Munir Shakir

Munir Shakir
Allegiance	Chinar Masjid and Jamia Farooqia

Mufti Munir Shakir (b. Sep 4, 1969) is a religious leader from Khyber Agency, known for promoting peace. His contributions include founding Chinar Masjid and Jamia Farooqia. Educated in Karachi, he earned an honorary doctorate in 2003. From 1997-2000, his efforts fostered unity, preventing sectarian conflicts in the region.

Early life

Mufti Munir Shakir son of Molana Rahmat Khan, born on September 4, 1969, in Karam Agency, village Makhai Zai, is a prominent religious figure known for his efforts in promoting peace and harmony in the Khyber Agency region. This article details his early life, education, and the significant role he played in establishing and leading various organizations aimed at fostering unity and eliminating internal hostilities.

Pashtun family of the Khattak clan in the Karak District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Early Life and Education

Mufti Munir Shakir received his early education at Government High School Makhai Zai. His pursuit of religious education led him to Karachi, where he obtained a first division in the secondary examination from Jamia Al-Binori Town branch Saharab Goth, under the supervision of Allama Banuri. Continuing his studies at Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi Korangi, he achieved first division in the Alimiyya course (equivalent to M.A.) under the guidance of President of Jamia Farooqia, Fazil Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Saleemullah Khan. Furthering his studies, he pursued postgraduate studies (P.G.D.) in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) under the supervision of Mufti Azam Pakistan Mufti Rashid Ahmed Ludhianvi at Jamiatul Rashid Karachi.

Contributions to Education and Welfare

Upon completing his studies, Mufti Munir Shakir returned to his homeland and founded Chinar Masjid in Karam Agency. He also established a madrasa named Jamia Farooqia. In recognition of his personal capabilities, Jamia Al-Ghaz Al-Arabiya Al-Maftooha Pakistan awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2003.

From 1997 to 2000, Mufti Munir Shakir worked tirelessly on rectifying the beliefs and practices of the public, and remarkably, during this period, there was no sectarian conflict between Shia and Sunni communities.

Establishment of Welfare Organizations

In 2003, the political administration in Bara, Khyber Agency, established a welfare organization named Amr Bil Maroof Nahi Anil Munkar to eliminate internal hostilities among the public. Facing continuous failures, Mufti Sahib was called to make the organization successful. Through effective negotiations in less than a year, the organization gained public support, and no sectarian strife occurred between Shia and Sunni during this time.

Conflict with Saif-ur-Rahman Afghani

In Bara, Khyber Agency, a peer named Saif-ur-Rahman Afghani had been promoting his ideology of militancy for the past 33 years. He declared every group within the Muslim community as non-believers and orchestrated killings through his disciples. Tragically, among his victims were 18 individuals associated with the Tablighi Jamaat, who had come from Mianwali.

It is essential to note that Pir Saif ur Rahman's group was responsible for the murders of Malak Mazhar Khan and Maulana Amir-ul-Rahman, adding another layer of tragedy to the complex situation in Khyber Agency.

Establishment of Lashkar-e-Islam

Mufti Munir Shakir's followers began spreading in Khyber, leading to Saif-ur-Rahman launching a campaign against Mufti Sahib. In response, on December 8, 2005, all tribes gathered to form a peaceful organization named Lashkar-e-Islam, with Mufti Sahib as its founder and first Amir.

The organization successfully restored peace and entered into a truce with Saif-ur-Rahman, who was expelled from the region in early 2006. Unfortunately, the administration, under Governor Khalil ur Rehman, exiled Mufti Munir Shakir on February 15, 2006. Despite Mufti's concerns about potential misuse by his organization's members, the governor insisted on his departure.

Legacy and Impact

Upon leaving, Mufti Sahib appointed Haji Misri Gul as his successor. However, with the connivance of the governor and the administration, Misri Gul was ousted, and Haji Mangal Bagh was appointed as the new Amir in May 2006. Mufti Munir Shakir's organization, which had remained non-violent until his departure, faced accusations of terrorism after he was no longer in control.

Despite the challenges and controversies, Mufti Munir Shakir's legacy is one of promoting peace, unity, and harmony in a region that had been plagued by internal hostilities. His efforts to eliminate sectarian strife and establish organizations dedicated to welfare and conflict resolution have left a lasting impact on the community.