Mujaddid Zaman Hazrat Pir Abu Bakr Siddiqui (R.A.)

1. Mujaddid Zaman Hazrat Pir Abu Bakr Siddiqui (R.A.)

Sufi Saint and Amirush Shariat and Ulil Amar: Mujaddid Zaman Hazrat Pir Abu Bakr Siddiqui (R.A.) and his epoch-making philosophy
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a great religious, social and educational renaissance took place in the Muslim community of undivided Bengal and Assam, and with it the then East Pakistan and West Pakistan. One of the main architects of this renaissance was the Pir of Furfura, Hazrat Maulana Shah Sufi Abu Bakr Siddiqui al-Quraishi (R.A). He was not only a spiritual saint, but also a social reformer, an educationist and a shining star of non-sectarian human values.
Today's article briefly discusses his life, unique Sufi philosophy, interfaith harmony and one of the greatest achievements of his last years, 'Jamaat Ulamay Bangla and Assam'
1. Brief Biography and Background
Born in Furfura Sharif in Hooghly district, this great scholar's lineage is linked to the first Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA). Having attained the highest peak of the then traditional religious education, he acquired higher knowledge in the science of Hadith and Sufism from the Calcutta Alia Madrasa and later from Mecca and Medina. His spiritual and Sharia guru or teacher or Pir was Hazrat Fateh Ali Waisi (RA) and he attained the spiritual caliphate from there.
2. Combination of Sharia and Tariqa: A People-oriented Sufism
The main foundation of his Sufism was a perfect and balanced combination of Sharia (Islamic law) and Tariqa (spiritual practice). He started practicing pure Sufism by removing superstitions, pir worship and innovations from society.
The most important thing is that his Sufism did not make people worldly or work-averse. He believed that serving people and playing a role in building society along with worshipping Allah is true spirituality. This people-oriented philosophy of his showed the path of light to millions of people of that time.
3. Interfaith Harmony and Liberal Mindset
Even in the turbulent and politically sensitive situation of British India at that time, Pir Abu Bakr Siddiqui (R.A.) set a unique example of utmost tolerance and humanity. As a devout Muslim, while remaining steadfast in his ideals, he showed deep respect and honor to people of different religions.
He believed that there could be no religious differences in serving the Creator's creation.
He was strongly opposed to the Hindu-Muslim riots or mutual hatred of the time. People of all religions would come to his court for help and he would not return anyone empty-handed. He had very cordial and respectful relations with many contemporary Hindu landlords and common people, which made him a universal humanitarian leader.
4. Late life and ‘Jama’at Ulamayyah Bangla and Assam’
Towards the end of his life, this visionary religious leader realized that a well-organized institutional platform was needed to protect the religious rights, spread education and achieve social rights of the backward Muslims of Bengal and Assam (he did not think of this by belittling any religion or religious people or leaving them behind, rather he thought and worked for the welfare of people of all religions). From this thought, ‘Jama’at Ulamayyah Bangla and Assam’ emerged.
The main activities and contributions of this organization were immense:
1.Education Reform: Demands were raised to modernize the syllabus of Aliya Madrasahs and to develop Muslim youth to suit the times by combining religious education with general education. 2.Rights: A vigorous movement was launched to achieve quotas and fair rights in jobs and education for the Muslims of Bengal and Assam, who were backward under the British government.
3.Public awareness and literary practice: Various newspapers and periodicals were published under his patronage to free and awaken the Muslim society from superstition and to develop literature and culture.
4.Charity and Social Welfare: One of the main functions of the organization was to run various charitable organizations. These organizations worked day and night to serve the poor, orphans, and distressed people of the society.
5.Rights of lower caste and marginalized people: One of the main goals of this organization was to stand by the neglected, backward, and lower caste people of the society and ensure all kinds of social and economic assistance and cooperation to them.
6.Sufi Heritage and Shrine Renovation: This organization takes responsibility for the renovation of the shrines and holy places of various Sufis and dervishes spread across Bengal.
7.Formation of a defense force and prevention of religious aggression: At that time, a special 'defense force' was formed under this organization to protect Sufi traditions and shrines from various extremist or religiously aggressive groups. This was a unique and courageous step to protect peace and spiritual heritage.
Until his death in 1939, he worked for the rights of the grassroots level of society, the protection of spiritual traditions, and public welfare through this organization.
His Relevance in the Present Time:
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqui (R.A.) was not just a Pir or a religious figure; he was a groundbreaking sociologist. In the present era, when religious extremism, intolerance and mutual distance are increasing in the world, his liberal Sufi philosophy, non-sectarian humanistic outlook and social service ideals are very relevant for us. His biography will forever inspire us in building society and developing human values.