The Life History of Pir Muhammad Karam Shah al-Azhari and Maulana Muhammad Naeemuddin Muradabadi and the prominent features of his Qur’anic commentary, Zia-ul-Qur’an

Abstract

This article offers a comparative analytical study of two eminent South Asian exegetes, Pir Muhammad Karam Shah al-Azhari and Maulana Muhammad Naeemuddin Muradabadi, focusing particularly on their biographical backgrounds and the distinctive features of their celebrated Qur’anic commentaries—Tafsir Zia-ul-Qur’an and Tafsir Khaza’in al-Irfan. Pir Karam Shah, a distinguished scholar trained at Al-Azhar University, combined classical Islamic scholarship with modern intellectual sensibilities. His tafsir reflects a balanced methodology that integrates linguistic precision, theological clarity, rational argumentation, and spiritual insight. Zia-ul-Qur’an is noted for its simple yet scholarly Urdu style, its reliance on authentic sources, its avoidance of sectarian bias, and its effective engagement with contemporary issues.

In contrast, Maulana Naeemuddin Muradabadi, an eminent scholar of the early 20th century, produced Khaza’in al-Irfan as a concise and reader-friendly commentary appended to Kanzul Iman. His tafsir is marked by its accessible language, deep spiritual tone, reliance on classical authorities, and focus on clarifying complex theological concepts for the general reader. Khaza’in al-Irfan also stands out for its brief but comprehensive explanations of difficult verses, emphasis on moral reform, and its strong connection to traditional Sunni scholarship.

By examining the scholars’ life histories and exegetical approaches, this study highlights their significant contributions to Urdu Qur’anic literature and demonstrates how both works, despite differences in scope and style, serve as enduring models of scholarly depth, linguistic mastery, and spiritual guidance. The article concludes that Zia-ul-Qur’an and Khaza’in al-Irfan collectively enrich the Urdu tafsir tradition and continue to influence contemporary Qur’anic understanding in the Muslim world.

Keywords: Pir Muhammad Karam Shah al-Azhari, Zia-ul-Qur’an, Maulana Muhammad Naeemuddin Muradabadi, Khaza’in al-Irfan, Urdu Qur’anic exegesis, Tafsir studies, South Asian Islamic scholarship, classical and modern tafsir methodology, linguistic analysis, theological interpretation, spiritual commentary, comparative Qur’anic studies.