Introduction to Idara Maarif-e-Islami
In the name of Allah the most merciful and the beneficent
It is a fact that the Islamic system in a country depends on two fundamental elements:
- The existence of a group in society that has a firm faith in the religion of Allah. With all its man-power and resources, this group engages in the struggle for the establishment and dominance of the entire religion. The aim is to ensure that the true religion, in which they believe, continues to guide their
- The establishment of an intellectual and practical movement that provides solutions to all the problems of modern life in accordance with the teachings of Islam. This movement, especially in the fields of law, education, economy, and society, continues to prepare intellectual, academic, and research materials.
In the work that Maulana Syed Abul Ala Maududi started alone in the first quarter of the present century and then in the Jamaat he founded in 1941, these two aspects were kept in mind. Allah Ta’ala had bestowed upon the late Maulana extraordinary knowledge in religious sciences, deep insight, high skill, and a profound understanding of the sciences and arts of the present age. Most importantly, Allah Ta’ala granted the late Maulana a unique and distinguished status. As a result, the scope of the Islamic movement (Jamaat-e-Islami) established by Maulana was not limited to the Indian sub-continent but gradually spread to the whole world. Consequently, a large number of the young generation of the Nation of Islam decided to devote their lives to the obligatory cause of Iqamat e Deen.
Here it is particularly noteworthy that Maulana’s grand movement was not merely an intellectual endeavor; it simultaneously provided a platform for collective efforts through the establishment of Jamaat e Islami, which would allow the revolutionary thoughts to be translated into practice. Maulana served as the intellectual and practical leader of this movement for an extended period. During this time, he offered guidance in the intellectual realm, addressing fallacies and doubts spawned by both modern and ancient ignorant philosophies in light of Quran and Sunnah. Additionally, he played a crucial role as the practical leader, actively working towards the establishment of an Islamic state in modern times.
Director’s Message
Idara Ma’arif-e-Islami is a leading Islamic research and academic institution founded in 1963 by Syed Abul A’la Maududi. Dedicated to the study, publication, and promotion of Islamic knowledge, it addresses contemporary intellectual, social, and civilizational issues in the light of Islam. Through its scholarly works and research initiatives, the Institute serves students, researchers, teachers, and all seekers of authentic Islamic learning. We pray that these efforts continue to benefit Islam and the Muslim Ummah.
— Dr. Hafiz Sajid Anwar (Director)
From the outset, Maulana aimed to create an academic and research institution under his supervision. This institution would house individuals with mature minds, proficient in religious sciences as well as modern sciences and arts. These individuals would possess the ability to challenge destructive ideas and philosophies emanating from modern materialistic civilization. Simultaneously, they would aptly present the blessings and attributes of the Islamic system. The goal was to pave the way for the Islamic revolution that Jamat e Islami was striving to achieve.
In pursuit of this objective, Maulana established the Idara Maarif-e-Islami in Karachi in 1963. Recognizing the extraordinary importance of this initiative, it was decided that Maulana would directly oversee its intellectual direction as the institution’s president. Professor Khushid Ahmad assumed the role of general secretary, while locally, Chaudry Ghulam Muhammad, the late Ameer of Jamat-e-Islami Karachi, took charge of all administrative and financial affairs, and he performed this role admirably. Maulana Muhammad Nazim Nadvi, a prominent scholar and researcher, served as the vice president. The services of eminent scholars like Maulana Muntakhab Ul Haq and Maulana Mateen Ansari were utilized for this institution. After the transfer of Prof. Khurshid Ahmad from Karachi, Mr. Syed Munawar Hassan was appointed as the Secretary General of this institution, who has been carrying out this responsibility for a long time. So far, more than three hundred academic and research books on various Islamic topics have been published by this institution.
Similarly, in 1967, under the leadership of the late Maulana Abdul Rahim, a branch of Idara Maarif-e-Islami was established in Dhaka, and the work of transferring the basic literature of the movement into the Bengali language was started. But since Maulana’s residence was in Lahore, it was his wish that a similar academic and research institution should be established in Lahore as well, which would work under his direct supervision and guidance. In this institution, Maulana wanted to bring a team of insightful scholars who would completely free themselves from all other activities and devote themselves to the great task of researching and writing on various aspects of Islamic life. However, the implementation of this great project continued to be delayed.
In early 1979, when the late Maulana was awarded the first Shah Faisal Award for his outstanding services to Islam worldwide, he donated the entire prize, which comprised two hundred thousand Saudi Riyals and a gold medal, towards the realization of his long-standing vision of establishing the Islamic Research Academy. He explicitly stated that the award, earned through dedicated service to Islam, should be solely utilized for the advancement of the Islamic cause. In addition, Maulana established a council to oversee the institution. However, this organization had not formally commenced its activities when, in May 1979, Maulana’s health deteriorated. On September 22, 1979, he passed away. May Allah grant him the highest ranks in His blessings, Ameen.
Following Maulana’s demise, Mian Tufail Muhammad, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, was elected as the new chairman of Idara Maarif-e-Islami, and under his leadership, the institution continued its pursuit of noble goals. Late Maulana Maududi had appointed Maulana Khalil Ahmad Hamidi as its first director. Maulana Khalil Ahmad Hamidi, through considerable effort, established the institution, mobilized financial and human resources, constructed the building, and successfully managed it until his unfortunate death in an accident in November 1994. The institution’s offices have been established in a serene environment near Mansoorah, the center of Jamaat-e-Islami. Here, the institution is dedicated to producing literature in a modern contemporary style on various aspects of the Islamic system of life. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to develop individuals with knowledge and thought leadership who can effectively contribute to the global movement for the revival of Islam, a movement that has gained momentum worldwide by the grace of Allah Almighty.
After the demise of Maulana Khalil Ahmad Hamidi, Mr. Chaudhry Muhammad Islam Salimi was appointed as the Director of Idara Maarif-e-Islami, Mansoorah. In 2003, Hafiz Muhammad Idrees was appointed as the Deputy Director. On June 25, 2009, Mian Tufail Muhammad also passed away. Professor Khurshid Ahmad was then appointed as the President of the institute in place of the late Mian Tufail Muhammad.
Due to health issues, Professor Khurshid Ahmad later resigned from the presidency, and Mr. Chaudhry Muhammad Islam Salimi was handed over the responsibilities. In 2004, Hafiz Muhammad Idrees became the Director. With the hard work of Hafiz Muhammad Idrees, the number of books in the institution reached three hundred. He contacted philanthropists and constructed twelve flats that are now a part of the permanent income of Idara Maarif-e-Islami, Mansoorah. May Allah accept their services in His presence. Honorable Hafiz Muhammad Idrees served as the director of the Institution till May 18, 2019.
On May 6, 2019, Dr. Hafiz Sajid Anwar was appointed as the Director by the then Amir of Jamaat-e- Islami Pakistan. On November 28, 2020, Chaudhry Muhammad Islam Salimi resigned from the presidency due to his age and health issues. The respected Amir of Jamaat accepted his resignation. The services of Mr. Chaudhry Muhammad Islam Salimi are commendable and memorable. During his tenure, Tafheem Ul Ahadees, and Tafheem Ahkaam Ul Qur’an were completed. The number of titles exceeded two hundred and fifty. May Allah accept his beautiful efforts and reward him generously.
On December 9, 2022, the respected Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, Mr. Siraj ul Haq, appointed Dr. Farid Ahmad Paracha as the President of the organization. Additionally, the following individuals were included in the Executive Council:
President: Dr. Farid Ahmad Paracha
Director: Dr. Hafiz Sajid Anwar Members:
Hafiz Muhammad Idrees
Rashid Naseem
Shahid Warraich
Sajjad Mir
Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Gondal
Khwaja Zafar Ali
At present, under the leadership of Dr. Farid Ahmad Paracha and the guidance of Dr. Hafiz Sajid Anwar, Idara Maarif-e-Islami is actively working towards achieving its goals. New projects have been initiated, a website has been developed, the organization’s accounts and office system have been transferred to software, and efforts for halal certification are underway. Workshops are organized under this initiative, and new books are in progress or under publication.
Services
The Core Purpose of Idara Maarif-e-Islami is to Publish Islamic Literature.
Idara Maarif-e-Islami has a Reference Library, Consisting of about 28 Thousand Books.
Maktaba Maarif-e-Islami is the Sale Point of Idara Maarif-e-Islami, Where Books are Available at Best Prices.
Idara Maarif-e-Islami Organizes Research Sessions & Workshops for Students & Professionals.
All Types of Jurisprudential Enquires are Entertained & Answered by Prominent Scholars.
Maarif Stationery Offers Printing & Photocopy Services Along with All Type Stationery Items.