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Anisur Rahman Qasmi

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Mawlana, Mufti
Anisur Rahman Qasmi
انیس الرحمن قاسمی
Born
Mohammad Anisur Rahman

(1960-07-06) 6 July 1960 (age 65)
Katahari, West Champaran district, Bihar, India
NationalityIndian
Alma materDarul Uloom Deoband
Occupation(s)Islamic scholar, writer, community leader
Known forLeadership in Imarat-e-Shariah, Islamic jurisprudence

Anisur Rahman Qasmi (born 6 July 1960), also written as Aneesur Rahman Qasmi, is an Indian Sunni Islamic scholar, writer, and community leader from Bihar. He has held various senior positions in religious and community organisations, including roles connected to Imarat-e-Shariah (Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand) and the All India Milli Council, where he serves as Vice President. A graduate of Darul Uloom Deoband, he is known for his writings and lectures on Islamic jurisprudence and public issues. Qasmi has authored several works in Urdu and Arabic on subjects such as Islamic law and social ethics, and has been active in community affairs, including work with the Bihar Haj Committee and initiatives for Muslim welfare.

Early life and education

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Anisur Rahman Qasmi was born in Katahari, West Champaran district, Bihar, India, on 6 July 1960. His father was Muhammad Abul Kalam. He received his early education at Madrasa Riyaz-ul-Uloom in his hometown. He graduated from Darul Uloom Deoband in the traditional dars-e-nizami course in 1978 and then completed a one-year specialization in Islamic jurisprudence (ifta) in 1979.[1]

Career

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After completing his studies, Qasmi joined Imarat-e-Shariah, based in Phulwari Sharif, Patna. He taught at the institution's Al-Ma'had Al-Aali Lit-Tadreeb Fi Al-Qada Wa Al-Ifta (Higher Institute for Judicial and Fatwa Training). He served as Naib Qazi-e-Shariat (Deputy Islamic Judge) in the central Darul Qaza of Imarat-e-Shariah and held administrative responsibilities.[2]

Qasmi has also held several significant positions, including Secretary of Imarat Shariah Educational and Welfare Trust, Treasurer of Al-Ma'had Trust, and Member of the Board of Darul Uloom Al-Islamia Imarat Shariah Trust. He is a founding member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and the Islamic Fiqh Academy, India, and has been affiliated with the All India Milli Council, the Central Islamic Development Bank (Jeddah) as a zonal member, and has served as Vice President of Wifaq-ul-Madaris Al-Islamia of Imarat-e-Shariah, Patna[2]. As of 2025, he continues to serve as Vice President of the All India Milli Council,[3] and is also the Chairman of the Abul Kalam Research Foundation.[4]

Role in Bihar State Haj Committee

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In 2009, Qasmi was elected Chairman of the Bihar Haj Committee, where he oversaw logistical arrangements for pilgrims, noting in 2010 that approximately 5,575 pilgrims from Bihar had registered for the pilgrimage and expressing his prayers for their safe journey.[5][6] During his tenure as Chairman of the Bihar State Haj Committee, Qasmi played a significant role in improving the travel arrangements for Haj pilgrims from Bihar. In 2012, he oversaw the introduction of direct flights from Gaya International Airport to Medina, which significantly reduced travel time for pilgrims who previously had to transit via Kolkata. He raised concerns about the early flight timings, arguing that pilgrims traveling overnight from Patna faced hardship. His efforts led to a rescheduling of flights in 2012, with departures shifted to later times, improving convenience for pilgrims. He also highlighted broader concerns regarding infrastructure and equitable services for Haj pilgrims from Bihar.[7][8]

In 2011, Qasmi commented on the disqualification of a councillor in Bihar who lost her seat for exceeding the two-child norm imposed by the Bihar Municipal Act. He argued that selectively enforcing such rules was unjust and a violation of human rights, emphasizing that, under Islamic teachings, preventing childbirth is impermissible. He expressed concern that such measures could negatively impact Muslim representation in governance.[9] He has been active in public religious discourse and community initiatives. In 2013, he announced that Imarat-e-Shariah would launch a comprehensive website, islamicshariah.in, to provide information on Shariat laws, fatwas, and Islamic teachings, aiming to help younger generations access authentic religious knowledge online.[10] During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he issued guidance for mosque congregations, advising worshippers to maintain social distancing, perform ablutions at home, and carry personal prayer mats.[11] He has advocated for Muslim community welfare, including supporting reservations to promote socio-economic upliftment.[12] In 2015, he proposed a centralized qurbani (sacrifice) scheme to prevent fraud related to animal sacrifices during Eid, though this proposal sparked debate among other Islamic scholars.[13]

Controversies

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Further information: Imarat-e-Shariah § 2025 political activism and leadership dispute

In March 2025, Anisur Rahman Qasmi was named as a claimant to the position of Ameer-e-Shariat of Imarat-e-Shariah by a faction within the organisation. This faction announced the removal of Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani, citing concerns related to nationality, religious qualifications, and organisational matters. However, Rahmani and his supporters rejected this move and asserted that he continues as Ameer-e-Shariat.[14][15][16][17][18]

Views

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In 2021, Qasmi cautioned that changing the traditional method of electing the Ameer-e-Shariat could cause divisions and stressed maintaining established procedures.[19]

In 2025, he urged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill, saying Muslims hoped Kumar would support “the truth” and expressed disappointment with JD(U) leaders backing the bill.[20]

In 2014, Qasmi called the Shahi Imam of Delhi’s refusal to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his son’s dastarbandi “immature,” arguing that hospitality required inviting the Prime Minister despite personal views.[21]

In 2015, as general secretary of Imarat-e-Shariah, he supported Nitish Kumar’s alliances, praising initiatives like scholarships for Muslims, Urdu teacher recruitment, and madrasa funding.[22]

In 2024, he joined Muslim leaders in condemning the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), calling it a violation of constitutional principles of equality and secularism.[23]

Literary works

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Qasmi has authored several books in Urdu and Arabic on Islamic jurisprudence and other subjects. Some of his works include:[24][25]

  • Tahara Ke Ahkam wa Masail (Rules and Issues of Purity)
  • Khula ka Islami Tareeqa (Islamic Procedure of Khula Divorce)
  • Libas ke Sharai Ahkam (Islamic Rules of Clothing)
  • Ghiza ke Sharai Ahkam (Islamic Rules of Food)
  • Tameerat ke Sharai Ahkam (Islamic Rules of Construction)
  • Musannifeen-e-Zindan (Prison writers)
  • Islami Huqooq (Islamic Rights)
  • Makārim Akhlaq
  • Khutbat-e-Juma (Friday Sermons in Urdu)
  • Al-Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah wa Afkaruhu (Arabic)
  • Akhlaqiyat al-Harb fi al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah (Arabic)
  • Hayāt-e-Sajjad (a biography on Abul Mahasin Muhammad Sajjad)
  • Maqalat-e-Sajjad

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Qasmi, Aaftab Ghazi; Qasmi, Abdul Hasib (February 2011). Fuzala-e-Deoband Ki Fiqhi Khidmāt [Jurisprudential services of Darul Uloom Deoband's alumni] (in Urdu). Deoband: Naeemia Book Depot. pp. 413–414.
  2. ^ a b Qasmi & Qasmi 2011, p. 413.
  3. ^ "آل انڈیا ملی کونسل کا مقصد ملت کے ہر فرد میں احساس جواب دہی پیدا کرنا اور آداب مسلمانی سکھانا ہے: مولانا انیس الرحمن قاسمی" [The purpose of All India Milli Council is to instill accountability and Islamic etiquette among every individual of the community: Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi]. Hawzah News (in Urdu). 27 November 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  4. ^ Khosa, Aasha (12 January 2024). "Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi asks Muslims not to oppose Ram temple". Awaaz – The Voice. Retrieved 2025-07-01.
  5. ^ "Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi elected chairman of Bihar Haj Committee". TwoCircles.net. 20 August 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  6. ^ "Pilgrims set out for Haj". The Telegraph India. 14 October 2010. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  7. ^ Kumar, Alok (29 August 2012). "Direct flight to Haj from Gaya". The Telegraph India. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  8. ^ Kumar, Alok (10 September 2012). "Haj flight time change for pilgrims". The Telegraph India. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  9. ^ Bhelari, Amit (25 July 2011). "Councillor son wish costs seat". The Telegraph India. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  10. ^ "Imarat Shariah to launch website on Islamic issues". The Times of India. 30 March 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  11. ^ "In Kerala, Friday prayers cut short; mosque panel booked for allowing 500 odd crowd". Hindustan Times. 20 March 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  12. ^ "Muslims hail court order on Andhra quota, want states to follow". Hindustan Times. 26 March 2010. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  13. ^ "Centralised qurbani scheme: HCI says it will help check fraud; some Ulemas raise objections". TwoCircles. 1 May 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  14. ^ "बिहार में इमारत- ए- शरिया में नेतृत्व को लेकर भारी बवाल, दो गुटों में वर्चस्व के सवाल पर टकराव तेज". Navbharat Times (in Hindi). 30 March 2025. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  15. ^ "امارت شرعیہ تنازعہ : پولیس اور جے ڈی یو پر سنگین الزامات" [Imarat-e-Shariah controversy: Serious allegations against police and JD(U)]. Awaz the Voice (in Urdu). 29 March 2025. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  16. ^ "Attack allegation on Imarat Shariah by JDU leaders". Zee Salaam. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  17. ^ "Super ambitious Maulanas attempt a 'Coup d'État' on Imarat Sharia". Muslim Mirror. 31 March 2025. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  18. ^ "امارت شرعیہ کا مقصد نفاذ شریعت، مستند عالم دین ہی ہو سکتا ہے امیر شریعت" [The objective of Imarat-e-Shariah is enforcement of Shariah; Only a recognised Islamic scholar can be Ameer-e-Shariat]. Baseerat Online (in Urdu). 22 May 2025. Archived from the original on 27 May 2025. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  19. ^ "امیر شریعت کے انتخاب کا طریقہ بدلنے پر انتشار لازمی: مولانا انیس الرحمن قاسمی" [Changing the method of electing Ameer-e-Shariat is bound to cause divisions: Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi]. ETV Bharat News (in Urdu). 31 July 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  20. ^ "Nitish Kumar Silent On Waqf Bill: Bihar Muslim Leaders Want CM To Stand Up For Community". ETV Bharat. 29 March 2025. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  21. ^ "Imarat-e-Shariah calls Delhi Shahi Imam's decision for not inviting PM Modi 'immature'". The Indian Express. 1 November 2014. Archived from the original on 1 November 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  22. ^ "For Muslim voters, grand alliance is a necessary evil". The Times of India. 26 October 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  23. ^ "CAA undermines principle of equality: Muslim bodies". The Indian Express. 13 March 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  24. ^ Qasmi & Qasmi 2011, p. 414.
  25. ^ "All writings of Mohammad Anisur Rahman Qasmi". Rekhta. Retrieved 2025-07-01.
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