Qureshi

For people with the surname, see List of people with surname Qureshi.

The name Qureshi, also known as Quraishi , Qurayshi and various other spellings, originates from the Arabic name قريشي, denoting membership in the esteemed Quraish tribe of Mecca, in the Hejaz. The prophet Muhammad was also born into the Qureshi tribe of Mecca.

It is a common surname in South Asia, especially in Pakistan (82%: 1,210,000, out of 1,470,000 worldwide), where it is the ninth most common surname. India has the second most (11%: 162,000). It is also present in parts of Western Asia, in Saudi Arabia (2.5%: 36,300), Iran, and England (0.65%: 9,580).

Families with the legit surname Qureshi in the Indian subcontinent are descendants of Migrant Arab from Quraish tribe of Mecca.

Many eminent Islamic scholars, such as Shah Rukan-e-Alam and Sheikht Abdul Qadir Jilani, as well as all four Caliphs of Islam, along with the leaders of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, are proud descendants of the noble Quraysh tribe."

The Qureshi family's migration

The Qureshi family, bearing the noble heritage of the Quraish tribe, embarked on a significant journey from the heart of Hijaz—present-day Saudi Arabia—to the Indian subcontinent and rest of the world. Their migration, during and after the era of the Muslim Caliphate, was driven by a profound purpose: to spread the teachings of Islam to the Hindu and non-Muslim populations of the region.

Guided by their deep faith and commitment to the message of the Prophet Muhammad, the Qureshi family settled across various parts of the subcontinent. Their efforts not only contributed to the growth of Islam in the region but also left a lasting legacy of spiritual and cultural influence that continues to resonate through generations.

The Qureshi legacy

This distinguished lineage traces back to the descendants of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), upon whom Allah bestowed a unique and enduring blessing.

The first reference to this noble lineage is found in the Holy Qur'an, where Prophet Ibrahim, in his profound connection with Allah, inquired about the future of his descendants. Allah’s response, as recorded in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:124), is a testament to the enduring leadership within the progeny of Ibrahim:

˹Remember˺ when Abraham was tested by his Lord with ˹certain˺ commandments, which he fulfilled. Allah said, 'I will certainly make you into a role model for the people'. Abraham asked, 'What about my offspring?' Allah replied, 'My covenant is not extended to the wrongdoers'.

This divine decree is further corroborated by the most authentic collections of Hadith. In Sahih al-Bukhari (7140, Book 93, Hadith 4) and Sahih Muslim (1820), the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the significance of the Quraish, stating:

This matter (caliphate) will remain with the Quraish even if only two of them were still existing.

The Caliphate will remain among the Quraish even if only two persons are left (on the earth).

The Quraish's distinction is further illuminated in Surah Al-Imran (3:33), where Allah declares His favor upon specific families, including that of Ibrahim:

Indeed, Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of Imran above all people.

Despite these clear and divine affirmations, there are those, particularly in South Asia, who seek to diminish the Quraish's rightful status, often out of a desire to elevate themselves as leaders. Yet, what Allah has ordained cannot be undone. The honor and blessings bestowed upon the Quraish lineage remain unassailable, a testament to their enduring significance in Islamic history and beyond.