Mufti Mohammad Anwar Khan Qasmi: A Scholar, a Translator, a Linguist, and a Visionary
Mufti Mohammad Anwar Khan Qasmi (generally known as Mufti Anwar Khan), is an Islamic scholar, translator, linguist, and researcher. Born in 1979 in the district of Basti, approximately 181 kilometers from Lucknow in eastern Uttar Pradesh, his early education in Persian and Arabic followed the classical Dars-e-Nizami curriculum, which he pursued from grades one to three at Bayt al-Uloom, a renowned religious seminary in Banke Gaon, district Sidharth Nagar. His thirst for deeper Islamic knowledge led him to Darul Uloom Deoband, the historical seat of Islamic learning, where he completed his graduation in Dars-e-Nizami in the year 2000. Following this, he specialized in Hadith Studies (Takhaṣṣuṣ fi al-Ḥadīth) at the same institution, completing the rigorous program by the end of 2002.
Academic and Professional Journey
Mufti Anwar Khan embarked on his professional journey in 2003 as a language instructor, establishing a private language institute in Deoband to teach Arabic and English to madrasa students and graduates. Over the next two years, his institute became a well-known destination for linguistic excellence, equipping students with the necessary skills to engage with classical and modern texts.
In 2005, he was invited to Bangalore, where he joined the ‘Islamic Vision Academy’ as a translator and editor for its monthly magazine, ‘Islamic Vision’. His work there significantly contributed to the dissemination of Islamic knowledge in the English language. After four years of dedicated service, he returned to Deoband at the end of 2009 and laid the foundation for a translation and research center aimed at translating the intellectual legacy of Deobandi scholars into global languages, with a particular focus on Arabic, English, and Hindi.
Indo-Arab Multilingual Pvt. Ltd.: Bridging Language Barriers
Recognizing the growing need for quality translations in order to meet the contemporary needs, Mufti Anwar established Indo-Arab Multilingual Pvt. Ltd., a company specializing in localization and globalization. Leading a team of over 30 translators and language experts, he has overseen and supervised numerous translation projects. Under his leadership, the company has produced over 200 translations of books and scholarly works on topics including Islamic law, morality, ethics, history, and contemporary issues. As the Managing Director, he plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s policies and ensuring the highest standards of translation quality.
Mufti Anwar Khan as Translator
Mufti Anwar Khan Qasmi stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of translation and localization especially in the Deobandi circle in India, bridging linguistic and cultural divides with remarkable expertise. As the founder of Indo-Arab Multilingual Pvt. Ltd., he has accomplished the translation of over 60 books, making significant contributions to the dissemination of Islamic scholarship, philosophy, and literature across multiple languages. His work extends beyond India, reaching international audiences and facilitating a deeper understanding of classical and contemporary Islamic thought. Through Bayt al-Hikmah, he has further advanced research in religion, ethics, and modernity, ensuring that vital scholarly works are accessible to diverse linguistic communities. His efforts not only preserve the intellectual heritage of Islamic tradition but also foster cross-cultural dialogue, making him a vital force in the global academic landscape.
Bayt al-Hikmah: A Center for Research and Intellectual Revival
Parallel to his work in translation, Mufti Anwar laid the foundation of Bayt al-Hikmah, an institution dedicated to research in religion, ethics, philosophy, theology, and modernity. With a vision to bridge traditional Islamic scholarship with contemporary intellectual discourse, Bayt al-Hikmah has emerged as a pioneering center for academic inquiry and critical engagement.
His passion for promoting Arabic literacy led him to launch online Arabic courses in 2014, designed for individuals unable to attend traditional madrasas due to professional commitments. These courses have empowered numerous students worldwide with access to structured and comprehensive Arabic learning.
Contributions to Islamic Thought and Literature
Mufti Anwar’s scholarly contributions extend beyond translation. He has personally translated over 60 books into English, Arabic, and Urdu, making classical and contemporary Islamic knowledge accessible to a wider audience. Notably, he has translated over ten research papers and booklets authored by the renowned Ottoman scholar Sheikh Muhammad Zāhid al-Kawtharī, who was the Deputy Sheikh al-Islām of the Ottoman Empire. His Urdu translations have played a role, to some extent, in reviving the theological and kalāmitc heritage of Islamic scholarship.
Leadership and Global Engagement
In recognition of his scholarly expertise, Mufti Anwar was appointed Vice President of the ‘Deoband Institute of Islamic Thought (DIIT)’ in 2017. He also took charge as Editor-in-Chief of the institute’s bilingual Arabic-English academic journal, originally titled ‘Islamic Literature Review’, now known as the ‘Deoband Journal of Islamic Thought’. Under his leadership, the journal has gained prominence as a platform for intellectual discourse on Islamic theology, Islamic jurisprudence, history, literature, and contemporary issues.
Mufti Anwar’s academic pursuits have taken him across the world. He has traveled to countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Malaysia, South Africa, Botswana, Qatar, Nepal, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, where he has participated in seminars, conferences, and academic workshops on a wide range of Islamic topics. His engagements in these forums have enriched his scholarship and strengthened his role as a global advocate of Islamic learning and intellectual revival.
A Legacy of Knowledge and Service
Mufti Mohammad Anwar Khan Qasmi’s life and work stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to Islamic scholarship, academic excellence, and linguistic mastery. Through his leadership, research, and translations, he has played a pivotal role in making Islamic knowledge more accessible and engaging with contemporary intellectual challenges.
His contributions continue to enrich Islamic thought, inspiring scholars, students, and researchers across the globe. Whether through Bayt al-Hikmah, Indo-Arab Multilingual Pvt. Ltd., or his academic engagements, Mufti Anwar remains as an active member of a revivalist movement, dedicated to preserving and expanding the rich intellectual heritage of Islam.
