Arshad Madani: Islamic Scholar, Community Leader

Maulana Arshad Madani (1941-) a distinguished Islamic scholar and influential community leader, serves as the president of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH), one of India's oldest and most significant Islamic organizations. Born in Deoband, a town and a municipality in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, he belongs to a lineage deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship and has dedicated his life to the religious and social upliftment of Muslims in India.

Arshad Madani's education and early life were heavily influenced by his family's legacy of Islamic learning. He studied at the Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the most prestigious Islamic seminaries in the world, where he was deeply immersed in Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and philosophy. His profound knowledge and understanding of Islamic sciences earned him respect and recognition within the Muslim community.

As a leader of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Arshad Madani has played a crucial role in addressing the social, educational, and economic challenges faced by Muslims in India. He has been a vocal advocate for minority rights and has worked tirelessly to promote communal harmony and national integration. Under his leadership, JUH has been actively involved in various humanitarian and relief efforts, providing aid and support to communities affected by natural disasters and social unrest.

Madani is also known for his efforts in promoting education among Muslims. He has been instrumental in establishing and supporting numerous educational institutions, including madrasas and modern schools, aimed at providing quality education to Muslim youth. His vision for an educated and empowered Muslim community has been a driving force behind many initiatives that seek to bridge the gap between traditional and modern education.

A staunch advocate for justice and equality, Arshad Madani has often spoken out against policies and practices that he perceives as discriminatory towards Muslims. His outspoken stance on various socio-political issues has made him a prominent figure in national debates on minority rights and secularism.

Maulana Arshad Madani plays a pivotal role in delivering justice to those falsely implicated in terror cases by providing them with legal assistance. His efforts have led several Muslims securing justice in the court.

Maulana Arshad Madani's contributions to Islamic scholarship, community leadership, and advocacy for minority rights make him a pivotal figure in contemporary Indian society. His enduring dedication to education, social justice, and communal harmony stands as a testament to his impactful legacy.

Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi: Religious Leader/Spiritual Leader

Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi ((born 1965) is an Indian Muslim preacher, leading the Nizamuddin Markaz faction of the Tablighi Jamaat, a global Islamic revival movement. He is the great-grandson of Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlawi, the founder of the Tablighi Jamaat, and the grandson of former leader Muhammad Yusuf Kandhlawi. Saad Kandhlawi was born in Kandhla, Shamli District, Uttar Pradesh, and completed his Islamic studies (Dars-e-Nizami) at Madrasa Kashiful Uloom, Nizamuddin Markaz, in Delhi in 1987.

After the death of Tablighi Jamaat’s former chief, Inamul Hasan Kandhlawi, a shura (council) was formed to elect a new leader. Though the council failed to appoint a single leader, Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi eventually emerged as the head of the movement, particularly after the passing of the other shura members. He was officially recognized as the leader of the Tablighi Jamaat during the All India Jod and the Tongi Ijtema in 2017.

Despite his leadership, Saad Kandhlawi's tenure has not been without controversy. Some of his statements have prompted fatwas from Deobandi scholars. South African scholar Mufti Ebrahim Desai issued a fatwa against him, as did India’s Darul Uloom Deoband, raising concerns about his leadership. Zaid Mazahiri of Nadwatul Ulama also penned treatises on the internal disputes within the Tablighi Jamaat. However, British scholar Yusuf Motala defended Kandhlawi.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Saad faced further scrutiny when a religious event organized at the Nizamuddin Markaz resulted in a COVID-19 outbreak. This led to an FIR against him. In 2021, the Delhi High Court ordered the police to open his house following its closure.

Saad was also criticized when media reports exposed his ownership of a luxurious farmhouse, contrasting with the simple lifestyle he promotes to his followers. Despite these revelations, his family defended him, stating he rarely visited the property.

Salman Azhari: Islamic Scholar and Orator

Salman Azhari, a distinguished Islamic scholar and orator, is renowned for his profound knowledge, eloquent speeches, and dedication to the propagation of Islamic teachings. Born into a family with deep-rooted Islamic scholarship, he hails from the lineage of respected ulema and has carried forward this legacy with remarkable dedication.

Mufti Salman completed his early Islamic education in India before advancing his studies at the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he earned his degree in Islamic Jurisprudence and Theology. Al-Azhar, a beacon of Islamic learning for over a millennium, honed his understanding of traditional Islamic sciences, equipping him to address contemporary issues with a balanced and informed perspective.

A multilingual scholar fluent in Arabic, Urdu, and English, Mufti Salman Azhari has reached diverse audiences worldwide. His sermons and lectures often focus on fostering unity, interfaith harmony, and adherence to the core values of Islam, such as compassion, justice, and service to humanity. He is particularly known for his ability to explain complex theological concepts in a relatable and accessible manner, making him a beloved figure among both scholars and laypersons.

Mufti Salman has traveled extensively, delivering lectures and attending conferences across countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. His contributions extend beyond the pulpit; he actively engages in social welfare initiatives, emphasizing education and empowerment as tools for uplifting communities.

A staunch advocate for peace and coexistence, Mufti Salman Azhari continues to inspire countless individuals with his scholarship, humility, and unwavering commitment to spreading the message of Islam as a religion of peace and universal brotherhood.