Ahmad Afandi Abdulaev


Ahmad Afandi Abdulaev — is a Dagestani Mufti. He serves as Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Dagestan, Sheikh of Naqshbandi and Shazali Tariqas, one of the spiritual leaders of Dagestani Muslims.

Early life

Ahmad Haji Afandi Abdulaev was born on September 15, 1959 in the Dagestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, in the village of Inkho, Gumbetovsky District. From his earliest years, Ahmad Haji studied Arabic and Islam. His family practiced devotion to faith, even during Soviet times, when believers were officially outlawed. His relatives took care of their faith and raised their children according to Islamic precepts. Ahmad Haji is the grandson of the famous Sufi sheikh of Naqshbandi and Shazali Tariqas Abdulhamid-Afandi.

Career

In 1991, Ahmad-Haji became the Imam of a mosque in Kizilyurt district. In 1992 he began teaching at the Islamic Institute in Kizilyurt, where he served as Rector. In 1998, at the Council of the Alims of Dagestan, Abdulaev was unanimously elected as Mufti and Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Dagestani Muslims.
In 2010, he received the Spiritual Mentor ijazah from Said Afandi al-Chirkawi, but he did not take up instructing Murids. After Said Afandi's death, his successor Abduljalil-Afandi made an order to Ahmad Abdulaev to instruct the Murids.
In 2013, the Mufti received the honorary status of Guardian of the Holy Relics of the Prophet Muhammad, and also the relics themselves, including the blessed hair of the Prophet.

Awards