Azizur Rahman Qayed

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Azizur Rahman Qayed Nesarabadi (1911–2008) was a Bangladeshi Islamic scholar, Sufi leader, and social reformer. Known as Qayed Saheb Huzur, he founded the Nesarabad Darbar Sharif and the Jhalokati NS Kamil Madrasa, and led several Islamic movements. He promoted the idea of Al-Ittihad Ma’al Ikhtilaf – unity among Muslims despite differences.

He was born in 1911 in Basanda village, Nesarabad, Jhalokati District. His father, Mawlavi Mofizur Rahman, was a trusted associate of Sufi scholars. He studied at Charsina Darussunnat Kamil Madrasa and Calcutta Alia Madrasa. He began his career as a teacher and, from 1943 to 1969, taught at Charsina Darussunnat Alia Madrasa, where he also served as vice principal. He also started the magazines Tableegh (fortnightly) and Ishayat (weekly).

In 1941, while a student in Calcutta, he founded Anjuman al-Islam, which later evolved through several name changes and became part of a broader movement. He urged unity among Muslims and founded Jamiyatul Musliheen to promote that idea. In 1997 he organized Bangladesh’s first All-Party Islamic Conference in Jhalokati.

Qayed established many schools, including the Jhalokati NS Kamil Madrasa, and built a large network of 42 affiliated institutions. He also founded social groups to address injustice, resolve disputes, and promote harmony. He opposed extremism and supported peaceful, lawful actions, while encouraging respect for good practices from other faiths.

Azizur Rahman Qayed died on 28 April 2008. His funeral was attended by hundreds of thousands, and he was respected by people of many communities, including Hindus. His legacy continues through the Jamiyatul Musliheen, led by his son, Maulana Khalilur Rahman Nesarabadi, and the ongoing annual Darbar Sharif at his home.