🌟 Mufti Taqi Usmani: A Beacon of Islamic Wisdom in the Modern World
✦ Introduction
Sheikh al-Islam Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (May Allah protect him) is a world-renowned Islamic scholar, jurist, economist, and spiritual guide. He is recognized not only in the Indian Subcontinent but also across the entire Muslim world. His work covers a wide range of fields, including Islamic law, finance, education, spirituality, and judiciary.
He is among the rare scholars who successfully bridged traditional Islamic teachings with the challenges of the modern age, making him one of the leading reformers (mujaddid) of our time.
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✦ Respect Across the Muslim World
Mufti Taqi Usmani is widely respected throughout the Arab and non-Arab Muslim world. His deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and sharp legal insight earned him offers for prestigious positions like Chief Justice (Qadhi al-Qudhah) in Saudi Arabia and full Saudi citizenship—offers he politely declined out of love for his homeland and a sense of religious duty.
Even when invited in 1979 to teach at Imam Muhammad bin Saud University in Makkah, he declined the offer after consulting his spiritual mentor, Dr. Abdul Hai Arifi (RA).
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✦ A Gift to the Modern World: Islamic Economics
As the global capitalist system began to falter under its own weight, Mufti Taqi Usmani presented a viable and ethical alternative: Islamic banking and finance. Through his ijtihad (independent reasoning) and technical expertise, he proved that the Islamic financial system is not only relevant but practical and highly functional.
Under his leadership, numerous Islamic banks across the world were established on interest-free principles. His historic judgment against interest (riba) in Pakistan’s Supreme Court Shariat Appellate Bench remains a landmark ruling in the modern era.
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✦ World’s First “In-Flight” Quran Translation
One of Mufti Taqi Usmani’s unique scholarly achievements is his Urdu translation of the Quran, completed during his frequent flights over four years. This translation is simple, eloquent, and easy to understand—making the Quran accessible to the average reader.
This effort is a powerful example of how he uses every moment of his life for serving Islam, whether on land or in the air.
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✦ Global Legal and Scholarly Contributions
Mufti Taqi Usmani is a key advisor on religious and legal matters across the globe. From Norway to Fiji, and Africa to the Americas, Muslims turn to him for guidance. He has served in leading roles in Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ideology, Federal Shariat Court, and numerous international Islamic organizations.
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✦ Author of Deep and Thoughtful Works
His books reflect a deep love for research and authenticity. He once humbly said:
“I don’t consider any of my books as perfect. The pen just moved. But some, like Izaah al-Haq (From Bible to Quran), the English translation of the Quran, and his writings on the Seven Modes (Sab‘ah Ahruf) in Quranic studies, took great effort.”
This humility and sincerity is what gives his words their lasting impact.
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✦ Simplicity and Humility
Despite his immense knowledge and influence, Mufti Taqi Usmani is known for his humble personality. He attributes all his success to the help of Allah and the prayers of his teachers. His life of simplicity, sincerity, and devotion is a model for scholars and seekers alike.
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✦ Conclusion
Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (DB) is a living legend—a rare blend of scholarship, spirituality, wisdom, and humility. His balanced approach to Fiqh (Islamic law), Tasawwuf (spirituality), Islamic economics, and global leadership has made him a shining light for the entire Muslim Ummah.
May Allah grant him a long, healthy life and allow us all to benefit from his vast knowledge. Ameen.