Renowned Scholar Maulana Yusuf Ludhianvi Martyred in Karachi

Posted: 14 Safar 1421, 18 May 2000

Renowned Pakistani religious scholar, jurist, author, and leader, Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Ludhianvi, 68, was martyred in Karachi on Thursday (18 May 2000) while he was on his way back from the Fajr Salat. Gunmen using automatic weapons ambushed him, killing him and his driver instantly, and injuring his son. The brutal murder has shocked the country.

A close associate of the late Maulana Yusuf Binnori, Maulana Yusuf Ludhianvi was a leader of the Almi Majlis-e-Tahafuz Khatmi Nubuwat or the International Committee for the Protection of the Finality of Prophethood. The Majlis was instrumental in checking the anti-Islamic and anti-state activities of the Qadianis --- followers of a deviant form of Islam nurtured by the British in India.

A highly respected scholar and teacher, he taught at the famous Jamia Binoria Islamic Religious School in Karachi and edited their monthly magazine. He also authored about 30 books. For more than a decade his popular Q & A column appeared in daily Jang. Collections of those columns also have been published in book form.

Maulana Yusuf Ludhianvi was a stalwart against anti-Islamic forces working in Pakistan. Recently he had also warned the current military rulers of Pakistan not to tread on Islamic sensitivities in their fanatic efforts to appease the Western Powers. Just two days ago, the country's chief Executive had reluctantly withdrawn procedural changes that were aimed at practically nullifying the Blasphemy law.

Among his many memorable books is the one titled "Ikhtilafe Ummat aur Sirat-e-Mustaqeem" ("Factions in the Ummah and the Straight Path"). Written in his characteristic, brilliant, and convincing style, it showed the path of moderation in the face of religious differences.

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"As to those who deny the Signs of Allah, and in defiance of right, slay the Prophets, and slay those who teach just dealing with mankind, announce to them a grievous penalty." [Al-i-'Imran 3:21]