A renowned Islamic scholar and philosopher who interpreted Islamic teachings in a modern context, known for his progressive and reformist ideas.
Known for his profound knowledge and charismatic oratory skills, Israr Ahmed was a prominent Pakistani Islamic scholar, theologian, and writer who left an indelible mark on the world of Islamic thought and practices. With a prolific career spanning over six decades, Ahmed authored around 60 books on Islam and Pakistan, with 29 of them translated into multiple languages, cementing his position as a leading voice in Islamic scholarship.
Born on April 26, 1932, in Hisar, Punjab, India, Ahmed's life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah. He believed in the implementation of Sharia law in all aspects of life, the restoration of the Caliphate as a true Islamic state, and the rejection of Western values and influences that threatened the integrity of Islam and Pakistan.
Ahmed hails from a Ranghar Muslim Rajput family, with ancestral roots in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. His family relocated to Hisar and later to Montgomery (now Sahiwal), Punjab Province, Pakistan, after his grandfather's properties were confiscated following the 1857 war of independence. Ahmed pursued his education at King Edward Medical University in Lahore, graduating with an MBBS degree in 1954. He later obtained his master's degree in Islamic Studies from the University of Karachi in 1965.
In 1956, Ahmed parted ways with the Jamaat-e-Islami, which had become involved in electoral politics, to establish Tanzeem-e-Islami. This move marked the beginning of his journey as a prominent Islamic scholar and orator, as he sought to revive the spirit of Islam in Pakistan and beyond.
Ahmed's philosophical contributions centered around the idea that Pakistan, not Arab lands, should be the foundation for a new caliphate. He firmly believed that democratic governance was un-Islamic and that the implementation of Sharia law was the only way to ensure true justice and prosperity in an Islamic state.
Ahmed's contributions to Islamic scholarship and his services to Pakistan were recognized with the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the third-highest civilian award in Pakistan, in 1981.
Israr Ahmed's legacy continues to inspire and educate generations of Muslims around the world. His writings, orations, and teachings have had a profound impact on Islamic thought and practices, shaping the discourse on Islam and its role in modern society. Through his life and work, Ahmed has left an indelible mark on the world of Islamic scholarship, cementing his position as one of the most influential Islamic scholars of the 20th century.
Born in 1877
A Pakistani philosopher, poet, and politician who played a key role in the creation of Pakistan and is revered for his philosophical and literary works that explored Islamic identity and nationalism.
