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



 



Spiritual Life :
Bayat & Khilafat;
Mureeds & Khulafa;
Imam Ahmad Raza's first Hajj;
Imam Ahmad Raza's second Hajj;
In the presence of the Beloved Prophet ;
Love for the Beloved Prophet ;
Love for Descendents (Sayyads) of the Beloved Prophet;
Imam Ahmad Raza's Adherence to the Sunnah;
Love for Sayyiduna Ghawth al-A'zam ;
Contentment & abstention from the outside World;


Services as a Mujaddid :
Mujaddid of the 14th Centry;
Previous known Mujaddids;
Jihad against the Beloved Prophet's insulters;
Some Fatwa's;
Titles bestowed upon A'la Hadrat by the Ulema of Makkah;
Titles bestowed upon A'la Hadrat by the Ulema of Madinah;
His Unique Memory;


Qualities :
Character;
Obedience towards Parents;
Respect towards the superior Ulema;
Respect for the Mosque;
Love and respect for Pilgrims;
Care for Children;
Unique Habits;
His Mystical Powers;

His Demise :
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;



 

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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 is a sign that you are going to be the father of a child, a boy, who will grow up to be pious and knowledgable. His name will gain prominence from East to West."


This was the good news that was given to 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.


"These are they in whose hearts Allah has inscribed faith and helped them with a spirit from Himself." (58:2)


Name




The name that was given to him at birth was the beautiful name of "Muhammad." The name corresponding to that year of his birth was "Al Mukhtaar." His grandfather, a great Scholar of the Ahl as-Sunnah Wa Jama'ah, Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan radi Allahu anhu, also gave the young child the beautiful name of "Ahmad Raza." It was by this name that he was famously known. Much later in his life, A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu added the title "Abdul Mustafa" to his name signifying his great love and respect for Sayyadina Rasulullah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam.


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



ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY HISTORY


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.



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Grandfather




HIS GRANDFATHER: One of the greatest Sufis of his time, Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan was born in the year 1224 Hijri. He was also a great warrior and fought with General Bakht Khan against English invaders in the year 1834. He received his early education at the hands of Mawlana Khaleer ar-Rahman. At the age of 23, he had already completed his Islamic education, earning certificates of distinction in various fields of knowledge. He passed away in the month of Jamadi-Al-Awwal in the year 1282 Hijri (1866). A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu was at this time only 10 years old.



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Piety as a child




IMAM AHMAD RAZA'S PIETY AS A CHILD


A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu was a child of 4 years when this incident took place. On that particular day, he was dressed in a long Kurta. As he stepped out of his house, a few female prostitutes walked past him. In order to cover his eyes, A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu quickly held the bottom of his Kurta with both his hands and lifted the Kurta over his face. When one of the prostitutes saw what he did, she said, "Well! Young man. You covered your eyes, but allowed your Satr to be shown." With his face and eyes still covered, the young A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu replied, "When the eyes are tempted, then the heart becomes tempted. When the heart is tempted, then the concealed parts become tempted." So shocked and affected was this woman on hearing such a reply from a child that she lost consciousness.



Another incident which happened in the Month of 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.


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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!



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Intelligent Child




HIS INTELLIGENCE AS A CHILD



A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu was so gifted and intelligent that there was no need for him to study beyond the fourth Kitaab of his course under the tutorship of any of his teachers. He studied the remaining Kitaabs by himself and used to later ask his teachers to test him.


Once, his teacher asked him, "Mia! Are you a Jinn or a human being? It takes me much time to teach a lesson, but it does not take you much time to learn the same lesson." A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu answered, "Praise be to Allah that I am a human."


When he was 8 years old, A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu wrote a Mas'ala concerning Fara'idh (Fards). When his father looked at the answer, he happily remarked, "If only some adult could answer in this manner."


At the age of 10, when he was studying the Kitaab, "I'lm-us- Thuboot," under the guidance of his father, he noticed a few objections and answers of his father on the side of the page. A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu studied this book carefully and wrote such a well- explained footnote that even the need for an objection was ruled out. His father came across his research on that objection. He was so delighted that he stood up and held the young A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu to his heart and said, "Ahmad Raza! You do not learn from me, but you teach me."


Professor Dr Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Head of Department: Urdu, Sindh University, Sindh (Pakistan) said: "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



ASTONISHING EVENTS OF CHILDHOOD


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."


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Early Education



COMMENCEMENT OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION


During A'la Hadrat's radi Allahu anhu "Bismillah Kwaani" or "Commencement of Islamic Education" a very strange incident occurred.


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 :


1. Hadrat Mawlana Abdul Ali Rampuri, Shaykh-e-Kabeer,
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;


"With the Grace of Almighty Allah, this servant wrote his first Fatawa at the age of 13. It is also at this age that I completed my religious education and gained a certificate of proficiency in this field. On this day, a question was put forward to me as to whether milk, if reaching the belly of a child, would prove fosterage or not? I replied that even if milk reached the child's belly, either through the nose or mouth, fosterage would be proven, therefore, making it haraam [forbidden] upon the child to marry this women". (Al Malfooz, Part I, pg. 12)


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:

"Indeed, a great scholar I must confess. When reading his fatawa's, I am deeply impressed by the immensely wide reading he demonstrates in his argumentations. Above it, his views appear much more balanced than I expected. You are completely right; he deserves to be better known and more appreciated in the West than is the case at present." 



Marriage



HIS MARRIAGE & CHILDREN


In the year 1291 Hijri (1874), A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu married Sayyidah Irshaad Begum radi Allahu anha who was the beloved daughter of Shaykh Fadhl Hussain Sahib. He was 18 years old at the time of his Nikah.


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:


"The scholar is said to be the mind and spokesman of the nation, especially that scholar who derives inspiration, thought and vision from the Noble Qur'an, & the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam's traditions, a narration of divine knowledge, and exponent of divine scheme. He is the voice of the Creator, a benefactor of mankind. It is not an over statement of exaggeration, but acceptance of truth to say that 'Ahmad Raza' is such a scholar.


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;


"If the fatawa of Bareilly is correct, then how is it that all the other Ulema verified and endorsed your fatawa?" Mawlana Irshaad Hussain Radi Allahu anhu replied, "they endorsed my fatwa because I am prominent, but the true fatawaa is the one written by the mufti of Bareilly." 


When the Governor learnt that Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Radi Allahu anhu was only 20 years old, he immediately had the great yearning to meet him. It so happened that A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu once visited Rampur. The Governor went and met A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu. The Governor was overwhelmed and as a mark of respect offered him a silver chair to sit on. A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu refused to sit on the silver chair saying that the use of silver furniture is haraam. Feeling ashamed, the Governor requested A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu to sit on the bed. 


While conversing with A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, the Governor commented that since he was so brilliant at such a young age, that A'la Hadrat should study a few books in logistics under the supervision of Mawlana Abdul Haq Khayrabaadi.


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,

'No doubt his learning and knowledge knows no boundaries'."



Knowledge with father




BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE STUDIED BY AT HIS FATHER'S FEET


A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu became proficient in the following branches of knowledge at the feet of their father: 


Tafseer of the Qur'an al karim
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


In the book, "Al Ijaazatul Mutay'yanah", on page 22, A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu has said the following in connection with the above mentioned 20 branches of knowledge. He says, "I learnt these twenty branches of knowledge, personally at the feet of my father". 





Knowledge from Ulema




OTHER BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE ATTAINED FROM VARIOUS ULEMA


He learnt Qur'anic recitation, the correct recitation with tajweed, myticism, mystical initiation, Islamic ethics, names of narrators of ahadith, seerah [biography] of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam, Islamic history, in-depth study of arabic and literature. A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu states: "These ten branches of knowledge, I achieved at the feet of the following teachers* ;


Shah Ale Rasul Mahrahrewi,
Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan,
Shaykh Ahmad bin Zain Dahlaan Makki,
Shaykh Abdur Rahman Makki,
Shaykh Hussain bin Saleh Makki,
Shah Abul Hassan Ahmad Noori


*alayhim ar-rahmah



Knowledge un-aided




BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE ATTAINED WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF ANY TEACHER


A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu learnt arithmetic, algebra, the twelve branches of mathematics, modern astronomy, science of inheritance, science of prosody, astrology, science of history, prose in hindi, prose in persian, in-depth study of arabic and in-depth study of plain persian writing.


When A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu was questioned about his amazing capabilities in solving intricate and confusing mathematical theories, and as to who his mentor was, he replied;


"I did not have a teacher in this field. Whatever you see, I achieved within the four walls of my room. This is indeed through the grace of Sayyadina Rasoolallah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam." (Al Mizaan, pg. 342)


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)

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50 Branches of Ilm


PROFICIENCY IN OVER FIFTY BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE

If we study the life of A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu, we will discover that his proficiency in various subjects total over fifty four branches of knowledge. Is it possible today, to find an Islamic scholar or even a non-Muslim professor, scientist, educationist or a Nobel Prize owner who possesses such qualifications? Arab scholars like Shaykh Ismail bin Khalil & Shaykh Musa Ali Shami Radi Allahu anhum commended A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu as the Revivalist [Mujaddid] of the 14th Century Hijri.: "If he is called the Revivalist of this century, it will only be right and true."


Commenting on A'la Hadrat Radi Allahu anhu's reputation and his knowledge, Dr Jamil Jalibi, Vice Chancellor, Karachi University (Pakistan) said:


"Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi was an eminent Jurist, leading scholar, scientist, Naa'tia poet, a keen observer of shariah and a wali [saint]. His crowning scholarship can be imagined by the fact that he had commanding knowledge of about 54 branches of various sciences and humanities. He has contributed valuable works in almost all of them. He left behind more than a thousand treatises."


Professor Dr Wahid Ashraf, Baroda University, in Baroda said:


"There is no shortage of renowned personalities in the history of Islam who made rich contributions to various fields of knowledge through their divine-gifted qualities of learning, wisdom and insight. Ibn Sina, Umar Khayyam, Imam al Razi, Imam Ghazzali, al Beruni, al Farabi and Ibn Rushd [may Allah be pleased with them all] are just a few rich names that shall always be remembered with pride. Among them, someone is renowned for philosophy and medicine, some other famous for mathematics, another in astrology, yet another is known for moral philosophy. Someone is an expert in greek thoughts, etc., but the most outstanding personality was born in India and passed away in the present century."


He was amazed Ahmad Raza Bareilwi Radi Allahu anhu who had enjoyed such a high command in various branches of knowledge, that only experts of the special faculty could discuss fully and with success.



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,


"It is not only the translation of the Qur'an, it is the Qur'an."


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:


(1) "And he found you lost on the way and he guided thee." Translation by Mohammad Asad


(2) "And found thee groping so he showed the way." Translation by Muhammad Ali Lahori Qadiani


(3) "And He found you uninformed of Islamic laws so he told you the way of Islamic laws." Translation by Ashraf Ali Thanwi


(4) "Did he not find thee erring and guide thee." Translation by Arberry


(5) "And saw you unaware of the way so showed you the straight way." Translation by Fatheh Muhammad 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:


"And he found you drowned in his love therefore gave way unto him"


Look at the uniqueness and the cautiousness that is present in this translation of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan radi Allahu anhu! He abstained from using those words that may cause any disrespect to the dignity and personality of the 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:
"Hadrat Bareilvi radi Allahu anhu has written about a thousand treaties. He exhaustively dealt with every topic he touched, but his most glorious work is his urdu translation and explanation of the Noble Qur'an entitled, 'Kanzul Imaan'. Indeed, there is no parallel. Real worth of this monumental work can be evaluated by only those scholars who possess vast and deep knowledge of various other translations and explanations of high standard in urdu. A'la Hadrat kept the same pattern as adopted by the renowned writers, but he excelled in the explanation and expansion of the most difficult and complicated subject matter in relatively few simple words." 



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:


"Renowned scholar, Ahmed Raza Khan, visited Arabia twice to perform Hajj at Makkah and payed homage to the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam at Madina. During his stay he visited various centres of learning and had extensive exchange of views with the scholars covering various branches of learning and religious issues. He secured permission from some authentics to quote them in reference to particular Ahadith, and in return, he allowed them to mention his authority in respect of some other Ahadith.


It is an old saying that scholarly talent and poetic exuberance rarely combine in one person, but Ahmad Raza Khan was an exception. His achievements contradicts this diction. He was not only an acknowledged research scholar, but also a great poet." 




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:


"None can deny the knowledge of Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan in the field of fiqh. He was, no doubt, the greatest faqih (Jurist) of his time."


When 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:


"By Allah, if Abu Hanifa Nu'man radi Allahu anhu would have gone through these fatawa, undoubtedly, it could have been his heart's delight and granted its writer among his pupils."




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;


"Through a certain type of knowledge, i feel that there is a possibility in 1837 Hijrah there will be no Islamic Government left, and in the year 1900 Hijra Imam Mahdi alayhis salaam will appear".


After hearing this answer, someone asked A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu if he had gained this answer through I'lm-e-Jafar. He replied that he did. A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu then said very sarcastically, "Eat the mangoes. Do not count the trees."


There was a King of Rampur whose wife was very sick. He loved her very much and was very attached to her. This King, who was a "Badd Mazhab" (one who does not follow the religion properly), sent a messenger to Bareilly Shareef with a special request. He requested A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu to predict the time and place of the death of his wife. The King's wife was, at that moment, not at her house in Rampur, but she was in a place called Nainital. A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu told the messenger to tell the King that his wife will die in Rampur in the month of Muharram. When the messenger returned to the King, he gave him the message of A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu.


With this message of A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu at the back of his mind, the King tried very hard to keep his wife away from Rampur. He did not want her to be in any way near Rampur.


It so happened that rioting broke out in Rampur. It concerned the affairs of the Kanpur Shaheed Ganj 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 MATHEMATICAL GENIUS


A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu was also a great mathematician. He used to solve the most difficult mathematical problems in a short space of time. His authority in the field of mathematics will leave modern-day mathematicians wide-mouthed. Algebra, geometry, calculus, logarithms, and other branches of mathematics which are normally handled with great difficulty even by mathematics students today, was like ordinary addition and subtraction to A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu!


Once, Sir 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;


"Today I believe that there is something known as Ilm-e-laduni (inspired knowledge)."


Sir Zia' al-Din, was later recorded to have said the following about A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu:


"He was an un-assuming man of pleasant manners and morals, had deep insight in mathematics, although he was not formerly educated by a teacher. It was an inner divine-gifted inherent knowledge. My query pertained to a theory of knotting problems of mathematics, but his manner and explanation was spontaneous as if he had already carried out a research in it. Now, there is nobody so well-versed in India. Such a great scholar, I think, there is none. Allah has bestowed upon him such