Who is Mufti Hanif Qureshi

Mufti Muhammad Hanif Qureshi is a well-known Pakistani Islamic scholar, preacher, and religious speaker affiliated with the Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat school of thought. Over the last two decades, his fiery sermons, deep religious insight, and bold views on social and moral issues have made him a prominent figure among Sunni Muslims in Pakistan and abroad.

He is widely recognized for his lectures on the life of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, respect for the Sahaba (companions), and his defense of traditional Sunni-Barelvi beliefs. Mufti Hanif Qureshi’s speeches — often delivered in Urdu with passion and classical references — are shared across television, YouTube, and social media platforms, attracting millions of listeners.

Biography of Mufti Hanif Qureshi

(Urdu: مفتی حنیف قریشی)
Born: 2 February 1976, Abbottabad, Pakistan
Nationality: Pakistani
Occupation: Islamic Scholar, Teacher, Preacher, Public Speaker
Title: Mufti (Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat Scholar)
Education: Traditional Islamic Studies – Jamia Rizvia Zia-ul-Uloom, Rawalpindi
School of Thought (Firqa): Ahl-e-Sunnat / Barelvi
Known For: Religious lectures, defending Islamic honor, public debates, Islamic sermons
Age: 49 (as of 2025)
Active Years: 1995 – Present

Mufti Hanif Qureshi Age

2 February 1976, Abbottabad, Pakistan

Early Life and Education

Mufti Hanif Qureshi was born on 2 February 1976 in Abbottabad, a historic city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. From a young age, he showed an interest in religious learning and Quranic recitation. His parents were known for their strong Islamic values and encouraged him to pursue education in a madrasa rather than a conventional school.

After completing his early Quranic education, he enrolled at Jamia Rizvia Zia-ul-Uloom, Rawalpindi — one of Pakistan’s well-known Islamic seminaries that follow the Ahl-e-Sunnat (Barelvi) tradition. There, he studied Tafseer (Quranic exegesis), Hadith (Prophetic traditions), Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Aqaid (theology), and Arabic grammar.

He was known among his teachers for his sharp memory, disciplined character, and strong ability to communicate complex religious ideas in simple words. Upon graduation, he was awarded the title of “Mufti” after successfully completing his specialization in Islamic jurisprudence (Ifta).

Religious Career and Teaching

After completing his Dars-e-Nizami (traditional religious education), Mufti Hanif Qureshi joined the faculty of Jamia Rizvia Zia-ul-Uloom in Rawalpindi as a Mudarris (teacher). He taught Hadith, Fiqh, and Aqeedah to hundreds of students, many of whom now serve as imams, khateebs, and teachers across Pakistan and abroad.

His teaching method is described as both disciplined and engaging. He encourages his students to understand religion through logic, love of the Prophet ﷺ, and respect for difference among Islamic schools of thought.

Over time, his eloquence in public speaking attracted attention beyond the classroom. Soon, he began receiving invitations to speak at Milad-un-Nabi conferences, Eid Milad processions, religious seminars, and television talk shows.

Public Speaking and Influence

Mufti Hanif Qureshi’s oratory style is a blend of deep scholarly references and emotional storytelling. His speeches often emphasize:

• The love and respect of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

• The spiritual significance of Ahl-e-Bayt (family of the Prophet) and Sahaba (companions)

• The importance of peace, moral purity, and religious unity among Muslims

• The rejection of extremism, sectarianism, and moral decline

He has delivered thousands of sermons across Pakistan, including in Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad, as well as in Gulf countries where Pakistani communities invite him for special events.

Many of his recorded speeches are uploaded to YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, where he enjoys a vast audience. His voice, filled with emotion and sincerity, has made him a favorite among those who seek motivational and faith-based lectures.

Firqa (School of Thought)

Mufti Hanif Qureshi belongs to the Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (Barelvi) school — one of the major Sunni groups in South Asia. This tradition emphasizes the spiritual connection with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, reverence for saints (Auliya Allah), and practices such as Milad, Naat recitation, and visiting shrines.

Within this framework, Qureshi’s teachings promote the idea that Islam is a religion of love, mercy, and respect — not violence or hatred. However, he also strongly defends what he sees as attacks on the Prophet’s honor or the companions, sometimes leading to heated debates and controversy.

Organizations and Social Work

He founded an organization known as Shaba-e-Islami Pakistan, which aims to promote Sunni unity, spread awareness about Islamic ethics, and engage youth in peaceful religious activities. The organization often organizes religious gatherings, processions, and educational workshops in different parts of the country.

Mufti Hanif Qureshi also supports charitable causes such as food drives, orphan care, and mosque development projects. Through his network of students and followers, his influence extends from local religious institutions to national platforms.

Social Media Presence

In the digital age, Mufti Hanif Qureshi has successfully adapted to modern communication platforms. He maintains an active presence on various social media channels where his speeches and religious lectures reach millions of followers worldwide.

• YouTube:

• His official YouTube channel — Mufti Hanif Qureshi Official — features recorded bayans, live sessions, and interviews. Many of his videos receive hundreds of thousands of views and are frequently shared across other platforms.

• Facebook:

• His verified and community-run pages, such as Mufti Hanif Qureshi Shamsheer-e-Ala Hazrat and Mufti Muhammad Hanif Qureshi, regularly post updates, event photos, and religious messages for his followers.

• TikTok / Instagram:

• Although he does not maintain an officially verified TikTok or Instagram account, several fan pages such as @muftihanifqureshiofficial share short clips from his lectures, helping spread his message to younger audiences.

Public Recognition and Followers

Among Barelvi circles, Mufti Hanif Qureshi is seen as a defender of orthodox Sunni identity. His followers admire him for his boldness, particularly when addressing controversial religious issues or social injustices.

He is often invited as a chief guest at Milad gatherings and Urs ceremonies (commemorations of saints). His speeches at Golra Sharif, Data Darbar Lahore, and Rawalpindi Eid Gahs are among the most attended.

Controversies and Challenges

While Mufti Hanif Qureshi enjoys a large following, his outspoken nature has occasionally led to public controversy.

In 2023, media outlets reported that a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against him in Rawalpindi. The charges alleged that his remarks in a religious speech were offensive to certain companions of the Prophet (Sahaba). This incident sparked national debate about freedom of expression vs. religious sensitivity in Pakistan.

He was later released on bail, and his supporters claimed his words had been taken out of context. Many religious leaders and organizations rallied in his defense, calling him a scholar devoted to upholding the honor of Islam.

Despite these challenges, Mufti Hanif Qureshi has continued his religious activities with even greater focus, stating publicly that he “fears only Allah and stands for truth.”

Public Appearances and Media Engagements

Mufti Hanif Qureshi has appeared on several Pakistani television programs and podcasts. His interviews cover topics such as:

• The moral decline among youth

• The responsibilities of Muslim leaders

• The importance of unity between religious groups

• Misuse of blasphemy laws

• The role of media in promoting Islamic values

In 2025, he appeared in a podcast hosted by journalist Irshad Bhatti, where he discussed his personal journey, faith, and the state of religion in Pakistan. The episode was widely shared on YouTube and social media, highlighting a more personal and reflective side of the scholar.

Personal Life

Though he keeps his personal life private, Mufti Hanif Qureshi is known to be married and a father to several children. According to limited public information, he has five sons, one of whom, Qasim Qureshi, occasionally appears in community events with him.

He values family life deeply and often speaks in his lectures about raising children with Islamic manners, love, and respect for elders.

He is known to lead a modest lifestyle and avoids ostentation, focusing his time on religious education, travel for lectures, and guiding his students.

Beliefs and Philosophy

At the heart of Mufti Hanif Qureshi’s message is love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He teaches that every act of worship must stem from affection and reverence for the Prophet, not mere ritual.

His central teachings include:

• Unity among Muslims — He discourages sectarian hatred and urges all Muslims to focus on common values.

• Respect for scholars and saints — He considers them beacons of light who connect believers to Allah.

• Condemnation of extremism — While being a staunch traditionalist, he has repeatedly spoken against terrorism and intolerance.

• Moral reform — He often warns against social evils such as dishonesty, backbiting, and disrespect to parents.

• Balance between modernity and faith — He emphasizes that Islam encourages education, innovation, and progress without losing spiritual identity.

Through these teachings, he has inspired both laymen and scholars to strengthen their faith while staying engaged in modern society.

Public Image and Legacy

Mufti Hanif Qureshi’s image is complex — he is seen as both a spiritual guide and a controversial reformer. To his admirers, he is a fearless defender of Islamic honor; to critics, his passionate tone sometimes crosses boundaries.

Nevertheless, even his opponents acknowledge his influence. His speeches have reshaped many young people’s understanding of Islam, turning them toward religious education and moral living.

He represents a generation of scholars who combine traditional Islamic knowledge with modern media reach. His name is now recognized in many Pakistani households, especially among those who follow the Barelvi school.

Legacy and Continuing Work

Mufti Hanif Qureshi continues to travel across Pakistan, addressing large gatherings and encouraging moral awakening among the youth. His passion for reviving Islamic identity within a modern framework resonates with both the devout and the curious.

Through his lectures, he aims to remind Muslims that “faith is not just prayer and fasting — it is character, compassion, and courage.”

As of 2025, he remains one of the most recognized religious voices in Pakistan’s Ahl-e-Sunnat community. Despite controversies, his popularity shows no sign of fading. His videos continue to trend online, and his students carry his teachings across the world — from the UK to the Middle East and beyond.

Conclusion

The life of Mufti Hanif Qureshi is a story of dedication to faith, education, and the courage to speak truth as he sees it. From humble beginnings in Abbottabad to national recognition as a scholar and preacher, his journey reflects the deep spiritual and cultural richness of Pakistan’s religious landscape.

Whether praised or criticized, Mufti Hanif Qureshi has made an undeniable mark on contemporary Islamic discourse. His lectures echo in mosques, madrasas, and social media feeds — a reminder that the power of words, when rooted in belief, can transform hearts and societies.