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Maulana Muhammad Shafee Okarvi From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Maulana Muhammad Shafee Okarvi (February 2, 1930-April, 24 1984) also known as Mujaddid-e-Maslak-e-Ahle Sunnat, Aashiq-e-Rasool, Khateeb-e-A’zam Pakistan was a leading religious scholar and orator of the Islaamic Republic of Pakistan in the mid 20th century. Maulana Okarvi had received many honors from the government and private institutes including the "Sitara-e-Imtiaz” after his departure from this mortal world. He was an Islamic scholar who preached and addressed religious gatherings for over forty years throughout the world. He received the titles of Khateeb-e-A’zam Pakistan (Greatest Orator of Pakistan) and Mujaddid-e-Maslak-e-Ahle-Sunnat (Reviver of the True Sunni Path). In 38 years, Maulana Okarvi delivered more than 18,000 speeches on hundreds of topics, which till now is a world record. Maulana Okarvi was the founder of the Jamaa’at-e-Ahle-Sunnat Pakistan and Gulzaar-e-Habeeb Trust, Gulistan-e-Okarvi (Soldier Bazaar), Karachi. Amongst Ahle Sunnat (Barelvi), Aalami Khateeb-e-A’zam Day, is celebrated on the 3rd Friday of the month of Rajab (Islaamic calendar) annually.

Early life and Education
A year before the birth of Maulana Okarvi, the great saint Hazrat Miyaan Shayr Muhammad Sharaqpuri (Allaah have mercy on him) gave the father of Maulana Okarvi glad tidings. His exacts words were, “springs of light will flow and springs of blessings of Allaah will flow.” Which was foreseen as: ‘Allaah will give you a son through him the religion of Islaam and love of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam) will spread far and wide.’ Both his parents were informed about the arrival of a noble son by the great saints and through auspicious dreams by whom Islam will be propagated.

Originally from Khem Karan, East Punjab (India) Maulana Muhammad Shafee Okarvi was the eldest sibling of his family. His father Haaji Shaiekh Karam Ilaahi was a business man who migrated from India. Being a devoted Muslim he raised his children with morals, ethics and deep religious education. Maulana Okarvi spent his early life in learning to read and memorize the holy Qur’aan and he became proficient in several languages. At the age of fifteen years Maulana started giving speeches he finished middle school and in religious education completed Dars-e-Nizaami (complete Islaamic Syllabus) and courses of Hadees-o-Tafseer.

People of Punjab started remembering him with the title of Tuti-e-Punjab (Eloquent Speaker of Punjab) and Bulbul-e-Chamanistaan-e-Rasool (Nightingale of the garden of the Prophet). Maulana received certificates for the courses of Dars-e-Nizaami and Hadees-o-Tafseer from Shaiekh-ul-Hadees Wat-Tafseer, Hazrat Shaiekh-ul-Qur’aan Allamah Maulana Ghulaam Ali Saahib Ashrafi Okarvi and Shaiekh ul Hadees Wat-Tafseer Ghazaali of his time, Hazrat Allamah Maulana Saiyyid Ahmad Sa’eed Saahib Kaazimi of Madrissah Arabiyah Islaamiyah Anwaar-ul-Uloom, Multan.

Maulana Okarvi received spiritual oaths from Shaiekh-ul-Mashaa’iq Hazrat Peer Miyaan Ghulaam-ul-Laah Saahib (born in 1865 AD, also known as Hazrat Saani Saahib brother of Hazrat Miyaan Shayr Muhammad Sharaqpuri of the spiritual chain of Naqsh bandiyah) (Allaah have mercy on him) in the town of Sharaqpur Shareef. Maulana Okarvi in the Salaasil-e-Tareeqat (all chains of the spiritual doctrine) had the permission and received khilaafat (caliphate) from many great holy personalities.

Religious and Academic Work
Maulana Okarvi’s participation in sacred, religious, national and social welfare activities made him very prominent. In 1947 after migrating from India, he came to Okara and with his father and built Masjid Ghausiyah in the town Okara. In 1950 Maulana Okarvi, started addressing Friday prayers at Jaame Masjid Muhaajireen, Sahiwal which attracted very large crowds. He remained as the In Charge of the Department of Religion in Birla High School, Okara. He arranged religious teaching and training sessions for young girls and women. He prepared posters in series titled “Islaamic Charts” which proved to be very effective method for the preaching in every town. He organized courses and lines of action for the teachers of girls and the Imams of masaajid. He taught the children of school and Madrassah to recite na’at shareef.

In 1952-1953, Maulana Okarvi took active part in the Tahreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Khatm-e-Nubuwwat (Protection of the Finality of Prophethood Movement). In 1954 he also established Jaami’ah Hanafiyah Ashraf-ul-Madaaris on Grand Trunk Road, Okara and remained one of its mentors and sponsors.

In 1955 he came to Karachi for ten days. He delivered his first lecture in Jaame Masjid Aaram Bagh on the first Laielatul Qadr (on the 21st night of Ramadaan). After hearing this first heartwarming speech people demanded daily lectures. People were very impressed by his outstanding oratory, melodious voice and beautiful style. He was invited to Karachi due to immense persistence of the religious circle of Karachi.

In 1956 Maulana Okarvi was appointed the Khateeb and Imaam of the biggest central masjid of Karachi, Memon Masjid (near Bolton Market, M.A. Jinnah Road).

In 1956 he was the founder and the first chairman of Jamaa’at e Ahle Sunnat. Under this organization Maulana Okarvi initially began the program of preaching Quran (Dars-e-Quran) in the houses of people every Sunday from ‘Asr to Maghrib. He organized a five week course about the Islaamic Rules and Laws of Religion (Fiqh) for the working officials. Continuously for one year in the weekly session he conducted a course based on 300 issues from the first three volumes of Fataawa Rizviyah books.

After leaving Memon Masjid, he led the Friday prayers at Jaame Masjid Eidgah Maidaan for nearly 3 years, at Jaame Masjid Aaram Bagh for 2 years and 4 months and then at Noor Masjid near (Jubilee Cinema) for 12 years. After leaving Memon Masjid he did not accept any payment or salary. In these masaajid he also gave the Dars (explaining) on the Tafseer-e-Qur’aan (details) in sequence.

In 1964 he founded Masjid Ghausiyah Trust and built Masjid Ghausiyah in Block 2, P.E.C.H.S. In the same premises he established a religious education school with the name of Daar-ul-‘Uloom Hanfiyah Ghausiyah. In 1973 Maulana Okarvi laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Masjid in Doli Khata, Gulistan-e-Okarvi (Soldier Bazaar), Karachi. Here he started Khitaabat (delivering speeches) and leading the Friday prayers. This piece of land was known for its historic background as it was reserved for building a masjid for the last 100 years.

1973 Maulana Okarvi laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Masjid in Doli Khata, Gulistan-e-Okarvi (Soldier Bazaar), Karachi. Here he started Khitaabat (delivering speeches) and leading the Friday prayers. This piece of land was known for its historic background as it was reserved for building a masjid for the last 100 years.

He established its trust, by the name of Gulzar-e-Habeeb (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam) Trust. Maulana Okarvi was its founder and the managing trustee. Under the management of this trust, Jaame Masjid-e-Gulzar-e-Habeeb and Jaami’ah Islaamiyah Gulzar-e-Habeeb are under construction. In the side of this Masjid there is the Mazaar Shareef (holy grave) of Maulana Okarvi which is a Marja-e-Khalaaiq (the holy place of spiritual asylum for all).

From 1956 till 1984 on the night of Shab-e-‘Aashuur (10th night of Muharram) in the month of Muharram-ul-Haraam, the largest religious gathering in the country would be the congregation of oration by Maulana Okarvi.

In 1970 Maulana Okarvi was one of the main leading personalities of the Movement of Nifaaz-e-Nizaam-e-Mustafa (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam). Maulana Okarvi established in Pakistan Sunni Tableeghi Mission, Anjuman-e-Muhibbaan-e-Sahaabah Wa Ahle-Baiet, Tanzeem A’immah Wa Khutaba Masaajid-e-Ahle Sunnat and many other organizations.

Maulana Okarvi visited over two thousand places throughout Pakistan to educated illiterate people, and enlightened them about basic Islaamic knowledge and queries concerning Islaamic beliefs and also visited the local holy shrines and masaajid. Even in the villages of Sind and Balochistan where Urdu is not spoken fluently, addressees would fully benefit with the informative speeches of Maulana Okarvi. Maulana Okarvi established over 200 schools and Madaaris throughout Pakistan.

He laid the foundation of the organization of Jamaa’at-e-Ahle Sunnat in Balochistan and throughout Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. Detail can be found in the book, Khateeb e Pakistan Mu’aasireen Ki Nazar Mein. His speeches and holy Na’at were broadcasted on radio since the time of the late President Isikander Mirza.

International Endeavors
For the preaching of religion and the true Sunni path, Maulana Okarvi traveled to Far East, Middle East, India, Palestine, South Africa, U.A.E, Mauritius and many other countries around the world. 100,000 cassettes of Maulana’s speeches were sold in South Africa till 1980. The quantity of sold cassettes in other countries is also not small. Video cassettes of his speeches are also widely distributed internationally. In 1962 Maulana Okarvi travelled to Baghdad Shareef, Syria, Karbalaa Shareef, Beirut, Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah. In this trip he visited the shrines of many spiritual and religious scholars as well as many notable masaajid and historical holy places.* Details can be found in his book, Raah-e-Aqeedat.

In 1976 Maulana Okarvi established in South Africa, Anjuman Ahl-e-Sunnat Wa Jamaa’at. He visited Piet Retief, Johannesburg, Durban and over 70 other towns and cities throughout the four provinces of South Africa. Maulana Okarvi’s last international tour of India was in 1983 in which he visited Bombay, Ajmer, New Delhi and Bareilly Shareef.

In 1974 Maulana Okarvi formed the Jamaa’at e Ahle Sunnat in Durban, South Africa. This newly organized body attracted up to 10, 000 members. He gave lectures in Jaame Masjid, Grey Street, Orient hall, Unit 1, Chatsworth’s Masjid, Unit 7 Masjid, Spark Road Masjid and several other notable places.

In July 1978, the popularity and attraction of Maulana Okarvi caused envy among the Muslims who could not see the unity and strength of the Muslims. The Tabligh Jamaa’at released leaflets disputing his claims and religious teachings. They claimed these lectures of Maulana Okarvi will cause a rift among the Muslims. These vicious attacks remained in the form of leaflets. Maulana Okarvi offered open public debate at the Grey Masjid with anyone who challenges his teachings. His opponents did not accept this challenge and refused to debate with Maulana Okarvi publically.

His biggest opponent at that time Maulana Nazeer Ahmad of Mooi Masjid distributed two leaflets, secretly recorded Maulana Okarvi’s speeches and used them against him and challenging his eight statements. In reply to this Maulana Okarvi offered 80, 000 riyans for each statement to anyone who would prove his statements as false. In a written letter offered him this challenge but the Trustee of the Grey Masjid informed Maulana Okarvi that Maulana Nazeer Ahmad refuses to accept this challenge. Maulana Okarvi said, “I am writing for an opportunity to confront my critics so that the people would find out who is right.” On immense pressure of the devotees he also had to extend this visit. But the challenge remained unclaimed. Maulana Okarvi was blessed sixteen times with the auspiciousness of the journey of Hajj, Ziyaarat and ‘Umrah.

Religious Teachings
The main focus of this king of the realm of oration was the honor and devotion of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Was Sallam), his family and progeny, his companions and his true followers. This daring guard of the honor of Prophethood and fearless untiring warrior of truth and honesty said that to be a staunch follower and savior of the true path, it is our duty to safeguard their teachings and honor. Maulana Okarvi’s vision was determined by the teachings of the holy Qur’aan and the tradition of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam). As he strongly hindered the work of his opponents the leader would say if we have one more person like Maulana Okarvi the whole country would have been converted. Even with the opposing groups, his way of approach was non violent. Instead he chose the way of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam) which was to kindly teach them to be honest and truthful. He truly disliked it when the preachers of the religion would themselves not follow the ways (Sunnah) of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam) and misinterpret or change the actual meaning of the holy Qur’aan and the Ahadees. Maulana Okarvi was known to lecture for hours on the explanation of one verse of the holy Qur’aan and to defend his words with piles of reasoning. Wit was also an important ingredient of his speeches.

Maulana Okarvi’s teaching was purity in preaching and practicing due to which he attracted unbeatable masses. Practice what you preach was his way of life. He considered the pulpit as an honour entrusted to him by the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam) and never abstained from hiding the facts for worldly gains.

He did care for any of the threats or attacks on him. This did not deter him from spreading the word of truth. Anyone who would say to him that you are calling us a hypocrite, infidel or orator, Maulana Okarvi’s reply would be, “I am not taking anyone’s name in my speech. I am talking about those who have wrong beliefs according to Quran and Sunnah. Whatever I say, I say it with full confidence. I have only explained those qualities of hypocrites that the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam) has explained and their signs so that the true Muslims can safeguard their beliefs and articles of faith. If those qualities are present in anyone and they can see a mirror then why are you blaming me? Why don’t you correct yourself and accept the truth.” He established Allaah’s bestowed knowledge, practice, grace and excellence as well as unforgettable recollections and memorials all around the world.

Political and Social Contribution
Maulana Okarvi was not a politician nor was politics his subject of interest. However for promoting the word of Islaam and for the sake of religion Maulana Okarvi became politically active. He was an influential person of Sahiwal and Punjab. Therefore; he was made the Chief of Tahreek-e-Khatm-e-Nabuwwat in Sahiwal district in 1952-1953.

In 1965 during the war of India and Pakistan, Maulana Okarvi guided the nation with zeal and passion for the holy war. He gave thousands of rupees in the National Saving Fund and from the congregations of his speeches collected provisions worth millions of rupees in the form of clothes and other personal necessities. With the group of ‘Ulama-e-Kiraam (religious scholars) he went to Azad Kashmir and Occupied Kashmir in the camps of the oppressed refugees and distributed the thousands of rupees in cash with his own hands.

Maulana Okarvi went to twenty two different places of Azad Kashmir and Sialkot, Chhumb Joriyan, Lahore, Wagha and Khem Karan and many other refugee camps. He delivered zealous speeches to the holy soldiers on the topic of the importance of Jihaad Fi Sabeelil Laah (holy war in the way of Allaah) and on the excellence and glory of the Mujaahid (holy warrior). In 1970 Maulana Okarvi contested as a candidate for the member of National Assembly from Karachi. He took part in the election against the sudden incursion of Socialism and was elected the member of the National Assembly.

In 1980 Maulana Okarvi was nominated as a member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament of Pakistan) newly established by the President of Pakistan General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haqq. He accomplished prominent actions for the order, organization and issuing of the Islaamic laws. He remained as a member of the Standing Committee established by the Ministry of Religious affairs as well as an administrator of the Federal Department of Auqaf, Pakistan and a member of University Grants Commission until a few months before his departure.

Maulana Okarvi was a founding member of the National Seerat Committee in the Government of Pakistan. He accomplished outstanding services for Ittihaad-e-Bainal Muslimeen (Unity among the Muslims), the National Saving Fund for the refugees and people afflicted by numerous floods and earthquakes. He continuously assisted extensively people affected by any catastrophic disasters.

Maulana Okarvi suggested the name of Karachi’s area “Golimar” as “Gul Bahaar” and “Ram Bagh” as “Aaraam Bagh,” which was accepted and applauded.

In the era of General Zia-ul-Haqq, Maulana Okarvi requested the Deputy Martial Law Administrator to provide transport to the Karachi Police. This got accepted and for the patrolling of the Karachi Police Suzuki pickups were supplied for the rapid response of combating crime.

Political Imprisonment
The Government arrested him for his participation against the Qaadiyaani Movement. He remained in Montgomery prison for 10 months. During this period of imprisonment his first two sons Muneer Ahmad, 3 years old and Tanveer Ahmad 1 1/4 year old, both died within a week. Several influential people met the Deputy Commissioner of Montgomery and made recommendations for him. The Deputy Commissioner visited the prison and called Maulana Okarvi in privacy and told him;

“Due to the sudden death of your children, the conditions of your family are not good. I have received many recommendations for you. You sign the letter of apology. Your apology letter will be kept hidden from the public. And just today you will be released.”

Maulana Okarvi replied,“I have worked for the respect and honour of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam) and it is my belief that the holy Prophet Saiyyidinaa Muhammad (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam) is the Last Prophet of Allaah Ta’aalaa, therefore; the question of asking for apology does not even arise. The children have passed away; even if my life is also taken away I will still remain steadfast on my belief and will not ask for any apology.”

This reply enraged the government further and more hardships were imposed to him. Under Section 3 he was kept in lockup and more restrictions even concerning the visitations were enforced. Till the end he tolerated all the troubles with patience and steadfastness.

Assassination Attempt
On October 16, 1962 in the area of Khadda Market in Karachi, under a conspiracy some people attempted a brutal assassination on Maulana Okarvi with knives and daggers during his speech. He received very serious wounds on his neck, shoulders, head and upper back. There was no immediate first aid or medical facilities given to him for two and a half hours. It took over several hours to transport him to the hospital and receive proper treatment. The doctors were surprised that despite severe wounds and heavy bleeding the patient was still alive. Maulana Okarvi stayed under treatment in the hospital for two and a half months. While giving his statement to the police officer Maulana Okarvi said,

“I have no personal grudge with anyone. Nor I am a criminal. If I did any crime it is only this that I preach the religion of Islam and do praise and glorification of Saiyyid-ul-‘Aalameen (Master of the entire Universes’), Muhsin-e-Insaaniyat (Benefactor of the humanity), Huzoor Rahmat-ul-lil Aalameen (Mercy of the Universes) (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam). I do not want to take any revenge from anyone and nor do I want anything to be done against the attackers. My blood has been shed unnecessarily. My Allaah, Rabb-e-Kareem accepts this and makes this mediation for my salvation. I forgive the attackers. Whereas, for establishing peace, you people do what is appropriate so that this kind of incident does not take place again.”

It was said to be a miracle that his life was saved during this attack. He did not appoint any lawyer for this case, nor did he follow any hearings. Only as a witness did he give a statement. The next morning on October 17, in Karachi, the first edition of English newspaper the “Daily news” started publication. Its main headline was the news of the assassination attempt on him. After coming out of the hospital he occupied himself in preaching Islam and delivered his very first lecture at the same place where the assassination on him was attempted. There were severe protests in Pakistan against this assassination attempt which continued for several months.

Thrice before attempts were made to take Maulana Okarvi’s life. While delivering his lecture, a stone was thrown at him. On another occasion he was attacked with a knife. Daggers were also put in his shoes on a third.

Literary Work
Maulana Okarvi’s literary work is extensive including sermons, discussions, discourses, treatises, and books of the highest standard and quality. He was a translator of the Quran; giving the details of its injunction and wisdoms. A scholar of Ahadees (Muhaddis) expounded its intricacies and subtleties. Being a prolific writer in his lifetime, Maulana Okarvi authored 25 books based on his academic research work and religious knowledge on the love of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam). Each book is still printed in millions even today.
 * 1) Zikr-e-Jameel
 * 2) Zikr-e-Haseen (2-Vols)
 * 3) Shaam-e-Karbalaa
 * 4) Raah-e-Aqeedat
 * 5) Imaam-e-Paak aur Yazeed Paleed
 * 6) Barakaat-e-Meelaad Shareef
 * 7) Sawaab-ul-Ibaadaat
 * 8) Namaaz-e-Mutarjam
 * 9) Safeena-e-Nooh (2 Vols)
 * 10) Musalmaan Khaatoon
 * 11) Raah-e-Haqq
 * 12) Dars-e-Tauheed
 * 13) Anwaar-e-Risaalat
 * 14) Mas’alah-e-Talaaq-e-Salaasah
 * 15) Naghma-e-Habeeb
 * 16) Mas’alah-e-Siyaah Khizaab
 * 17) Angoothay Choomnay ka Mas’alah
 * 18) Akhlaaq-o-‘A’maal (broadcasted speeches)
 * 19) Ta‘aaruf ‘Ulama-e-Deoband
 * 20) Meelaad-e-Shafee*
 * 21) Jihaad-o-Qitaal*
 * 22) Aa’eenah-e-Haqeeqat*
 * 23) Nujuumool Hidaayat*
 * 24) Mas’alah-e-Bees (20) Taraveeh*
 * 25) Maqaalaat-e-Okarvi*


 * These books have not been published yet.

Personal Life
Maulana Okarvi married at a young age. During the period of his imprisonment his first two sons Muneer Ahmad, 3 years old and Tanveer Ahmad 1 1/4 years old, both died within a week. He leaves behind three sons and five daughters. His eldest son, Dr Allamah Kaukab Noorani Okarvi fulfills the duties of his father and is a leading scholar of Islaam.

Throughout his lifetime it was his daily routine to engage in research and occupy himself in worship in the night time, resting after Fajr prayers. He would rise at 11 in the morning. From late afternoon till late evening (Isha prayer) he would sit in his library where he would meet and receive visitors and devotees. Daily, he met with hundreds of people and was known to deliver up to as many as ten speeches in a day.

His personal qualities also excelled. He was a very simple person who did not believe in putting titles to his name. He walked miles on foot without complaint. He was very approachable to people from all social back rounds. His charismatic personality left a deep impression to all those who met him. He kindly received all his visitors offering them food and refreshments and sat down to eat with them. He was well known for his kindness, humility and generosity.

During his preaching he traveled to rural and under developed places, despite having to live in simple and difficult conditions. Maulana Okarvi never complained and tolerated all for the sake of his passion of Islaam. Anyone who met him would feel very contented after meeting him; he fulfilled the rights of family and friends. Deceiving or fabrication were not the part of his personality, never used abusive language, greatly respected his elders and was very kind and encouraging to youngsters, He was very courteous. His teachers, guides, associates felt honored by his association and he was very particular about the teaching and training of his children.

Departure and Legacy
In 1974 Maulana Okarvi had a heart attack but this did not hinder his proceedings of preaching and organizing services. Instead with even more passion and zeal he kept raising the slogans of Sunni Muslims all around the world.

In 1975 during a journey Maulana Okarvi for the second time had a heart attack and in this same condition came to Karachi. He stayed in a cardiac hospital under treatment for six weeks.

On April 20th, 1984 he delivered his last speech at the congregation of Jum’ah Salaat at Jaame Masjid Gulzar-e-Habeeb. On the same evening Maulana Okarvi had a severe heart attack for the third time and was admitted in the National Institute of Cardio Vascular Disease. After three days, in the morning after the ‘Azaan of Fajr while reading durood o salaam (peace and salutation) on his Beloved holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi wa Sallam), on Tuesday,  21st  Rajab-ul-Muraj-jab 1404 A.H i.e. April 24th , 1984 at the age of 55, he went to meet the True Creator.

On April 25th, at Nishtar Park, Karachi, under the Imaamat (leadership) of Allamah Saiyyid Ahmad Sa’eed Kaazimi after the Salaat of Zuhr, millions of people attended the funeral prayer of the honourable Hazrat Khateeb-e-A’zam Pakistan (Allaah have mercy on him). On the same evening Maulana Okarvi was laid to rest next to Masjid Gulzar-e-Habeeb, Karachi. A mausoleum is being constructed here.

Concerning Maulana Okarvi the late President Zia-ul-Haqq wrote in a letter: “He was a prominent, vibrant orator and an influential preacher of Islaam. Due to his immense religious knowledge, outstanding oration and his fascinating speech he truly became famous by the title of Khateeb-e-Pakistan. He dedicated every moment of his life in the service of Islaam, “Ittihaad-e-Bainal Muslimeen” (Unity among the Muslims) and the propagation of Islaamic teachings.

Lt Gen. Jahaan Dad Khan, the Governor of Sind in February 1985 wrote in a letter, “He was a versatile genius but also vociferous orator. Through his powerful preaching he not only impressed his co-religionists but he also became equally popular among the non Muslims who embraced Islaam in large numbers. As a renowned religious leader, his capabilities transcended the boundaries of Pakistan. As a preacher par excellence, he has been internationally acknowledged.”

Saiyyid Yoosuf Raza Geelaanee, currently the Prime Minster of Pakistan, who was formerly the Minister of Railways, wrote in a letter, “Due to the departure of the prestigious orator of the country, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Shafee Okarvi, the world of Islaam has been deprived of a great skilled research leader. He spent all his life in the propagation of Islaam. His beautiful speeches used to develop the warmth of the love of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu’Alaiehi Wa Sallam) in the hearts of the Muslims. Often he would visit to Multan on our invitation and benefit us with his speeches.”

A devotee of his wrote, “He was one of those people who after departing from this world, gained eternal life. Khateeb e Pakistan is one of those personalities whose remembrance, whose name, whose, personality cannot be destroyed by the turmoil of the age, the passing of the days, from the pages of the books and in from the hearts of the coming generations. In Shaa Allaah, till the Day of Judgment cannot erase it, finish it or destroy it.”

Another devotee said, “During his speech on the topic of the rights and etiquettes of parents, in the crowds of thousands one could hear a noise of loud crying in the crowd. Those disobedient to their parents asked for forgiveness. Even today the scenes and the words of that speech echoes in my mind.”

On 23rd March 1985, President Zia-ul-Haqq awarded the Sitaara-e-Imtiaaz to Maulana Okarvi due to his contributions to religious services. From the establishment of Pakistan till the end of his life Maulana Okarvi remained an example of a trustworthy, patriotic and a sincere Pakistani. His personality remained dearly loved, privileged, renowned and outstanding. His mureeds (disciples) are found in quantities of thousands around the world. More than 3000 people converted to Islaam due to the preaching of Maulana Okarvi.

In 29 years he narrated the explanation of nine parts of the Qur’aan. Now this is continued by his son Dr. Allamah Kaukab Okarvi. His academic qualification, beauty of describing, melodiousness and the quality of oration were very unique and loved by every heart. In every congregation there would be a gathering of hundreds of thousands of people. In the month of Muharram-ul-Haraam the largest religious gathering in the country, on the eve of Shab-e-‘Aashuur (10th night of Muharram) would be the congregation of oration by the honourable Maulana in Ghanchi para, Karachi.

In Karachi, on behalf of Jamaa’at-e-Ahle Sunnat, Maulana Okarvi began the 10 days Majaalis-e-Muharram and the series of organizing congregations and processions of Jashan-e-Eid Meelaad-un-Nabee (Sallal Laahu ‘Alaiehi Wa Sallam).To extend the memories and memorable, noble services of Maulana Okarvi for religion, the Maulana Okarvi Academy (Al-A’lami) was established on Friday the 27th of April 1984. Every year on the occasion of Urs mubaarak a magazine Al Khateeb is published by the Academy.

On every 3rd Friday of the holy month of Rajab, in all the Sunni Masaajid of the world “Annual Khateeb-e-A’zam Day” is observed and collectively in congregations rewards are forwarded to the blessed soul of Maulana Okarvi. His audio and video cassettes can be bought and obtained from Maulana Okarvi Academy (Al-A’lami).

As one of the devotees rephrases, “This is how on April 24, 1984 the sun of the sky of oration set forever.”