By Saad Bin Zia, RINA,
New Delhi: An Academy has been planned to carry forward the legacy of eminent Islamic scholar and researcher Mufti Ateequr Rahman Usmani. The formal declaration of the proposed academy will be made on 12 May the death anniversary Mufti Usmani. The basic purpose of this Academy is to give the practical shape to his philosophy.
Mufti Ameedur Rahman Usmani called a meeting here yesterday which was attended by a large number of people representing different walks of life including the media. The participants in the meeting were unanimous that the best tribute to the Milli services of Mufti Ateequr Rahman Usmani would be to establish an academy after him. This can be the only way to make the new generation aware of the contributions made by Mufti Usmani in different fields such as Milli, social, political and economic especially in the post-independence India.
Mufti Ateequr Rahman Usmani was not only an eminent Islamic scholar but was also a visionary and a true Muslim leader who was always keen to help his community in any and every possible manner. He was born in 1901 and in 1930 came into contact with Mahatma Gandhi. Mufti Usmani was front row Freedon Fighter and was associated with the Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind (JUH). After the death of Maulana Ahmad Saeed he took over as the Acting President of the JUH. However, in the year 1964 he broke away from the JUH and formed All India Muslim Majlis Mushawarat (AIMMM) with sole objective of guiding the Muslims on every front.
Mufti Ateequr Rahman was a moderate leader who was interested not only in the cause of social justice but he respected the various caste identities as well. He was the member of the Majlis-e-Shura (Consultative Committee) of Darul Uloom Deoband (DUD) and the Life Member of Nadwatul Ulema, Lucknow. He also served as the Court Member of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Mufti Usmani was actively involved in various Milli organizations and institutions including Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi.