Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman was born on February 8, 1945, in the town of Mansehra, located in the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) of British India. His family belonged to the Tanoli tribe, known for their adherence to Islamic traditions and teachings. The cultural and religious environment of his hometown played a significant role in shaping his early views and understanding of Islam.
Academic Pursuits
From a young age, Muneeb-ur-Rehman exhibited a strong inclination towards religious studies. He received his early education in Mansehra before moving to Lahore for further Islamic studies. In December 1964, he relocated to Karachi, where he pursued higher education. He completed his Master’s in Islamic Studies from Karachi University and also received education in Arabic languages. Additionally, he earned a degree in Islamic theology and jurisprudence from Darul Uloom Amjadia.
Professional and Religious Career
Teaching and Academic Contributions
Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman has dedicated over 30 years to teaching Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Arabic Literature, and other Islamic subjects to graduate and postgraduate students. He has served as a professor at Jinnah University for Women in Karachi and has been involved with the Board of Intermediate Education, Karachi, and the Federal Urdu University, contributing to the development of Islamic studies curricula.
Leadership Roles
Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman has held numerous key positions throughout his professional life. He has served as the President of Tanzeem-ul-Madaris and Darul-Uloom Naeemia, Karachi. His leadership extended to the Shariah Board of Burj Bank and the National Academic Council of the Institute of Policy Studies.
Chairmanship of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee
One of the most notable roles of Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman was his long-standing position as the Chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Pakistan. Appointed in 1998, he served for approximately 22 years, overseeing the moon sighting process that determines the Islamic calendar’s lunar months, including the start of Ramadan and Eid festivals.
Contributions to Islamic Scholarship
Authorship
Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman is a prolific author with several books to his credit. His works include “Tafheem-ul-Masail,” “Qanoon-e-Shariat,” “Usool-e-Fiqah Islam,” and many others. These books cover various aspects of Islamic jurisprudence and are used as reference materials by students and scholars alike.
International Engagement
Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman has represented Pakistan on the international stage, attending conferences and seminars across the globe. He was part of a Pakistani delegation that visited the UK to study how madrassas and Islamic schools operate within a state-regulated system. His international engagements have taken him to the USA, UK, Norway, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and other countries.
Personal Life and Character
Family and Personal Tragedy
Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman’s personal life has been marked by both devotion to his family and profound loss. He lived with his wife, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi. In 2013, he faced the tragic loss of his only son, Zia Ur Rehman, to cancer at the age of 38. This personal tragedy was a testament to his faith, as he continued to serve the community and uphold his religious duties despite the immense grief.
Simplicity and Humility
Known for his spartan lifestyle, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman’s office, much like his life, is devoid of extravagance. He is often seen dressed in white with a black waistcoat, reflecting his simplicity. He spends most of his time engaged in reading, writing, and teaching, embodying the life of a dedicated scholar.
Legacy and Influence
Educational Leadership
Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman’s impact on Islamic education in Pakistan is profound. Through his teaching and administrative roles, he has shaped the minds of countless students, fostering a new generation of Islamic scholars and leaders.
Religious Leadership
As a religious leader, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman has been a guiding light for many Muslims in Pakistan and beyond. His interpretations of Islamic law and his role in the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee have been influential in shaping the religious landscape of the country.
Advocacy for Unity and Understanding
Throughout his career, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman has advocated for unity among Muslims and a deeper understanding of Islamic principles. His efforts to bridge gaps within the community and to address contemporary issues through the lens of Islamic jurisprudence have earned him respect and admiration.
Conclusion
Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman’s biography is a narrative of dedication, scholarship, and service to Islam. His contributions to Islamic education, jurisprudence, and the spiritual life of the Muslim community have left an indelible mark. As a teacher, author, and religious leader, his legacy continues to inspire and guide Muslims in Pakistan and around the world. His life’s work stands as a testament to his commitment to the faith and his unwavering pursuit of knowledge and truth.