Draft:Abdul Quddoos Al-Azhari

Abdul Quddoos Azhari
Born	1953 (age 70–71) Periyapattinam Tamil Nadu India
Nationality	Australian
Education	B.A. Bakiyathus Salilath Arabic College M.A. Darul Uloom University M.A.Al-Azhar University G.Dip Northern Territory University
Occupation	Grand Mufti of Australia
Known for	President of Jamiyatu Ulama Australia

Abdul Quddoos Azhari (Arabic: الازهري) is an Indian Born Sunni Islamic scholar, entrepreneur and Grand Mufti of Australia from April 2021 to April 2024. He is the founder of the Australian International Islamic College and The Qalam Group of Institutions.

He is currently the president of the Jamiyatu Ulama Australia.

He is Proficient in English, Hindi, Arabic, Urdu, and Tamil

Biography

Abdul Quddoos Azhazi is a prominent figure in the landscape of Islamic scholarship and community leadership. Born on February 18, 1953, in the serene town of Periyapattinam, India, his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of wisdom, compassion, and guidance is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, perseverance, and service.

Origins and Early Life

Abdul Quddoos Al-Azhari's pursuit of knowledge began in his native land of India, where he exhibited a deep-seated passion for Islamic studies from a young age. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Studies from Bakiyathus Salilath Arabic College in Vellore, N.A.D., in 1974, followed by a Master of Arts in Arabic and Islamic Studies from Darul Uloom University in Deoban, Delhi, India, in 1975. His formative years were marked by diligent scholarship and unwavering dedication to mastering the intricacies of Islamic teachings.

Academic Pursuits and Scholarly Achievements

Abdul Quddoos Al-Azhari's academic journey led him to Al-Azhar University in Egypt, where he earned a Master of Arts in History, Culture, and Civilisation in 1977. His thesis on the history of Muslims in India reflected his profound commitment to understanding the cultural and historical nuances of Islam. Additionally, he obtained an Australian Graduate Diploma in Education from Northern Territory University and an ESL Degree from Massey University in New Zealand, further enriching his academic credentials.

Work Experience

Pioneering Initiatives in Fiji and the Pacific Oceania

After completing his studies in Egypt, Abdul Quddoos Azhari embarked on a remarkable journey that would define his career. Following an application to a job fair at the Libyan embassy in Cairo, he was swiftly offered a position as the the representative of World Islamic Call Society (WICS) by the Libyan Government in Fiji and the South Pacific. Azhari recalled, "I didn't even get the chance to return to my apartment; they wanted me to start so fast." His tenure in Fiji witnessed the establishment of the first Islamic Academy of the South Pacific in collaboration with the Fiji Muslim League, providing a beacon of educational excellence and spiritual guidance for generations to come.

Recognizing his exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to community development, the Ministry of Islamic Education and Services of the Libyan government entrusted Abdul Quddoos with the monumental task of spearheading mosque construction initiatives across the Pacific Oceania. With boundless determination and fervor, he traversed the islands of the Pacific, overseeing the construction of mosques that would serve as sanctuaries of faith and centers of communal solidarity for Muslim communities in the region.

Architect of Islamic Education in Australia

Abdul Quddoos Azhari's indelible footprint in community empowerment and Islamic education found fertile ground in the multicultural tapestry of Australia. His arrival in Darwin heralded a new era of transformative change, as he played a pivotal role in organizing Muslim communities and establishing mosques, madrasas, and educational institutions across the Northern Territory.

In 1991, Abdul Quddoos relocated to Brisbane, where he embarked on a mission to address the educational needs of the Muslim community. His visionary leadership led to the establishment of the Darul Uloom Academy and Brisbane Muslim School, providing a holistic educational environment grounded in Islamic values and academic excellence.

The crowning jewel of Abdul Quddoos's educational legacy came to fruition with the founding of the Australian International Islamic College (AIIC) in Durack. Through his indefatigable efforts and unwavering commitment, AIIC emerged as a beacon of educational excellence, nurturing generations of students imbued with the ethos of scholarship, service, and social responsibility. The AIIC follows the Australian curriculum (ACARA), so it's all the same structure as any school with an added bonus of Islamic education.

Champion of Interfaith Dialogue and Social Cohesion

Abdul Quddoos Azhari's steadfast commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and social cohesion emerged as a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. As a founding member of the Multi-Faith Forum of Australia and the Multi-Faith Centre at Griffith University, he sought to cultivate an ethos of mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration among diverse religious communities.

Throughout his tenure as the Grand Mufti of Australia, Abdul Quddoos endeavored to bridge the divide between communities, fostering dialogue and reconciliation in the face of prevailing societal challenges. His unwavering advocacy for social justice, equality, and inclusion resonated deeply with individuals and organizations across the spectrum, earning him widespread admiration and respect.

Literary Contributions and Intellectual Legacy

Abdul Quddoos Al-Azhari's intellectual legacy extends far beyond the realms of academia and community leadership, encompassing a prolific literary oeuvre that spans a wide array of subjects ranging from Islamic theology to history and education. Through his written works, he has endeavored to disseminate knowledge, foster understanding, and inspire generations of readers to embark on their own journeys of discovery and enlightenment.

Abdul Quddoos's literary endeavors encompass a diverse range of topics, reflecting his multifaceted interests and deep-seated commitment to scholarship and education. Among his notable written works are:

An Introduction to Islam

Islamic Textbook for Children – English/Arabic

Prophet Mohammed – Urdu/English

Ramadhan – Urdu/English

Pilgrimage to the House of Allah – Al-Haj – English

Introduction to Islam – English

Learn to Speak Arabic in 15 Easy Lessons – English

Learn to Read Al Quran in 15 Easy Lessons – English

Learn to Read Quran – Part 1, 2, and 3 – English/Arabic

Compilation of Khutbahs, Speeches – 4 Volumes – English

Learn more about your Deen Part 1 & 2 – English

Aqeedah and Fiqh for Children – English

Monuments and Heritage – English

Quran and Sunnah for Children – English

Islamic Contribution to Human Civilization – English

Learn to Speak Arabic in 15 Easy Lessons – English

Awards and recognition

In 2001 Abdul Quddoos was awarded the Centenary Medal by Prime Minister John Howard

Honourary Award of Recognition by the Tamil Association Queensland