Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman is a distinguished Islamic scholar, jurist, and religious leader from Pakistan, born on February 8, 1945, in Numbal, Upper Tanawal, Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Belonging to the Tanoli tribe, his family has a seven-generation legacy of Islamic scholarship, with his father, Qazi Habib ur Rehman, and grandfather, Qazi Abdullah, significantly influencing his early religious education. His upbringing in a scholarly household fostered a deep commitment to Islamic studies, which he pursued rigorously through formal education and later translated into a career of teaching, writing, and religious leadership. Known for his adherence to the Sunni Barelvi school of thought, he is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s most influential muftis, often referred to as the “Mufti-e-Azam” (Grand Mufti) by his followers. His move to Karachi in 1964 marked the beginning of his prominent role in the city’s religious and academic spheres, where he continues to reside.

Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman’s educational journey is extensive, blending traditional Islamic learning with modern academic credentials. He began with early education in his hometown, completing matriculation at Government High School, Mansehra, and learned Persian texts like Kareema, Nam-e-Haq, and Pandnama from his mother. He pursued Dars-e-Nizami at Jamia Nizamia Lahore, spent a year at Jamia Islamia Bahawalpur, and completed Fazil-e-Arabi and Darja-e-Hadees at Darul Uloom Amjadia, Karachi, in 1965 and 1966, respectively, under scholars like Allama Abdul Mustafa Al-Azhari. Additionally, he earned a Master’s in Islamic Studies from Karachi University in 1969, a B.Ed from Government College of Education in 1971, and an LL.B in 1973. His mentors, including Mufti Abdul Qayyum Hazarvi and Justice (Retd) Dr. Allama Mufti Syed Shujaat Ali Qadri, shaped his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence, Hadith, and Tafseer, preparing him for his multifaceted roles as an educator and jurist.

Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman has held numerous significant positions, reflecting his influence in religious and educational spheres. He served as chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee from 1998 to 2020, overseeing moon-sighting decisions critical for the Islamic calendar, until his removal on December 30, 2020. Currently, he is the president of Tanzeem ul Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan, managing the examination and certification system for Sunni madrasas, and president of Darul Uloom Naeemia, Karachi, a key institution for Islamic education. He also taught as a professor at Allama Iqbal Government College, Karachi, until his retirement in 2005, and served as visiting faculty at NED University and Jinnah University for Women. Additionally, he has been a member of boards of studies at Federal Government Urdu University, University of Karachi, and the Board of Intermediate Education, Karachi, contributing to curriculum development and academic oversight.

Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman’s contributions span education, religious leadership, authorship, and public service. He taught Islamic sciences, including Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, and Arabic literature, for over 30 years at graduate and postgraduate levels, shaping countless students. Since 1965, he has delivered Friday sermons at Masjid e Aqsa, Block 15, F.B Area, Karachi, providing spiritual guidance to the community. His authorship includes significant works like Tafheem Ul Masail (multiple volumes), Kitab Ul Fiqh, and Arbaeen e Tijarat Wa Maeeshat, which are essential resources for Islamic education. Internationally, he has represented Pakistan in conferences across countries like the USA, UK, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, including a 2006 UK delegation to study madrasa systems. He also mediated political disputes, notably between the government and Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan in 2021, showcasing his role in fostering social harmony. His advocacy on issues like Palestine and condemnation of events like the Jaranwala incident further highlight his societal engagement.

Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman has authored several influential books on Islamic jurisprudence and related topics, primarily in Urdu, which serve as vital resources for students and scholars. His notable works include Tafheem Ul Masail, a multi-volume series addressing a wide range of Islamic issues and rulings; Kitab Ul Fiqh, a comprehensive text on Islamic jurisprudence; and Arbaeen e Tijarat Wa Maeeshat, a collection of forty Hadiths focusing on trade and economic principles. Other works, such as Qanoon-e-Shariat and Usool-e-Fiqh Islam, further demonstrate his expertise in Islamic law. These books are widely used in madrasas and by scholars for their detailed and accessible explanations of complex religious matters, cementing his legacy as a prolific writer and educator.

Currently, Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman serves as the president of Tanzeem ul Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan, overseeing the educational framework of Sunni madrasas, and as president of Darul Uloom Naeemia, Karachi, leading one of Pakistan’s prominent Islamic institutions. While specific details about his future plans are not publicly available, his recent activities suggest a continued focus on promoting Islamic education, engaging in social and religious discourse, and advocating for issues like Palestinian rights, as seen in his 2024 conference participation. His ongoing leadership in religious institutions and public statements on contemporary issues, such as the Jaranwala incident, indicate a commitment to sustaining his role as a guiding figure in Pakistan’s religious and social landscape.

Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman’s global influence is well-documented, as he was listed in The 500 Most Influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, Jordan, from 2009 to 2020, recognizing his contributions to Islamic scholarship and leadership. His participation in international conferences across the USA, UK, Norway, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, South Africa, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka underscores his role in global Islamic discourse. Notably, in 2006, he was part of a Pakistani delegation to the UK to study madrasa integration within state regulations, highlighting his involvement in cross-cultural educational dialogues. This global recognition reflects his ability to bridge traditional Islamic scholarship with contemporary issues on an international stage.

Lesser-known aspects of Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman’s life include his nickname “Hazarvi,” derived from his association with the Hazara region, and his spartan lifestyle despite his prominence. He faced significant personal tragedy with the loss of his only son, Zia Ur Rehman, to cancer in 2013 at age 38, yet continued his religious duties with resilience, delivering sermons shortly after the loss. Since moving to Karachi in 1964, he has considered it his home, living in Gulistan-e-Jauhar with his wife, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. He is also known for his engagement in interfaith dialogues, such as those in Norway and the UK, and his vocal stance on social issues, like condemning the Jaranwala incident and supporting Palestinian causes, which reflect his broader societal impact beyond religious scholarship.