Short Biography of Ashraful Fuqha
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A Radiant Gem of Islamic Scholarship
By:
Abdul Raqeeb Malik Nizami
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem
Ashraful
Fuqha Hazrat Allama Mufti Mujeeb Ashraf (May Allah shower His infinite mercy
upon him!) (1937-2020) was a beacon of Islamic knowledge, a paragon of piety,
and an embodiment of the Prophetic way. His unwavering dedication to the
service of Islam shone brightly even in the twilight of his life, as he
continued his noble endeavors tirelessly until his last breath, earning the
pleasure of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. The way he lived his life serves as a
resplendent example for future generations, illuminating the path of
righteousness and spiritual elevation.
Services for the Cause
of Islam:
Recognizing
his profound erudition and capabilities, the revered scholar Mufti Abdurrasheed
Fatehpuri sought his guidance as the vice-Shaikul Hadith at the renowned Jamia
Arabia Islamia Nagpur, upon the recommendations of Mufti Azam Hind and Sharahe
Bukhari. Despite his youth, Mufti Mujeeb Ashraf was appointed as the principal
of the Kamti branch of the madarsa in 1958, where he served for two years.
However, driven by his unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards
of Islamic education, he resigned in 1960 and took a position as an Imam at a
Memon mosque in Nagpur. Mufti Abdurrasheed, recognizing his profound talents,
soon appointed him as Shaikhul Hadith at his own madarsa, where he quenched the
students' thirst for knowledge for five years (until 1965). Undeterred by
challenges, Mufti Mujeeb Ashraf founded Darul Uloom Amjadia Nagpur under the
auspices of Mufti Azam Hind and Burhane Millat Allama Burhanul Haq Jabalpuri,
continuing his noble mission of imparting Islamic teachings. He had a particular
fondness for teaching Tafseer, Usoole Tafseer, Hadith, Usoole Hadith, Fiqh,
Usoole Fiqh, and Arabic literature, illuminating the hearts and minds of
countless students with the radiant light of Islamic knowledge.
Literary
Contributions:
Despite
his numerous travels and programs, both domestically and internationally, he
managed to compile some invaluable books, including Tahsinul Eyadah (Virtue of
Visiting a Patient), Huzoor Mufti Azam Paikare Isteqamat wa Karamat, Khutbate
Colombo, Irshadul Murshid Yaani Bai'at Ki Haqiqat, and Masaile Sajda Sahw,
among others. Additionally, he composed many soul-stirring poems in praise of
the beloved Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him!) and other distinguished
Islamic personalities, igniting the flames of love and reverence in the hearts
of believers.
Spiritual Guidance and
Bai'at:
Mufti
Mujeeb Ashraf took bai'at (بیعت)
at the blessed hands of Mufti Azam Hind Hazrat Allama Mustafa Raza Khan (May
Allah shower His infinite mercy upon him!) on 24 Safar 1375 AH, corresponding
to October 12, 1975, in Bareilly, pledging his allegiance to the noble path of
spiritual purification and submission to the Divine Will. After completing his
education, he went to Nagpur for work. During a visit by Mufti Azam Hind to
Nagpur in 1380/1960, he was granted all the Khilafah and Spiritual permissions
of Qadriya, Barkatiyah, and Razviyah orders, in the presence of many venerable
scholars and countless common people, entrusting him with the sacred
responsibility of guiding souls towards the path of righteousness.
Additionally, Sharahe Bukhari blessed him with fourteen other orders, further
enriching his spiritual repertoire.
Marriage and Family:
He
married the elder daughter of his maternal uncle, Mrs. Azeeza Bano, in 1952,
and they were blessed with two sons and three daughters, a family that became a
source of strength and support in his noble endeavors. After her passing in
1971, he married Mrs. Najmunnisa, continuing his journey of life with a new
companion.
Early Life and
Education:
Ashraful
Fuqha, son of Haji Sufi Mohammad Hasan, and grandson of Hafiz Jameeullah, was
born on 2 Ramadhan 1356 AH, corresponding to November 6, 1937, in
Kareemuddinpur, Ghosi town, Azamgarh, U.P., to a reputed and learned family. He
read the Holy Qur'an with Hazrat Miyan Ji Mohammad Taqi and later enrolled in
Madarsa Ahle Sunnat Shamsul Uloom Ghosi, where he studied Arabic and Persian
books under the supervision of Sharahe Bukhari Hazrat Allama Mufti Shareefulhaq
Amjadi. In 1951, he accompanied Sharahe Bukhari to Darul Uloom Fazle Rahmaniya
Pachpedwa Balrampur (then Gonda) UP, where he studied for two years. In 1953,
he moved to Darul Uloom Mazhare Islam Bareilly, the center of Ahle Sunnah wa
Jama'ah in India, and graduated in 1957, laying the foundation for his
illustrious career as a scholar and spiritual guide.
A Glowing Tribute:
Molana
Ghulam Mustafa Razvi, the founder of Darul Uloom Anware Raza Navsari Gujarat,
recounts an incident that reflects Sharahe Bukhari's immense pride and love for
Ashraful Fuqha. In 1993, during the Urse-Qasmi, Sharahe Bukhari introduced the
venerated person Ahsanul Ulema Hazrat Molana Sayed Hassan Miyan, the then
Sajjadah Nasheen of Khanqahe Aliyah Barkatiyah Marehra Mutahhara Etah UP,
saying, "This is my pupil, Mujeeb Ashraf. On the Day of Judgment, if Allah
Ta'ala asks me what I have brought from this world, I'll proudly say this
Mujeeb Ashraf." He became very emotional and his eyes filled with tears, a
testament to the profound impact Mufti Mujeeb Ashraf had on his illustrious
teacher.
Hajj and Umrah:
He
was fortunate to perform Hajj 33 times since 1984 and Umrah many times,
answering the call of the beloved Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him!)
and seeking the pleasure of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala through these sacred
pilgrimages. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he could not visit the Holy
Makkah in 2020.
Demise and Legacy:
He
fell ill in Nagpur and was admitted to a hospital, where he breathed his last
on 15 ZulHajj 1441 AH, corresponding to August 6, 2020, at 10:30 AM, leaving
behind a legacy of knowledge, piety, and unwavering service to Islam. Due to
COVID-19 restrictions, his funeral prayer was performed several times, and
finally at midnight by his son, Hazrat Hafiz Qari Molana Tahseen Raza. He was
laid to rest in Mominpura, Nagpur, leaving behind a void that can never be
filled. Every step taken by him is worth emulating, and his memory remains
etched in the hearts of those who knew him, especially the esteemed Azeeze
Millat Molana Ghulam Mustafa Razvi of Darul Uloom Anware Raza Navsari GJ, who
always admired his piety, behavior, and fear of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.
May
Allah blessed him with higher class of paradise and forgive us without
accountability for his sake. Ameen