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Muhammad Muneeb-ur-Rehman | |
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منیب الرحمن | |
.jpg) Muhammad Muneeb-ur-Rehman | |
| ChairmanRuet-e-Hilal Committee, Pakistan | |
| In office 1998 – 30 December 2020 | |
| Appointed by | Government of Pakistan |
| Preceded by | Muhammad Abdullah Ghazi |
| Succeeded by | Abdul Khabir Azad |
| PresidentDarul Uloom Naeemia | |
| Assumed office Not publicly documented | |
| Preceded by | Allama Ghulam Rasool Saeedi |
| PresidentTanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan | |
| Assumed office c. 2000 | |
| Nazim-e-AalaIttehad-e-Tanzeemat-Madaris, Pakistan | |
| Assumed office c. 2021 | |
| Professor of Islamic StudiesJinnah University for Women, Karachi | |
| Assumed office Not publicly documented | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Muneeb-ur-Rehman (1945-02-08)8 February 1945 (age 81) |
| Alma mater | |
| Profession | |
| Known for | Educational leadership[citation needed] religious leadership and author of books[which?] |
| Website | muftimunib |
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| Religious life | |
| Religion | Islam |
| Denomination | Sunni |
| Jurisprudence | Hanafi[2] |
| Creed | Maturidi |
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| Muslim leader | |
| Teacher | |
Influenced | |
| Islam in Pakistan | ||||||
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Muneeb-ur-Rehman[a] (born 8 February 1945) is a PakistaniGrand Mufti.[3] Mufti-e-Azam Pakistan, Muhammad Muneeb-ur-Rehman is widely recognised as one of the most authoritative Islamic jurists of contemporary Pakistan.He has devoted more than five decades to the pursuit of Islamic knowledge, combining rigorous scholarship with a practical understanding of modern societal and religious issues. His intellectual journey has consistently bridged classical Islamic learning with contemporary challenges, making him a guiding voice for both scholars and the general Muslim public.[4]His public prominence rose significantly through his tenure as Chairman of theRuet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan,[3] where he oversaw the critical task of moon-sighting and the declaration of Islamic months. In this role, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman demonstrated a careful balance of scholarly integrity and national responsibility, applying evidence-based jurisprudence to issues of public concern. This role further established him as a scholar whose decisions carry both religious and social weight.[4][3]Academically, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman serves as a Professor atJinnah University for Women, Karachi,[3] where he teaches Qur’an, Hadith, fiqh, and usul al-fiqh. His classes emphasise not only the mastery of classical texts but also the application of these teachings to contemporary issues. Simultaneously, he serves as the Head ofDar-ul-Uloom Naeemia, Karachi,[3] an institution renowned for producing some of Pakistan’s leading Islamic scholars. Under his supervision, the curriculum has been refined to ensure students gain a comprehensive understanding of Tafsir, Hadith sciences, and jurisprudential reasoning.A defining aspect of his scholarship lies in his work on the Qur’an and Hadith. He has delivered lectures, written articles, and guided research that stresses the authentic interpretation of sacred texts, contextual application, and alignment with the traditional Sunni framework. His approach toMasā’il-e-Sharī‘ah[3] demonstrates a careful integration of Qur’anic principles and Hadith evidence, providing solutions that are both religiously sound and socially relevant.Within the institutional framework ofTanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan,[3][5]Grand Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman holds a senior scholarly designation, overseeing curriculum development, examination standards, and the training of other muftis and educators. Through this work, he has directly influenced a generation of scholars who now serve in madaris, universities, and research institutions across the country. His role extends beyond administration to shaping the very intellectual ethos of Pakistan’s Sunni scholarship.[3]What distinguishesMufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman is the rare combination of juristic authority, Qur’anic and Hadith expertise, and institutional leadership. This integration has allowed him to guide both the scholarly community and the wider Muslim populace with clarity, moderation, and a profound commitment to traditional Sunni principles. His influence continues to shape the discourse on contemporary religious and social issues in Pakistan, positioning him as a central figure in the country’s Islamic scholarly landscape.[3][6]
Muneeb-ur-Rehman was born on 8 February 1945 in aPashtun family of theTanoli tribe inMansehra,Khyber Pakhtunkwa,Pakistan.[5] He pursued formal Islamic and secular education with equal dedication, completing a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies and additional coursework in Arabic language, law, and education. Besides gaining a Bachelor in Law and Education degree, he also received education in Arabic Languages. He completed a master's degree from Darul Uloom Amjadia.[5][7]This dual foundation — rigorous traditional religious training combined with university‑level academic study — equipped him for roles that require both deep religious insight and engagement with contemporary academic and institutional frameworks. Over the years, he has refined his expertise in teaching Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic law), and Arabic literature, instructing students at graduate and post‑graduate levels.
In 1998,Government of Pakistan appointed him chairman ofRuet-e-Hilal Committee. He served for approximately 22 years as chairman and removed from his office on 30 December 2020. He is also considered as theGrand Mufti OfPakistan by SunniAhlesunnat.[8][9]
In December 1999, Mohammed Yousuf Qureshi, a member of the committee from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accused Muneeb-ur-Rehman and others of distrusting testimonies from his home province to make a hasty announcement that the new moon had not been sighted anywhere in the country.[7] Peshawar has always remained a controversial place when it comes to moon sightings.
As Head of Dar‑ul‑Uloom Naeemia, Karachi, Mufti Muneeb‑ur‑Rehman oversees one of Pakistan’s established Sunni Islamic seminaries, an institution dedicated to teaching traditional Islamic sciences and preparing students for scholarly and community leadership roles. Established in the early 1980s, Dar‑ul‑Uloom Naeemia aims to produce scholars grounded in Qur’anic knowledge, Hadith, jurisprudence (fiqh), and the broader intellectual heritage of Sunni Islam, while also equipping them to engage with contemporary social and religious issues.[3]The seminary provides a comprehensive religious curriculum that includes disciplines such as Tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis), Hadith studies, Ushul‑e‑Fiqh (principles of Islamic jurisprudence), Arabic language, and advanced fiqh, enabling students to attain deep proficiency in both classical texts and legal reasoning. Under Mufti Muneeb‑ur‑Rehman’s supervision, the institution has emphasised the importance of combining traditional curricula with contemporary relevance, ensuring that graduates are prepared for roles as teachers, muftis, and community leaders.[10]In addition to core Islamic sciences, Dar‑ul‑Uloom Naeemia has expanded its services to include modern educational programmes designed to enhance students’ broader skill sets. For example, the seminary operates a computer education section, where students receive instruction in basic computing concepts and software applications to strengthen their technical literacy alongside religious studies. This integration of technology education reflects an understanding of the needs of the modern world and helps graduates navigate both religious and contemporary professional environments.[11]Beyond formal classes, the institution supports research, public preaching (dawah), and community outreach, offering opportunities for students to engage in sermon delivery, religious instruction in mosques, and organised study circles. It also forms part of broader networks of Sunni seminaries that focus on publishing religious literature and training educators, further contributing to the dissemination of Islamic teachings within Pakistan and abroad.[12]
Tanzeem‑ul‑Madaris Ahl‑e‑Sunnat Pakistan is one of the principal Islamic seminary boards in Pakistan affiliated with the Sunni Barelvi school of thought. Established in 1959–1960 in Lahore, it functions as an educational board overseeing the operation, curriculum, and examination system of a large network of Islamic seminaries (madaris) across the country. The organisation represents over 15,000 affiliated madaris nationwide, providing structured religious education to both boys and girls and ensuring that teaching standards, syllabi, and examinations are uniform across all centres. The board’s curriculum encompasses traditional Islamic sciences, including Qur’an, Hadith, Tafsir, Fiqh, Arabic grammar, Tajweed, and other classical disciplines rooted in the Dars‑e‑Nizami framework, with its final degrees recognised by Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission as equivalent to university level qualifications in Arabic and Islamic Studies.[13]Among the primary services of Tanzeem‑ul‑Madaris are conducting annual examinations, issuing educational certificates, and administering supplementary (zimni) exams for students seeking grade improvements or reassessment. The organisation issues examination schedules (e.g. annual and zimni schedules), roll numbers, and results through its examination department, ensuring that students receive evaluations and certifications in subjects ranging from memorisation and recitation of the Qur’an to advanced jurisprudence and specialised Islamic studies.[3][14]In addition to academic functions, Tanzeem‑ul‑Madaris engages in coordinating and standardising administrative processes among its affiliated institutions. Recently, the board signed agreements with provincial authorities to assume phased administrative control of hundreds of seminaries and mosques previously affiliated with other organisations, committing these institutions to maintain peace, uphold state laws, and instil patriotism alongside religious instruction.[15]Mufti Muhammad Muneeb‑ur‑Rehman has played a central leadership role in the organisation as its President. In this capacity, he provides overarching guidance on curriculum development, examination standards, and the training of future muftis and educators within the affiliated madaris. Under his stewardship, the board has emphasised transparency in academic procedures, the implementation of administrative reforms, and the strengthening of its examination and certification systems. The Shura (central council) of Tanzeem‑ul‑Madaris has repeatedly reaffirmed confidence in Mufti Muneeb‑ur‑Rehman’s leadership, entrusting him with the strategic direction of the board’s educational and institutional functions.[16]Through its examinations, certifications, and educational oversight, Tanzeem‑ul‑Madaris contributes to the preparation of thousands of students for roles as Islamic scholars, teachers, and community leaders. By coordinating curricula and assessment methods across a vast network of seminaries, the board aims to ensure that students are well‑versed in traditional Islamic knowledge and capable of addressing contemporary religious and social issues.[17]
Ittehad‑e‑Tanzeemat‑Madaris Pakistan (ITMP) is a federation of major madrasa boards representing the leading Islamic educational organisations across different schools of thought in Pakistan. This coalition brings together boards such as Wifaq ul Madaris Al‑Arabia, Tanzeem‑ul‑Madaris Ahl‑e‑Sunnat, Wafaq ul Madaris Al‑Salafiyyah, Rabta‑ul‑Madaris, and Wafaq Ul Madaris Al‑Shia, creating a unified platform for coordination and advocacy on religious education matters at the national level. The federation works to articulate collective positions on policy issues affecting madrasas, negotiate with government bodies, and support the registration and recognition of religious schools under national laws. It has played a prominent role in discussions with the federal government about madrasa registration, curriculum standards, and administrative reforms, especially through agreements that aim to bring thousands of seminaries under formal oversight and data collection frameworks. ITMP has also publicly engaged with legislative efforts such as the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, advocating for structured registration and accountability of seminaries across Pakistan.[18]Tanzeem‑ul‑Madaris Ahl‑e‑Sunnat Pakistan is one of the largest boards of Islamic seminaries in the country, affiliated with the Sunni school of thought. Established in the early 1960s, it functions as a central educational and examining authority for a vast network of madrasas — reported to be over 15,000 institutions nationwide — dedicated to traditional Islamic learning and scholarship. The board’s primary responsibilities include developing and administering curricula, conducting examinations and certifications, and ensuring that teaching standards reflect the theological and jurisprudential positions of the Ahle‑Sunnat tradition. Its academic programme typically encompasses subjects such as Qur’anic studies, Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic law), Arabic language, and other classical Islamic sciences, following the traditional Dars‑e‑Nizami system of education. Students at these institutions are examined annually, and successful graduates receive recognised degrees; many of these qualifications have been accepted as equivalent to university standards by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, enabling graduates to pursue further academic or professional pathways.[19]The board serves both male and female students, organising separate examination schedules and educational tracks tailored to different stages of Islamic learning — from basic Qur’anic memorisation to advanced levels of jurisprudence and Hadith studies. For example, examinations cover levels such as Hifz‑ul‑Quran, Tajweed, Sanviya, Aaliya, Aalimiya, and specialised subjects, with certificates awarded upon completion. Beyond examinations, Tanzeem‑ul‑Madaris plays an essential role in fostering scholarly communities, training teachers, and promoting continued religious research and discourse among its affiliated institutions.[20]Role of Mufti Muneeb‑ur‑Rehman and Institutional InfluenceUnder the leadership of Mufti Muneeb‑ur‑Rehman, who serves as President of Tanzeem‑ul‑Madaris Ahl‑e‑Sunnat Pakistan, the board has sustained its influence as a key educational authority within the Ahlesunnat school. His role involves overseeing academic policy, guiding curriculum development, and representing the board in national discussions with government and inter‑board federations like ITMP. Through these roles, Mufti Muneeb‑ur‑Rehman contributes to shaping the intellectual and organisational direction of Ahlesunnats' seminaries, supporting efforts to maintain traditional religious education while engaging with contemporary institutional frameworks.[20]Services, Students, and ImpactBoth ITMP and Tanzeem‑ul‑Madaris centralise services that are crucial for the functioning of Islamic seminaries across Pakistan. They offer:Curriculum development and standardisation, ensuring theological consistency across madrasa networks.[20]Examination and certification systems, which validate student achievement and confer recognised religious degrees.[21]Institutional support for teacher training and academic oversight.[20]Platforms for policy dialogue with government authorities on issues like registration, education reform, and legal recognition.[22]Tanzeem‑ul‑Madaris in particular is noted for its large student body and its role in imparting traditional Islamic education to both boys and girls — preparing students for roles as scholars, teachers, and community leaders within Pakistan’s Islamic educational ecosystem.
Mufti Muneeb‑ur‑Rehman serves as a Professor of Islamic Studies at Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, a leading women’s university in Pakistan recognised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and established in 1998 to promote female education and academic empowerment.[23][3]In this capacity, he teaches advanced courses in Qur’anic interpretation, Hadith sciences, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), and usul al‑fiqh, emphasising both classical mastery and contemporary application in his curriculum.[24] His role extends beyond lecturing; he contributes to curriculum development, integrating traditional Islamic disciplines within the broader academic programmes offered by the university. He has also served on academic boards of studies, including the Federal Urdu University and the Board of Intermediate Education in Karachi, helping to shape standards for Islamic studies at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.[25]Under his guidance, students at JUW benefit from an education that bridges religious scholarship and modern academic rigour, preparing many to pursue careers in teaching, Islamic research, and community leadership. Over more than three decades of teaching experience, Mufti Muneeb has been involved in mentoring and supervising graduate and postgraduate students, fostering their development in Tafsir, Hadith, and Islamic legal thought.[25] Through seminars, lectures, and active participation in university academic affairs, he has contributed to JUW’s mission of empowering women with scholarly knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a deep understanding of Islamic intellectual traditions.
Mufti Muneeb‑ur‑Rehman received his intellectual and religious training under some of the most prominent scholars of South Asia, who shaped his understanding of Qur’an, Hadith, and Fiqh. His early spiritual and jurisprudential guidance came from the classical luminaries of Sunni Islam, including Prophet Muhammad(The Founder of Ahlesunnat), the rightly guided Caliphs Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn ‘Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib, as well as renowned early Islamic scholars such as Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq, Imam Abu Hanifa, and Imam Abu Mansur al-Maturidi. He also drew inspiration from great thinkers and reformers like Al-Ghazali and Ahmed Raza Khan, whose writings influenced his approach to Islamic jurisprudence and spirituality.[3]In addition to these historical figures, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman was personally trained by leading contemporary scholars of Pakistan. These included Allama Mufti Muhammad Abdul Qayyum Hazarvi, who served as Nazim-e-Aala of Jamia Nizamia Rizvia Lahore; Allama Justice Dr. Mufti Syed Shujaat Ali Qadri, who was a Mufti at Darul Uloom Amjadia Karachi and later Muhaddith and Mufti-e-Muallim at Dar-ul-Uloom Naeemia Karachi; and Allama Abdul Mustafa Al-Azhari, a distinguished Sheikh-ul-Hadith. Under their guidance, he developed a disciplined approach to textual analysis, jurisprudential reasoning, and the interpretation of sacred texts.The training he received from these teachers not only solidified his mastery of classical Islamic sciences but also prepared him to guide and teach the next generation of scholars. Today, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman himself has mentored numerous senior scholars, muftis, and academic leaders across Pakistan. Many of his students now hold important positions in universities, research institutions, and religious councils, continuing his legacy of scholarship and religious leadership.
Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman has been widely recognized for his scholarly contributions, both within Pakistan and internationally. He has repeatedly featured inThe 500 Most Influential Muslims, a global listing that highlights individuals whose religious leadership, intellectual influence, and societal impact are recognized worldwide, marking him as one of South Asia’s most influential jurists.[26] In recognition of his services to Islamic scholarship and education, he was awarded the prestigiousSitara-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors.[27]Academically, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman has contributed extensively to the development of Islamic education in Pakistan. He has been actively involved in institutional boards and curriculum committees, particularly through his roles in **Dar-ul-Uloom Naeemia, Karachi** and **Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan**, where he has overseen examination standards, curriculum reforms, and the training of muftis and Islamic educators.[28] He has also served on advisory panels and university boards of studies, helping integrate traditional Islamic scholarship with modern educational frameworks. Beyond administration, he participates in international conferences and delegations, providing expertise on Islamic jurisprudence, religious education, and the global role of madaris. His academic leadership has influenced generations of scholars, ensuring that his guidance extends well beyond his own writings, fostering a culture of rigorous scholarship and socially responsible Islamic thought.[29]
Aside from his roles in religious education and institutional leadership, Mufti Muneeb‑ur‑Rehman has contributed extensively to national academic boards and Islamic financial institutions, where his expertise in Shariah law and jurisprudence has guided policy, curricula, and governance. He has served as a member of the Board of Studies for several major academic bodies, including the Board of Intermediate Education, Karachi, the Board of Studies of the University of Karachi, and the Board of Studies of the Federal Urdu University, where he helped shape syllabi and examine standards for Islamic and related subjects. He was also a member of the syndicate of the University of Karachi and of PMAS Arid University in Rawalpindi, participating in high‑level academic oversight and administrative decisions.[30][3]In public policy, he served on important advisory committees. From 1990 to 1993 he was part of the Sharia Enforcement Working Committee established by the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs, Government of Pakistan, where he advised on the implementation of Islamic legal frameworks at the national level. He was also a member of the Islamic Ideology Council of Pakistan between 2001 and 2004, succeeding in providing recommendations on how laws might align with Islamic principles. Additionally, he contributed to provincial governance as a member of the Provincial Zakat Council of Sindh, helping oversee the equitable distribution of zakat funds.[30]Mufti Muneeb‑ur‑Rehman’s expertise in Islamic finance has also led to several high‑profile advisory roles in the banking sector. He served as a Shariah Advisor to the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), where he was part of the Shariah Advisory Board that provided guidance on Islamic financial regulation and compliance for capital markets. In the Islamic banking industry, he has been Chairman of the Shariah Board of MCB Islamic Bank Limited since September 2015, advising the bank on ensuring that its products and services comply with Islamic law, and has held advisory roles with other institutions including Dawood Family Takaful Ltd and the former Burj (Bridge) Bank Ltd.[30]
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