Renowned Islamic Scholar Malik-ul-Ulama Zafaruddin Bihari: A Life of Scholarship and Influence
By Syed Amjad Hussain,
New Age Islam
26 July
2024
Allama
Malik Muhammad Zafaruddin Bihari, affectionately known as Malik-ul-Ulama, left
an indelible mark on Islamic scholarship in the 20th century. Born on October
19, 1885, in Bihar Sharif, India, he emerged as a pivotal figure within the
Barelvi movement, a revivalist Sunni Islamic movement emphasizing traditional
Islamic values and practices.
Most
famous book written by Zafaruddin Bihari is Hayat-e-Aala Hazrat, known as the
first biography of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi.
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Bihari
began his educational journey at Madrasa Ghausia Hanafia under the guidance of
Allama Wasi Ahmad Surati, later continuing his studies at Madrasa
Manzar-e-Islam, founded by the eminent Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi. Under Imam
Ahmed Raza Khan's tutelage, Bihari flourished, eventually becoming a manager at
the institution. His early career as a teacher at Madrasa Manzar-e-Islam and
Madrasa Hanafia in Allahabad set the stage for his future contributions to
Islamic jurisprudence and theology.
In 1912,
Bihari joined the newly established Government Madrasa Shamsul Huda, where he
excelled as a teacher of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and Hadith (Prophetic
traditions). His dedication and scholarly prowess led him to Khanqah Kabeeriya
in 1916, followed by a return to Madrasa Shamsul Huda in 1920 and worked as
Teacher there. Here, he served until his retirement in 1951, earning
distinction as Shaykh-al Kul (Head
Master) in 1947 and making enduring contributions to Islamic education.
An ardent
follower of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, Bihari was deeply rooted in the
Qadriyya-Barkatiyya-Razviyya and Ashrafiyya Sufi orders, receiving Khilafat and Ijazat from Syed Muhammad Ashraf Kichhauchwi. His scholarship
extended beyond teaching; he authored several influential works, including
"Sahih-ul-Bihari," a
comprehensive compilation of over 9000 hadiths spanning six volumes in support
of Hanafi jurisprudence. "Hayat-e-Aala
Hazrat," his acclaimed biography of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan, and "Fatawa Malik-ul-Ulama," a
collection of his legal opinions, further underscored his intellectual prowess
and scholarly rigor.
He had a
strong hold on Ilm-al-Tauqeet, a
field of science to understand the Timing of Namaz.
Malik-ul-Ulama
Zafaruddin Bihari passed away on November 18, 1962, at his residence, Zafar
Manzil in Patna, leaving behind a rich legacy of scholarship and spiritual
guidance. His burial in the Dargah premises of Shahganj and the leadership of
his funeral prayer by Hazrat Allama Shah Ayyub Abdali Shahidi Rashidi Islampuri
highlighted his profound influence and respect within the Islamic scholarly
community.
In commemorating
the life and contributions of Malik-ul-Ulama Zafaruddin Bihari, we honour not
only a distinguished scholar but a beacon of knowledge whose works continue to
enlighten and inspire generations of students and seekers of Islamic wisdom
worldwide. His devotion to preserving and promoting the teachings of Imam Ahmed
Raza Khan Barelvi and his profound scholarship in Hadith and Fiqh serve as
enduring pillars of the Barelvi tradition in contemporary Islamic thought.
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Syed Amjad Hussain is a Bihar-based Author and research scholar of
Sufism. He is affiliated with the Shyama Prasad Institute of Technology and
Management, Kolkata.
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