(3779)
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(–1675)
Positions Held
Chief Qazi 1659-75†
Biographical
Like his grandfather, Shaikh Muhammad Tahir of Pattan, the famous scholar, Abdul Wahhab made a great name for himself by his mastery of canon law and theology, and served as Qazi of Pattan in Shah Jahan’s reign. He joined Aurangzeb during his second viceroyalty of the Deccan and was made much of by the prince. After the victory of Samugarh, when the other Qazis refused to declare Aurangzeb’s usurpation of a living father’s throne as legal, Abdul Wahhab issued a decree asserting that as Shah Jahan was physically unfit to govern, the throne was virtually vacant and therefore Aurangzeb’s accession to it was no violation of Quranic law. For this eminent service his patron made him Chief Qazi of the Empire. On all administrative questions, Aurangzeb sought to follow the rulings of Canon Law and the precedents set by the orthodox Khalifs. The Qazis were therefore his guides not only in the Church but also in die State. Their influence over the civil government was greater than that of the ministers and generals. Abdul Wahhab, in particular, enjoyed the Emperor’s confidence and favour in such a degree, as to be all in all at Court. The highest peers of the realm feared and honoured him, while their hearts were consumed by jealousy of the prelate. Mahabat Khan (Lohrasp), the boldest and most outspoken of the courtiers, alone ventured to give voice to their discontent. One day Aurangzeb in open Court was anxiously selecting a general for the war with the irrepressible Shivaji. Mahabat Khan ironically remarked, 'It is unnecessary to send an army against him. A proclamation by the Chief Qazi would do the work!'
Abdul Wahhab abused his boundless influence over the Emperor to enrich himself. He was the most corrupt and heartless Qazi of the reign. He sold the subordinate Qazi-ships of the cities for money and took bribes in every case that he tried. At the same time he made profit by engaging in secret trade in rich stuff and jewellery. During his sixteen years of Qazi-ship he amassed a fortune of
33 lakhs of rupees in cash, besides much jewellery and other valuables.
Place of birth: Anhilwara Pattan
Sources
1. J. Sarkar. History of Aurangzib, vol. III. Calcutta: M. C. Sarkar & Sons, 1921.
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