A Legacy of Faith and Knowledge: The Enduring Influence of Arshadul Qadri

By Rehan Ahmed Khan, New Age Islam 26 December 2024 Arshadul Qadri (1925–2002) was a leading Sunni scholar and Barelvi activist who founded numerous educational institutions and organisations globally. His work, including co-founding Dawat-e-Islami and the World Islamic Mission, significantly shaped Sunni Islamic education, theology, and community life. Main Points: 1. Arshadul Qadri was a prominent Sunni Islamic scholar and key figure in the Barelvi movement. 2. He founded numerous educational institutions across India and abroad. 3. Qadri played a major role in establishing Dawat-e-Islami and the World Islamic Mission. 4. He authored influential works on Islamic theology and jurisprudence. 5. His leadership promoted unity and education within the global Muslim community. 6. Qadri passed away in 2002, leaving a lasting intellectual and spiritual legacy. ---- Wikipedia Common ----- Introduction: Arshadul Qadri (5 March 1925 – 29 April 2002) was a transformative figure within the Sunni Islamic world, whose impact extended far beyond India. A prominent scholar of the Barelvi movement, Qadri dedicated his life to promoting Islamic education, reform, and the propagation of Sunni orthodoxy, influencing both his homeland and international communities. His tireless work in founding educational institutions, establishing missionary organisations, and shaping intellectual movements has solidified his legacy in the annals of modern Islamic thought. Early Foundations and Intellectual Formation: Born in 1925 in Syeddpura, a small village in Balia, Uttar Pradesh, Arshadul Qadri was raised in a family steeped in Islamic scholarship. His father, Maulana Abdul Latif, and grandfather, Maulana Azeemullah Shah, were esteemed religious scholars, which provided Qadri with an early exposure to Islamic thought. Under their guidance, he received his foundational education, which served as a springboard for his later academic journey. Seeking further knowledge, Qadri enrolled at Al Jamiatul Ashrafia, an esteemed seminary in Mubarakpur, where he studied under the renowned scholar Shah Abdul Aziz Moradabadi. By 1944, he had completed his formal education, earning recognition as a scholar versed in Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and history. Transforming Islamic Education Through Institutions: Qadri’s contributions to Islamic education were vast and far-reaching. His commitment to promoting Sunni Islamic knowledge, particularly in the Barelvi tradition, led to the establishment of a range of educational institutions across the globe. These institutions became critical hubs for Islamic learning and continue to shape the religious education of countless students. Notable among the institutions founded by Qadri were Madinatul Islam in The Hague, Islamic Missionary College in Bradford, Darul Uloom Aleemia in Suriname, Jamia Amjadia Rizvia Ghosi, Jamia Faizul Uloom in Jamshedpur, Darul Ziaul Islam in Howrah, and Jamia Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya in New Delhi. Each of these institutions has had a profound impact on the global spread of Sunni scholarship, offering education to generations of students both in India and abroad. A Visionary Leader in Missionary Work and Organisation Building: Arshadul Qadri's impact was not limited to educational reform. He was also a key figure in the creation and leadership of several significant Sunni Muslim organisations, which helped foster unity, promote Islamic values, and address the needs of Muslim communities. One of his most notable achievements was the co-founding of Dawat-e-Islami, a global movement dedicated to spreading the teachings of the Barelvi school. Alongside Pakistani scholars, Qadri played a crucial role in selecting Ilyas Qadri as the organisation's leader, further solidifying its influence in the propagation of Islamic faith. Qadri was also a founding member of the World Islamic Mission (WIM), an umbrella organisation designed to unite Sunni Muslims in Europe. The WIM has become a vital platform for Muslims in the West, offering religious, educational, and social activities while preserving Sunni orthodoxy. As Qamaruzzaman Azmi, the current leader of WIM, noted, Qadri's work laid a solid intellectual and spiritual foundation for Sunni Islam in Europe. In addition, Qadri was involved in the formation of the Idaarah-i-Shar’iayh (Shariah Council) in Patna, the All India Muslim Personal Law Conference in Siwan, Bihar, and the All India Muslim United Front in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, all of which aimed at strengthening the unity of Indian Muslims and addressing their socio-political challenges. Scholarly Contributions and Theological Thought Arshadul Qadri was not only a missionary and educational reformer but also a prolific author. His writings covered a wide array of topics, from Islamic theology and jurisprudence to spirituality and social issues. His scholarly works continue to be influential, especially within the Barelvi tradition, and serve as vital resources for students and scholars alike. Some of his most well-known books include Tableeghi Jama'at, Zer-o-Zabar, Lala Zar, Daawate Insaf, Anwaar-i-Ahmadi, Misbaahul Qur'an (three volumes), Naqsh-i-Khatam (12 volumes), and Tafseer-i-Surah-i-Fatiha. His works were not only academic but also addressed contemporary issues faced by Muslims, guiding them in their spiritual and social lives. A Life of Spiritual Commitment and Final Rest: Beyond his scholarly achievements, Arshadul Qadri was known for his personal piety and humility. A deeply spiritual man, he was influenced by his teacher, Huzur Amine Shariat Shah Rafaqat Husain Mehboob e Khuda, whose teachings shaped Qadri's intellectual development. Qadri’s life of service to Islam came to a close on 29 April 2002, when he passed away, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence, spiritual guidance, and organisational leadership. His death was deeply mourned by his followers and the wider Muslim community, particularly within the Barelvi tradition. He was laid to rest at Faizul Uloom Madarsa in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, where his legacy continues to inspire future generations. Continuing Influence and Legacy: Arshadul Qadri’s contributions to the intellectual and spiritual landscape of Sunni Islam remain immeasurable. Through his establishment of educational institutions, the founding of key organisations, and his scholarly output, Qadri played an instrumental role in shaping the future of the Barelvi movement both in India and across the globe. His legacy lives on through the institutions he established, the books he authored, and the individuals he mentored. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, Qadri’s work remains as relevant as ever. His focus on education, unity, and spiritual guidance is crucial for Muslims facing the challenges of modernity. Arshadul Qadri’s life exemplifies how a committed scholar and activist can leave a lasting impact, shaping the course of history for his community and the broader Muslim Ummah. Conclusion Arshadul Qadri's life and work stand as a testament to the transformative power of education, spirituality, and community leadership within the Islamic world. His unwavering dedication to promoting Sunni Islamic thought, particularly the Barelvi tradition, has left an indelible mark on both India and the global Muslim community. Through the institutions he established, the organisations he founded, and the scholarly works he produced, Qadri played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual and spiritual direction of Sunni Muslims in the modern era. His contributions went beyond the academic; they were rooted in a deep commitment to the welfare of the Muslim Ummah, as evidenced by his leadership in religious organisations and his efforts to address the socio-political challenges faced by Muslims. His legacy is not only alive in the numerous institutions that continue to educate and guide Muslims worldwide but also in the countless individuals he inspired to follow in his footsteps. In a time when the role of education, spiritual integrity, and interfaith understanding are more important than ever, Arshadul Qadri’s work provides a model for future generations of scholars, activists, and leaders. His profound influence will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the course of Islamic scholarship and practice for many years to come. ---- Rehan Ahmed Khan is an Independent Research scholar specialising Muslim Personalities and Communal Harmony URl: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/faith-knowledge-arshadul-qadri/d/134147 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