Maulana Dr. Saeedur Rahman Azami Nadwi (1934-2026), a renowned Islamic scholar, former Principal of Darul
Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, and founding Chancellor of Integral University, Lucknow passed away on 7 October 2026 in Lucknow.
Dr Azami was a multifaceted genius and was an internationally acclaimed writer.
He was a legend and master of creative writing. He lived for more than nine decades, yet it is remarkable that he remained young in mind and spirit till his last breath.
Undoubtedly, he occupied a distinguished position among Indian Arabic and Urdu writers and journalists.
Almighty Allah bestowed upon him extraordinary qualities and a variety of calibers. His personality was a marvelous amalgamation of a teacher, journalist, orator, academician,
translator, philanthropist and reformer. Besides, he was a man of angelic qualities.
There are a number of things about Dr. Azami which people have noticed and written about. I have personally been most influenced by his personality. For him nothing was more precious than time. He was punctual to the core. He managed his time meticulously. He had good command over various languages. He always talked with authenticity and reference.
Moreover, he was an able administrator. Being a proactive man, he was never afraid of the changing time. He faced all situations with courage and determination. In fact, courage was the secret of his success in life.
Truly speaking, he was a great humanitarian. He helped countless poor students and assisted poor girls’ marriages, and cooperated with disabled and helpless persons. He followed the principle: “Live and let live” throughout his life.
His Education:
Dr. Azami was born on May 14,1934 at Azamgarh, U.P. in India.
His father, Maulana Muhammad Ayyub Azami was himself a great Islamic scholar.
He received his basic education from his father. After that he did his Alimiat and Fazeelat from Jamia Miftahul Uloom Mau, U.P. (India).Thereafter, he joined Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow in 1952 and did Fazeelat (Specialization in Arabic language and literature) in 1953 and also did Takmil-e- Adab in 1994 from Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow.
Some prominent teachers of Dr.Azami:
(1) Hazrat Maulana Habibur Rahman Azami,(2) Hazrat Maulana Abdul Lateef Nomani,(3) Hazrat Maulana Shah Haleem Ata, (4) Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Ayyub Azami, (5) Hazrat Maulana Mufti Muhammad Saeed Nadwi, (6) Hazrat Maulana Abdullah Abbas Nadwi (7) Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Ishaq Siddqui Sandelvhi, (8) Hazrat Maulana Abul Irfan Khan Nadwi, (9) Hazrat Maulana Abdul Hafeez Balyavi,(10) Mr.Muhammad Sami Siddqui, (11) Maulana Abdul Jabbar Azami, (12) Maulana Shamsuddin, (13) Maulana Muhammad Uwais Nagrami Nadwi, (14), Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi,(15)Maulana S.M.Rabey Hasani Nadwi,(16)Maulana Abdul Majid Nadwi, (17)Maulana Qari Muhammad Munir, (18) Maulana Mahbubur Rahman Azhari, (19) Maulana Isbat, (20) Master Habibullah, (21) Master Asadullah, (22) Master Fida Ali,(23) Maulana Abdur Rasheed and the like.
Some of Dr.Azami’s distinguished classmates and friends:
(1) Maulana Mumtaz Ahmad Miftahi, (2) Maulana Maqsud Ahmad, (3) Maulana Mufti Akhter Hasan,(4)Maulana Yunus,(5)Maulana Izharul Haq, (6) Maulana Shabbir Ahmad, (7) Maulana Sibghatullah, (8) Maulana Abdul Jabbar, (9) Dr.Mutiur Rahman Nadwi, (10) Professor Muhammad Rashid Nadwi,(11) Professor Ehtisham Nadwi,(12)Maulana Tufail Ahmad Nadwi, (13) Maulana Syed Wazeh Rasheed Hasani Nadwi,(14) Maulana Wajihuddin Siddiqui Nadwi,(15) Maulana Dr,Taqiuddin Nadwi etc.
Maulana Ali Miyan Nadwi and Dr.Azami:
Dr. Azami chose world renowned Islamic scholar Maulana S.Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi as his guide and spiritual mentor. He stayed in touch with him till his last breath.
He derived considerable academic benefits from him. Ali Miyan left an indelible impact upon his life.
He was Maulana Ai Miyan’s confident. Maulana Ali Miyan had also full trust in him and sent him as his representative whenever he felt the necessity in and out of India. It was Maulana Ali Miyan who guided him well and raised him on the pedestal.That is why Dr.Azami remained thankful to him throughout his life. Like his spiritual mentor, Dr.Azami was also a true patriot. He loved his country from the depth of his heart. He was a great advocate and defender of democracy and secularism. He always proved himself a boon for the nation.
Besides, it was Maulana S.Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi who sent Dr.Azami for further studies and scholarly research to Allama Dr.Taqiuddin Hilali, Professor of the College of Education, University of Baghdad in Iraq. He spent about one year under the guidance and patronship of Allama Hilali Marakishi and derived extraordinary academic gains from him.
After the demise of Maulana Ali Miyan, he perpetuated this spiritual nexus with his successor Maulana S.M.Rabey Hasani Nadwi, former Rector of Nadwatul Ulama and President of All India Muslim Personal Law Board. Like Maulana Ali Miyan, Maulana Rabey was also a teacher of Dr.Azami Nadwi. He had been a devoted and loyal pupil of Maulana Rabey Hasani Nadwi till his demise.
Dr.Azami and Nadwatul Ulama:
Dr.Azami served Nadwa for more than seven decades. His selfless services extended from 1955 to 2026.He loved Nadwa more than his offsprings and his own life.
He held various posts in Nadwatul Ulama. He always discharged his duties with honesty and integrity.
He dedicated his whole life to the cause of Nadwa. He was always anxious and thoughtful for Nadwa’s progress and development.
He enjoyed confidence of Maulana S.Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi, Maulana S.M.Rabey Hasani Nadwi and his successor Maulana S.Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi. Undoubtedly, his personality proved a boon for Nadwa. The institute greatly benefited from his strength and vigour.
His outstanding contribution and unprecedented achievements will always be remembered.
As a Teacher:
Dr. Azami was appointed teacher in Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow in 1955. Later on he served as HOD of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature from 1993 to 1999. Besides, he was appointed Principal of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama in 2000 and
held the post till his last breath on 7 October, 2026.
Undoubtedly, he was an embodiment of all the sublime qualities and virtues necessary for a good teacher. He proved himself as a selfless and dedicated teacher. His method of teaching was unprecedented. He was a beloved teacher and scores of students quenched their thirst for knowledge from him.
It is said,”Teacher is not a king but produces kings”.
He paid particular attention to his students to prepare them for the great task of spreading education.
He left a galaxy of students behind him who impart education in their respective areas. No doubt, it is an everlasting tribute to him.
As Principal of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama:
After the demise of Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, Dr.Azami
was chosen as Principal of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama in 2000.
He discharged his duties honestly. Under his principalship Darul Uloom made great strides. He brought about a sea- change in it and gave a new orientation to it. His everlasting glow will keep it shinning.
As a Journalist:
Dr.Azami was an accomplished journalist. He was the master of pen. He inspired thousands to take up the pen.
He made a mark in the field of journalism. He started his journalistic journey with the noted journalist, Maulana Muhammadul Hasani when he brought out an esteemed magazine, “Al Baas- el- Islami” in 1955. Maulana Muhammadul Hasani possessed God- given abilities and had literary acumen and journalistic taste.
He continued to serve as an editor with his colleague Maulana Saeedur Rahman Azami Nadwi until his death in 1979.
Needless to add that “Al Baas-el – Islami” is not a magazine like other literary magazines but it is an institution in itself. It gained massive popularity in Arab countries. Its articles were read with great enthusiasm.
It has gone a long way in restoring faith in Islam among Muslim youth and condemning all false ideologies. It also
played a constructive role in solving contemporary issues and upholding Islamic culture and civilization across the world.
No doubt, it is “Al Baas-el- Islami” which gave Dr.Azami international recognition.
It should be kept in mind that due to his profound knowledge of Arabic, he vividly shed light on every subject at length. He always commented on currents topics. He also realized the gravity of danger of orientialists and non-Muslim writers and thwarted their nefarious designs and disrupted efforts made against Islam through his renowned magazine Al Baas- el- Islami.
After the demise of Dr.Azami,
Dr. Muhammad Farman Nadwi was made the Chief Editor of Al Baas – el- Islami. Dr.Azami paid special attention to Maulana Farman Nadwi and he achieved immense academic and literary benefits from Dr.Azami Nadwi.Thus, he gained command over Arabic language and literature. Maulana Farman Nadwi proved himself as an obedient and faithful pupil of Dr.Azami Nadwi. May Allah Almighty accord him strength and enable him to keep up the magazine’s high standards like his predecessor!
Dr.Azami and Education:
Dr.Azami was a passionate advocate for education and played a leading role in shaping young minds. He believed that education should foster both intellectual and moral development, and he dedicated his whole life to creating a more inclusive and effective educational system for all children.
He always used education as a tool for social progress and national unity, emphasizing its role in fostering a more egalitarian and enlightened society.
His dedication to education, particularly for the underprivileged and his emphasis on character development shaped his vision for the nation’s future. He advocated for an education system that not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates ethical and moral values. He believed that no nation can achieve progress and prosperity without education.
He was founder and patron of scores of educational institutions including Integral University, Lucknow.
Azami’s
contribution in the field of education will always remain a shining example.
As a Writer:
He was a prolific writer and was also
a prominent translator. He authored several books in Arabic and Urdu languages.
His various books are included in the syllabus of different institutions including Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow. Some of his major publications are as under.
Urdu Publications:
- Usooh-e-Hasana Ke Aaine Mein
- Islam Aur Maghrib
- 48 Saal Shafqatun Ke Saaye Mein
- Makateeb Mufakkir-e-Islam Hazrat Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi
- Islami Saqafat Aur Nadwatul Ulama
- Ilm-us-Sarf
- Qafila-e-Ilm-o-Adab
- Tazkirah Ahl-e-Dil
- Mumtaz Ulama Wa Rufaqa
- Islami Muasharah Aur Us Ki Taameeri Bunyadein
- Tazkirah Maulana Hakeem Azizur Rahman Azmi
- Masnoon Duayein
Arabic Publications:
- 13.Shu‘araa-ur-Rasool Fi Zau’il Waaqi‘ Wal-Qareez
- 14.Ad-Da‘wat-ul-Islaamiyyah
- Sooratu Yoosuf: Duroos Wa ‘Ibar
- Khamsoona Hadeesan Min Kalaami Sayyid-il-Mursaleen
- Muhaadaraat Fi Fann-it-Tadrees
- Nadwat-ul-Ulamaa: Da‘watuha Wa Risaalatuha Wa Ab‘aaduha
- Saa‘atun Ma‘al-‘Aarifeen (Hissa Awwal)
- Saa‘atun Ma‘al-‘Aarifeen (Hissa Saani)
- Suwar Min Waaqi‘-id-Deen
- 22 . Al-Adab Wal-Islaam
- As-Sahaafat-ul-‘Arabiyyah: Nash’atuha Wa Tatawwuruha
- Al-Islaam Wa Da‘aa’im-ul-Yaqzat-il-Islaamiyyah Translated Books:
- Asbaab-e-Sa‘aadat-il-Muslimeen Wa Shaqaa’ihim
- Al-Qur’aan Yatahaddathu Ilaikum
- Al-Qarn-ul-Khaamis Ashar
- Soorataan-e- Mutazaaddataan
Dr.Azami and His Passionate Attachment to the Holy Qur’an:
Maulana was extremely regular in his recitation of the Holy Qur’an and had a immense passion
for the Holy Qur’an. His entire academic and missionary life was characterized by a deep understanding of the Qur’an. One of the significant features of Maulana’s life is that his life seems to be adorned with the lights and blessings of the Holy Qur’an. Quranic verses are visible in his writings and speeches. He adopted the style, tone and content of writing from the Holy Qur’an. As if Maulana had planned a blueprint for building life on the basis of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah.
More importantly, he valued every single minute of his life. Whenever he found an opportunity, he recited the Qur’an.Truly speaking, Dr. Azami was an erudite scholar. The comprehensive knowledge and intellectual brilliance of Dr. Azami had been acknowledged by his contemporaries.
Because of his profound and vast knowledge, he had been entrusted with many significant positions and offices. He was also conferred several prestigious awards including the President Award for his outstanding services in the arena of Arabic language and literature.
Positions:
- Principal of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama,Lucknow.
- Founding Chancellor of Integral University, Lucknow.
- Founding Member of Dar-e- Arafat, Raebarily, U.P.
- President Deeni Talimi Council, Uttar Pradesh.
- Imam and Khatib, Jame Masjid, Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow.
- Rector of Mahadul Firdaus Rahmani, Lucknow.
- Member All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
- Member Darul Musannafeen, Azamgarh, U.P.
- Founding Member of The World Organization for Islamic Literature.
- Chief Editor Al- Baas-el- Islami ( Monthly), Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow.
- Assistant Editor of Tameer-e- Hayat Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow.
Awards:
- President Award for Arabic Literature in 1994.
- Maulana Muhammad Ahmad Partabghari Award in 1998.
- Harun Rasheed Memorial Award, Lucknow in 2001.
- National Award For Literature, Lucknow in1998.
- Maulana Abdul Majeed Faranghi Mahli Award for Education from Islamic Centre of India, Lucknow.
- Maulana Ali Miyan Award, Mumbai.
- Lifetime Achievement Award from OIS New Delhi in 2013.
- Maulana Azad Educational Award from Maulana Azad Memorial Academy, Lucknow in 2014.
- Allama Dr.Taqiuddun Hilali Award from Allama Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Foundation, Muzaffarpur Bihar in 2014.
- Allama Syed Sulaiman Nadwi Journalustitic Award from Marwa Foundation, Lucknow in 2013.
- Muhaddis-e -Jalil Maulana Habibur Rahman Azmi Award, Lucknow in 2006.
- Sir Syed Academic Award from Ettihad Model School, Lucknow.
- Lifetime Achievement Award from Jamea-tul- Hidaya Jaipur in 2026.
Missionary Tours:
Dr.Azami visited many countries of the world like Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore,
Egypt, Turkey, Fiji, UK, and Australia.
To sum up, Dr.Azami will always be remembered for his remarkable contribution and extraordinary selfless services toward nation- building, and his outstanding services to humanistic values.
It goes without saying that the passing away of Dr. Azami is a personal loss to me. He had been a great inspiration to me. He always appreciated my works.
He treated me like an affectionate student.
I will never forget the affection, love, favours and obligations that he bestowed to me.
On his death, various condolence meetings were held in and out of India in which glowing tributes paid to the departed soul.
A condolence meeting was also held in Nadwa Jama Masjid on the second day of his demise. In his condolence message, Maulana S.Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi said, “Maulana Saeedur Rahman Azami Nadwi was a real epitome of Islamic thoughts and culture. He dedicated his entire life to the cause of Nadwa. He served Nadwa for about seven decades. He
possessed extraordinary qualities and norms. He proved himself an able and exemplary principal of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow.”
Decidedly, Maulana’s passing away is a great loss to Nadwatul Ulama in particular and to the Millat-e- Islamia in general. His death has caused a great and unbridgeable vacuum.The Muslim world deeply mourns his death. Prominent Islamic scholars of the world sent their condolence
messages.The congregational funeral prayers were offered in various countries in absentia.
Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, former Chief Minister Akhlesh Yadav and other veteran political leaders of different parties and prominent Islamic scholars of the country came to condole the grieved family.
Dr.Azami is survived by two sons and six daughters. His younger son Dr.Ataur Rahman Azami Nadwi is a noted scholar. He is Professor of the Department of Business Administration in Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Lucknow.
It is hoped that he will fulfill the work left behind by his beloved father.
Thousands of his admirers and friends from various parts of the country thronged to attend the last rites of the departed soul.
His funeral prayer was led by Hazrat Maulana S.Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi and he was buried in Daliganj Graveyard, Lucknow.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings and lapses and grant him an elevated position in Jannat al Firdaus. “To the righteous soul will be said, O thou soul, in complete rest and satisfaction! Come back thou to thy Lord, well pleased thyself, and well- pleasing unto Him! Enter thou, then, among my devotees! Yea, enter thou My Heaven”