Mufti Irshad Husain Rampuri: Scholar and Naqshbandi Sufi Leader

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 18 February 2025 Mufti Muhammad Irshad Husain Mujaddidi Rampuri (1832–1893) was a towering figure in 19th-century South Asian Islam, renowned for his synthesis of juristic rigour, theological defence of Sunni orthodoxy, and leadership within the Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Sufi order. This article explores his life, intellectual contributions, and enduring influence, situating him within the context of colonial India’s religious and political transformations. His works, disciples, and spiritual lineage underscore his role as a defender of traditional Islam against reformist challenges. 1. Authored Intisar al-Haqq to counter anti-madhhab critiques and reaffirm the legitimacy of traditional Islamic law against Wahhabi challenges. 2. Mentored deputies who spread Mujaddidi teachings across India, Bengal, and Africa, emphasising the compatibility of Sufism and Islamic law. 3. Advised Nawab Kalb Ali Khan of Rampur, shaping governance in line with Sunni-Hanafi principles and resisting reformist ideologies. 4. Authored Fatawa Irshadiyya (legal rulings) and Irshad al-Sarf (Arabic grammar), combining rigorous juristic analysis with educational accessibility. 5. Trained eminent figures like historian Shibli Nomani and Sufi leader Pir Syed Jamat Ali Shah, leaving a lasting impact on South Asian Islam through scholarship and spiritual guidance. Mufti Muhammad Irshad Husain Mujaddidi Rampuri was a prominent 19th-century South Asian Islamic scholar, revered for synthesising strict Hanafi jurisprudence, staunch Sunni orthodoxy, and leadership within the Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Sufi order. His legacy as a jurist, spiritual guide, and defender of traditional Islam emerged during a period of colonial upheaval and religious reform, positioning him as a pivotal figure in preserving classical Islamic traditions against reformist critiques. Born in July 1832 in Mustafabad (present-day Rampur, Uttar Pradesh), Rampuri hailed from a lineage tracing back to Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab and the Sufi reformer Ahmad Sirhindi (1564–1624), founder of the Naqshbandi Mujaddidi order. This heritage instilled in him a dual identity as a guardian of Sunni legal traditions and a mystic. His early education in Persian and Arabic, under his father and brother Maulana Imdad Husain, was supplemented by studies in Lucknow’s scholarly circles. He later advanced under Maulana Muhammad Nawab Afghani Naqshbandi Mujaddidi, who initiated him into the Naqshbandi order’s spiritual practices. Rampuri’s intellectual legacy is marked by rigorous defence of Hanafi jurisprudence and Sufi spirituality. Key works include: - Intiṣār al-Ḥaqq: A 416-page rebuttal of reformist critiques, notably Nazir Husain Dihlawi Mi’yar al-Ḥaqq, reaffirming the validity of taqlid (adherence to legal schools) against Wahhabi challenges. - Fatawa Irshadiyya: A two-volume compilation of legal rulings addressing contemporary debates, defending practices like shrine visitation and Mawlid celebrations. - Irshad al-Ṣarf: A 280-page treatise on Arabic grammar, reflecting his emphasis on linguistic precision. His scholarship emphasised the harmony between Sufism and Sharia, drawing from texts like Rumi’s Masnavi and Ghazali’s Iḥya’ ‘Ulumuddin. As a deputy (khalifa) of Shah Ahmad Said Mujaddidi, Rampuri revitalised the Mujaddidi order, stressing adherence to Sharia within Sufi practice. His disciples, including chief successor Maulana Salamatullah Rampuri, spread the order across India, Bengal, and Africa. Deputies like Sufi Abd ar-Rahman Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Bengali extended its reach, while works such as Maqamat-i Irshadiyya by Hafiz Inayatullah Khan celebrated his spiritual stature. Rampuri’s close ties with Nawab Kalb Ali Khan of Rampur enabled him to shape state policies in alignment with Sunni-Hanafi principles. He advised against reformist ideologies, reinforcing traditional practices and countering anti-madhhab trends. His influence ensured Rampur remained a bastion of orthodox scholarship under colonial rule. Rampuri mentored luminaries such as historian Shibli Nomani and Barelvi leader Pir Syed Jamat Ali Shah. His sons, Maulana Ihsan Husain and Maulana Ma’wan Husain, continued his scholarly tradition, while students like Mufti Sayyid Didar Ali Qadri Alwari became renowned jurists. His teachings bridged juristic rigor and mystical devotion, nurturing a network of scholars who upheld his ideals. Rampuri married a widow, following Prophetic tradition, and fathered five sons and two daughters. Despite the early deaths of sons Irfan and Rizwan, his surviving children perpetuated his legacy. He passed away on 26 December 1893, leaving a profound impact through his writings, disciples, and Sufi lineage. Mufti Irshad Husain Rampuri’s defence of Hanafi jurisprudence, integration of Sufi spirituality, and resistance to colonial-era reforms cemented his status as a cornerstone of 19th-century South Asian Islam. His works, particularly Intiṣar al-Ḥaqq, remain foundational in Sunni-Hanafi thought, while the Naqshbandi Mujaddidi order thrives globally. By nurturing a generation of scholars and spiritual leaders, he ensured the endurance of traditional Islam amidst transformative challenges, securing his place as a beacon of orthodoxy and mysticism. Citations · Rizvi, S. S. A. (1989). Maulana Irshad Hussain Mujaddidi Rampuri: Hayat, Khidmaat, Nazaryat, Taleemaat [مولانا ارشاد حسین مجددی رامپوری: حیات، خدمات، نظریات، تعلیمات]. Jamal Press. · "Hazrat Maulana Mufti Shaah Irshaad Husain Rampuri rahmatullāhi alaihi". Aal-e-Qutub Aal-e-Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi. 2019-12-07. · "عظیم نقشبندی بزرگ مولانا ارشاد حسین فاروقی مجددی رامپوری علیہ الرحمۃ". · Zia-e-Taiba, I. T. Department of. "Hazrat Molana Shah Irshad Hussain Rampuri | Scholars | Islamic | Encyclopedia | Book Libraray | Articles | Blogs". www.scholars.pk (in Urdu). 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. ---------- URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/irshad-husain-scholar-naqshbandi-sufi-leader/d/134663 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