Shah Fazle Rasool Qadri Badayuni (1798-1872), the first Grand Mufti of India, was a distinguished Islamic scholar and spiritual leader. Appointed by Bahadur Shah Zafar, he authored influential works, critiqued Wahabism, and guided numerous students. His legacy endures through his writings and the continued influence of his teachings in Islamic jurisprudence and Sufism
By Sahil Razvi
Shah Fazle Rasool Qadri Badayuni (1798–1872) occupies a revered place in the annals of Islamic scholarship in India. Appointed as the first Grand Mufti of India by the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Badayuni was a distinguished figure known for his profound knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, his deep spiritual insight, and his contributions to the intellectual and religious life of the Muslim community. His Urdu statements on various Islamic issues, published under the title “Tariqi Fatwa,” remain influential in Islamic legal discourse.
Early Life and Education
He was born in 1798 in Maulvi Mohalla, a well-known locality in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. He hailed from a family with a strong religious background. His father, Hazrat Ain-ul-Haq Shah Abdul Majeed bin Abdul Hameed Badayuni, was a respected scholar, and his great-grandfather, Hazrat Daniyal Qatari, had migrated to Badaun with the army of Sultan Shams-ud-Din Altamash. This rich lineage rooted him in a tradition of Islamic scholarship and spirituality.
From an early age, Badayuni showed a remarkable inclination towards religious studies. He began his education under the guidance of his father and grandfather, learning Arabic and the basics of Islamic sciences. His quest for knowledge soon took him to Lucknow, a hub of Islamic learning at the time, where he studied under the illustrious Maulana Noor-ul-Haq Firangi Mahali. Here, he delved deeper into various Islamic disciplines, including Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad), and Tafsir (Quranic exegesis).
In addition to his religious education, Badayuni also studied Tibb (medicine) under the renowned Hakeem Babar Ali Mohani. This diverse educational background not only made him a well-rounded scholar but also equipped him with the skills to address both the spiritual and physical needs of his community.
Rise to Prominence and Appointment as Grand Mufti.
Shah Fazle Rasool Badayuni’s erudition and piety soon earned him a reputation as one of the leading scholars of his time. His deep understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, combined with his ability to articulate complex legal and theological concepts in accessible language, made him a sought-after authority in religious matters.
His stature as a scholar was recognized at the highest levels of the Mughal court. In a significant move that underscored his influence, Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor, appointed him as the first Grand Mufti of India. This position placed Badayuni at the forefront of Islamic legal affairs in the country, making him the chief interpreter of Islamic law for the Muslim population. His role as Grand Mufti involved issuing fatwas (legal opinions) on various matters, guiding the community in religious practices, and resolving disputes in accordance with Islamic law.
Literary Contributions
His literary contributions have left an indelible mark on Islamic scholarship. Some of his most notable works include:
Tariqi Fatwa, Wahabi Tehreek, Al Mutanad Al Mutamid Bina Nijat Ul Abad, Al-Mustanad, Saif Ul Jabbar Al Masool Ala Al Aada Ul Abrar, Tabkeetun Najdi, Maulood-e-Manzoom, Qaseedtaan Rai Taan, Fasalul Khitab Ma Bain Al Sunni Wal Ahzab Adad Ul Wahab, Bawariq-e-Muhammadia, Tasheeh-ul-Masaa’il, Fauz-ul-Moamineen, Talkhee-ul-Haq, Ihqaq-ul-Haq, Tasbeet-ul-Qadamain, Fazal-ul-Khitaab.
Teaching and Influence
In addition to his writings, Shah Fazle Rasool Badayuni was a revered teacher and spiritual guide. His students included some of the most prominent scholars of the time, such as Hazrat Maulana Shah Muhammad Abdul Qadir Badayuni, Hazrat Maulana Shah Muhammad Mohiy-ud-deen Badayuni, and Hazrat Maulana Mufti Asadullāh Khan. These students, and many others, carried forward his teachings, spreading his influence across the Indian subcontinent.
Badayuni was also the disciple and Khalifa (spiritual successor) of his father, Hazrat Ain-ul-Haq Shah Abdul Majeed Qadri Badayuni. He received Khilafat in multiple Sufi orders, including the Qadri, Chishti, Suharwardi, Naqshbandi, and Abul Ulai Silsilas. His spiritual successors included Hazrat Maulana Shah Muhammad Abdul Qaadir Badayuni, Hazrat Maulana Shah Muhammad Mohiy-ud-deen Badayuni, and several other distinguished Sufi scholars and practitioners.
Personal Life and Legacy
Shah Fazle Rasool Badayuni’s personal life was marked by his unwavering commitment to religious scholarship and spiritual practice. He was blessed with two sons, Muhammad Abdul Qadir and Muhammad Mohiuddin, who continued the family’s tradition of religious leadership and scholarship.
Badayuni’s final moments were spent in prayer, reflecting his deep spiritual devotion. According to accounts, he uttered “Allah Allah” twice in a loud voice before peacefully passing away on the 2nd of Jamadi Us Sani in 1289 Hijri (1872 AD), on a Thursday at the time of Zohar. His tomb is located in Khanqah-e-Aliya Qadriya, Maulvi Mohalla, Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. This site has since become a place of pilgrimage for those who seek to honour his memory and draw inspiration from his life.
Conclusion
Shah Fazle Rasool Qadri Badayuni’s life and work exemplify the profound impact that a dedicated scholar can have on both his immediate community and the broader Islamic world. As the first Grand Mufti of India, his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and Sufism have left an enduring legacy.
His writings continue to be studied and revered, while his spiritual teachings live on through his students and successors. Shah Fazle Rasool Qadri Badayuni remains a shining example of piety, scholarship, and spiritual leadership in the rich tapestry of Islamic history in India.
Sahil Razvi is an author and research scholar specialising in Sufism and history. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.