Edara-e-Shariah: Its Historical Roots, Organizational Framework, and Socio-Religious Impact

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 22 August 2024 Edara-e-Shariah, Founded In 1968, Integrates Islamic Law With Community Needs, Offering Legal Guidance, Education, And Social Support. Main Points: 1. Edara-e-Shariah was established in 1968 by Allama Arshadul Qadri and other key figures to address Muslim community needs. 2. It operates through regional leaders and departments like Darul Qaza and Darul Ifta. 3. The organization plays a key role in moon sighting, festival declarations, and issuing fatwas. 4. Manages a network of madrasas for Islamic education. ----- Edara-e-Sharia ----- Introduction Idara-e-Shariah also spelt Edara-e-Shariah, an influential socio-religious organization within the Indian Muslim community, was founded in 1968. Its establishment marked a significant moment for the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (Barelvi) movement, aiming to address various personal and communal issues in accordance with Islamic law. Headquartered in Khajurbanna, Sultanganj, Patna, Bihar, Edara-e-Shariah has extended its influence through branches across several states in India. This detailed exploration covers the historical origins, organizational structure, key functions, and broader impact of Edara-e-Shariah. Historical Origins The inception of Edara-e-Shariah is closely linked to the efforts of Allama Arshadul Qadri. His vision was to create a platform that would not only address the personal legal needs of Muslims but also provide a framework for the community's socio-religious activities. The establishment of Edara-e-Shariah in 1968 was a culmination of this vision, marked by a gathering of notable scholars and leaders from across India. The founding ceremony was notably attended by influential figures and was organized by key convenors like Allama Arshadul Qadri and Syed Muzaffar Hussain Kichhauchvi, former Member of Lok Sabha. It was attended by notable figures like Mustafa Raza Khan Qadri, former Grand Mufti of India, Mufti Burhanul Haque Jabalpuri, former Grand Mufti of Madhya Pradesh and former MLA, Syed Aale Mustafa Marharvi, Hafiz-e-Millat Allama Abdul Aziz Muradabadi, founder of Al-Jamiatul Ashrafiya Mubarakpur, Maulana Zafarul Hasan Qadri Pokhrairvi. This gathering highlighted the collective endorsement of Edara-e-Shariah by leading Islamic scholars and reinforced its position within the Barelvi movement. Organizational Structure Edara-e-Shariah operates through a complex hierarchical structure designed to address various needs within the Muslim community: The organization is led by Maulana Gulam Rasool Balyawi, former Member of Rajya Sabha and former Member of Bihar Legislative Council in India as the National President of the organisation. It has State Presidents in mostly all the state in India and working from the grassroots in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Rajasthan. State Presidents oversee the activities of Edara-e-Shariah in their respective regions, ensuring that its policies and directives are effectively implemented. The organization’s administration is divided into several key departments: Darul Qaza: Acts as informal Islamic courts, resolving disputes in personal law matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. These courts operate based on Sharia principles, providing community-specific resolutions and promoting social harmony. Darul Ifta: Issues fatwas or legal opinions derived from the Quran and Hadith. This department plays a crucial role in guiding community members on various aspects of personal and social conduct. Department of Education: Manages a vast network of madrasas (Islamic schools) that provide primary and advanced Islamic education. This network serves as the backbone of religious education, ensuring the transmission of Islamic knowledge and values to the younger generation. Community Guidance and Support: Edara-e-Shariah engages in advising the community on socio-political issues, including election guidance and preparedness for administrative processes like the National Register of Citizens (NRC). This role underscores its influence in shaping community responses to external challenges. Skill Development: The organization is involved in various developmental initiatives, including skill training centres. For example, Markazi Edara-e-Shariah in Patna was selected by the Ministry of Minority Affairs to provide vocational training, enhancing the socio-economic prospects of the Muslim community. Religious and Legal Guidance Edara-e-Shariah plays a pivotal role in the sighting of the moon and the declaration of Islamic festivals such as Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Muharram, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. This function is vital for maintaining religious observances and ensuring that festivals are celebrated in accordance with Islamic traditions. The Darul Ifta provides religious rulings on a range of issues, from personal matters to broader social questions. These fatwas are essential for guiding the community in adherence to Islamic law and resolving everyday issues. The Department of Education manages thousands of madrasas, which offer religious and secular education. These institutions are instrumental in preserving Islamic heritage and providing students with foundational and advanced knowledge. Community Engagement Edara-e-Shariah influences electoral behaviour through appeals and statements that reflect the organization’s stance on various political issues. This guidance helps shape the political engagement of the Muslim community in alignment with Islamic principles. The organization’s efforts to prepare the community for the NRC process demonstrate its role in assisting Muslims with bureaucratic and administrative challenges, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet legal requirements. Social and Economic Development By partnering with government agencies, Edara-e-Shariah has been able to contribute to skill development and economic empowerment. These projects aim to improve the livelihoods of community members through vocational training and other support services. Broader Impact Edara-e-Shariah has significantly impacted the Indian Muslim community by addressing both religious and socio-economic needs. Its comprehensive approach ensures that community members have access to religious guidance, educational opportunities, and practical support for various personal and communal issues. The organization’s influence extends beyond religious matters into the realms of social development and political engagement, reflecting its role as a central institution within the Muslim community. Through its diverse functions, Edara-e-Shariah continues to play a vital role in shaping the lives of its followers and addressing the challenges faced by the Muslim community in India. Conclusion Edara-e-Shariah stands as a testament to the integration of religious principles with practical community needs. Established in 1968 by visionary leaders, it has grown into a significant socio-religious organization that addresses a wide range of issues, from personal law disputes to educational and socio-economic development. Its structured approach and broad influence underscore its importance in the lives of Indian Muslims, highlighting its enduring relevance in both religious and secular spheres. ----- Syed Amjad Hussain is a Bihar-based Author and research scholar on Sufism. He is affiliated with the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal. 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