Early Life and Education

Maulana Abdul Haq Haqqani was born on 11 January 1912 in Akora Khattak, located in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) of British India, which is now part of Pakistan. His father, Haji Maruf Gul, was a prominent local landlord and a respected religious scholar known for his deep knowledge of Islamic teachings. From a young age, Abdul Haq was immersed in a nurturing environment that encouraged academic and spiritual growth.

Abdul Haq began his educational journey with local scholars and in various cities such as Peshawar, Mardan, and Chhachh. His early education laid a strong foundation in Islamic studies and Arabic. To pursue higher education, he traveled further afield to madrasahs in Meerut, Amroha, Gulavati, and Calcutta. His quest for knowledge led him to Darul Uloom Deoband in March 1929, where he studied under some of the most esteemed scholars of the time. At Deoband, he completed his advanced studies, including the crucial daurah of Hadith, under the supervision of Sayyid Husain Ahmad Madani, graduating in 1934.

Founding and Development of Darul Uloom Haqqania

In 1947, amidst the tumultuous changes following the independence of Pakistan, Abdul Haq returned to Akora Khattak. The political upheaval made it impossible for him to return to Darul Uloom Deoband. Instead, he took the significant step of establishing Darul Uloom Haqqania on 23 September 1947. This new institution was among the first Islamic seminaries set up in Pakistan, and it played a crucial role in providing Islamic education in the country.

Initially, Abdul Haq managed the madrasah single-handedly, teaching all subjects himself. His dedication and vision led to the growth of Darul Uloom Haqqania, which soon attracted many students. Over time, the madrasah expanded, and more teachers joined, but Abdul Haq continued to teach Hadith with unwavering commitment until his passing in 1988.

Scholarly Contributions and Publications

Maulana Abdul Haq Haqqani made significant contributions to Islamic scholarship through his extensive work on Islamic jurisprudence and Hadith. His teachings were widely respected and had a profound impact on Islamic education. His sermons and discourses, which were collected by his son Sami ul Haq, were published in two comprehensive volumes titled “Da`wat-i Haq.” These volumes, containing over 1,300 pages, capture the essence of his scholarly work and have been a valuable resource for students and scholars alike.

Political Involvement and Advocacy

In addition to his scholarly achievements, Abdul Haq was an influential political figure. He was actively involved in the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), a political party that aimed to implement Islamic principles in Pakistan’s governance. His political career was marked by his service as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, where he was elected three times: in 1970, 1977, and 1985. His son, Sami ul Haq, played a key role in his successful election campaigns.

Abdul Haq was also a prominent advocate of the Khatme Nabuwwat movement, which emphasized the finality of prophethood. He strongly opposed the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya community and supported legislative efforts to declare Ahmadis as non-Muslims in Pakistan.

Support for the Afghan Jihad

During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Abdul Haq declared the Afghan resistance as a jihad, framing it as a crucial ideological battle between Islam and communism. Darul Uloom Haqqania under his leadership issued statements in support of the Afghan Mujahideen. Abdul Haq also made financial contributions to aid the resistance and expressed a desire to participate in the fight, though his advancing age and health constraints prevented him from doing so.

Sufism and Spirituality

Abdul Haq was deeply involved in Sufism, following a path of spiritual enlightenment and connection with Sufi traditions. He took bay’ah (a formal pledge of allegiance) from various Sufi leaders, including Haji Sahib Turangzai, Khawaja Abdul Malik Siddiqi, and the Faqir of Ipi. His engagement with Sufism influenced his approach to Islamic scholarship and his personal spiritual practices.

Awards and Recognition

Maulana Abdul Haq’s contributions to Islam and education were recognized through several awards. In October 1978, he was honored with an honorary PhD in Divinity from the University of Peshawar for his significant services to Islam. Additionally, he received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star of Distinction) from President General Zia-ul-Haq, acknowledging his achievements in religious and educational fields.

Death and Legacy

Maulana Abdul Haq Haqqani passed away on 7 September 1988 at the Khyber Teaching Hospital in Peshawar, at the age of 74 or 76. His death marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to Islamic scholarship, education, and political activism. His legacy continues through Darul Uloom Haqqania, which remains a leading institution in Islamic education, and his extensive scholarly works that continue to inspire and educate.