Mufti Kifayatullah was born in 1875 in Shahjahanpur, a district in Uttar Pradesh, India. His full name was Kifayatullah ibn Inayatullah ibn Faidhullah ibn Khairullah ibn ‘Ibadullah Dehlvi, and he hailed from a family with a modest financial background.
His father, Shaikh Inayatullah, was known for his piety and nobility, despite the family’s financial constraints. Kifayatullah began his education at the tender age of five at the maktab of Hafiz Barakatullah, where he completed the Qur’an and received instruction in Urdu and elementary Persian.His early education laid the foundation for his future scholarly pursuits.
He later enrolled at Madrasa ‘Azeeziya to continue his Persian studies and began his Arabic studies under Hafiz Budhun Khan. Recognizing his potential, his teacher, Moulana ‘Ubaidul Haq, recommended him to the Madrasa ‘Arabiya at Shahi Masjid in Muradabad, where he continued his education for two years. To support himself, Kifayatullah wove and sold topis, as his father could not afford his educational expenses.
Scholarly Contributions and Political Involvement
Kifayatullah Dehlawi’s scholarly journey was marked by his deep involvement in the educational and political spheres of Indian Muslims. He was a prominent Muslim scholar of Islam and occupied a significant position among Indian Muslims, providing guidance through various spiritual and political avenues.
His fatwas were known for their impartiality and deep understanding of the issues at hand.In the political realm, Kifayatullah served as the interim president of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind upon its establishment and later became its second president after the death of Mahmud Hasan Deobandi. His tenure as president was marked by his efforts to guide the Muslim community through challenging times, including the struggle for Indian independence.
Leadership and Educational Reform
Kifayatullah Dehlawi was not only a scholar but also an educationist who played a crucial role in the establishment and leadership of educational institutions. He served as the second rector of the Madrasa Aminia, succeeding Amin al-Din Dehlawi.
His leadership in education extended to his involvement as a founding member of Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi, where he was part of the foundation committee headed by Mahmud Hasan Deobandi.His commitment to education was also evident in his authorship of “Ta’limul-Islam,” a significant work that has been studied and taught for decades around the world. The book’s unique question-and-answer format has made it a cornerstone of Islamic education.
Personal Life and Character
Kifayatullah Dehlawi’s personal life was marked by both tragedy and resilience. He married twice; his first marriage ended in sorrow with the death of his wife and two children during their childhood. He later remarried, and with his second wife, he had seven children. His character was that of a true and sincere Alim, known for his respectability and solemn nature.
Final Years and Legacy
In his final years, Kifayatullah Dehlawi became increasingly reclusive, withdrawing from politics and public life due to his concerns about societal moral decline and communal tensions. He suffered from a severe liver illness in his last months, and despite medical treatment, he passed away on December 31, 1952, at the age of 77.
His funeral in Mehrauli, Delhi, was attended by an estimated 100,000 people, a testament to his profound impact on the Muslim community.Kifayatullah Dehlawi’s legacy is carried on through his students, his written works, and the institutions he helped establish and lead. His life’s work continues to inspire and guide Muslims around the world, and his contributions to Islamic scholarship and education remain invaluable.