HUZOOR MUFTI-E-AZAM-E-HINDMAULANA MUSTAPHA RAZA KHAN AL-QADERI (RADIALLAHUANHU)Maulana Mustapha Raza Khan, commonly known among the Muslims of the Indian sub-continent as "Mufti-e-Azam Hind" was born in Bareilly (India) in 1892. His father, Moulana Ahmed Raza Khan (1856 - 1921) (radi Allahu anhu), and grandfather, Moulana Naqi Ali Khan (d. 1880) (radi Allahu anhu), were recognised as great scholars of Islam in Islamic academic circles all over the world.Educational Background: He was born into a scholarly atmosphere. His family was reputed for its services in Islamic Traditional Sciences. His father especially, a "Mujaddid" of the 14th century A.H., is profoundly respected in the Muslim world for his struggle in social, political, educational and spiritual fields for the resurgence of "Deen". Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) completed his religious education under the guidance of his learned father as well as other great Ulema.Academic Status: Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was well versed in more than twenty branches of oriental learning, including Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Sarf, Nahv, Tajweed, Balghat, Tassawuf, Mantiq, Seerah, Tareekh, Kalam, Aqa'id, Reyazvi, Touqeet, Jafar and Hayat.Sufism (Bai'ah): He was a Shaikh of the Qadriya order. His own spiritual guide, Shaik Shah Abul Hussain Noori (1839-1906) (radi Allahu anhu), of Mahrehra Shareef (India) was a great Sufi and spiritual guide. It is estimated that nearly ten million Muslims received spiritual guidance from Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu).Pilgrimage (Visit to Haramain Sharifain): He visited Haramain three times. During his two pilgrimages in 1905 and 1945, photographs were not introduced for the Haj journey. But on his last visit in 1971, although visa and passport photographs were introduced, he was given special permission to travel to Saudi Arabia without providing his photograph for passport or visa by the governments of India and Saudi Arabia. This event showed the strict adherence of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) to the Shariah.
A Great Mufti and Faqih: He started issuing Fatawa while he was only a boy of 13 years old. His first Fatawa was on "Raza'ah". At the age of 13 he became a recognised "Mufti" and it is estimated that he issued more than 50 000 Fatawas during his lifetime. All the contemporary Ulema and Fuqaha respected his opinion on current issues and accepted his Fatawa as the most reliable religious verdict in the sub-continent. Collections of his Fatawa have been published in Urdu in two volumes under the title "Fatawa Mustafawiya".As a Teacher: He started teaching in Jamia Manzare Islam, Bareilly in 1910. He served in this prominent institution for a period of about 27 years. He was a proficient scholar of Hadith and Fiqh. Several famous Islamic teachers of the sub-continent who were his pupils went on later to teach in the prominent Darul Ulooms of India and Pakistan. Some of them are: Moulana Sardar Ahmed Razvi, Moulana Ejaz Wali Khan, Moulana Hashmat Ali Khan and Moulana Mufti Shareef-ul-Haq.Hundreds of his students are serving all over the sub-continent and other parts of the world as Heads of Religious Institutions and Muslim organisations.As an Author: In spite of his round the year journeys all over India, and his deep commitment to his Central Darul Ifta, he wrote many books and commentaries on some of the books of Fatawa and Fiqh. It is estimated that he has left about 40 books on a variety of subjects and important issues. He followed the methodology of his great father in his writings. His style was straight and clear. He was very bold and strong while expressing his views and presenting his ideas. His books mainly consists of refutations against the invalid views and heretical ideas of deviant sects and groups of the Ummah. He mainly targeted "Wahabi" institutions in the sub-continent.As a Religious Leader: He offered a dignified and powerful leadership to Muslims throughout his life. He was a man of principle and high morals. He never agreed to such proposals or plans that might harm the interests of the Muslim Ummah, and he never remained silent on such occasions when the reputation of Islam and Muslims came under threat. He was at the forefront during the movement to restore the Shahid Ganj Mosque at Lahore in 1935 and declared that participation in this movement was Fard for Muslims. Similarly in 1976 when the programme of compulsory sterilization (Vasectomy) was forced upon Muslims along with other Indian communities, by the Central Government of India, Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) was the only Muslim leader to oppose the campaign vigorously and publicly. He issued his Fatawa against the government and arranged its distribution all over India. At that time he took all the possible risks and proved to be a practical leader of Muslims and a true servant of Islam and lover of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Demise: He passed away on the eve of the 14th of Muharram 1402 A.H. in Bareilly Shareef. It was estimated that over two and a half million Muslims from all over the world attended his funeral prayer. He is buried in Bareilly Shareef beside his father, A'la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). His Urs Shareef is held every year in Bareilly Shareef and in various other countries around the globe. He left behind six daughters and one son. His son, Hazrat Anwar Raza (radi Allahu anhu), passed away during childhood. CHILDHOOD * Imam Ahmed Raza's Blessed Birth * His Blessed Name * lIlustrious Family History * Imam Ahmed Raza's Piety as a Child * Imam Ahmed Raza's First Lecture * His Intelligence as a Child * Astonishing Events of Childhood IMAM AHMED RAZA'S BLESSED BIRTH Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was born on a Monday, the 10th of Shawaal 1272 A.H. (14th June 1856), at the time of Zohar Salaah in a place called Jasoli, which is in the city of Bareilly Shareef, India. A few days before the birth of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), his father, Allamah Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), had a wonderful dream. He immediately disclosed this dream to his father, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), who interpreted this dream by saying: "This is a sign that you are going to be the father of a child, a boy, who will grow up to be pious and knowledgable. His name will gain prominence from East to West." This was the good news that was given to Allamah Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) concerning the birth of none other than the "emerald from amongst the Treasures of Almighty Allah", the "sweet-scented rose from the fragrant garden of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)", Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). The date of birth of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was extracted by himself from the Holy Quran. "These are they in whose hearts Allah has inscribed faith and helped them with a spirit from Himself." (58:2)
HIS BLESSED NAME The name that was given to him at birth was the beautiful name of "Mohammed." The name corresponding to that year of his birth was "Al Mukhtaar." His grandfather, a great Scholar of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), also gave the young child the beautiful name of "Ahmed Raza." It was by this name that he was famously known. Much later in his life, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) added the title "Abdul Mustafa" to his name signifying his great love and respect for Sayyiduna Rasulullah (salal laahu alaihi wasallam). The Grand Mufti of Makkatul Mukarramah, Sheikh Hussain bin Saleh Makki (radi Allahu anhu), also gave him the title of "Zia'udeen Ahmed." ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY HISTORY Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaderi, was the son of Allamah Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan, who was son of Allamah Mawlana Mohammed Kaazim Ali Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Shah Mohammed Azam Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Sa'adat Yaar Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Sa'eedullah Khan (radi Allahu anhum ajma'in). The great forefathers of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) migrated from Qandhar (Kabul) during the Mogul rule and settled in Lahore. Allamah Mawlana Sa'eedullah Khan, the first forefather of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhum), held a high government post when he arrived in the Indo-Pak sub-continent. His son, Allamah Mawlana Sa'adat Yaar Khan (radi Allahu anhu), after gaining victory in the city of Ruhailah, was elected as the Governor of that city. Allamah Mawlana Hafiz Kaazim Ali Khan, the son of Mawlana Mohammed Azam Khan (radi Allahu anhum), was a Tax-collector in the city of Badayun. His son, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), the illustrious grandfather of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), did not serve in the Government. It was from this generation that the heads of the family began to adopt Tassawuf as their way of life.
We have included a very brief history of A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) father and grandfather. HIS FATHER: A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) father, Hadrat Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), received his education at the hands of his father, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He wrote more than 50 books, among them, "Suroorul Quloob fi Zikri Mouloodul Mahboob", which received a very high distinctive position amongst Islamic literature. The treatise is characteristic in its condemnation of the enemies of Islam, both internally and externally. A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) father passed away in 1297 A.H. (1880) when he was 24 years old. HIS GRANDFATHER: One of the greatest Sufis of his time, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was born in the year 1224 A.H. He was also a great warrior and fought with General Bakht Khan against English invaders in the year 1834. He received his early education at the hands of Molwi Khaleerur Rahman. At the age of 23, he had already completed his Islamic education, earning certificates of distinction in various fields of knowledge. He passed away in the month of Jamaadi-ul-Awwal in the year 1282 A.H. (1866). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was at this time only 10 years old. IMAM AHMED RAZA'S PIETY AS A CHILD A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was a child of 4 years when this incident took place. On that particular day, he was dressed in a long Kurta. As he stepped out of his house, a few female prostitutes walked past him. In order to cover his eyes, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) quickly held the bottom of his Kurta with both his hands and lifted the Kurta over his face. When one of the prostitutes saw what he did, she said, "Well! Young man. You covered your eyes, but allowed your Satr to be shown." With his face and eyes still covered, the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied, "When the eyes are tempted, then the heart becomes tempted. When the heart is tempted, then the concealed parts become tempted." So shocked and affected was this woman on hearing such a reply from a child that she lost consciousness.
Another incident which happened in the Month of Ramadaan also shows A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) piety and fear of Allah. Fasting was not Fardh (obligatory) upon him because he was still a child, but on that day he intended to keep fast. It should be known that for a little child to keep fast in India during the summer season was very difficult. The average temperature on a summer's day rises to approximately 50 degrees Celsius. On that day, the heat of the sun was intense. Hadrat Allamah Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) took his young son, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), into a room where sweets were kept. He closed the door and said, "There, eat the sweets." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied that he was fasting. His father then said, "The fasting of children is always like this. The door is closed and no one is looking. Now you may eat." On hearing this, the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) respectfully said, "Through Whose command I am fasting, He is Seeing me." On hearing this answer from a little child, tears began to flow from the eyes of Hadrat Allamah Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He then left the room with A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). IMAM AHMED RAZA'S FIRST LECTURE Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) delivered his first lecture at the age of 6 years. It was during the glorious month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) stood on the Mimbar (Pulpit) and delivered a lecture before a very large gathering which also consisted of Ulema. His lecture lasted for approximately 2 hours. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) spoke on the Wilaadat (Birth) of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He brightened the hearts of the listeners with the love of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The people listening were thoroughly impressed by the maturity and eloquence of this lecture which was being delivered by a 6 year old child! HIS INTELLIGENCE AS A CHILD
A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was so gifted and intelligent that there was no need for him to study beyond the fourth Kitaab of his course under the tutorship of any of his teachers. He studied the remaining Kitaabs by himself and used to later ask his teachers to test him. Once, his teacher asked him, "Mia! Are you a Jinn or a human being? It takes me much time to teach a lesson, but it does not take you much time to learn the same lesson." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) answered, "Praise be to Allah that I am a human." When he was 8 years old, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wrote a Mas'ala concerning Fara'idh (Fards). When his father looked at the answer, he happily remarked, "If only some adult could answer in this manner." At the age of 10, when he was studying the Kitaab, "I'lm-us- Thuboot," under the guidance of his father, he noticed a few objections and answers of his father on the side of the page. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) studied this book carefully and wrote such a well- explained footnote that even the need for an objection was ruled out. His father came across his research on that objection. He was so delighted that he stood up and held the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to his heart and said, "Ahmad Raza! You do not learn from me, but you teach me." Professor Dr Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Head of Department: Urdu, Sindh University, Sindh (Pakistan) said: "Allamah Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan is among the outstanding scholars. His deep learning, intelligence, vision and acumen, surpassed that of great contemporary thinkers, professors, renowned scholars and orientalist. Indeed, there is hardly any branch of learning that is foreign to him." ASTONISHING EVENTS OF CHILDHOOD At the age of 3, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was once standing outside the Raza Musjid in Bareilly Shareef. An "unknown" person, attired in an Arabian garb, approached him and spoke to him in the Arabic language. Those who were present and witnessed this incident heard the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) converse with the person in pure Arabic. They were surprised. The person who spoke to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was never seen again in Bareilly Shareef!
A Majzoob (one drowned in his love for Almighty Allah) by the name of Hadrat Basheeruddeen Sahib (radi Allahu anhu) used to live at the Akhoon Zada Musjid in Bareilly Shareef. He spoke harshly to anyone who visited him. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wished to meet this Majzoob. One night, at about 11 o'clock, he set off alone to meet him. He sat respectfully for about 15 minutes outside the Majzoob's house. After some time, the Majzoob became aware of him and asked, "Who are you to Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu)." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied that he was the grandson of Hadrat Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu). The Majzoob immediately embraced him and took him into his little room. He asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) if he had come for any specific matter, but A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said that he had come to ask him to make Dua for him. On hearing this, the Majzoob, for approximately half an hour, made the following Dua: "May Allah have mercy on you, May Allah bless you."ACADEMIC SERVICES * Proficiency in over fifty Branches of Knowledge * Translation and Commentary of the Holy Quran * Authority in the Field of Ahadith * A Great Jurist of his time * Imam Ahmed Raza's I'lm-e-Jafar * His Knowledge of Philosophy and Science * Knowledge of Astronomy and Astrology * A Mathematical Genius * Contribution to the Field of PoetryPROFICIENCY IN OVER FIFTY BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGEIf we study the life of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), we will discover that HIS PROFICIENCY IN VARIOUS SUBJECTS TOTAL OVER FIFTY FOUR BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE. Is it possible today, to find an Islamic scholar or even a non-Muslim professor, scientist, educationist or a Nobel Prize owner who possesses such qualifications? Arab Scholars like Sheikh Ismail bin Khalil and Sheikh Musa Ali Shami (radi Allahu anhuma) commended A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) as the Revivalist of the 14th Century A.H.: "IF HE IS CALLED THE REVIVALIST OF THIS CENTURY, IT WILL BE RIGHT AND TRUE."
Commenting on A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) reputation and his knowledge, Dr Jamil Jalibi, Vice Chancellor, Karachi University (Pakistan) said: "Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi was an eminent Jurist, leading scholar, scientist, Naa'tia poet, a keen observer of Shariah and a Saint. His crowning scholarship can be imagined by the fact that he had commanding knowledge of about 54 branches of various sciences and humanities. He has contributed valuable works in almost all of them. He left behind more than a thousand treatises."Professor Dr Wahid Ashraf, Baroda University, in Baroda said: "There is no shortage of renowned personalities in the history of Islam who made rich contributions to various fields of knowledge through their divine-gifted qualities of learning, wisdom and insight. Ibn Sina, Umar Khayyam, Imam Razi, Imam Ghazzali, Al Beruni, Farabi and Ibn Rushd are a few rich names that shall always be remembered with pride. Among them, someone is renowned for Philosophy and Medicine, some other famous for Mathematics, another in Astrology, yet another is known for Moral Philosophy. Someone is an expert in Greek Thoughts, etc., BUT THE MOST OUTSTANDING PERSONALITY WAS BORN IN INDIA AND PASSED AWAY IN THE PRESENT CENTURY. HE WAS AHMED RAZA BAREILVI WHO ENJOYED SUCH A COMMAND IN VARIOUS BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE THAT ONLY EXPERTS OF THE SPECIAL FACULTY CAN DISCUSS FULLY AND SUCCESSFULLY."TRANSLATION AND COMMENTARY OF THE HOLY QURANMany people have translated the Holy Quran into the Urdu language, but the translation of the Holy Quran presented by A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) - called "Kanzul Imaan" - is proven to be the most unique translation in the Urdu language. In his translation one sees that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) used only those words that are worthy for the Attributes and Qualities of Almighty Allah and of His beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).It is said that the translation of the Holy Quran by A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) is not merely a literal translation, but is also the commentary of the Holy Quran. In the words of Hadrat Sayyiduna Muhaddith-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu), "IT IS NOT ONLY THE TRANSLATION OF THE QURAN, IT IS THE QURAN."
We have taken just one example of a Verse from the Holy Quran that has been translated by various persons and compared it with the beautiful translation of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). We have taken Sura 93, Verse 7 as an example:(1) "And he found you lost on the way and he guided thee." Translation by Mohammad Asad(2) "And found thee groping so he showed the way." Translation by Muhammad Ali Lahori Qadiani(3) "And He found you uninformed of Islamic laws so he told you the way of Islamic laws." Translation by Ashraf Ali Thanwi(4) "Did he not find thee erring and guide thee." Translation by Arberry(5) "And saw you unaware of the way so showed you the straight way." Translation by Fatheh Muhammad Jalandhari(6) "And he found thee wandering and He gave thee guidance." Translation by Yusuf AliNow that we have examined six different translations of Sura 93, Verse 7, let us examine the difference and the uniqueness of the translation of Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu): "AND HE FOUND YOU DROWNED IN HIS LOVE THEREFORE GAVE WAY UNTO HIM"Look at the uniqueness and the cautiousness that is present in this translation of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu)! He abstained from using those words that may cause any disrespect to the dignity and personality of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)!Due to the vast amount of time A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) spent in compiling books on Fiqh and various other topics, it was not possible for him to compile a complete commentary of the Holy Quran. However, a few learned scholars have stated that if all the books of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) have to be brought together then there is a great possibility that a complete commentary of the Holy Quran may be compiled. Like his translation of the Holy Quran, they have said that his Tafseer will also be exceptional.
Commenting only on the "Bismillahir Rahman nir Rahim", A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) presented such a lengthy lecture on this simple phrase that it was compiled into a complete book and published under the title, "Al Meeladun Nabwiya."Once, during the Urs Shareef of Hadrat Mawlana Shah Abdul Qaadir Sahib (radi Allahu anhu), A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) delivered a lecture on Sura Wad-Duha from 9 a.m. in the morning right till 3 p.m. in the afternoon! This lecture on Sura Wad-Duha alone lasted for 6 hours. After completing his lecture A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "I only wrote 80 percent of the commentary on this Sura and had to leave it aside. Where is there time enough to write the Tafseer of the entire Quran-e-Azeem!"Allamah Ata Muhammad Bindayalwi (radi Allahu anhu), Sarghoda (Pakistan) said: "Hadrat Bareilvi (radi Allahu anhu) has written about a thousand treatises. He exhaustively dealt with every topic he touched, but his most glorious work is his Urdu translation and explanation of the Holy Quran entitled,'Kanzul Imaan'. Indeed, there is no parallel. Real worth of this monumental work can be evaluated by only those scholars who possess vast and deep knowledge of various other translations and explanations of high standard in Urdu. A'la Hadrat kept the same pattern as adopted by the renown writers, but he excelled in the explanation and expansion of the most difficult and complicated subject matter in relatively few simple words."AUTHORITY IN THE FIELD OF AHADITHImam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was also a great authority of his time when it came to the subjects of Ahadith and Usool-e-Ahadith. He knew the names of almost every Hadith narrator. When he was questioned concerning details of a certain narrator, he was able to give a complete biography of the narrator. When he studied any Hadith he was able to explain the type of Hadith, it's benefits and the reasons behind that Hadith. He wrote many booklets on the topic of Ahadith. One of his books is entitled, "Hajizul Jarain An Jamma Bainas Salaatain," which covered the Ahadith pertaining to "Jamma Bainas Salaatain" or the "Combination of Two Salaahs in one time."
Dr Professor Mohiyyuddin, Azhar University, Cairo (Egypt) said: "Renowned scholar, Ahmed Raza Khan, visited Arabia twice to perform Hajj at Makkah and payed homage to the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) at Madina. During his stay he visited various centres of learning and had extensive exchange of views with the scholars covering various branches of learning and religious issues. He secured permission from some authentics to quote them in reference to particular Ahadith, and in return, he allowed them to mention his authority in respect of some other Ahadith."It is an old saying that scholarly talent and poetic exuberance rarely combine in one person, but Ahmad Raza Khan was an exception. His achievements contradicts this diction. He was not only an acknowledged research scholar, but also a great poet."A GREAT JURIST OF HIS TIMEFiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) is that branch of knowledge that is derived from the Holy Quran and the Ahadith of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Only that person can be a proper Jurist who is well-versed in both the Holy Quran and the Ahadith of Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He must also be well-versed in and all the other important branches of knowledge, such as Tafseer, Logic, Philosophy, Translating, and many other branches.Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was regarded as the greatest Jurist of his era. He was totally proficient in the field of Fiqh and received acceptance by the great Ulema of the East and the West. The greatest proof of his position and status in the world of Fiqh can be understood from his answers concerning the Shariat-e-Mustapha (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), which was compiled into 12 large volumes, comprising of approximately 12000 pages to form the famous book, "Fatawa Radawiyyah," which is used in every Darul Ifta (Fatawah Departments) around the world today.A renowned theologian and a great Saint of Delhi, Hadrat Mawlana Zayd Abul Hassan Faruqi (radi Allahu anhu), who completed his education at the Al Azhar University, Cairo, acknowledged the unrivalled mastery of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) over Islamic Jurisprudence and other branches of learning in the following words: "None can deny the knowledge of Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan in the field of Fiqh. He was, no doubt, the greatest Faqih (Jurist) of his time."
When Sheikh Ismail Khalil, the Curator of the Library at Makkatul Mukarramah, read the Fatawas of Sayyiduna A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) he was puffed up with joy and wrote to A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu): "By Allah, if Abu Hanifa Nu'man (radi Allahu anhu) would have gone through these Fatawa, undoubtedly, it could have been his heart's delight and granted its writer among his pupils."IMAM AHMED RAZA'S I'LM-E-JAFAR"I'lm-e-Jafar" refers to "The Knowledge and The Art of Prediction." Not all persons are blessed with such knowledge by Almighty Allah. It is a speciality for the Awliyah Allah. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was blessed with the gift of I'lm-e-Jafar.Once, a certain person asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) concerning the approach of Qiyaamah and the arrival of Imam Mahdi (radi Allahu anhu) in the future. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said that Almighty Allah knows of this and His beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is also aware of this fact. After saying this A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) substantiated these facts by quoting many verses of the Holy Quran and Ahadith of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) then said, "THROUGH A CERTAIN TYPE OF KNOWLEDGE, I FEEL THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT IN 1837 HIJRAH THERE WILL BE NO ISLAMIC GOVERNMENT LEFT, AND IN 1900 HIJRA IMAM MAHDI (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) WILL APPEAR". After hearing this answer, someone asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) if he had gained this answer through I'lm-e-Jafar. He replied that he did. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) then said very sarcastically, "Eat the mangoes. Do not count the trees."There was a King of Rampur whose wife was very sick. He loved her very much and was very attached to her. This King, who was a "Badd Mazhab" (one who does not follow the religion properly), sent a messenger to Bareilly Shareef with a special request. He requested A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to predict the time and place of the death of his wife. The King's wife was, at that moment, not at her house in Rampur, but she was in a place called Nainital. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) told the messenger to tell the King that his wife will die in Rampur in the month of Muharram. When the messenger returned to the King, he gave him the message of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu).
With this message of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) at the back of his mind, the King tried very hard to keep his wife away from Rampur. He did not want her to be in any way near Rampur.It so happened that rioting broke out in Rampur. It concerned the affairs of the Kanpur Shaheed Ganj Masjid. The Governor summoned the King to meet with him urgently in Rampur. The King decided to go on his own, but his wife insisted on joining him. As soon as they reached Rampur, the King's wife suddenly died. It was also the month of Muharram. The prediction of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) proved to be true!HIS KNOWLEDGE OF PHILOSOPHY AND SCIENCEImam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was a great Scientist and Philosopher. He understood Science and Philosophy better than anyone in his time. He was a master of Ancient and Modern Sciences. He proved through research that various concepts of the modern day science are illogical and against the theories of the Holy Quran and the Ahadith.A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wrote many books on Science and Physics. One of his famous books, "Fauze Mubeen Dar Harkate-Zameen," using the Holy Quran as its guidelines, proves that the earth is not rotating but is stationary. He also proves that the entire Universe is revolving around the earth. Modern theories believe that the earth is rotating on its axis and that all the planets, including the earth, are revolving around the sun. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) also disproved the theories of Scientist such as Galileo Galilei and Sir Isaac Newton. We believe that should this book be translated into the English language by our Scholars who are well-versed in Science and presented to the West, there will have to be a re-think on modern scientific theories! Today, many people in the Western world regard Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) as the "NEGLECTED GENIUS OF THE EAST."KNOWLEDGE OF ASTRONOMY AND ASTROLOGYA'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) gained great expertise in the field of Astronomy and Astrology.
There was a person by the name of Mawlana Ghulam Hussain Sahib, who used to regard himself as an authority in Astrology. Once, Mawlana Ghulam Hussain Sahib visited A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) asked him, "So! What is the situation of the rain?" After working out the position of the stars, Mawlana Ghulam Sahib drew-up an astronomical table and said,"In this month there will be no rain. It will only rain in the following month." Mawlana Sahib then handed over the astronomical table to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) examined it and said, "All the Power is by Allah. If He pleases, then it may rain now." Mawlana Ghulam Hussain then said, "Are you not observing the astronomical table?" A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "I am observing everything."A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) then looked towards the clock and asked, "What time is it?" Mawlana Ghulam Hussain said, "Quarter past eleven." Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "That means that there is three quarters of an hour left for twelve o' clock." Saying this, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) walked up to the grandfather clock that was in the room. With his finger he moved the big needle of the clock until it was on the twelve, thus showing twelve o'clock. The clock began to chime. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) then said, "You said that it would take three quarters of an hour for the needle to come to twelve o' clock." The Mawlana Sahib replied, "But you were responsible for altering the position of the needle."On hearing this, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "Almighty Allah is All-Powerful and He may alter the position of the stars whenever he wishes..." A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) HAD NOT YET COMPLETED HIS SENTENCE WHEN IT BEGAN TO RAIN UNCONTROLLABLY.A MATHEMATICAL GENIUS
A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was also a great Mathematician. He used to solve the most difficult mathematical problems in a short space of time. His authority in the field of Mathematics will leave modern-day Mathematicians wide-mouthed. Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Logarithms, and other branches of Mathematics which are normally handled with great difficulty even by mathematics students today, was like ordinary addition and subtraction to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)!Once, Sir Ziaud-deen, a famous Mathematician, was in a predicament with regards to part of his research in the mathematical field. He had to go to Berlin in Germany to seek a solution to this intricate problem. It so happened that a certain Mawlana from the famous Aligarh University advised Sir Ziaud-deen to visit A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to seek a solution for his mathematical problem. But, Sir Ziaud-deen, not sounding very confident said, "What will an ordinary Mawlana like Mawlana Ahmed Raza be able to solve? He hasn't even gone out of his city to gain knowledge, so it is obvious that his knowledge is very limited." Nevertherless, after some convincing, he agreed to visit A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu).When he arrived in Bareilly Shareef, he immediately went to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). Presenting the intricate mathematical problem to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) he said, "I am now going to Germany. I will come back for the answer, that is, if you do manage to solve it." As he was speaking, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was busy writing and listening to him at the same time. As Sir Ziaud-deen was about to leave, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) handed him a sheet of paper. When Sir Ziaud-deen read what was written on this paper, he realised that it contained the solution to his mathematical problem that had him so confused. Sir Ziaud-deen then said, "TODAY I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS SOMETHING KNOWN AS I'LM-E-LADUNI (INSPIRED KNOWLEDGE)."
Sir Zia'uddeen, was later recorded to have said about A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu): "He was an un-assuming man of pleasant manners and morals, had deep insight in Mathematics, although he was not formerly educated by a teacher. It was an inner divine-gifted inherent knowledge. My query pertained to a theory of knotting problems of Mathematics, but his manner and explanation was spontaneous as if he had already carried out a research in it. Now, there is nobody so well-versed in India. Such a great scholar, I think, there is none. Allah has bestowed upon him such a knowledge, that is amazing. His insight in the fields of Mathematics, Euclid, Algebra and Timings is astonishing. A mathematical problem that I could not solve despite my best of efforts, this learned genius explained in a few moments."CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD OF POETRYImam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) spent much of his valuable time writing Poetry. His Poetry mostly consisted of Naath Shareef in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and Manqabats. In all the Naath Shareefs that was written by A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), it is evident that his heart and soul was drowned in the love of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).His Naaths were written within the boundaries of the Shariah. Every stanza was filled with pearls of "I'lhaam". "I'lhaam" is that which is inspired by Almighty Allah into the hearts of the Awliyah Allah. Just as the Ambiya receive "Wahi" or Revelation, so do the Awliyah receive "I'lhaam". Each verse and stanza of his Poetry is the Tafseer (Commentary) of the Holy Quran and the Hadith of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). His Poetry was mainly in the Arabic, Urdu, and Persian languages. A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) Poetry was compiled to form the famous, "Hidayake Bakhshish," (Gardens of Forgiveness). This famous Naath Kitaab is used throughout the world. A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) humble compilations are read by all who wish to express their love for Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Mawlana Qari Noorul Hassan, quoting the following stanzas from
A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) Poetry:"Mulke Sukhan Ki Shahi Tum Ko Raza Musallam Jis Simt Aagaye ho sikhe Bithaa diye hai"and says that there are many illiterate and ignorant people, who look at the above stanzas and accuse A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) of praising himself in his Poetry. This, he says, is not true and are mere baseless objections. He further explains.Hadrat Hasan Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), the younger brother of Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), would often send his Poetry to be corrected to Janaab Daagh Delhwi, who was a famous and distinguished Poet of his time. One day, as he was about to leave for Dehli, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) presented one of his Naaths to Hadrat Hasan Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) and said, "Ask Daagh Delhwi to rectify this Qalaam." The Naath which A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) sent begins with the following stanza:"Unki Mahk ne dil ke ghunche khila diye hai Jis Raah chal diye hai kooche basa diye hai."When Hadrat Hasan Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) reached Delhi and presented the Naath to Daagh Delwhi, he looked at it and said, "This does not seem like the poetry of Mawlana Hasan Raza Khan. Whose is it?" Hadrat Hasan Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) replied that it was written by A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). On hearing this, Daagh Delhwi said, "YOU HAVE BROUGHT THE QALAAM OF A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) TO ME FOR CORRECTION! THIS IS THE QALAAM OF SUCH A POET WHO HOLDS NO PLACE FOR ANY CORRECTIONS. BUT, SINCE IT IS INCOMPLETE, I WOULD LIKE TO WRITE THE FINAL VERSE FROM MY SIDE. PLEASE ASK A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) NOT TO CHANGE IT AS I AM AWARE THAT HE DOES NOT LIKE ANYTHING WRITTEN IN HIS PRAISE." After saying this, he wrote the verse:"Mulke Sukhan Ki Shahi Tum Ko Raza Musallam Jis Simt Aagaye ho sikhe Bithaa diye hai"So, to those who accuse A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) of praising himself in his Poetry, will find sufficient evidence to prove that it was Daagh Delhwi who inserted that stanza and not A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)! Commenting on one of A'la Hadrat's poems, Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Muhaddith Kichauchawi (radi Allahu anhu) said: "Once I had the opportunity of reciting the Qasida-e-Me'rajia (A poem of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) regarding the Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) Me'raj sheriff) in my own style, in a select gathering of men of letters at Lucknow. I then asked them about the literary worth of the poem. Everybody was overwhelmed and they all exclaimed that the language is superb, pure and divine."
HIS WRITINGS AND WORKS * Works of Imam Ahmed Raza * Organisations and Institutions Spiritually affiliated to Imam Ahmed RazaWORKS OF IMAM AHMED RAZAEarlier in this book, we learnt that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) gained proficiency in more than fifty branches of knowledge. With this, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wrote many books on various aspects of Islam. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was a genius writer. He wrote numerous books and treatises in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu on diversified topics.To date, it has not been fully ascertained as to exactly how many books he wrote, for in doing so, requires research and many personnel. There has risen, over the past years, many Islamic Scholars in the Indo-Pak Sub-Continent and in other parts of the world, who are making serious attempts in studying or translating the works of this great Mujaddid of Islam.In 1887, at the age of 30 years, he had completed 75 books and treatises. In 1909, at the age of 43 years, this number increased up to 500. HOWEVER, IT HAS BEEN ESTIMATED THAT THE NUMBER OF BOOKS WRITTEN BY SAYYIDUNA A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) EXCEED 1000 ON MORE THAN 50 BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE. Apart from these contributions, he had written annotations and commentaries on more than 150 books pertaining to various branches of learning.Professor Dr Muhammad Hassan, Shaikh-ul-Adab, Islamia University, Bhawalpur, said: "Mawlana was a prolific writer. He wrote a large number of treatises. It is due to the fact that his head and heart had surging waves of knowledge which were hard to restrain."From the many books that were written by him, a table of 549 have been classified. The table is as follows:Topic on which books was written_______ Amount of books1 Tafseer of the Quran _____________________ 112 Aqaa'id (Belief) _________________________ 543 Hadith and Principles of Ahadith _____________ 534 Fiqh, Principles of Fiqh, Dictionary of Fiqh
5 Faraa'idh and Tajweed ____________________ 2146 Tassawwuf, Wazifas, Morals ________________ 197 Reviews of Books ________________________ 408 Language, Arabic Grammar, Dictionaries, History9 Poetry and Special Benefits, Travelling _________ 5510 Inspired Knowledge (Jafar) ________________ 1111 Logarithms _____________________________ 812 Astronomy, Astrology ____________________ 2213 Mathematics, Geometry ___________________ 3114 Philosophy, Sciences, Logistics ______________ 715 Algebra ________________________________ 4TOTAL AMOUNT OF BOOKS RECOVERED 549The names of a few books written by A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) have been listed below:1. Fatawa Radawiyyah (12 volumes approx. 12 000 pages)2. Husaamul Haramain3. Ad Daulatul Makkiya Bil Madatul Ghaibiya4. Al Mu'tamadul Mustanad5. Al Amn o wa Ula6. Alkaukabatush Shahabiya7. Al Istimdaad8. Al Fuyoozul Makkiyah9. Al Meeladun Nabawiyyah10. Kanzul Imaan (translation of Holy Quran)11. Fauze Mubeen Dar Harkate Zameen12. Hidayake Bakhshish13. Subhaanus Subooh14. Sallus Say yaaful Hindiya15. Ahkaame Shariat16. Az Zubdatuz Zakkiya17. Abna ul Mustapha18. Tamheede Imaan19. Angote Choomne ka Mas'alaProfessor Abdul Shakoor Shad, Kabul University, Afghanistan, said: "The research works of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan are worth presenting. There is due need that Historical and Cultural Societies of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran together with other such institutions keep all his writings duly catalogued in their libraries."His Divinely bestowed intelligence was such, that when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) completed a quarter of any given book at the feet of a teacher, he used to study and memorize the remainder of the book by himself. It is recorded that he completed an Arabic commentary on the book, "Hidaayatun Nahw", on Arabic Syntax, when he was only 8 years old!
ORGANISATIONS AND INSTITUTES SPIRITUALLY AFFILIATED TO IMAM AHMED RAZAIn the year 1904, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) founded "Darul Uloom Manzare Islam" in Bareilly Shareef. This great religious institution has thus far served the Muslim world superbly. Each year, a large number of students graduate from this institution as Fadhils, Aalims, Hufaaz and Qur'ra.Many of Ulema of South Africa are also students of Madressa Manzare Islam. To name a few:- Mawlana Abdul Hadi Al Qaderi; Mawlana Abdul Hamid Palmer Al Qaderi; Mawlana Ahmad Muqaddam Al Qaderi; Qaari Ahmad Khalil Razvi; Mawlana Sayed Muhammad Husain Al Qaderi; Mawlana Muhammad Khan Al Qaderi Barkaati; Mawlana Ghulam Mu'hiyyuddeen Jaafar; Mawlana Zainul Abedeen Al Qaderi Razvi; Mawlana Muhammad Mustaqeem Al Qadri; Mawlana Muhammad Afthab Razvi; Mawlana Nazir Farouk Razvi.With the exception of Madressa Manzar-e-Islam, there are also scores of institutes and organisations world-wide that are spiritually affiliated to Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). A few of them are: 1. Jaamia Nooria Radawiyah (Bareilly Shareef) - India 2. Madressa Mazhare Islam (Bareilly Shareef) - India 3. Razvi Darul Ifta (Bareilly Shareef) - India 4. Raza Academy (Bombay) - India 5. Idara Tahqeeqaat-e-Imam Ahmad Raza - Pakistan 6. Raza Musjid - London 7. Raza Academy - London 8. Imam Ahmad Raza Academy - South Africa 9. Sunni Razvi Centre - Mauritius - S. Africa 10. Muhibbane Raza-e-Mustapha - South Africa 11. Jamia Razvia (Lahore) - Pakistan 12. Jamia Razvia Zia Ul Uloom (Rawalpindi) - Pakistan 13. Darul Uloom Imam Ahmad Raza - IndiaCOMMENTS BY SUPPORTERS AND ADVERSARIES * Comments by the Noble Ulema of Makkatul Mukarramah * Comments by the Noble Ulema of Madinatul Munawwarah * Comments by the Noble Ulema of the Indo-Pak Sub-Continent
* Imam Ahmed Raza in the Eyes of Others * Imam Ahmed Raza in the Eyes of the OppositionCOMMENTS BY THE NOBLE ULEMA OF MAKKATUL UKARRAMAHUstaad Ulema-e-Haram, Allamah Sa'eedullah (radi Allahu anhu): "My respected brother, who is striving in the path of Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), is a perfect teacher, in other words, Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). May Almighty Allah grant him great reward, and accept his endeavour, and may Almighty Allah build his respect into the hearts of the people of knowledge." Ameen.Allamah Mufti Muhammad Saleh Kamal (radi Allahu anhu): "The learned person on this earth, the sea of great knowledge, the coolness of the eyes of the Ulema-e-Haq, is Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). Salutations upon the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and all the spiritual guides, especially Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). May he always be protected." Ameen.Aftaabul Uloom, Allamah Sheikh Ali bin Siddique Kamal (radi Allahu anhu): "Our leader and bright star, the sharp blade on the throats of the Wahabis, our respected teacher, our famous leader, is Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). May Almighty Allah grant him tranquillity and keep him victorious over his opposition." Ameen.COMMENTS BY THE NOBLE ULEMA OF MADINATUL MUNAWWARAHMufti Taaj'udDeen Ilyaas Hanafi (radi Allahu anhu): "That famous and professional Aalim, Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) is from amongst the Ulema-e-Hind. May Almighty Allah grant him great reward and success. May Almighty Allah grant him Barkah in his life and destroy all those false sects through his blessing." AmeenSheikh Malikiya, Allamah Sayed Ahmad Juz'iri (radi Allahu anhu) : "May Almighty Allah brighten up the lives of the Muslims through (the Sadaqa of) Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). May Almighty Allah increase his age and allow all his future generations to be amongst the Ahle Jannah." Ameen.
Allamah Khaleel bin Ebrahim Kharbooti (radi Allahu anhu): "May Almighty Allah grant the Muslims benefit forever through the blessings of this Kaamil Faadhil, Allamah Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). O Allah! Give glad tidings to Islam and Muslims." Ameen.Allamah Mawlana Umar bin Hamdaan (radi Allahu anhu): "Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) is that great Aalim, great philosopher and such a great researcher that his research baffles the mind. May Almighty Allah protect him and always keep him pleased." Ameen.COMMENTS BY THE NOBLE ULEMA OF THE INDO-PAK SUB-CONTINENTSayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu): "On the day of Qiyamah, when Almighty Allah asks me concerning what I had brought for Him from earth, then I will present Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu)."Hadrat Sayed Shah Abul Husain Ahmad Noori (radi Allahu anhu): "A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) is the brightness and the torch of the Khandaan-e-Barakaati."Hadrat Allamah Ali Hussain Kichauchawi (radi Allahu anhu): "My path of Shariah and Tariqah is that which is the path of Huzoor Purnoor, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)."Hadrat Maulana Mu'eenuddeen Sahib (radi Allahu anhu): "Phira hoo me us gali se Nuzhat ho jis me gumra sheikh o kaazi Raza e Ahmad Usi me samjunga muj se Ahmad Raza ho Raazi."Allamah Naee'muddeen Muradabadi (radi Allahu anhu): "The expertise that Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) possessed in Fiqh was such that great Ulema of the East and West were humbled before him."IMAM AHMED RAZA IN THE EYES OF OTHERSJustice Mufti Sayyid Shujaat Ali Qadri (radi Allahu anhu), Shariah Court, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad (Pakistan): "A'la Hadrat's appearance is such a commanding stature in terms of knowledge and action that every man of letters considers it an honour and pride to write about him. This worthless man also has the honour of opportunity and has contributed some write-ups and articles of A'la Hadrat. My first compilation in Arabic, entitled 'Mujaddid-al-Mata' has been published and distributed the world over, and this practice is going on regularly and steadily.
"All the men of letters know that A'la Hadrat was born in such a period when the Muslim Ummah was being threatened by different Fitnah (sedition) from all sides. Among all the prevalent sedition, the most dangerous and harmful was one which meant to infect non-Muslim elements in the beliefs of the Ahle Sunnat."A'la Hazrat performed incomparable services to safeguard the beliefs of the Ahle Sunnat. He wrote several books for the rejection of Shirk (Polytheism) and for the dissuasion from the Bid'ats (innovations in Deen causing divergences). He safe-guarded the status of Nabuwat (Prophethood), Sahabiyat (Companionship), Ahle Bait (the Members of the Prophet's sallal laahu alaihi wasallam family) and Wilayat (the Friendship with Allah the Magnificent). He published crushing and silencing articles against the criticism brought forward by the atheists, heretics and apostates against the revered Mystics of Islam and Islamic Mysticism. As far as my study is concerned, A'la Hazrat always had good opinion about all the Muslims, and took all Muslims as Muslims, did not scratch and touch the people's beliefs, and did never scold unreasonably or speak rubbish to others. However, if someone committed any mistake in writing or speech, he invited him repeatedly to the Truth. This is the method which is called the good conduct of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). May Allah the Magnificent favour us through the benevolence of the Ahl-Ullah (Friends of Allah)."Ziya-ul Mashaa'ikh, Allamah Muhammad Ibrahim Farooqi Mujad'didi (radi Allahu anhu): "No doubt that Mufti Ahmed Raza Khan Bareilvi was a great scholar. He had the insight in the norms of Muslim conduct and behaviour and stages of spiritual transcendentalism (Tariqah). His competence as regard to exposition and explanation of the Islamic thought; his approach to the inner knowledge deserves high praise, and his contribution in Islamic Jurisprudence will always be remembered in respect of their relevance to the basic principles of Ahle Sunnah Wal Jama'at. Finally, it is not an exaggeration to state that his research works shall always serve as a beacon light for those who traverse this faith."
Professor Muhammad Rafi'ullah Siddique, Director of College Education, Hyderabad, Region - Hyderabaad (India): "Let the thought of recollecting minds recall the circumstances of Muslims in 1912 when Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan appealed to the Ummah to control conspicuous consumption and save money to use for productive purposes. Now, everywhere the governments are emphasising the need for austerity to solve the multifarious economic problems. Will the men of vision not realise the far sightedness of the late A'la Hadrat Barelvi? J.M. Keynes was awarded the highest title for the same proposition and exposition which Mawlana Barelvi had disclosed at least 24 years before him. Alas! Muslims did not pay heed to his advice."Professor Preshan Khattak, (Former Chairman) Pakistan Academy of Letters, Government of Pakistan: "Imam Ahmed Raza's personality needs no introduction to Muslims of the Indo-Pakistan. Such a rare encyclopedic person is born after a long awaiting period. He served as a search- light for his own people and proved a strong rock for the powers of persecution and cruelty. Nobody can doubt his knowledge and greatness. The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has declared academic differences as sources of blessing and goodness for the evolution of the Deen of Islam and civilisation. This has opened new vistas of thinking and has helped in creating more vastness and comprehension in the Deen of Islam in order to cope with the need of the changing time. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi has completed an important role for the evolution of the Islamic thinking in the Sub- Continent. It is not easy to present and interpret Islamic teachings in the present age without making use of his writings and views."Professor Dr Ayub Razvi, Head of Department Urdu, Urdu College, Pakistan, Karachi: "The learned Mawlana Ahmad Raza Khan (1856-1921) was a famous scholar, Jurist, Mathematician, Writer and Genius. He had special insight in Mathematics. There is no parallel to his expertise in Jurisprudence."
Dr Ilahi Bakhsh Ali Awan, Peshawar (Pakistan): "Various aspects of his personality are very impressive and valuable. His real contributions in different fields are so comprehensive and exhaustive that men of thought and vision find it difficult to pin point the most attractive and impressive aspect of his intellectual personality which is so vast in every direction that sight is lost in wilderness."Dr Muhammad Tahir Malik, Chairman, Department of Islamic Learning, University of Karachi (Pakistan): "After a thorough study of many books and treatises of Imam Ahmed Raza, I have concluded that he gives much importance to the teacher, book, paper and school, etc. in the articles allied to Education. In our present day education system, a teacher is no more estimated than a salaried servant, and the book is regarded as a collection of letters and works. From our teaching institutions, the respect of the book and teacher has faded away. This is why the restrictions of a teacher and pupil have been reduced to nothing at our schools, colleges and universities."Today, to ignore or to forget the books of knowledge, gifted by theses teachers has become a common practice. One sees often the pupils dancing for pleasure on the teachers promenade and playing with their turbans. Why is this? The answer outlined by Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi is that our ideology of education is lacking in high and sacred values. The Imaam Sahib says, 'Keep in vies (striving) the bonds of your teachers. If respect is given to the paper, the book and the school, this undesirable situation can not happen'."Dr Ghulam Yahya Anjum, Department of Comparative Religions, Hamdard University, New Delhi: "Imam Ahmed Raza Khan is an outstanding personality among 20th century renowned scholars of Islam. Very few can claim his eminence because if someone has some similarity with him in certain particular fields, he lacks significant achievement in some other field in which Imam Ahmed Raza is leading."
Dr Hassan Raza Khan Azami, Patna: "A study of the 'Fatawa Razvi' (Judicial Opinions) of A'la Hadrat, has revealed his multi-dimensional personality to me. 1. As a Jurist his discussion reflects his reach of imagination, deep insight, wisdom, sagacity and unparallel scholarly talent. 2. I found him a great historian, that goes on quoting numerous historical references to support his view point in the matter under consideration. 3. He appears to be an expert in Arabic grammar and diction alongside being an inspiring Naatia poet. 4. He is observed as a great scholar of Ahadith, when he mentions logical interpretation of the Ahadith that he quotes. 5. After a deep study of his works, one finds in him not only a renowned Jurist, a great Logistician but also an outstanding Physicist, Astronomer, Mathematician, Philosopher, Philologist and Geographer whose expertise covers the minutest of details of the subject."Professor Wasim Barelvi, Rohailkand University, Bareilly, U.P (Dawn, Karachi, May 13 1992): Indian poet, Wasim Barelvi, speaking at a function in his honour on Monday night, emphasised the need for fresh research on Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi and other Muslim scholars of the Sub-Continent, particularly those from Bareilly.Eulogising Allamah Ahmed Raza Khan, Professor said that his services as a pioneer of a religious school is known to everybody, but his achievements as a writer have not yet been properly highlighted.He said that a research work on Allamah Ahmed Raza Khan compiled in Rohailkand under his supervision has made revelations regarding the writings of Allamah Barelvi. This research work is likely to challenge the history of Urdu prose as it proves that Allamah Barelvi should be counted as one of the pioneers of Urdu prose, and as one of the great writers who spread modern thought in the Sub-Continent."Justice Naeemud'deen, Supreme Court of Pakistan: "Imam Ahmad Raza's grand personality, a representation of our most esteem ancestors, is history making, and a history uni-central in his self.
"You may estimate his high status from the fact that he spent all his lifetime in expressing the praise of the great and auspicious Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), in defending his veneration, in delivering speeches regarding his unique conduct, and in promoting and spreading the Law of Shariah which was revealed upon him for the entire humanity of all times. His renowned name is 'Muhammad' (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the Prophet of Almighty Allah."The valuable books written by a encyclopedic scholar like Imam Ahmed Raza, in my view, are the lamps of light which will keep enlightened and radiant the hearts and minds of the men of knowledge and insight for a long time."A Western Scholar, Dr Barbara D. Metcalf, Department of History, Barkley University, United States of America: "He was outstanding from the very beginning on account of his extra- ordinary intelligence. He enjoyed a divine gift of deep insight in Mathematics. It is said that he solved a mathematical problem for Dr Ziaud'deen for which the learned Mathematician was intending to visit Germany. Ahmed Raza himself was a towering figure, revered for his extra-ordinary memory, mental agility, and intellectual capacity, and honoured as a Mujaddid and a Shaikh. Guarded in his relation to the British Government, he sought above all to guard what he saw as correct practice and make religion vital in the personal life of Muslims of his day."The Poet, Doctor Iqbal: "I have carefully studied the decrees of Imam Ahmed Raza and thereby formed this opinion; and his Fatawa bear testimony to his acumen, intellectual calibre, the quality of his creative thinking, his excellent jurisdiction and his ocean-like Islamic knowledge. Once Imam Ahmed Raza forms an opinion he stays firm on it; he expresses his opinion after a sober reflection. Therefore, the need never arises to withdraw any of his religious decrees and judgements. With all this, by nature he was hot tempered, and if this was not in the way, then Shah Ahmed Raza would have been the Imam Abu hanifa of his age." (Arafat, 1970, Lahore) In another place he says, "Such a genius and intelligent jurist did not emerge."
IMAM AHMED RAZA IN THE EYES OF THE OPPOSITIONAbul Ula Maudoodi: "I have great respect in my heart for the knowledge and status of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He has great foresight over the knowledge of Deen and even his opposition are forced to accept this fact."Ashraf Ali Thanwi: "I have great respect in my heart for Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He calls us Kaafirs, but he says this only on the basis for his love for the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and not out of any other reason."Muee'nuddeen Nadwi: "The late Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) in this present time was "The Person of Knowledge". His every Fatawa, be it in support or refutal of anyone, is worthy of being studied.SPIRITUAL LIFE * Bai'at and Khilafat * Imam Ahmed Raza's Mureeds and Khulafa * Imam Ahmed Raza's First Hajj * Imam Ahmed Raza's Second Hajj * In the Presence of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) * His Love for the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) * Love and Respect for the Descendants of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) * Imam Ahmed Raza's Adherence to the Sunnah * Love for Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam * His Contentment and Abstention from Worldly ActivitiesBAI'AT AND KHILAFATIn the year 1294 A.H., at the age of 22 years, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) became the Mureed (Disciple) of Imam-ul-Asfiya, Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool Mahrerwi (radi Allahu anhu). The incident surrounding the Bai'at (Spiritual Allegiance) and Khilafat (Spiritual Successorship) of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) is as follows:Once Hadrat Mawlana Abdul Qaadir Badayouni (radi Allahu anhu) came to Bareilly Shareef. He invited A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to go to Mahrera Shareef with him. Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) accepted his invitation and they both set off to Mahrera Shareef.
When they arrived at the station in Mahrera Shareef, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "I AM RECEIVING THE SCENT OF MY MURSHID." When they reached the Khanqah-e-Barakaati and entered, Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu) saw A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) and said, "COME IN. I HAVE BEEN AWAITING YOUR PRESENCE FOR A LONG TIME."SAYYIDUNA SHAH AALE RASOOL (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) IMMEDIATELY MADE A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) A MUREED AND BLESSED HIM WITH KHILAFAT AND I'JAZAT IN ALL THE SUFI SILSILAS. Thus, A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) Peer-o-Murshid (Spiritual Guide) was Hadrat Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu).Hadrat Sayyiduna Abul Hussain Noori Barakaati (radi Allahu anhu), who was also the Peer-o-Murshid of Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), was also present in this spiritual gathering. He was also a great Awliya Allah and needed no introduction to Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). For the benefit of the others who were present and to make them aware of the exalted calibre and status of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), he asked Hadrat Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu) a question. He asked, "HUZOOR! THE RITUAL HERE AT MAHRERA SHAREEF IS THAT IF ANY PERSON COMES HERE, AND AFTER BECOMING MUREED DESIRES TO GAIN KHILAFAT AND I'JAZAT, THEN WE ASK HIM TO PERFORM MUJAHIDA (STRUGGLE IN THE PATH OF ALLAH). WE ALSO GIVE HIM DRIED BREAD TO EAT AS PART OF HIS SPIRITUAL TRAINING. AFTER THIS, IF WE FIND HIM WORTHY ENOUGH, THEN WE GRANT HIM KHILAFAT AND I'JAZAT IN ONE OR TWO SILSILAS, BUT YOU HAVE BLESSED THIS YOUNG MAN WITH KHILAFAT AND I'JAZAT OF ALL THE SILSILAS, AND EVEN COMMANDED HIM TO LOOK AT AND VERIFY ALL THE KITAABS WHICH YOU HAVE WRITTEN. WHY IS THIS SO?"Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu) answered with the following words: "O PEOPLE! YOU DO NOT KNOW AHMED RAZA. OTHERS WHO COME HERE NEED TO BE PREPARED BEFORE GAINING I'JAZAT AND KHILAFAT. BUT AHMED RAZA KHAN HAS COME PREPARED FROM ALMIGHTY ALLAH. ALL HE NEEDED WAS A LINK AND THIS IS WHY I MADE HIM MUREED."
"I ALWAYS TEARED THROUGH THE FEAR OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH THAT IF ON THE DAY OF QIYAMAH, HE QUESTIONED ME CONCERNING WHAT I HAD BROUGHT FOR HIM FROM THE WORLD, THEN I WOULD HAVE NO ANSWER. BUT, TODAY, THAT FEAR NO LONGER EXISTS. IF ON THE DAY OF QIYAMAH THE ALMIGHTY ASKS, 'O AALE RASOOL! WHAT HAVE YOU BROUGHT FOR ME?' THEN, I WILL IMMEDIATELY PRESENT IMAM AHMED RAZA KHAN (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) TO MY CREATOR."This highly spiritual incident alone explains the status of A'la Hadrat, Azeemul Barkat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu).A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) possessed immense love for his Peer-o-Murshid and for the family members. He also displayed his love for all those who had contact with them and respected them. Whenever A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) went to Mahrera Shareef to gain blessings from his Peer-o-Murshid, he would remove his shoes at the station and walk bare feet in Mahrera Shareef! Whenever any person or representative from Mahrera Shareef arrived in Bareilly Shareef to deliver a letter or parcel to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), he would treat that person with great respect and dignity. He addressed the person with words of respect, such as, "Most Respected Representative," and would not allow that person to leave without giving him something to eat. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) would personally go into the house to bring out food for that person. He even used to carry the dish or plate of food on his head!If this is the respect that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) showed towards the representatives of his Peer-o-Murshid and his family, one cannot imagine or fathom the respect which he showed towards them personally!IMAM AHMED RAZA'S MUREEDS AND KHULAFAThere were many Mureeds (Disciples) and Khulafa (Spiritually Successors) of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). They have spread out far and wide over the Indo-Pak and also in other parts of the world. Nearly 35 are in the other parts of the world and 30 in Indo-Pak Sub-Continent. These are the leading ones:
1. Hujjatul Islam, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Muhammad Haamid Raza Khan Noori Barakaati (radi Allahu anhu),2. Ghousul-Waqt, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Hadrat Mawlana Mustapha Raza Khan Noori Barakaati (radi Allahu anhu),3. Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Abdus Salaam Jabalpuri (radi Allahu anhu),4. Sadrul-Afaadil, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Na'eemuddeen Muraadabadi (radi Allahu anhu),5. Malikul Ulema, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Sayyid Zafar'uddeen Bihaari (radi Allahu anhu),6. Mubbalig-e-Azam, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddique (radi Allahu anhu),7. Sadrus Shariah, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Mufti Amjad Ali (radi Allahu anhu),8. Qutbul Madinatul Munawwara, Hadrat Allamah Sheikh Zia'uddeen Ahmed Al Madani (radi Allahu anhu),9. Burhaan-e-Millat, Hadrat Allamah Burhaanul Haq (radi Allahu anhu),10. Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Mukhtar Ahmad Siddiqi Meerthi (radi Allahu anhu),11. Sheikh Muhammad Abd al-Hayy (radi Allahu anhu),12. Sheikh Ahmad Khalil (radi Allahu anhu),13. Sheikh Ahmad Khudravi (radi Allahu anhu),14. Sheikh Muhammad bin Abi Bakr (radi Allahu anhu),15. Sheikh Muhammad Sa'id (radi Allahu anhu),16. Hadrat Mawlana Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf (radi Allahu anhu), &17. Hadrat Mawlana Shah Sulayman Ashraf (radi Allahu anhu)The Khulafa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) need no introduction to the Muslim World. Their impact, influence and contribution towards the development of Islamic Culture and Islamic thinking have left its mark in the pages of history. For the sake of attaining blessings and Barakah, we will discuss, very briefly, the lives of three of the famous Khulafa of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu).Sadrush Shariat, Hadrat Allamah Amjad Ali Razvi (radi allahu anhu): He was born in 1296 A.H. and passed away in 1367 A.H. at the age of 71 years. He is author of the internationally renowned book, "Bahare Shariat", which is in 18 volumes. This book contains a volume of information dealing with the Hanafi Law of Fiqh and answers all the questions pertaining to it. It is presently a "Handbook" of all Muslim institutions.
This Khalifa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was one of the Head Advisers of the Department of Islamic Deeniyat at the Aligarh Muslim University. Moulvi Sulaiman Nadwi (a non-Sunni) said the following words concerning Allamah Sadrush Shariat (radi Allahu anhu), "Mawlana Amjad Ali is totally experienced in the field of teaching and he is well-versed in solving the new needs of the classroom."Hadrat Allamah Amjad Ali (radi Allahu anhu) also propagated Islam to the non-Muslims. He spent much of his time teaching. Once in Ajmer Shareef, a very critical problem arose among the Muslims which threatened to destroy the Imaan of the innocent Muslims. The Hindu Rajput of India began introducing many new beliefs and false innovations to such an extent that those who were illiterate began following many traditions introduced by the Hindu Rajput. When Allamah Sadrush Shariat (radi Allahu anhu) heard of this, he immediately went to Ajmer Shareef with few of his students. He began teaching and making the Muslims aware of the polytheism and false innovations that they were following. Through his hard efforts, the Imaan of many Muslims were saved and many non-Muslims also accepted Islam.He was blessed with 8 sons and each one of them became great Aalims. His 2 daughters became Aalimas. One of his sons, Muhaddith-e-Kabeer, Hadrat Allamah Zia-ul-Mustapha Qadri and, another, Allamah Baha-ul-Mustapha Qadri are teachers today at their respective Darul Ulooms in India.Allamah Sheikh Zia'uddeen Al Madani (radi allahu anhu): He was one of the most famous Khulafa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) who lived in Madinatul Munawwara. Before coming to Madinatul Munawwara he lived for some time in Baghdad Shareef. Allamah Zia'uddeen Madani (radi Allahu anhu) arrived in Madinatul Munawwara in the year 1327 A.H. Here, he made Nikah to a pious lady from a Sayed family.He was a great Aalim, Sufi and Wali of his time. He hailed from a very illustrious family. His father was the famous Allamah Abdul Hakim Siyalkoti (radi Allahu anhu), a powerful Islamic Scholar of his time, who gave the title of "Mujaddid-e-Alf Thaani" to Imam Rabbani, Imam Ahmed Sarhindi Faruqi (radi Allahu anhu), the Mujaddid of the 11th Islamic Century.
With the exception of being the Khalifa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), he also gained Khilafat from various other Akaabireen (Great Ulema). Some of them are: Hadrat Allamah Sheikh Ahmad Shams Maghribi, Sheikh Mahmoodul Maghribi, Mawlana Abdul Baaqi Farangi, and Allamah Abu Yusuf Nibhaani (radi Allahu Ta'ala anhum ajma'in).He was a great Sheikh-e-Tariqat of his time. He spent day and night giving advice and guidance to the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He is well-known for his piety and steadfastness in Islam in Damascus, Iraq, Egypt, India, Pakistan, South Africa and many other countries. Allamah Zia'uddeen Madani (radi Allahu anhu) also had many Khulafa and Mureeds throughout the world.He left this mundane world on the 12th of August 1981 in the city of Madinatul Munawwara. His son, Hadrat Allamah Fadhl-ur Rahmaan Al Madani, is presently living in Madinatul Munawwarah and is following closely in the footsteps of his illustrious father.Allamah Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi Meerthi (radi allahu anhu): He was born in the year 1892 and passed away in the year 1954 at the age of 62. He was amongst the most famous Khulafa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu).His Eminence, Hadrat Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi (radi Allahu anhu) was an Islamic Scholar and a holder of a M.A. degree in English from the University of Meerat (India). He spoke Arabic, Urdu, Persian, English, French, Indonesian, Malaysian and Japanese languages fluently.In 1951, he toured the world preaching and propagating Islam. He visited America, London, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Europe, Southern Africa, Trinidad, Philippines, Iraq, Holland, Thailand, Ceylon, France, and many other countries. As a result of his efforts, thousands of non-Muslims accepted Islam. Princess Gladys Palmer of Burinia, Merwate Tifinch, the French Governor of Mauritius, Mahifl Donawa, a Minister of Trinidad and Mr F. Gengson, the Christian Minister of Ceylon, were some of the famous personalities who accepted Islam after meeting him.
His Eminence was also responsible for establishing various Masaajids and Islamic Educational Centres throughout the world. Three of the famous Masaajids are the Hanafi Masjid in Colombo, the Sultaan Masjid in Singapore and the Naagarya Masjid in Japan.He was also the founder of various newspapers and Islamic magazines from amongst which are, "The Muslim Digest" (South Africa), "Trinidad Muslim Annual" and the "Pakistani News".During his tour of the world, he met with various western dignitaries and had lengthy discussions with them on Islam. He met the world renowned Irish dramatist and Philosopher, George Bernard Shaw, on 17th of April 1935 during his visit to Mombassa and discussed many religious problems with him. He was very much impressed by Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi (radi Allahu anhu) and said, "I have been very pleased to make the acquaintance, and it will be the most precious of all memories of this trip of mine."His Eminence passed away in Madinatul Munawwara in 1954 and is buried in Jannatul Baqi.Professor Dr Sayyid Jamaalud'deen, Director Zaakir Hussain Institute of Islamic Studies and Jaamia Millia, New Delhi, India, said: "Ahmad Raza Khan wrote over a thousand books and booklets which influenced many. He founded a Darul Uloom called Manzarul Islam in 1904 which was able to draw students from different regions in India. His views were sought on a wide variety of social, religious and political affairs, and he proved guidance to many, including those from established Khanqahs. Many of his Disciples and Khalifas later founded madressas which soon developed into important spiritual centres. Some took up teaching, such as Mawlana Sulaiman Ashraf, who headed the Theology Department of the M.A.O. College, Aligarh, while others swelled their ranks of the Pesh Imams in the Mosques."IMAM AHMED RAZA'S FIRST HAJJImagine the condition of that Lover of the Prophet or Aashik-e-Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) who is blessed with the opportunity of visiting the Rauza-e-Aqdas of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and placing his eyes on the doorstep of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). This opportunity of performing his first Hajj and Ziyaarah was granted to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) on the 26th of Shawwal 1295 A.H. (1876). He was 20 years of age.
One day, after completing his Hajj, he went to perform his Maghrib Salaah before the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim (alaihis salaam). Having completed his Salaah, the Imam of the Shafi'i order of Makkatul Mukarramah, Allamah Hussain bin Saleh Kamaal (radi Allahu anhu), approached him. He clutched A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) by his hand and led him to his house. The great Imam then placed his hand on the blessed forehead of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) and said: "Verily, I am observing the Noor of Almighty Allah on this forehead."Without hesitation, he blessed A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) with the Sanad (Certificate) of Sahih Sitta (Six Compilers of Hadith: Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Majah, Abu Dawood, Tirmizi and Nisa'i). He also began addressing A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) by the title of "Zia'uddeen" or "The Light or Splendour of Deen."A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was also blessed with the Sanads of Ahadith from the Muftis of the Hanafi order in Makkatul Mukarramah, Sayyiduna Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Siraaj and Mufti Sheikh Sayed Ahmad Dahlaan Shafi'i (radi Allahu anhuma).IT WAS ALSO DURING THIS HISTORICAL VISIT THAT SAYYIDUNA A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) INFORMED THE ULEMA-E-HARAMAIN SHARIFAIN CONCERNING THE BLASPHEMOUS AND CORRUPT BELIEFS OF THE ULEMA-E-DEOBAND. Having studied A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) books, "Aljaamu Sunnah Li Ahli Fitna" and "Al Mu'tamadul Mustanad", which he presented to them, they also gave their verdicts on those who committed blasphemy and those who had written words of disrespect against Almighty Allah and His Beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The verdicts of the Ulema of Makkatul Mukarramah and Madinatul Munawwarah were compiled to form the famous, "Husaamul Haramain." We have quoted a few of the Fatawas from "Husaamul Haramain" later in this book.IMAM AHMED RAZA'S SECOND HAJJImam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) performed his second Hajj in 1323 A.H. (1905). He was 49 years old.
On the 25th of Zil-Hajj, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) once again had the opportunity of meeting the great Imam, Sheikh Saleh Kamaal (radi Allahu anhu). He also met Allamah Sayed Ismae'el (radi Allahu anhu) and many other Noble Ulema, who showed great respect towards him.It was on this occasion that Allamah Sheikh Saleh Kamaal (radi Allahu anhu) presented A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) with five questions pertaining to I'lm-e-Ghaib (Knowledge of the Unseen). These questions were posed on behalf of the Wahabi Ulema of Makkatul Mukarramah. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) had to answer these five questions in two days.In so happened that on the following day, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) contracted a heavy fever. In spite of his illness, he managed to answer all the questions relating to I'lm-e-Ghaib. In fact, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) presented such a detailed answer to the question of I'lm-e-Ghaib that it turned out to be a complete book on its own. He named this book, "Al Daulatul Makkiyah Bil Maadatil Ghaibiya."The Learned Ulema of Haramain Sharifain were totally astounded when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) presented this book to them on time. He completed this book of approximately 400 pages in only 8 hours. It was also in the pure Arabic language. If one totals the numerical values of the Arabic letters in the context of this Kitaab, "Al Daulatul Makkiyah Bil Maadatil Ghaibiya," one would discover that they amount to 1323. It was the same year, that is, 1323 A.H., in which A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) performed his second Hajj!IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)It was during A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) second visit to the Haramain Sharifain that his aspiration to see the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) became very great. Continuously reciting the Durood Shareef with great veneration and humbleness in front of the Rauza-e-Shareef of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), he felt confident of seeing the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
It was during the second night of his visit to the doorstep of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that he was given the opportunity of actually seeing the blessed personality of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). On that night, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), in a state of total submission, lifted his pen and began writing a Naath in praise of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The first line of that Naath is:"Wo Soo'e La'la Zaar Phirte hai ..."The beautiful Naath continues praising the Beloved of Allah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and ends with the following verse:"Koyi Kyu Poochhe teri baat Raza, Tujh se kutte hazaar phirte hai"Here, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) lowers himself to the extremes and addresses himself as the "dog" of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). AT THIS POINT, HE WAS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY OF SEEING WITH HIS NAKED EYES THE BELOVED PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) STANDING BESIDE THE RAUZA-E-MUBAARAK."Ar're Ai Raza tere dil ka pata chala ba mushkil Darre Roza Ke Muqaabil wo hume Nazar to Aaya Ye na pooch kaisa paaya, Ye Na pooch kaisa paaya Tujhe humd hai khuda ya, Tujhe humd hai khuda ya"HIS LOVE FOR THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) spent every moment of his life praising the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Everything he did was for the Pleasure of Almighty Allah and His Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).Professor Dr Abdul Wahid Halepota, Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology, Government of Pakistan, said: "A'la Hadrat Mawlana Shah Ahmed Raza Khan is that ingenious personality of the Indo-Pak Sub-Continent whose academic position and legal insight has general recognisance. His multifarious achievements deserve that they should be spread on an international level. His greatest deed is that he beautified the hearts of the Muslims with the love of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) through his academic wonders, sweet speeches and most valuable Naatya Qalaam (Poetry in praise of the Holy Prophet sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)."
Once, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) went into the Raza Masjid in Bareilly Shareef. He was confronted by a Majzoob, Hadrat Dhoka Shah (radi Allahu anhu). The Majzoob said, "O Ahmed Raza! I see the Power of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) only on the earth and not in the skies."A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), in turn, replied: "The Power of Huzoor (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is on the earth and in the skies." The Majzoob said that he could not see this.A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "Whether you see it or not, it is still present."The Majzoob, in a highly spiritual state, said, "Go! I have dropped him."At that moment, Mawlana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), who was still a child, was playing on the roof of the house. When Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) reached the house, his mother came up to him and said, "You should know better than to argue with Majzoobs. Look! Mustapha Raza has fallen off the roof." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) enquired as to whether his son had been hurt or not. When he was told that he was not injured, he said, "I AM PREPARED TO SACRIFICE A THOUSAND MUSTAPHA RAZAS' ON THE RAZA (PLEASURE) OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM), BUT I WILL NOT ALLOW ONE WORD TO BE UTTERED AGAINST THE DIGNITY OF RASOOL-E-AKRAM (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)."After some time, the Majzoob returned and met Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) and said, "O AHMED RAZA! YOU ARE VICTORIOUS. OUR CASE WAS BROUGHT UP BEFORE SULTAANUL-HIND, HADRAT KWAJA GHARIB-UN NAWAAZ (RADI ALLAHU ANHU). HE HAD PASSED THE VERDICT ON YOUR BEHALF, AND ALHUMDULILLAH, THROUGH YOUR BLESSINGS, I AM NOW ABLE TO SEE THE KARAM (MERCY) OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) EVEN IN THE SKIES."It has been recorded that Hadrat Mawlana Naee'muddeen Muradabadi once asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) the reason from him being so severe upon those who disrespected Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied, "O MAWLANA! I AM SEVERE UPON THOSE PEOPLE, BECAUSE INSTEAD OF INSULTING SAYYIDUNA RASULULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM), THEY SHOULD RATHER MAKE ME THE TARGET FOR THEIR INSULTS. I DO NOT HAVE ANY INTEREST IN WHAT THEY ARE CALLING ME. AT LEAST, WHILE THEY ARE BUSY INSULTING ME, MY BELOVED MASTER, SAYYIDUNA RASULULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM) IS SPARED FROM THESE INSULTS."
The above mentioned incidents clearly highlights the following thoughts of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu): "If you desire my life, I will sacrifice it. If you desire my wealth I will give it. But, there is one thing that I will never sacrifice, and that is, the love and reverence for the beloved, Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam)."Dr Karrar Hussain, Vice Chancellor, Baluchistan University Quetta (Baluchistan) said: "I am impressed by his personality because it was he who gave pivotal role to the love and affection of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) without which, Islam is a body without a soul."Also commenting on the great love that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) had for Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), Justice Shamim Hussain Qadri, Punjab High Court, Lahore (Pakistan), said: "He was a devotee of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) from the deepest chambers of his heart, and to popularise this attitude is the need of the hour. Love, affection and devotion to the Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) personality is the only solution to the multifarious problems of our temporal life and a solution for the life hereafter."LOVE AND RESPECT FOR THE DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)It is A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) who showed the Muslim world how to respect the descendants or family of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). His entire life is filled with such incidents.Many are aware of this famous incident. Once, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was invited to the home of a certain person. In those days, the Ulema were carried in chariots as a means of transport. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was sitting in one of these chariots that was carried by the chariot-bearers. As they proceeded along the way, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) suddenly commanded the chariot-bearers to stop. He immediately alighted from the chariot and asked, "Who is a Sayed from amongst you? I am receiving the scent of a Sayed." One of the chariot-bearer's, who was a Sayed, was too scared to speak. Nevertheless, when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) further prompted that person to reveal himself, he came forward and admitted that he was Sayed.
With tears in his eyes, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) fell at his feet and began asking for pardon. The Sayed continuously asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to refrain from doing so but, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) continued asking for pardon, by saying, "Please forgive me. What would I do on the Day of Qiyamah if the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) asks me concerning this incident, and says to me that I showed disrespect to his family?"The Sayed readily forgave A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). But this Aashik-e-Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was yet not satisfied. He commanded the Sayed to sit on the Chariot, and placing the chariot on his blessed shoulders, carried the Sayed for the same distance which he had been carried!Allahu Akbar! Those who had been witnesses to this incident could not believe that the Imam of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah, the Mujaddid of Islam was carrying a chariot-bearer on his blessed shoulders. But to A'la Hadrat (radi allahu anhu), that person that he was carrying was no ordinary chariot-bearer. He was a family member of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)!It has also been stated that a child, who was a Sayed, used to live in the vicinity of Bareilly Shareef. The child used to play in the presence of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) while A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) would be busy writing. EACH TIME THAT THE CHILD RAN PASS THE DOOR OR CAME IN THE PRESENCE OF A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU), HE WOULD STAND UP IN RESPECT FOR THAT CHILD. EVEN WHEN THE CHILD PASSED THE DOOR TEN TIMES IN A DAY, THEN A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) USED TO STAND UP TENS TIMES IN A DAY IN RESPECT FOR THAT SAYED CHILD.When Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was asked about the Islamic punishment that was to be meted out to a Sayed, he remarked, "Even though a Judge is called upon to declare judgement and punishment upon a Sayed, and the penalty that he has decreed is within the tenets of Islam, he (the Judge), should not have the Niyah (intention) that he is punishing the Sayed. Rather, he should think that a small amount of mud has smeared itself on the Sayed's feet, which he is merely washing away". (Al Malfooz Shareef)
IMAM AHMED RAZA'S ADHERENCE TO THE SUNNAHImam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) laid great emphasis on the followance of the Sunnah of Sayyiduna Rasoolulah (salal laahu alaihi wa sallam).The following account clearly describes A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) great trust and faith upon the Sunnah. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) narrates, "There was once a rumour in Bareilly, that the Plague had appeared. Co-incidently, at that moment, my gums became extremely inflamed. It continued to such proportions that it became difficult for me to open my mouth. I also had a high fever, coupled with inflamed glands. The doctor who was called, looked at me closely for a few minutes. He exclaimed that I had the Plague. I could not speak at that moment, or else I could have told him that his diagnosis was incorrect and false."I was certain that I did not have the Plague or any other major disease, simply because I had already recited a Dua as explained by Sayyiduna Rasoolulah (salal laahu alaihi wa sallam) who said that if one sees a serious and deadly illness, he should recite the following Dua, which would protect the person from such an illness. I had, therefore, recited this dua: 'Al hamdu lil laahil lazi aafini mim mab tilaaka bihi wa fad dalni 'ala katheeram mimam khalaqa tafdeelan.' Whenever I saw a serious illness, I recited this Dua, therefore, I was protected against it, including the Plague."Thereafter, with extreme respect, I proclaimed aloud, 'O Allah! Prove that the words of your beloved Habeeb (salal laahu alaihi wa sallam) is true, and that the words of the doctor is false'. At that moment a voice on my right advised me to use the Miswaak and black pepper. With a little difficulty, I performed brushing with the Miswaak and kept the black pepper on my tongue as a tablet. Infinite, indeed, is the Mercy of Almighty Allah! Within a few minutes, I had gained my strength and sent the doctor away by proving that his diagnosis was false and baseless."
A similar incident showing the great trust that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) had in Almighty Allah and His beloved Habeeb (salal laahu alaihi wa sallam) is recorded by Mawlana Mohammed Shareef. He says, "Once, when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was returning from Hajj by ship with his father, there was a great storm. The storm reached such an intensity that the Captain advised the passengers to wear their kafans (shrouds), for he could see no escape from such a storm. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), noticing the concern on the face of his father, inquired as to what had transpired. His father replied, 'My beloved son, I have no concern for myself, rather it is for you that I am sad'. The young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied, 'O father! If the captain has lost hope then let him do so. We should have complete faith in Allah and His beloved Habeeb, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam). In accordance with the commands of the beloved Habeeb (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam), when entering this ship, I recited the Dua: 'Subhaanal lazi sakh khara lana haaza wa maa kunna lahu muq rineen wa inna ila Rabbina la mun qalibun'. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam) has stated that, 'Whosoever, recites this Dua when entering a ship (any mode of transport), that ship would not be destroyed. Therefore, I have absolute certainty that generations may change, yet, this ship would never sink'."A'LA HADRAT, HAVING MERELY SPOKEN THESE WORDS, WHEN THE CAPTAIN ARRIVED AND BEGAN INFORMING THE PASSENGERS THAT THE STORM IS SUBSIDING AND THAT THERE WAS NO NEED FOR CONCERN!LOVE FOR SAYYIDUNA GHOUSUL AZAM (RADI ALLAHU ANHU)Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) possessed immense love for Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam, Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani Baghdadi (radi Allahu anhu).Hadrat Muhaddith-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) reported that in the period when he was given permission to serve in the Darul Ifta at Bareilly Shareef, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) bought sweets (Niyaaz) to the value of 11 Rupees and made the Fatiha of Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam (radi allahu anhu). He then distributed the sweets to those who were present. While the sweets were being distributed, those who were present became astonished to see A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) standing up from his chair and kneeling down on to the floor in the Tashahud position. They immediately came closer to him too see what had happened. Then only did they realise that the person distributing the Niyaaz had dropped a little on the ground, and A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was lifting this piece of Niyaaz with the tip of his blessed tongue!
This alone will show the great amount of love and respect that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) possessed for Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allahu anhu). It has been stated that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was not only the Na'ib (Helper) of Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam (radi Allahu anhu), but he was also the Ghousul Azam of his time. He wrote many Manqabats in praise of Hadrat Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allahu anhu).HIS CONTENTMENT AND HIS ABSTENTION FROM WORLDLY ACTIVITIESIt is recorded that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) had a few acres of land in his possession. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) left the entire maintenance of the land in the responsibility and trust of others. Although A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) received a monthly allowance from his own property, he spent his allowance in the service of guests, of Sayeds and in the purchasing of books. There were times when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was left with only a few pennies in his pockets! But he never inquired about the income that he received from his few possessions. (Al Mizaan, pg. 335)During the Khilafat Movement, Ghandi was advised that he should meet with the distinguished Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). This suggestion was made to Ghandi by people such as the Ali Brothers, Mawlana Qiyaamudeen and Abdul Baari Faranghi. They said that since A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) commanded the respect of the large Muslim populace, it would assist them in their Khilafat Movement.When A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was told that the Ghandhi wished to meet and speak to him, he said, "What would he speak about? Religion or worldly affairs? If it is worldly affairs, what can I partake in, for I have abstained from the world and have no interest in it." (Al Mizaan, pg. 335)
A Great Mufti and Faqih: He started issuing Fatawa while he was only a boy of 13 years old. His first Fatawa was on "Raza'ah". At the age of 13 he became a recognised "Mufti" and it is estimated that he issued more than 50 000 Fatawas during his lifetime. All the contemporary Ulema and Fuqaha respected his opinion on current issues and accepted his Fatawa as the most reliable religious verdict in the sub-continent. Collections of his Fatawa have been published in Urdu in two volumes under the title "Fatawa Mustafawiya".As a Teacher: He started teaching in Jamia Manzare Islam, Bareilly in 1910. He served in this prominent institution for a period of about 27 years. He was a proficient scholar of Hadith and Fiqh. Several famous Islamic teachers of the sub-continent who were his pupils went on later to teach in the prominent Darul Ulooms of India and Pakistan. Some of them are: Moulana Sardar Ahmed Razvi, Moulana Ejaz Wali Khan, Moulana Hashmat Ali Khan and Moulana Mufti Shareef-ul-Haq.Hundreds of his students are serving all over the sub-continent and other parts of the world as Heads of Religious Institutions and Muslim organisations.As an Author: In spite of his round the year journeys all over India, and his deep commitment to his Central Darul Ifta, he wrote many books and commentaries on some of the books of Fatawa and Fiqh. It is estimated that he has left about 40 books on a variety of subjects and important issues. He followed the methodology of his great father in his writings. His style was straight and clear. He was very bold and strong while expressing his views and presenting his ideas. His books mainly consists of refutations against the invalid views and heretical ideas of deviant sects and groups of the Ummah. He mainly targeted "Wahabi" institutions in the sub-continent.As a Religious Leader: He offered a dignified and powerful leadership to Muslims throughout his life. He was a man of principle and high morals. He never agreed to such proposals or plans that might harm the interests of the Muslim Ummah, and he never remained silent on such occasions when the reputation of Islam and Muslims came under threat. He was at the forefront during the movement to restore the Shahid Ganj Mosque at Lahore in 1935 and declared that participation in this movement was Fard for Muslims. Similarly in 1976 when the programme of compulsory sterilization (Vasectomy) was forced upon Muslims along with other Indian communities, by the Central Government of India, Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) was the only Muslim leader to oppose the campaign vigorously and publicly. He issued his Fatawa against the government and arranged its distribution all over India. At that time he took all the possible risks and proved to be a practical leader of Muslims and a true servant of Islam and lover of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Demise: He passed away on the eve of the 14th of Muharram 1402 A.H. in Bareilly Shareef. It was estimated that over two and a half million Muslims from all over the world attended his funeral prayer. He is buried in Bareilly Shareef beside his father, A'la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). His Urs Shareef is held every year in Bareilly Shareef and in various other countries around the globe. He left behind six daughters and one son. His son, Hazrat Anwar Raza (radi Allahu anhu), passed away during childhood. CHILDHOOD * Imam Ahmed Raza's Blessed Birth * His Blessed Name * lIlustrious Family History * Imam Ahmed Raza's Piety as a Child * Imam Ahmed Raza's First Lecture * His Intelligence as a Child * Astonishing Events of Childhood IMAM AHMED RAZA'S BLESSED BIRTH Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was born on a Monday, the 10th of Shawaal 1272 A.H. (14th June 1856), at the time of Zohar Salaah in a place called Jasoli, which is in the city of Bareilly Shareef, India. A few days before the birth of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), his father, Allamah Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), had a wonderful dream. He immediately disclosed this dream to his father, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), who interpreted this dream by saying: "This is a sign that you are going to be the father of a child, a boy, who will grow up to be pious and knowledgable. His name will gain prominence from East to West." This was the good news that was given to Allamah Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) concerning the birth of none other than the "emerald from amongst the Treasures of Almighty Allah", the "sweet-scented rose from the fragrant garden of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)", Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). The date of birth of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was extracted by himself from the Holy Quran. "These are they in whose hearts Allah has inscribed faith and helped them with a spirit from Himself." (58:2)
HIS BLESSED NAME The name that was given to him at birth was the beautiful name of "Mohammed." The name corresponding to that year of his birth was "Al Mukhtaar." His grandfather, a great Scholar of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), also gave the young child the beautiful name of "Ahmed Raza." It was by this name that he was famously known. Much later in his life, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) added the title "Abdul Mustafa" to his name signifying his great love and respect for Sayyiduna Rasulullah (salal laahu alaihi wasallam). The Grand Mufti of Makkatul Mukarramah, Sheikh Hussain bin Saleh Makki (radi Allahu anhu), also gave him the title of "Zia'udeen Ahmed." ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY HISTORY Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaderi, was the son of Allamah Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan, who was son of Allamah Mawlana Mohammed Kaazim Ali Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Shah Mohammed Azam Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Sa'adat Yaar Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Sa'eedullah Khan (radi Allahu anhum ajma'in). The great forefathers of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) migrated from Qandhar (Kabul) during the Mogul rule and settled in Lahore. Allamah Mawlana Sa'eedullah Khan, the first forefather of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhum), held a high government post when he arrived in the Indo-Pak sub-continent. His son, Allamah Mawlana Sa'adat Yaar Khan (radi Allahu anhu), after gaining victory in the city of Ruhailah, was elected as the Governor of that city. Allamah Mawlana Hafiz Kaazim Ali Khan, the son of Mawlana Mohammed Azam Khan (radi Allahu anhum), was a Tax-collector in the city of Badayun. His son, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), the illustrious grandfather of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), did not serve in the Government. It was from this generation that the heads of the family began to adopt Tassawuf as their way of life.
We have included a very brief history of A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) father and grandfather. HIS FATHER: A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) father, Hadrat Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), received his education at the hands of his father, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He wrote more than 50 books, among them, "Suroorul Quloob fi Zikri Mouloodul Mahboob", which received a very high distinctive position amongst Islamic literature. The treatise is characteristic in its condemnation of the enemies of Islam, both internally and externally. A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) father passed away in 1297 A.H. (1880) when he was 24 years old. HIS GRANDFATHER: One of the greatest Sufis of his time, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was born in the year 1224 A.H. He was also a great warrior and fought with General Bakht Khan against English invaders in the year 1834. He received his early education at the hands of Molwi Khaleerur Rahman. At the age of 23, he had already completed his Islamic education, earning certificates of distinction in various fields of knowledge. He passed away in the month of Jamaadi-ul-Awwal in the year 1282 A.H. (1866). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was at this time only 10 years old. IMAM AHMED RAZA'S PIETY AS A CHILD A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was a child of 4 years when this incident took place. On that particular day, he was dressed in a long Kurta. As he stepped out of his house, a few female prostitutes walked past him. In order to cover his eyes, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) quickly held the bottom of his Kurta with both his hands and lifted the Kurta over his face. When one of the prostitutes saw what he did, she said, "Well! Young man. You covered your eyes, but allowed your Satr to be shown." With his face and eyes still covered, the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied, "When the eyes are tempted, then the heart becomes tempted. When the heart is tempted, then the concealed parts become tempted." So shocked and affected was this woman on hearing such a reply from a child that she lost consciousness.
Another incident which happened in the Month of Ramadaan also shows A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) piety and fear of Allah. Fasting was not Fardh (obligatory) upon him because he was still a child, but on that day he intended to keep fast. It should be known that for a little child to keep fast in India during the summer season was very difficult. The average temperature on a summer's day rises to approximately 50 degrees Celsius. On that day, the heat of the sun was intense. Hadrat Allamah Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) took his young son, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), into a room where sweets were kept. He closed the door and said, "There, eat the sweets." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied that he was fasting. His father then said, "The fasting of children is always like this. The door is closed and no one is looking. Now you may eat." On hearing this, the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) respectfully said, "Through Whose command I am fasting, He is Seeing me." On hearing this answer from a little child, tears began to flow from the eyes of Hadrat Allamah Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He then left the room with A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). IMAM AHMED RAZA'S FIRST LECTURE Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) delivered his first lecture at the age of 6 years. It was during the glorious month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) stood on the Mimbar (Pulpit) and delivered a lecture before a very large gathering which also consisted of Ulema. His lecture lasted for approximately 2 hours. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) spoke on the Wilaadat (Birth) of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He brightened the hearts of the listeners with the love of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The people listening were thoroughly impressed by the maturity and eloquence of this lecture which was being delivered by a 6 year old child! HIS INTELLIGENCE AS A CHILD
A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was so gifted and intelligent that there was no need for him to study beyond the fourth Kitaab of his course under the tutorship of any of his teachers. He studied the remaining Kitaabs by himself and used to later ask his teachers to test him. Once, his teacher asked him, "Mia! Are you a Jinn or a human being? It takes me much time to teach a lesson, but it does not take you much time to learn the same lesson." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) answered, "Praise be to Allah that I am a human." When he was 8 years old, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wrote a Mas'ala concerning Fara'idh (Fards). When his father looked at the answer, he happily remarked, "If only some adult could answer in this manner." At the age of 10, when he was studying the Kitaab, "I'lm-us- Thuboot," under the guidance of his father, he noticed a few objections and answers of his father on the side of the page. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) studied this book carefully and wrote such a well- explained footnote that even the need for an objection was ruled out. His father came across his research on that objection. He was so delighted that he stood up and held the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to his heart and said, "Ahmad Raza! You do not learn from me, but you teach me." Professor Dr Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Head of Department: Urdu, Sindh University, Sindh (Pakistan) said: "Allamah Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan is among the outstanding scholars. His deep learning, intelligence, vision and acumen, surpassed that of great contemporary thinkers, professors, renowned scholars and orientalist. Indeed, there is hardly any branch of learning that is foreign to him." ASTONISHING EVENTS OF CHILDHOOD At the age of 3, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was once standing outside the Raza Musjid in Bareilly Shareef. An "unknown" person, attired in an Arabian garb, approached him and spoke to him in the Arabic language. Those who were present and witnessed this incident heard the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) converse with the person in pure Arabic. They were surprised. The person who spoke to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was never seen again in Bareilly Shareef!
A Majzoob (one drowned in his love for Almighty Allah) by the name of Hadrat Basheeruddeen Sahib (radi Allahu anhu) used to live at the Akhoon Zada Musjid in Bareilly Shareef. He spoke harshly to anyone who visited him. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wished to meet this Majzoob. One night, at about 11 o'clock, he set off alone to meet him. He sat respectfully for about 15 minutes outside the Majzoob's house. After some time, the Majzoob became aware of him and asked, "Who are you to Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu)." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied that he was the grandson of Hadrat Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu). The Majzoob immediately embraced him and took him into his little room. He asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) if he had come for any specific matter, but A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said that he had come to ask him to make Dua for him. On hearing this, the Majzoob, for approximately half an hour, made the following Dua: "May Allah have mercy on you, May Allah bless you."ACADEMIC SERVICES * Proficiency in over fifty Branches of Knowledge * Translation and Commentary of the Holy Quran * Authority in the Field of Ahadith * A Great Jurist of his time * Imam Ahmed Raza's I'lm-e-Jafar * His Knowledge of Philosophy and Science * Knowledge of Astronomy and Astrology * A Mathematical Genius * Contribution to the Field of PoetryPROFICIENCY IN OVER FIFTY BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGEIf we study the life of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), we will discover that HIS PROFICIENCY IN VARIOUS SUBJECTS TOTAL OVER FIFTY FOUR BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE. Is it possible today, to find an Islamic scholar or even a non-Muslim professor, scientist, educationist or a Nobel Prize owner who possesses such qualifications? Arab Scholars like Sheikh Ismail bin Khalil and Sheikh Musa Ali Shami (radi Allahu anhuma) commended A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) as the Revivalist of the 14th Century A.H.: "IF HE IS CALLED THE REVIVALIST OF THIS CENTURY, IT WILL BE RIGHT AND TRUE."
Commenting on A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) reputation and his knowledge, Dr Jamil Jalibi, Vice Chancellor, Karachi University (Pakistan) said: "Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi was an eminent Jurist, leading scholar, scientist, Naa'tia poet, a keen observer of Shariah and a Saint. His crowning scholarship can be imagined by the fact that he had commanding knowledge of about 54 branches of various sciences and humanities. He has contributed valuable works in almost all of them. He left behind more than a thousand treatises."Professor Dr Wahid Ashraf, Baroda University, in Baroda said: "There is no shortage of renowned personalities in the history of Islam who made rich contributions to various fields of knowledge through their divine-gifted qualities of learning, wisdom and insight. Ibn Sina, Umar Khayyam, Imam Razi, Imam Ghazzali, Al Beruni, Farabi and Ibn Rushd are a few rich names that shall always be remembered with pride. Among them, someone is renowned for Philosophy and Medicine, some other famous for Mathematics, another in Astrology, yet another is known for Moral Philosophy. Someone is an expert in Greek Thoughts, etc., BUT THE MOST OUTSTANDING PERSONALITY WAS BORN IN INDIA AND PASSED AWAY IN THE PRESENT CENTURY. HE WAS AHMED RAZA BAREILVI WHO ENJOYED SUCH A COMMAND IN VARIOUS BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE THAT ONLY EXPERTS OF THE SPECIAL FACULTY CAN DISCUSS FULLY AND SUCCESSFULLY."TRANSLATION AND COMMENTARY OF THE HOLY QURANMany people have translated the Holy Quran into the Urdu language, but the translation of the Holy Quran presented by A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) - called "Kanzul Imaan" - is proven to be the most unique translation in the Urdu language. In his translation one sees that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) used only those words that are worthy for the Attributes and Qualities of Almighty Allah and of His beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).It is said that the translation of the Holy Quran by A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) is not merely a literal translation, but is also the commentary of the Holy Quran. In the words of Hadrat Sayyiduna Muhaddith-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu), "IT IS NOT ONLY THE TRANSLATION OF THE QURAN, IT IS THE QURAN."
We have taken just one example of a Verse from the Holy Quran that has been translated by various persons and compared it with the beautiful translation of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). We have taken Sura 93, Verse 7 as an example:(1) "And he found you lost on the way and he guided thee." Translation by Mohammad Asad(2) "And found thee groping so he showed the way." Translation by Muhammad Ali Lahori Qadiani(3) "And He found you uninformed of Islamic laws so he told you the way of Islamic laws." Translation by Ashraf Ali Thanwi(4) "Did he not find thee erring and guide thee." Translation by Arberry(5) "And saw you unaware of the way so showed you the straight way." Translation by Fatheh Muhammad Jalandhari(6) "And he found thee wandering and He gave thee guidance." Translation by Yusuf AliNow that we have examined six different translations of Sura 93, Verse 7, let us examine the difference and the uniqueness of the translation of Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu): "AND HE FOUND YOU DROWNED IN HIS LOVE THEREFORE GAVE WAY UNTO HIM"Look at the uniqueness and the cautiousness that is present in this translation of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu)! He abstained from using those words that may cause any disrespect to the dignity and personality of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)!Due to the vast amount of time A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) spent in compiling books on Fiqh and various other topics, it was not possible for him to compile a complete commentary of the Holy Quran. However, a few learned scholars have stated that if all the books of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) have to be brought together then there is a great possibility that a complete commentary of the Holy Quran may be compiled. Like his translation of the Holy Quran, they have said that his Tafseer will also be exceptional.
Commenting only on the "Bismillahir Rahman nir Rahim", A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) presented such a lengthy lecture on this simple phrase that it was compiled into a complete book and published under the title, "Al Meeladun Nabwiya."Once, during the Urs Shareef of Hadrat Mawlana Shah Abdul Qaadir Sahib (radi Allahu anhu), A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) delivered a lecture on Sura Wad-Duha from 9 a.m. in the morning right till 3 p.m. in the afternoon! This lecture on Sura Wad-Duha alone lasted for 6 hours. After completing his lecture A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "I only wrote 80 percent of the commentary on this Sura and had to leave it aside. Where is there time enough to write the Tafseer of the entire Quran-e-Azeem!"Allamah Ata Muhammad Bindayalwi (radi Allahu anhu), Sarghoda (Pakistan) said: "Hadrat Bareilvi (radi Allahu anhu) has written about a thousand treatises. He exhaustively dealt with every topic he touched, but his most glorious work is his Urdu translation and explanation of the Holy Quran entitled,'Kanzul Imaan'. Indeed, there is no parallel. Real worth of this monumental work can be evaluated by only those scholars who possess vast and deep knowledge of various other translations and explanations of high standard in Urdu. A'la Hadrat kept the same pattern as adopted by the renown writers, but he excelled in the explanation and expansion of the most difficult and complicated subject matter in relatively few simple words."AUTHORITY IN THE FIELD OF AHADITHImam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was also a great authority of his time when it came to the subjects of Ahadith and Usool-e-Ahadith. He knew the names of almost every Hadith narrator. When he was questioned concerning details of a certain narrator, he was able to give a complete biography of the narrator. When he studied any Hadith he was able to explain the type of Hadith, it's benefits and the reasons behind that Hadith. He wrote many booklets on the topic of Ahadith. One of his books is entitled, "Hajizul Jarain An Jamma Bainas Salaatain," which covered the Ahadith pertaining to "Jamma Bainas Salaatain" or the "Combination of Two Salaahs in one time."
Dr Professor Mohiyyuddin, Azhar University, Cairo (Egypt) said: "Renowned scholar, Ahmed Raza Khan, visited Arabia twice to perform Hajj at Makkah and payed homage to the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) at Madina. During his stay he visited various centres of learning and had extensive exchange of views with the scholars covering various branches of learning and religious issues. He secured permission from some authentics to quote them in reference to particular Ahadith, and in return, he allowed them to mention his authority in respect of some other Ahadith."It is an old saying that scholarly talent and poetic exuberance rarely combine in one person, but Ahmad Raza Khan was an exception. His achievements contradicts this diction. He was not only an acknowledged research scholar, but also a great poet."A GREAT JURIST OF HIS TIMEFiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) is that branch of knowledge that is derived from the Holy Quran and the Ahadith of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Only that person can be a proper Jurist who is well-versed in both the Holy Quran and the Ahadith of Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He must also be well-versed in and all the other important branches of knowledge, such as Tafseer, Logic, Philosophy, Translating, and many other branches.Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was regarded as the greatest Jurist of his era. He was totally proficient in the field of Fiqh and received acceptance by the great Ulema of the East and the West. The greatest proof of his position and status in the world of Fiqh can be understood from his answers concerning the Shariat-e-Mustapha (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), which was compiled into 12 large volumes, comprising of approximately 12000 pages to form the famous book, "Fatawa Radawiyyah," which is used in every Darul Ifta (Fatawah Departments) around the world today.A renowned theologian and a great Saint of Delhi, Hadrat Mawlana Zayd Abul Hassan Faruqi (radi Allahu anhu), who completed his education at the Al Azhar University, Cairo, acknowledged the unrivalled mastery of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) over Islamic Jurisprudence and other branches of learning in the following words: "None can deny the knowledge of Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan in the field of Fiqh. He was, no doubt, the greatest Faqih (Jurist) of his time."
When Sheikh Ismail Khalil, the Curator of the Library at Makkatul Mukarramah, read the Fatawas of Sayyiduna A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) he was puffed up with joy and wrote to A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu): "By Allah, if Abu Hanifa Nu'man (radi Allahu anhu) would have gone through these Fatawa, undoubtedly, it could have been his heart's delight and granted its writer among his pupils."IMAM AHMED RAZA'S I'LM-E-JAFAR"I'lm-e-Jafar" refers to "The Knowledge and The Art of Prediction." Not all persons are blessed with such knowledge by Almighty Allah. It is a speciality for the Awliyah Allah. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was blessed with the gift of I'lm-e-Jafar.Once, a certain person asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) concerning the approach of Qiyaamah and the arrival of Imam Mahdi (radi Allahu anhu) in the future. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said that Almighty Allah knows of this and His beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is also aware of this fact. After saying this A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) substantiated these facts by quoting many verses of the Holy Quran and Ahadith of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) then said, "THROUGH A CERTAIN TYPE OF KNOWLEDGE, I FEEL THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT IN 1837 HIJRAH THERE WILL BE NO ISLAMIC GOVERNMENT LEFT, AND IN 1900 HIJRA IMAM MAHDI (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) WILL APPEAR". After hearing this answer, someone asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) if he had gained this answer through I'lm-e-Jafar. He replied that he did. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) then said very sarcastically, "Eat the mangoes. Do not count the trees."There was a King of Rampur whose wife was very sick. He loved her very much and was very attached to her. This King, who was a "Badd Mazhab" (one who does not follow the religion properly), sent a messenger to Bareilly Shareef with a special request. He requested A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to predict the time and place of the death of his wife. The King's wife was, at that moment, not at her house in Rampur, but she was in a place called Nainital. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) told the messenger to tell the King that his wife will die in Rampur in the month of Muharram. When the messenger returned to the King, he gave him the message of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu).
With this message of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) at the back of his mind, the King tried very hard to keep his wife away from Rampur. He did not want her to be in any way near Rampur.It so happened that rioting broke out in Rampur. It concerned the affairs of the Kanpur Shaheed Ganj Masjid. The Governor summoned the King to meet with him urgently in Rampur. The King decided to go on his own, but his wife insisted on joining him. As soon as they reached Rampur, the King's wife suddenly died. It was also the month of Muharram. The prediction of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) proved to be true!HIS KNOWLEDGE OF PHILOSOPHY AND SCIENCEImam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was a great Scientist and Philosopher. He understood Science and Philosophy better than anyone in his time. He was a master of Ancient and Modern Sciences. He proved through research that various concepts of the modern day science are illogical and against the theories of the Holy Quran and the Ahadith.A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wrote many books on Science and Physics. One of his famous books, "Fauze Mubeen Dar Harkate-Zameen," using the Holy Quran as its guidelines, proves that the earth is not rotating but is stationary. He also proves that the entire Universe is revolving around the earth. Modern theories believe that the earth is rotating on its axis and that all the planets, including the earth, are revolving around the sun. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) also disproved the theories of Scientist such as Galileo Galilei and Sir Isaac Newton. We believe that should this book be translated into the English language by our Scholars who are well-versed in Science and presented to the West, there will have to be a re-think on modern scientific theories! Today, many people in the Western world regard Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) as the "NEGLECTED GENIUS OF THE EAST."KNOWLEDGE OF ASTRONOMY AND ASTROLOGYA'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) gained great expertise in the field of Astronomy and Astrology.
There was a person by the name of Mawlana Ghulam Hussain Sahib, who used to regard himself as an authority in Astrology. Once, Mawlana Ghulam Hussain Sahib visited A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) asked him, "So! What is the situation of the rain?" After working out the position of the stars, Mawlana Ghulam Sahib drew-up an astronomical table and said,"In this month there will be no rain. It will only rain in the following month." Mawlana Sahib then handed over the astronomical table to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) examined it and said, "All the Power is by Allah. If He pleases, then it may rain now." Mawlana Ghulam Hussain then said, "Are you not observing the astronomical table?" A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "I am observing everything."A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) then looked towards the clock and asked, "What time is it?" Mawlana Ghulam Hussain said, "Quarter past eleven." Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "That means that there is three quarters of an hour left for twelve o' clock." Saying this, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) walked up to the grandfather clock that was in the room. With his finger he moved the big needle of the clock until it was on the twelve, thus showing twelve o'clock. The clock began to chime. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) then said, "You said that it would take three quarters of an hour for the needle to come to twelve o' clock." The Mawlana Sahib replied, "But you were responsible for altering the position of the needle."On hearing this, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "Almighty Allah is All-Powerful and He may alter the position of the stars whenever he wishes..." A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) HAD NOT YET COMPLETED HIS SENTENCE WHEN IT BEGAN TO RAIN UNCONTROLLABLY.A MATHEMATICAL GENIUS
A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was also a great Mathematician. He used to solve the most difficult mathematical problems in a short space of time. His authority in the field of Mathematics will leave modern-day Mathematicians wide-mouthed. Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Logarithms, and other branches of Mathematics which are normally handled with great difficulty even by mathematics students today, was like ordinary addition and subtraction to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)!Once, Sir Ziaud-deen, a famous Mathematician, was in a predicament with regards to part of his research in the mathematical field. He had to go to Berlin in Germany to seek a solution to this intricate problem. It so happened that a certain Mawlana from the famous Aligarh University advised Sir Ziaud-deen to visit A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to seek a solution for his mathematical problem. But, Sir Ziaud-deen, not sounding very confident said, "What will an ordinary Mawlana like Mawlana Ahmed Raza be able to solve? He hasn't even gone out of his city to gain knowledge, so it is obvious that his knowledge is very limited." Nevertherless, after some convincing, he agreed to visit A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu).When he arrived in Bareilly Shareef, he immediately went to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). Presenting the intricate mathematical problem to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) he said, "I am now going to Germany. I will come back for the answer, that is, if you do manage to solve it." As he was speaking, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was busy writing and listening to him at the same time. As Sir Ziaud-deen was about to leave, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) handed him a sheet of paper. When Sir Ziaud-deen read what was written on this paper, he realised that it contained the solution to his mathematical problem that had him so confused. Sir Ziaud-deen then said, "TODAY I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS SOMETHING KNOWN AS I'LM-E-LADUNI (INSPIRED KNOWLEDGE)."
Sir Zia'uddeen, was later recorded to have said about A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu): "He was an un-assuming man of pleasant manners and morals, had deep insight in Mathematics, although he was not formerly educated by a teacher. It was an inner divine-gifted inherent knowledge. My query pertained to a theory of knotting problems of Mathematics, but his manner and explanation was spontaneous as if he had already carried out a research in it. Now, there is nobody so well-versed in India. Such a great scholar, I think, there is none. Allah has bestowed upon him such a knowledge, that is amazing. His insight in the fields of Mathematics, Euclid, Algebra and Timings is astonishing. A mathematical problem that I could not solve despite my best of efforts, this learned genius explained in a few moments."CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD OF POETRYImam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) spent much of his valuable time writing Poetry. His Poetry mostly consisted of Naath Shareef in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and Manqabats. In all the Naath Shareefs that was written by A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), it is evident that his heart and soul was drowned in the love of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).His Naaths were written within the boundaries of the Shariah. Every stanza was filled with pearls of "I'lhaam". "I'lhaam" is that which is inspired by Almighty Allah into the hearts of the Awliyah Allah. Just as the Ambiya receive "Wahi" or Revelation, so do the Awliyah receive "I'lhaam". Each verse and stanza of his Poetry is the Tafseer (Commentary) of the Holy Quran and the Hadith of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). His Poetry was mainly in the Arabic, Urdu, and Persian languages. A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) Poetry was compiled to form the famous, "Hidayake Bakhshish," (Gardens of Forgiveness). This famous Naath Kitaab is used throughout the world. A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) humble compilations are read by all who wish to express their love for Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Mawlana Qari Noorul Hassan, quoting the following stanzas from
A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) Poetry:"Mulke Sukhan Ki Shahi Tum Ko Raza Musallam Jis Simt Aagaye ho sikhe Bithaa diye hai"and says that there are many illiterate and ignorant people, who look at the above stanzas and accuse A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) of praising himself in his Poetry. This, he says, is not true and are mere baseless objections. He further explains.Hadrat Hasan Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), the younger brother of Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), would often send his Poetry to be corrected to Janaab Daagh Delhwi, who was a famous and distinguished Poet of his time. One day, as he was about to leave for Dehli, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) presented one of his Naaths to Hadrat Hasan Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) and said, "Ask Daagh Delhwi to rectify this Qalaam." The Naath which A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) sent begins with the following stanza:"Unki Mahk ne dil ke ghunche khila diye hai Jis Raah chal diye hai kooche basa diye hai."When Hadrat Hasan Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) reached Delhi and presented the Naath to Daagh Delwhi, he looked at it and said, "This does not seem like the poetry of Mawlana Hasan Raza Khan. Whose is it?" Hadrat Hasan Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) replied that it was written by A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). On hearing this, Daagh Delhwi said, "YOU HAVE BROUGHT THE QALAAM OF A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) TO ME FOR CORRECTION! THIS IS THE QALAAM OF SUCH A POET WHO HOLDS NO PLACE FOR ANY CORRECTIONS. BUT, SINCE IT IS INCOMPLETE, I WOULD LIKE TO WRITE THE FINAL VERSE FROM MY SIDE. PLEASE ASK A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) NOT TO CHANGE IT AS I AM AWARE THAT HE DOES NOT LIKE ANYTHING WRITTEN IN HIS PRAISE." After saying this, he wrote the verse:"Mulke Sukhan Ki Shahi Tum Ko Raza Musallam Jis Simt Aagaye ho sikhe Bithaa diye hai"So, to those who accuse A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) of praising himself in his Poetry, will find sufficient evidence to prove that it was Daagh Delhwi who inserted that stanza and not A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)! Commenting on one of A'la Hadrat's poems, Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Muhaddith Kichauchawi (radi Allahu anhu) said: "Once I had the opportunity of reciting the Qasida-e-Me'rajia (A poem of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) regarding the Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) Me'raj sheriff) in my own style, in a select gathering of men of letters at Lucknow. I then asked them about the literary worth of the poem. Everybody was overwhelmed and they all exclaimed that the language is superb, pure and divine."
HIS WRITINGS AND WORKS * Works of Imam Ahmed Raza * Organisations and Institutions Spiritually affiliated to Imam Ahmed RazaWORKS OF IMAM AHMED RAZAEarlier in this book, we learnt that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) gained proficiency in more than fifty branches of knowledge. With this, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wrote many books on various aspects of Islam. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was a genius writer. He wrote numerous books and treatises in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu on diversified topics.To date, it has not been fully ascertained as to exactly how many books he wrote, for in doing so, requires research and many personnel. There has risen, over the past years, many Islamic Scholars in the Indo-Pak Sub-Continent and in other parts of the world, who are making serious attempts in studying or translating the works of this great Mujaddid of Islam.In 1887, at the age of 30 years, he had completed 75 books and treatises. In 1909, at the age of 43 years, this number increased up to 500. HOWEVER, IT HAS BEEN ESTIMATED THAT THE NUMBER OF BOOKS WRITTEN BY SAYYIDUNA A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) EXCEED 1000 ON MORE THAN 50 BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE. Apart from these contributions, he had written annotations and commentaries on more than 150 books pertaining to various branches of learning.Professor Dr Muhammad Hassan, Shaikh-ul-Adab, Islamia University, Bhawalpur, said: "Mawlana was a prolific writer. He wrote a large number of treatises. It is due to the fact that his head and heart had surging waves of knowledge which were hard to restrain."From the many books that were written by him, a table of 549 have been classified. The table is as follows:Topic on which books was written_______ Amount of books1 Tafseer of the Quran _____________________ 112 Aqaa'id (Belief) _________________________ 543 Hadith and Principles of Ahadith _____________ 534 Fiqh, Principles of Fiqh, Dictionary of Fiqh
5 Faraa'idh and Tajweed ____________________ 2146 Tassawwuf, Wazifas, Morals ________________ 197 Reviews of Books ________________________ 408 Language, Arabic Grammar, Dictionaries, History9 Poetry and Special Benefits, Travelling _________ 5510 Inspired Knowledge (Jafar) ________________ 1111 Logarithms _____________________________ 812 Astronomy, Astrology ____________________ 2213 Mathematics, Geometry ___________________ 3114 Philosophy, Sciences, Logistics ______________ 715 Algebra ________________________________ 4TOTAL AMOUNT OF BOOKS RECOVERED 549The names of a few books written by A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) have been listed below:1. Fatawa Radawiyyah (12 volumes approx. 12 000 pages)2. Husaamul Haramain3. Ad Daulatul Makkiya Bil Madatul Ghaibiya4. Al Mu'tamadul Mustanad5. Al Amn o wa Ula6. Alkaukabatush Shahabiya7. Al Istimdaad8. Al Fuyoozul Makkiyah9. Al Meeladun Nabawiyyah10. Kanzul Imaan (translation of Holy Quran)11. Fauze Mubeen Dar Harkate Zameen12. Hidayake Bakhshish13. Subhaanus Subooh14. Sallus Say yaaful Hindiya15. Ahkaame Shariat16. Az Zubdatuz Zakkiya17. Abna ul Mustapha18. Tamheede Imaan19. Angote Choomne ka Mas'alaProfessor Abdul Shakoor Shad, Kabul University, Afghanistan, said: "The research works of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan are worth presenting. There is due need that Historical and Cultural Societies of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran together with other such institutions keep all his writings duly catalogued in their libraries."His Divinely bestowed intelligence was such, that when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) completed a quarter of any given book at the feet of a teacher, he used to study and memorize the remainder of the book by himself. It is recorded that he completed an Arabic commentary on the book, "Hidaayatun Nahw", on Arabic Syntax, when he was only 8 years old!
ORGANISATIONS AND INSTITUTES SPIRITUALLY AFFILIATED TO IMAM AHMED RAZAIn the year 1904, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) founded "Darul Uloom Manzare Islam" in Bareilly Shareef. This great religious institution has thus far served the Muslim world superbly. Each year, a large number of students graduate from this institution as Fadhils, Aalims, Hufaaz and Qur'ra.Many of Ulema of South Africa are also students of Madressa Manzare Islam. To name a few:- Mawlana Abdul Hadi Al Qaderi; Mawlana Abdul Hamid Palmer Al Qaderi; Mawlana Ahmad Muqaddam Al Qaderi; Qaari Ahmad Khalil Razvi; Mawlana Sayed Muhammad Husain Al Qaderi; Mawlana Muhammad Khan Al Qaderi Barkaati; Mawlana Ghulam Mu'hiyyuddeen Jaafar; Mawlana Zainul Abedeen Al Qaderi Razvi; Mawlana Muhammad Mustaqeem Al Qadri; Mawlana Muhammad Afthab Razvi; Mawlana Nazir Farouk Razvi.With the exception of Madressa Manzar-e-Islam, there are also scores of institutes and organisations world-wide that are spiritually affiliated to Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). A few of them are: 1. Jaamia Nooria Radawiyah (Bareilly Shareef) - India 2. Madressa Mazhare Islam (Bareilly Shareef) - India 3. Razvi Darul Ifta (Bareilly Shareef) - India 4. Raza Academy (Bombay) - India 5. Idara Tahqeeqaat-e-Imam Ahmad Raza - Pakistan 6. Raza Musjid - London 7. Raza Academy - London 8. Imam Ahmad Raza Academy - South Africa 9. Sunni Razvi Centre - Mauritius - S. Africa 10. Muhibbane Raza-e-Mustapha - South Africa 11. Jamia Razvia (Lahore) - Pakistan 12. Jamia Razvia Zia Ul Uloom (Rawalpindi) - Pakistan 13. Darul Uloom Imam Ahmad Raza - IndiaCOMMENTS BY SUPPORTERS AND ADVERSARIES * Comments by the Noble Ulema of Makkatul Mukarramah * Comments by the Noble Ulema of Madinatul Munawwarah * Comments by the Noble Ulema of the Indo-Pak Sub-Continent
* Imam Ahmed Raza in the Eyes of Others * Imam Ahmed Raza in the Eyes of the OppositionCOMMENTS BY THE NOBLE ULEMA OF MAKKATUL UKARRAMAHUstaad Ulema-e-Haram, Allamah Sa'eedullah (radi Allahu anhu): "My respected brother, who is striving in the path of Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), is a perfect teacher, in other words, Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). May Almighty Allah grant him great reward, and accept his endeavour, and may Almighty Allah build his respect into the hearts of the people of knowledge." Ameen.Allamah Mufti Muhammad Saleh Kamal (radi Allahu anhu): "The learned person on this earth, the sea of great knowledge, the coolness of the eyes of the Ulema-e-Haq, is Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). Salutations upon the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and all the spiritual guides, especially Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). May he always be protected." Ameen.Aftaabul Uloom, Allamah Sheikh Ali bin Siddique Kamal (radi Allahu anhu): "Our leader and bright star, the sharp blade on the throats of the Wahabis, our respected teacher, our famous leader, is Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). May Almighty Allah grant him tranquillity and keep him victorious over his opposition." Ameen.COMMENTS BY THE NOBLE ULEMA OF MADINATUL MUNAWWARAHMufti Taaj'udDeen Ilyaas Hanafi (radi Allahu anhu): "That famous and professional Aalim, Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) is from amongst the Ulema-e-Hind. May Almighty Allah grant him great reward and success. May Almighty Allah grant him Barkah in his life and destroy all those false sects through his blessing." AmeenSheikh Malikiya, Allamah Sayed Ahmad Juz'iri (radi Allahu anhu) : "May Almighty Allah brighten up the lives of the Muslims through (the Sadaqa of) Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). May Almighty Allah increase his age and allow all his future generations to be amongst the Ahle Jannah." Ameen.
Allamah Khaleel bin Ebrahim Kharbooti (radi Allahu anhu): "May Almighty Allah grant the Muslims benefit forever through the blessings of this Kaamil Faadhil, Allamah Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). O Allah! Give glad tidings to Islam and Muslims." Ameen.Allamah Mawlana Umar bin Hamdaan (radi Allahu anhu): "Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) is that great Aalim, great philosopher and such a great researcher that his research baffles the mind. May Almighty Allah protect him and always keep him pleased." Ameen.COMMENTS BY THE NOBLE ULEMA OF THE INDO-PAK SUB-CONTINENTSayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu): "On the day of Qiyamah, when Almighty Allah asks me concerning what I had brought for Him from earth, then I will present Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu)."Hadrat Sayed Shah Abul Husain Ahmad Noori (radi Allahu anhu): "A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) is the brightness and the torch of the Khandaan-e-Barakaati."Hadrat Allamah Ali Hussain Kichauchawi (radi Allahu anhu): "My path of Shariah and Tariqah is that which is the path of Huzoor Purnoor, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)."Hadrat Maulana Mu'eenuddeen Sahib (radi Allahu anhu): "Phira hoo me us gali se Nuzhat ho jis me gumra sheikh o kaazi Raza e Ahmad Usi me samjunga muj se Ahmad Raza ho Raazi."Allamah Naee'muddeen Muradabadi (radi Allahu anhu): "The expertise that Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) possessed in Fiqh was such that great Ulema of the East and West were humbled before him."IMAM AHMED RAZA IN THE EYES OF OTHERSJustice Mufti Sayyid Shujaat Ali Qadri (radi Allahu anhu), Shariah Court, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad (Pakistan): "A'la Hadrat's appearance is such a commanding stature in terms of knowledge and action that every man of letters considers it an honour and pride to write about him. This worthless man also has the honour of opportunity and has contributed some write-ups and articles of A'la Hadrat. My first compilation in Arabic, entitled 'Mujaddid-al-Mata' has been published and distributed the world over, and this practice is going on regularly and steadily.
"All the men of letters know that A'la Hadrat was born in such a period when the Muslim Ummah was being threatened by different Fitnah (sedition) from all sides. Among all the prevalent sedition, the most dangerous and harmful was one which meant to infect non-Muslim elements in the beliefs of the Ahle Sunnat."A'la Hazrat performed incomparable services to safeguard the beliefs of the Ahle Sunnat. He wrote several books for the rejection of Shirk (Polytheism) and for the dissuasion from the Bid'ats (innovations in Deen causing divergences). He safe-guarded the status of Nabuwat (Prophethood), Sahabiyat (Companionship), Ahle Bait (the Members of the Prophet's sallal laahu alaihi wasallam family) and Wilayat (the Friendship with Allah the Magnificent). He published crushing and silencing articles against the criticism brought forward by the atheists, heretics and apostates against the revered Mystics of Islam and Islamic Mysticism. As far as my study is concerned, A'la Hazrat always had good opinion about all the Muslims, and took all Muslims as Muslims, did not scratch and touch the people's beliefs, and did never scold unreasonably or speak rubbish to others. However, if someone committed any mistake in writing or speech, he invited him repeatedly to the Truth. This is the method which is called the good conduct of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). May Allah the Magnificent favour us through the benevolence of the Ahl-Ullah (Friends of Allah)."Ziya-ul Mashaa'ikh, Allamah Muhammad Ibrahim Farooqi Mujad'didi (radi Allahu anhu): "No doubt that Mufti Ahmed Raza Khan Bareilvi was a great scholar. He had the insight in the norms of Muslim conduct and behaviour and stages of spiritual transcendentalism (Tariqah). His competence as regard to exposition and explanation of the Islamic thought; his approach to the inner knowledge deserves high praise, and his contribution in Islamic Jurisprudence will always be remembered in respect of their relevance to the basic principles of Ahle Sunnah Wal Jama'at. Finally, it is not an exaggeration to state that his research works shall always serve as a beacon light for those who traverse this faith."
Professor Muhammad Rafi'ullah Siddique, Director of College Education, Hyderabad, Region - Hyderabaad (India): "Let the thought of recollecting minds recall the circumstances of Muslims in 1912 when Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan appealed to the Ummah to control conspicuous consumption and save money to use for productive purposes. Now, everywhere the governments are emphasising the need for austerity to solve the multifarious economic problems. Will the men of vision not realise the far sightedness of the late A'la Hadrat Barelvi? J.M. Keynes was awarded the highest title for the same proposition and exposition which Mawlana Barelvi had disclosed at least 24 years before him. Alas! Muslims did not pay heed to his advice."Professor Preshan Khattak, (Former Chairman) Pakistan Academy of Letters, Government of Pakistan: "Imam Ahmed Raza's personality needs no introduction to Muslims of the Indo-Pakistan. Such a rare encyclopedic person is born after a long awaiting period. He served as a search- light for his own people and proved a strong rock for the powers of persecution and cruelty. Nobody can doubt his knowledge and greatness. The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has declared academic differences as sources of blessing and goodness for the evolution of the Deen of Islam and civilisation. This has opened new vistas of thinking and has helped in creating more vastness and comprehension in the Deen of Islam in order to cope with the need of the changing time. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi has completed an important role for the evolution of the Islamic thinking in the Sub- Continent. It is not easy to present and interpret Islamic teachings in the present age without making use of his writings and views."Professor Dr Ayub Razvi, Head of Department Urdu, Urdu College, Pakistan, Karachi: "The learned Mawlana Ahmad Raza Khan (1856-1921) was a famous scholar, Jurist, Mathematician, Writer and Genius. He had special insight in Mathematics. There is no parallel to his expertise in Jurisprudence."
Dr Ilahi Bakhsh Ali Awan, Peshawar (Pakistan): "Various aspects of his personality are very impressive and valuable. His real contributions in different fields are so comprehensive and exhaustive that men of thought and vision find it difficult to pin point the most attractive and impressive aspect of his intellectual personality which is so vast in every direction that sight is lost in wilderness."Dr Muhammad Tahir Malik, Chairman, Department of Islamic Learning, University of Karachi (Pakistan): "After a thorough study of many books and treatises of Imam Ahmed Raza, I have concluded that he gives much importance to the teacher, book, paper and school, etc. in the articles allied to Education. In our present day education system, a teacher is no more estimated than a salaried servant, and the book is regarded as a collection of letters and works. From our teaching institutions, the respect of the book and teacher has faded away. This is why the restrictions of a teacher and pupil have been reduced to nothing at our schools, colleges and universities."Today, to ignore or to forget the books of knowledge, gifted by theses teachers has become a common practice. One sees often the pupils dancing for pleasure on the teachers promenade and playing with their turbans. Why is this? The answer outlined by Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi is that our ideology of education is lacking in high and sacred values. The Imaam Sahib says, 'Keep in vies (striving) the bonds of your teachers. If respect is given to the paper, the book and the school, this undesirable situation can not happen'."Dr Ghulam Yahya Anjum, Department of Comparative Religions, Hamdard University, New Delhi: "Imam Ahmed Raza Khan is an outstanding personality among 20th century renowned scholars of Islam. Very few can claim his eminence because if someone has some similarity with him in certain particular fields, he lacks significant achievement in some other field in which Imam Ahmed Raza is leading."
Dr Hassan Raza Khan Azami, Patna: "A study of the 'Fatawa Razvi' (Judicial Opinions) of A'la Hadrat, has revealed his multi-dimensional personality to me. 1. As a Jurist his discussion reflects his reach of imagination, deep insight, wisdom, sagacity and unparallel scholarly talent. 2. I found him a great historian, that goes on quoting numerous historical references to support his view point in the matter under consideration. 3. He appears to be an expert in Arabic grammar and diction alongside being an inspiring Naatia poet. 4. He is observed as a great scholar of Ahadith, when he mentions logical interpretation of the Ahadith that he quotes. 5. After a deep study of his works, one finds in him not only a renowned Jurist, a great Logistician but also an outstanding Physicist, Astronomer, Mathematician, Philosopher, Philologist and Geographer whose expertise covers the minutest of details of the subject."Professor Wasim Barelvi, Rohailkand University, Bareilly, U.P (Dawn, Karachi, May 13 1992): Indian poet, Wasim Barelvi, speaking at a function in his honour on Monday night, emphasised the need for fresh research on Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi and other Muslim scholars of the Sub-Continent, particularly those from Bareilly.Eulogising Allamah Ahmed Raza Khan, Professor said that his services as a pioneer of a religious school is known to everybody, but his achievements as a writer have not yet been properly highlighted.He said that a research work on Allamah Ahmed Raza Khan compiled in Rohailkand under his supervision has made revelations regarding the writings of Allamah Barelvi. This research work is likely to challenge the history of Urdu prose as it proves that Allamah Barelvi should be counted as one of the pioneers of Urdu prose, and as one of the great writers who spread modern thought in the Sub-Continent."Justice Naeemud'deen, Supreme Court of Pakistan: "Imam Ahmad Raza's grand personality, a representation of our most esteem ancestors, is history making, and a history uni-central in his self.
"You may estimate his high status from the fact that he spent all his lifetime in expressing the praise of the great and auspicious Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), in defending his veneration, in delivering speeches regarding his unique conduct, and in promoting and spreading the Law of Shariah which was revealed upon him for the entire humanity of all times. His renowned name is 'Muhammad' (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the Prophet of Almighty Allah."The valuable books written by a encyclopedic scholar like Imam Ahmed Raza, in my view, are the lamps of light which will keep enlightened and radiant the hearts and minds of the men of knowledge and insight for a long time."A Western Scholar, Dr Barbara D. Metcalf, Department of History, Barkley University, United States of America: "He was outstanding from the very beginning on account of his extra- ordinary intelligence. He enjoyed a divine gift of deep insight in Mathematics. It is said that he solved a mathematical problem for Dr Ziaud'deen for which the learned Mathematician was intending to visit Germany. Ahmed Raza himself was a towering figure, revered for his extra-ordinary memory, mental agility, and intellectual capacity, and honoured as a Mujaddid and a Shaikh. Guarded in his relation to the British Government, he sought above all to guard what he saw as correct practice and make religion vital in the personal life of Muslims of his day."The Poet, Doctor Iqbal: "I have carefully studied the decrees of Imam Ahmed Raza and thereby formed this opinion; and his Fatawa bear testimony to his acumen, intellectual calibre, the quality of his creative thinking, his excellent jurisdiction and his ocean-like Islamic knowledge. Once Imam Ahmed Raza forms an opinion he stays firm on it; he expresses his opinion after a sober reflection. Therefore, the need never arises to withdraw any of his religious decrees and judgements. With all this, by nature he was hot tempered, and if this was not in the way, then Shah Ahmed Raza would have been the Imam Abu hanifa of his age." (Arafat, 1970, Lahore) In another place he says, "Such a genius and intelligent jurist did not emerge."
IMAM AHMED RAZA IN THE EYES OF THE OPPOSITIONAbul Ula Maudoodi: "I have great respect in my heart for the knowledge and status of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He has great foresight over the knowledge of Deen and even his opposition are forced to accept this fact."Ashraf Ali Thanwi: "I have great respect in my heart for Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He calls us Kaafirs, but he says this only on the basis for his love for the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and not out of any other reason."Muee'nuddeen Nadwi: "The late Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) in this present time was "The Person of Knowledge". His every Fatawa, be it in support or refutal of anyone, is worthy of being studied.SPIRITUAL LIFE * Bai'at and Khilafat * Imam Ahmed Raza's Mureeds and Khulafa * Imam Ahmed Raza's First Hajj * Imam Ahmed Raza's Second Hajj * In the Presence of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) * His Love for the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) * Love and Respect for the Descendants of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) * Imam Ahmed Raza's Adherence to the Sunnah * Love for Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam * His Contentment and Abstention from Worldly ActivitiesBAI'AT AND KHILAFATIn the year 1294 A.H., at the age of 22 years, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) became the Mureed (Disciple) of Imam-ul-Asfiya, Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool Mahrerwi (radi Allahu anhu). The incident surrounding the Bai'at (Spiritual Allegiance) and Khilafat (Spiritual Successorship) of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) is as follows:Once Hadrat Mawlana Abdul Qaadir Badayouni (radi Allahu anhu) came to Bareilly Shareef. He invited A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to go to Mahrera Shareef with him. Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) accepted his invitation and they both set off to Mahrera Shareef.
When they arrived at the station in Mahrera Shareef, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "I AM RECEIVING THE SCENT OF MY MURSHID." When they reached the Khanqah-e-Barakaati and entered, Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu) saw A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) and said, "COME IN. I HAVE BEEN AWAITING YOUR PRESENCE FOR A LONG TIME."SAYYIDUNA SHAH AALE RASOOL (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) IMMEDIATELY MADE A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) A MUREED AND BLESSED HIM WITH KHILAFAT AND I'JAZAT IN ALL THE SUFI SILSILAS. Thus, A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) Peer-o-Murshid (Spiritual Guide) was Hadrat Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu).Hadrat Sayyiduna Abul Hussain Noori Barakaati (radi Allahu anhu), who was also the Peer-o-Murshid of Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), was also present in this spiritual gathering. He was also a great Awliya Allah and needed no introduction to Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). For the benefit of the others who were present and to make them aware of the exalted calibre and status of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), he asked Hadrat Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu) a question. He asked, "HUZOOR! THE RITUAL HERE AT MAHRERA SHAREEF IS THAT IF ANY PERSON COMES HERE, AND AFTER BECOMING MUREED DESIRES TO GAIN KHILAFAT AND I'JAZAT, THEN WE ASK HIM TO PERFORM MUJAHIDA (STRUGGLE IN THE PATH OF ALLAH). WE ALSO GIVE HIM DRIED BREAD TO EAT AS PART OF HIS SPIRITUAL TRAINING. AFTER THIS, IF WE FIND HIM WORTHY ENOUGH, THEN WE GRANT HIM KHILAFAT AND I'JAZAT IN ONE OR TWO SILSILAS, BUT YOU HAVE BLESSED THIS YOUNG MAN WITH KHILAFAT AND I'JAZAT OF ALL THE SILSILAS, AND EVEN COMMANDED HIM TO LOOK AT AND VERIFY ALL THE KITAABS WHICH YOU HAVE WRITTEN. WHY IS THIS SO?"Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu) answered with the following words: "O PEOPLE! YOU DO NOT KNOW AHMED RAZA. OTHERS WHO COME HERE NEED TO BE PREPARED BEFORE GAINING I'JAZAT AND KHILAFAT. BUT AHMED RAZA KHAN HAS COME PREPARED FROM ALMIGHTY ALLAH. ALL HE NEEDED WAS A LINK AND THIS IS WHY I MADE HIM MUREED."
"I ALWAYS TEARED THROUGH THE FEAR OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH THAT IF ON THE DAY OF QIYAMAH, HE QUESTIONED ME CONCERNING WHAT I HAD BROUGHT FOR HIM FROM THE WORLD, THEN I WOULD HAVE NO ANSWER. BUT, TODAY, THAT FEAR NO LONGER EXISTS. IF ON THE DAY OF QIYAMAH THE ALMIGHTY ASKS, 'O AALE RASOOL! WHAT HAVE YOU BROUGHT FOR ME?' THEN, I WILL IMMEDIATELY PRESENT IMAM AHMED RAZA KHAN (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) TO MY CREATOR."This highly spiritual incident alone explains the status of A'la Hadrat, Azeemul Barkat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu).A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) possessed immense love for his Peer-o-Murshid and for the family members. He also displayed his love for all those who had contact with them and respected them. Whenever A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) went to Mahrera Shareef to gain blessings from his Peer-o-Murshid, he would remove his shoes at the station and walk bare feet in Mahrera Shareef! Whenever any person or representative from Mahrera Shareef arrived in Bareilly Shareef to deliver a letter or parcel to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), he would treat that person with great respect and dignity. He addressed the person with words of respect, such as, "Most Respected Representative," and would not allow that person to leave without giving him something to eat. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) would personally go into the house to bring out food for that person. He even used to carry the dish or plate of food on his head!If this is the respect that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) showed towards the representatives of his Peer-o-Murshid and his family, one cannot imagine or fathom the respect which he showed towards them personally!IMAM AHMED RAZA'S MUREEDS AND KHULAFAThere were many Mureeds (Disciples) and Khulafa (Spiritually Successors) of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). They have spread out far and wide over the Indo-Pak and also in other parts of the world. Nearly 35 are in the other parts of the world and 30 in Indo-Pak Sub-Continent. These are the leading ones:
1. Hujjatul Islam, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Muhammad Haamid Raza Khan Noori Barakaati (radi Allahu anhu),2. Ghousul-Waqt, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Hadrat Mawlana Mustapha Raza Khan Noori Barakaati (radi Allahu anhu),3. Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Abdus Salaam Jabalpuri (radi Allahu anhu),4. Sadrul-Afaadil, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Na'eemuddeen Muraadabadi (radi Allahu anhu),5. Malikul Ulema, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Sayyid Zafar'uddeen Bihaari (radi Allahu anhu),6. Mubbalig-e-Azam, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddique (radi Allahu anhu),7. Sadrus Shariah, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Mufti Amjad Ali (radi Allahu anhu),8. Qutbul Madinatul Munawwara, Hadrat Allamah Sheikh Zia'uddeen Ahmed Al Madani (radi Allahu anhu),9. Burhaan-e-Millat, Hadrat Allamah Burhaanul Haq (radi Allahu anhu),10. Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Mukhtar Ahmad Siddiqi Meerthi (radi Allahu anhu),11. Sheikh Muhammad Abd al-Hayy (radi Allahu anhu),12. Sheikh Ahmad Khalil (radi Allahu anhu),13. Sheikh Ahmad Khudravi (radi Allahu anhu),14. Sheikh Muhammad bin Abi Bakr (radi Allahu anhu),15. Sheikh Muhammad Sa'id (radi Allahu anhu),16. Hadrat Mawlana Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf (radi Allahu anhu), &17. Hadrat Mawlana Shah Sulayman Ashraf (radi Allahu anhu)The Khulafa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) need no introduction to the Muslim World. Their impact, influence and contribution towards the development of Islamic Culture and Islamic thinking have left its mark in the pages of history. For the sake of attaining blessings and Barakah, we will discuss, very briefly, the lives of three of the famous Khulafa of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu).Sadrush Shariat, Hadrat Allamah Amjad Ali Razvi (radi allahu anhu): He was born in 1296 A.H. and passed away in 1367 A.H. at the age of 71 years. He is author of the internationally renowned book, "Bahare Shariat", which is in 18 volumes. This book contains a volume of information dealing with the Hanafi Law of Fiqh and answers all the questions pertaining to it. It is presently a "Handbook" of all Muslim institutions.
This Khalifa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was one of the Head Advisers of the Department of Islamic Deeniyat at the Aligarh Muslim University. Moulvi Sulaiman Nadwi (a non-Sunni) said the following words concerning Allamah Sadrush Shariat (radi Allahu anhu), "Mawlana Amjad Ali is totally experienced in the field of teaching and he is well-versed in solving the new needs of the classroom."Hadrat Allamah Amjad Ali (radi Allahu anhu) also propagated Islam to the non-Muslims. He spent much of his time teaching. Once in Ajmer Shareef, a very critical problem arose among the Muslims which threatened to destroy the Imaan of the innocent Muslims. The Hindu Rajput of India began introducing many new beliefs and false innovations to such an extent that those who were illiterate began following many traditions introduced by the Hindu Rajput. When Allamah Sadrush Shariat (radi Allahu anhu) heard of this, he immediately went to Ajmer Shareef with few of his students. He began teaching and making the Muslims aware of the polytheism and false innovations that they were following. Through his hard efforts, the Imaan of many Muslims were saved and many non-Muslims also accepted Islam.He was blessed with 8 sons and each one of them became great Aalims. His 2 daughters became Aalimas. One of his sons, Muhaddith-e-Kabeer, Hadrat Allamah Zia-ul-Mustapha Qadri and, another, Allamah Baha-ul-Mustapha Qadri are teachers today at their respective Darul Ulooms in India.Allamah Sheikh Zia'uddeen Al Madani (radi allahu anhu): He was one of the most famous Khulafa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) who lived in Madinatul Munawwara. Before coming to Madinatul Munawwara he lived for some time in Baghdad Shareef. Allamah Zia'uddeen Madani (radi Allahu anhu) arrived in Madinatul Munawwara in the year 1327 A.H. Here, he made Nikah to a pious lady from a Sayed family.He was a great Aalim, Sufi and Wali of his time. He hailed from a very illustrious family. His father was the famous Allamah Abdul Hakim Siyalkoti (radi Allahu anhu), a powerful Islamic Scholar of his time, who gave the title of "Mujaddid-e-Alf Thaani" to Imam Rabbani, Imam Ahmed Sarhindi Faruqi (radi Allahu anhu), the Mujaddid of the 11th Islamic Century.
With the exception of being the Khalifa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), he also gained Khilafat from various other Akaabireen (Great Ulema). Some of them are: Hadrat Allamah Sheikh Ahmad Shams Maghribi, Sheikh Mahmoodul Maghribi, Mawlana Abdul Baaqi Farangi, and Allamah Abu Yusuf Nibhaani (radi Allahu Ta'ala anhum ajma'in).He was a great Sheikh-e-Tariqat of his time. He spent day and night giving advice and guidance to the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He is well-known for his piety and steadfastness in Islam in Damascus, Iraq, Egypt, India, Pakistan, South Africa and many other countries. Allamah Zia'uddeen Madani (radi Allahu anhu) also had many Khulafa and Mureeds throughout the world.He left this mundane world on the 12th of August 1981 in the city of Madinatul Munawwara. His son, Hadrat Allamah Fadhl-ur Rahmaan Al Madani, is presently living in Madinatul Munawwarah and is following closely in the footsteps of his illustrious father.Allamah Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi Meerthi (radi allahu anhu): He was born in the year 1892 and passed away in the year 1954 at the age of 62. He was amongst the most famous Khulafa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu).His Eminence, Hadrat Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi (radi Allahu anhu) was an Islamic Scholar and a holder of a M.A. degree in English from the University of Meerat (India). He spoke Arabic, Urdu, Persian, English, French, Indonesian, Malaysian and Japanese languages fluently.In 1951, he toured the world preaching and propagating Islam. He visited America, London, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Europe, Southern Africa, Trinidad, Philippines, Iraq, Holland, Thailand, Ceylon, France, and many other countries. As a result of his efforts, thousands of non-Muslims accepted Islam. Princess Gladys Palmer of Burinia, Merwate Tifinch, the French Governor of Mauritius, Mahifl Donawa, a Minister of Trinidad and Mr F. Gengson, the Christian Minister of Ceylon, were some of the famous personalities who accepted Islam after meeting him.
His Eminence was also responsible for establishing various Masaajids and Islamic Educational Centres throughout the world. Three of the famous Masaajids are the Hanafi Masjid in Colombo, the Sultaan Masjid in Singapore and the Naagarya Masjid in Japan.He was also the founder of various newspapers and Islamic magazines from amongst which are, "The Muslim Digest" (South Africa), "Trinidad Muslim Annual" and the "Pakistani News".During his tour of the world, he met with various western dignitaries and had lengthy discussions with them on Islam. He met the world renowned Irish dramatist and Philosopher, George Bernard Shaw, on 17th of April 1935 during his visit to Mombassa and discussed many religious problems with him. He was very much impressed by Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi (radi Allahu anhu) and said, "I have been very pleased to make the acquaintance, and it will be the most precious of all memories of this trip of mine."His Eminence passed away in Madinatul Munawwara in 1954 and is buried in Jannatul Baqi.Professor Dr Sayyid Jamaalud'deen, Director Zaakir Hussain Institute of Islamic Studies and Jaamia Millia, New Delhi, India, said: "Ahmad Raza Khan wrote over a thousand books and booklets which influenced many. He founded a Darul Uloom called Manzarul Islam in 1904 which was able to draw students from different regions in India. His views were sought on a wide variety of social, religious and political affairs, and he proved guidance to many, including those from established Khanqahs. Many of his Disciples and Khalifas later founded madressas which soon developed into important spiritual centres. Some took up teaching, such as Mawlana Sulaiman Ashraf, who headed the Theology Department of the M.A.O. College, Aligarh, while others swelled their ranks of the Pesh Imams in the Mosques."IMAM AHMED RAZA'S FIRST HAJJImagine the condition of that Lover of the Prophet or Aashik-e-Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) who is blessed with the opportunity of visiting the Rauza-e-Aqdas of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and placing his eyes on the doorstep of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). This opportunity of performing his first Hajj and Ziyaarah was granted to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) on the 26th of Shawwal 1295 A.H. (1876). He was 20 years of age.
One day, after completing his Hajj, he went to perform his Maghrib Salaah before the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim (alaihis salaam). Having completed his Salaah, the Imam of the Shafi'i order of Makkatul Mukarramah, Allamah Hussain bin Saleh Kamaal (radi Allahu anhu), approached him. He clutched A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) by his hand and led him to his house. The great Imam then placed his hand on the blessed forehead of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) and said: "Verily, I am observing the Noor of Almighty Allah on this forehead."Without hesitation, he blessed A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) with the Sanad (Certificate) of Sahih Sitta (Six Compilers of Hadith: Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Majah, Abu Dawood, Tirmizi and Nisa'i). He also began addressing A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) by the title of "Zia'uddeen" or "The Light or Splendour of Deen."A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was also blessed with the Sanads of Ahadith from the Muftis of the Hanafi order in Makkatul Mukarramah, Sayyiduna Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Siraaj and Mufti Sheikh Sayed Ahmad Dahlaan Shafi'i (radi Allahu anhuma).IT WAS ALSO DURING THIS HISTORICAL VISIT THAT SAYYIDUNA A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) INFORMED THE ULEMA-E-HARAMAIN SHARIFAIN CONCERNING THE BLASPHEMOUS AND CORRUPT BELIEFS OF THE ULEMA-E-DEOBAND. Having studied A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) books, "Aljaamu Sunnah Li Ahli Fitna" and "Al Mu'tamadul Mustanad", which he presented to them, they also gave their verdicts on those who committed blasphemy and those who had written words of disrespect against Almighty Allah and His Beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The verdicts of the Ulema of Makkatul Mukarramah and Madinatul Munawwarah were compiled to form the famous, "Husaamul Haramain." We have quoted a few of the Fatawas from "Husaamul Haramain" later in this book.IMAM AHMED RAZA'S SECOND HAJJImam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) performed his second Hajj in 1323 A.H. (1905). He was 49 years old.
On the 25th of Zil-Hajj, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) once again had the opportunity of meeting the great Imam, Sheikh Saleh Kamaal (radi Allahu anhu). He also met Allamah Sayed Ismae'el (radi Allahu anhu) and many other Noble Ulema, who showed great respect towards him.It was on this occasion that Allamah Sheikh Saleh Kamaal (radi Allahu anhu) presented A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) with five questions pertaining to I'lm-e-Ghaib (Knowledge of the Unseen). These questions were posed on behalf of the Wahabi Ulema of Makkatul Mukarramah. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) had to answer these five questions in two days.In so happened that on the following day, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) contracted a heavy fever. In spite of his illness, he managed to answer all the questions relating to I'lm-e-Ghaib. In fact, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) presented such a detailed answer to the question of I'lm-e-Ghaib that it turned out to be a complete book on its own. He named this book, "Al Daulatul Makkiyah Bil Maadatil Ghaibiya."The Learned Ulema of Haramain Sharifain were totally astounded when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) presented this book to them on time. He completed this book of approximately 400 pages in only 8 hours. It was also in the pure Arabic language. If one totals the numerical values of the Arabic letters in the context of this Kitaab, "Al Daulatul Makkiyah Bil Maadatil Ghaibiya," one would discover that they amount to 1323. It was the same year, that is, 1323 A.H., in which A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) performed his second Hajj!IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)It was during A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) second visit to the Haramain Sharifain that his aspiration to see the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) became very great. Continuously reciting the Durood Shareef with great veneration and humbleness in front of the Rauza-e-Shareef of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), he felt confident of seeing the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
It was during the second night of his visit to the doorstep of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that he was given the opportunity of actually seeing the blessed personality of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). On that night, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), in a state of total submission, lifted his pen and began writing a Naath in praise of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The first line of that Naath is:"Wo Soo'e La'la Zaar Phirte hai ..."The beautiful Naath continues praising the Beloved of Allah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and ends with the following verse:"Koyi Kyu Poochhe teri baat Raza, Tujh se kutte hazaar phirte hai"Here, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) lowers himself to the extremes and addresses himself as the "dog" of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). AT THIS POINT, HE WAS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY OF SEEING WITH HIS NAKED EYES THE BELOVED PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) STANDING BESIDE THE RAUZA-E-MUBAARAK."Ar're Ai Raza tere dil ka pata chala ba mushkil Darre Roza Ke Muqaabil wo hume Nazar to Aaya Ye na pooch kaisa paaya, Ye Na pooch kaisa paaya Tujhe humd hai khuda ya, Tujhe humd hai khuda ya"HIS LOVE FOR THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) spent every moment of his life praising the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Everything he did was for the Pleasure of Almighty Allah and His Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).Professor Dr Abdul Wahid Halepota, Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology, Government of Pakistan, said: "A'la Hadrat Mawlana Shah Ahmed Raza Khan is that ingenious personality of the Indo-Pak Sub-Continent whose academic position and legal insight has general recognisance. His multifarious achievements deserve that they should be spread on an international level. His greatest deed is that he beautified the hearts of the Muslims with the love of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) through his academic wonders, sweet speeches and most valuable Naatya Qalaam (Poetry in praise of the Holy Prophet sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)."
Once, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) went into the Raza Masjid in Bareilly Shareef. He was confronted by a Majzoob, Hadrat Dhoka Shah (radi Allahu anhu). The Majzoob said, "O Ahmed Raza! I see the Power of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) only on the earth and not in the skies."A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), in turn, replied: "The Power of Huzoor (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is on the earth and in the skies." The Majzoob said that he could not see this.A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "Whether you see it or not, it is still present."The Majzoob, in a highly spiritual state, said, "Go! I have dropped him."At that moment, Mawlana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), who was still a child, was playing on the roof of the house. When Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) reached the house, his mother came up to him and said, "You should know better than to argue with Majzoobs. Look! Mustapha Raza has fallen off the roof." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) enquired as to whether his son had been hurt or not. When he was told that he was not injured, he said, "I AM PREPARED TO SACRIFICE A THOUSAND MUSTAPHA RAZAS' ON THE RAZA (PLEASURE) OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM), BUT I WILL NOT ALLOW ONE WORD TO BE UTTERED AGAINST THE DIGNITY OF RASOOL-E-AKRAM (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)."After some time, the Majzoob returned and met Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) and said, "O AHMED RAZA! YOU ARE VICTORIOUS. OUR CASE WAS BROUGHT UP BEFORE SULTAANUL-HIND, HADRAT KWAJA GHARIB-UN NAWAAZ (RADI ALLAHU ANHU). HE HAD PASSED THE VERDICT ON YOUR BEHALF, AND ALHUMDULILLAH, THROUGH YOUR BLESSINGS, I AM NOW ABLE TO SEE THE KARAM (MERCY) OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) EVEN IN THE SKIES."It has been recorded that Hadrat Mawlana Naee'muddeen Muradabadi once asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) the reason from him being so severe upon those who disrespected Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied, "O MAWLANA! I AM SEVERE UPON THOSE PEOPLE, BECAUSE INSTEAD OF INSULTING SAYYIDUNA RASULULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM), THEY SHOULD RATHER MAKE ME THE TARGET FOR THEIR INSULTS. I DO NOT HAVE ANY INTEREST IN WHAT THEY ARE CALLING ME. AT LEAST, WHILE THEY ARE BUSY INSULTING ME, MY BELOVED MASTER, SAYYIDUNA RASULULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM) IS SPARED FROM THESE INSULTS."
The above mentioned incidents clearly highlights the following thoughts of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu): "If you desire my life, I will sacrifice it. If you desire my wealth I will give it. But, there is one thing that I will never sacrifice, and that is, the love and reverence for the beloved, Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam)."Dr Karrar Hussain, Vice Chancellor, Baluchistan University Quetta (Baluchistan) said: "I am impressed by his personality because it was he who gave pivotal role to the love and affection of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) without which, Islam is a body without a soul."Also commenting on the great love that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) had for Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), Justice Shamim Hussain Qadri, Punjab High Court, Lahore (Pakistan), said: "He was a devotee of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) from the deepest chambers of his heart, and to popularise this attitude is the need of the hour. Love, affection and devotion to the Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) personality is the only solution to the multifarious problems of our temporal life and a solution for the life hereafter."LOVE AND RESPECT FOR THE DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)It is A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) who showed the Muslim world how to respect the descendants or family of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). His entire life is filled with such incidents.Many are aware of this famous incident. Once, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was invited to the home of a certain person. In those days, the Ulema were carried in chariots as a means of transport. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was sitting in one of these chariots that was carried by the chariot-bearers. As they proceeded along the way, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) suddenly commanded the chariot-bearers to stop. He immediately alighted from the chariot and asked, "Who is a Sayed from amongst you? I am receiving the scent of a Sayed." One of the chariot-bearer's, who was a Sayed, was too scared to speak. Nevertheless, when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) further prompted that person to reveal himself, he came forward and admitted that he was Sayed.
With tears in his eyes, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) fell at his feet and began asking for pardon. The Sayed continuously asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to refrain from doing so but, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) continued asking for pardon, by saying, "Please forgive me. What would I do on the Day of Qiyamah if the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) asks me concerning this incident, and says to me that I showed disrespect to his family?"The Sayed readily forgave A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). But this Aashik-e-Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was yet not satisfied. He commanded the Sayed to sit on the Chariot, and placing the chariot on his blessed shoulders, carried the Sayed for the same distance which he had been carried!Allahu Akbar! Those who had been witnesses to this incident could not believe that the Imam of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah, the Mujaddid of Islam was carrying a chariot-bearer on his blessed shoulders. But to A'la Hadrat (radi allahu anhu), that person that he was carrying was no ordinary chariot-bearer. He was a family member of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)!It has also been stated that a child, who was a Sayed, used to live in the vicinity of Bareilly Shareef. The child used to play in the presence of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) while A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) would be busy writing. EACH TIME THAT THE CHILD RAN PASS THE DOOR OR CAME IN THE PRESENCE OF A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU), HE WOULD STAND UP IN RESPECT FOR THAT CHILD. EVEN WHEN THE CHILD PASSED THE DOOR TEN TIMES IN A DAY, THEN A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) USED TO STAND UP TENS TIMES IN A DAY IN RESPECT FOR THAT SAYED CHILD.When Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was asked about the Islamic punishment that was to be meted out to a Sayed, he remarked, "Even though a Judge is called upon to declare judgement and punishment upon a Sayed, and the penalty that he has decreed is within the tenets of Islam, he (the Judge), should not have the Niyah (intention) that he is punishing the Sayed. Rather, he should think that a small amount of mud has smeared itself on the Sayed's feet, which he is merely washing away". (Al Malfooz Shareef)
IMAM AHMED RAZA'S ADHERENCE TO THE SUNNAHImam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) laid great emphasis on the followance of the Sunnah of Sayyiduna Rasoolulah (salal laahu alaihi wa sallam).The following account clearly describes A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) great trust and faith upon the Sunnah. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) narrates, "There was once a rumour in Bareilly, that the Plague had appeared. Co-incidently, at that moment, my gums became extremely inflamed. It continued to such proportions that it became difficult for me to open my mouth. I also had a high fever, coupled with inflamed glands. The doctor who was called, looked at me closely for a few minutes. He exclaimed that I had the Plague. I could not speak at that moment, or else I could have told him that his diagnosis was incorrect and false."I was certain that I did not have the Plague or any other major disease, simply because I had already recited a Dua as explained by Sayyiduna Rasoolulah (salal laahu alaihi wa sallam) who said that if one sees a serious and deadly illness, he should recite the following Dua, which would protect the person from such an illness. I had, therefore, recited this dua: 'Al hamdu lil laahil lazi aafini mim mab tilaaka bihi wa fad dalni 'ala katheeram mimam khalaqa tafdeelan.' Whenever I saw a serious illness, I recited this Dua, therefore, I was protected against it, including the Plague."Thereafter, with extreme respect, I proclaimed aloud, 'O Allah! Prove that the words of your beloved Habeeb (salal laahu alaihi wa sallam) is true, and that the words of the doctor is false'. At that moment a voice on my right advised me to use the Miswaak and black pepper. With a little difficulty, I performed brushing with the Miswaak and kept the black pepper on my tongue as a tablet. Infinite, indeed, is the Mercy of Almighty Allah! Within a few minutes, I had gained my strength and sent the doctor away by proving that his diagnosis was false and baseless."
A similar incident showing the great trust that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) had in Almighty Allah and His beloved Habeeb (salal laahu alaihi wa sallam) is recorded by Mawlana Mohammed Shareef. He says, "Once, when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was returning from Hajj by ship with his father, there was a great storm. The storm reached such an intensity that the Captain advised the passengers to wear their kafans (shrouds), for he could see no escape from such a storm. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), noticing the concern on the face of his father, inquired as to what had transpired. His father replied, 'My beloved son, I have no concern for myself, rather it is for you that I am sad'. The young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied, 'O father! If the captain has lost hope then let him do so. We should have complete faith in Allah and His beloved Habeeb, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam). In accordance with the commands of the beloved Habeeb (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam), when entering this ship, I recited the Dua: 'Subhaanal lazi sakh khara lana haaza wa maa kunna lahu muq rineen wa inna ila Rabbina la mun qalibun'. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam) has stated that, 'Whosoever, recites this Dua when entering a ship (any mode of transport), that ship would not be destroyed. Therefore, I have absolute certainty that generations may change, yet, this ship would never sink'."A'LA HADRAT, HAVING MERELY SPOKEN THESE WORDS, WHEN THE CAPTAIN ARRIVED AND BEGAN INFORMING THE PASSENGERS THAT THE STORM IS SUBSIDING AND THAT THERE WAS NO NEED FOR CONCERN!LOVE FOR SAYYIDUNA GHOUSUL AZAM (RADI ALLAHU ANHU)Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) possessed immense love for Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam, Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani Baghdadi (radi Allahu anhu).Hadrat Muhaddith-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) reported that in the period when he was given permission to serve in the Darul Ifta at Bareilly Shareef, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) bought sweets (Niyaaz) to the value of 11 Rupees and made the Fatiha of Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam (radi allahu anhu). He then distributed the sweets to those who were present. While the sweets were being distributed, those who were present became astonished to see A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) standing up from his chair and kneeling down on to the floor in the Tashahud position. They immediately came closer to him too see what had happened. Then only did they realise that the person distributing the Niyaaz had dropped a little on the ground, and A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was lifting this piece of Niyaaz with the tip of his blessed tongue!
This alone will show the great amount of love and respect that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) possessed for Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allahu anhu). It has been stated that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was not only the Na'ib (Helper) of Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam (radi Allahu anhu), but he was also the Ghousul Azam of his time. He wrote many Manqabats in praise of Hadrat Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allahu anhu).HIS CONTENTMENT AND HIS ABSTENTION FROM WORLDLY ACTIVITIESIt is recorded that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) had a few acres of land in his possession. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) left the entire maintenance of the land in the responsibility and trust of others. Although A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) received a monthly allowance from his own property, he spent his allowance in the service of guests, of Sayeds and in the purchasing of books. There were times when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was left with only a few pennies in his pockets! But he never inquired about the income that he received from his few possessions. (Al Mizaan, pg. 335)During the Khilafat Movement, Ghandi was advised that he should meet with the distinguished Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). This suggestion was made to Ghandi by people such as the Ali Brothers, Mawlana Qiyaamudeen and Abdul Baari Faranghi. They said that since A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) commanded the respect of the large Muslim populace, it would assist them in their Khilafat Movement.When A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was told that the Ghandhi wished to meet and speak to him, he said, "What would he speak about? Religion or worldly affairs? If it is worldly affairs, what can I partake in, for I have abstained from the world and have no interest in it." (Al Mizaan, pg. 335)
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