Co-authored by Mufti Abdul-Malik Sheikh & Muhammad Abul Kalam
On Monday 14th August 2023, the Muslims of Bangladesh and indeed the world, mourned the death of one of their great scholars, speaker, guide and spiritual leader, Mawlana Delawar Hussain Sayeedi.
Mawlana Sayeedi, the great preacher of Bengal, the free and fearless interpreter of the Book of Allah, the eloquent orator, and one of the great scholars of Bangladesh, died of a heart attack at 8.30pm local time on August 14th 2023. He has spent the last 13 years of his life in prison, due to what is widely believed as trumped up charges.
He inspired millions of people around the world and many embraced Islam at his hands. He spoke against injustice and refused to bow his head to the tyrants. He famously once said:
“I do not wish to live 500 years like a pussycat, I would rather live for an hour like a lion!”
Affectionately known as “Sayeedi Shaab”, he committed his entire life to serving Allah, speaking the truth, and standing up for the downtrodden and disadvantaged members of society. As an elected member of the Bangladeshi parliament, he served all of his constituents, regardless of creed and backgrounds. During Mawlana Sayeedi’s two terms as MP, non-Muslim constituency members used to say that they felt as though they were sitting on their “mothers laps” i.e. he took care of them all!
An author of several books, including a four-volume commentary of the Quran, Mawlana Sayeedi travelled across the world delivering “Tafsir Mahfils” to packed out Masjids, auditoriums and conference centres.
Yet he was most at home delivering his Tafsir Mahfils across different cities of Bangladesh. Typically lasting 3-4 days, these gatherings drew daily attendances exceeding tens of thousands of people.
Indeed, It was his love for the Quran, and his explanation of the Quran, that not only earned him international recognition and reverence, but also the love and admiration of millions of people. He spoke with passion and simplicity, but more importantly, he engaged his audience, taking them on a rollercoaster of emotions. His voice, loud, eloquent and clear and commanding was almost magical, captivating ears and penetrating hearts. His message was simple, the Quran came to change lives, and guide mankind in all of their affairs.
We are saddened by Sayeedi Shaab’s death. However, in this sadness we find comfort knowing that he is now free from the injustice he suffered, imprisoned and in chains.
As he joins the ranks of many of the torchbearers of Islam like Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Ibn Taymiyah and others who died while unjustly incarcerated, we pray our beloved Mawlana is accepted by Allah as a martyr. The soul of Mawlana Sayeedi may have parted this world, but his voice lives on!
Co-authored by Mufti Abdul-Malik Sheikh & Muhammad Abul Kalam
On Monday 14th August 2023, the Muslims of Bangladesh and indeed the world, mourned the death of one of their great scholars, speaker, guide and spiritual leader, Mawlana Delawar Hussain Sayeedi.
Mawlana Sayeedi, the great preacher of Bengal, the free and fearless interpreter of the Book of Allah, the eloquent orator, and one of the great scholars of Bangladesh, died of a heart attack at 8.30pm local time on August 14th 2023. He has spent the last 13 years of his life in prison, due to what is widely believed as trumped up charges.
He inspired millions of people around the world and many embraced Islam at his hands. He spoke against injustice and refused to bow his head to the tyrants. He famously once said:
“I do not wish to live 500 years like a pussycat, I would rather live for an hour like a lion!”
Affectionately known as “Sayeedi Shaab”, he committed his entire life to serving Allah, speaking the truth, and standing up for the downtrodden and disadvantaged members of society. As an elected member of the Bangladeshi parliament, he served all of his constituents, regardless of creed and backgrounds. During Mawlana Sayeedi’s two terms as MP, non-Muslim constituency members used to say that they felt as though they were sitting on their “mothers laps” i.e. he took care of them all!
An author of several books, including a four-volume commentary of the Quran, Mawlana Sayeedi travelled across the world delivering “Tafsir Mahfils” to packed out Masjids, auditoriums and conference centres.
Yet he was most at home delivering his Tafsir Mahfils across different cities of Bangladesh. Typically lasting 3-4 days, these gatherings drew daily attendances exceeding tens of thousands of people.
Indeed, It was his love for the Quran, and his explanation of the Quran, that not only earned him international recognition and reverence, but also the love and admiration of millions of people. He spoke with passion and simplicity, but more importantly, he engaged his audience, taking them on a rollercoaster of emotions. His voice, loud, eloquent and clear and commanding was almost magical, captivating ears and penetrating hearts. His message was simple, the Quran came to change lives, and guide mankind in all of their affairs.
We are saddened by Sayeedi Shaab’s death. However, in this sadness we find comfort knowing that he is now free from the injustice he suffered, imprisoned and in chains.
As he joins the ranks of many of the torchbearers of Islam like Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Ibn Taymiyah and others who died while unjustly incarcerated, we pray our beloved Mawlana is accepted by Allah as a martyr. The soul of Mawlana Sayeedi may have parted this world, but his voice lives on!