The Life and Legacy of Mufti Muhammad Umar Naimi Muradabadi

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 6 September 2025. Allama Mufti Muhammad Umar Naimi Muradabadi, known as Taj-ul-Ulama, was a revered Islamic scholar who contributed to the Pakistan Movement and published Kanzul Iman. His life of knowledge, piety, and service continues to inspire. Main Points: 1. Mastered Dars-e-Nizami under Sadr-ul-Afazil, taught at Jamia Naimia for over 50 years. 2. Received Khilafat from Syed Ali Hussain Ashrafi and Ahmad Raza Khan. 3. Launched Al-Sawad-ul-Azam and published Kanzul Iman and Khazain-ul-Irfan. 4. Supported the movement as Deputy Organizer of All India Sunni Conference. 5. Founded Dar-ul-Uloom Makhzan-e-Uloom Arabia and served at Jamia Masjid Aram Bagh. ----- In the annals of Islamic scholarship in India, few names shine as brightly as that of Allama Mufti Muhammad Umar Naimi Muradabadi, fondly remembered as Taj-ul-Ulama (Crown of Scholars). A towering figure of knowledge, piety, and service to the Ahl-e-Sunnat tradition, his contributions to Islamic scholarship, the Pakistan Movement, and the dissemination of religious knowledge remain unparalleled. This article delves into the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of this remarkable scholar. Born on 27 Rabi-us-Sani 1311 AH (October 1893 CE) in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Mufti Muhammad Umar Naimi was the son of Muhammad Siddique Muradabadi. His noble lineage and upbringing in a scholarly environment set the stage for a life dedicated to the pursuit and propagation of Islamic knowledge. Mufti Umar Naimi’s quest for knowledge began early. He received his foundational education from Munshi Shamsuddin and studied the Holy Quran under Hafiz Muhammad Hussain. His early studies in Persian and Arabic grammar (Sarf and Nahw) were guided by Maulana Nizamuddin. For advanced Islamic studies, he enrolled under the tutelage of the eminent scholar Sadr-ul-Afazil, Maulana Muhammad Naimuddin Muradabadi, completing the rigorous Dars-e-Nizami curriculum in 1324 AH (1906 CE). His deep respect for his teachers was evident throughout his life. A moment of great pride came when his turban-tying ceremony (Dastarbandi) was performed by none other than Imam Ahl-e-Sunnat, Ahmad Raza Khan, in the presence of distinguished scholars of the era. Following his mentor’s guidance, Mufti Umar Naimi began teaching at Jamia Naimia in Muradabad, an institution founded by Sadr-ul-Afazil. For over half a century, he illuminated countless minds with the light of Islamic knowledge, earning widespread admiration. In 1325 AH (1907 CE), Mufti Umar Naimi pledged allegiance (Bay’ah) to Sheikh-ul-Mashayikh, Hazrat Syed Ali Hussain Ashrafi , and was granted Khilafat (spiritual succession) in 1329 AH. According to Mufti Muhammad Athar Naimi, he also received Khilafat from Imam Ahl-e-Sunnat, Ahmad Raza Khan, further cementing his spiritual stature. Mufti Umar Naimi was a scholar par excellence, medium in stature, with a broad forehead, fair complexion, and a countenance radiating wisdom. A complete Mufassir (Quranic commentator), Muhaddith (Hadith scholar), jurist, and litterateur, he embodied piety, humility, and adherence to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). As a cherished disciple of Sadr-ul-Afazil, he was a true inheritor of his predecessors’ legacy. In 1919, under the patronage of Sadr-ul-Afazil, he launched the influential monthly journal Al-Sawad-ul-Azam. For over 25 years, this publication served as a vibrant platform for Islamic scholarship, Ahl-e-Sunnat ideology, and commentary on current affairs and national politics. It provided religious guidance and boldly critiqued prevailing issues, earning a reputation as a steadfast advocate of Islamic values. Mufti Umar Naimi also played a pivotal role in the All India Sunni Conference, serving as its Deputy Organizer. A student, impressed by the fame of Jamia Naeemia (Muradabad) and the distinguished scholarship of Sadr al-Afaazil and Taj al-Ulama, came to Muradabad to study. Taj al-Ulama had a unique style of teaching: during his lessons, he would, whenever appropriate, refute the beliefs and objections of misguided and heterodox sects in a refined and scholarly manner. The student in question became quite irritated by this approach. One day, unable to contain himself, he said to his teacher: “I have come here to study the book!” Taj al-Ulama replied: “I teach both faith (Iman) and the book; if faith is not taught, then what benefit will there be in merely studying the book?” When Muhammad Karam Shah heard this, he remarked to his fellow students: “Our respected teacher has said this rightly, because faith precedes the book. Otherwise, there are many non-Muslims in the world who study Islamic books and issues only to criticise Islam. Their perspective is flawed. The special quality of our teacher is that he conveys the correct message in a most appropriate and beautiful manner – which not only rectifies our beliefs but also nurtures our moral and spiritual training.” Among his most significant contributions was the publication of the first edition of Kanzul Iman, the revered Urdu translation of the Quran by Imam Ahl-e-Sunnat, Ahmad Raza Khan. Mufti Umar Naimi also played a key role in compiling, proofreading, and publishing Khazain-ul-Irfan, a Quranic commentary. His tireless efforts extended to writing articles for Al-Sawad-ul-Azam, coordinating with philanthropists for its publication, and mobilizing Muslims through the All India Sunni Conference. Post-partition, the atmosphere in Muradabad turned hostile for Mufti Umar Naimi due to his active role in the Pakistan Movement, which had drawn opposition from local Hindus. Initially intending to migrate to Baghdad Sharif, he arrived in Karachi but was persuaded by Maulana Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqui to settle there. In Karachi, he established Dar-ul-Uloom Makhzan-e-Uloom Arabia and served as an honorary preacher at Jamia Masjid Aram Bagh, continuing his mission of spreading knowledge and faith. Mufti Umar Naimi passed away on 23 Zil-Qa’dah 1385 AH (March 1966 CE). His blessed shrine at Masjid Dar-us-Salawat in Nazimabad, Karachi, remains a place of reverence for devotees. His life, marked by scholarship, piety, and unwavering commitment to Islam, continues to inspire generations. ----- A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. 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