Syed Iqbal Zaheer

Syed Iqbal Zaheer (born in 1944) is an Islamic Scholar and writer. By Profession he is an engineer.^[1] He was trained in Islamic disciplines by traditional scholars. He has proficiency in three languages: English, Arabic and Urdu. A polymath, and a prolific writer, he has wide interests and can freely write – journalistically – on advanced scientific topics such as cellular biology, quantum physics, or conundrums faced by the scientists in astrophysics. An interesting feature of his writings – apart from the fact that he writes on subjects not dealt by many – is that, in each of his book he adopts a new style of writing.

He has been editing the monthly magazine Young Muslim Digest^[2] (issued from Bangalore) since last 35 years in which his editorials and answers to the letters by the readers are followed with interest in several countries.

Literary work

Syed Iqbal Zaheer is also the author of several books:^[3][4]

Islam: The Religion You Can No Longer Ignore^[5]

This book is all about the introduction of Islam. This book deals with the readers relationship with God.

Fake Pearls^[6]

It is a Collection of Fabricated Prophetic Sayings. This work – collected from five different books – is a short collection of such reports as falsely attributed to Muhammad, and which have somehow been popular among the masses through the centuries.

A Short History of Israel ^[7]

With introduction by Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, it presents the history of the Jews from the Abraham times until the end of the last century.

Bilal, the Abyssinian Out runner^[8]

It is about the life of Bilal written in a story style, but within the parameters of historical evidences.

Muhammad the Unlettered Prophet Who Changed the World in 23 years^[9]

A short biography of Muhammad.

An Educational encyclopedia of Islam^[10]

This two volume Islamic Encyclopedia ^[11] which consists of 1300 pages is covering all the aspects of Islam in depth. It is written in very simple language. Though basically intended for use as a school text book, the encyclopedia is also an ideal tool for home schooling involving both the parents and the children.

Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi^[12]

It is a biography of Syed Abul Hasan Ali al-Nadwi in 110 pages.

Fundamentals of the Islamic Creed^[13]

The book is a summary of the faiths and beliefs of the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah, the mainstream Muslim

A Voice to Hear ^[14]

Many non-Muslims wish to know what the Qur'an is about, but are not sure if they should procure a copy. These passages should give them some idea of the central theme of the Qur'anic message: Man’s creation by God, sending of Prophets, destruction of the world, raising up of the dead, accounting and judgment.

Tafsir Ishraq al-Ma`ani^[15]

In 14 volumes, some 3500 pages Presents opinions of scholars of first few generations, and majority opinions of the commentators throughout Muslim history, with the provision that such opinions do not contradict a meaning given out by the majority of the Salaf.

Lectures and Dars

His weekly Qur'anic Dars and lectures are fairly well attended by the educated class. But, following the fatwa of classical Deoband scholars, he does not allow filming of his talks, does not believe in globe-trotting, and strongly objects to any praise directed at him as he believes that men who deserved praise are in their graves.

Social work

He runs an Islamic Institute for Girls (teenage and above), in a town (Haassan) near Bangalore, whose syllabus is his making (considered distinctive by many scholars), and which lays greater emphasis on the Arabic language, than on stuffing the soft heads with intricacies of `Aqeedah or Fiqh.

References