Mufti Mamunur Rashid Qasemi

Mufti Mamunur Rashid Qasemi (Hafizahullah): Life and Work

1. Birth and Childhood

Mufti Mamunur Rashid Qasemi was born in 1990 in Dighalkandi village of Kushtia district, into a respected family of Islamic scholars. His father, Mufti Aminul Islam (may Allah protect him), was the muhtamim (principal) of Idris Ali Biswas Islamia Madrasa, then a well-known institution at Allar Dorga in Kushtia. Because of his father's position, the golden days of his childhood were spent in the religious atmosphere of the madrasa. From the day he was born the madrasa grounds were his playground, and the affectionate lap of the students of knowledge was the safe shelter of his early years.

Growing up in an atmosphere of religious learning from childhood, he first completed the maktab course and the Urdu class. His father then founded Saiful Uloom Islamia Madrasa in their own village, where he studied from the Mizan class up to the Kafiya class. In this way a firm foundation of love for Islamic knowledge, perseverance and the pursuit of learning was laid in his life from childhood.

2. Education

Studying at Badudia Madrasa, Khulna

At about the age of nine a new chapter began in his life. His father took him to Badudia Madrasa in Khulna and left him in the company of the spiritual guide Mufti Abdus Sabur (may Allah protect him). His youth passed under that great teacher's affection, care and guidance. This period strengthened the early foundation of his Islamic knowledge and also played an important part in shaping his character.

Even today Mufti Mamunur Rashid Qasemi remembers that teacher with deep respect and emotion. He says: "Mufti Abdus Sabur Sahib Huzur is my honoured teacher (ustad-e-mukarram). The foundation of my knowledge was laid mainly with Huzur."

He studied with him from the Kafiya class up to the Hidaya class. His teacher's affectionate company and teaching had a special influence on the path of his later scholarly life.

Higher studies at Hathazari Madrasa

Later he was admitted to the historic Hathazari Madrasa in Chattogram. From 2007 to 2012, while studying there, he received the company of renowned scholars and muhaddiths of the subcontinent, among them Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi (rahimahullah), Allama Babunagari (rahimahullah), Mufti Abdus Salam Chatgami (rahimahullah) and Mufti Kefayatullah Sahib Huzur.

During this time he took higher lessons in hadith and fiqh. Through his teachers' company, systematic study and tireless effort, his scholarship became more mature and well-grounded.

Studying at Deoband, India

As part of his journey of knowledge, in 2013 he went to the historic Deoband in India. While studying at this renowned centre of religious education of the subcontinent, he left the mark of exceptional talent, diligence and hard work. There, in the Takmil (final year) course, he secured first position and earned the distinction of "First Class First". To see the result, click this link: https://darululoom-deoband.com/admission/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/8-1434.htm

His time at Deoband improved his scholarship and also deepened his commitment to serving the religion. After returning home he obtained a higher degree in the science of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh).

3. Professional Life

The Tabligh journey and self-development

After returning home and completing ifta (training in issuing fatwas), he did not confine himself to institutional teaching. With the resolve to work in the field of da'wah, to carry the message of the religion to people with wisdom and to understand the real condition of the ummah from close up, he set out on a Tabligh journey in 2016. He spent a full year on this journey.

This journey became an important chapter in his life for gaining experience, building himself and understanding the realities of people's lives. On his return he did not rest but devoted himself to raising students eager for the knowledge of the religion.

Serving religious education in Kushtia

After the Tabligh journey he served religious education in Kushtia for five years. Through his initiative and effort, an institution such as Idaratut Tawheed Islamia Madrasa was built. His aim was to prepare a group of scholars and students of the religion who would play a positive role in society through knowledge, practice, character and da'wah.

As a result of this effort, students who learned at the institution have been able to devote themselves to religious service in different corners of rural Bangladesh.

The realities of society and the inspiration for a new initiative

While serving religious education, the many realities of society also made him think deeply. In particular, people's negative attitude toward lawful (halal) and Shariah-compliant rulings, the superstitions common in married life, the spread of disbelieving ideas, and the helplessness of women left devastated by divorce and widows left a deep mark on his heart.

In particular, the negative ideas and hostility in society around the lawful ruling of plural marriage in Islam troubled him. In his understanding, out of social narrowness and the fear of public shame, many people move away from the path of a Shariah-compliant solution. On the other hand, many helpless women, hoping for a dignified life and a safe shelter, face many obstacles.

These realities inspired him to take an initiative through which it would be possible to resolve marriage-related social complications, stand beside helpless women and help build a dignified family life.

The founding of IMB

Out of this thinking and sense of responsibility, in 2024 he founded Ideal Marriage Bureau (IMB). He took this initiative by overcoming the narrowness common in society, the fear of public shame and the mental barrier of "what will people say".

The aim of the organisation is to help people who wish to marry find a suitable life partner and, especially, to help create the opportunity of a dignified and safe family life for helpless, divorced and widowed women. His dream is that the neglected and helpless women of society get the chance to build their lives anew and to shape their future with social dignity and security.

Through IMB he wishes to establish marriage not merely as a matter of a personal relationship, but as an important means of social responsibility, human compassion and family stability.

Dreams, goals and thoughts for the future

Mufti Mamunur Rashid Qasemi's eyes have always been fixed on the future of the ummah and the welfare of society. The combination of religious scholarship, teaching, da'wah activities and social initiatives seen in the different chapters of his life reflects his action-oriented thinking and sense of responsibility.

The story of his life is not only an account of personal education and success; it is a continuing journey forward with a commitment to religious service, human responsibility and standing beside the helpless people of society. His hope is that a conscious society will rise through the combination of knowledge and practice, where religious values are practised, family bonds grow strong and helpless people regain a refuge of dignity and security.