Hazrat Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqui of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: Life, Legacy, and Global Impact

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 14 May 2025 Descendant of Hazrat Abu Bakr; "Roving Ambassador of Islam." Memorized Quran at 4, trained under Imam Ahmad Raza Khan. Founded global institutions (Jamiyah Singapore, Canada’s first mosque). Pioneered interfaith dialogue via IRO. Authored 20+ books on theology and social justice. Buried in Jannat al-Baqi, Madinah. Main Points: 1. Descendant of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique. 2. Global missionary, established mosques/institutions worldwide. 3. Promoted interfaith harmony (founded IRO). 4. Authored books blending Sufism with modern issues. 5. Campaigned against Hajj Tax, buried in Madinah. ------- Hazrat Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqui al-Qadiri (1892–1954), a direct descendant of the first Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho), stands as one of the most revered Sufi scholars and Islamic missionaries of the 20th century. Known as the “Roving Ambassador of Islam,” his life was marked by spiritual devotion, scholarly brilliance, and tireless efforts to spread the message of peace and unity across the globe. This article explores his journey, contributions, and enduring influence on Islamic revivalism and interfaith harmony. Born on 15th Ramadan 1310 Hijri (1892 CE) in Meerut, India, Hazrat Siddiqui belonged to the 37th generation of the noble Siddiqui family, tracing lineage to Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique R.A. His upbringing in a family of scholars and Sufi masters instilled in him a deep commitment to preserving Islamic traditions while addressing the challenges of a changing world. From a young age, Hazrat Siddiqui displayed extraordinary intellectual gifts. He completed the Nazara (recitation) of the Holy Quran by the age of four and mastered elementary Arabic and Persian under his father, Hazrat Abdul Hakim Siddiqui, a respected Hanafi jurist and Qadir Sufi master. By nine, he delivered his first public speech at a Mawlid gathering in Meerut, captivating audiences with his eloquence on the virtues of Hazrat Prophet Muhammad. After completing his Islamic education at Madrasa Arabiyyah Qoumiyyah, he pursued secular studies at Islamiyah High School and later graduated with distinction from Meerut University in 1917. His fluency in over 15 languages, including Arabic, English, German, and Japanese, reflected his global vision. Hazrat Siddiqui’s spiritual journey was rooted in a distinguished Silsila (chain) connecting him to Hazrat Prophet Muhammad through 37 saints, including Hazrat Ali (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho), Hazrat Hasan Basri R.A., and Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani R.A. His formal training in Sufism began under Imam Ahmad Raza Khan of Bareilly, the towering Barelvi scholar and revivalist, who granted him Khilafat (spiritual authority) in the Qadiriyyah-Barkatiyyah order. A transformative moment occurred during his 1919 Hajj pilgrimage. In Medina, he experienced a divine calling, feeling spiritually commissioned to dedicate his life to global Islamic propagation (Tableegh). This mission became the cornerstone of his next three decades. From the 1920s until his passing, Hazrat Siddiqui travelled to over 36 countries, earning the title “Roving Ambassador of Islam.” His work spanned continents, from remote islands like Mauritius to bustling cities like Singapore and Toronto. He established Southeast Asia, he founded the All Malaya Muslim Missionary Society (1932), later renamed Jamiyah Singapore, which remains a pillar of Islamic education. A pioneer of interfaith collaboration, he co-founded the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) in Singapore (1949), urging leaders of all faiths to unite against social evils. His famous 1949 speech at Singapore’s Victoria Memorial Hall emphasized shared moral values across religions as the foundation for global peace. He spearheaded the construction of mosques worldwide, including Canada’s first mosque, the Al-Rashid Mosque in Edmonton (1938), and Singapore’s Abdul Aleem Siddique Mosque (1954). In Trinidad, his efforts led to the establishment of socio-religious centers that empowered Muslim communities. In the 1950s, he campaigned against Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Tax, securing a landmark fatwa from Mufti Azam-e-Hind, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan, which pressured Saudi authorities to temporarily abolish the tax. His activism highlighted his commitment to Islamic ethics and social justice. His debates with figures like George Bernard Shaw (1935) showcased his ability to articulate Islamic principles to diverse audiences. Shaw, deeply impressed, described their meeting as “the most precious memory” of his travels. Hazrat Siddiqui authored over 20 books in Urdu and English, blending traditional scholarship with contemporary relevance. Notable works include: Zikr-e-Habib, Principles of Islam, and Women and Their Status in Islam. He also founded journals like The Muslim Digest (South Africa) and Trinidad Muslim Annual platforms for Islamic thought and anti-colonial discourse. Disciples worldwide recounted his charismatic presence and spiritual magnetism. In Mauritius, his lectures drew thousands, with many non-Muslims embracing Islam after witnessing his piety. In Canada, his sermons in Edmonton and Toronto reportedly healed incurable illnesses, attracting intellectuals and leaders. Exhausted by decades of travel, Hazrat Siddiqui passed away in 1373 Hijri (1954 CE) during a visit to Medina. As per his lifelong wish, he was buried in Jannat al-Baqi, near the resting place of Hazrat Aisha (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha). His grave remains a site of reverence for followers globally. Hazrat Siddiqui’s legacy thrives through institutions like Jamiyah Singapore and the World Islamic Mission. His emphasis on Sufism as a bridge between tradition and modernity resonates in today’s pluralistic world. Hazrat Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqui epitomized the Sufi ideal of Insan-e-Kamil, a scholar, mystic, and reformer who harmonized faith with compassion. In an era marked by division, his life reminds us that true Islamic revival lies in unity, education, and love for humanity. References 1. https://alahazrat.net/personalities/sheikh-abdul-aleem-siddiqui-qadri-meerathi/ 2. THE MIRACLE OF RAZA TAAJUSH SHARIAH By Muhammad Afthab Cassim al-Qaadiri Razvi Noori 3. https://scholars.pk/ur/scholar/hazrat-allama-shah-muhammad-abdul-aleem-siddiqui 4. https://www.shadhiliyyah.sg/singapore-awliya/maulana-abdul-aleem-siddique 5. https://seekerofthesacredknowledge.wordpress.com/biographies-of-awliya-allah/maulana-shah-abdul-aleem/ 6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326202373_Siddiqi_Maulana_Abdul_Aleem ----- 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://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hazrat-shah-aleem-siddiqui-legacy-global-impact/d/135524 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