Onlykashmir Feature Desk
Mirwaiz Muhammad Yusuf Shah also referred Mujir-e-Millat (1894–1968) stands as a towering figure in Kashmiri history, celebrated for his religious scholarship, political leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Kashmiri people. Among his most enduring contributions is his translation of the Holy Quran into the Kashmiri language, a groundbreaking work that made the sacred text accessible to native speakers.
Born on February 19, 1894 (13 Shaban 1311 Hijri) in Rajouri Kadal, Srinagar, Yusuf Shah hailed from a prominent religious family. His father, Mirwaiz Ghulam Rasool Shah, was a respected Islamic leader who worked tirelessly to uplift the Kashmiri Muslim community. Tragically, Molvi Yusuf lost his father at the age of ten, leaving him under the care of his uncles, Moulvi Ahmedullah and Moulvi Attiqullah Shah, who nurtured his early education.
Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Yusuf Shah left Kashmir in 1925 to pursue advanced Islamic studies at Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the most prestigious Islamic seminaries in the Indian subcontinent. Under the tutelage of renowned scholars like Moulana Anwar Shah Kashmiri, he immersed himself in the study of Hadith and Islamic jurisprudence. After completing the Darse-Nizami course, he furthered his education at the University of Punjab in Lahore, earning a Moulvi Fazil degree. His time at Deoband also exposed him to the Khilafat Movement, igniting his passion for social reform and political activism.
In 1931, Yusuf Shah succeeded his uncle, Moulvi Attiqullah, as the Mirwaiz of Kashmir a hereditary title designating the head preacher of the Kashmir Valley, based at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar. Traditionally, the role of the Mirwaiz was to provide religious guidance, but Yusuf Shah expanded its scope to encompass social, cultural, and political dimensions, reflecting the needs of his time.
His tenure as Mirwaiz coincided with a period of intense political upheaval in Kashmir. Yusuf Shah emerged as a vocal advocate for the rights of Kashmiri Muslims, co-founding the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in 1932 alongside Sheikh Abdullah and Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas. However, ideological differences soon surfaced, particularly over the inclusion of non-Muslims in the organization, leading Yusuf Shah to break away and establish the Azad Muslim Conference in 1934. His steadfast commitment to the Muslim cause and his support for Kashmir’s alignment with Pakistan defined his political career.
Yusuf Shah’s most monumental scholarly achievement was his translation and exegesis of the Holy Quran into Kashmiri, titled Bayan-ul-Furqan (The Exposition of the Criterion). Completed in August-September 1957 (Safar 1377 Hijri), this work marked the first comprehensive effort to render the Quran in the native Kashmiri language, making its teachings accessible to the common people of the valley who were unfamiliar with Arabic.
Bayan-ul-Furqan is not merely a translation but a detailed commentary that reflects Yusuf Shah’s deep understanding of Islamic theology and his desire to bridge the linguistic gap for Kashmiri Muslims. The work gained widespread recognition for its authenticity and clarity, earning the approval of the University of Medina. The Saudi government, acknowledging its scholarly value, published and distributed it through the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran in Madinah, offering it free to Kashmiris performing Hajj or Umrah.
Today, it is widely available in mosques, libraries, and online platforms, including audio formats on streaming services like YouTube Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music, thanks to efforts by the Mirwaiz Foundation.Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Ahmad (1931-2024), following the legacy of his esteemed father, Mirwaiz Yousuf Shah, immortalized the Bayanul Furqan or Koshur Quran, his father’s Kashmiri translation and commentary of the Quran, through audio recordings.
His voice, which resonated daily across Kashmir through Radio Azad Kashmir, brought the Quran’s teachings closer to the hearts of Kashmiris. His broadcasts became a cherished tradition, nurturing spiritual life and fostering cultural and religious pride.
Despite his exile, Yusuf Shah remained deeply connected to his homeland, continuing his religious and political work until his death on December 12, 1968 (17 Ramadhan 1388 Hijri) in Rawalpindi. His nephew, Moulvi Mohammad Farooq, succeeded him as Mirwaiz, carrying forward his legacy.
Mirwaiz Yusuf Shah’s contributions are multifaceted. As a religious scholar, his Bayan-ul-Furqan broke new ground, ensuring that Kashmiri Muslims could engage with the Quran in their mother tongue.
Today, Yusuf Shah is remembered as a visionary who blended faith, scholarship, and activism. His translation of the Quran continues to inspire generations, while his life serves as a testament to the power of knowledge and resilience in the face of adversity. In the words of his grandson, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Yusuf Shah’s contributions remain “unmatchable,” a legacy that endures in the hearts of Kashmiris worldwide.
