Syed Asif Raza (Narbal)
Ameer-e-Shariat, Allama Syed Muhammad Qasim Shah Bukharira (1910–2000), was born in Eidgah Srinagar. He belonged to a distinguished scholarly family. His father, Allama Syed Abdul Kabir Bukharira, was also among the eminent scholars of the Kashmir Valley.
Allama Syed Muhammad Qasim Shah Bukharira spent 14 years away from home in pursuit of religious knowledge. Along with being an eloquent speaker, he was also a prolific author and wrote approximately 115 books on various subjects; viz, Tafseer, Hadith, Sufism etc. His remarkable efforts in the propagation of Islam are worthy of being written in golden words. For the dissemination of religious knowledge, he established the “Hanafi Arabic College,” at Noorbagh Srinagar which continues to quench the thirst of seekers of knowledge even today.
Among his students were prominent scholars ranging from Mufti-e-Azam Jammu & Kashmir, Mufti Bashir-ud-Din, to Shaheed Qazi Nisar, and in the present era, Khateeb-e-Millat Maulana Mushtaq Ahmad Khan. He initially launched a monthly magazine titled Al-Tabligh, and later started another monthly, Al-Itiqad, which is still being published.
Allama Bukharira was known for his balanced temperament rather than extremism. Due to this moderation, people from all schools of thought among Muslims respected him. Acting upon the divine command “And cooperate in righteousness and piety” (Qur’an), he maintained cooperation in religious and communal matters. Alongside practical collaboration with various religious groups, he also supported intellectual and academic efforts. In the March 1968 issue of Al-Tabligh, an announcement was published for a special issue on the “Revelation of the Qur’an,” inviting articles from prominent scholars and thinkers of different schools of thought. The names included:
- Maulana Akhlaq Hussain Qasmi (Nazim, Jamiat Ulema Delhi)
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
- Maulana Naeem Siddiqui
- Maulana Muhammad Abbas Ansari (Shia scholar and President of Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen)
- Maulana Waiz Ghulam Nabi Mubarki (President, Bazm-e-Tawheed Ahl-e-Hadith)
- Pir Saad-ud-Din (Jamaat-e-Islami)
Allama Bukharira as a Leader of the Anjuman-i-Tableeg-ul-Islam J&K
Allama Bukharira was among those leaders who considered leadership a trust and embodied the Hadith: “The leader of a nation is its servant.” In 1981, during a gathering in Yaripora (Kulgam), he advised the members and leaders of the Anjuman:
“You are all respected; I am but a humble servant. You are leaders, and I am your follower. You are the Anjuman Tabligh-ul-Islam, and I am your attendant. But an attendant is only worthy if he protects his institution from thieves and deceivers.”
This brief yet profound statement teaches leaders of religious organizations that true leadership lies in sincerity, selflessness, and safeguarding the institution from opportunists.
On one hand, following the footsteps of the Awliya Kiram, he traveled to remote areas of Kashmir—often on foot—to awaken religious consciousness and established “Hanafi” schools in key locations. On the other hand, through publications and magazines, he spread the voice of the Anjuman across the country.
The popularity of the Anjuman during his leadership can be gauged from the appreciation expressed by the renowned scholar and writer Allama Arshad-ul-Qadrira (1925–2002), who wrote:
“From the reports of Anjuman Tabligh-ul-Islam published in journals, it is evident that you have expanded its educational and missionary work over a vast scope. Reading about the discipline and organization in various fields of religious and community welfare creates a strong impression of intelligent, active, and sincere leadership. The Sunni Muslims of Jammu & Kashmir are fortunate to be associated with such a righteous, truth-loving, and faith-strengthening organization. I would respectfully request the leaders of the Anjuman to extend their voice beyond Kashmir to other parts of the country, where millions of devoted Muslims will warmly welcome it.”
(Al-Itiqad, June/July 1977)
In July 1988, during the first introductory meeting of the executive council and advisory body, Allama Bukharira addressed the leaders of ATI:
“Remember, in future people will try to put you into difficulties. At that time, you must hold fast to ‘enjoin truth and enjoin patience.’ Also, no key position should remain under the control of a single individual. Especially, the performance of the president should be known—verbally and in writing—to the vice presidents. The same should apply to other positions, so that the Anjuman remains safe from deception and intrigue.”
Today marks the anniversary of his passing. On this occasion, his admirers, followers, and students pay tribute to his religious and community services. It is also a moment of self-reflection for those who claim to love him and uphold his mission:
- How loyal have you been to his mission?
- Have you conveyed his writings to seekers of knowledge?
- What have you done for the institutions he established, such as the Hanafi Arabic College?
If you are satisfied with your answers, only then you truly have the right to commemorate his death anniversary. Otherwise, it becomes a mere formality rather than true loyalty.
Furthermore, four years ago on this very day (1st of Dhul-Qa‘dah), the son of my dear friend Syed Arif Ahmad Qadri passed away. Arif Sahib is among the true loyalists of Allama Bukharira. He not only loved him but studied and understood his teachings and strived to implement them within the Anjuman—often facing criticism for it. He remained devoted to running the Hanafi Arabic College according to Allama Bukhari’s vision, even to the extent of leaving his ailing son in Soura Hospital to fulfill his responsibilities, ensuring that the students (guests of the Prophet ﷺ) received proper education. May Allah grant forgiveness to his son, Hanan Sahib, and bestow patience upon his parents. Ameen.
