(Founder of Jamiah Khatamun Nabiyeen Institute, Bradford, UK)
Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam
Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam is a distinguished Islamic scholar, educator, and spiritual mentor who has significantly contributed to Islamic education in the UK and globally. He is the Founder of Jamiah Khatamun Nabiyeen Institute (JKN) in Bradford, UK, a prominent institution that has gained both national and international recognition. Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam’s journey in Islamic scholarship and leadership is a testament to his dedication to serving the Muslim community and promoting the teachings of Islam.
Early Life and Migration
Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam was born on the 17th of Rajab 1394 AH (6th August 1974) in the village of Duhal in the Biswanath district of Sylhet, Bangladesh. His family later migrated to the UK on the 1st of March 1981, settling in Bradford, a city in the Yorkshire region. It was in this city that Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam's Islamic education and journey as a scholar began.
Islamic Education
From an early age, Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam showed a deep interest in Islamic studies. At the age of 13, he completed the memorization of the Qur'an (Hifz-ul-Qur'an) at Tawak’kulia Jami Masjid, Bradford. His pursuit of Islamic knowledge did not stop there; he also studied Urdu, Fiqh, Islamic History, and the foundational sciences of Arabic grammar such as Sarf (Etymology) and Nahw (Syntax).
In 1988, Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam was accepted into the prestigious Darul Uloom in Bury, UK, where he studied under some of the most renowned scholars of the time. His studies culminated in his graduation as an ‘Alim (Islamic scholar) in 1995. In his final year, he had the honor of studying the six major books of Hadith, including Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abi Dawood, and others under the tutelage of esteemed scholars such as Shaykh Yusuf Motala and Shaykhul-Hadith Shaykh Islamul Haq.
In 1996, Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam completed his Ifta course, earning the title of Mufti. This qualification allowed him to issue Islamic legal rulings (fatwas) and engage in scholarly research on contemporary Islamic issues.
Establishing Jamiah Khatamun Nabiyeen (JKN)
In the same year, Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam established Jamiah Khatamun Nabiyeen (JKN) in Bradford. What began as a small initiative from his home quickly grew into a widely recognized institute, offering education in Islamic sciences and producing graduates who contribute to Islamic education around the world. JKN has become a pillar of the Bradford Muslim community, providing a space for both spiritual and academic growth.
JKN’s curriculum includes a wide array of subjects, ranging from Qur'anic studies and Tajweed to Hadith, Fiqh, and Islamic history. Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam continues to teach many of these subjects himself, imparting knowledge that he has accumulated through years of study and teaching.
Leadership and Contributions
In addition to founding JKN, Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam holds leadership positions in various Islamic organizations and initiatives. He is the President of Tawak’kulia Jami Masjid, a community leader at Jamiatul Ulama UK, and a vice-chairperson of Majlis Tahaffuz-e-Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, Bradford. His leadership also extends internationally; he is the Founder and Patron of several institutions in Bangladesh, including Jamiah Zakariyya in Sylhet and Jamiah Al-Kawthar in Mymensingh.
Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam's impact goes beyond education. He is the Chairperson of the Al-Kawthar Welfare Foundation, which is involved in humanitarian work and supporting vulnerable communities in the UK and abroad. His involvement in welfare activities reflects his holistic approach to Islamic leadership, which combines education with practical service to the community.
Teaching and Publications
Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam has been teaching the Qur'an and Islamic knowledge since his student days at Darul Uloom Bury. His teaching covers a wide spectrum of Islamic disciplines, from the basics of Arabic and Fiqh to more advanced subjects like Usool (principles of jurisprudence), Tafsir (exegesis), and Hadith studies.
In addition to his teaching, Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam is a prolific author. His works include compilations such as Pearls of Wisdom, The Miracle of the Holy Qur'an, and Ziyarat of Madinah Munawwarah. His books are known for their clarity and accessibility, making complex Islamic concepts understandable for a broad audience. His publication, Your Questions Answered, is particularly notable as it addresses contemporary issues through an Islamic lens, providing fatwas and advice on a range of topics.
Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam is also the editor of “Al Mu’min”, a family magazine that seeks to provide educational and spiritual guidance to Muslim households.
Spiritual Guidance and Influence
As a spiritual mentor, Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam has guided countless individuals in their personal and spiritual development. His approach emphasizes the importance of combining knowledge with action, encouraging his students and followers to implement the teachings of Islam in their daily lives. His dedication to both scholarly excellence and spiritual growth has made him a source of inspiration for many Muslims in the UK and beyond.
Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam's daily life is a reflection of his commitment to the service of Islam. His schedule is filled with teaching, research, writing, and community service. Despite his many responsibilities, he remains accessible to those seeking advice and guidance, whether it be on personal, spiritual, or religious matters.
Conclusion
Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam’s contributions to Islamic education and the Muslim community are immense. As the founder of JKN, a scholar, teacher, and spiritual mentor, his work has left an indelible mark on the lives of many. His leadership continues to inspire students, scholars, and communities to seek knowledge and live in accordance with Islamic values. May Allah grant him continued success and the ability to continue serving the Ummah.
