When Hazrat Maulana Syed Shah Minatullah Rahmani was elected as the Amir-e-Shariat (Leader under the Shariah) of Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand, he realized the need to expand the Nizam-e-Qaza (system of Islamic judiciary) so that the Muslims of these regions could easily resolve their family and personal law issues in accordance with Islamic Shariah, with minimum expense and maximum convenience. Under the instruction of the Amir-e-Shariat, the jurisdiction of Darul Qaza was expanded. The Darul Qaza of Madrasa Rahmaniya was formally established on 19 Shawwal al-Mukarram 1375 AH (April 19, 1909 CE). On that same day, during the grand public gathering of Madrasa Rahmaniya, the position of Qazi (Judge) was entrusted to Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Usman Sahib Garolwi. The Amir-e-Shariat (the Fourth)* himself issued a Certificate of Qaza written in Arabic, containing necessary guidelines and specifying the jurisdiction. The Amir-e-Shariat (IV) also granted him both the authority of hearing and passing judgments. Hazrat Qazi Muhammad Usman Sahib was a highly capable, trustworthy, brave, honest, and impartial scholar of Islam. He was regarded among the prominent Ulama (religious scholars) of the country. In piety, humility, and simplicity, he reflected the character of the great elders of Islam. He was a graduate of Darul Uloom Deoband and a distinguished student of Fakhrul Muhaddithin Hazrat Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri. Due to his sincerity and reliability, most cases were resolved amicably through mutual reconciliation. Whenever formal judgment was necessary, he would issue concise and well-reasoned decisions. Only in two cases were appeals made against his rulings before the Central Darul Qaza of Imarat-e-Shariah, Patna, both of which were dismissed after detailed review by Hazrat Qazi Mujahidul Islam Qasmi Sahib. During his tenure, 1,382 cases were filed. From the very beginning, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Qasim Sahib Muzaffarpuri assisted him. Under the supervision and training of Hazrat Qazi Muhammad Usman Sahib, Maulana Qasim Sahib became a well-trained jurist. After the passing of Hazrat Qazi Muhammad Usman Sahib on 13 Safar 1396 AH (3 February 1977 CE), the Amir-e-Shariat (IV), through a special decree dated 3 Rabi al-Thani 1396 AH, appointed Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Qasim Sahib Muzaffarpuri as the new Qazi. This appointment was also published in the weekly journal “Nakeeb.” Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Qasim Sahib Muzaffarpuri Maulana Qasim Sahib was a capable scholar deeply versed in Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). After graduating from Darul Uloom Deoband, he served as a teacher at Madrasa Imdadiya Amiriya, Sarai Darbhanga, and later, at the request of Hazrat Qazi Muhammad Usman Sahib, he joined Madrasa Rahmaniya, Supaul, Birol, where he taught higher classes. His knowledge and character soon earned him wide respect among students and teachers. He rose from being a teacher to Sheikh-ul-Hadith (Head of Hadith Studies) and later became Qazi of Shariah. Having worked alongside Qazi Usman Sahib, he had acquired deep expertise in judicial matters. Since there was no Darul Qaza in Darbhanga and its surrounding areas, cases from Madhubani, Samastipur, Saharsa, and even Nepal were filed at this Darul Qaza. He handled all matters with great responsibility and also protected the institution’s property diligently. The Amir-e-Shariat (IV) granted him both hearing and judgment authority. His associates included Maulana Shameem Ahmad Sahib, teacher at Madrasa Rahmaniya, and Maulana Ismail Sahib, former teacher of the primary section of the Madrasa Rahmaniya. Both served faithfully under his supervision. Hazrat Qazi Mujahidul Islam Qasmi Sahib and Amir-e-Shariat (IV) had deep trust in him. He led a simple life — deeply engaged in study and research on contemporary issues, always polite and kind to all. He was an excellent teacher, remarkable author, and a model Qazi. Several of his books were published and widely recognized. During his tenure, most cases related to annulment of marriage (Faskh Nikah), demands for separation (Rukhsati), verification of divorce, and property disputes. Many cases were resolved through mutual reconciliation. Between 1396 AH to 1431 AH, 18,679 cases were filed, most of which were resolved successfully. Construction of Darul Qaza Building — Supaul Birol Maulana Qasim Sahib had great attachment to and interest in Darul Qaza and its work. Due to his devotion and vision, 2 Kathas and 8 Dhurs of land were purchased for constructing a permanent building. With the approval and consultation of the Madrasa’s management, the Darul Qaza building was built behind the western side of the Madrasa. The foundation stone was laid by Amir-e-Shariat (IV), Hazrat Maulana Abu Saud Amir-e-Shariat Karnataka, and other eminent scholars and spiritual leaders. The building consisted of four rooms, and the office of Darul Qaza housed a valuable library containing authentic books of Fiqh, Fatwa, Tafsir, and Hadith, which remains one of Maulana Muhammad Qasim Sahib Muzaffarpuri’s great achievements. Later Period Maulana Qasim Sahib continued his judicial responsibilities efficiently until 19 Safar 1431 AH (4 February 2010 CE). After the demise of Hazrat Qazi Mujahidul Islam Qasmi Sahib, the authorities of Imarat-e-Shariah requested him to shift to the Central Darul Qaza, but due to old age, weakness, and other engagements, he declined permanent relocation — though he continued to assist whenever needed. Later, with the permission of Amir-e-Shariat (VI), Maulana Shameem Ahmad Sahib was appointed as his authorized representative (Mujaz). On 26 Jumada al-Awwal 1431 AH, Maulana Shameem Ahmad Sahib was granted both the power of hearing and judgment in certain cases. Under the supervision of Maulana Qasim Sahib, Maulana Shameem Ahmad Sahib and Maulana Ismail Sahib continued to handle judicial affairs. Due to health issues from 2018 onward, Maulana Qasim Sahib’s visits to Darul Qaza became very rare. Both Maulana Shameem Ahmad Sahib (teacher at Madrasa Rahmaniya) and Maulana Ismail Sahib managed the operations until 18 Jumada al-Akhirah 1430 AH (24 February 2019 CE). During their tenure, 1,894 cases were registered, most of which were settled amicably. From 1375 AH to 29 Dhu al-Hijjah 1434 AH, a total of 11,150 cases were filed in this Darul Qaza. After the Central Darul Qaza, the highest number of cases were registered here — and even today, this Darul Qaza continues to serve as a beacon of Islamic justice and social reconciliation.This Darul Qaza has been functioning under the Imarat-e-Shariah of Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal for the past 66 years. At present, in the capacity of Qazi-e-Shari‘at, Maulana Mufti Muhammad Abu Shahid Qasmi Sahib is performing the duties of Qaza with excellence and proficiency.”