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Home , Darul Uloom Deoband, Grand Mufti, Muhiuddin Khan, Shabbir Ahmad Usmani, Usmani

SHAFI AND MAARIFUL QUR’AN; AN INTRODUCTION & REVIEW

Muhammad Shahab Khatak Department of & , Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan

ABSTRACT After the war of indepence1857 the Muslims of were governed by the British Empire for the period of a century. During this period different movements for the independence for Indian Muslims were raised. Among them there was a movement of , which was actually an educational movement for survival of Muslim. The renounced scholars of Deoband school of thought presented the literature for the strong ideological training of muslims, so that they could have implemented the islamic instrcuctions in their lives. In this connection the contribution of Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi were remarkable who devoted his life for preaching the ideology of . He compiled a huge number of books for the betterment in social and moral life of Muslims. He presented the translation and commentary (Tafseer) of the Holy Qura'an which is a unique commentary. In this article the introduction of Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi and the characteristics of his Tafseer Maarif ul are presented. Key words: Mufti Shafi, Urdu Quranic Commentary, Maarif ul Quran, Tafsir in

INTRODUCTION N.W.F.P) where Muslims of this At the time when Mufti Muhammad province vote of Pakistan through a Shafi a great religious research scholar referendum due to the efforts of these of Indo Pakistan, was teaching at Darul . After great struggle when Uloom Deoband, Muslims of the Pakistan came into being, Shabbir subcontinent were striving for Ahmad invited his friends, independence from the British Rule. The Molana Manzir Ahsan Gilani, Allama Muslims were deprived in all fields of Syed Suleman Nadvi and Mufti life by the Britains and the Hundus. Muhammad Shafi to Pakistan to draft Therefore, the Muslims of subcontinent Islamic . This job gathered at a platform formed the All- was successfully completed within three India Muslim League to campaign for months by the efforts of these the independent separate Muslim state, personalities. Ashraf Ali Thanvi requested all ulama Later on in 1367 AH (1948), and Muslims in general to support this Muhammad Shafi left his hometown, campaign. Mufti Muhammad Shafi, with Deoband and immigrated to Pakistan on other scholars including Zafar Ahmad the request of his is friends. He Usmani joined Jamiat Ulam e Islam, a succeeded to Hassan Tonki as the council of Islamic scholars formed by of Pakistan from 1948 to 06 to campaign for October 1976. He founded the creation of Pakistan. In 1363 AH in 1370 AH (1950/1951) .Mufti (1944) Muhammad Shafi resigned from Muhammad Shafi a great religious teaching and issuing fatwas at Darul scholar of his time having special Uloom Deoband in order to devote his interest in Shari’a, and Tafsir, time to the movement for the creation of who spent his whole life for the Pakistan. He toured different parts of renaissance of Islamic thoughts, created India, gave speeches, and issued Fatwas awareness for the separate Islamic for this purpose, especially the province identity among the Muslims of Indo of Kyber Pakhtunka Pakistan (the then Pakistan. Here I am presenting his brief 130 Khatak, Mufti Muhammad Shafi

biography and introduction of his life  Mohammad Ibrahim Balyavi time achievement, the compilation of the (died: 1383 AH) ( Rafi,2000) commentary on the Holy Quran titled as In 1336 AH (1917/1918) or 1337 AH Maariful Quran (1918/19) he was appointed as a teacher of the primary classes at Darul Uloom FINDINGS Deoband, though he quickly reached a The great Islamic scholar Muhammad position of teaching higher classes. He Shafi, was born in mid night of 20-21 had an attraction in and Fatawa, so Shaaban 1314 i.e January 25, 1897 in a he frequently assisted Mufti Azizu'r- town Deoband of the district Rahman Usmani, the grand Mufti of , the British India. His Darul Ifta (the Fartwa department of Grandfather named him as Mohammad ). Therefore, Mubeen, while the name “Muhammad keeping in view his ability in this field, Shafi”, was proposed by Molana Rashid Muhammad Shafi was appointed to the Ahmad Gangohi, a great religious position of Grand Mufti of Darul Uloom scholar and saint of his times. Deoband in 1350 AH (1932). He held (Shafi,1384 A.H) this position until 1354 AH (1935/36), Mufti Mohammad learnt and memorized and again from 1359 AH (1940/1941) to some initial Chapters of the holy book (1362AH 1943). (Shafi,1384 A.H) from Mohammad Azim. He learnt While holding this position, it is basic books of Persian from his father, estimated that number of fatwas that he Math from his uncle issued was ranged from 26,000 to over Munshi Manzoor and Arabic from his 40,000. Some of Muhammad Shafi's friend Qari Mohammad Yousuf Mirathi fatwas have been published in eight large in Darul Uloom Deoband where his volumes titled as Imdad al-Muftin, while father was working as teacher.( the majority remained unpublished. Rafi,2000) ( Rafi,2000) In 1325 AH (1907/1908) he was After Partition when he immigrated to formally admitted into Darul Uloom Pakistan he founded Darul Uloom Deoband from where he graduated in Karachi in June 1951 and become the 1336 AH (1918) at the age of 21. He was first president of this institute. Being taught from the following renowned head of this Institute, he also established teachers in Darul Uloom Deoband, the the department of Ifta over here. He was British India. (Shafi,1384 A.H) succeeded by his grandson Mohammad  Allam Mohammad Anwar Shah Rafi Usmani being president of this Kashmiri(died: 1352 AH) institute after his sad demise in  Azizur Rahman Usmani 1976.(,1999) (died: 1347 AH) Mohammad Shafi not only worked for  Mohammad Qasim Nanotvi Islamic theology but also actively (died: 1347 AH) participated in the national politics for  Shabbir Ahmad Usmani the purpose to frame the constitution in (died: 1369 AH) light of the teachings of the Holy  Syed Mian Asghar Hussain Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the (died: 1364 AH) Holy Qur’an for the newly established  Aizaz Ali Islamic state Pakistan. Therefore he (died: 1374 AH) actively participated to pass the first  Rasool Khan Objective Resolution in light of Islamic (died: 1391AH) principles from the National Assembly of Pakistan. (Shafi,1384 A.H)

Gomal University Journal of Research, 29(1). June 2013 131 Khatak, Mufti Muhammad Shafi

Keeping in view his services, he was meanings of the Holy Book in their own selected as member of the first Islamic language and therefore other intellectuals Studies Board (ISB) in 1949. This Board were encouraged to not only simply worked for four years. The main translate the Holy Book but they wrote objective of the board was to draft detailed commentary of the Holy Book Islamic Constitution of Pakistan. He was in Arabic , Persian and Urdu languages also selected as Member of the Law as well. In these intellectual efforts Commission of Pakistan in 1950.He was Tafsir Ma’ariful Qur’an by Mufti appointed as President (Ameer) of the Mohammad Shafi is a very important Central Executive Committee of the Tafsir (commentary) of the Qur’an in Jamiat Ulama Islam Pakistan for three Urdu language discussing present day’s years after the sad demise of Shabbir problems and issues faced in the modern Ahmad Usmani. (Akbar, 1987) era of Science & Technology. He wrote around one hundred books Ma‘ārifu’l-Qur’ān is tafsir explaining the Quran and interpreting (commentary) of the Qura’an comprising Islamic and Laws. His best- on eight-volumes by eminent religious known and most widely translated work scholar, Mufti Mohammad Shafi (1897– is the Ma’ariful Qur’an ("The Wisdom 1976) which is the most prominent work of the Qur’an"), which he finished in of its author. Urdu language in four years before his death. This is a remarkable and unique a DISCUSSION commentary on the entire Quran in its Ma’ariful Qur’an; Compilation own style and presentation discussing background latest issues prevailing in the society. It Regarding compilation’s background of was initially started as a series of weekly Ma'ariful Qur'an, Mufti Muhammad lectures of selected portions from the shafi wrote in his forwarding note that Holy Qur’an on Radio Pakistan that ran he never thought himself able to write for twelve years. (Shafi,1982) tafsir of the Qur’an being very difficult Muhammad Shafi died on 10 Shawwal and technical job. However the origin of 1396 AH (6 October 1976) at the age of Ma'ariful Qur'an refers back to the third eighty three years in Karachi. (Taqqi, of Shawwal 1373 A.H. (the 2nd of July N.D) 1954) when I was invited to deliver Tafsir Ma’ariful Quran; weekly lectures on the Radio Pakistan to The first ever effort in the subcontinent explain selected verses of the Holy for understanding the Qur’an was made Qur'an to the general audience. This by Shah Wali Ullah Dehlvi by invitation was accepted with the translating the Holy Qur’an into Persian condition that no any remuneration for language. Although he faced great this service will be accepted and that my difficulties in this regard and resisted by lectures would be broadcast without any the Orthodocs. However, later on it was sensor /interference by the editing proved that this translation played an authorities. The permanent of this important role in attracting the masses weekly programme was "Ma'ariful- towards understanding of the Qur’an. Qur'an" (The Wisdom of the Holy Keeping in view the important role of Qur'an) and it was broadcast every the Shah Wali Ullah’s translation, Shah Friday morning on the network of Radio Abdul Aziz and Shah Rafiuddin Pakistan. This series of lectures encouraged translating the Holy Book continued for ten years up to the month into Urdu language. These basic efforts of June 1964 whereby the new provided the opportunity understand the authorities stopped this programme due

Gomal University Journal of Research, 29(1). June 2013 132 Khatak, Mufti Muhammad Shafi

to change in the policy of the Radio beginning of the first volume, focuses on Pakistan. This series of lectures some of the basic issues of the Quran. contained a detailed commentary on Notable among them are the Wahy, the selected verses from the beginning of the modes of descent, the chronology of the Holy Qur'an up to the Surah revelation of the Quran, the first revealed Ibrahim.This weekly programme of verses (ayah), Meccan and Medinan Radio Pakistan was warmly welcomed verses, the preservation of the Quran, the by the Muslims throughout the world printing of the Quran, the sources of and used to be listened to by thousands Tafsir, Arabic language etc. The work of Muslims, not only in Pakistan and adopts a simple narrative style: first, India but also in Western and African several verses are provided in the countries .After the programme was original Arabic with their literal discontinued, requests were started translation in Urdu; it is then followed pouring from all over the world to by subject-wise discussion on almost transfer these series of lectures in a form every important issue. Here we are of book and to complete the remaining presenting some important features of part of the Qur'an in the shape of a Ma’ariful Qur’an. (Shafi, 1982) regular commentary. Therefore keeping 1. Rather to translate Qur’an again in view these requests, these lectures by himself, the author depended were revised with addition of those and borrowed the translation for verses which were not included in the his Tafsir from Mahmood Ul original lectures. The project was started Hassan and Ashraf Ali in 1383 A.H. (1964) and completed the Thanvi as both the authors commentary of Surah al-Fatihah in its already done this job with great revised form and started the revision of care and responsibility. Surah al-Baqarah. However, project was 2. The abstract of Chapters is taken suspended for the time being due to the from the Tafsir Bayan al Qur’an involvements in other numerous with some additions by himself. activities, and remained unattended 3. Under the title Marif o Masa’il, during the next five years. Ma'ariful Qur'an not only In Shawwal 1388 (1969) the project was includes the discussions and restarted while the author suffered from analysis of the Quran found in a number of diseases which made him the authentic sources of Tafsir, it restricted to his bed. It was during this also tries to answer the ailment that he again started this work contemporary questions and while on bed and completed Surah al- issues in a logical and scholarly Baqarah in the same condition. Since manner, which is rather absent in then he devoted himself to the other traditional . (Abdul "Ma'ariful-Qur'an". Despite a large Ali, 2001) number of obstacles in his way, he never 4. The author tried his best to surrendered to any of them and discuss emerging issues of the continued his work with a miraculous new era of Science & speed until he accomplished the work in Technology and presented their eight volumes (comprising about seven possible solutions in light of thousand pages) within five years only. Qur’an and Sunah. For Example; (Taqqi,N.D) Transplantation of blood from Presentation & Style one person to another to save life, The work consists of eight volumes. A use of various Allopathic detailed introduction, included at the Medicines, Family Planning,

Gomal University Journal of Research, 29(1). June 2013 133 Khatak, Mufti Muhammad Shafi

(Zabt e Wiladat) Raza’at of 6. The author mostly depended on newly born babies, prey by bullet the work already made by the etc. (Taqqi,N.D) prominent scholars in the past. In 5. The author rather to criticize past this regard author frequently work discussed Fiqhi Problems referred following sources during in general on various issues of his commentary. the modern days and gave their 7. In the introduction of Ma'ariful possible solutions in light of Qur'an, the author has mentioned Qur’an and Sunah. Such matters the sources he has taken help are mostly referred from from in compiling this al-Quran, Tafsir Al Qurtubi, Ibne voluminous work. Some of them Arabi,Tafsirat Ahmadia, Rooh Al are: Maani, Bayan al Quar’an.

Name of Work Referred Author Died on (AH) Tafsir Ibn e Jarir Allama Abu Jafar Muhammad ibn Jarir 310 Tabari Ahkam al-Quran Abubakar Jassais Razi 370 Tafsir al-Kabir Imam Fakhruddin Razi 606 Tafsir Al Qurtubi, (Al Jam e Al Abu Abdullah Mohammad bin Ahmad 671 Aqhkam Alqur’an) bin Abi Bakar Farah Al Qurtabi Tafsir al-Bahr al-Muhit Abu Hayan Gharnati Undlasi 754 Hafiz Imadud Din Abu Alfida Ismail 774 Tafsir Ibn e Kathir bin Kathir Tafsir Al Dur al- Manthur Jalaluddin Al-Suyuti 910 Tafsir e Mazhari Qazi Sanaullah Pani Pati 1265 Rooh al Ma’ani ( Tafsir Al Qur’an Ail Azeem wa Asba’a Mohammad A’alooosi Al Mas’ani) Al Quran Al Kareem 1339 Mahmood ul Hassan (Translation) Bayan Al Qur’an Asraf Ali Thanvi 1362 (Taqqi,2002)

The simple narrative technique is common person. Below is the list of repeated again and again until the end to volumes and their contents: make it more understandable by the

Volumes Contents of volumes 1 Sura Al-Fatiha and sura Al-Baqara 2 from sura Al-Imran to sura An-Nisa 3 – 4 from sura Al-Anfal to sura Hud 5 from sura Yusuf to sura Al-Kahf 6 - 7 from sura Luqman to sura Al-Ahqaf 8 from sura Muhammad to Surat al-Nas

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TRANSLATIONS REFERENCES Keeping in view the importance and usefulness of Tafsir Maariful Quran, it Abdul Ali, A.(2001) “Roza tu Tafsir”, has been translated into English and Makataba e Walia, Quetta, P- 63. Bengali languages. The detail is as under: Akbar Shah, B.(1987) “Tehrike Pakistan Keeping in view the importance of Tafsir aur Ulama e Deo Band”, H.M.Saeed & Maariful Quran, it has been translated Co,Karachi, P-328. into English by Prof. Muhammad Hasan Askari and Prof. Muhammad Shamim, Akbar Shah, B.(1999) “Khutbat e Mufti and revised by Mufti Muhammad Taqi e Azam”, Idara Isalmiat, Karachi, P-34. Usmani. It has been published from Karachi (Shafi,N.D, P: XV, XVI) Rafi, U. (2000) “Hayat e Mufti-e- The complete eight volumes of Tafsir Azam”, Idarat ul Maarif, Karachi, P-26. Maariful Quran have been translated into Bengali by Maulana Muhiuddin Khan Shafi, M.(N.D) “Ma’ariful Qura’an”, and published from Dhaka by Islamic English Translation by Hassan Askari & Foundation (Shafi,N.D, P: Taqqi,U. Karachi, Vol:1, P: XV, XVI. XIII.). Shafi,M.(1384 A.H).“Fatwa Darul CONCLUSION Uloom Deoband”, Idarat ul Maarif, Keeping in view above, it is concluded Karachi, 2:4. that it is a matter of great pride for Mufti Muhammad Shafi that he is the scholar Shafi,M.(1982) “Ma’ariful Qura’an”, who rather to criticize the other sects, Idarat ul Maarif, Karachi, 1:63. presented all his work in very simple, unique and versatile manner with Shafi,M.,(N.D) “ Ma’ariful Qura’an” authentic justifications, from Quran and Translated by Mohiuddin Khan Islamic that other sects even though Foundation, Dhakka, Bangladesh. 1:8. having difference of opinion in various issues, still considering him very honest Taqqi, U.(N.D) “Al-Balagh”, Mufti-e- and responsible scholar for the way he Azam Edition, Maktaba Dar ul Uloom, concluded the issues sensitive in nature Karachi, P-338. (due to which Muslim Umah divided into various sects) with authentic Taqqi,U.(2002) “Muqadma, Ma’ariful evidence purely in light of Quran and Qura’an”, Idarat ul Ma’arif, Karachi, P- Sunnah, in easy and logical way and can 54. understand that what the Almighty Allah is demanding from the mankind for their own betterment of this and the eternal world. This is a commendable service of Mohammad Shafi for the Muslim Umah.

Gomal University Journal of Research, 29(1). June 2013