(Senior Lecturer, Tafseer Raheemi, UK)
Mufti Abdur Raheem Ibn Dawood Limbada
Mufti Abdur Raheem Ibn Dawood Limbada is widely regarded as one of the most distinguished Islamic scholars in England, with his expertise spanning Quranic exegesis (Tafseer) and the Arabic language. Born and raised in the UK, Mufti Limbada has made significant contributions to Islamic scholarship, teaching, and mentorship. His journey into Islamic scholarship began at the esteemed Darul Uloom Bury, where he laid the foundation for his deep understanding of Islamic sciences. Darul Uloom Bury is one of the premier Islamic seminaries in the UK, known for producing many prominent scholars. Mufti Limbada excelled in his studies at this institution, where he would later return as a senior lecturer.
At Darul Uloom Bury, Mufti Abdur Raheem Ibn Dawood Limbada currently serves as a senior lecturer, teaching the Sahih collections of Ahadith by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim. These collections, regarded as the most authentic compilations of the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), require deep understanding and expertise, and Mufti Limbada’s mastery of them has earned him great respect among his peers and students alike. His teaching style is revered for its clarity and depth, as he explains complex concepts with precision.
Following his initial studies in the UK, Mufti Limbada sought to further his knowledge and traveled to India, enrolling at Mazahirul Uloom in Saharanpur. This institution is recognized globally for its traditional Islamic scholarship and for producing some of the most knowledgeable scholars in the field of Hadith. It was at Mazahirul Uloom that Mufti Limbada had the opportunity to study under the legendary Muhaddith Yunus Jaunpuri, a towering figure in the study of Hadith. The tutelage of Muhaddith Yunus Jaunpuri had a profound impact on Mufti Limbada, enhancing his already strong foundation in Islamic sciences and making him a specialist in Quranic exegesis and Hadith.
Mufti Abdur Raheem Ibn Dawood Limbada’s specialization lies in Tafseer (Quranic interpretation), and he is particularly renowned for his mastery of the works of Imam Baydawi. Imam Baydawi’s Tafseer is one of the most important classical commentaries on the Quran, known for its concise language and comprehensive coverage of linguistic, legal, and theological issues. Mufti Limbada’s ability to navigate this challenging text and convey its meanings to his students demonstrates his profound knowledge of both the Arabic language and the deeper meanings of the Quran.
His impact on Islamic scholarship is not limited to his own studies and teaching, Mufti Limbada has mentored and taught many prominent scholars who are now influential figures in their own right. Some of his notable students include Shaykh Riyad Ul Haq, known for his leadership at Darul Uloom Leicester and his efforts to promote traditional Islamic scholarship in the West.
Mufti Muhammad Ibn Adam Al Kawthari, a well-respected scholar, author, and lecturer; Shaykh Ahmad Ali, a prominent figure in Islamic education; Mufti Dr. Abdur Rahman Ibn Yusuf Mangera, a scholar of international renown and founder of Whitethread Institute; and Mufti Hussain Kamani, a renowned scholar and speaker in the United States. The success and prominence of his students are a testament to Mufti Limbada’s influence and effectiveness as a teacher.
Mufti Limbada’s dedication to preserving and teaching traditional Islamic knowledge is evident in his lifelong commitment to education. His lectures, particularly on the Sahih Ahadith and Tafseer, are attended by students from various parts of the world, eager to benefit from his knowledge and wisdom. He has also contributed to the Islamic intellectual tradition through his writings, further solidifying his status as a leading scholar.
In addition to his academic and teaching responsibilities, Mufti Abdur Raheem Ibn Dawood Limbada remains actively involved in the religious life of his community. He is often invited to speak at conferences, seminars, and religious gatherings, where his insights on Quranic interpretation and Hadith are highly valued. His work continues to inspire and guide Muslims both in the UK and abroad.
As a scholar who bridges traditional Islamic scholarship with the needs of modern Muslim communities, Mufti Limbada’s contributions will undoubtedly continue to shape the landscape of Islamic education for generations to come. His role as a mentor to some of today’s leading scholars ensures that his legacy will persist through the work of his students, who continue to uphold the principles and teachings he imparted to them.