The Office of the Chief Kazi in Chennai stands as one of the oldest Islamic institutions in South India, with a distinguished legacy dating back over two centuries. The position was formally recognized in 1880 with the passage of the Kazis Act under the British Indian Government, which appointed Shams-ul-Ulama Kazi Ubaidullah Sahib (RA) as the first Government Chief Kazi of the Madras Presidency.

Kazi Ubaidullah Sahib hailed from a noble family of scholars and jurists whose service to the community spanned many generations. His father, Moulvi Sibghatullah Madrasi Sahib (Qazi Badr-ud-Daulah Bahadur), served as Qazi-ul-Mulk in the court of the Nawabs of Carnatic, and his grandfather, Diwan Moulvi Mohammed Ghouse Sharf-ul-Mulk Bahadur Sahib (RA), held the esteemed position of Dewan (Royal Minister) of Madras in the Carnatic Nawab’s court — a testament to the family’s long-standing contribution to religious leadership, administration, and justice.

This noble lineage continued unbroken through generations, each successor carrying forward the trust of this sacred office. The mantle of service passed from Kazi Ubaidullah Sahib to Kazi Mohammed Habibullah Sahib, then to Kazi Syed Shah Mohammed Sahib (1979–1982), followed by Kazi Mohammed Azizuddin Sahib (1982–1986), and most recently to Chief Kazi Mufti Dr. Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub Sahib (1986–2025), who faithfully served as the Government Chief Kazi for nearly four decades.

Dr. Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub Sahib (RA) was not only a scholar and spiritual guide but also a guardian of this institution’s integrity. With a lifetime devoted to public service and Islamic jurisprudence, he upheld the office’s duties with humility and dedication. His services — including solemnization of marriages, issuance of fatwas, and community certifications — were rendered entirely free of cost, continuing the family’s tradition of service without expectation of reward.

For over 25 years, he was assisted by his son-in-law and trusted deputy, Moulana Moulvi Al-Haj Kazi Mohammed Akbar Sahib, who worked directly under his guidance as Deputy Chief Kazi. Having solemnized over 5,000 Nikahs, issued thousands of community documents and fatwas, and overseen the daily administration of the Kazi’s Office, Kazi Mohammed Akbar Sahib has earned widespread respect and acceptance across Tamil Nadu.

In his final years, Chief Kazi Salahuddin Sahib (RA) personally entrusted the complete responsibilities of the Office to Kazi Mohammed Akbar Sahib, recognizing his experience, commitment, and ability to carry forward the family’s legacy. Following Chief Kazi Salahuddin Sahib‘s sad demise in May 2025, the Office of the Former Government Chief Kazi – Chennai remains as a historic landmark in the memory of the community — representing more than two centuries of faith, learning, and public service embodied by the noble Kazi family.