Maulvi Ashraf Gauri
"Pioneering the Educational & Research Revolution across Jammu & Kashmir."
The Genesis of a Movement
At the level of Jammu and Kashmir, no Ahle Sunnat organization had previously been established with the objective of promoting Sufism through a structured system of education. Recognizing this gap, Maulvi Ashraf Gauri initiated a visionary movement around 2011–2012.
Alongside distinguished personalities like Maulana Mushtaq Ahmad Khan and Mufti Aslam Misbahi, they laid the foundation for the Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahle Sunnat Sufi J&K, a platform designed to standardize religious education aligned with modern academic requirements.
Integrating Modernity with Tradition
One of the most significant achievements was the registration of madrasas with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). This ensured that certificates of orphaned and underprivileged students gained government-level recognition.
"For the first time in history, Maulvi Ashraf Gauri’s book 'Ek Rah-e-Irfan' was incorporated into a university curriculum—marking a milestone in the academic recognition of Sufi thought."
The team managed to introduce the Sufi (Tasawuf) Syllabus into 40 colleges and three major universities: Kashmir University, BGSBU, and IUST Awantipora.
The Price of Revolution
This journey was marked by immense personal sacrifice. Maulvi Ashraf Gauri faced severe opposition and survived a life-threatening attack on July 6, 2018. He sustained injuries that required approximately 35 major surgeries over two years.
Despite sacrificing personal wealth and enduring profound physical hardship, his unwavering commitment led to a historic educational transformation across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
"Those whose intentions are firm, those whose eyes are on God, they are not frightened by turbulent waves."
— Allama Iqbal
Beyond the Classroom
Maulvi Ashraf's work extended to social welfare and infrastructure. From building the Baba Dawood Khaki (RA) Central Mosque to facilitating electricity (65 K.V transformer) and constructing bridges for the Kheeripura neighborhood, his leadership addressed the basic needs of the masses.
A gifted athlete, he was also a captain of regional cricket teams, using sports as a tool to engage and motivate the youth of the valley.
Key Foundations
Modern Engagement
- Member, Government Hajj Committee (J&K).
- Meeting with PM of India & Vice President (2023-24).
- Renovation of Ziyarat Baba Hyder Reshi (35 Lakh INR).
The Story of the Sea
"A little girl wrote on the bank that the sea is a thief... A fisherman wrote the sea is my cradle... An old mother wrote the sea is murderous... A man found a diamond and wrote the sea is a treasure."
"When a huge wave came and washed everything away, the sea remained silent in its place."
The body is made of dust, it is about to be destroyed... but those who live down to earth are always happy, they feel the pain of others.
"I'm not bent, I'm not sold out, I'm not hiding somewhere,
Look for me in the ranks of those who are standing firm"
— Alama Iqbal