Prominent Cumilla Islamic Scholar Allama Shah Nurul Haque Dies at Around 105

Allama Shah Nurul Haque, central vice-president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, a member of its Majlis-e-Khas, and president of the organisation’s Cumilla district unit, has passed away. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we shall return).

According to family sources, he breathed his last at 11 pm on Tuesday. He was approximately 105 years old. He leaves behind 10 sons, one daughter, numerous relatives, students, disciples and admirers.

The late Allama Shah Nurul Haque served for many years as muhtamim (principal) and Shaikhul Hadith at the historic Batgram Hamidia Qawmi Madrasa in the Suaganj area. For nearly five decades, he worked devotedly as the madrasa’s principal to promote Islamic education. He also served as president of the Cumilla District Qawmi Madrasa Organisation and made outstanding contributions throughout his life to Islamic education, the promotion of religious values and social reform.

News of his death cast a deep shadow of grief over the religious community and the general public in Cumilla and beyond. Thousands of scholars and devout Muslims have taken to social media to pray for the forgiveness of the deceased.

As decided by the family, his funeral prayer was held at 11 am on Wednesday at the field of Suaganj College and High School in Cumilla. After the funeral prayer, he was buried in the family graveyard at his ancestral home in Datama village.

A M M Bahauddin, president of Bangladesh Jamiatul Modarresin and editor of Daily Inqilab, expressed deep sorrow over the death of Allama Nurul Haque (RA), a prominent Islamic scholar of Cumilla, former long-serving principal of Batgram Hamidia Qawmi Madrasa and vice-amir of Hefazat-e-Islam. He prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, his numerous students, followers and admirers.

In a condolence message, the Inqilab editor said, “I express my profound grief and sorrow at the death of Allama Nurul Haque, a senior and prominent Islamic scholar of Cumilla and a beacon of Islamic education, widely known as Huzur of Batgram. Allama Nurul Haque (RA) was one of the leading figures in promoting Islamic education and upholding religious values in the country. For nearly 50 years, he devoted himself to various forms of religious service as the principal of Batgram Hamidia Madrasa. He was an exceptional religious figure, known for his gentle speech and amiable personality. The passing of such a sincere and veteran scholar has created an irreparable void in the country’s Islamic community. Scholars and devout Muslims from all walks of life will remember his contributions to building exemplary individuals and advancing Islamic knowledge with respect for years to come.”

Meanwhile, senior leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh and Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh issued separate condolence messages expressing deep sorrow over Allama Shah Nurul Haque’s death and extending sympathy to his bereaved family. They said his passing was an irreparable loss to the Muslim Ummah and the country’s religious scholars. They prayed that Almighty Allah grant this devoted servant of Islam the highest place in Jannatul Ferdous.