ALLAMA SHABBIR AHMAD USMANI

Allama Shabbir Ahmad Usmani was an erudite religious scholar, an author and a sincere political leader. His efforts first for the creation of Pakistan and then, after it's creation, for the establishment of a truly Islamic system of Government were, indeed, laudable.

He was born in 1885 at Bijnour (UP). He was educated at the renowned Darul-U1oom of Deoband, where Shaikhul Hind, Mahmud-ul-Hasan was one of his teachers. He was Head Teacher Madressah Fathehpuri in Delhi for two years and Head Teacher Darul-Uloom, Dabel, Surat for 12 years. He spent 18 years at Deoband where he taught Hadees. He ultimately became Head of the Institution. Allama Shabbir then completed the 'Tafsir-ul-Quran' left unfinished by Maulana Mahmoodul Hasan.

During the Balkan War he took a leading part in collecting money for the Hilal-e-Ahmar (Red Crescent) Fund.

Allama Saheb was one of those few Deoband Alims who fought for the establishment of Pakistan. He was the Founder President of Jamiat-ul- Ulama-e-Islam {1946), which most effectively counteracted the anti- Pakistan Movement propaganda and activities led by pro-Congress Jamiat-ul-Ulamai Hind.

After Independence he became a Member of the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan and remained so till his death in March 1949. He left his indelible mark in the history of Pakistan when he spearheaded the 'Objectives Resolution' passed by the Constituent Assembly in March 1949 and participated in the preparation of the first draft of the constitution of Pakistan

He died at Baghdad-ul-Jadid, Bahawalpur State on December 13, 1949 and was buried at Karachi. Punjab University, Lahore conferred upon him posthumous degree of Doctorate of Laws.

Some of his memorable publications are 'Tark-i-Muvalaat Per Mofassal Tabserah, 1921' i.e. 'Detailed Treatment of the Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movements, wherein the Allama asks the Ulemas to lead Muslims against the British (This pamphlet was so convincing in its arguments and powerful in its contents that it was soon banned by the then British Government in India), 'Hamara Pakisan' (pamphlet) 1942, 'Hamara Islam' Deobandi. 'Khutbat-e-Usmani, Lahore'.