented it with additional incidents and offered critical analysis on certain topics. Subsequently, upon the request of his friends, a section of his written manuscript was published as part of his book titled Strike, featuring the chapter named Aap Beati. The publication garnered positive feedback from readers who urged Zakariya Kandhlawi to expand upon it and include more educational events from his life. However, due to his primary focus on writing about Hadith-related subjects, he lacked the necessary time. In 1970, while undergoing treatment for eye problems at Gandhi Eye Hospital, Aligarh, he recollected events from his past life and cherished moments with acquaintances, which were transcribed by a writer. Thus, the manuscript of this book was prepared within a span of eighteen days.

Content
The book covers a wide range of topics and experiences. It begins with a chapter on "Purity of Intention," emphasizing the importance of sincerity in one's actions. Subsequent chapters delve into various aspects of Zakariyya's life, including his birth, student life, teachings, and writings during his time at Mazahir Uloom. The book also discusses some of his personal flaws and bad habits that he recognized and worked on improving.

The chapters then proceed to explore Zakariyya Kandhlawi's life struggles, such as his wedding, Allah's favor and grace upon him, details of his Hajj journey, and the partition of India. The book contains a miscellaneous section that includes topics such as the teaching methods of the Akabirs (elders), the importance of education, the significance of daily work for children, and the Akabirs' confidence in the Qur'an and Hadith.

Other chapters highlight the deserving salaries of the Akabirs (elders), their thoughts and reflections, the effects of the environment on individuals, their hard work and striving, their piety and fear of God, their relationships with prominent personalities and wealthy individuals, their humility, intelligence, wisdom, and instances of their miracles.

The book also addresses the responses of the Akabirs to criticism and disagreements among them. It includes miscellaneous topics, narrations of Tasawwuf (spiritual teachings), and accounts of Zakariyya Kandhlawi's travels to Hejaz and Hindustan (India), as well as his visits to different places.

Reception
Barbara D. Metcalf, a professor at the University of California, Davis, and president of the American Historical Association, has praised Zakariya Kandhlawi's autobiographical writings, "Aap Beati," for unveiling a person of immense discipline, unwavering principles, humility, an unwavering dedication to advancing Islamic education, and profound connections with family, friends, and students. The Grand Mufti of Pakistan, Shafi Usmani, lauds this book as a valuable resource for fostering reconciliation and promoting reform. Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi, the Chairman of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, aptly characterizes it as a vibrant portrayal and a firsthand account of the recent past, offering profound insights and enlightening perspectives for scholars, madrasa teachers, and newcomers in the scholarly field. Taqi Usmani affirms the book's significance by stating, "This book is an invaluable resource for every Muslim, particularly scholars, as its narrative style is refreshingly candid and straightforward."

Saeed Ahmad Akbarabadi, the Dean of the Faculty of Theology at Aligarh Muslim University, appreciates the book as a valuable companion for individuals from all walks of life. Abdul Bari Nadvi, from Osmania University, expresses regret for not knowing about Zakariya Khandalawi's character and devotion earlier, but reading Aap Beati has inspired gratitude and a genuine dedication to supporting Khandalawi's cause. Moinuddin Ahmad Nadvi, the director of Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy, recognizes the book's potential to positively influence readers and guide them towards what is beloved and pleasing to Allah.

Bengali
Muhammad Achiur Rahman, a teacher at Jamia Shariyyah Malibagh in Dhaka, translated this book into Bengali. The Bengali translation was published in 2009 in two volumes by Thanwi Library. Another version of the translation was published by Mohammad Habibur Rahman from Al-Kawsar Publication.

English
An English translation of this book was published in 2014 by Idara Impex.