Profile of Maulwi Mohammad Anwarullah Farooqi
Identity: Renowned Islamic scholar, founder of Jamia Nizamia Hyderabad, social reformer, great Sufi, and former Minister of Religious Affairs (Hyderabad State).
Mohammad Anwarullah Farooqi (Title: Fazeelat Jung) is among the legendary personalities of the subcontinent who integrated religious knowledge with state service. He laid the historical foundations for the promotion of Islamic sciences in Hyderabad Deccan, the benefits of which continue to this day.
He was born on 4 Rabi-al-Thani 1264 AH (corresponding to March 1848 AD) in Nanded. He belonged to the noble family of the second Caliph, Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA). His grandfather, Farrukh Shah Kabuli, migrated from Afghanistan to India. Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar (RA) and Imam Rabbani Mujaddid Alif Thani (RA) also belong to the same blessed lineage.
At the age of 11, he completed the memorization of the Holy Quran under Hafiz Amjad Ali. He received education in Fiqh (Jurisprudence) and Logic from eminent scholars like Maulana Abdul Halim Farangi Mahli and Maulana Abdul Hayy Farangi Mahli. He obtained certification (Sanad) in Hadith and Tafsir from Sheikh Abdullah Yamani.
The greatest achievement of his life was the founding of Jamia Nizamia on 19 Dhu al-Hijjah 1292 AH. This institution was established at a time when Muslims were in dire need of a central university for higher Islamic education. His foresight placed it among the major educational institutions of Asia.
He was appointed as the tutor (Ataliq) to the sixth Nizam, Nawab Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, and the seventh Nizam, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan. During the reign of the seventh Nizam, he was appointed as the 'Sadr-us-Sudoor' of the Deccan and later as the Minister of Religious Affairs. In the early days of his career, he set an example of integrity and piety by resigning in protest against an incorrect official entry.
He traveled to the Holy Harams (Makkah and Madinah) three times. During his stay in Madinah, he arranged for the transcription of precious scholarly treasures such as "Kanz al-Ummal" (9 volumes), "Jami' Musnad Imam Azam," and "Sunan al-Bayhaqi" at his own expense to preserve the heritage of knowledge.
He authored a large number of books that are considered authoritative in Theology, Fiqh, and Seerah:
Maqasid al-Islam (11 volumes): His world-renowned masterpiece.
Anwar-e-Ahmadi: An exceptional book on the status of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Ifadat al-Afham: A voluminous work on the explanation of Islamic creeds.
Haqiqat al-Fiqh: Based on the secrets and nuances of Jurisprudence.
Spiritually, he was a disciple and deputy (Khalifa) of Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki. He held certifications and Caliphate in all spiritual orders (Qadiriyya, Chishtiyya, Naqshbandiyya, and Suhrawardiyya). His gatherings included lessons from "Futuhat al-Makkiyya" (by Ibn Arabi), reflecting his high spiritual standing.
Death: He passed away on 29 Jumada al-Awwal 1336 AH (1918 AD). His shrine is located within the premises of Jamia Nizamia (Hyderabad, India), serving as a place of spiritual resort for the public. His Urs (anniversary) is commemorated every year on 29 Jumada al-Awwal.
USEFUL LINKS : | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anwarullah_Farooqui