Edara-e-Shariah: Its Historical Roots, Organizational Framework, and Socio-Religious Impact
By
Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam
22 August
2024
Edara-e-Shariah, Founded In 1968, Integrates Islamic
Law With Community Needs, Offering Legal Guidance, Education, And Social
Support.
Main
Points:
1. Edara-e-Shariah
was established in 1968 by Allama Arshadul Qadri and other key figures to
address Muslim community needs.
2. It operates
through regional leaders and departments like Darul Qaza and Darul Ifta.
3. The
organization plays a key role in moon sighting, festival declarations, and
issuing fatwas.
4. Manages a network
of madrasas for Islamic education.
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Edara-e-Sharia
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Introduction
Idara-e-Shariah
also spelt Edara-e-Shariah,
an influential socio-religious organization within the Indian Muslim community,
was founded in 1968. Its establishment marked a significant moment for the Ahle
Sunnat Wal Jamaat (Barelvi) movement, aiming to address various personal and
communal issues in accordance with Islamic law. Headquartered in Khajurbanna,
Sultanganj, Patna, Bihar, Edara-e-Shariah has extended its influence through
branches across several states in India. This detailed exploration covers the
historical origins, organizational structure, key functions, and broader impact
of Edara-e-Shariah.
Historical
Origins
The
inception of Edara-e-Shariah is closely linked to the efforts of Allama
Arshadul Qadri. His vision was to create a platform that would not only address
the personal legal needs of Muslims but also provide a framework for the
community's socio-religious activities. The establishment of Edara-e-Shariah
in 1968 was a culmination of this vision, marked by a gathering of notable
scholars and leaders from across India.
The
founding ceremony was notably attended by influential figures and was organized
by key convenors like Allama Arshadul Qadri and Syed Muzaffar Hussain
Kichhauchvi, former Member of Lok Sabha.
It was
attended by notable figures like Mustafa Raza Khan Qadri, former Grand Mufti of
India, Mufti Burhanul Haque Jabalpuri, former Grand Mufti of Madhya Pradesh and
former MLA, Syed Aale Mustafa Marharvi, Hafiz-e-Millat Allama Abdul Aziz
Muradabadi, founder of Al-Jamiatul Ashrafiya Mubarakpur, Maulana Zafarul Hasan
Qadri Pokhrairvi.
This
gathering highlighted the collective endorsement of Edara-e-Shariah by
leading Islamic scholars and reinforced its position within the Barelvi
movement.
Organizational
Structure
Edara-e-Shariah
operates through a complex hierarchical structure designed to address various
needs within the Muslim community:
The
organization is led by Maulana Gulam Rasool Balyawi, former Member of Rajya
Sabha and former Member of Bihar Legislative Council in India as the National
President of the organisation. It has State Presidents in mostly all the state
in India and working from the grassroots in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West
Bengal, Assam, Rajasthan.
State
Presidents oversee the activities of Edara-e-Shariah in their respective
regions, ensuring that its policies and directives are effectively implemented.
The
organization’s administration is divided into several key departments:
Darul
Qaza: Acts as
informal Islamic courts, resolving disputes in personal law matters such as
marriage, divorce, and inheritance. These courts operate based on Sharia
principles, providing community-specific resolutions and promoting social
harmony.
Darul Ifta: Issues fatwas or legal opinions
derived from the Quran and Hadith. This department plays a crucial role in
guiding community members on various aspects of personal and social conduct.
Department
of Education:
Manages a vast network of madrasas (Islamic schools) that provide primary and
advanced Islamic education. This network serves as the backbone of religious
education, ensuring the transmission of Islamic knowledge and values to the
younger generation.
Community
Guidance and Support:
Edara-e-Shariah engages in advising the community on socio-political
issues, including election guidance and preparedness for administrative
processes like the National Register of Citizens (NRC). This role underscores
its influence in shaping community responses to external challenges.
Skill
Development: The
organization is involved in various developmental initiatives, including skill
training centres. For example, Markazi Edara-e-Shariah in Patna was
selected by the Ministry of Minority Affairs to provide vocational training,
enhancing the socio-economic prospects of the Muslim community.
Religious
and Legal Guidance
Edara-e-Shariah
plays a pivotal
role in the sighting of the moon and the declaration of Islamic festivals such
as Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Muharram, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. This function is
vital for maintaining religious observances and ensuring that festivals are
celebrated in accordance with Islamic traditions.
The Darul
Ifta provides religious rulings on a range of issues, from personal matters to
broader social questions. These fatwas are essential for guiding the community
in adherence to Islamic law and resolving everyday issues.
The
Department of Education manages thousands of madrasas, which offer religious
and secular education. These institutions are instrumental in preserving
Islamic heritage and providing students with foundational and advanced
knowledge.
Community
Engagement
Edara-e-Shariah
influences
electoral behaviour through appeals and statements that reflect the
organization’s stance on various political issues. This guidance helps shape
the political engagement of the Muslim community in alignment with Islamic
principles.
The
organization’s efforts to prepare the community for the NRC process demonstrate
its role in assisting Muslims with bureaucratic and administrative challenges,
ensuring they are well-prepared to meet legal requirements.
Social
and Economic Development
By
partnering with government agencies, Edara-e-Shariah has been able to
contribute to skill development and economic empowerment. These projects aim to
improve the livelihoods of community members through vocational training and
other support services.
Broader
Impact
Edara-e-Shariah
has significantly
impacted the Indian Muslim community by addressing both religious and socio-economic
needs. Its comprehensive approach ensures that community members have access to
religious guidance, educational opportunities, and practical support for
various personal and communal issues.
The
organization’s influence extends beyond religious matters into the realms of
social development and political engagement, reflecting its role as a central
institution within the Muslim community. Through its diverse functions, Edara-e-Shariah
continues to play a vital role in shaping the lives of its followers and
addressing the challenges faced by the Muslim community in India.
Conclusion
Edara-e-Shariah
stands as a
testament to the integration of religious principles with practical community
needs. Established in 1968 by visionary leaders, it has grown into a
significant socio-religious organization that addresses a wide range of issues,
from personal law disputes to educational and socio-economic development. Its
structured approach and broad influence underscore its importance in the lives
of Indian Muslims, highlighting its enduring relevance in both religious and
secular spheres.
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Syed Amjad Hussain is a Bihar-based Author and
research scholar on Sufism. He is affiliated with the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
University of Technology, West Bengal.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism