Madrasatul Islah

Darul Musanneffin Shibli Academy: Change at the top

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Darul Musanneffin Shibli Academy at Azamgarh in India is one of the premiere Islamic research institute. In its more than 100 year of existence it has produced invaluable literature in the area of Islamic history, Islamic history in India, Life of the Prophet and the life of the Companions of the Prophet. Professor Ishtiyaq Ahmad Zilli joined Darul Musanneffin in March 2008 as Director/Secretary. After serving the academy for almost 13 years he has in resigned from the academy in November 2021. The new chairman selected by the committee is Dr. Zafrul Islam Khan.

He is son of well known scholar, Late Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. His younger brother, Saniyasnain Khan is also a writer and publisher and runs Goodword Books. Zafrul Islam Khan got his primary education from Madrasatul Islah, Azamgarh. Later he went to Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow. Later he went for higher studies to Jamia Al Azhar, Cairo and completed his Ph.D. from University of Manchester, UK.

Zafrul Islam Khan is a well known public figure who has a record of public service in various capacities. At present he is editor and publisher of English fortnightly The Milli Gazette. He is also the founder and chairman of Charity Alliance. Charity Alliance is an NGO involved in relief work in India and also runs school for poor in West Bengal. He is former president of All India Majlis e Mushawarat for multiple terms. He is ex chairman of Delhi Minorities Commission.

Zafrul Islam Khan is also a prolific writer and has written several books and numerous articles. Before being elected as Director/Secretary of Darul Musanneffin, he was associated with the academy for several years. He brings vast and diverse experience with him to the academy. Of late, The academy is going through a very tough situation financially. I hope that he will strengthen the academy with his leadership and the academy will thrive and continue its illustrious journey under his leadership, Ameen.

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan (1925-2021)

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Author: Dr. Mohsin Aziz

Noted Islamic Scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan died of Covid related illness on 21 April 2021 at a Delhi Hospital at the age of 96, Inna Nillahe Wa Inna Illaihe Rajioun (Indeed to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return). He was born on 1 January 1925 in Azamgarh district.

Maulana was a prolific writer. He wrote more than 200 books on Islam, Prophet, Spirituality, Quran etc. Among his notable works is a two volume commentary of Quran, Tazkirul Quran, in Urdu. Besides he also did a translation of Quran in contemporary English. He was editor of monthly Urdu Magazine Al Risala since 1976 which consisted primarily his own articles. His book “Islam: Creator of the Modern Age” is considered a classic on the subject.

Maulana Wahiduddin was one of the earlies among Indian Muslim Scholars to counsel Indian Muslims to surrender claim to Babri Masjid and was a regular presence in many interfaith dialogues.

He was recipient of many National and International awards including Demiurgus Peace International Award, India’s third highest Civilian Awards, Padma Bhushan(2000),  National Citizens’ Award, Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavna Award(2009) and last but not least Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian award in 2021.

Personally I heard a lot about him from my father (Professor Ishtiyaq Ahmad Zilli). He was senior to my father at Madrasatul Islah (Sarimeer, Azamgarh) and for a brief period was his roommate as well at the Madrasah. At Madrasah, while others slept on beds, Maulana preferred sleeping on floor (as told by my father).

Maulana is survived by two sons – Dr. Zafrul Islam Khan and Saniyasnain Khan. Dr. Zafrul Islam Khan is a senior journalist who edits fortnighty Milli Gazette and is former Chairman of Delhi Minority Commission while Saniyasnain Khan runs Goodword Books which publishes Islamic books for kids. Saniyasnain Khan is author of more than 100 books.

His death is indeed a great loss for humanity. May Allah increase his station in hereafter and forgive his shortcomings, Ameen.