Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi Visits Darul Uloom Deoband, Receives Warm Welcome
Muttaqi honored with ‘Sanad-e-Hadith’, earns right to use the title 'Qasmi' after visiting alma mater.
Deoband, India – Afghan Foreign Minister Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi visited the renowned Islamic seminary, Darul Uloom Deoband, on Saturday, where he received a warm and traditional welcome from the institution’s leadership and students.
According to reports, Muttaqi’s convoy left Delhi around 8:30 AM and reached Deoband by noon. A team of 15 senior scholars was assigned to receive him. Upon arrival, he was welcomed in the seminary’s iconic circular library, where scholars greeted him with handshakes and prayers of goodwill.
Despite strict security arrangements, a large number of students gathered along the internal roads of the campus to catch a glimpse of the visiting dignitary. Some students showered flowers on his convoy, while others tried to take photographs with him.
Darul Uloom’s media coordinator, Maulana Ashraf Usmani, confirmed that complete arrangements for accommodation and meals were made within the seminary for the Afghan minister. “He is our guest, and we’ve provided him with all possible hospitality,” he said.
Maulana Arshad Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, highlighted the deep-rooted academic and spiritual ties between India and Afghanistan. “Maulana Muttaqi has come to reconnect with his alma mater. This visit reflects our long-standing religious and scholarly bond,” he remarked.
In a symbolic moment, Maulana Muttaqi participated in a brief hadith session with Darul Uloom’s rector, Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, and received Sanad-e-Hadith – a formal certification of hadith transmission. This honor entitles him to use the title ‘Qasmi’, signifying a graduate of Darul Uloom Deoband. From now on, he may be referred to as Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi Qasmi.
After the session, the Afghan minister rested briefly in the guest house. A student address was scheduled for 2:30 PM, but it was later cancelled due to the overwhelming crowd and security concerns.
Before departing, Muttaqi spoke briefly to the media, stating that his visit aims to strengthen trade and diplomatic relations between India and Afghanistan. “We hope to enhance engagement and communication between the two countries,” he said.
