Ahmad Afandi Abdulaev


Ahmad Afandi Abdulaev is the mufti of Dagestan, Russia. He serves as Chairman of the Muftiate of the Republic of Dagestan, Sheikh of Naqshbandi and Shadhili tariqas, one of the spiritual leaders of Dagestani Muslims.

Early life

Ahmad 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 studied Arabic and Islam. His family practiced devotion to faith, even during Soviet times, when believers were persecuted. His relatives took care of their faith and raised their children according to Islamic precepts. Ahmad is the grandson of Sufi sheikh of Naqshbandi and Shazali Tariqas Abdulhamid-Afandi.

Career

In 1991, Ahmad 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 elected as mufti and chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Dagestani Muslims.

Awards