Brief Introduction
In the lines below, we would like to briefly introduce the reader to some of the important aspects of Mufti Ahmed Khanpuri’s biography (damat barakatuhum). More details can be found in the introduction of Mahmoodul Fatawa.
BIRTH:
Mufti Ahmed was born on 27th of Shawwal 1365 Hijri (24 September 1946) on Tuesday night at 10:00 pm in Khanpur, Bharuch.
INITIAL EDUCATION:
Mufti saheb received his early secular and Islamic education in his hometown of Khanpur. He learned his Arabic alphabets and Qaidah from Hafiz Ibrahim Qazi, 30th juz and some Quran recitation from Hafiz Shah Khanpuri. The remaining Quran and initial Urdu books were taught to him by Maulana Ameen Ismail Qazi Tenkarwi (graduate of Darul Uloom Ashrafiyah Rander, Surat). Upon completion of the Quran, his jubilant father held a gathering in his home where various desserts were served.
His father had firm intention to provide him with the highest Islamic education. After completing seventh grade, his brother Ibrahim asked their father to take Mufti Ahmed to Ahmadabad with him for further secular studies. Their father disagreed and responded, "I have saved Ahmed for my hereafter, that’s why I cannot send him."
At the age of 12, in 1958, Mufti saheb was enrolled in Darul Uloom Ashrafiyah Rander. He quenched his thirst for knowledge with extreme passion, effort, seclusion and simplicity. He attained his knowledge from the highest scholars of his time and always succeeded with very high marks. By serving his elders and teachers, and through his talent, he won the hearts of his elders and was accepted by all his teachers.
In November 1966, he completed his Alim course. However, he was not content and decided to pursue further Islamic studies. He decided on attending Nadwah to study Arabic literature. He applied, but fate had something else planned for him. Nadwah did not receive enough applicants to hold courses that year, and they apologetically returned his application. He then turned his attention towards Darul Uloom Deoband.
IN DARUL ULOOM DEOBAND:
In the beginning of Shawwal, 1366 Hijri, he arrived in Deoband. After arrival, he completed his process for enrollment and began participating in Master of Arts program. During his stay in Deoband, he and his Gujarati colleagues frequently visited Faqihul Ummat Hazrat Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi. He had a strong connection with Mufti Mahmood sahib (who passed away in 1417 Hijri).
His zeal for knowledge continued to grow and so after completing his MA, he enrolled in Ifta (Advance Fiqh Course). Mufti Mahmood saheb was the Head of Ifta department. This allowed him the opportunity of spending all hours of day and night in his company. He served him regularly, and to the extent that he had the honor of accompanying and traveling with him on many occasions. For example, when Mufti Mahmood saheb would travel to Saharanpur to visit Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariya saheb (may Allah fill his grave with noor), he would also take Mufti saheb along with him every other weekend. Through these trips, he was also blessed with the love and attention from Maulana Zakariyah saheb.
One day Mufti Mahmood saheb requested Hazrat Shaikh Al Hadeeth Maulana Zakariya to allow Mufti Ahmed saheb take ba’yah with him. A few days later, he was assigned zikr. Hazrat Shaikh Al Hadeeth told Faqihul Ummat regarding Mufti sahib, "He is yours, pay attention to him." Once Mufti saheb started his audible zikr, Mufti Mahmood saheb ordered him to spend eight days in the company of Hazrat Shaikh. After this year, from 1390 to 1399 hijri, he had the opportunity to spend the months of Ramadan in the company of Hazrat Shaikh (rahmatullahi alaih).
SERVICE AT JAMIAH DABHEL:
Mufti saheb began his teaching career in Shawwal 1388 hijri (1969). Since then, he has been with Jamiah Islamiyah Talimuddeen Dabhel. During these times, Mufti saheb has taught numerous books from the first year of studies until last year in every field. Amongst those books are Mishkat, Ibn Majah, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, and second part of Bukhari.
In the year 1406 hijri, he was titled Head Mufti in Jamiah. Since then (about 25 years), he has been teaching the second part of Sahih Al Bukhari and involved in Darul Ifta. His teachings have been accepted and countless students have been and are currently benefiting from his teachings. The counts of those students who have directly benefited from him are in thousands.
At this time, a large number of his students, who are Ulamas and Muftis, are fulfilling their duty by providing important religious, community and social services in regions like India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Bahrain, Gulf countries, Mauritius, Trinidad, Zambia, Pakistan, Maldives, Canada, Chili, Surinam, Panama, America, Tortola (Central America), Barbados, Reunion, New Zealand, Britain etc.
Apart from this, each year in the month of Ramadan, Mufti saheb quenches the thirst of many students and peers in Khanqah Mahmoodiah. There are all types of individuals that have a spiritual relationship with Mufti saheb. His spiritual teachings can be found both locally and abroad. Many individuals continue to join this chain. It is difficult to count the number of students who have and continue to benefit from him.
We pray that Allah (subhanahu wataala) preserve this succession, protect him from any evil sight and evil intentions. May Allah (subhanahu wataala) also protect him from all calamities and trials.
