Sayyidi wa sanadi Hadhrat Mawlana Mohammad Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) said explaining the hadith,

The act of “renovation of the religion” mentioned in this hadith has been referred to by the word “Tajdeed”. It means the restoration of the original beliefs and practices after their being changed, distorted or forgotten.

The hadith indicates to the fact that some circles from within the Ummah may forget the original teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah, and some foreign elements may creep into the original beliefs and practices. But the distorted version of Shari‘ah, based on such foreign elements will not achieve the universal acceptance among the Muslims, and even if it succeeds in attracting a large number of people, Allah will send a person or a number of persons who will correct the error, restore the original beliefs and practices and explain the true intent of Shari‘ah.

This act of renovation is called “Tajdeed”, and those who carry out this remarkable work are named as “Mujaddid” (renovator).

From: at Talib

Hakim al-Umma Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanawi (may Allah have mercy on him) is considered to be the “mujaddid” of the last (Hijri) century. His contributions are in almost each and every section of the religion. However, tasawwuf, which is the soul of the religion, was his favorite topic .

The contemporary tasawwuf in his era (and still in many places) had become a constellation of innovative rituals, ceremonies and cultural traditions. The emphasis on a very intimate, personal and overwhelming relationship of love and obidience with Allah, Most High, by the meticulous following of His messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) had faded away.

All praise is for Allah, Hakim al-Umma clarified the reality of Tasawwuf and exemplified by his life-syle, teachings and writings that how is it practiced in the every day life of any Muslim individual, irrespective of his social, economic, educational or professional background.

Allah reward him abundantly. Amin!