SHAYKH AL ISLAM
JANASHEEN - MUHADDITH AL A'ZAM AL HIND
A'la Hadrat'
Azeem al-Barkat, Mujaddid al-Deen al-Millat
Imam-e-Ahl as-Sunnat
Ash-Shah Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Al-Qadiri
Fadil al-Bareilly
Radi Allahu ta'ala 'anhu
Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem
As Salaatu was Salaamu Alayka Ya Rasulullah
The Knowledge :
Services as a Mujaddid :
Qualities :
Writings and Works :
The Works of Imam Ahmad Raza;
Books and Literature;
Organisations affiliated to Imam Ahmad Raza;
Comments by the Noble Ulema of Makkah;
Comments by the Noble Ulema of Madinah;
Comments by the Noble Ulema of the Sub-Continent;
Imam Ahmad Raza in the eye's of others;
Imam Ahmad Raza in the eyes of the Opposition;
Links with Sadat-e-Ashrafiyya :
coming soon
Imam Ahmad Raza's Final Advice before his departure;
Wissal of Imam Ahmad Raza;
Mazaar Shareef;
Hujjat al-Islam Hamid Rida Khan
Mufti al-A'zam Mustafa Rida Khan
Impact left by Imam Ahmad Raza Khan :
Impact left by A'la Hadrat in the World Today ;
Great breakthrough at the Al Azhar University in Cairo;
Imam Ahmad Raza and medicine (Tibb);
Imam Ahmad Raza Foundation;
New translations of works published;
Historic A'la Hadrat's shrine stamp printed by Indian Govt;
Research on A'la Hadrat;
Translations of A'la Hadrat's works;
Universities research A'la Hadrat's works;
New research material on A'la Hadrat;
Ph.d on A'la Hadrat;
Television documentary on A'la Hadrat;
Fatwa Radawiyyah;
A'la Hadrat biography included in Encyclopedia;
Research on A'la Hadrat's ''Fauz-e-Mobeen'';
Kanz al-Iman :
A'la Hadrat's Qur'an translation in urdu, with English translation
Kanz al Iman now available;
Kanz al Iman in 'Sindhi';
Kanz al Iman in 'Creole' language;
Christian converts to Islam after reading Kanz ul Iman;
Kanz al Iman in English with audio commentary in urdu;
Books/Literature :
Sunni books available worldwide;
Sunni books from Raza Academy, UK;
Sunni books from Raza Academy, South Africa;
Sunni books from Ahl as-Sunnah London;
Sunni Books
Maslak-e-A'la Hadrat websites :
www.raza.co.za South Africa
www.razaacademy.com India
www.raza-academy.org UK
www.iaracademy.com Mauritius
www.alahazrat.net Pakistan
www.sunnirazvi.org South Africa/Mauritius
References :
Courtesy of Imam Ahmad Raza Academy of S.Africa;
Birth
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Radi Allahu anhu was born on a Monday, the 10th of Shawaal 1272 HIJRI (14th June 1856), at the time of Zuhar Salaah in a place called Jasoli, which is in the city of Bareilly Shareef, India.
A few days before the birth of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan
Radi Allahu anhu, his father, Allama Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan Radi
Allahu anhu, had a wonderful dream. He immediately disclosed this
dream to his father, Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan Radi Allahu anhu,
who interpreted this dream by saying:
This was the good news that was given to Allama
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 Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam", Imam
Ahmad Raza Khan Radi Allahu anhu .
The date of birth of A'la
Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu was extracted by himself from the Noble
Qur'an.
Name
The Grand Mufti of Makka t'al-Mukarramah, Shaykh Hussain bin Saleh Makki radi Allahu anhu, also gave him the title of "Zia 'al-Din Ahmad."
Family
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Al-Qaderi, was the s/o of Allama Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan, who was the s/o of Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan, who was the s/o of Allama Mawlana Mohammed Kaazim Ali Khan, who was the s/o of Allama Mawlana Shah Muhammad Azam Khan, who was the s/o of Allama Mawlana Sa'adat Yaar Khan, who was the s/o of Allama 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. Allama 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, Allama Mawlana Sa'adat Yaar Khan radi Allahu anhu, after gaining victory in the city of Ruhailah, was elected as the Governor of that city.
Allama Mawlana Hafiz Kaazim Ali Khan, the son of Mawlana Muhammad A'zam Khan radi Allahu anhum, was a Tax-collector in the city of Badayun. His son, Allama 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.
Father
HIS FATHER: A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu's father, Hadrat Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan radi Allahu anhu, received his education at the hands of his father, Allama 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 radi Allahu anhu's father passed away in 1297 Hijri (1880) when he was 24 years old.
Grandfather
Piety as a child
IMAM AHMAD RAZA'S PIETY AS A CHILD
Another incident which happened in the Month of Ramadan also shows A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu's piety and fear of Allah. Fasting was not Fard (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 can rise upto to as much as 50 degrees celsius. On that day, the heat of the sun was intense. Hadrat Allama 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 Allama Naqi Ali Khan radi Allahu anhu. He then left the room with A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu.
First Lecture
IMAM AHMAD RAZA'S FIRST LECTURE
Sayyadi 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 Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam. He brightened the hearts of the listeners with the love of Sayyadina Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam. The people listening were thoroughly impressed by the maturity and eloquence of this lecture which was being delivered by a 6 year old child!
Intelligent Child
HIS INTELLIGENCE AS A CHILD
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: "Allama Hadrat Ahmad 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."
Childhood Events
At the age of 3, A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu was once standing outside the Raza Masjid 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 Du'a for him. On hearing this, the Majzoob, for approximately half an hour, made the following Du'a: "May Allah have mercy on you, May Allah bless you."
Early Education
COMMENCEMENT OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION
His respected teacher asked him to read the Tasmiyah, and then told him to read "Alif, Baa, Taa, . . . ." A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu began reading the "Alif, Baa, Taa, ..." until he came to the word "Laam Alif" at which point A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu became silent. When his teacher asked him once more to read "Laam Alif", he remained silent. The teacher instructed him, "Say, 'Laam Alif'". Sayyidi A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu, then replied, "I have already read them earlier on. What need is there for me to repeat it?"
Hadrat Allama Raza Ali Khan radi Allahu anhu, who was witnessing this incident, said, "Son! Listen to what your Ustaad is saying." Upon further reflection, Hadrat Allama Raza Ali Khan radi Allahu anhu, realised the reason for the objection of the young A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu. It was because the teacher was teaching A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu the lesson on single alphabets. A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu felt that how was it possible that a complete word like "Laam Alif" should be found in such a lesson that only dealt with single alphabets!
Hadrat Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan radi Allahu anhu knew that it was a very delicate matter that could not be understood by a child. Nevertheless, he explained, "Son! It is true that which you are thinking of. But the 'Alif' which you had earlier read, in reality, is 'Hamza' and this which you are reciting now is 'Alif'. 'Alif' is always 'Sakin' and one cannot commence with an alphabet which is 'Sakin'. Therefore, it is for this reason that the alphabet 'Laam' is brought before the 'Alif'."
When A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu heard this answer, he replied, "If that be the case, then any other alphabet could be joined to the 'Alif'. Why the 'Laam'?" Mawlana Raza Ali Khan radi Allahu anhu, out of sheer happiness and excitement, embraced A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu and made Du'a for him. He then explained the answer to A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu in the following brilliant manner: "In looking at them they both appear to be very much alike, since they are both empty. Even when writing them together they look very much alike. When it comes to their qualities then 'Laam' is the heart of 'Alif' and 'Alif' is the heart of 'Laam'."
Hadrat Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan radi Allahu anhu was in reality opening the doors and the treasures of knowledge and spiritual insight to A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu.
A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu was only 4 years old when he completed the recitation Noble Qur'an. Due to the extraordinary intelligence bestowed upon him by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu completed his islamic education at the very young age of 13 years, 10 months & 5 days. A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu states that, "I completed my religious education during the middle of the month of Shabaan in the year 1286Hijri. I was 13 years, 10 months and 5 days old at that time. It was also at this time that Salaah became Fard upon me and I began to have great interest in the Laws of Shariah". [Al Ijaazatur Radawiyya]
A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu gained his basic knowledge at home. He later continued his studies under the guidance of certain noted teachers. He studied under his father, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan radi Allahu anhu. He completed his primary education by Janab Mirza Ghulam Qader Baig, by whom he studied the book, "Mizaane Munsha'ab." A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu also studied under the guidance of the following luminous personalities :
2. Hadrat Allama Sayyad Shah Abul Hassan Ahmad Noori,
3. Shaykh-e-Tariqah, Allama Shah A'le Rasool Mahrahrewi,
4. Shaykh Ahmad bin Zain-e-Dahlaan Makki,
5. Shaykh Abdur Rahman Makki,
6. Shaykh Hussain bin Salih Makki
First Fatwa
A'la
Hadrats first fatawa
In a letter sent to his illustrious Khalifa, 'Malakul Ulema', Hadrat Mawlana Zafaruddeen Bihaari, A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu wrote;
His father was so amazed and delighted by this
in-depth reply that he assigned the young A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu
anhu the task of issuing fatawa's (Islamic Verdicts). For many years,
thereafter, A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu carried this very important
duty with absolute dignity and responsibility.
A'la
Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu began answering hundreds of fatawas daily.
He received them in all languages - Arabic, Urdu, Persian, English
and many other languages.
Professor Dr J.M.S. Baljon,
Department of Islamology, (University of Leiden, Holland), when
commenting about A'la Hadrat's Radi Allahu anhu answers to religious
enquiries, said:
Marriage
HIS
MARRIAGE & CHILDREN
Almighty
Allah blessed A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu with 7 beautiful children
- 2 sons & 5 daughters. Both his sons became eminent Islamic
Scholars and great Awliyah-Allah. A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu's
eldest son, Hujjat al Islam, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Muhammad Haamid
Raza Khan Noori Barakaati Radi Allahu anhu was very much efficient
in Arabic and various other religious sciences. His features
resembled his illustrious father. Hujjat al Islam Radi Allahu anhu
left this mundane world on the 17th of Jamadi al-Awwal 1362 Hijri.,
while in the state of Salaah. His Mazaar Shareef (Blessed Tomb) is in
Bareilly Shareef, India.
Ghawth al-Waqt, Huzoor Mufti
al-A'zam al-Hind, Ash Shah Imam Mustapha Raza Khan Noori Barakaati
Radi Allahu anhu, the younger son of A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu
studied primarily under the guidance of his elder brother. He also
received education at the blessed feet of his father and earned
himself a certificate of proficiency in religious sciences. Huzoor
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind Radi Allahu anhu has approximately ten million
Mureeds (Disciples) around the world. He is also regarded as a
Mujaddid (Reviver) of Islam of the 15th Century. He left this mundane
world on the eve of the 14th of Muharram 1402 Hijri (1981). His Mazaar
Shareef is also in Bareilly Shareef.
Immense Knowledge
INCIDENTS
POINTING TO HIS IMMENSE KNOWLEDGE
Speaking about A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu's immense knowledge, Dr Sayyid Muhammad Abdullah, Chairman of Dept. of Encyclopedia of Islam, University of Punjab, Lahore (Pakistan) said:
He indeed, is a renowned scholar, great philosopher, eminent Jurist, man of vision, interpreter of the Noble Qur'an and the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam's traditions, and a spell-binding orator."
A few days after the nikah of A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, a certain person came to
Bareilly Shareef. He presented a fatawa of Mawlana Irshaad Hussain
Mujaddidi Radi Allahu anhu to Hadrat Allama Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan
Radi Allahu anhu for an answer. The fatawa bore the signatures of
many Ulema.
Hadrat Allama Naqi Ali Khan Radi Allahu anhu, instructed the messenger with the following words: "Go into the room. Moulvi Sahib is there. He will answer your question." The messenger entered the room and only saw A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu sitting there. He returned to Hadrat Allama Naqi Ali Khan Radi Allahu anhu and said, "There is no Moulvi Sahib there. All I see in the room is a young lad." Hadrat Allama Naqi Ali Khan Radi Allahu anhu told the messenger: "Give the mas'ala to him and he will answer it." The messenger went to A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu and handed him the fatawa. He studied it and realised that the answer on the fatawa of Mawlana Irshaad Hussain Radi Allahu anhu was incorrect. A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu wrote the correct answer to the fatawa and respectfully presented it to his father. His father verified his answer as being correct.
The very same fatawa was then taken to the Governor of Rampur. After studying the fatawa of A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, the Governor requested the presence of Mawlana Irshaad Hussain Sahib Radi Allahu anhu. When the said Mawlana appeared before the Governor, the fatawa was shown to him. Mufti Irshaad Hussain Sahib Radi Allahu anhu humbly acknowledged that his fatawa was incorrect and that the fatawa from Bareilly Shareef was the correct answer. The Governor of Rampur then said;
Coincidently, Mawlana Abdul Haq Khayrabaadi arrived. They were both introduced to one another. After getting acquainted, he questioned Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu concerning the books that he had studied in the field of logistics. A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu told the Mawlana that he had studied the Kitaab, "Kazi Mubaarak." Mawlana Abdul Haq Khayrabaadi did not believe A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu because he felt that he was too young to study "Kazi Mubaarak". He then, very sarcastically, asked, "Have you studied 'Tahzeeb'?" A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu also answered in a very sarcastic manner by saying, "Is 'Tahzeeb' taught after 'Kazi Mubaarak' at your institution?"
After listening to the answers of
A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, he began questioning him about his
qualifications. A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu said that he preferred
teaching, engaging in fatawa work and writing books. He further asked
A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu concerning his field of expertise. A'la
Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu replied by saying that he specialised in any field that was necessary at any given time. and this included debating the wahhabis.
When
Mawlana Abdul Haq heared this reply from A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, he remarked, "That crazy person from Badayoun is also in this
fanaticism." (He was referring to Mawlana Abdul Qaadir Radi
Allahu anhu. On hearing this, A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu
anhu became offended and said, "Your father, Mawlana Fadhl-e-Haq
Khayrabaadi Radi Allahu anhu, was the first person to debate the
Wahabis, and he was the one responsible for writing a book against
Isma'il Delhwi. He called this book 'Al Fatawa Fi Butali
Taghwa'."
Mawlana Abdul Haq Khayrabaadi then said,
"If, in my presence, you answer me in this way, then it will be
impossible for me to teach you." A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu
replied by saying, "I have already decided not to study under
you, since for me to study under you will be an insult to the
Ulema-e-Ahl as-Sunnah".
Mawlana Mufti Mazhar-ullah
said: "Once, I enquired from A'la Hadrat about the holy
sacrifice offered by Muslims. He, in his reply, described innumerable
kinds of sheep which was a matter of surprise for me. I kept his
letter with me. It so happened that Mawlana Kifaayatullah came to see
me and by chance he saw the letter. He was astounded and said,
Knowledge with father
BRANCHES
OF KNOWLEDGE STUDIED BY AT HIS FATHER'S FEET
Tafseer of Ahadith
Principles of Ahadith (usul-e-hadith)
Islamic Jurisprudence (all four schools of thought)
Principles of Jurisprudence (usul-e-fiqh)
Dialetics
Qur'anic Commentary
Principles of Belief
Principles of Debate
Arabic Syntax
Principles of Rhetoric
Language usage of Metaphors
Science dealing with Rhetoric
Logic
Debates
Philosophy and Politics
Rhetoric Devices
Physics
Mathematics
Physical Engineering
Knowledge from Ulema
OTHER BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE ATTAINED FROM VARIOUS ULEMA
Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan,
Shaykh Ahmad bin Zain Dahlaan Makki,
Shaykh Abdur Rahman Makki,
Shaykh Hussain bin Saleh Makki,
Shah Abul Hassan Ahmad Noori
Knowledge un-aided
BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE ATTAINED WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF ANY TEACHER
The above are merely a few branches of knowledge in which A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu reached such great heights of proficiency that he was considered to be the inventor of that branch of knowledge! An example of this is to found in his book, "Ar Raudal Baheej fi Adaabut Takhreej", dealing with the 'Principles of Chronomatic Recording of Ahadith'.
Commenting on this, the famous historian, Mawlana Rahmaan Ali, (M.P. Madya Pradesh) states, "If there are no books to be found on the subject of 'Chronomatic Recording' of Ahadith, then A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu can be considered to be the very inventor of this branch of knowledge". (Tazkerah Ulema al-Hind, pg. 17)
50 Branches of Ilm
PROFICIENCY
IN OVER FIFTY BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE
Commenting on A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu's reputation and his knowledge, Dr Jamil Jalibi, Vice Chancellor, Karachi University (Pakistan) said:
Professor Dr Wahid Ashraf, Baroda University, in Baroda said:
Qur'an translation
TRANSLATION AND COMMENTARY OF THE NOBLE QURAN
Many people have translated the Noble Qur'an into the Urdu language, but the translation of the Noble Quran presented by A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu - called "Kanz al-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 in his translation that are worthy for the Attributes and Qualities of Almighty Allah and of His beloved Rasool Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam.
It is said that the translation of the Noble Qur'an by A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu is not merely a literal translation, but is also the commentary of the Noble Qur'an. In the words of Hadrat Sayyiduna Muhaddith al-Azam al-Hind Rahmatullahi alayh,
We have taken just one example of a verse from the Noble Qur'an 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:
(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 Jalledhri
(6) "And he found thee wandering and He gave thee guidance." Translation by Yusuf Ali
Now that we have examined six different translations of Sura 93, verse 7, let us examine the difference and the uniqueness of the translation by A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu:
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 Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam!
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 Noble Qur'an. 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 Noble Qur'an may be compiled. Like his translation of the Noble Qur'an, 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 w'ad-Duha from 9 a.m. in the morning right till 3 p.m. in the afternoon! This lecture on the sura 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 al-Kareem!"
Allama Ata Muhammad Bindayalwi radi Allahu anhu, Sarghoda (Pakistan) said:
Hadith
AUTHORITY IN THE FIELD OF AHADITH
Imam Ahmad 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 Muhiyyuddin, Azhar University, Cairo (Egypt) said:
Great Jurist
A GREAT JURIST OF HIS TIME
Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) is that branch of knowledge that is derived from the Noble Qur'an and the Ahadith of Sayyiduna Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam. Only that person can be a proper Jurist who is well-versed in both the Noble Qur'an and the Ahadith of Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam. 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.
Sayyadi 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 Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam, which was compiled into 12 large volumes, comprising of approximately 12,000 pages to form the famous book, "Fatawa Radawiyyah," [Fatwa Razviya] 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:
When Shaykh Ismail Khalil, the Curator of the library at Makkatul Mukarramah, read the fatawas of Sayyadi A'la Hazrat radi Allahu anhu he was puffed up with joy and wrote to A'la Hazrat radi Allahu anhu:
I'lm-e-Jafar
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 [Saints - Freinds of 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 alayhis salaam in the future. A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu said that Almighty Allah knows of this and His beloved Rasool Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam is also aware of this fact. After saying this A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu substantiated these facts by quoting many verses of the Noble Qur'an and Ahadith of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam. A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu then said;
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 Musjid. 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!
Astronomy
KNOWLEDGE OF ASTRONOMY AND ASTROLOGY
A'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." Sayyadi 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 uncontrollaby.
Maths
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 Zia al-Din, a famous mathematician, was in a predicament with regards to part of his research in a mathematical field which meant he had to go to Berlin (Germany) to seek a solution to an intricate problem. It so happened that a certain Mawlana from the famous Aligarh University advised Sir Zia al-Din to visit A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu to seek a solution for his mathematical problem. But, Sir Zia al-Din, 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 Zia al-Din was about to leave, A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu handed him a sheet of paper. When Sir Zia al-Din read what was written on this paper, he realised that it contained the solution to his mathematical problem that had him so confused. Sir Zia al-Din then said;
Sir Zia' al-Din, was later recorded to have said the following about A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu:
Poetry
Contribution to the field of poetry
His naats 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 Awliya-Allah. Just as the Ambiya receive "wahi" or revelation, so do the Awliya receive "I'lhaam". Each verse and stanza of his poetry is the tafseer (commentary) of the Noble Qur'an and the hadith of Sayyiduna Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa
'aalihi wa Sallam. His poetry was mainly in the arabic, urdu, and persian languages.
Mawlana Qari Noor al Hassan, quoting the following stanzas from A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu's poetry:
Jis Simt Aagaye ho sikhe Bithaa diye hai"
Mawlana Sahib 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 Hassan Raza Khan radi Allahu anhu, the younger brother of Sayyadi 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. Hadrat Hassnain Raza Khan radi Allahu anhu used to take the poetry of Hadrat Hassan Raza Khan radi Allahu anhu to Daagh Delhwi. One day, as he was about to leave for Dehli, A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu presented one of his naats to Hadrat Hassnain Raza Khan radi Allahu anhu and said, "Ask Daagh Delhwi to rectify this Qalaam." The naat which A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu sent begins with the following stanza:
Jis Raah chal diye hai kooche basa diye hai."
When Hadrat Hassnain Raza Khan radi Allahu anhu reached Delhi and presented the naat to Daagh Delwhi, he looked at it and said, "This does not seem like the poetry of Mawlana Hassan Raza Khan. Whose is it?" Hadrat Hassnain Raza Khan radi Allahu anhu replied that it was written by A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu. On hearing this, Daagh Delhwi said ;
After saying this, he wrote the verse:
Jis Simt Aagaye ho sikhe Bithaa diye hai"
Commenting on one of A'la Hadrat's poems, His Eminence Muhaddith al-A'zam al-Hind Kichauchawi radi Allahu anhu said:
Bayah & Khilafat
In the year 1294 Hijri, at the age of 22 years, Sayyadi A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu became the mureed (Disciple) of Imam-ul-Asfiya, Sayyad Shah Aal'e 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 al-Barakati and entered, Sayyidi Shah Aal'e Rasool radi Allahu anhu saw A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu and said, "Come in. I have been awaiting your presence for along time."
Sayyadi Shah Aal'e Rasool radi Allahu anhu immediately made A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu a mureed and blessed him with khilafat and i'jazah in all the sufi silsilas.. Thus, A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu's Pir-o-Murshid (Spiritual Guide) was Hadrat Sayyadi Shah Aal'e Rasool radi Allahu anhu.
Hadrat Sayyadi Abul Hussain Noori Barakaati radi Allahu anhu, who was also the Pir-o-Murshid of Mawlana 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 Sayyidi 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 Sayyidi Shah Aal'e 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 ?" Sayyidi Shah Aal'e Rasool radi Allahu anhu answered with the following words:
"I always shed tears 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 Aal'e Rasool! What have you brought for me ?' Then, I will immediately present Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Radi Allahu anhu to my creator."
This highly spiritual incident alone explains the status of A'la Hadrat, Azeem al-Barkat, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan radi Allahu anhu.
A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu possessed immense love for his Pir-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 Pir-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 Pir-o-Murshid and his family, one cannot imagine or fathom the respect which he showed towards them personally!
Mureeds
Imam Ahmad Raza's Mureeds & Khulafa:
2. Ghawth al-Waqt, Mufti-e-A'zam al-Hind, Hadrat Mawlana Mustapha Raza Khan Noori Barakati,
3. Hadrat Allama Mawlana Abdus Salaam Jabalpuri,
4. Sadr al-Afadil, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Na'eem al-Din Muradabadi,
5. Malik al-Ulema, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Sayyid Zafar'al-Din Bihari,
6. Mubbalig-e-A'zam, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi,
7. Sadr as-Shariah, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Mufti Amjad Ali,
8. Qutb al Madinat, Hadrat Allama Sheikh Zia' al-Din Ahmed al Madani,
9. Burhan-e-Millat, Hadrat Allama Burhan ul Haq,
10. Hadrat Allama Mawlana Mukhtar Ahmad Siddiqi Meerati,
11. Shaykh Muhammad Abd al-Hayy,
12. Shaykh Ahmad Khalil,
13. Shaykh Ahmad Khudravi,
14. Shaykh Muhammad bin Abi Bakr,
15. Shaykh Muhammad Sa'id,
16. Alim al-Rabbani Hadrat Mawlana Sayyad Ahmad Ashraf al-Ashrafi al-Jilani, &
17. Hadrat Mawlana Shah Sulayman Ashraf al-Ashrafi al-Jilani
Sadr as-Shariat, Hadrat Allama Amjad Ali Razvi Radi Allahu anhu : was
born in 1296 Hijri and passed away in 1367 Hijri at the age of 71
years. He is the author of the internationally renowned book, "Bahar-e-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 Allama Sadr as-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 Allama 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 Allama Sadr as-Shariat Radi Allahu anhu heard of this, he immediately went to Ajmer Shareef with a 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.
Allama Mawlana Abdul Aleem radi Allahu anhu 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 Sultan Masjid in Singapore and the Naagarya Masjid in Japan. He was also the founder of various newspapers and Islamic magazines amongst which are, "The Muslim Digest" (South Africa), "Trinidad Muslim Annual" and the "Pakistani News".
Professor Dr Sayyad Jamal al-Din, 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 Manzar al-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 Sulayman 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."
First Hajj
IMAM
AHMAD RAZA'S FIRST HAJJ
Imagine the condition of that
Lover of the Prophet or Aashiq-e-Rasool Salla Allahu Alayhi wa
Sallam who is blessed with the opportunity of visiting the
Rawza-e-Aqdas [blessed shrine] of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam and
placing his eyes on the doorstep of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam. This opportunity of performing his first Hajj and
Ziyarah 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 alayhis salaam. Having completed his
Salaah, the Imam of the Shafi'i order of Makkatul Mukarramah, Allama
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:
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' al -Din"
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 Makka t'ul Mukarramah, Allama
Abdur Rahmaan Siraaj and Mufti Shaykh Sayyad Ahmad Dahlaan Shafi'i
Radi Allahu anhum.
It was also during this historical visit that A'la Hadrat
Radi Allahu anhu informed the Ulema al-Haramain Sharifain concerning the blasphemous and corrupt beliefs of the Ulema-e-Deoband. Having studied A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu
anhu's 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 Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam. 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.
Second Hajj
IMAM AHMAD RAZA'S SECOND HAJJ
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Radi Allahu
anhu performed his second Hajj in 1323 Hijri. (1905). He was 49 years
old.
On the 25th of Dhil-Hajjah, Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Radi
Allahu anhu once again had the opportunity of meeting the great Imam,
Shaykh Saleh Kamaal Radi Allahu anhu. He also met Allama Sayyad
Ismae'el Radi Allahu anhu and many other Noble Ulema, who showed
great respect towards him.
It was on this occasion that Allama
Shaykh 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 Wahhabi
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 Hijri.,
in which A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu performed his second Hajj!
In the Presence of Nabi
IN
THE PRESENCE OF THE BELOVED PROPHET Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam
It was during A'la Hadrat Radi
Allahu anhu's second visit to the 'Haramain Sharifain' that his
aspiration to see the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam
became very great. Continuously reciting the Durood Shareef with
great veneration and humbleness in front of the 'Rawza-e-Mubarak' of
the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi Sallam, he felt
confident of seeing the Beloved Prophet Muhammad Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi Sallam.
It was during the second night of his visit to the
doorstep of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi Sallam that he was given the opportunity of actually seeing the blessed
personality of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi Sallam. On that night, A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, in a state of
total submission, lifted his pen and began writing a naat in praise
of Sayyiduna Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi Sallam. The first
line of that naat is:
The
beautiful naat continues praising the Beloved of Allah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi Sallam and ends with the following
verse:
Here, A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu lowers
himself to the extremes and addresses himself as the "dog"
of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi Sallam. At this point, he was given the opportunity of seeing with his naked eyes the beloved personality of the Beloved Noble Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi Sallam standing beside the Rawza-e-Mubarak ...
Darre Roza Ke Muqaabil wo hume Nazar to Aaya
Ye na pooch kaisa paaya, Ye Na pooch kaisa paaya
Tuje humd he khuda ya, Tuje humd he khuda ya"
Love for Nabi
Love for the Beloved Prophet Muhammad Salla
Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam
A'la
Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu spent every moment of his life praising the
Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam.
Everything he did was for the Pleasure of Almighty Allah and His
Rasool Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam.
Professor
Dr Abdul Wahid Halepota, Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology,
Government of Pakistan, said:
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 Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam
only on the earth and not in the skies." A'la Hadrat
Radi Allahu anhu, in turn, replied:
"The Power of Huzoor (Salla
Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam) 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 Sayyidi 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,
After
some time, the majzoob returned and met Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Radi
Allahu anhu and said ;
It has been recorded that
Hadrat Mawlana Naee'm al-Din Muradabadi radi Allahu anhu once asked A'la Hadrat Radi
Allahu anhu the reason from him being so severe upon those who
disrespected Sayyiduna Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa
Sallam. A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu replied ;
The
above mentioned incidents clearly highlight the following thoughts
of A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Radi Allahu anhu :
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 Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu
'alayhi wa Sallam without which, Islam is a body without a
soul."
Also commenting on the great love that A'la Hadrat
Radi Allahu anhu had for Sayyadina Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'alayhi
wa Sallam, Justice Shamim Hussain Qadri, Punjab High Court, Lahore
(Pakistan), said:
Sayyads
It is A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu who showed the Muslim world how to respect the descendants or family of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam. His entire life is filled such with incidents.
With tears in his eyes, A'la Hadrat Radi
Allahu anhu fell at his feet and began asking for pardon. The sayyad
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 [judgement] if the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa
Sallam asks me concerning this incident, and says to me that I
showed disrespect to his family?"
Allahu Akhbar! Those who had been witnesses to this incident could not believe that the Imam of the 'Ahl as-Sunnah Wa'h Jama'ah', 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. It was a family of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam!
Sunnah
Imam Ahmad Razas adherence to the Sunnah
The
following account clearly describes A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu's
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 du'a as explained by Sayyiduna Rasoolulah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam who said that if one sees a serious and deadly illness, he should recite the following du'a, which would protect the person from such an illness. I had, therefore, recited this du'a:
Whenever I
saw a serious illness, I recited this du'a, therefore, I was protected
against it, including the plague.
A similar incident showing the great trust that A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu had in Almighty Allah and His beloved Habeeb Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam is recorded by Mawlana Muhammad Shareef. He says ;
"Once, when A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu was returning from Hajj [pilgrimage to Makkah] 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, Sayyadina Rasoolullah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam. In accordance with the commands of the beloved Habeeb Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam, when entering this ship, I recited the du'a:
Sayyadina Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam has stated that, 'Whosoever, recites this du'a 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 was subsiding and that there wasn't any need for concern!
Ghawth-e-A'zam
Love for Sayyadina al Ghawth al A'zam Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu
Imam
Ahmad Raza Khan Radi Allahu anhu possessed immense love for Sultan
al-Awliya Sayyadina Ghawth al-A'zam, as-Sayyad Shaykh Abd'al Qadir
al-Jilani Baghdadi radi Allahu ta'ala anhu.
His Holiness
Hadrat Muhaddith al-Azam al-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 Sayyadina
Ghawth al-A'zam Radi Allahu ta'ala 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!
Abstention
It 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 sayyads 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', Mahatma Ghandi was advised that he should meet with the distinguished Imam Ahmad Raza Khan radi Allahu anhu. This suggestion was made to Ghandi by people such as the Ali Brothers, Mawlana Qiyaam-udeen and Abd 'al 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 Ghandhi wished to meet and speak to him, he said,
Mujaddid of the 14th Century
Imam Ahmad Raza as the Mujaddid of the 14th Century
Undoubtedly,
besides being recognised as a great wali, as the Ghawth al-A'zam and
as the Imam Abu Hanifa Radi Allahu anhum of his time, A'la Hadrat
Radi Allahu anhu was also the mujaddid (Reviver) of Islam of the
14th Century. He possessed all the conditions of a mujaddid and his
entire life was spent trying to revive the Deen of the Most Beloved
Prophet Muhammad Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa
Sallam.
A cloud of darkness had covered most of the world and
the false concepts of polytheism (Shirk) and Innovations (Bid'at)
were coming into existence. The Muslims were in a state of confusion.
They were surrounded by the cloud of kufr (Disbelief), shirk and bid'at. It is through the Divine Grace of Almighty Allah and the sadaqah of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi
wa Sallam that the Reviver of the 14th Century, 'Imam-e-Ahl
as-Sunnat', Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Radi Allahu anhu shone like the sun.
With his bright proofs, he destroyed the darkness of kufr and revived
Islam.
Professor Manzoor al-Din Ahmad, Vice Chancellor,
University of Karachi said:
A hadith recorded in 'Mishkaat Shareef' and quoted by Abu
Hurairah Radi Allahu anhu who says that the Beloved Prophet Salla
Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam said:
In
other the words, when there comes a period in which there is a
shortage of knowledge and a deterioration in following of the sunnah;
when there is an increase in false innovations and ignorance; then
Almighty Allah will send a person at the beginning or end of every
century who will show the difference between sunnah and bid'at. He
will refute and destroy false innovations and will fear none but
Almighty Allah. He will very bravely and sincerely hoist the flag of
Deen al-Muhammadi Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam.
Such a person is known as a "Mujaddid" (Reviver) of
Deen.
The author of the book, "Siraajum Muneer", has
explained who a mujaddid is in the following words:
Allama
Munaadi Radi Allahu anhu states:
"A mujaddid is one who separates sunnah from Bid'ah and one who degrades the status of the Ahl al-Bid'ah."
Question: Why does a mujaddid come after 100 years?
Question: Can their be more than one Mujaddid
to a century?
Previous Mujaddids
1st Century :
- Sayyiduna Imam Umar bin Abdul Aziz radi Allahu anhu
2nd Century :
- Imam Hasan al Basri,
- Imam Muhammad bin Hasan Shaibani,
- Imam Malik bin Anas,
- Imam Abdullah bin Idris Shafi'i
radi Allahu anhum
3rd Century :
- Imam Abul Hassan bin Umar,
- Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal
radi Allahu anhum
4th Century :
- Imam Tahtaawi,
- Imam Isma'il bin Hammad Ja'fari,
- Imam Abu Jaafar bin Jareer Tibri,
- Imam Abu Haatim Raazi
radi Allahu anhum
5th Century :
- Imam Abu Naeem Isfahani,
- Imam Abul Husain Ahmad bin Muhammad Abi Bakr-il-Qadir,
- Imam Hussain bin Raghib,
- Imam Muhammad bin Muhammad Ghazzali
radi Allahu anhum
6th Century :
- Imam Abul Fadhl Umar Raazi,
- Allama Imam Umar Nasfi,
- Imam Qaazi Fakhr al-Din Hassan Mansoor,
- Imam Abu Muhammad Hussain bin Mas'ud Fara'a
radi Allahu anhum
7th Century :
- Imam Abul Fadhl Jamal al-Din Muhammad bin Afriqi Misri,
- Imam Shaykh Shahib al-Din Suhrawardi,
- Khawaja Muhi'yuddeen Hasan Chishti Ajmeri,a
- Imam Abul Hasan Uz'zuddeen Ali bin Muhammad Ibn Athir,
- Shaykh al Akbar Muhi'yuddeen Muhammad ibn Arabi
radi Allahu anhum
8th Century :
- Imam Taaj'uddeen bin Ata'ullah Sikandari,
- Khawaja Nizam al-Din Awliya Mahboob-e-Ilahi,
- Imam Umar bin Mas'ud Taftazani
radi Allahu anhum
9th Century :
- Imam Hafiz Jallal al-Din Abu Bakr Abdur Rahmaan Suyuti,
- Imam Noor al-Din bin Ahmad Misri,
- Imam Muhammad bin Yusuf Karmani,
- Imam Shamsuddeen Abul Khay Muhammad bin Abdur Rahman Sakhawi,
- Imam Sayyad Sharif Ali bin Muhammad Jarmani
radi Allahu anhum
10th Century :
- Imam Shahabuddeen Abu Bakr Ahmad bin Muhammad Khatib Qistalaani,
- Imam Muhammad Sharbini,
- Allamah Shaykh Muhammad Tahir Muhaddith
11th Century :
- Imam Mulla Ali bin Sultan Qaari,
- Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi Mujaddid-e-Alf Thaani,
- Sultan al-Arif'in Imam Muhammad Bahu
radi Allahu anhum
12th Century :
- Allama Mawlana Imam Abul Hasan Muhammad bin Abdul Haadi Sindhi,
- Imam Abdul Ghani Taablisi,
- Shaykh Ahmad Mulla Jeewan
radi Allahu anhum
13th Century :
- Imam Abdul Ali Luckhnowi,
- Imam Shaykh Ahmad Saadi Maaliki,
- Allama Imam Ahmad bin Ismaeel Tahtaawi,
- Allama Shah Abdul Aziz Muhaddith-e-Delhwi
radi Allahu anhum
14th Century:
- Imam-e-Ahl as-Sunnat, Qami-e-Bid'at, Mujaddid-e-A'zam, A'la Hadrat as-Shah Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelwi Radi Allahu anhu
The Insulters
Imam Ahmad Raza's Jihad against the insulters of Sayyadina Rasoolallah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam
A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu spent much of his time also refuting
those who insulted the dignity of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam. He left no stone unturned in safe-guarding the
dignity and integrity of Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa
'aalihi wa Sallam, in spite of being personally attacked by the
misguided. These personal attacks did not bother him in the least
bit!
Allama Abdul Hamid, Vice Chancellor of al Jamia al-Nizamiyya (Hyderbad, India), said:
Justice Allama Mufti Sayyad Shuja'at Ali Qadri
Radi Allahu anhu, Shariah Court, Government of Pakistan (Islamabad),
said:
The adversaries of A'la Hadrat
Radi Allahu anhu levelled many accusations and tried desperately in
defending their kufr statements. After much proofs, when it became
absolutely clear to A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu that certain
misguided individuals were not prepared in withdrawing their Kufr
statements and making towbah, and in order to protect Islam, he passed kufr fatawas against those persons. We should remember that he passed
the "fatawa-e-takfeer" (Kufr Fatawa) against those persons
who insulted the status and dignity of Almighty Allah and His Rasool Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi
wa 'aalihi wa Sallam. He passed the 'Fatawa-e-Takfeer' on
persons such as Ashraf Ali Thanwi, Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi and Khalil
Ahmad Ambetwi and others because, through their writings, it was
evident that they had insulted the Most Beloved Prophet of Allah Salla Allahu
ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam.
We will quote some of the
following blasphemous statements that were made by them:
If one examines the original books that
were written by such persons, one will find other similar
disrespectful statements found in their writings.
A'la Hadrat's Radi Allahu anhu cautiousness in declaring a person a kaafir is to be noted in many of his books. In his book, "Subhaanus
Subooh", he academically destroys the arguments of Molwi Ismail
Dehlwi. Yet, at the end of the book, A'la Hadrat says, "The
Ulema have not termed this individual as a kaafir, therefore, one has
to be careful."
Once again, refuting the arguments of
Molwi Ismail Dehlwi and a few of his "infamous" followers
in another book, "Al Kaukabatush Sha'haabiya", A'la Hadrat
Radi Allahu anhu says, "In our opinion (the opinion of Islam),
to term a person a Kaafir and to control one's tongue is an act of
extreme precaution and analysis."
In another treatise
entitled, "Sallus Suyooful Hindiya", A'la Hadrat Radi
Allahu anhu states: "There is indeed a difference between
accepting words of Kufr and branding a person a Kaafir. We have to be
extremely careful. We have to remain silent. If there is the minutest
possibility that he is still a Muslim, we should fear terming that
person a Kaafir."
In his book, "Subhaanus Subooh",
Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu says, "We do not give
any comment on the Kufr of Molwi Ismail Dehlwi, simply because
Sayyiduna Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam has warned us
against terming the 'Ahle Qibla' as Kaafirs. (It is only possible) to
term a person a Kaafir if his Kufr becomes clear as the sun and the
minutest indication does not remain that he is a Muslim."
(Tamheed-e-Imaan, pg. 42-43)
From the above statements, we
clearly see how careful A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu was, in terming
a person a Kaafir. He was merely fulfilling his duty as a
conscientious and responsible Muslim. The fault was indeed of those
individuals, who even after being warned, remained steadfast in their
own beliefs and words of Kufr.
As we have already stated
earlier, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Radi Allahu anhu sent many of the
blasphemous and insulting statements to the Ulema of 'Makkatul
Mukarramah' and 'Madinatul Munawwarah' for clarification. They did not
hesitate in passing the 'fatawa of kufr' against such people who
insulted Almighty Allah and the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu
ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam.
Fatwas of Ulema-e-Haramayn
First Fatwa
"All Praise is due to Allah, the Master of the Worlds, Who has made the Ulema-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam the freshness of this world. By manifesting truth and guidance, and filling cities and heights, and by siding the religion of Sayyidul Mursaleen Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam they saved the society of Huzoor Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam from violation and (with their bright proofs) they destroyed the heresy of those who were misled.
"After sending praise and salutations, I have seen that which that learned person and professional teacher has purely written. It is a struggle on behalf of the religion of Muhammad Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam. In other words, my brother and my respected Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan radi Allahu anhu, who in his book, "Al Mu'tamadul Mustanad" has refuted the evil leaders of the false sects and false beliefs. Such people are worse than all evil, wicked and seditious people. Our author, in his book, has summarised and stated the names of those wrongdoers, who due to their wrong doings, are soon to become the worst and the lowest amongst the infidels.
"May Almighty Allah grant him (Imam Ahmed Raza) great reward for unveiling the wickedness and wrongness. May Allah accept his efforts and place his most high honour into the hearts of all people."
SECOND FATAWA
"O! Readers, it is essential for you to hold on to this Kitaab which it's author has written with great swiftness. You will find in this book bright and evident proof in refutal of these groups. Especially those individuals who intend to undo the objective which is already bound. Who are these individuals who are known as Wahhabis? From amongst them is "Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani" who has claimed Prophethood, and the other ones who have come out of Deen and insulted the dignity of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam are Qasim Nanotwi, Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi, Khalil Ahmad Ambetwi and Ashraf Ali Thanwi and all those who follow their ways.
"Almighty Allah grant Imam Ahmed Raza Khan great reward for he has given cure and has answered his decree which is in his book, "Al Mu'tamadul Mustanad", in which are also the decrees of the Ulema of Makkah and Madina. Due to the corruption and trouble, it has become necessary for them as they (the misguided) are spreading corruption on this earth. They and all those on their path.
"May Almighty Allah execute them where they behave arrogantly. May Allah give Imam Ahmed Raza glad tidings and shower His blessings upon him and his children amongst those who will speak truthfully until Qiyamah. Ameen."
One in need of forgiveness from his Powerful Creator.
MUHAMMAD BIN ABDUS SALAAM DAGHISTANI - Mufti Madinatul Munawwara radi Allahu anhu
THIRD FATAWA
"All Praise is due to Almighty Allah Who has shown the path to those whom He has guided and with His Justice, misguided him who he has left, and granted the Believers an easy path to gain advice. He has opened their hearts to bring faith in Almighty Allah and bear witness with their tongues and keep sincerity with their hearts and follow that which Allah and His Books have shown.
"Peace and Salutations upon him whom Allah has sent as a mercy unto the worlds, and upon him sent down His Clear Kitaab in which is the bright explanation of everything and to terminate the wrongness of the disbelievers. This Nabi Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam whose proof and arguments are clear, has made it obvious from his practices. Salutations upon his family for they are guides, and upon his Companions who have made the Deen firm and beneficent, and upon their followers until Qiyamah, especially, the four 'A'ima-e-Mujtahideen' and those Muslims who are their followers.
"After Praise and Salutations, I put my sight on the book of a learned person on this earth. He has widened the path of knowledge and, in it (the book) made obvious every interpretation and utterance in his clearly convincing and sufficient arguments. He is Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan radi Allahu anhu on whose name is "Al Mu'tamadul Mustanad."
"May Almighty Allah protect his life and always keep him happy. Now, that which is in refutal of those people, cursed and evil Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, who is the Dajjal Khazzab of the last decade. Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi and Khalil Ambetwi and Ashraf Ali Thanwi, degrading and insulting Nabi Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam. Then, it is no doubt that they are kaafirs and those who have the power to execute them, then it is necessary for them to do so, to give them the death sentence.''
This has been said by the servant of Allah.
MUHAMMAD BIN HAMDAAN MAHSARI - Servant at Musjid-e-Nabawi radi Allahu anhu
Titles from Makkah
Some titles bestowed upon A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu by the noble Ulema of Makkah t'ul Mukarramah
2. 'A Beloved and accepted slave of Almighty Allah'
3. 'The Seal of Great Islamic Research Scholars'
4. 'A Leader of Ulema'
5. 'The Mujaddid of this Century'
These titles are recorded in the books, "Al Fuyuzaatul Makkiya", "Hisaamul Haramain" and "Ad Daulatul Makkiya."
Titles from Madina
Some titles bestowed upon A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu by the Noble Ulema of Madinah t'ul Munawwarah
2. 'The Leader among mystics'
3. 'The Pride of Great preceding Ulema & the Leader of future Ulema'
4. 'The Mujaddid of this Ummah'
5. 'A Judge among Islamic Judges'
6. 'The Imam among scholars of Hadith'
7. 'The Destroyer of Bid'at and the Upholder of Sunnah'
8. 'The Mujaddid of this Century'
These titles are recorded in the books, "Al Fuyuzaat al-Makkiya", "Hisaam al-Haramain", and "Ad Daulat al- Makkiya."
Memory
His Unique Memory
On one occasion A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu went to Pillibit Shareef and their he stayed with
Muhaddith al-Surat, Hadrat Mawlana Wasi Ahmad Sahib radi Allahu anhu.
Before leaving for Bareilly Shareef, A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu
requested to borrow a kitaab called "Uqoodul Arya" from him. As there
was only one copy of the book he gave A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu
the book and said, "After studying the book, please return it as these
are the only few kitaabs that I have for fatawa writing."
A'la
Hadrat radi Allahu anhu was supposed to depart from Pillibit Shareef
that night, but since he had been invited at another person's home, he
stayed one more night in Pillibit Shareef. A'la Hadrat radi
Allahu anhu spent the entire night studying this kitaab, which
consisted of numerous volumes.
The following morning, before
leaving for the Railway Station to meet A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu,
Hadrat Muhaddith al-Surat radi Allahu anhu found that the kitaab that
he had lent A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu had been returned. He
thought that A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu was angry and displeased
with him for asking him to return the kitaab quickly. He immediately
went to A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu and asked for pardon. A'la
Hadrat radi Allahu anhu smiled and then said, "That is not the reason
for returning the kitaab. I stayed one more night, so I studied the
book and, therefore, did not find the need to take it with me."
When
Hadrat Muhaddith al-Surat radi Allahu anhu heard this he was
surprised and exclaimed, "You have studied this book in one night!"
A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu replied, "Insha-Allah, for the next 3 months I will not need to look at the book to find any statements, and as for the essence of the book, Insha-Allah, I will not forget it in my lifetime." He then said, "The book did not have a table of contents. I have drawn up one for you."
A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu was
intially not a Hafiz al-Qur'an. Once, someone wrote a letter to A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu and addressed him as "Hafiz".
When A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu saw this, he became depressed for
he felt that he was not worthy of such a title. He immediately decided
to become a Hafiz of the Noble Qur'an.
How did he become a Hafiz
al-Qur'an? It has been stated that in the time period from Wudhu till
the time of Jama'at, Hadrat Allama Sadr ash-Shariat radi Allahu anhu
would recite one Sipara. A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu would
listen to it and, thereafter, recite the same Sipara in the Taraweeh
Salaah. He continued this routine for 30 days, and by the end of the month of Ramadan, A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu became a complete Hafiz of the glorious Qur'an al Hakeem!
Character
Both
the inner and outer personality of a A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu
anhu was the same. He never compromised when it came to
'Shariat-e-Mustafa' Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam. He used to
reprimand anyone who even uttered one word against shariah. He was
the living example of:
He never hurt the feelings
of any good Muslim. He showed a tremendous amount of affection towards
the poor and orphans as the following story clearly shows.
Heres another story on the character and personality of A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu.
Professor
Dr Mukhtarud'deen Arzoo, Dean of the Department of Arabic, Muslim
University Aligarh, said:
Parents
After the demise of his father, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan Radi Allahu anhu, A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu inherited all his properties. Although he was the sole owner and beneficiary of these properties, A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu never spent a single cent of this wealth without first seeking the permission of his blessed mother. Even if he wished to buy a kitaab for study purposes he asked permission from his mother!
When A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu wished to fulfill his heart's desire of being present in front of the 'Rawdah-e-Anwar', the Blessed Tomb of Sayyiduna Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam, he first sought the permission of his blessed mother. She immediately granted him permission by saying: "Bismillahi Khuda Hafiz."
Respect Ulema
Respect towards the superior Ulema
While
studying the life of A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, it is difficult
not to comprehend that he was, towards the enemies of Islam, an
example of "Ashidda'aoo alal kuffar" - 'harsh upon the kufaar'. Towards the pious Muslims he was the shining example of
"Ruhhamaoo bainahuma" - 'caring towards each other'.
A'la
Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu always showed immense love and respect
towards the Ulema of the 'Ahl as-Sunnah wah Jama'ah'. He had a liking
towards Allama Abdul Qaadir Badayouni Radi Allahu anhu. Concerning
the 'Ulema-e-Haq', A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu always praised them
with the following words;
Hadrat
Mahdi Hassan Barkaati Radi Allahu anhu, the Sajjada-e-Nashin of
'Sarkaar-e-Kilan' Mahrerah Shareef states,
Subhan-Allah! Look at the respect and wisdom
that A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu showed towards his superiors. He
practised upon the law of "Amr bil Ma'roof Wa Nahi Anil Munkir"
that is - '' forbidding that what is not proper and practising that what is good'' -
and the same time showing great respect towards Hadrat Mahdi Hassan
Barkaati Radi Allahu anhu.
Mosque
Respect for the Mosque
Once, A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu was
performing I'tikaaf in the masjid in Bareilly Shareef. It was a cold
winter's night with very heavy rain. A'la Hadrat Radi
Allahu anhu went to perform his wudhu. In order not to allow the masjid floors from becoming wet, he placed the blanket that he was
wearing on to the masjid floor by folding it four times to soak in
the water. He then made his wudhu on the blanket. Thus, he did not
allow one drop of water to fall in the masjid. A'la Hadrat Radi
Allahu anhu then spent the entire night shivering in the cold since
he did not have a blanket to cover himself with because it was damp
with water.
Pilgrims
Love and respect towards pilgrims
A'la
Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu always showed great respect to pilgrims
(Haji's). He made it his duty to meet with the Haji's when they
arrived from the 'Haramain Sharifain'. Whenever he would meet a Haji,
the very first question he used to ask was, "Did you visit the mazaar [shrine] of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam?" If the answer he received was in the affirmative, then
he would kiss the feet of the Haji. If the Haji replied that he did
not, then A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu would show his
dissatisfaction and would end his conversation with that person.
Children
Care for Children
Hadrat Allama Zafruddeen Bihari alaihir rahmah states that while he was still a student in Bareilly Shareef, he and many others used to spend their Eid in Bareilly Shareef. They did not go home to their families as they lived far from the madrassa. But, he says that Eid was always spent joyfully because A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu used to treat them like his very own children. He used to also give them "Eidi" (spending money) on that day.
When Muffasir-e-Azam-e-Hind, Hadrat Ebrahim Raza Khan Radi Allahu anhu, who is the father of 'Tajush Shariah', Hadrat Allama'h Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Al Azhari, was born, his grand-father, A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, out of great joy, invited all the students of 'Madrassa Manzar e Islam' to a meal. Before preparing the meal, A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu asked each group of students as to what they enjoyed eating. Accordingly, he prepared the meals for them - fish and rice for the Bengali students; 'Firini, Zarda and Biryani' for the Bihari students; and sheep for the Punjabi and other foreign students.
A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu loved and cared for children. He always made them feel comfortable around him. He never shouted or scolded at them unnecessarily. If any child did something wrong, he would gently explain to that child their error and show them the right path. He always returned the Salaam of little children.
Unique Habits
A few of Imam Ahmad Raza's Unique Habits
- He never kept any ordinary book on the books of Ahadith.
- He would be displeased if anyone spoke out unnecessarily while he explained the Ahadith.
- He did not prefer anyone to sit with one leg onto the lap of the other leg.
- He would usually sit with both knees erect.
- He would sit in the position of tashahhud from the beginning to the end in a 'Mehfil-e-Milad' Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam which sometimes lasted for 5 or 6 hours.
- He would never chew paan during a lecture.
- On hearing the name "Muhammad", he would immediately say "Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam."
- He would never laugh out aloud.
- He slept in the position of the Arabic form of the word "Muhammad".
- He would never spit or stretch his feet in the direction of the Qibla.
- He always did everything form the right-hand-side.
Mystical powers
His mystical powers
Without any exaggeration, an entire
book on the karaamats (miracles) of A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu can
be compiled. In this time, the greatest karaamat that any person can
display is his followance of Shariat-e-Mustapha Salla Allahu 'alayhi
wa 'aalihi wa Sallam. A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu never fell short of this in
any way. We also wish to state that, in reality, the mere existence
of A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu was a miracle on its own. However,
for the sake of attaining blessings, a few or his araamats are being
quoted for the benefit of his lovers.
A few days before his execution, a few members of his family came to visit him. With the mere thought of his execution, they began to weep bitterly. He smiled at them and said ;"Go home and do not weep. I will return on the day of my execution. My Pir-o-Murshid, Imam Ahmad Raza Radi Allahu anhu has stated that he has released me.''
The time had finally arrived. Amjad Ali was escorted to the gallows to be hanged. The noose was put around his neck. The authorities asked him if he had any final request. Very calmly, he replied, "There is no need to request anything. My time of death has not yet arrived." The authorities were baffled by his composure. Nevertheless, they decided to proceed with the hanging. As they were about to hang him, the authorities received a telegram. The telegram stated that due to the crowning of Queen Elizabeth, a certain number of prisoners were being released. Amjad Ali Sahib's name was on that list! He was immediately released. As promised he went home to have breakfast with his mother. In this karamat [miracle] of A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, not only was Amjad Ali pardoned but, many other prisoners were freed.
A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu went to her home. He noticed that the child was lying on a bed and was covered with a sheet. In the meantime, the mother of the child continuously asked A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu to bring the child back to life. A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu removed the sheet from the face of the child, placed his blessed hands over the child's eyes and commanded the child, "Son! Wake up and listen to that which your mother is saying." All of a sudden, the child began to cry. All those present were astonished. They thanked A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu abundantly. He humbly smiled and said, "I did not do anything. He was asleep. All I did was wake him up."
Nevertheless, after much convincing he agreed to accompany his friend to the house of A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu. They entered his blessed house and sat there. A mureed arrived and brought some sweetmeats. It was the procedure in the court of A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu that those persons with beards would get two shares, and those without beards would receive only one share as they were still taken as children.
The mureed who was responsible for distributing the sweetmeats only gave one share to the person who had misconceptions about awliya and ulema. A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, who was present there and witnessed the entire incident, commanded the mureed to give that person two shares. The mureed remarked, "Huzoor! He has no beard. He should get one." A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu replied, "Give him two. He desires to have two." When the person heard this he immediately repented and became the mureed of A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu. His desire was to receive two shares and he realised that A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu was even aware of the thoughts in his heart.
Works
Works of Imam Ahmad Raza
Earlier
in this page, we learnt that A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu gained
proficiency in more that 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 A'la
Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu exceed 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, Shaykh al-Adab,
Islamia University, Bhawalpur, said:
Books
Books
& Literature
From
the many books that were written by A'la
Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, a table of 549 have been
classified. The table is as follows:
Topic on which books was
written & amount of books :
Aqaa'id (Belief) - 54
Hadith and Principles of Ahadith - 53
Fiqh, Principles of Fiqh, Dictionary of Fiqh
Faraa'idh and Tajweed - 214
Tassawwuf, Wazifas, Morals - 19
Reviews of Books - 40
Language, Arabic Grammar, Dictionaries, History
Poetry and Special Benefits, Travelling - 55
Inspired Knowledge (Ja'far) - 11
Logarithms - 8
Astronomy, Astrology - 22
Mathematics, Geometry - 31
Philosophy, Sciences, Logistics - 7
Algebra - 4
Total amount of books recovered = 549
The names of a few books written by A'la
Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu have been listed below:
Husaamul Haramain
Ad Daulatul Makkiya Bil Madatul Ghaibiya
Al Mu'tamadul Mustanad
Al Amn o wa Ula
Alkaukabatush Shahabiya
Al Istimdaad
Al Fuyoozul Makkiyah
Al Meeladun Nabawiyyah
Kanz al Imaan (translation of Noble Qur'an)
Fauze Mubeen Dar Harkate Zameen
Hidayake Bakhshish
Subhaanus Subooh
Sallus Say yaaful Hindiya
Ahkaame Shariat
Az Zubdatuz Zakkiya
Tamheede Imaan
Angote Choomne ka Mas'ala
Professor Abdul Shakoor Shad, Kabul University,
Afghanistan, said:
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
In 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 impeccably. Each year, a large number of students graduate from this institution as Fadhils, Aalims, Hufaaz and Qur'ra.
Many of the ulema of South Africa are also students of Madrassa 'Manzare Islam'. To name a few :-
Mawlana Abdul Hamid Palmer Al Qadiri;
Mawlana Ahmad Muqaddam Al Qadiri;
Qaari Ahmad Khalil Razvi;
Mawlana Sayyad Muhammad Husain Al Qadiri;
Mawlana Muhammad Khan Al Qadiri Barkaati;
Mawlana Ghulam Mu'hiyyuddeen Jaafar;
Mawlana Zainul Abedeen Al Qadiri Razvi;
Mawlana Muhammad Mustaqeem Al Qadiri;
Mawlana Muhammad Afthab Razvi;
Mawlana Nazir Farouk Razvi.
With the exception of Madrassa Manzare Islam, there are also scores of institutes and organisations world-wide that are spiritually affiliated to A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu . A few of them are listed below:
Madressa Mazhare Islam (Bareilly Shareef) - India
Razvi Darul Ifta (Bareilly Shareef) - India
Raza Academy (Mumbai) - India
Idara Tahqeeqaat-e Imam Ahmad Raza - Pakistan
Raza Masjid - London, UK
Raza Academy - London, UK
Imam Ahmad Raza Academy - S. Africa
Sunni Razvi Centre - Mauritius - S. Africa
Muhibbane Raza-e-Mustapha - S. Africa
Jamia Razvia (Lahore) - Pakistan
Jamia Razvia Zia al-Uloom (Rawalpindi) - Pakistan
Darul Uloom Imam Ahmad Raza - India
Comments from Ulema of Makkah
Ustad Ulema al-Haram, Allama Sa'eedullah Radi Allahu anhu :
Allama Mufti Muhammad Saleh Kamal Radi Allahu anhu :
Aftaab al-Uloom, Allama Sheikh Ali bin Siddiqi Kamal Radi Allahu anhu :
Comments from Ulema of Madinah
Comments by the Noble Ulema of Madinatul Munawwarah
Mufti
Taaj' al-Din Ilyaas Hanafi Radi Allahu anhu :
Shaykh Malikiya, Allama Sayyad Ahmad Juz'iri Radi
Allahu anhu :
Allama
Khaleel bin Ebrahim Kharbooti Radi Allahu anhu :
Allama
Mawlana Umar bin Hamdaan Radi Allahu anhu :
"Imam Ahmad 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 from Ulema of Indo-Pak
Comments by the Noble Ulema of the Indo-Pak sub-continent
Sayyidina
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 Sayyad Shah Abul Husain Ahmad Noori Radi
Allahu anhu:
Hadrat Allama
Shaykh Sayyad Ali Hussain Shah ''Ashrafi Miya'' Kichauchawi Radi Allahu anhu:
Hadrat Mawlana
Mu'eenuddeen Sahib Radi Allahu anhu:
Hadrat Allama Naee'muddeen
Muradabadi Radi Allahu anhu:
In the Eyes of Others
Justice Mufti Sayyid Shujaat Ali Qadri alaihir rahmah, Shariah Court, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad (Pakistan):
"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), Ahl al-Bait (the Members of the Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam's 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 Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam. May Allah the Magnificent favour us through the benevolence of the Ahl-Ullah (Friends of Allah)."
Ziya-ul Masha'ikh, Allama Muhammad Ibrahim Farooqi Mujad'didi alaihir rahmah:
Professor Muhammad Rafi'ullah Siddique, Director of College Education, Hyderabad, Region - Hyderabaad (India):
Professor Preshan Khattak, (Former Chairman) Pakistan Academy of Letters, Government of Pakistan:
Professor Dr Ayub Razvi, Head of Department Urdu, Urdu College, Pakistan, Karachi:
Dr Ilahi Bakhsh Ali Awan, Peshawar (Pakistan):
Dr Muhammad Tahir Malik, Chairman, Department of Islamic Learning, University of Karachi (Pakistan):
"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 Imam 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:
Dr Hassan Raza Khan Azami, Patna:
As a Jurist his discussion reflects his reach of imagination, deep insight, wisdom, sagacity and unparallel scholarly talent. I found him a great historian, that goes on quoting numerous historical references to support his view point in the matter under consideration. He appears to be an expert in Arabic grammar and diction alongside being an inspiring naatia poet. He is observed as a great scholar of Ahadith, when he mentions logical interpretation of the Ahadith that he quotes. 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):
He said that a research work on Allama Ahmed Raza Khan compiled in Rohailkand under his supervision has made revelations regarding the writings of Allama Barelvi. This research work is likely to challenge the history of urdu prose as it proves that Allama 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 Naeem-ud'deen, Supreme Court of Pakistan:
"You may estimate his high status from the fact that he spent all his lifetime in expressing the praise of the great and auspicious Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam, 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' Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam, the Prophet of Almighty Allah.
"The valuable books written by a encyclopaedic 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:
The Poet, Allama Doctor Iqbal:
What the Opposition said
Abul ala Maudoodi:
Ashraf Ali Thanwi:
Mui'nuddeen Nadwi:
Final Advice
Imam Ahmad Raza's Final Advice before his demise
- No photos of living objects should be near me when my ruh [Soul] leaves
- Recite Sura Yaseen and Sura Ra'ad beside
me
- Recite Durood shareef in abundance
- Keep those
who are weeping away from me
- Give my Ghusl according to
the Sunnah
- Mawlana Hamid Raza or Allama Amjad
Ali should perform my Janaza Salah
- Do not delay my Janaza [burial]
- When taking my Janaza, recite
"Kaabe ke Badru Duja"
- Do not read anything in
my praise
- Place me softly in the grave
- My grave
should be dug according to my height
- My kaffan [shroud] should be
according to the Sunnah
- The food of my fatiha must be given
to the poor
- Hamid Raza must give a fair share of everything
to Chothe Mia [Mufti al-A'zam-e-Hind]. If not my ruh will be displeased
- You must all remain steadfast on deen. Do not leave the path of shariah, stay on the deen on which I was.
Wissal
Wisaal of Imam Ahmad Raza
The brightly shining 'Sun of Bareilly
Shareef', 'The Coolness of the Eyes of the Ulema', 'The Mujaddid of the
Century', 'The Imam Abu Hanifa of his time', 'The Ghawth al A'zam of his
time', 'The Sweet-scented Rose from the Fragrant Garden of the Beloved
Prophet Salla Allahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam', SayyidI A'la Hadrat, Imam
Ahmad Raza Khan Radi Allahu anhu left this mundane world on Friday,
the 25th of Safar 1340 Hijri - [28 October 1921] at 2.38 p.m.. It was
the exact time of the 'Jumm'ah Adhaan.'
The date of the wisaal of
Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu was actually deduced by
himself from the Noble Qur'an four months and twenty days prior to
his passing away:
At the time of the demise
of A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, a certain saint of
Syria, dreamt of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad Salla Allahu ta'ala
'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam while he was in the 'Baitul Muqaddas'. In
his dream, the saint saw many Sahaba-I'kraam Radi Allahu anhu m
ajma'in seated around the Noble Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala
'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam. All of them seemed to be waiting for someone. The saint says
that, in his dream, he asked, "Ya Rasoolallah! Whose presence is being awaited?" The Beloved
Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam replied,
"Ahmad Raza Khan." The blessed saint then asked, "Who
is Ahmed Raza Khan?" The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala
'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam answered, "An Aalim from Bareilly."
When
this saint awoke, he immediately journeyed from Syria to Bareilly
Shareef to meet A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, but to his dismay, he
learnt that A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu had already departed from
this world.
It is said by those true lovers of Sayyidi A'la
Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu that after he passed away he was spiritually
transported to Madinat'ul Munawwarah to be close to the Beloved
Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam. They say this because once,
A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu personally said:
Mazaar
Mazaar Shareef
The
Mazaar Shareef [Blessed Tomb] of Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu
anhu is situated in the Mohalla Saudagran, Bareilly Shareef in India
(U.P.). Each year, in the Islamic month of Safar, during the Urs [anniversary] Shareef of
Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, hundreds of thousands of
Muslims from all over the world present themselves in Bareilly
Shareef to partake in the Urs Shareef of the Mujaddid of Islam, A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Radi Allahu anhu.
May Almighty Allah
shower his choicest blessings upon the 'Mazaar al-Anwaar' of this great
Saint and Scholar of Islam.
Impact
Impact
of A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan on the World Today
In typical tyrannical behaviour, the envious opponents of the Imam embarked on futile attempts at issuing propaganda aiming to discredit the Imam by labelling him as an "innovator" and "mischief maker"; and announcing that the sole providers of Islamic research in the Indo-Pak sub-continent were the 'Deobandi' Ulema. It is interesting to note that history has proved that the volume of work the Imam had completed in Islamic Research singlehandedly was beyond the capability of the entire Deobandi Ulema to this day.
We thank the Almighty Allah that as He unfolds the truth before the masses. Islamic scholars the world over are recognising the Imam's superiority in issuing Islamic judicial decrees with incisiveness and substantiated detail. Today, expensive research is being taken on the Imam's writings and decrees the world over in the Urdu, Persian, Arabic and English languages. Special permissions for such research were made in Birmingham University, England, Holland, India and Pakistan.
Little publicised is the fact that Imam Ahmad Raza Radi Allahu anhu produced more researched decrees in annihilating Bid'at practices in India in the last century than any other scholar. Established anti-Islamic customs in Muslim society were accepted without question until Imam Ahmad Raza started a reform campaign armed with Qur'anic injunctions and researched Hadith to wipe out such customs.
More than just issuing fatawas, Imam Ahmad Raza Radi Allahu anhu prepared researched treatises on an academic level on these issues which fast saw the decline of most of the anti-Islamic practices. To this day the Muslim masses benefit from his Fatawa-e-Razvia, Ahkam-e-Shariat, Irfaan-e-Shariat, Al Malfooz, Fatawa-e-Africa, etc. which deal with deal with almost every masaa'il of our day-to-day life.
Imam Ahmad Raza Radi Allahu anhu was very sensitive to the pains and afflictions that befell the Muslim Ummah. In this regard he used every scholarly resource at his disposal to assist the Muslims regain their honour in the face of all anti-Islamic forces.
In his 'Hada'iq-e-Bakshish' he wrote an entire nazm "Soona Jungle" warning the Muslims about safeguarding their Imaan. This Nazm became very popular with the masses as its clear message was arranged in a style that appealed to the masses. It should be the duty of the Ulema and organisers of Milad to popularise this Nazm in our society as it stirs up the fear of Almighty Allah and the Aakirah in the minds of the listeners.
Al Azhar
Great breakthrough at the Al Azhar University, Cairo:
Medicine
Imam Ahmad Raza and Medicine (Tibb):
Foundation
Imam Ahmad Raza Foundation:
The IARF [Imam Ahmad Raza Foundation] was recently established in the state of Kerala, in South-West India to research and propagate the teachings of A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmad Raza radi Allahu anhu.
New translations
New translations of works published :
The "Islamic Times" of the United Kingdom has recently published two articles by A'la Hazrat radi Allahu anhu. These are as follows :
(2) "Imam Ahmed Raza and Topology," by Dr. Abdul Naim Azizi of Jasoli, Bareilly Shareef.
Stamp
Historic 'A'la Hadrat's shrine' stamp printed by Indian Government :
Research on A'la Hadrat
Research on A'la Hadrat;
Hadrat Mawlana Ahmad Raza Khan radi Allahu anhu, an eminent jurist, also known as 'A'la Hadrat' was born at Bareilly, India in 1856. He completed the Noble
Quran at the age of four and became astonishingly well-versed in more than fifty
branches of learning, pertaining to 'Ancient Sciences', 'Current Sciences' and
'Oriental Learnings' and left contributions in all these academic
disciplines.
At Makkah Mu'azzama and Madina Munawwara, he was visited by
many scholars who received diplomas and fatawas from him. Due to his distinction
in this field, the Islamic world acknowledged him as a great Jurist. The
renowned poet of the East, Dr. Allama Iqbal, remarked ;
Despite being well-versed in scores of
branches of knowledge, he restricted his interest to the following
branches:
2. To uproot the innovations prevalent in the Muslim society.
3. To issue fatawa according to the Hanafi School of Jurisprudence.
In short, he was a Jurist, Theologian and a Reformer whose
life revolved around the motto "Love the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala
'alyhi wa sallam." In recognition of this eminent personalities
life, the following researches are being carried out by these individuals,
amongst others:
2]. Dr. Ghulam Qureshi Dastageer, who translated A'la Hadrat's Qalam in English which was published in the "Islamic Times" U.K.
3]. Muhammed Muazzam Ali who wrote "Fundamental Faith of Islam -Treaties of Ahmad Raza"
4]. Prof. J.M. Baljo of Leiden University, Holland, who presented and delivered research material on A'la Hadrat at an International forum.
5]. British scholar, Dr Muhammad Haroon, who has compiled a thesis on "The World Importance of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Bareilly."
Translations of Works
Translations of A'la Hadrat's works;
At present, many Islamic and Western universities, colleges and Darul Uloom's, throughout the world, are researching and translating the works of this great Muslim scholar. Some of the countries in which research is being carried out are: India, Pakistan, United States of America, England, Holland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and South Africa.
Universities
Universities research A'la Hadrat's works;
New research
New research material on A'la Hadrat;
Ph.d on A'la Hadrat
Ph.d on A'la Hadrat;
Twenty-one (21) Scholars in Pakistan have completed their research works on A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu and have received their Doctorate. Amongst them were:
2. Professor Dr Majeedullah Qaaderi, who is also doing an indepth research on the works of A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu.
Documentary
Television documentary on A'la Hadrat
Fatwa
Fatawa Radawiyyah [Radwi, Razvia]
Encyclopedia
A'la Hadrat biography included in Encyclopedia
"Fauz-e-Mobeen"
Scientists from the Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad have taken a keen interest in researching A'la Hazrat radi Allahu anhu's "Fauz-e-Mobeen" which deals with the movement of the sun and planets. At present, research is about to commence on the subject.
Worldwide Books
Sunni Books avaialble from overseas : Idara-e-Mas'udia - Pakistan:
Respect and Reverence (English version of the urdu treatise "Ta'zim-o-Tawqir") by Dr. Muhammad Mas'ud Ahmed
Eids of Eids (Festivity above all Festivities) by Dr. Muhammad Mas'ud Ahmed
Spiritual Significance of Affinity (English version of the urdu treatise "Nisbaton Ki Baharain") by Dr. Muhammad Ma'sud Ahmed
The Knowledge of the Unseen (English version of the urdu treatise "I'lm-i-Ghayb") by Dr. Muhammad Mas'ud Ahmed
Available from:
Books : Raza Academy UK
Sunni Books available from Raza Academy - U. K. :
Islam and Punishment by Dr. Muhammad Haroon
Eid Milad an Nabi by Dr. Muhammad Haroon
Islam and the Limits of Science by Dr. Muhammad Haroon
Importance of Truth of the Holy Quran by Dr. Muhammad Haroon
The World Importance of Imam Ahmed Raza by Dr. Muhammad Haroon
Imam Ahmed Raza and British Converts to Islam by Dr. Muhammad Haroon
The Prophet of Mankind by Prof. G.D. Qureshi
Islamic Concept of Knowledge by Imam Ahmed Raza
Parents Obligations to Children by Imam Ahmed Raza
Sunni Islam and the Rule of Allah Alone by Dr. Muhammad Haroon
The Roots of Islamic Fundamentalism by Dr. Muhammad Rizvi
Sufism in Perspective by Imam Ahmed Raza
The World Importance of Ghaus-al-Azam Hazrat Sheikh Muhyiddin Abdul Qadir Jilan radi Allahu anhu by Dr. Muhammad Haroon
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Raza Academy South Africa
Sunni Books from the Raza Academy South Africa :
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Email contact : yunusraza@hotmail.com
You may also write to us:
Imam Ahmed Raza Academy,
c/o Barkaatur Raza Publications,
P.O. Box 5325,
Durban,
4000,
South Africa.
Sunni Books : London
(2) The Greater Majority - The Group of Salvation
(3) Did the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam possess a shadow?
To obtain these books send and other free literature send a large S.A.E to :
P.O. Box 4281,
London,
SW18 1EF
U.K.
Kanzal Iman now available
Kanz al Iman now available;
This momentous task was first undertaken by Professor Fatimi, a highly acclaimed academic of the University of Kuwait. He had it published in Karachi, Pakistan. The second translation was undertaken by Professor Shah Fareed al Haq of Pakistan and was published in India and Pakistan. The commentary notes on "Kanz al Imaan" by Sadr al Faadhil, Mawlana Na'eem al-Din Muradabadi rahmatullah alayhi has been translated into the English language by Dr. Professor Majeedullah of Lahore, Pakistan.
A'la Hadrat, Imam Ahmed Raza radi Allahu anhu's translation of the Noble Quran - "Kanzul Imaan" - is now available from the Raza Academy offices. This translation of the Noble Qur'an is in the English language, but is without a commentary (tafseer). It is a must in every Muslim home.
'Sindhi'
Kanz al Iman in 'Sindhi'
'Creole'
Kanz al Iman in 'Creole' language;
Convert
Christian converts to Islam after reading Kanz al Imaan :
References
1. 'A'la Hadrat' radi Allahu anhu by Abdun Na'eem Azeezi
2. 'Al Kaukabatush Shahabiya' by A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu
3. Al Malfooz - by Huzoor Mufti al-A'zam al-Hind radi Allahu anhu
4. 'Al Mujad'did Ahmad Raza' by Allama Yaseen Akhtar
5. 'Ash Shah Ahmad Raza Barelvi' by Mufti Ghulam Sarwar Qadri
6. 'Chaudwi Sadi ke Mujad'did al-A'zam' by Allama Zafruddeen Bihari radi Allahu anhu
7. 'Hisaamul Haramain' by A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu
8. 'Imam Ahmad Raza aur Alam-e-Islam' by Professor Mas'ud Ahmad
9. 'Imam Ahmad Raza Kaun?' by Mawlana Mubeen-ul-Hudda Noorani
10. 'Imam Ahmad Raza Reflections & Impressions', by Prof. Dr Muhammad Masud Ahmd M.A. PH.D. - Courtesy of
Idara-i- Tahqeeqat-e-Imam Ahmad Raza (Regd.), Karachi, Pakistan
11. 'Imam-e-Naath Goyaa' by Allama Akhtarul Haamidi
12. 'Karamaat-e-A'la Hadrat' by Iqbal Ahmad Razvi
13. 'Shah Ahmed Rida Khan' - The "Neglected Genius of the East" by Professor Muhammad Ma'sud Ahmad - Courtesy of "The Muslim Digest", May/June, 1985, pp. 223-230
14. 'Tajaliyaat-e-Imam Ahmad Raza' by Qari Amaanat Rasool Razvi
15. The Message International, published by World Islamic Mission, Vol.1 No. 6, October 1986