Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Islahi, a prominent Muslim scholar, author, speaker, and founder of several educational institutions, passed away at a hospital in Noida (U.P.) on December 21, 2021, after a short illness. However, he left behind a treasure of knowledge that would continue to benefit seekers of knowledge worldwide. Much of what he wrote and said was in Urdu, but through his students scattered all over the world, he reached an audience speaking different languages and cultures. Many of his students are in the United States. His book Aasaan Fiqh (Easy Jurisprudence) and Aadab-e Zindagi (Etiquettes of Life) are his best-circulated books.

Read also an old interview of Maulana: ‘Our girls are equipped to face the challenges’

Born at Formulli, Attoc district (now in Pakistan), in 1932, Maulana Islahi was a member of the consultative body of Jamaat-e Islami Hind. Also, he was the chief patron of the Project “Why Islam” of the Islamic Circle of North America. His thoughts had the influence of Maulana Maududi, Amin Ahsan Islahi, and Abdul Hayy Lucknawi.

He received his primary education in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Initially, he got educated in Islamic Studies from Mazaher ul-Uloom, Saharanpur District and higher studies and Fazilat from Madarsatul-Islah, Sarai Mir. He memorized Qur'an and also learned Tajweed. Then his father, Shaikh-ul-Hadees Maulana Abdul Qadim Khan, sent him to Madrasa Mazahirul Uloom, Saharanpur, for further education. Later he joined Madarsatul Islah, Sarai Mir, Azamgarh. He spent four years under Maulana Amin Ahsan Islahi and received Sanad Fazilat with distinction (Certificate of Graduation). He was the brother-in-law of Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, a prominent Muslim American leader.

He became a member of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind in 1953 and was in charge of various activities.

Yusuf Islahi was also guiding many educational and welfare institutions. He was the Rector of Jamiatus-Salehat, Rampur, which Maulana Abdul -Hayy Lucknawi founded, as a unique and well-known institution for girls' higher Arabic and Islamic education. More than a thousand students now reside in its sprawling campus spread on several acres of land in the best locality of Rampur city. Number of local student is larger than those staying in hostels. Jamia has another campus-the old one too, where classes for junior sections take place.

Markazi Darsgah-e-Islami Rampur ran under his guidance for the last few years. Many other educational and welfare institutions also sought his advice and guidance. He led a simple life and devoted his knowledge to serving people.

His scholarship was rooted in humility, humor, and care for humanity. May Allah elevate his status in the life hereafter.