Mufti Abdul Shakoor was a prominent Pakistani politician and religious scholar whose life and career left a significant impact on the country’s religious and political landscape. His journey from a small village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to becoming a respected minister in the Pakistani government is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and commitment to serving his nation and faith. This biography aims to shed light on his early life, education, political career, contributions, and legacy.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 1, 1968, in the village of Tajikhel in Laki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mufti Abdul Shakoor was the son of Sardar Khan. From a young age, he was immersed in religious studies, beginning his education at Madrasah Dara Pizo and later attending Akora Khattak in Nowshera.
His passion for learning and commitment to his faith were evident early on, as he was elected the Tehsil President of Jamiat students from Banu and Lakki Marwat while still in the fourth grade.Mufti Abdul Shakoor pursued higher education with the same zeal, obtaining a degree in Philosophy from Shah Waliullah University in Hyderabad in 1991, followed by a Masters in Islamic Studies from Darul Uloom Haqqania, Akora Khattak in 1993. His academic journey laid a solid foundation for his future roles as a religious scholar and political leader.
Political Career
Mufti Abdul Shakoor’s political career was marked by his deep commitment to serving his community and country. He was a member of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and represented the party in various capacities. In the 2018 general elections, he was elected as a Member of the National Assembly from Constituency 51, representing the Muttahida Majlis e Amal party. His election to the National Assembly was a significant milestone, allowing him to further his agenda of serving the nation and promoting Islamic values.
On April 19, 2022, Mufti Abdul Shakoor took the oath as Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. In this role, he worked tirelessly to improve the Hajj arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims, strengthen interfaith harmony, and contribute to the country’s foreign exchange reserves through innovative proposals. His efforts were recognized by the National Assembly, which passed a unanimous resolution to confer a national award upon him posthumously.
Contributions and Legacy
Mufti Abdul Shakoor’s contributions to Pakistan were multifaceted. As a religious scholar, he devoted his life to teaching and preaching Islamic principles. He served as a Khatib (Orator) of a Jama Masjid in Peshawar and was associated with Darul Uloom e Sirajul Islam Peshawar as a teacher for over 20 years. His teachings in philosophy, logic, jurisprudence, hadith, commentary, and fatwa writing influenced many.
In his political career, Mufti Abdul Shakoor was a vocal advocate for the needs of ex-FATA and played a crucial role in the formulation of the Hajj policy and the Quran Board law. His efforts to secure dollars for Hajj pilgrims and his contributions to raising foreign exchange reserves for Pakistan were particularly noteworthy. Mufti Abdul Shakoor’s tragic death in a road accident on April 15, 2023, left the nation in mourning. His funeral in Lakki Marwat was attended by a large number of locals, political and religious figures, and party workers, reflecting the deep respect and admiration he commanded.
Personal Life
Mufti Abdul Shakoor was married twice and had two daughters from his first wife and a younger son named Muhammad from his second wife. He aspired for his son to become a religious scholar, emphasizing the importance of religious education over worldly education.
Conclusion
Mufti Abdul Shakoor’s life was a journey of faith, dedication, and service. From his early days in a small village to his role as a respected minister, he remained committed to his principles and worked tirelessly for the betterment of his country and faith. His legacy lives on as a symbol of devotion and commitment to serving others, and his contributions to Pakistan’s religious and political spheres will be remembered for years to come.