Naqsh-e-Hayat

Naqsh-e-Hayat (‎‎نقش حیات) is the autobiography of Hussain Ahmed Madani, originally published in two volumes between 1953 and 1954. It provides a glimpse into his daily life, exposing the exploitative colonial practices that burdened Indians with economic hardship, eroded their cultural identity, and influenced their faith. Madani's unwavering commitment to his cause shines through, unswayed by Western-centric vested interests and hierarchical notions. The narrative delves into the reasons behind his imprisonment by the British in Malta, Sabarmati prison, and Nene Jail in Allahabad, where he endured arduous labor. The book also highlights the significant contributions of influential figures and institutions to India's eventual liberation from British colonial rule. It traces the resistance movement's roots back to the establishment of Darul Uloom Deoband by Qasim Nanawtawi and Rashid Ahmad Gangohi after the 1857 British occupation of Delhi while exploring the roles of Syed Ahmad Barelvi and Mahmud Hasan Deobandi. Beyond documenting Madani's life, the book presents a scholarly, logical, and historical analysis of the global political events of that era. Hifzur Rahman Seoharwi's foreword adds further depth to this work.

Background
This book was initially published in two volumes in 1953. Subsequently, it was consolidated into a single volume and is now available in a unified edition. Since then, various publishers in the Indo-Pak region have printed numerous editions of this book.

In the book's "Introduction and Purpose of Writing," Hifzur Rahman Seoharwi recounts how, during Madani's imprisonment in Naini Tal Jail in 1942, devoted companions requested him to pen down the events of his life so that future generations could follow the legacy of the deceased scholars. Initially hesitant, Madani eventually yielded to their persistent request and began writing a few pages about his life. However, as the narrative unfolded, the focus shifted to a crucial question: Why did Mahmud Hasan Deobandi and his colleagues embrace a life of vibrant and tumultuous politics, challenging the European powers, especially British rule? This question became the primary concern of the author, and the majority of the first volume addresses it.

In the second volume, previously concealed aspects of the political movements led by Mahmud Hasan Deobandi are unveiled, along with revelations about the investigations of the Rowlatt Committee, which had remained undisclosed until now.

Reception
The book Naqsh-e-Hayat has been acknowledged by NTV as an irreplaceable source to comprehend the essence of the movement, revolution, and political thought of the independent and sovereign people of the Indian subcontinent. According to Nayab Hasan Qasmi, this autobiography not only narrates the life of a scholar, a devoted freedom fighter, and a revered saint of his era, but it also presents a genuine and realistic depiction of the socio-political highs and lows of 20th-century India, portrayed with utmost simplicity.

Translation
This book was translated into Bengali by Faizullah Aman in 2022 and published by Oytijjo. The unveiling ceremony was conducted by Sayed Asjad Madani, the grandson of Hussain Ahmed Madani, and chaired by Farid Uddin Masood at Jamia Iqra Bangladesh Auditorium. In 2023, the English translation of the book was completed by Yousef Reaz and Abdur Rahim Kidwai, with abridgment and editing by Ismail Adam Patel. Turath Publishing from the United Kingdom then published this English version.