Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq, a renowned Islamic scholar, was born in Gujarat, India in 1971. At the age of three, he migrated to the UK to join his father, Moulana Muhammad Gora sahib, who was serving as an Imam and religious leader for the Muslim community in Leicester.
Early Religious Education
Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq’s father, known for his piety and scholarship, began his son’s religious education at a very young age. The Shaykh’s remarkable intellect and dedication were evident early on, as he memorized the entire Qur’an by the age of ten. Additionally, he completed the study of several books on various Islamic subjects.
Education at Darul Uloom al Arabiyyah al Islamiyyah
At the age of thirteen, Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq enrolled at Darul Uloom al Arabiyyah al Islamiyyah in Bury, UK. The seminary is the first and most prestigious Muslim institution of its kind in the Western world. Under the tutelage of traditionally qualified scholars, the Shaykh underwent an intensive study of various Islamic topics, including Arabic, Qur’anic tafseer, hadith, and fiqh.
Eminent Teachers and Ijazah
Throughout his studies, Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq had the privilege of learning from eminent and erudite teachers, including Shaykh Yusuf Motala and the late Shaykh Islamul Haq, from whom he received ijazah in various Islamic sciences. He also received ijazah in hadith from the late Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi and the famous Muhaddith, Shaykh Yunus of Saharanpur, India.
Professional Life
Until 2003, Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq served as the honorary principal of Madinatul Uloom al Islamiyyah in Kidderminster, UK, a branch of Darul Uloom in Bury. He was also the head teacher at the school from 1992 until his resignation. Since graduating from Darul Uloom, he has dedicated himself to the work of the deen (religion) and remained actively involved in dawah (Islamic outreach) and teaching. He has lectured extensively on a range of topics, including Qur’anic tafseer, hadith, aqeedah (Islamic creed), and fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). He has also traveled widely, teaching and lecturing in various countries in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America.
Authorship and Recordings
Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq’s inspirational sermons and lectures have been recorded and widely distributed. He has authored two books, “The Salah of a Believer in the Qur’an and Sunnah” and “The Causes of Disunity.”
Legacy
Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq’s extensive knowledge, command of both Arabic and English, and natural ability and eloquence in conveying the words of Allah and His Rasul SAWS (Prophet Muhammad) have moved the hearts of many and continue to do so. His legacy as an Islamic scholar and teacher remains an inspiration to Muslims worldwide.