Who is Sheikh Ilyas Kandhlawi, and what are the most important stages of his life?

Sheikh Muhammad Ilyas was born in India in the year 1303 AH. He grew up in a family distinguished by its religiosity, knowledge, and da'wah, and he studied under its scholars. He studied at the "Mazahir Uloom" school in Saharanpur, and then in Deoband under the tutelage of Sheikh-ul-Hind Mahmud Hasan (definition), and his brother Sheikh Muhammad Yahya. After the death of his father and brother, he moved to the Da'wah center in South Delhi, which became the launching point for his well-known da'wah movement, known as the Da'wah movement and the Tablighi Jamaat.

His da'wah coincided with the apostasy movement among Indian Muslims, which prompted him to undertake da'wah tours and establish makatib (religious schools). He then concluded that sermons were of wider benefit, and that Muslims' fascination with Western civilization necessitated first instilling faith in hearts. He believed that people's temporary detachment from their occupations and livelihoods in an atmosphere of faith is what brings about change. He dedicated his life and wealth to this cause, and he passed away in the year 1363 AH.