Biography of Shaikhul Hadith Shere Millat Mufti Obaidul Haque Naimi

Mufti Mohammad Obaidul Haque Naimi, widely known as Shere Millat, was a prominent Islamic scholar, educationist, and religious leader in Bangladesh. Born on March 11, 1943, in Chappatli village of Anwara Upazila, Chittagong, his contributions to the Islamic community, particularly within the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at, have left an indelible mark. He served as the Chairman of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at Bangladesh and was the Shaikhul Hadith (Chief Muhaddith) at Jamia Ahmadiyya Sunnia Kamil Madrasah for over 40 years.

Table of Contents

Education

Mufti Obaidul Haque Naimi hailed from a religious family. His father, Munshi Noor Ahmad Al Qaderi, and his mother, Chafura Khatun, played significant roles in shaping his early religious upbringing. He adhered to the Hanafi school of thought and was initiated into the Qadri Sufi order.

He began his education at local schools and later pursued Islamic studies at Panchlaish Wajedia Alia Madrasa, where he excelled in his Dakhil, Alim, and Fazil examinations. In 1962 and 1964, Naimi traveled to Jamia Naimia in Gujarat, West Pakistan, where he studied Fiqh under the guidance of Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Naimi. He completed his Kamil degree in 1965 from Wajedia Alia Madrasa.

Teaching and Scholarly Contributions

After completing his studies, Naimi began his teaching career at Wajedia Alia Madrasa in 1966. Over the next few years, he taught at various madrasas, including Hathajari Adudia Sunnia Madrasah and Jamia Ahmadiyya Sunnia Kamil Madrasah. In 1980, he became the Shaikhul Hadith at Jamia Ahmadiyya Sunnia Kamil Madrasah, a position he held for 40 years, shaping the religious education of countless students.

Naimi was not only a dedicated teacher but also a prolific writer. His works include “Dalaelul Qiyam Li Milade Khairil Anam,” a defense of the Mawlid and Qiyam, and “Kashiful Muhammad Sharhe Mu’atta Imam Muhammad,” a commentary on the renowned Muatta of Imam Muhammad Ash Shaibani.

Leadership and Organizational Roles

Shere Millat was deeply involved in religious and political organizations that promoted the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at ideology. He was the founding patron of the Bangladesh Islami Chhatrasena, a student political organization, and served as a presidium member of the Bangladesh Islami Front. He was also a member of the Anjuman Trust and the World Islamic Mission based in London.

In his later years, Naimi became the Chairman of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at Bangladesh (2019–2020), playing a vital role in promoting Sunni ideology across Bangladesh. He was an uncompromising defender of Sunni orthodoxy, especially through mahfils (religious gatherings) and munaziras (debates), where he articulated the teachings of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at.

Role in the Liberation War and National Contributions

During the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh, Naimi, alongside Maulana Qazi Nurul Islam Hashemi, participated in efforts that supported freedom fighters. His leadership extended beyond religious matters, as he was also active in humanitarian work through the Gauchia Committee Bangladesh, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting in burial arrangements for those who had passed away.

Death and Legacy

Mufti Obaidul Haque Naimi passed away on July 6, 2020, in Chittagong. His funeral was attended by thousands, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, reflecting the deep respect and admiration he garnered throughout his life. He was buried at the Alamgir Khanqah Sharif cemetery in Chittagong.

Naimi’s profound knowledge, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the cause of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at made him a towering figure in Islamic scholarship. His students, followers, and institutions continue to carry forward his mission, ensuring that his contributions live on for generations to come.

Notable Works

Dalaelul Qiyam Li Milade Khairil Anam
Kashiful Mugammad Sharhe Mu’atta Imam Muhammad

Shere Millat Mufti Obaidul Haque Naimi’s Islamic Lecture video:

Conclusion

Shere Millat Obaidul Haque Naimi was a man of deep scholarship, a fearless leader, and a guiding light for the Sunni community in Bangladesh. His dedication to teaching, writing, and organizing ensured his enduring legacy as one of Bangladesh’s most respected Islamic scholars. His life stands as an inspiration to all who seek to serve their faith and nation with integrity and devotion.