Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum - The Sealed Nectar, by Saifur Rahman al-Mubarakpuri

Author's Autobiography

All praise is due to Allah, the Rabb of all mankind, jinn and all that exists. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet the Seal of all Messengers, Muhammad, his family, Companions and all those who follow him till the Day of Judgement. - Ameen

It's been about two decades since I last presented brief outlines on my life and professional career to the Muslim World League while compiling this book for publication. Subsequent to the many changes that have taken place since then, I submit as updated outline.

Name and Lineage

Date and Place of Birth

I was born in the year 1942, in Husainabad, a village one mile deep in to the north side of Mubarakpur (Aramgarh Districty), a town famous for home industry in the northen province of India.

Educational Background

I started my studies at home reading the Qur'an from my grandfather and uncle. Then I was admitted to Madrasah Arabia Darut-Taleem, in Mubarakpur, and began my basic Islamic education in Arabic and Persian languages.

In Shawwal 1337 (June 1954), I recieved admission to the Madrasah Ehyaul-Uloom, in Mubarakpur, for further education in Islamic Studies and Arabic literature. Two years later, in Shawwal 1375 (May 1956), I joined the Madrasah Faid Aam, Maunath Bhanjan, Azamgarh District for higher studies.

Upon completion of my seven years of study in Islamic courses, I recieved a Fadilat Degree from the same Institute in Sha'ban 1380 H. I also recieved the Certificates of Maulvi in 1959 and Alim in 1960 from the Government Education Board on passing their examinations with high grade. After changes in the system of the Arabic Schools, I participated in the Fadil Degree examination under the Government Education Board, succesfully passed double Fadil examinations in 1976 nad 1978 with high honors.

Professional Life

After completion of my studies at the Madrasah Faid Aam in the year 1961, I began teaching, preaching, lecturing and delivering sermons. But the unfavorable circumstances could not permit me to stay long time in one place. In March 1963, I joined the Madrasah Faid Aam in Maunath Bhanjan as a Teacher. Then I was transferred to the Madrasah Darul-Hadeeth in the same city in February 1966.

In January 1969, I was appointed as the Prinipal at the Madrasah Faidul-Uloom at Seoni (M.P). After four years, in 1972, I was requested to serve in my native Institute Madrasah Arabia Darut-Taleem as Principle. After spending two years, I was invited by Jamiah Salafiyah Banaras to join as a Professor (Ustaz). I was apoointed in Shawwal 1394 (October 1974) working in the various departments till Dhul-Hijjah 1408 (July 1988).

A Research Institue was established in 1408 Hijrah at the Islamic University of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah as "The Center for the Services of the Prophet's Biography". I was selected to work there and was entrusted the duty of preparing an encyclopedia on the subject of the life history of the Noble Prophet (sallallahu'alayhi wasalaam), where I am currently working as a research Scholar.

Books and Compilations

It is the necy of Allah Who favored me and provided me the ability of writing from the very beginning of my career. During my teaching period, I wrote and compiled about seventeen books in the Urdu and Arabic languages. When the monthly Urdu Magazines Muhaddith of Jamiah Salafiyah was published in 1980, I was appointed Cheif Editor of the Magazine Section up to September 1988, until I joined the Islamic University at Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. During that period, I wrote a number of essays on social, historical, political and religious topics which were well recieved by many people. Al-Hamdu lillah!

"O our Rabb, accept from us with goodly acceptance and seek it grow in a good manner"

Safiur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri

[1] - A surname which is usually derived from the name of a first son or duaghter according to Muslim traditions.