Mufti Aslam Razvi: Shaping Islamic Education and Sufi Thought in Bihar

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 25 September 2024 Razvi Authored Several Significant Works, Including Aslamul Hawashi and Fatwa Barkat-e-Noori, Enriching Islamic Literature and Providing Essential Resources for Scholars Main Points: 1. Mufti Aslam Razvi began his studies in local Maktabs before advancing to esteemed institutions like Madrasa Chashma-e-Faiz and Darul Uloom Roorkee, where he honed his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and theology. 2. He taught at Madrasah Mazhar-e-Islam in Bareilly, becoming an influential educator known for his deep knowledge of Hadith and Fiqh. 3. As Imam of Sufi Masjid Bareilly, he played a vital role in the community, promoting Sufi principles of love and unity through his sermons. 4. He established Madrasah Jamia Qadiriyya in Maqsoodpur, which became a respected centre for Islamic education, blending traditional teachings with contemporary subjects. ------ Mufti Aslam Razvi, born Muhammad Aslam in 1934 in Mahwara, a village in the Aurai block of Muzaffarpur, Bihar, entered a world shaped by both cultural richness and historical upheaval, notably the earthquake that year that devastated parts of Bihar and Nepal. Raised in a religious environment, he began his early education in a local Maktab, where he was nurtured under the guidance of Maulvi Nisaruddin Atrari. This foundational phase instilled in him a deep reverence for Islamic teachings and scholarship. At the age of 8, Mufti Aslam's educational journey took a significant turn when his brother-in-law, Maulvi Abdus Salam, enrolled him at Madrasa Chashma-e-Faiz in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. This institution, known for its rigorous curriculum and esteemed faculty, provided him exposure to advanced Islamic studies. His time there was marked by the study of crucial texts such as Hidayatun Nahu and Sharh Jami. Following his studies at Chashma-e-Faiz, Mufti Aslam attended Darul Uloom Mau, where he further honed his skills in Islamic jurisprudence and Arabic grammar. He later continued his education at Darul Uloom Roorkee, where he engaged deeply with foundational texts like Hidayah Awalain and Diwan-e-Mutannabi, alongside the intricacies of Tajweed-o-Qiraat. His academic pursuit culminated at Madrasa Ashrafiya Mubarakpur, where he studied under celebrated scholars like Allama Abdul Mustafa Al-Azhari and Allama Ghulam Jilani Azmi, focusing on advanced subjects like Mishkat Sharif and Diwan-e-Hamasa. Career and Contributions Upon completing his education, Mufti Aslam Razvi returned to his roots, where he faced the profound loss of his father. This personal tragedy prompted a period of reflection and commitment to religious scholarship. In his early career, he initially took a teaching position in Ahmedabad, but soon moved back to his hometown in Muzaffarpur before settling in Bareilly. In 1955, with the encouragement of the renowned scholar Mustafa Raza Khan Qadri, he joined Madrasah Mazhar-e-Islam in Bareilly, where he quickly distinguished himself as a knowledgeable and charismatic educator. His teaching encompassed a broad spectrum of subjects, including Hadith, Fiqh, Usul-e-Fiqh, and Arabic grammar. He became an influential figure in Islamic education, fostering a culture of inquiry and deep understanding among his students. As the Imam and Khateeb of Sufi Masjid Bareilly, Mufti Aslam Razvi's role extended beyond the classroom. He became a vital spiritual leader in the community, delivering sermons that emphasized the principles of love, tolerance, and unity, core tenets of Sufi thought. His ability to connect with the youth and instill in them a sense of purpose and identity made him a beloved figure. Founding of Madrasah Jamia Qadiriyya A pivotal moment in Mufti Aslam's career came with the establishment of Madrasah Jamia Qadiriyya in Maqsoodpur, Muzaffarpur. Recognizing the pressing need for quality Islamic education in his community, he founded this institution with a vision to cultivate a new generation of scholars. The madrasah quickly gained recognition, attracting students from Bihar and neighbouring states. Its curriculum was designed to blend traditional Islamic education with contemporary subjects, ensuring that students were well-equipped for the challenges of modern society. Mufti Aslam's efforts did not go unnoticed; he received support and accolades from various scholars, including Mustafa Raza Khan Qadri, who participated in the madrasah's inaugural program, further validating its importance in the region. Literary Contributions Mufti Aslam Razvi was not only a revered educator but also a prolific author. His writings significantly enriched Islamic literature, reflecting his deep understanding of jurisprudence and theology. His notable works include Aslamul Hawashi Sharh Usul al-Shashi, a comprehensive commentary on foundational Islamic texts, and Fatwa Barkat-e-Noori, which addresses contemporary issues faced by the Muslim community. His book Boo-e-Sukhan Sharh Mulla Hasan showcases his analytical prowess and commitment to elucidating complex theological concepts for his readers. Additionally, his compilation of Forty Ahadith serves as a vital resource for students and scholars alike, emphasizing the importance of prophetic teachings in everyday life. These works not only highlight his scholarly depth but also serve as educational tools for future generations, cementing his place in the annals of Islamic scholarship. Family and Legacy Mufti Aslam Razvi hailed from a distinguished lineage, tracing his roots back to the Sheikh Siddiqi family. His transformation from Muhammad Aslam to Mufti Aslam Razvi followed his initiation into the Qadriya Razaviya Silsila, where he embraced the name "Razvi," symbolizing his affiliation with the esteemed tradition. He was blessed with four sons: Qari Muhammad Ahmad Razvi, Maulana Muhammad Arshad Razvi (Sajjada Nasheen), Mufti Muhammad Ahsan Razvi, and Hafiz Irfan Raza, all of whom continue to uphold their father's legacy in Islamic scholarship and education. His family maintains a prominent presence in the religious community, ensuring that his teachings and values persist through their work. Conclusion Mufti Aslam Razvi’s life and work exemplify a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship and religious leadership. His contributions to education, spiritual guidance, and literary scholarship continue to resonate, shaping the Islamic community in Bihar and beyond. Through his legacy, he remains a beacon of Sufi wisdom, inspiring future generations to pursue knowledge, uphold faith, and foster harmony within society. ------ Syed Amjad Hussain is an Author and Independent Research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on a book based on Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/mufti-razvi-islamic-education-sufi-thought/d/133278 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism