Birth, Lineage, and Spiritual Heritage

Birth

Abul A‘la Maududi was born on Rajab 3, 1321 A.H. (September 25, 1903 C.E.) in Aurangabad, a well-known town of the former princely state of Hyderabad (Deccan), now in India.

Spiritual Heritage

The family had a long-standing tradition of spiritual leadership. Several of Maududi’s ancestors were associated with Sufi orders, most notably Khwajah Qutb al-Din Maudud (d. 527 A.H.), a distinguished figure of the Chishti order, from whom the family derives its name.
His forefathers migrated from Chisht to the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent towards the end of the ninth century A.H., bringing with them a rich legacy of spirituality and religious scholarship.

Lineage

He was born into a respectable family whose paternal lineage is traced back to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). This noble ancestry formed an important part of the family's identity and heritage.

Family Background

His father, Ahmad Hasan (b. 1855 C.E.), was a lawyer by profession and a deeply religious and devout man. He was known for his commitment to faith, discipline, and moral values.

Early Influences

The environment of piety, discipline, and moral responsibility within the household played a defining role in shaping Maududi’s character and outlook. These early influences laid the foundation for his future intellectual and spiritual development.