Moulvi Al-Haaj Kazi Mohammed Akbar Ali Shah Aamiri has been serving as the Deputy Chief Kazi of Tamil Nadu with dedication and distinction since 2000. He is the eldest son-in-law of the esteemed Chief Kazi, Dr. Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub, and shares the same rich lineage of Islamic scholarship and leadership. Mohammed Akbar’s forefathers include Moulvi Muhammad Ghouse, also known as Iy’anat Khan Bahadur (Rahmatullahi Alaih), who was the son of Moulvi Muhammad Sibghatullah Madrasi, also known as Qazi Badrud Dawlah (Rahmatullahi Alaih). Qazi Badrud Dawlah served as Qazi ul Mulk during the reign of the Nawabs of Carnatic in the Madras State. He was a highly respected scholar and jurist. Another son of Qazi Badrud Dawlah, Qazi Ubaidullah (Rahmatullahi Alaih), became the first Government Chief Kazi of the Madras Presidency, appointed in 1880 by the British Indian Government.

This illustrious family has been continuously engaged in scholarly, literary, religious, and communal services in India since the early 9th century Hijri.

According to the prominent Deccan scholar, Maulvi Muhammad Murtaza (Rahmatullahi Alaih), one of the founders of the movement for the establishment of Osmania University in Hyderabad:

“The prestige of this family in South India is no less than that of the family of Shah Waliullah Muhaddis in Delhi. This family has the honor of being continuously involved in scholarly services for at least 15 generations, a rare example of such dedication.”

Professor Muhammad Yusuf Kokan (late), former Head of the Department of Arabic, Persian, and Urdu at Madras University, also highlighted the significance of this lineage in his work, Khanwada-e-Qazi Badr-ud-Dawla:

“This renowned scholarly family of South India is the Qazi Badr-ud-Dawla’s family. In history, there is scarcely any other illustrious family that has maintained its scholarly stature for seventeen generations while continuing to render golden services to religion and knowledge.”


A man of both secular and religious learning, Mohammed Akbar holds a B.Sc. in Physics and the Afzal ul Ulama degree, underscoring his commitment to acquiring knowledge across diverse fields. Since assuming the role of Deputy Chief Kazi, he has worked diligently under the direct guidance of the Chief Kazi, gaining expertise in various aspects of Islamic Shariah and community administration. His responsibilities include solemnizing marriages, resolving family disputes, providing guidance on matters governed by Islamic Shariah, issuing Fatwas, and carrying out various other religious duties.

In addition to his official duties, Mohammed Akbar is a recognized Islamic speaker, known for his thoughtful and inspiring addresses. His speeches often emphasize Ishq-e-Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the importance of strict adherence to Islamic principles in modern life. He delivers the Jummah Khutbah and leads the Friday Salah at Masjid-e-Walajahi twice a month and is frequently invited to lead Friday prayers at various other mosques across Chennai.

As the Chief Kazi enters his later years, Mohammed Akbar has been entrusted with greater responsibilities, including managing the day-to-day operations of the Chief Kazi’s office and representing at religious ceremonies and events in the Chief Kazi’s absence. His commitment to maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the institution is evident in his tireless efforts to serve the community.

By combining his academic background, religious knowledge, and administrative expertise, Mohammed Akbar Ali Shah has become a pillar of support for the Chief Kazi’s office and the Muslim community of Tamil Nadu. His contributions ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of the institution in addressing the needs of Tamil Nadu’s Muslim community.