Sayyid Abul Ala’a Al-Mowdoodi

Abu Ala’a Al-Mowdoodi received home education before moving to formal education. However, his undergraduate studies in Dar Al-Uloom, Hyderabad, were disrupted by the death of his father, and he moved on to journalism for a living, while continuing his self-education. At the age of 17, he wrote his magnum opus, Tarjuman al-Quran, a coveted series providing brief but powerful commentary of the Holy Qur’an in Urdu. This was followed by a series of copious publications, including Mabadi’ al-Islam (Principles of Islam), which was translated to numerous  languages, and Tafhim al-Quran (The Meaning of the Qur’an) in which he tried to simplify the meanings of the Qur’an in order to bring it closer to the understanding of ordinary  people. Of particular significance is his book Islamic Law and Constitution which embodied his views on the doctrine and philosophy of Islam and the divinity of Islamic laws. He was the founder of Jamaat-e-Islami in India, a religious political movement to promote Islamic values and principles. It is currently the oldest religious party in Pakistan. His political struggle led to his imprisonment several times. In 1953, he was sentenced to death, but overwhelming public pressure forced the government to commute his sentence to life imprisonment and eventually to release him.

Sayyid Abul Ala’a Al-Mowdoodi was a renowned Pakistani journalist, theologist, and promulgator of Islam throughout the Indian subcontinent.

Al-Mowdoodi is regarded as one of the most influential Islamic philosophers of the 20th century. His life and thought have been researched by Muslim and non-Muslim scholars worldwide. His vast knowledge and prolific writings inspired many Muslims to adhere to the spirit and values of Islam.

This biography was written in the year the prize was awarded.