61 Important questions from General English for 12th class

 

Dr Israr Ahmad, the 20th-century ambassador of the Holy Qur’an to the Indian subcontinent.

''Yeh kis azaab mein chhoda hai Tu ne is dil ko

Sukoon yaad mein Teri, na bhoolne mein qaraar"

(English Translation) 

“In what agony have You left this heart of mine;neither do I find peace in remembering You nor rest in forgetting You.”

Sahil Sharifdin Bhat

Israr Ahmad was not merely a scholar; he was a movement—a voice that echoed the call of the Holy Qur’an in an age when its message had begun to fade into ritual. His life stands as a testament to unwavering faith, intellectual brilliance and a relentless mission to reconnect Muslims with the Book of Allah.

Early Life and Family Background:

Dr Israr Ahmad was born on 26 April 1932 in Hisar, British India (now in Haryana). He belonged to a respectable and religious family. His father, Chaudhry Ghulam Ali, was a government servant and his mother played a vital role in nurturing his religious inclination. He grew up among siblings in an environment where discipline, education and moral values were emphasised. The partition of the subcontinent in 1947 deeply impacted his life and thinking.

Education and Professional Career:

He was an exceptionally bright student. After migrating to Pakistan, he pursued higher education and graduated from King Edward Medical College (now King Edward Medical University, Lahore). Although he qualified as a doctor and briefly practised medicine, his true passion lay elsewhere. Eventually, he left his medical career to dedicate himself fully to Islamic work.

Mastery of Knowledge and Languages:

Dr Israr Ahmad possessed remarkable command over Urdu and delivered most of his lectures in it with great eloquence. He was also proficient in Arabic and had a strong understanding of English. While he had familiarity with Persian, it was not among his primary languages of expression. He quoted Persian poetry frequently to enhance his mesmerizing speeches. 

His deep study of history enabled him to analyse the rise and fall of nations, particularly the decline of the Muslim Ummah. Above all, his understanding of the Qur’an was profound. He emphasised ''tadabbur'' (deep reflection) and conveyed Qur’anic teachings in a way that resonated with both intellectuals and the common masses.

Journey Through Various Islamic Movements:

In his early years, Dr Israr Ahmad was associated with the Jamaat-e-Islami and was influenced by Abul A'la Maududi. However, due to differences in methodology and priorities, he left the organisation in 1957.

Later, he founded Markazi Anjuman Khuddam-ul-Qur'an in 1972, focusing on Qur’anic education. In 1975, he established Tanzeem-e-Islami to work towards the establishment of an Islamic system through a disciplined movement.

Books, Speeches and Contributions:

Dr Israr Ahmad authored several influential books, including works on Qur’anic philosophy, Islamic revival and the concept of Khilafah. His speeches, widely circulated through audio, video and television, had a transformative impact on audiences.

He was also the founder of Qur'an Academy, which became a centre for Qur’anic learning and research. His Qur’anic lectures (dars) are still widely listened to across the world. He authored several influential booklets, including “Islamic Renaissance: The Real Task Ahead,” “Tanqeeb-e-Islami,” “Khutbat-e-Israr,” and “Bayaan-ul-Qur’an” (his Urdu Tafseer compilation), all of which continue to inspire readers and listeners by powerfully calling them back to the Holy Qur’an with deep understanding, unwavering commitment, and sincere action.

Personal Life: Wife and Children:

Dr Israr Ahmad was married and had children. His family remained supportive of his mission. However, detailed public information about his wife and children is relatively limited, as he maintained a degree of privacy regarding his personal life.

A Mission to Revive the Qur’an:

Dr Israr Ahmad’s central mission was the revival of the Holy Qur’an’s message in the lives of Muslims, particularly in the subcontinent. He strongly criticised the tendency of limiting the Holy Qur’an to recitation without understanding.

He called for a return to sincere study, reflection and implementation of its teachings. According to him, the Holy Qur’an is a complete code of life, not merely a book for rituals. He is rightly called ''the 20th-century ambassador of the Holy Qur’an to the Indian subcontinent''. 

Followers, Students and Legacy:

Dr Israr Ahmad attracted a large number of followers, students and admirers. His lectures continue to inspire people globally. Many individuals and groups today carry forward his mission of spreading Qur’anic understanding.

Conclusion:

Dr Israr Ahmad was a man of vision and conviction. He sacrificed a promising medical career to serve a higher cause. His life teaches us that real success lies in dedicating oneself to truth and striving for the guidance of humanity.

His voice still echoes through his lectures, inviting people back to the Qur’an—the mission to which he devoted his entire life. He departed from this world for his heavenly abode on 14 April 2010. May Allah forgive him, graciously accept his tireless efforts in the service of Islam and grant him the highest place of Paradise. Ameen!