Mufti Khalil Khan Barkati
By SAHIL RAZVI published September 25, 2024
Mufti Khalil Khan Barkati (1920-18 June 1985) also known as Mufti Muhammad Khalil Khan al-Barkaati al-Qadiri was an Islamic scholar known for his extensive contributions to Sunni Islamic literature, particularly within the Hanafi school of thought. He has authored several influential works that serve as comprehensive guides to Islamic jurisprudence and law. He was honored with the title ‘Khalil al-Ulama,’ was a descendant of the Lodhi Pathan family. His lineage traces back to his father, Abdul Jaleel Khan, and his grandfather, Ismail Khan. His ancestors were inclined toward military service, and agriculture was also a family profession. His maternal grandfather, Maulana Abdul Rahman Khan, also known as Lal Khan, was a renowned Islamic scholar and a distinguished student of Allama Lutfullah. He was the author of Sunni Bahishti Zewar.
Early life and Education
He was born in the month of Dhul-Qa'dah 1338 AH (July 1920) in the village of Khariri, District Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
At the tender age of six days, Mufti Khalil lost his father. His grandfather took care of him, but he too passed away soon after. Following this, young Khalil was raised by his maternal family in Marehra, Uttar Pradesh, where his mother also passed away. Still too young to comprehend life’s hardships, his uncle assumed his care. Settling in Marehra, he began his studies but later returned to Aligarh, where he enrolled in ‘Madrasa Hafiziya Saeediya’ in March 1935. He remained there until he completed his studies, learning Hadith from Sadr al-Shariah Faqih-e-Azam, Mufti Amjad Ali Aazmi, and graduating in 1945. He received his certificate of Hadith from Mufti-e-Azam Hind, Maulana Muhammad Mustafa Raza Khan and his chain of transmission of Hadith linked back to Sheikh Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Dehlavi through prominent scholars.
Life
His maternal uncle, Allama Abdul Rahman Khan, was considered one of the prominent scholars of his time, and thus, Mufti Khalil was inclined toward religious knowledge from an early age. He received his schooling in Marehra, passing his middle school in 1934 (1352 AH). He then moved to Aligarh to study Islamic sciences at ‘Madrasa Hafizia Saidia’ and completed the Dars-e-Nizami in 1945. His teacher, Sadr al-Sharia, mentioned him among his capable students in his renowned work Bahar-e-Shariat.
In 1950, Mufti Khalil migrated to Pakistan with his family and settled permanently in the historic city of Hyderabad, Sindh. In 1952 (1371 AH), he established Darul Uloom Ahsan al-Barkat. After the partition of India, Ahsan al-Barkat was regarded as the first religious institution in Hyderabad. In 1955, this institution issued the first fatwa in Hyderabad, and Mufti Khalil also compiled the city's first prayer timetable through this seminary. Today, Darul Uloom Ahsan al-Barkat has about fifteen branches across the country, overseen by his eldest son, Mufti Ahmed Mian Barkati.
During his lifetime, Mufti Khalil issued approximately 18,000 fatwas, compiled into twelve volumes, and authored nearly sixty books, many of which have been published, while others are still awaiting publication. Some of his writings have been included in the curriculum of ‘Tanzim al-Madaris Pakistan’. He was also distinguished as a poet, and thousands of students benefited from his teachings. Prominent figures such as ‘Hasan Mian Marharvi’ acquired religious knowledge from him. ‘Muhammad Mian Marharvi.
His diwan (collection of poetry) titled Jamal-e-Khalil, under the pen name "Khalil," showcases his poetic excellence in praise of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. His significant contributions to Islamic scholarship, teaching, and Pakistan’s independence movement mark him as a key figure in the history of Sunni scholars of the subcontinent.
Notable Works
- Sunni Bahishti Zewar
- Hamara Islam (Five volumes, a collection of beliefs and issues)
- Hamari Namaaz (Issues related to prayer)
- Bahare Nisban (Rights and responsibilities of women)
- Roshni ki taraf (Towards the light)
- Tafseer-e-Quran (Quranic exegesis)
- Manzoom Kalam (Poetic compositions)
Spiritual Guidance and Succession
While still a student, Mufti Khalil Khan pledged allegiance to the Qadiri order in 1938 at the hands of Taj al-Ulama, Hazrat Syed Aulad Rasul Muhammad Mian Qadri. After his spiritual master’s passing, Mufti Khalil received permission to grant spiritual succession (Khilafah) from Ahsan al-Ulama, Hazrat Syed Shah Hassan Mian Barkati. He also received Khilafah in the Qadiri Razvi order from Hazrat Allama Mufti Muhammad Mustafa Raza Khan Nuri.
Teachers
Mufti Khalil Khan Barkati was deeply influenced by several notable teachers throughout his educational journey. His primary mentor was the esteemed Mufti Ahmed Mian Barkati, a renowned scholar within the ‘Barkatiya’ family, who played a significant role in shaping his religious and academic outlook. Other influential figures in his education include various scholars from the Sunni tradition, particularly those affiliated with the Barelvi school of thought.
Character and Qualities
Mufti Khalil Khan Barkati was a leading scholar of his time, dedicated to teaching and spreading knowledge. Hundreds of scholars benefited from his guidance, and his books remain a beacon of knowledge. His seminary, Darul Uloom Ahsan al-Barkat in Hyderabad, Sindh, continues to serve many. Despite his scholarly achievements, Mufti Khalil was known for his simplicity and humility, disliking personal praise and grandeur. He dressed elegantly yet modestly and was known for his strong sense of morality. His piety and devotion were evident not only in his academic contributions but also in his personal conduct.
Oratory and Contributions to the Pakistan Movement
Upon completing his education, Mufti Khalil was entrusted with teaching and preaching duties. He traveled across India for religious tours and also served as a military preacher in Meerut Cantonment. He actively participated in the Pakistan Movement during his youth, supporting the Muslim League and openly criticizing the Congress. During his student years, he wrote a rebuttal to the Khaksar Movement’s misleading ideologies through his book "Khanjar-e-Aabdar Bar Firqah Khaksar," warning the Muslim community against this movement’s propaganda.
Famous disciples
Here is a list of some of the famous disciples of Hazrat Mufti Khalil Khan Barkati:
*Maulana Habibur Rahman Shah
- Maulana Ghulam Muhammad
- Maulana Ghulam Mustafa
- Maulana Abdul Karim
- Maulana Hidayatullah
- Hafiz Muhammad Saeed
- Maulana Muhammad Waris
- Maulana Qadir Baksh
- Maulana Azizullah
Personal life
Hazrat Mufti Khalil has two sons and six daughters. Mufti Khalil's elder son, Mufti Hazrat Allama Maulana Ghulam Muhiyuddin, is an excellent Qari and Hafiz of the Quran.
Wisal
Mufti Muhammad Khalil Khan Barkati passed away on the 28th of Ramadan 1405 AH (June 18, 1985) at the age of 65, just before Maghrib. His funeral prayer was led by Mufti Muhammad Waqaaruddin Qadri, and he was buried the following day at the shrine of Hazrat Sufi Syed Abdul Wahab Shah Jilani.
References
- Halate Zindagi, Shaikhul Hadees, Hazrat Khaleel Khan Barkati (Dawate Islami)
- Biography by Ghulam Rabbani Fida
- Anwaar e Ulama e Ahle Sunnat Sindh
Mufti Aazam Aur Unke Khulfa