18/06/2025
LEGACY OF THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF KAZI
The history of the Office of the Chief Kazi stretches back several centuries. Moulvi Diwan Mohammed Ghouse Sharf-ul-Mulk Bahadur Sahib RA, also known as Diwan Sahib, who served as the Diwan (Prime Minister) of Madras in the royal courts of the Nawabs of the Carnatic during the late 18th Century and early 19th Century.
His father Moulvi Nasiruddin Mohammed RA, grandfather Qazi Nizamuddin Ahmed Sagheer RA, and ancestors before him were Quzzat and Fuqaha of their time, forming a continuous and venerable chain of Islamic scholarship and service. The earliest known ancestor of this illustrious lineage is Faqih Ata Ahmed Shafi’i RA, a renowned Faqih who lived around a thousand years ago.
Continuing this tradition, Diwan Sharf-ul-Mulk RA’s son, Moulvi Sibghatullah Madrasi Sahib RA, also known as Qazi Badr-ud-Dawlah Bahadur RA, served as the Qazi-ul-Mulk (Chief Qazi of the State) of Madras State during the rule of the Nawabs of Carnatic.
This noble lineage has continued unbroken through generations. Our beloved Late Chief Kazi Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub Sahib RA, and his esteemed son-in-law, the current Chief Kazi (In-Charge) Mohammed Akbar Ali Shah Aamiri Sahib, both descend from the lineage of Qazi Badr-ud-Dawlah Bahadur RA, preserving this sacred heritage.
Among Qazi Badr-ud-Dawlah RA’s children, his fifth son, Shamsul Ulama Qazi Ubaidullah Sahib RA, holds a special place in history as the first Government Chief Kazi of the Madras Presidency, appointed by the British in 1880. In recognition of his deep knowledge and mastery in Islamic sciences, in year 1897, the Viceroy of British India conferred upon him the title “Shamsul Ulama” (Sun of the Scholars). He passed in the year 1927, and rests in the courtyard of Masjid-e-Walajahi. He is the great-grandfather of Chief Kazi Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub Sahib RA.
Qazi Badr-ud-Dawlah’s second son, Moulvi Mohammed Ghouse Sahib RA, also known as Iyanat Khan Bahadur RA, served with distinction in the Nawabs’ court. He was a close confidante of Nawab Umdat-ul-Umara Sahib, and also accompanied the Nawab Sahib on Hajj Pilgrimage. He passed away in Madinah Munawwarah, in 1854, where he rests in the sacred soil of Jannatul Baqi. From his lineage descends our current Chief Kazi (In-Charge) Mohammed Akbar Sahib.
Chief Kazi Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub Sahib RA was the 19th generation Qazi of this blessed lineage. His illustrious predecessors include:
Qazi Mohammed Azeezuddin RA, Qazi Syed Shah Mohammed RA, Qazi Mohammed Habibullah RA, Shamsul Ulama Qazi Ubaidullah RA, Diwan Mohammed Ghouse Sharf-ul-Mulk RA, Moulvi Nasiruddin Mohammed RA, Qazi Nizamuddin Ahmed Sagheer RA, Qazi Mohammed Abdullah Shaheed RA, Qazi Nizamuddin Ahmed Kabeer RA, Qazi Hussain Luthfullah RA, Qazi Raziuddin Murtuza RA, Qazi Mahmood Kabeer RA, Qazi Ahmed RA, Faqih Abu Mohammed RA, Faqih Makhdoom Ismail RA, Faqih Makhdoom Ishaq RA, and Faqih Ata Ahmed Shafi’i RA.
The passing of our beloved Chief Kazi Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub Sahib RA has created a void that can never truly be filled. He was a light in times of darkness, a man of few words, but every word he spoke was rooted in truth. He never strayed from the path of the Shariah, and he embodied the qualities of a living saint and a true lover of our Beloved Prophet ﷺ. His loss is deeply felt across the community. His presence gave courage and strength to countless people, and his wisdom was a guiding beacon in challenging times.
Yet, his enduring legacy lives on through the strength of his institution, which continues to function seamlessly under the capable leadership of Kazi Mohammed Akbar Sahib, the 20th generation Qazi of this sacred lineage.
Kazi Mohammed Akbar Sahib was mentored and nurtured by Chief Kazi Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub Sahib himself for over two decades. He spent the greater part of his life under the direct tutelage of the Chief Kazi, absorbing both knowledge and experience. In the final years of Chief Kazi Sahib’s life, he entrusted Kazi Mohammed Akbar to carry out the complete duties of the office as Chief Kazi, which he carried out with diligence, humility, and distinction. He now continues in that path, with the same dedication and spirit.
Chief Kazi Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub Sahib RA was an institution in himself, and it was from this very institution that Mohammed Akbar Sahib emerged, trained, guided, and spiritually nurtured. His years under the guidance of Chief Kazi Sahib were not merely of observation, but of deep immersion and true knowledge.
By the grace of Allah the Almighty and through Chief Kazi Sahib's and his predecessor's legacy, values, and tireless guidance, the Office of the Chief Kazi continues to thrive, led by his most trusted disciples. The torch of truth, service, and Islamic scholarship remains alight, illuminating the path for generations to come.
May Allah the Almighty elevate the ranks of our beloved Chief Kazi Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub Sahib RA and of his pious predecessors, and grant success and barakah to our Chief Kazi (In-Charge) Mohammed Akbar Sahib as he carries forward this noble legacy of his predecessors. Aameen.
Documented by Mohammed Musaddiq.