Born on 9th July 1932 at Formalee, District-Atak, Maulana Yusuf Islahi received his primary education in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. He was educated in Islamic Studies from Mazahir Uloom, Saharanpur and higher studies and Fazeelat from Madrasatul Islah, Sarai Mir. He memorized the Quran and also learnt Tajweed.
He spent four years under the guidance of Maulana Akhtar Ahsan Islahi and received Sanad Fazilat with distinction. He has been editing the popular magazine “Zikra Jadeed” for nearly four decades. He has authored and published more than 60 books on various aspects of Islam. Among them, Aadab e Zindagi (Etiquettes of Life in Islam), Asan Fiqh (Everyday Fiqh), Quraani Taleemat, Sura-e-Yaseen, Sura-e-Saff, Tafhimul Hadith, Guldasta-e-Hadith, Islami Muashrah, Husne Muashrat, Dai -e-Azam, Roshan Sitare are his most-read works.
Many of his books are translated and published in English, Hindi and other languages. He became a member of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind at the age of 25 years and has been entrusted with various key posts. He is a member of Markazi Majlis Shura (Central Advisory Committee) for the last five terms. He is also guiding many educational and welfare institutions. He was the Nazim (President) of Jamea Tus Salehat, Rampur, a unique and very well known institution for higher Arabic and Islamic education for girls. Markazi Darsgahe Islami, Rampur was also running under his guidance for the last few years. Several other educational and welfare institutions also sought advice and guidance from him.
He was also the chief patron of Project WhyIslam of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) and used to spend a few months every year in the United States of America for the cause of Da’wah.