Afghanistan’s foreign minister, Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi, visited the Darul Uloom Deoband Islamic seminary in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district on Saturday ahead of his first visit to India since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Impressive arrangements were made to give him a warm welcome, delegating a list of 15 prominent Ulema to receive him, and tight security measures were enforced across the area in coordination with national and state agencies.
Maulana Amir reached Deoband by noon, following a meeting with several Indian officials in Delhi. This was a part of his ongoing six-day visit to India.
Welcome Ceremony
Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi was welcomed by the seminary’s rector, Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani. Followers’ petals were also showered upon Muttaqi as he entered the premises.
In the central library of the seminary, Amir Khan Muttaqi took part in a scholarly session focused on the study of Hadith under the guidance of Maulana Nomani. After completing his studies, he formally sought and was granted permission to teach Hadith. The seminary’s rector awarded him the Hadith Sanad—a certificate of authority to teach the Prophetic traditions. With this recognition, Muttaqi earned the honor of using the title “Qasmi,” signifying his academic affiliation with the renowned institution. He is now formally known as Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi Qasmi.
“We share an educational and academic relationship with Afghanistan. He has come to visit his alma mater, and after that, he will hold discussions with us.” Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani said
“I am thankful for such a grand welcome and the affection shown by the people here. I hope that India-Afghanistan ties advance further. We will be sending new diplomats, and I hope you people will visit Kabul as well. I have hopes for stronger ties in the future—from the way I was received in Delhi, these visits may be frequent in the near future,” Amir Khan Muttaqi said, expressing gratitude.
