Introduction

Mujaddid-e-Maslak-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat, ‘Aashiq-e-Rasool, Khateeb-e-A’zam Pakistan, Reviver of the True Sunni path, Passionate Lover of the Beloved Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam), Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Shafee Okarvi (Rahmatul Laahi ‘Alaieh).

He was born on 2 February 1930 (2 Ramadaan ul Mubaarak 1348 A.H) in Khem Karan, East Punjab (India). He belonged to a respectable business family. His father was Haaji Shaiekh Karam Ilaahi son of Shaiekh Allaah Dittaa. Before his birth, Hazrat Miyaan Shayr Muhammad Saahib Sharq Puri (Rahmatul Laahi ‘Alaieh) had given good news about his excellences.

Name Maulana Haafiz Muhammad Shafee Okarvi
Date of Birth 2 February 1930 (2 Ramadaan 1348 A.H)
Birth Place Khem Karan, East Punjab (India)
Education Dars-e-Nizaami, Hadees-o-Tafseer
Spiritual Guide Hazrat Peer Miyaan Ghulaam-ul-laah Saahib Sharq Puri
Visal (Death) 24 April 1984 (21 Rajab 1404 A.H)
Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Shafee Okarvi
Hazrat Khateeb-e-A’zam Pakistan
Rahmatul Laahi ‘Alaieh

Education & Migration

He completed Middle school and in religious education completed Dars-e-Nizaami and courses of Hadees-o-Tafseer. He received certificates from:

  • Hazrat Shaiekh-ul-Qur’aan Allamah Maulana Ghulaam Ali Saahib Ashrafi Okarvi
  • Ghazaali-e-Dauraan Hazrat Allamah Maulana Saiyyid Ahmad Sa’eed Saahib Kaazimi

In 1947, after migrating from India, he came to Okara and built Masjid Ghausiyah. He also established Jaami’ah Hanafiyah Ashraf-ul-Madaaris on G.T. Road.

Spiritual Allegiance (Baie’at)

He took allegiance with Shaiekh-ul-Mashaaikh Hazrat Peer Miyaan Ghulaam-ul-laah Saahib Sharq Puri (Saani Saahib Qiblah), of the Naqshbandi Mujaddidi order.

He had permission (Ijaazat) and Caliphate (Khilaafat) in all chains of spiritual doctrine from many great holy personalities. His disciples (mureeds) are found in thousands around the world.

Steadfastness & Sacrifices

Unparalleled sacrifices for the honor of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam)

Imprisonment & Loss of Sons (1952-53)

During the Tahreek-e-Khatm-e-Nubuwwat, he was arrested for opposing the Qadiani movement and remained in Montgomery prison for 10 months. During this imprisonment, his first two sons, Muneer Ahmad (3 years) and Tanveer Ahmad (15 months), passed away within a week.

When the Deputy Commissioner offered him release in exchange for an apology, he replied:

"I have worked for the respect and honour of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam)... The children have passed away; even if my life is also taken away I will still remain steadfast on my belief and will not ask for any apology."

Assassination Attempt (1962)

On 16 October 1962, whilst delivering a speech in Khadda Market, Karachi, a brutal assassination attempt was made on him with knives and daggers, inflicting serious wounds on his neck, shoulders, head, and back.

Despite this, he forgave the attackers, stating to the police:

"I do not want to take any revenge... My blood has been shed unnecessarily. My Allaah accepts this... I forgive the attackers."

It was a miracle he survived. He spent 2.5 months in the hospital.

Services & Achievements

Religious Services

  • Khateeb & Imaam: Memon Masjid (Bolton Market), Jaame Masjid Aaram Bagh, Noor Masjid (Jubilee), and Jaame Masjid Gulzar-e-Habeeb.
  • Mosques Built: Masjid Ghausiyah (Okara & Karachi), Jaame Masjid Gulzar-e-Habeeb.
  • Teaching: Gave Dars-e-Qur’aan regularly for 29 years explaining 9 parts (Paarahs).
  • Organizations: Founder of Central Jamaa’at-e-Ahle-Sunnat (1956), Sunni Tableeghi Mission, and others.

18,000+

Speeches Delivered

A World Record of oratory on hundreds of topics.

National Services

  • 1965 War: Collected funds and supplies worth millions, visited borders/refugee camps to inspire soldiers.
  • Politics: Elected Member of National Assembly (1970). Member of Majlis-e-Shoora (under Gen Zia-ul-Haque).
  • Renaming: Successfully renamed "Golimar" to "Gul Bahaar" and "Ram Bagh" to "Aaraam Bagh".
  • Police Support: Secured the first "Suzuki Pickups" for Karachi Police patrolling.

Global Reach: He traveled to the Far East, Middle East, India, Palestine, South Africa, Mauritius and many other countries. In South Africa alone, 100,000 cassettes of his speeches were sold by 1980.

Books & Publications

He is the author of many popular books based on academic research and love for the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam).

  • Zikr-e-Jameel
  • Zikr-e-Haseen (2-Vols)
  • Raah-e-Haqq
  • Dars-e-Tauheed
  • Shaam-e-Karbalaa
  • Raah-e-Aqeedat
  • Imaam-e-Paak aur Yazeed Paleed
  • Barakaat-e-Meelaad Shareef
  • Sawaab-ul-Ibaadaat
  • Namaaz-e-Mutarjam
  • Safeena-e-Nooh (2 Vols)
  • Musalmaan Khaatoon
  • Anwaar-e-Risaalat
  • Mas’alah-e-Talaaq-e-Salaasah
  • Naghma-e-Habeeb
  • Mas’alah-e-Siyaah Khizaab
  • Angoothay Choomnay ka Mas’alah
  • Akhlaaq-o-‘A’maal (broadcasted speeches)
  • Ta‘aaruf ‘Ulama-e-Deoband
  • Meelaad-e-Shafee (Draft)
  • Jihaad-o-Qitaal (Draft)
  • Aa’eenah-e-Haqeeqat (Draft)
  • Nujuumool Hidaayat (Draft)
  • Mas’alah-e-Bees (20) Taraveeh (Draft)
  • Maqaalaat-e-Okarvi (Draft)

Visal & Legacy

He passed away on Tuesday, 21 Rajab 1404 A.H (24 April 1984) after a heart attack, while reading Durood-o-Salaam.

Millions attended his funeral prayer at Nishtar Park, led by Allamah Saiyyid Ahmad Sa’eed Kaazimi. He is laid to rest in the vicinity of Masjid Gulzar-e-Habeeb, Karachi.

Maulana Okarvi Academy (Al-A’lami) was established on 27 April 1984 to continue his mission. Every year, "Annual Khateeb-e-A’zam Day" is celebrated on the 3rd Friday of Rajab globally.

"Ze Dunyaa Biraftah Ba Shaan-e-Rafee — Muhammad Shafee’ash Muhammad Shafee"