Maulana Yusuf Islahi Passes away
By Aslam Abdullah
Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Islahi, a prominent Muslim scholar, author, speaker, and founder of several educational institutions, passed away in India on December 21, 2021, after a short illness. However, he left behind a treasure of knowledge that would continue to benefit seekers worldwide.
Much of what he wrote and said was in Urdu, but through his students scattered all over the world, he reached an audience speaking different languages and cultures. Many of his students are in the United States. His book Asan Fiqh (Easy Jurisprudence) and Adab-e Zindagi (Etiquettes of Life) are his best-circulated books.
Born at Formulli, Attoc District, in 1932, Maulana Islam was a member of the consultative body of Jamat e Islamic Hindi. Also, he was the chief patron of Project Why Islam of the Islamic Circle of North America. Attock District is a district in Pothohar Plateau of the Punjab Province of Pakistan. Its capital is Attock city. His thoughts had the influence of Maulana Maududi, Amin Ahsan Islahi, and Abd al-Hayy al-Lucknawi.
He received his primary education in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, British India. Initially, he got educated in Islamic Studies from Mazaher ul-Uloom, Saharanpur District and Higher Studies, and Fazilat from Madarsat ul-Islah, Sarai Mir. He memorized Qur'an and also learned Tajweed. Then, his father, Shaikh-ul-Hadees Maulana Abdul Qadim Khan, sent him to Madrasa Mazahir ul Uloom, Saharanpur, for further studies. Later he joined Madarsat ul Islah, Sarai Mir, Azamgarh. He spent four years under Maulana Amin Ahsan Islahi and received Sanad Fazilat with distinction (Certificate of Graduation). He was the brother-in-law of Dr Muzammil Siddiqi, former President of India and prominent Muslim American leader.
He became a member of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind in 1953 and was in charge of various activities.
Yusuf Islahi was also guiding many educational and welfare institutions. He was the Rector of Jamiat us-Salehat, Rampur, which Maulana Abd al-Hayy al-Lucknawi founded) as a unique and very well-known institution for girls' higher Arabic and Islamic education.
More than a thousand students now reside in the sprawling campus spread on several acres of land in the best locality of Rampur city. The number of hostlers who come from the city to the new campus alone is more than thrice. Jamia has another campus, the old one too, where classes for junior sections take place. Every type has at least four areas from beginning up to higher categories.
Markazi Darsgah-e-Islami, Rampur, ran under his guidance for the last few years. Many other educational and welfare institutions also sought advice and guidance from him. He led a simple life and devoted his knowledge to serving people.
His scholarship was rooted in humility, humor, and care for humanity. May Allah elevate his status in the life hereafter.
