Állāmah Ziyāʾ al-Muṣṭafā, currently residing in Ghosi, Uttar Pradesh, India is a prominent contemporary Islamic scholar, the illustrious son of the great Ṣadr al-Sharī’ah, Állāmah Amjad ʿAlī – may Allāh have mercy on him. Known for his towering Scholarship, piety, and devotion to Islamic Sciences, Ṣadr al-Sharī’ah رضي الله عنه was deeply revered by Imām Aḥmad Ridā Khān رضي الله عنه, famously known as ʿAlā Ḥazrat, who greatly valued his expertise in Islamic Jurisprudence. ʿAlā Ḥazrat رضي الله عنه conferred upon him the title Ṣadr al-Sharī’ah (Leader of Sharī’ah) and expressed such confidence in his knowledge that he remarked;

"If there were an Islamic judiciary established, I would appoint Ṣadr al-Sharī’ah as its Qāḍī (Chief Judge)."

ʿAlā Ḥazrat’s trust in Ṣadr al-Sharī’ah extended to the extent that he instructed his own son, Ḥujjat al-Islām Ḥāmīd Ridā Khān رضي الله عنه, to allow Ṣadr al-Sharī’ah to lead his funeral prayer if certain criteria were unmet.

Ṣadr al-Sharī’ah’s legacy continued through his numerous students, who became luminaries in their own right. These include:

Early Education and Training

Állāmah Ziyāʾ al-Muṣṭafā began his education under the direct tutelage of his esteemed father, Ṣadr al-Sharī’ah, and later advanced his studies in Mubārakpūr under the guidance of his father’s students, Ḥuzoor Ḥāfiz-e-Millat and Állāmah ʿAbd al-Raʿūf. These Scholars had a profound impact on his intellectual development, and Állāmah Ziyāʾ al-Muṣṭafā frequently honours their contributions to his life and knowledge.

In Mubārakpūr, he delved into a wide array of Islamic Sciences and auxiliary disciplines, mastering subjects such as:

This rigorous curriculum was completed by the age of 19, a testament to his precocity and dedication.

Academic Excellence and Early Recognition

One year after his graduation, Ḥuzoor Ḥāfiz-e-Millat invited Állāmah Ziyāʾ al-Muṣṭafā back to Mubārakpūr to instruct him in the methodology of teaching Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī. After just three lessons, Ḥāfiz-e-Millat expressed confidence in his potential, predicting his future role as a Shaykh al-Ḥadīth. True to this spiritual perception; Állāmah Ziyāʾ al-Muṣṭafā later earned the title Muḥaddith-e-Kabīr (The Great Scholar of Ḥadīth).

His exceptional grasp of Fiqh earned him another distinguished title, Mumtāz al-Fuqahā’ (The Unique Jurist), through a competitive examination against Scholars from across India. In this competition, he demonstrated unparalleled expertise in Islamic Jurisprudence, securing first place.

Debating Prowess and "Fateḥ-e-Banāras"

A defining moment in his life occurred in Banāras, Uttar Pradesh, where a debate (‘Munāẓarah’) between the Ahl-e-Sunnah and the notorious Ahl-e-Ḥadīth took place. Although not initially scheduled to participate, Állāmah Ziyāʾ al-Muṣṭfā was summoned by senior Scholars, including Állāmah Arshad al-Qādrī and Muftī Sharīf al-Ḥaqq. Despite his young age, he led the Ahl-e-Sunnah to a decisive victory, showcasing remarkable depth of knowledge and debating skills. This achievement earned him the title Fateḥ-e-Banāras (The Conqueror of Banāras).

Titles and Scholarly Achievements

Throughout his life, Állāmah Ziyāʾ al-Muṣṭafā received numerous honorary titles from distinguished Scholars, including:

Spiritual Recognition and Khilāfah

During his position in Mubārakpūr, Ḥuzoor Ḥāfiz-e-Millat رضي الله عنه granted him Khilāfah (spiritual succession). Later, Muftī Aʿẓam-e-Hind (the son of ʿAlā Ḥazrat) invited him to Bareilly Sharīf, where he was also granted Khilāfah and special permission to utilise the Sayfī Sharīf, a rare compilation of spiritual practices and remedies. This permission, often accompanied by strict conditions, was uniquely granted to him without restrictions, reflecting the immense trust Muftī Aʿẓam-e-Hind رضي الله عنه placed in him.

Service to the Ummah

Állāmah Ziyāʾ al-Muṣṭafā has served as both principal and Shaykh al-Ḥadīth at al-Jāmiʿah al-Ashrafiyyah in Mubārakpūr. He continues to run two Islamic institutions in his hometown: Al-Jāmiʿah al-Amjadīyyah for boys, named in honour of his father, and Kulliyah al-Banāt for girls, established in memory of his mother, a distinguished Scholar and spiritual guide.

Over the years, Állāmah Ziyāʾ al-Muṣṭafā has issued thousands of Fatāwā, guiding the Muslim community on complex issues. His Scholarly acumen and spiritual insight have made him a guide for other Jurists and Scholars.

Conclusion

Állāmah Ziyāʾ al-Muṣṭafā, currently 92 years of age and still active in serving the Dīn of Allāh, remains a beacon of knowledge, piety, and leadership in the Muslim world. His contributions to Islamic Education, Jurisprudence, and Spiritual Guidance continue to inspire countless individuals worldwide. May Allāh grant him long life, good health, and increased success in serving the Ummah. May Allāh also elevate the ranks of the great Scholars mentioned herein and grant us the ability to emulate their dedication to Dīn. Āmīn.