Abdul Ghafoor Parekh

Abdul Ghafoor Parekh was a well-renowned Islamic scholar, educator, humanitarian and expert in the Quran and its translation. He was known for his vast knowledge of Islamic theology and his ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. 

Early lLfe and Education

Abdul Ghafoor Parekh was born in 1948 in Nagpur, India.  He completed his Post Graduation in Commerce from Nagpur University. He was fluent in several languages including English, Urdu, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati (Kutchi-Memoni), and Arabic. He was raised in a devout Muslim family. His father, Padma Bhushan Maulana Abdul Karim Parekh, was a social worker, recipient of various national and international awards, and scholar, known for his translation of the Quran into the Urdu language.  From a young age, he showed a deep interest in the Quran and its teachings. He was very well equipped with the book his father compiled, Lughatul Qur’an (Quranic Dictionary) which has been read widely throughout the globe and has been translated into several Indian Languages along with English, Turkish and Portuguese. Abdul Gafoor Parekh being the eldest son played a key role in continuing the mission and legacy of his father. 

Personal Life

Parekh was a devout Muslim and was known for his deep commitment to his faith. He was a father to two sons and two daughters and was someone known to be deeply devoted to his wife and children. After his father’s demise in 2007, he continued with his work and legacy. He avoided publicity and mass lectures. He believed in shaping individuals personally within his reach and capacity. 

Career

After completing his education, Parekh began his career as an educator, teaching at a number of universities and madrasas in India. He quickly gained a reputation as an expert in the Quran and its translation, and his classes were highly sought after by students.

He developed a unique and efficient method for teaching Arabic with 200 hours only. Many academic institutions and universities in India and abroad have adopted his system. Parekh’s expertise in the Quran and its translation led to many invitations to speak at conferences and seminars around the world. He was a much sought-after speaker and has traveled extensively, sharing his knowledge and insights with audiences in many countries.

In addition to his teaching and speaking engagements, Parekh has also designed several curriculums to teach Arabic. His lectures have been widely heard and highly praised for their scholarly rigor and excellence.

Parekh’s knowledge and understanding of the Quran and its teachings have made him a respected figure in the Muslim community. His work as an educator and author has helped to deepen people’s understanding and appreciation of the Quran, and his teachings continue to inspire and guide people of all ages and backgrounds.

“If people all over India understand Quranic Arabic in large numbers or even more, if people believe, it is possible to learn and understand the language, it is because of Ghafoor sir. He opened our minds and hearts to the word of God and made us believe that it reigns supreme. He leaves behind a literary legacy for teachers to emulate in India and abroad. He was a friend, philosopher and guide, a beacon for teachers and a proud mentor. He could cut you down to size with his words and yet praise you in the next sentence,” said Dr Kamran Khan, Surgical Oncologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, with deep sorrow.

“It’s indeed a great loss. Like his father Janab Abdul Kareem Parekh, he worked very hard to spread the knowledge of Quran with understanding and left a legacy which is truly an inspiration for the generations to come,” said Haseeb Ahmad Khan, Manager, IT, MSEDCL. “His teaching style was so influencing that one cannot afford to miss a single class,” said Farheen Khan, a homemaker.

“One cannot forget his zeal, enthusiasm, and unique style of teaching the Qur’an. I attended some of the various teachers’ training classes a couple of times that he would conduct for teachers from Mumbai in the field of Islamic Sciences and Education. He pulled out references from Qur’an to explain how Qur’an was an excellent source of understanding the Seerah questioning the teachers on the chronology of the ayahs and nuances that usually goes unnoticed due to not understanding the beauty of Arabic grammar. I particularly remember his class in May 2013 when he announced that he wouldn’t be able to travel to Mumbai due to his deteriorating health marking that class as his last, which made all the teachers sigh in unison. He did come to Mumbai a couple of times after it. His unique advice to his students would leave a huge impact on them, his words still touch and shape me as a person, towards serving humanity and recognizing one’s true potential. He will by far be one of my most favourite teachers of all times, may Allah elevate his status and that of his father” said Zulekha Shakoor Rajani, an Islamic Educator and Counsellor.

Throughout his career, Parekh dedicated his life to spreading knowledge and understanding of the Quran, making it accessible to people from all walks of life. He would draw his living from the Timber business and travel to teach as much as he could. His work has had a profound impact on countless individuals, and his legacy as a leading expert in the field of Quran and its translation will continue to be remembered for many years to come.

Positions Held

Managing Director: Humanity Charitable Trust, Nagpur.

Chairman: Institute for Promoting International Languages, Nagpur.

Managing Director: Abdul Karim Parekh Charitable Trust, Nagpur.

Chief of Scriptural Arabic Classes, Nagpur.

Member: Majlise Talimul Qur’an, Nagpur.

Member: Dr Dalvi Memorial Hospital, Nagpur.

Member: The Nagpur Timber Merchants Association, Nagpur.

Member: The Vidarbha Plywood Merchants Association, Nagpur.

Member: Advisory Board, Communal Harmony & Peace, RTM NAGPUR University, Nagpur.

Rotarian:  Rotary Club of Nagpur.