Qazi Muhammad Sanaullah Panipati

Qazi Muhammad Sanaullah Panipati (1143 AH – 1225 AH / 1731 CE – 1810 CE) was a distinguished Sunni Islamic scholar, jurist, and Sufi master from Panipat, India. Renowned for his profound contributions to Quranic exegesis, jurisprudence, and Sufism, he played a pivotal role in the intellectual and spiritual landscape of the Indian subcontinent.

Early Life and Education

Born in Panipat, Qazi Sanaullah memorized the Quran by the age of seven. He pursued advanced studies in Arabic and Islamic sciences, eventually traveling to Delhi to study under the eminent scholar Shah Waliullah Dehlawi, from whom he acquired expertise in hadith and jurisprudence. His spiritual journey led him to become a disciple of Shaykh Muhammad Abid Sanami, and later, after Sanami’s passing, he was guided by Mirza Mazhar Jan-e-Janaan, a prominent figure in the Naqshbandi Sufi order. Under Jan-e-Janaan’s mentorship, Qazi Sanaullah attained significant spiritual ranks within the Mujaddidiyyah branch of the Naqshbandi order.

Scholarly Contributions

Qazi Sanaullah’s literary legacy encompasses over forty-five works spanning various Islamic disciplines. His most celebrated work is Tafsir al-Mazhari, a comprehensive Quranic exegesis named in honor of his spiritual mentor, Mirza Mazhar Jan-e-Janaan. This tafsir is noted for its integration of jurisprudential insights and Sufi interpretations, reflecting Qazi Sanaullah’s dual mastery in both fields.

Other notable works include:

  • Mā Lā Budda Minhu: A foundational text in Hanafi jurisprudence, addressing essential legal rulings.

  • As-Saif al-Maslūl: A polemical work defending Sunni orthodoxy.

  • Irshād al-Ṭālibīn: A treatise on Sufi practices and spiritual guidance.

  • Tadhkirat al-Maʿād: An abridgment of al-Suyuti’s work on eschatology.

  • Taqdīs bi-Wāliday al-Muṣṭafā: A treatise discussing the status of the Prophet Muhammad’s parents.

His writings exhibit a commitment to traditional Islamic scholarship while addressing contemporary issues of his time.

Spiritual Practices and Legacy

Known for his devout worship, Qazi Sanaullah reportedly performed a hundred rakʿahs of prayer daily and regularly recited portions of the Quran. His dedication to both outward knowledge and inward spirituality exemplifies the harmonious balance between Shariah and Tariqah.

Qazi Sanaullah’s influence persists through his extensive writings, which continue to be studied in madrasas and Islamic institutions. His integration of jurisprudential rigor with Sufi spirituality offers a model for holistic Islamic scholarship.

Related Topics & Genres

  • Quranic Exegesis (Tafsir)

  • Hanafi Jurisprudence

  • Naqshbandi Sufism

  • Islamic Theology (Aqidah)

  • South Asian Islamic Scholarship

Qazi Sanaullah Panipati’s life and works remain a testament to the rich intellectual and spiritual traditions of Islamic scholarship in the Indian subcontinent.