A Poster from Maktaba-tul-Madina
HIS POSITION IN THE SILSILA: Sheikh-ul-Islam wal Muslimeen, Aayat min Aayatillah, Has'saan-e-Zamaan, Burhaan-ul-Auliyah, Haami-e-Sunnat, Qaami-e-Bid'at Mujaddid-e-Deen-o-Millat A'la Hazrat Ash-Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Qaadiri Barakaati (radi Allahu anhu) is the thrity ninth Sheikh of the Silsila Aaliyah Qaadiriyah Barakaatiyah Razviyah Nooriyah.
HIS BIRTH: Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was born on a Monday, the 10th of Shawwal 1272 A.H. (14th June 1856), at the time of Zohar Salaah in a place called Jasoli, which is in the city of Bareilly Shareef, India. A few days before the birth of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), his father, Allamah Maulana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), had a wonderful dream. He immediately disclosed this dream to his father, Allamah Maulana 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 male, who will grow up to be pious & knowledgeable. His name will gain prominence from East to West."
This was the good news that was given to Allamah Maulana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) concering the birth of none other than the "emerald from amongst the Treasures of Almighty Allah", the "sweet-scented rose from the fragrant garden of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)", Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu).
HIS BLESSED NAME: The name that was given to him at birth was the beautiful name "Muhammad." The name corresponding to that year of his birth was "Al-Mukhtaar." His grandfather, a great Scholar of the Ahle Sunnah Wal Jamaah, Allama Maulana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), also gave the young child the beautiful name of "Ahmed Raza." It was by this name that he was famously known. Much later in his life, A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) added the title "Abdul Mustafa" to his name signifying his great love & respect for Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY HISTORY: Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaadiri, was the son of Allamah Maulana Naqi Ali Khan, who was the son of Allamah Maulana Raza Ali Khan, who was son of Allamah Maulana Mohammed Kaazim Ali Khan, who was the son of Allamah Maulana Shah Mohammed Azam Khan, who was the son of Allamah Maulana Sa'adat Yaar Khan, who was the son of Allamah Maulana Sa'eedullah Khan (radi Allahu anhum ajma'in). The great forefathers of A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) migrated from Qandhar (Kabul) during the Mogul rule & settled in Lahore. Allamah Maulana Sa'eedullah Khan, the first forefather of A'la Hazrat held a high government post when he arrived in the Indo-Pak sub-continent. His son, Allamah Maulana Sa'adat Yaar Khan (radi Allahu anhu), after gaining victory in the city of Ruhailah, was elected as the Governor of that city. Allamah Maulana Hafiz Kaazim Ali Khan, the son of Maulana Mohammed Azam Khan (radi Allahu anhum), was a Revenue Officer in the city of Badayun. His son, Allamah Maulana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), the illustrious grandfather of A'la Hazrat (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.
HIS PIETY: Another incident which happened in the Month of Ramadaan also shows A'la Hazrat's (radi Allahu anhu) piety & fear of Allah. Fasting was not Fardh (obligatory) upon him because he was still a child, but on that day he intended to keep fast. It should be knwon that for a little child to keep fast in India during the summer season was very difficult. The average temperature on a summer's day rises to approximately 45 degrees Celsius. On that day, the heat of the sun was intense. Hazrat Allamah Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) took his young son, A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu), into a room where sweets were kept. He closed the door & said, "There, eat the sweets." A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied that he was fasting. His father then said, "The fasting of children is always like this. The door is closed & no one is looking. Now you may eat." On hearing this, the young A'la Hazrat (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 Hazrat Allamah Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He then left the room with A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu).
HIS FEATURES: He was a very handsome personality. He had very beautiful eyes, a broad forehead which eyes, a broad forehead which always shone brightly, a bright & handsome face, firm nose, a very beautiful voice, a broad chest filled with the knowledge & wisdom of Deen, beautiful feet which were firm on the Seeraat-e-Mustaqeem.
A'LA HAZRAT'S FIRST LECTURE: Sayyiduna A'la Hazrat (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 Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) stood on the Mimbar (Pulpit) & delivered a lecture before a very large gathering which also consisted of Ulama. His lecture lasted for approximately 2 hours. A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) spoke on the Wilaadat (Birth) of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). He brightened the hearts of the listeners with the love of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). The people listening were thoroughly impressed by the maturity & eloquence of this lecture which was being delivered by a 6 year old child!
HIS INTELLIGENCE AS A CHILD: A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) was so gifted & 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 & used to later ask his teachers to test him. Once, his teacher asked him, "Mian! 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 Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) answered, "Praise be to Allah that I am a human."
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 & answers of his father on the side of the page. A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) studied this book carefully & 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 & held the young A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) to his heart & said, "Ahmad Raza! You do not learn from me, but you teach me."
AN ASTONISHING EVENT DURING CHILDHOOD: At the age of 3, A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) was once standing outside the Raza Masjid in Bareilly Shareef. an "unknown" person, attired in an Arabian garb,a pproached him & spoke to him in the Arabic language. Those who were present & witnessed this incident heard the young A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) converse with this person in pure Arabic. They were surprised. The person who spoke to A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) was never seen again in Bareilly Shareef!
COMMENCEMENT OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION: During A'la Hazrat'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 & then told him to read "Alif, Baa, Taa, ..." A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) began reading the "Alif, Baa, Taa, ..." until he came to the word "Laam Alif" at which point A'la Hazrat (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", he remained silent. When his teacher asked him once more to read "Laam Alif", he remained silent. The teacher instructed him, "Say, 'Laam Alif". Sayyiduna A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu), then replied, "I have already read them earlier on. What need is there for me to repeat it?"
Hazrat Allamah Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), who was witnessing this incident, said, "Son! Listen to what your Ustaad is saying." Upon further reflection, Hazrat Allamah Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), realised the reason for the objection of the young A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu). It was because the teacher was teaching A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) the lesson of single alphabets. A'la Hazrat (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!
Hazrat Allamah Maulana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) knew that is 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" & this which you are reciting now is which is "Sakin". Therefore, it is for this reason that the alphabet "Laam" is brought before the "Alif"."
When A'la Hazrat (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"?" Maulana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), out of sheer happiness & excitement, embraced A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) & made Dua for him. He then explained the answer to A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) in the following brilliant manner: "In looking at them they both appear to be very much a like, since they are both empty. Even when writing them together they look very much a like. When it comes to their qualities then "Laam" is the heart of "Alif" & "Alif" is the heart of "Laam". Hazrat Allamah Maulana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was in reality opening the doors & the treasures of knowledge & spiritual insight to A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu).
A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) was only 4 years old when he completed the recitation of the Holy Quran. Due to the extraordinary intelligence bestowed upon him by Almighty Allah, A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) completed his Islamic education at the very young age of 13 years, 10 months & 5 days. A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) states that, "I completed my religious education during the middle of the month of Shabaan in the year 1286 A.H. I was 13 years, 10 months & 5 days old at that time. It was also at this time that Salaah became Fard upon me & I began to have great interest in the Laws of Shariah". (Al-Ijaazat-ur-Razviyya)
A'la Hazrat (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, Hazrat Allamah Maulana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He completed his primary education under the tutorship of Janaab Mirza Ghulam Qadir Baig. A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) also studied under the guidance of the following luminous personalities:
- Hazrat Maulana Abdul Ali Rampuri (radi Allahu anhu)
- Sheikh-e-Kabeer, Hazrat Allamah Syed Shah Abul Hussain Ahmed Noori (radi Allahu anhu)
- Sheikh-e-Tariqah, Hazrat Allamah Shah A'le Rasool Marehrvi (radi Allahu anhu)
- Sheikh Ahmed bin Zain-e-Dahlaan Makki (radi Allahu anhu)
- Sheikh Hussain bin Salih Makki (radi Allahu anhu)
A'LA HAZRAT'S FIRST FATAWA: In a letter sent to his illustrious Khalifa, Malik-ul-Ulama, Hazrat Maulana Zafarud'din Bihari, A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) wrote, "With the Grace of Almighty Allah, this servant wrote his first Fatwah at the age of 13. It is also at this age that I completed my religious education & gained a cerificate 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 upon the child to marry this women". (Al-Malfooz, Part 1 pg. 12)
His father was so amazed & delighted by this in-depth reply that he assigned the young A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) the task of issuing Fatawahs (Islamic Verdicts). For many years, thereafter, A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) fulfilled this very important duty with absolute dignity & responsibility. A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) answered hundreds of Fatawas daily. He received them in all languages - Arabic, Urdu, Persian, English & many other languages.
HIS MARRIAGE & BLESSED CHILDREN: In the year 291 A.H. (1874), A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) married Sayyidah Irshaad Begum (radi Allahu anha) who was the beloved daughter of Sheikh Fadhl Hussain Sahib. He was 18 years old at the time of his Nikah.
Almighty Allah blessed A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) with 7 beautiful children - 2 sons & 5 daughters. Both his sons became distinguished Islamic Scholars & great Auliyah Allah. His sons were Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Hamid Raza Khan & Ghaus-ul-Waqt Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhum).
BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE ATTAINED AT HIS FATHER'S FEET: A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) became proficient in the following branches of knowledge at the feet of his father: Tafseer of the Holy Quran, Tashreeh of Ahadith, Principles of Ahadith (Usool-e-Hadith), Islamic Jurisprudence (All Four Schools of Thought), Principles of Jurisprudence (Usool-e-fiqh), Dialectics, Quranic Commentary, Principles of Belief, Principles of Debate, Arabic Syntax, Principles of Rhetoric, Language Usage of Metaphors, Science Dealing with Rhetoric, Logistics, Debates, Philospohy & Politics, Rhetoric Devices, Physics, Mathematics, Phsyical Engineering. In the book, "Al-Ijaazat-ul-Mutay'yanah", on page 22, A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) has said the following in connection with the above mentioned twenty branches of knowledge. He says, "I learnt these twenty branches of knowledge, personally at the feet of my father".
OTHER BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE ATTAINED FROM VARIOUS ULAMA: He learnt Quranic Recitation, Correct Recitation with Tajweed, Mysticism, Mystical Initiation, Islamic Ethics, Names of Narrators of Ahadith, Biography of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), Islamic History, In-depth Study of Arabic & Literature. A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) states: "These ten branches of knowledge, I achieved at the feet of the following teachers: Shah A'le Rasool Marehrvi, Maulana Naqi Ali Khan, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Zain Dahlaan Makki, Sheikh Abdur Rahman Makki, Sheikh Hussain Bin Saleh Makki, Shah Abul Hussain Ahmed Noori (alaihimur rahmah)."
BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE ATTAINED WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF ANY TEACHER: A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) learnt Arithmetic, Algebra, the Twelve Branches of Mathematics, Modern Astronomy, Science of Inheritance, Science of Prosody, Astronomy, Science of History, Prose in Hindi, Prose in Persian, In-depth Study of Arabic & In-depth Study of Plain Persian Writing.
When A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) was questioned about his amazing capabilities in solving intricate & confusing Mathematical theories & as to who his mentor was, he replied, "I did not have a teacher in thie field. Whatever you see, I achieved within the four walls of my room. This is indeed through the Grace of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)." (Al-Mizaan Pg. 34)
PROFICIENCY IN OVER FIFTY BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE: If we study the life of A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu), we will discover that his proficiency in various subjscets 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? Definitely not!
TRANSLATION & COMMENTARY OF THE HOLY QUR'AN: Many people have translated the Holy Quran into the Urdu language, but the translation of the Holy Quran presented by A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) - called "Kanzul Imaan" is proven to be the most unique translation in the Urdu language. In his translation one sees that A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) used only those words in his translation that are worthy for the Attributes & Qualities of Almighty Allah & of His beloved Rasool (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). It is said that the translation of the Holy Quran by A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) is not merely a literal translation, but is also the commentary of the Holy Quran. In the words of Hazrat Sayyiduna Muhaddith-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu), "It is Not Only the Translation of the Quran, it is the Quran."
We have taken just one example of a Verse from the Holy Quran that has been translated by various persons & compared it with the beautiful translation of A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu). We have taken Surah 93, Verse 7 as an example:
- "& he found you lost on the way & he guided thee." Translation by Mohammad Asad
- "& found thee groping so he showed the way." Translation by Muhamamd Ali Lahori Qadiyani
- "& He found you uninformed of Islamic laws so he told you the way of Islamic laws." Translation by Ashraf Ali Thanvi.
- "Did he not find thee erring & guide thee." Translation by Arberry
- "& saw you unaware of the way so showed you the straight way." Translation by Fateh Muhammad Jalledhri
- "& he found thee wandering & He gave thee guidance." Translation by Yusuf Ali
"& He Found You Self Engrossed In His Love Therefore Gave Way Unto Him"
Look at the uniqueness & that cautioun 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 & personality of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)!
Due to the vast amount of time A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) spent in compiling books on Fiqh & various other topics, it was not possible for him to compile a complete commentary of the Holy Quran. However, a few learned scholars have stated that if all the books of A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) have to be brought together then there is a great possibility that a complete commentary of the Holy Quran may be compiled. Like his translation of the Holy Quran, they have said that his Tafseer will also be exceptional.
AUTHORITY IN THE FIELD OF AHADITH:
A GREAT JURIST OF HIS TIME:
HIS KNOWLEDGE OF PHILOSOPHY & SCIENCE:
A MATHEMATICAL GENIUS:
CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD OF POETRY:
BAI'AT & KHILAFAT:
A'LA HAZRAT'S MUREEDS & KHULAFA:
A'LA HAZRAT'S SECOND HAJJ:
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY PROPHET (sallallahu alaihi wasallam):
HIS LOVE FOR THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD (sallallahu alaihi wasallam):
LOVE & RESPECT FOR THE DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLY PROPHET (sallallahu alaihi wasallam):
ADHERENCE TO THE SUNNAH:
LOVE FOR HUZOOR GHAUS-UL-AZAM (radi Allahu anhu)
A'LA HAZRAT AS THE MUJADDID OF THE 14TH CENTURY:
A'LA HAZRAT'S JIHAD AGAINST THE INSULTERS OF SAYYIDUNA RASOOL ALLAH (sallallahu alaihi wasallam):
SOME TITLES BESTOWED UPON HIM:
HAFIZ-UL-QURAN:
HIS BLESSED CHARACTER:
A FEW KARAAMATS (MIRACLES) OF A'LA HAZRAT:
WORKS OF A'LA HAZRAT:
COMMENTS BY SUPPORTERS & ADVERSARIES:
WISAAL:
MAZAAR SHAREEF:
Mazar Shareef of Aala Hazrat, Imam-e-Ahle Sunnat, Mujahid al-Deen al-Millat, Ash-Shah Ahmed Raza khan Qadri Barkati (radi Allahu anhu)
- Academic Services
- Alahazrat As a Mujaddid
- Writing & Work of Imam Ahmad Raza
- Imam Ahmed Raza Demise
- Imam Ahmed Raza impact in world today
- Selection from Al-Malfozaat-e-Imam Ahmed Raza
- Ancestral Tree of Alahazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan
- A List of the names of 228 books of Alahazrat
- Birthday of Alahazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Al Qadri
- 92 Pearls of Wisdom by Alahazrat
- Primary & Tertiary Education of Alahazrat
- Spiritual Life
- Blessed Qualities of Alahazrat
- Imam Ahmed Raza in the Eyes of Others
- References Alahazrat personalities
- Various Fatawas of Alahazrat
- In defence of Alahazrat Imam Ahmed Raza
- Spiritual Allegiance & Successorship
- Alahazrat Ke Tajdeedi Karnamay - Urdu
- The Sacred Knowledge of Alahazrat
- Who is Imam Ahmad Raza Khan? (ARABIC)
- Imam Ahmad Raza Mystery in Hadith Sciences
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