Eldarljt at 12:48, 22 April 2026

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{{Short description|Indian Sunni Islamic scholar (born 1960)}}
{{Infobox academic
| honorific_prefix = Mawlana, Mufti
| name = Anisur Rahman Qasmi
| native_name = انیس الرحمن قاسمی
| native_name_lang = ur
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1960|7|6}}
| birth_place = Katahari, [[West Champaran district]], Bihar, India
| birth_name = Mohammad Anisur Rahman
| occupation = Islamic scholar, writer, community leader
| known_for = Leadership in Imarat-e-Shariah, Islamic jurisprudence
| alma_mater = [[Darul Uloom Deoband]]
| organization =
| notable_works =
}}
'''Anisur Rahman Qasmi''' (born 6 July 1960), also written as '''Aneesur Rahman Qasmi''', is an Indian Sunni Islamic scholar, writer, and community leader from [[Bihar]]. He has held various senior positions in religious and community organisations, including roles connected to [[Imarat-e-Shariah]] (Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand) and the All India Milli Council, where he serves as Vice President. A graduate of [[Darul Uloom Deoband]], he is known for his writings and lectures on [[Islamic jurisprudence]] and public issues. Qasmi has authored several works in [[Urdu]] and Arabic on subjects such as Islamic law and social ethics, and has been active in community affairs, including work with the Bihar Haj Committee and initiatives for Muslim welfare.

== Early life and education ==
Anisur Rahman Qasmi was born in Katahari, [[West Champaran district]], Bihar, India, on 6 July 1960. His father was Muhammad Abul Kalam. He received his early education at Madrasa Riyaz-ul-Uloom in his hometown. He graduated from [[Darul Uloom Deoband]] in the traditional [[dars-e-nizami]] course in 1978 and then completed a one-year specialization in Islamic jurisprudence (ifta) in 1979.<ref name="FDKFS">{{cite book |last1=Qasmi|first1=Aaftab Ghazi|last2=Qasmi|first2=Abdul Hasib|title=Fuzala-e-Deoband Ki Fiqhi Khidmāt|trans-title=Jurisprudential services of Darul Uloom Deoband's alumni|url=https://archive.org/details/fuzal-e-deoband-ki-fiqhi-khidmaat|date=February 2011|publisher=Naeemia Book Depot|location=[[Deoband]]|pages=413–414|language=ur}}</ref>

== Career ==
After completing his studies, Qasmi joined [[Imarat-e-Shariah]], based in [[Phulwari Sharif]], Patna. He taught at the institution's Al-Ma'had Al-Aali Lit-Tadreeb Fi Al-Qada Wa Al-Ifta (Higher Institute for Judicial and Fatwa Training). He served as Naib Qazi-e-Shariat (Deputy Islamic Judge) in the central Darul Qaza of Imarat-e-Shariah and held administrative responsibilities.{{Sfn|Qasmi|Qasmi|2011|p=413}}

Qasmi has also held several significant positions, including Secretary of Imarat Shariah Educational and Welfare Trust, Treasurer of Al-Ma'had Trust, and Member of the Board of Darul Uloom Al-Islamia Imarat Shariah Trust. He is a founding member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and the [[Islamic Fiqh Academy, India]], and has been affiliated with the All India Milli Council, the Central [[Islamic Development Bank]] (Jeddah) as a zonal member, and has served as Vice President of Wifaq-ul-Madaris Al-Islamia of Imarat-e-Shariah, Patna.{{Sfn|Qasmi|Qasmi|2011|p=413}} As of 2025, he continues to serve as Vice President of the All India Milli Council,<ref name="Hawzah">{{cite web |date=27 November 2022 |title=آل انڈیا ملی کونسل کا مقصد ملت کے ہر فرد میں احساس جواب دہی پیدا کرنا اور آداب مسلمانی سکھانا ہے: مولانا انیس الرحمن قاسمی |trans-title=The purpose of All India Milli Council is to instill accountability and Islamic etiquette among every individual of the community: Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi |url=https://ur.hawzahnews.com/news/386129/ |access-date=30 June 2025 |website=Hawzah News |language=ur}}</ref> and is also the Chairman of the Abul Kalam Research Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khosa |first=Aasha |date=12 January 2024 |title=Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi asks Muslims not to oppose Ram temple |url=https://www.awazthevoice.in/india-news/maulana-anisur-rahman-qasmi-asks-muslims-not-to-oppose-ram-temple-26481.html |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=Awaaz – The Voice |language=en}}</ref>

=== Role in Bihar State Haj Committee ===
In 2009, Qasmi was elected Chairman of the Bihar Haj Committee, where he oversaw logistical arrangements for pilgrims, noting in 2010 that approximately 5,575 pilgrims from Bihar had registered for the pilgrimage and expressing his prayers for their safe journey.<ref>{{cite news |date=20 August 2009 |title=Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi elected chairman of Bihar Haj Committee |url=https://twocircles.net/2009aug20/maulana_anisur_rahman_qasmi_elected_chairman_bihar_haj_committee.html |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=TwoCircles.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pilgrims set out for Haj |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/news-in-brief/cid/470446 |work=The Telegraph India |date=14 October 2010 |access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> During his tenure as Chairman of the Bihar State Haj Committee, Qasmi played a significant role in improving the travel arrangements for Haj pilgrims from Bihar. In 2012, he oversaw the introduction of direct flights from Gaya International Airport to Medina, which significantly reduced travel time for pilgrims who previously had to transit via [[Kolkata]]. He raised concerns about the early flight timings, arguing that pilgrims traveling overnight from Patna faced hardship. His efforts led to a rescheduling of flights in 2012, with departures shifted to later times, improving convenience for pilgrims. He also highlighted broader concerns regarding infrastructure and equitable services for Haj pilgrims from Bihar.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=Alok |title=Direct flight to Haj from Gaya |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/direct-flight-to-haj-from-gaya/cid/387155 |work=The Telegraph India |date=29 August 2012 |access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=Alok |title=Haj flight time change for pilgrims |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/haj-flight-time-change-for-pilgrims/cid/377574 |work=The Telegraph India |date=10 September 2012 |access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref>

In 2011, Qasmi commented on the disqualification of a councillor in Bihar who lost her seat for exceeding the two-child norm imposed by the Bihar Municipal Act. He argued that selectively enforcing such rules was unjust and a violation of human rights, emphasizing that, under Islamic teachings, preventing childbirth is impermissible. He expressed concern that such measures could negatively impact Muslim representation in governance.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bhelari |first=Amit |title=Councillor son wish costs seat |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/councillor-son-wish-costs-seat/cid/365870 |work=The Telegraph India |date=25 July 2011 |access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> He has been active in public religious discourse and community initiatives. In 2013, he announced that Imarat-e-Shariah would launch a comprehensive website, islamicshariah.in, to provide information on Shariat laws, [[fatwa]]s, and Islamic teachings, aiming to help younger generations access authentic religious knowledge online.<ref>{{cite news |title=Imarat Shariah to launch website on Islamic issues |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/imarat-shariah-to-launch-website-on-islamic-issues/articleshow/19284287.cms |work=The Times of India |date=30 March 2013 |access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|COVID-19 pandemic]] in 2020, he issued guidance for mosque congregations, advising worshippers to maintain [[social distancing]], perform ablutions at home, and carry personal prayer mats.<ref>{{cite news |title=In Kerala, Friday prayers cut short; mosque panel booked for allowing 500 odd crowd |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-kerala-friday-prayers-cut-short-mosque-panel-booked-for-allowing-500-odd-crowd/story-webUkrxD5TnPEDHMzxaM9I.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=20 March 2020 |access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> He has advocated for Muslim community welfare, including supporting reservations to promote socio-economic upliftment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Muslims hail court order on Andhra quota, want states to follow |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/muslims-hail-court-order-on-andhra-quota-want-states-to-follow/story-YDzHQLG3utrq8Jaj93jHCJ_amp.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=26 March 2010 |access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> In 2015, he proposed a centralized qurbani (sacrifice) scheme to prevent fraud related to animal sacrifices during Eid, though this proposal sparked debate among other Islamic scholars.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 May 2015 |title=Centralised qurbani scheme: HCI says it will help check fraud; some Ulemas raise objections |url=https://twocircles.net/2015may01/1430496299.html |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=[[TwoCircles]]}}</ref>

=== Controversies ===
{{Further|Imarat-e-Shariah#2025 political activism and leadership dispute}}
In March 2025, Anisur Rahman Qasmi was named as a claimant to the position of Ameer-e-Shariat of [[Imarat-e-Shariah]] by a faction within the organisation. This faction announced the removal of [[Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani]], citing concerns related to nationality, religious qualifications, and organisational matters. However, Rahmani and his supporters rejected this move and asserted that he continues as Ameer-e-Shariat.<ref name="Navbharat">{{cite news |date=30 March 2025 |title=बिहार में इमारत- ए- शरिया में नेतृत्व को लेकर भारी बवाल, दो गुटों में वर्चस्व के सवाल पर टकराव तेज |url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/bihar/patna/there-is-a-ruckus-between-two-groups-in-imarat-e-sharia-in-bihar-over-dominance-and-leadership/articleshow/119753734.cms |access-date=1 July 2025 |work=[[Navbharat Times]] |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=29 March 2025 |title=امارت شرعیہ تنازعہ : پولیس اور جے ڈی یو پر سنگین الزامات |trans-title=Imarat-e-Shariah controversy: Serious allegations against police and JD(U) |url=https://www.urdu.awazthevoice.in/india-news/emirates-e-sharia-controversy-serious-allegations-against-police-and-jdu-46354.html |access-date=1 July 2025 |work=Awaz the Voice |language=ur}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=30 March 2025 |title=Attack allegation on Imarat Shariah by JDU leaders |url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeesalaam/muslim-news/bihar-news-attack-allegation-on-imarat-shariah-by-jdu-leaders-revenge-waqf-amendment-bill/2699539 |access-date=1 July 2025 |work=Zee Salaam}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=31 March 2025 |title=Super ambitious Maulanas attempt a 'Coup d'État' on Imarat Sharia |url=https://muslimmirror.com/super-ambitious-maulanas-attempt-a-coup-detat-on-imarat-sharia/ |access-date=1 July 2025 |work=[[Muslim Mirror]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="22-05-2025">{{cite web |date=22 May 2025 |title=امارت شرعیہ کا مقصد نفاذ شریعت، مستند عالم دین ہی ہو سکتا ہے امیر شریعت |trans-title=The objective of Imarat-e-Shariah is enforcement of Shariah; Only a recognised Islamic scholar can be Ameer-e-Shariat |url=https://www.baseeratonline.com/archives/223487 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527030120/https://www.baseeratonline.com/archives/223487 |archive-date=27 May 2025 |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=Baseerat Online |language=ur}}</ref>

== Views ==
In 2021, Qasmi cautioned that changing the traditional method of electing the Ameer-e-Shariat could cause divisions and stressed maintaining established procedures.<ref>{{cite web |date=31 July 2021 |title=امیر شریعت کے انتخاب کا طریقہ بدلنے پر انتشار لازمی: مولانا انیس الرحمن قاسمی |trans-title=Changing the method of electing Ameer-e-Shariat is bound to cause divisions: Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/urdu/national/state/bihar/etv-bharat-exclusive-interview-with-former-nazim-maulana-anis-ur-rehman-qasmi/na20210731140951973 |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=ETV Bharat News |language=ur}}</ref>

In 2025, he urged Bihar Chief Minister [[Nitish Kumar]] to oppose the [[The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025|Waqf Amendment Bill]], saying Muslims hoped Kumar would support “the truth” and expressed disappointment with [[Janata Dal (United)|JD(U)]] leaders backing the bill.<ref>{{cite news |date=29 March 2025 |title=Nitish Kumar Silent On Waqf Bill: Bihar Muslim Leaders Want CM To Stand Up For Community |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/are-muslims-getting-disillusioned-with-nitish-kumar-know-inside-story-enn25032902042 |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=ETV Bharat |language=en}}</ref>

In 2014, Qasmi called the [[Ahmed Bukhari|Shahi Imam of Delhi]]’s refusal to invite Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] to his son’s dastarbandi “immature,” arguing that hospitality required inviting the Prime Minister despite personal views.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 November 2014 |title=Imarat-e-Shariah calls Delhi Shahi Imam's decision for not inviting PM Modi 'immature' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/imarat-e-shariah-calls-delhi-shahi-imams-decision-of-not-inviting-pm-modi-immature/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101073000/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/imarat-e-shariah-calls-delhi-shahi-imams-decision-of-not-inviting-pm-modi-immature/ |archive-date=1 November 2014 |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref>

In 2015, as general secretary of Imarat-e-Shariah, he supported Nitish Kumar’s alliances, praising initiatives like scholarships for Muslims, Urdu teacher recruitment, and madrasa funding.<ref>{{cite news |title=For Muslim voters, grand alliance is a necessary evil |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/for-muslim-voters-grand-alliance-is-a-necessary-evil/articleshow/49530292.cms |work=The Times of India |date=26 October 2015 |access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref>

In 2024, he joined Muslim leaders in condemning the [[Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019|Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)]], calling it a violation of constitutional principles of equality and secularism.<ref>{{cite news |title=CAA undermines principle of equality: Muslim bodies |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/caa-undermines-principle-of-equality-muslim-bodies-9210918/lite/ |work=The Indian Express |date=13 March 2024 |access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref>

== Literary works ==
Qasmi has authored several books in Urdu and Arabic on Islamic jurisprudence and other subjects. Some of his works include:{{Sfn|Qasmi|Qasmi|2011|p=414}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=All writings of Mohammad Anisur Rahman Qasmi |url=https://www.rekhta.org/authors/mohammad-anisur-rahman-qasmi/all |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=Rekhta |language=en}}</ref>
* ''Tahara Ke Ahkam wa Masail'' (Rules and Issues of Purity)
* ''Khula ka Islami Tareeqa'' (Islamic Procedure of Khula Divorce)
* ''Libas ke Sharai Ahkam'' (Islamic Rules of Clothing)
* ''Ghiza ke Sharai Ahkam'' (Islamic Rules of Food)
* ''Tameerat ke Sharai Ahkam'' (Islamic Rules of Construction)
* ''Musannifeen-e-Zindan'' (Prison writers)
* ''Islami Huqooq'' (Islamic Rights)
* ''Makārim Akhlaq''
* ''Khutbat-e-Juma'' (Friday Sermons in Urdu)
* ''Al-Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah wa Afkaruhu'' (Arabic)
* ''Akhlaqiyat al-Harb fi al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah'' (Arabic)
* ''Hayāt-e-Sajjad'' (a biography on [[Abul Mahasin Muhammad Sajjad]])
* ''Maqalat-e-Sajjad''

== See also ==
* [[Imarat-e-Shariah]]
* [[Darul Uloom Deoband]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Qasmi, Anisur Rahman}}
[[Category:1960 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from West Champaran district]]
[[Category:Indian Islamic religious leaders]]
[[Category:Darul Uloom Deoband alumni]]
[[Category:Indian Sunni Muslim scholars of Islam]]
[[Category:Indian writers]]
[[Category:Hanafis]]
[[Category:Indian scholars]]
[[Category:Urdu-language writers]]

Anisur Rahman Qasmi - Revision history

Eldarljt at 12:48, 22 April 2026