Complete History Ala Hazrat Raa

8/2/2019 Complete History Ala Hazrat Raa

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* Mujaddid-e-Islam [Revivalist of Islam] * Senior Sufi Master * Arif Billah

[Gnostic]

* Qutub * Ashiq-e-Rasool Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam [Ardent Lover of theBeloved Rasool]

* Senior Representative of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam

* Murshid al-Kaamil [Perfect Spiritual Guide]

* Imam-e-Ahle Sunnat [Leader of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat]* Sheikh-ul-Islam * Naib-e-Ghawth al-Azam radi Allahu anhu * Aalim-e-Ilm-e-

Ladunni * Scholar* Mufti * Hafiz * Teacher * Muhaddith * Faqih al-Islam [Jurist] * Orator

* Author of more that 1000 books * Linguist * Commentator * Muhaqqiq[Researcher]

* Mathematician * Astronomer * Philosopher * Scientist * Physicist * Economist *Poet

IMAM AHMED RAZAS BIRTH AND NAME

HIS BIRTH

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) was born on a Monday, the 10th ofShawaal 1272 A.H. [14th June 1856], at the time of Zohr Salaah in a place called Jasoli,which is in the city of Bareilly, India.

A few days before the birth of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (Alaihir Rahmah), his father, AllamaMawlana Naqi Ali Khan (Alaihir Rahmah), narrated a wonderful dream to his father, Allama

Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (Alaihir Rahmah), 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 andknowledgable. His name will gain prominence from East to West.

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) was a master of Abjad and he deduced

his year of birth from the verse of the Holy Qur'an: These are they in whose hearts Allahhas inscribed faith and helped them with a spirit from Himself. (58:2)

HIS NAME

The name that was given to him at birth was Mohammed. The name corresponding to thatyear of his birth was Al Mukhtaar. His grandfather, Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (Alaihir

Rahmah), named him Ahmed Raza. It was by this name that he was famously known.Much later in his life, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) added the title

Abdul Mustafa to his name signifying his great love and respect for the Messenger of Allah(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam).

Much later, the Grand Mufti of Makkatul Mukarramah, Sheikh Hussain bin Saleh Makki(Alaihir Rahmah), gave him the title of Zia'udeen Ahmed.

The followers of the great Mujaddid Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (Alaihir Rahmah) call him A'laHadrat. Hadrat means person and A'la Hadrat means great, A'la Hadrat means agreat person.

ANCESTRAL TREE OF IMAM AHMED RAZA KHAN BARELWI

The following ancestral tree of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (Alaihir Rahmah) is carefully

constructed from the authentic Books of Genealogy and meticulously scrutinized withreferences to other books in this field. The ancestors were compared with dates and periods

found in books written by Historians who were masters in this field.


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The Ancestral tree is as follows:

Mujaddid-e-A'zam A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmad Rida Khan s/o Ra'isul-Atqiya Imam MuhammadNaqi Ali s/o 'Arife-Billah Imam Rida Ali s/o Mawlana Hafiz Kazim 'Ali s/o Mawlana ShaMuhammad A'zam Khan s/o Mawlana Muhammad Sa'adat Yaar Khan s/o Shuja'at Jung

Muhammad Sa'idullah Khan Bhadur Qandhari s/o 'Abdur-Rahman Khan s/o Yusuf Khan

Qandhari s/o Dawlat Khan s/o Badal Khan s/o Da'd Khan s/o Bar'hech Khan s/o Sharfud-Deen 'Urf Shar'haboon s/o Ibra'him 'Urf Sard'bun s/o Sayyiduna Qais Malik 'Abdur-Rashid

Sahabi s/o 'Ays s/o Salool s/o 'Utba s/o Na'eem s/o Marra s/o Malik Jalandar s/o MalikAskandar s/o Zaman s/o 'Unais s/o Bah'lool s/o Sa'lam s/o Salah s/o Qaroon s/o Nasr s/o

Ashmu'ail s/o Na'eem s/o Akram s/o Ash'ath s/o Sharood s/o Makhal s/o Nusrat s/o Qalajs/o Sher s/o 'Atham s/o Faylool s/o Karam s/o 'Amaal s/o Hudayfa s/o Mat'hal s/o Qabal s/o

'Ilm or 'Aleem s/o Ash'mool s/o Haroon s/o Qamar s/o Abi s/o Su'heb s/oalal s/o Lu'ee s/o

'Ameel s/oaraj s/o Arzand s/o Mandool s/o Saleem or Sa'lam s/o Afghana s/o Sarad al-

Muqallab bi Malikaloot s/o Qais s/o 'Utbah s/o Alas s/ou'ail s/o Yahoodah s/o SayyidunaNabi Ya'qoob s/o Sayyiduna Nabi Ishaq s/o Khaleelullah Sayyiduna Nabi Ibra'him s/o Ta'rikhs/o Makhood or Nahoor s/o Shuroo' or Ash'ragh s/o Sayyiduna Nabi Hood s/o Abir s/o

Sha'lakh s/o Araf'khashad s/o Saam s/o Sayyiduna Nabi Nooh [age: 1400 years] s/o La'lak

[age:780 years] s/o Malik Matla'shakh [age: 900 years] s/o Sayyiduna Nabi Idris s/o

Bayarad s/o Mahla'heel s/o Qay'nan s/o Anoosh s/o Sayyiduna Nabi Sheeth [age: 912years] s/o Sayyiduna Nabi Adam [age: 900 years]

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (Alaihir Rahmah) belongs to the Afghani Bar'hech tribe which was

of royal descent. He was from a very respectable and noble tribe in Afghanistan. Great'Ulama and Mashaa'ikh hailed from his dignified tribe whose Mazaars (Tombs) are still a

center of solace and spiritual enlightment for the people both in Afghanistan and Hindustan.

A separate detailed book can be written about these great dignitaries. An important point tonote is that in the ancestry of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (Alaihir Rahmah), there are eightProphets and one Sahabi.

The Prophets are:

1) Sayyiduna Nabi Ya'qoob (Alayhis Salaam)

2) Sayyiduna Nabi Ishaq (Alayhis Salaam)3) Sayyiduna Nabi 'Ibrahim (Alayhis Salaam)

4) Sayyiduna Nabi Hud (Alayhis Salaam)

5) Sayyiduna Nabi Nuh (Alayhis Salaam)

6) Sayyiduna Nabi Idris (Alayhis Salaam)

7) Sayyiduna Nabi Sheeth (Alayhis Salaam)8) Sayyiduna Nabi Adam (Alayhis Salaam)

The one Sahabi is Sayyiduna Qais Malik Abdur-Rashid Sahabi (Radi Allahu Anhu). He is the43rd descendant of Afghana and 45th descendant of Hadrat Malik Taloot. Qais bin 'Ays livedin the mountain of Ghour. In one of the expeditions of Sayyiduna Khalid ibn Walid (Radi

Allahu Anhu), he became interested in Islam. So he took some of the leaders of Afghanistanand wen to Madina al-Munawwarah. They met the beloved Prophet of Allah (Sallal Laahu

Alayhi Wasallam) and immediately accepted Islam on his sacred hands. SayyidunaRasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) then said to him: Qais is a Hebrew word and Iam an Arab. The Prophet of Allah (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) gave him the Islamicname 'Abdur-Rashid. The beloved Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) further said:

You are the Awlad of Malik Taloot whom Allah blessed with the title of Malik (King). In the

future you too will be remembered with the title of 'Malik'. This is how he got the title ofMalik from the office of Prophethood.

It was in the Madinan period that the Beloved Nabi (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) was

planning for the conquest of Makka and appointed Sayyiduna Malik 'Abdur-Rashid (RadiAllahu Anhu) and the other Afghani Sahabi as the leaders of the secret service scouts of the

army led by Sayyiduna Khalid ibn Walid (Radi Allahu Anhu). The Afghani Mujahids displayed


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their astonishing bravery in the battle of Makka. Sayyiduna Malik 'Abdur-Rashid (Radi Allahu

Anhu) himself killed 70 Kufaar in this battle. His role and bravery in this war brought great

joy to the heart of the Beloved Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) who predicted that agreat family will emerge from the off-springs of this Sahabi. They will be steadfast onreligion and will strengthen the Deen of Islam like Bataan (conqueror with great bravery

or Military Advisor). It was the effects of this Du'a of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu

Alayhi Wasallam) that great 'Ulama and Mashaa'ikh were born in the lineage of SayyidunaMalik 'Abdur-Rashid (Radi Allahu Anhu).

Since the Beloved Nabi's (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) Du'a for the Awlad of Sayyiduna

Malik 'Abdur-Rashid (Radi Allahu Anhu) was that they will strengthen the Deen and theirstrength will be like Bataan, from that day on he became famous by the titleof Bataan.

This word Bataan in later days changed to the present day name Pathaan. Eventually,

the Awlad of Sayyiduna Malik 'Abdur-Rashideen (Radi Allahu Anhu) became synonymous by

the word Pathaan. This is how the word Pathaan can into existence. Sayyiduna Malik'Abdur-Rashid (Radi Allahu Anhu) married Mutahira, the daughter of Sayyiduna Khalid ibnWalid (Radi Allahu Anhu), and he passed away at the age of 87 years.

The services of the great Mujaddid Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) is known to the

Muslim World and precisely the manifestations of the Du'as of the Beloved Prophet of Allah(Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam).

FATHER & GRANDFATHER

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah), was the son of Allama Mawlana Naqi Ali

Khan, who was the son of Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan, who was son of Allama MawlanaMohammed Kaazim Ali Khan, who was the son of Allama Mawlana Shah Mohammed AzamKhan, who was the son of Allama Mawlana Sa'adat Yaar Khan, who was the son of Allama

Mawlana Sa'eedullah Khan (Alaihimur Rahmah).

The great forefathers of Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) migrated

from Qandhar (Kabul) during the Mogul rule and settled in Lahore. Allama MawlanaSa'eedullah Khan, the first forefather of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi, held a highgovernment post when he arrived in the Indo-Pak subcontinent. His son, Allama MawlanaSa'adat Yaar Khan (Alaihir Rahmah), 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 Mohammed Azam Khan (Alaihir

Rahmah), was a Tax-collector in the city of Badayoun. His son, Allama Mawlana Raza Ali

Khan (Alaihir Rahmah), the illustrious grandfather of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (AlaihirRahmah), did not serve in the Government. It was from this generation that the heads ofthe family began to adopt Tassawuf as their way of life.

We have included a very brief history of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi's (Alaihir Rahmah)

father and grandfather.HIS FATHER: Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi's (Alaihir Rahmah) father, Mawlana Naqi Ali

Khan (Alaihir Rahmah), received his education at the hands of his father, Allama MawlanaRaza Ali Khan (Alaihir Rahmah). 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. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan's father passed away in 1297 A.H.(1880) when Imam Ahmed Raza was 24 years old.

HIS GRANDFATHER: One of the greatest Sufis of his time, Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan(Alaihir Rahmah) was born in the year 1224 A.H. He was also a great warrior and fought

with General Bakht Khan against English invaders in the year 1834. He received his early


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education at the hands of Molwi Khaleerur Rahman. At the age of 23, he had already

completed his Islamic education, earning certificates of distinction in various fields of

knowledge. He passed away in the month of Jamaadi-ul-Awwal in the year 1282 A.H.(1866). Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) was at this time only 10 yearsold.

CHILDHOOD YEARS

MEETING WITH A MAJZOOB

At the age of 3, Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) was once standing outside the RazaMusjid in Bareilly Shareef. An unknown person, attired in an Arab garb, approached him

and spoke to him in the Arabic language. Those who witnessed this incident heard the

young Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) converse with the person in pure Arabic. Theywere surprised. The person who spoke to the young Imam Ahmed Raza was never seen

again in Bareilly Shareef!

A Majzoob (one drowned in his love for Allah Ta'ala) by the name of Hadrat Basheeruddeen

Sahib (Alaihir Rahmah) used to live at the Akhoon Zada Musjid in Bareilly Shareef. He spokeharshly to anyone who visited him. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (Alaihir Rahmah) wished to

meet this Majzoob. One night, at about 11 o'clock, he set off alone to meet him. He satrespectfully for about 15 minutes outside the Majzoob's house. After some time, theMajzoob became aware of him and asked, Who are you to Mawlana Raza Ali Khan. Imam

Ahmed Raza replied that he was the grandson of Hadrat Raza Ali Khan (Alaihir Rahmah).The Majzoob immediately embraced him and took him into his little room. He asked ImamAhmed Raza Khan if he had come for any specific matter, but Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir

Rahmah) 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 mercyon you, May Allah bless you.

PIETY AS A CHILD

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) was 4 years old when this incident took

place. On that particular day, he was dressed in a long Kurta. As he stepped out of hishouse, a few female prostitutes walked past him. In order to cover his eyes, Imam AhmedRaza Khan 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 Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (Alaihir Rahmah) replied, When the eyes are tempted,then the heart becomes tempted. When the heart is tempted, then the concealed parts

become tempted.

Another incident which happened in the Month of Ramadaan also shows Imam Ahmed

Raza's (Alaihir Rahmah) piety and fear of Allah. Fasting was not Fardh (obligatory) upon himbecause he was still a child, but he still intended to keep fast. Now, for a little child to keepfast in India during the summer season was very difficult as temperatures sometimes

soared to 50 degrees Celsius. On that day, the heat of the sun was intense. Allama Naqi AliKhan (Alaihir Rahmah) took the young Imam Ahmed Raza Khan into a room where sweets

were kept. He closed the door and said, There, eat the sweets. Imam Ahmed Raza Khanreplied 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

Imam Ahmed Raza respectfully said, Through Whose command I am fasting, He is Seeingme. On hearing this answer from a little child, tears began to flow from the eyes of Allama

Naqi Ali Khan (Alaihir Rahmah). They both then left the room.

HIS FIRST LECTURE ON THE MOULOOD


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Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) delivered his first lecture at the age of 6

years. It was during the glorious month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan stood onthe Mimbar (Pulpit) and delivered a 2 hours lecture before a very large gathering which alsoconsisted of many 'Ulema. He spoke on the Wilaadat (Birth) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad

(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) which affected the hearts of the listeners. They were

thoroughly impressed by the maturity and eloquence of this lecture.

HIS INTELLIGENCE AS A CHILD

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) was so gifted and intelligent that therewas 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 timeto teach a lesson, but it does not take you much time to learn the same lesson. Imam

Ahmed Raza Khan answered, Praise be to Allah that I am a human.

When he was 8 years old, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) wrote aMas'ala concerning Fara'idh (Fards). When his father looked at the answer, he happilyremarked, If only some adult could answer in this manner.

At the age of 10, when he was studying the Kitaab, 'Ilm-us- Thuboot, under the guidance of

his father, he noticed a few objections and answers of his father on the side of the page.

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) studied this book carefully and wrotesuch a well- explained footnote that even the need for an objection was ruled out. His fathercame across his research on that objection. He was so delighted that he stood up and held

his son to his heart and said, Ahmed Raza! You do not learn from me, but you teach me.

COMMENCEMENT OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION

HE LESSON OF 'LAAM' AND 'ALIF'

During Imam Ahmed Raza Khan's Bismillah Kwaani or Commencement of IslamicEducation a very strange incident occurred.

His Ustaadh asked him to read the Tasmiyah, and then told him to read Alif, Baa, Taa, . . .. Imam Ahmed Raza did so until he came to the word Laam Alif at which point he became

silent. When his teacher asked him once more to read Laam Alif, he remained silent. Theteacher instructed him, Say, 'Laam Alif'. Imam Ahmed Raza then replied, I have already

read them earlier on. What need is there for me to repeat it?

Allama Raza Ali Khan (Alaihir Rahmah), who was witnessing this incident, said, Son! Listen

to what your Ustaadh is saying. Upon further reflection, Allama Raza Ali Khan (AlaihirRahmah), realised the reason for the objection of the young Imam Ahmed Raza. It wasbecause the teacher was teaching Imam Ahmed Raza the lesson on single alphabets. Imam

Ahmed Raza Khan felt that how was it possible that a complete word like Laam Alif shouldbe found in such a lesson that only dealt with single alphabets!

Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan 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 arethinking of. But the 'Alif' which you had earlier read, in reality, is 'Hamza' and this which youare 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 beforethe 'Alif'.


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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 Haraamupon the child to marry this women. [Al Malfuz, Part I, pg. 12]

ASSIGNED TO ISSUE FATAWA

His father was so amazed and delighted by this in-depth reply that he assigned the young

Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) the task of issuing Fatawa [Islamic Verdicts]. For manyyears, thereafter, Imam Ahmed Raza carried this very important duty with absolute dignity

and responsibility. Imam Ahmed Raza began answering hundreds of Fatawa daily. Hereceived them in all languages - Arabic, Urdu, Persian, English and many other languages.

A few days after the Nikah of Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah), a certain person came

to Bareilly Shareef and presented a Fatwa of Mawlana Irshaad Hussain Mujaddidi to HadratAllama Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan for an answer. The Fatwa bore the signatures of many'Ulema.

Hadrat Allama Naqi Ali Khan (Alaihir Rahmah), instructed the messenger with the following

words: Go into the room. Moulvi Sahib is there. He will answer your question. Themessenger entered the room and only saw Imam Ahmed Raza sitting there. He returned toHadrat Allama Naqi Ali Khan and said, There is no Moulvi Sahib there. All I see in the room

is a young lad. Hadrat Allama Naqi Ali Khan told the messenger: Give the Mas'ala to himand he will answer it. The messenger went to Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) and

handed him the Fatwa. He studied it and realised that the answer on the Fatwa of Mawlana

Irshaad Hussain was incorrect. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) wrote thecorrect answer to the Fatwa and respectfully presented it to his father who verified it asbeing correct.

The Fatwa was then taken to the Governor of Rampur. After studying the Fatwa of ImamAhmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah), the Governor requested the presence of Mawlana Irshaad

Hussain Sahib. When the said Mawlana appeared before the Governor, the Fatwa wasshown to him. Mufti Irshaad Hussain Sahib humbly acknowledged that his Fatwa wasincorrect and that the Fatwa from Bareilly was correct. The Governor of Rampur then said, If the Fatwa of Bareilly is correct, then how is it that all the other 'Ulema verified and

endorsed your Fatwa? Mawlana Irshaad Hussain replied, They endorsed my Fatwabecause I am prominent, but the true Fatwa is the one written by the Mufti of Bareilly.

Regarding Imam Ahmed Raza's knowledge of sheep in reply to a Fatwa, Mawlana Mufti

Mazharullah said: Once, I enquired from Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi about the holysacrifice offered by Muslims. He, in his reply, described innumerable kinds of sheep whichwas 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'.

Once Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) went to Pillibit Shareef. He

stayed with Muhaddith-e-Surat, Hadrat Mawlana Wasi Ahmad Sahib (Alaihir Rahmah).Before leaving for Bareilly Shareef, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi requested to borrow a

Kitaab called Uqoodul Arya from him. As there was only one copy of the book he gave it to

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi and said, After studying the book, please return it asthese are the only few kitaabs that I have for Fatawa writing.

Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) was supposed to depart from

Pillibit Shareef that night, but since he had been invited at another person's home, hestayed one more night in Pillibit Shareef. Imam Ahmed Raza spent the entire night studying

the Kitaab, which consisted of numerous volumes.


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The following morning, before leaving for the railway station to meet Imam Ahmed Raza

Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah), Hadrat Muhaddith-e- Surat found that the Kitaab that hehad lent Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi had been returned. He thought that Imam AhmedRaza was angry and displeased with him for asking him to return the Kitaab quickly. He

immediately went to Imam Ahmed Raza and asked for pardon. Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam

Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) smiled and then said, That is not the reason for returningthe 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-e-Surat (Alaihir Rahmah) heard this he was surprised andexclaimed, You have studied this book in one night! Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed

Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) 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 havedrawn up one for you.

MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN

Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) was fair-complexioned, bright-looking, medium-

structured, smart, simple, soft-spoken, sweet-voiced and taciturn.

In the year 1291 A.H. (1874), Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) married SayyidahIrshaad Begum who was the beloved daughter of Sheikh Fadhl Hussain Sahib. He was 18

years old at the time of his Nikah.

Allah Ta'ala blessed Imam Ahmed Raza with 7 beautiful children - 2 sons and 5 daughters.

His sons Mawlana Hamid Raza Khan (Alaihir Rahmah) [d.1362/1934] and Mawlana Mustafa

Raza Khan (Alaihir Rahmah) [d. 1402/1981] are celebrated savants of Islam. They rendered

great services to Islam and the Muslim Nation in India.

A'la Hadrat's eldest son, Hujjatul Islam, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Muhammad Haamid RazaKhan was very much efficient in Arabic and various other religious sciences. He was a great

savant, orator, author and poet. He was such a master of argumentation that he was calledHujjat al-Islam [Argument of Islam]. His features resembled his illustrious father. Hujjatul

Islam (Alaihir Rahmah) ?left this mundane world on the 17th of Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1362 A.H.,

while in the state of Salaah.

Ghausul Waqt, Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Ash Shah Imam Mustapha Raza Khan (AlaihirRahmah), the younger son of Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah), studied primarily under

the guidance of his elder brother. He also received education at the blessed feet of hisfather and earned himself a certificate of proficiency in religious sciences. Huzoor Mufti-e-

Azam-e-Hind (Alaihir Rahmah) has approximately ten millions Mureeds (disciples) around

the world. He was such a great Mufti that he was called Mufti-i-'Azam [The Great Mufti] ofIndia. He left this mundane world on the eve of the 14th of Muharram 1402 A.H. (1981).

The grandson of Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah), Hadrat Ibrahim Raza Khan Jilani(Alaihir Rahmah) was such a great Mufassir that he was called Mufassir-i-'Azam [TheGreat Commentator] of India.

PROFICIENCY IN OVER 60 BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE

THE BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE ATTAINED


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If we study the life of Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza(Alaihir Rahmah), we will

discover that his proficiency in various subjects total over sixty branches of knowledge. The

branches of knowledge of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) are herearranged according to the syllabus of Jamias & Universities written as under :-

1. Ilm of the Quran & Art of its Translation

2. Quranic Tafseer

3. Principles of Tafseer4. Master of Recitation of the Quran with Tajweed

5. Hadith

6. Principles of Hadith

7. Encyclopaedia of Hadith

8. Critical Examination of Hadith

9. Jurisprudence

10. Principle of Jurisprudence

11. Lexicon of Jurisprudence

12. Scholastic Theology

13. Islameology

14. Dialectic

15. Syntax & Etymology

16. Rhetoric and style & Elocution17. Linguistic & Lexicon

18. Phonetic

19. Urdu Prose

20. Arabic Prose

21. Persian Prose

22. Arabic Poetry

23. Persian Poetry

24. Urdu Poetry

25. Hindi poetry

26. Explanation, Criticism & Appreciation

27. Prosody

28. Mysticism29. Metaphysics

30. Incantation & Invocation

31. Jafr (Literology & Numerology)

32. Carrying the Figures (Takseer)

33. Ethics

34. Logic

35. Philosophy

36. Psychology

37. Chronology & Biography

38. Sociology

39. Economics

40. Education

41. Political Science42. Commerce

43. Banking

44. Arithmetic & Computation

45. Algebra (Factorization, Equation of any degree, Exponential series, Binomial theorem,

Set theory, Topology, Tensorial algebra)

46. Plane Trigonometry Euclidean logarithms

47. Spherical Trigonometry

48. Euclidean Geometry

49. Coordinate Geometry

50. Timings

51. Horoscopes


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school were in his memory and those Ahadith by which the Hanafi school is [apparently]

challenged; Imam Ahmed Raza knew the weaknesses of their Sanad and the meanings of all

of them. The knowledge of Asma' al-Rijal is the most difficult science of Hadith; however, ifany Sanad was recited before Imam Ahmed Raza and he was asked about any narrator, hewould mention the strengths and weaknesses of each narrator with specific words and when

the books of Rijal were checked, those exact words were found therein. [Maqalat-e-Yawm-

e-Raza, 'Abdun Nabi Kokab, Vol.1, pg.41]

Concerning the etiquettes of Takhrij al-Hadith, Imam Ahmed Raza wrote a monographnamed al-Rawd al-Baheej fi Adab al-Takhreej. Mawlana Rahman Ali writes about this work:

If there is no book before this on this topic, then the writer can be called the inventor ofthis science. [Tazkira 'Ulama-e-Hind, Molvi Rahman Ali, Pakistan Historical Society, pg.100]

Sayyid Muhammad Muhaddith Kachochawi (Alaihir Rahmah) once asked his teacher,

Mawlana Sayyid Wasi Ahmad Muhaddith Surati (Alaihir Rahmah): Was the rank of ImamAhmed Raza the same as yours in the field of Hadith? The latter replied, Not at all, not atall. He then said, Do you understand what I mean by this? Imam Ahmed Raza is Amir al -

Mu'mineen fi'l Hadith and if I study Hadith at his feet for many years, I will still not reach his

rank.

Many a time, for only one Hadith, he cites up to 25 references. He wrote 45 booksspecifically on Hadith and when answering questions, he would cite extensively from the

books of Hadith. A few examples are given:

Is it allowed to refer to Sayyidina Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam)as the remover of difficulties? Answering this, Imam Ahmed Raza wrote al-

Amnu wa'l 'Ula wherein he proved his motif by presenting 60 verses and 300Ahadith.

Some Wahabis denied the fact that Sayyidina Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu AlayhiWasallam) is the best of creation. Imam Ahmed Raza answered this fallaciousclaim by gathering 100 Ahadith and named this monograph Tajalli al-Yaqeenbi Anna Nabiyyina Sayyida'l Mursaleen.

When asked about having a feast to remove the difficulties of famine andsmallpox, Imam Ahmed Raza presented 60 Ahadith to show its permissibility. Whilst burying the nonsensical claim of Prophethood by Mirza Qadiani, Imam

Ahmed Raza wrote a monograph wherein he presented 121 Ahadith which

demolished Mirza's claim.

On the issue of the second Adhan for Jumu'ah, Imam Ahmed Raza wroteShama'im al-Anbar in Arabic in which he gathered 45 Ahadith.

Regarding the hearing of the dead, he presented 60 Ahadith. On the creation of Angels, he cited 24 Ahadith. About dyeing the hair, he presented 16 Ahadith. Regarding Mu'aniqa [hugging], he cited 16 Ahadith. On the importance of the beard, he gathered 56 Ahadith. On the rights of parents, he presented 91 Ahadith. Regarding the impermissibility of the prostration of reverence, he put forward

70 Ahadith.

On intercession, he gathered 40 Ahadith. On the issue of pictures, he cited 27 Ahadith.

Dr Professor Mohiyyuddin, Azhar University, Cairo (Egypt) said: Renowned scholar, AhmedRaza Khan, visited Arabia twice to perform Hajj at Makka and payed homage to the Holy

Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) at Madina. During his stay he visited various centres

of learning and had extensive exchange of views with the scholars covering variousbranches of learning and religious issues. He secured permission from some authentics toquote them in reference to particular Ahadith, and in return, he allowed them to mention his

authority in respect of some other Ahadith.


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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 contradict this diction.

He was not only an acknowledged research scholar, but also a great poet.

HIS MASTERY IN FIQH

Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) is that branch of knowledge that is derived from the HolyQur'an and the Ahadith of the Noble Messenger of Allah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam). Onlythat person can be a proper Jurist who is well-versed in both the Holy Qur'an and theAhadith. He must also be well-versed in and all the other important branches of knowledge,

such as Tafseer, Logic, Philosophy, translation and other branches.

Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) was regarded as the greatest Juristof 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 worldof Fiqh can be understood from his answers concerning the Shari'at-e-Mustapha (Sallal

Laahu Alaihi Wasallam), which was compiled into 12 large volumes, comprising ofapproximately 12000 pages to form the famous book, Fatawa Radawiyyah, which is used in

every Darul Ifta (Fatawa Departments) around the world today.

Volumes 1-7 and 10-11 of Fatawa Radawiyyah contain a total of 4095 fatawa. Out of this,

1061 are questions sent to Imam Ahmed Raza by other scholars. This shows that along withthe general public, the scholars also turned to Imam Ahmed Raza to find solutions to theirproblems.

As is evident, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) did write a lot of books butwhat must be noted is that the quantity of books is not what makes Imam Ahmed Raza

Khan great; it is the quality of each one that makes him great. In many cases, one pagewritten by Imam Ahmed Raza is more valuable than entire books of other scholars.

His excellence in Fiqh can be seen from the number of references he cites for each issue.

Some examples of this are seen below:1. Can the Janazah prayer be repeated? Imam Ahmed Raza compiled a monograph on thismatter and dealt with the issue by segregating it into 10 categories. He cited 207 references

and at another place also gathered 40 other references of Hadith and books of Fiqh.

2. Can the Awliya hear and assist after their demise? He answered this by compiling a

lengthy monograph named Hayat al-Mawat fi Bayani Sama'il Amwat. He first cited 60Ahadith and then gathered 200 sayings of the Sahaba, Tabi'in and then gathered a further

100 references of those scholars that are revered by the Wahabis. Not just this, he thencompiled another 150 page book on this issue.

3. He was asked about making Du'a after Salaah. He cited one verse of the Holy Qur'an and

then presented a Hadith from 10 different books whereas Mawlana Abdul Haleem Farangi

Mahalli only presented one Hadith as his answer and Molvi Muhammad Nazeer Husain, theleader of the Ahle Hadith, also only managed one Hadith.

4. Abiding by times of Salah is compulsory and joining prayers is impermissible. He wrote amonograph on this issue named Hajiz al-Bahrain in which he presented 7 verses of theHoly Qur'an and 36 Ahadith from famous books of Hadith.

5. The famous Hadith scholar of the age, 'Allama Wasi Ahmad Muhaddith Surati (AlaihirRahmah), asked Imam Ahmad Raza a question regarding the 'Amama [turban]. The lattergathered 40 Ahadith on the blessings of the 'Amama and also their references. Muhaddith

Surati also questioned about a Hadith that some claimed was weak. Imam Ahmed Razareplied in a way that all allegations were refuted.


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6. Wudhu (ablution) is the act of washing the parts of the body, which are generally

exposed, in a prescribed manner. For making Wudhu, water is required. Which type ofwater is fit for making Wudu and which type of water is unfit for the purpose? Such aquestion came up for consideration before A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah). In 1915 he wrote a

separate treatise over this issue. He described 160 kinds of water with which Wudhu can be

made with. Besides, he has given 146 kinds the water with which Wudhu cannot be madewith. Thus, in all, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) has described 306

kinds of water.

7. Tayammum is an alternative of ablution made without water under certaincircumstances. A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah) has drawn a list of 181 things fit to be used forTayammum. He has given a separate list of 130 things unfit for the purpose.

Other aspects of his superlative knowledge of Fiqh can be seen from his answers to

perennial issues. For example, when the issue of currency notes arose, the scholars werebaffled. Even the Hanafi Mufti of Makka, Mawlana Jamal bin Abdullah, was unable to providea comprehensive answer. It is a favour upon the whole Muslim Ummah that Imam Ahmed

Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) answered the question with utmost clarity.

When he went on his second Hajj in 1323 AH, news of the brilliance of al-Dawlah al-Makkiyah had spread far and wide. Hence, the scholars took advantage of his visit and

asked 12 questions about currency notes. Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir

Rahmah) wrote Kifl al-Faqih al-Fahim and when he went to the library of Haram on 4thSafar 1324 AH, he found the Mufti-e-Hanafiya, Mawlana Abdullah bin Siddiq, reading Kifl al-

Faqih and when he reached the point where Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir

Rahmah) had cited Fath al-Qadir which said that: If a man wishes to sell a piece of paperfor Rs. 1000, then this is permissible; the Mufti was shocked and whilst hitting his thigh heexclaimed: Jamal bin Abdullah, how did you miss such a clear evidence? By saying this,

the current Mufti [Abdullah bin Siddiq] was addressing the Mufti of old [Jamal bin

Abdullah].

Imam Ahmad Raza was a great Faqih because he was able to convey what Fuqaha beforehim had researched in their own books but he was also able to add his own research toissues. For example, Fatawa Radawiyyah has 311 points on Tayammum whereas previous

works of Fiqh have 72. The additional 239 points have been derived by Imam Ahmed RazaKhan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) himself.

A renowned theologian and a great Saint of Delhi, Hadrat Mawlana Zayd Abul Hassan Faruqi

(Alaihir Rahmah), who completed his education at the Al Azhar University, Cairo,acknowledged the unrivalled mastery of Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) 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 greatestFaqih (Jurist) of his time.

When Shaykh Ismail Khalil, the Curator of the Library at Makkatul Mukarramah, read theFatawa of Imam Ahmed Raza he was puffed up with joy and wrote to him saying: By Allah,if Abu Hanifa Nu'man (Alaihir Rahmah) would have gone through these Fatawa,

undoubtedly, it could have been his heart's delight and granted its writer among his pupils.

HIS RESEARCH CAPABILITIES

Research is a matter of talent but the talent of A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah) in the field ofresearch is a matter of research itself. We shall just relate a few examples:

Mawlana Waqaruddin (Alaihir Rahmah), the student of Mawlana Amjad Ali Azmi (Alaihir

Rahmah), writes regarding the knowledge of Imam Ahmed Raza: I taught at Madrasah


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Mazhar-e-Islam in Bareilly for approximately 9 years and was in charge of teaching the

most advanced books. Whenever I came across any difficulty I would go to the library of

Imam Ahmed Raza and look for the book within which I was having difficulty and wouldalways find that Imam Ahmed Raza had written a marginalia in the book which solved myproblem. I also found that those complex parts that are left alone by other commentators,

Imam Ahmed Raza had written marginalia to even those.

Mawlana Zafar al-din Razawi, one of the noted students of A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza

(Alaihir Rahmah), is author of Hayat-e-A'la Hadrat, an authentic biography of the greatMujaddid of Islam. The Mawlana states that he was able to fill up the Naqsh-e-Murabba (a

sixteen column quadrilateral) by 1152 methods. He further states that Imam Ahmed Razafrom whom he learnt this art, knew to fill it up by 2300 methods. Nowadays, the position is

that one who knows to fill it even by 16 types, thinks himself to be a perfect Master. The

Mawlana has written a book in which he has practically shown 1152 different ways of filling

up the Naqsh. The knowledge of a student speaks of the heights of his master. This showsthat Sayyidi A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah) made an in-depth research whereby he couldsucceed to chalk out 2300 methods.

Once someone asked Sayyidi A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah) if there were only 99 names of

Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam). A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah)replied: About 800 names of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) are usuallyfound in the books. I have been able to gather up to 1400 names and Allah Ta'ala knows

better the exact number. It is difficult for a Scholar to enumerate even 200 such nameswhile Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) is talking of 1400. Certainly his research was not

deep but deeper. Moreover, he does not say that he has been able to find out 1400 names

and that is all. He keeps the issue open for further research. Such is the greatness ofSayyidi A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah).

Sayyiduna Imam Hussain (Radi Allahu Anhu) proceeded from Makka for Karbala on the 3rdof Zil-Hijjah and reached there on the 2nd of Muharram. Some of the people raise anobjection to it. According to them, they say that it was impossible for Sayyiduna Imam

Hussain (Radi Allahu Anhu) to have reached Karbala from Makka within such a short spaceof time time, particularly when in those days the caravans used to proceed only on horsesand camels.

On this point, the great Imam made a full research. He pointed out that the caravan ofSayyiduna Imam Hussain (Radi Allahu Anhu) proceeded on horses. He also described thevarious kinds of horses. He even pointed out the number of horses in the caravan of Imam

Hussain (Radi Allahu Anhu), their individual races and various routes through which the

caravan proceeded. He went to the extent of pointing out the respective distances and theaggregate distance from Makka to Karbala, the different kinds or routes, the terrain throughwhich the caravan passed - sandy, stony and otherwise. He pointed out the different speeds

of different horses. He pointed out their speeds vis-a-vis the kinds of routes. He pointed outthe time to be taken by a particular horse of a particular race on a particular route.

Thus, after making a thorough research, Sayyidi A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah) proved fully

that the caravan of Sayyiduna Imam Hussain (Radi Allahu Anhu) having proceeded fromMakka on 3rd Zil-Hijjah carrying horses of such and such races passing through such and

such routes, must have reached Karbala only on 2nd Muharram.

IMAM AHMED RAZAS ILM-E-JAFR

I'lm-e-Jafar refers to the Knowledge and the Art of Prediction. Not all persons are blessedwith such knowledge by Almighty Allah. It is a speciality for the Awliyah Allah. Sayyidi A'la

Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) was blessed with the gift of I'lm-e-Jafar.


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Once, a certain person asked Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah)

concerning the approach of Qiyamah and the arrival of Imam Mahdi in the future. Imam

Ahmed Raza said that Allah Ta'ala knows of this and His beloved Rasool (Sallal Laahu AlaihiWasallam) is also aware of this fact. After saying this Imam Ahmed Raza substantiatedthese facts by quoting many verses of the Holy Qur'an and Ahadith of the Holy Prophet

(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam). Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) then said,

Through a certain type of knowledge, I feel that there is a possibility that in 1837 A.H.there will be no Islamic government left, and in 1900 A.H. Imam Mahdi will appear. After

hearing this answer, someone asked Imam Ahmed Raza if he had gained this answerthrough I'lm-e-Jafar. He replied that he did. Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) 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 misguided and astray person, sent a messenger

to Bareilly with a special request. He requested Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza(Alaihir Rahmah) 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. Imam

Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) told the messenger to tell the King that his wife

will die in Rampur in the month of Muharram.

With this message at the back of his mind, the King tried very hard to keep his wife awayfrom Rampur. He did not want her to be in any way near Rampur fearing that the words of

the great Imam may prove to be true. It so happened that rioting broke out in Rampur. Itconcerned 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. Itwas also the month of Muharram. The prediction of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (AlaihirRahmah) proved to be true!

HIS KNOWLEDGE OF PHILOSOPHY AND SCIENCE

Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) was a great Philosopher andScientist. He understood Philosophy and Science better than anyone in his time. He was amaster of Ancient and Modern Sciences. He proved through research that various concepts

of the modern day science are illogical and against the theories of the Holy Qur'an and theAhadith.

Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) wrote many books on Science andPhysics. One of his famous books, Fauze Mubeen Dar Harkate Zameen, using the Holy

Qur'an as its guidelines, proves that the earth is not rotating but is stationary. He alsoproves that the entire Universe is revolving around the earth. Modern theories believe that

the earth is rotating on its axis and that all the planets, including the earth, are revolvingaround the sun. He declared: The Islamic principle is that the sky and earth are stationary

and the planets rotate. It is sun that moves round the earth; it is not earth that moves

round the sun. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan also disproved the theories of Scientist such asGalileo Galilei and Sir Isaac Newton.

In order to substantiate what he believed, the great Mujaddid A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah)put forward his arguments. He quoted a number of verses from Holy Qur'an and Hadith toshow that:

1. The movement of Sun and Moon is according to a course.

2. The sun and the moon are sailing within a circle.

3. The moon and the sun were besieged for you which are constantly moving. [For detailedstudy, please see Nuzool-e-Ayat-e-Furqan Besukoon-e-Zameen-o-Aasman of A'la Hadrat -

written in 1339 A.H, published from Raza Academy, Bombay.]


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By and by, the time passed and the crucial day of 17th December arrived. As the sun rose,

the panic-stricken people began to take it as Doomsday. The routine life went to a

standstill. Clouds of horror hovered heavily. Some people laid hope in Albert. Some peoplelaid hope in A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah). The names of Prof. Albert and Imam Ahmed Raza(Alaihir Rahmah) were running on the lips of one and all. By the Grace of Allah Ta'ala, 17th

December arrived and the day went off without any incident. Everybody witnessed that

what A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah) had observed and declared, came true word by word.Prof. Albert also conceded the knowledge and expertise of A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah) in

the field of Astronomy.

KNOWLEDGE OF ASTRONOMY

Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) gained great expertise in the fieldof Astrology.

There was a person by the name of Mawlana Ghulam Hussain Sahib, who used to regard

himself as an authority in Astrology. Once, he visited Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi(Alaihir Rahmah). Imam Ahmed Raza asked him, So! What is the situation of the rain?

After working out the position of the stars, Mawlana Ghulam Sahib drew-up an astronomicaltable 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 Imam Ahmed Raza who

examined it and said, All the Power is by Allah Ta'ala. If He pleases, then it may rain now.Mawlana Ghulam Hussain then said, Are you not observing the astronomical table? ImamAhmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) said, I am observing everything.

Imam Ahmed Raza then looked towards the clock and asked, What time is it? MawlanaGhulam Hussain said, Quarter past eleven. Imam Ahmed Raza said, That means that

there is three quarters of an hour left for twelve o'clock. Saying this, the great Imamwalked 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. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) then said, You said that it

would take three quarters of an hour for the needle to come to twelve o'clock. TheMawlana Sahib replied, But you were responsible for altering the position of the needle.On hearing this, Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) said, Allah Ta'ala

is All-Powerful and He may alter the position of the stars whenever he wishes... ImamAhmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) had not yet completed his sentence when it

began to rain uncontrollably.

MASTERY IN MATHEMATICS

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) was also a great Mathematician. He usedto solve the most difficult mathematical problems in a short space of time. His authority in

the field of Mathematics will leave modern-day Mathematicians astounded. Algebra,Geometry, Calculus, Logarithms and other branches of Mathematics which are normally

handled with great difficulty even by mathematic students today, was like ordinary additionand subtraction to Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah)!

Once, Sir Zia'uddin, a famous Mathematician, was in a predicament with regards to part of

his research in the mathematical field. He had to go to Berlin in Germany to seek a solution

to this intricate problem. It so happened that a certain Mawlana from the famous AligarhUniversity advised Sir Zia'uddin to visit Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir

Rahmah) to seek a solution for his mathematical problem. But, Sir Zia'uddin, not soundingvery 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 hisknowledge is very limited. Nevertherless, after some convincing, he agreed to visit Imam

Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi.


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When he arrived in Bareilly, he immediately went to Imam Ahmed Raza. Presenting the

intricate mathematical problem to Imam Ahmed Raza 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,Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) was busy writing and listening to

him at the same time. As Sir Zia'uddin was about to leave, Imam Ahmed Raza handed him

a sheet of paper. When Sir Zia'uddin read what was written on this paper, he realised that itwas the solution to his mathematical problem. Sir Zia'uddin then said, Today I believe that

there is something known as I'lm-e-Laduni (inspired knowledge).

Sir Zia'uddin, was later recorded to have said about Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi(Alaihir Rahmah): 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 carriedout a research in it. Now, there is nobody so well-versed in India. Such a great scholar, Ithink, there is none. Allah has bestowed upon him such a knowledge that is amazing. His

insight in the fields of Mathematics, Euclid, Algebra and Timings is astonishing. A

mathematical problem that I could not solve despite my best of efforts, this learned genius

explained in a few moments.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FIELD OF POETRY

Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza(Alaihir Rahmah) spent much of his valuable time

writing poetry. His poetry mostly consisted of Na'at Shareef in praise of the Holy Prophet

Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) and Manqabats. In all the Na'at Shareefs thatwas written by Imam Ahmed Raza, it is evident that his heart and soul was drowned in the

love of Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam).

His Na'ats were written within the boundaries of the Shari'ah. Every stanza was filled with

inspirations from Almighty Allah. Each verse and stanza of his poetry is the Tafseer

(Commentary) of the Holy Qur'an and the Hadith of Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu AlaihiWasallam). His poetry was mainly in the Arabic, Urdu and Persian languages.

Imam Ahmed Raza's (Alaihir Rahmah) poetry was compiled to form the famous, HidayaqeBakhshish, [Gardens of Forgiveness]. This famous Na'at compilation is used throughout the

world. Imam Ahmed Raza's humble compilations are read by all who wish to express their

love for Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam).

His Qasida-e-M'erajiyya (description of the Me'raj) is regarded as the best Qaseeda (ode),the Urdu poetry has ever produced. It is included in the syllabus of M.A. Urdu of the Sindh

University (Pakistan). Prof. Mirza Nizamuddin Beg Jam Banarsi, has written an article on thesaid ode of A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah), which has been published from Bazme Ahl-e-

Sunnat Karachi. Prof. Mirza Jam Banarsi has been frank enough to disclose that he had

always been of the view that a Maulvi could never utter a beautiful couplet. But when hestudied the poetry of Imam Ahmed Raza Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah), he changed his view.

Mohsin Kakorvi who is regarded as a great Na'atia poet, was a contemporary of ImamAhmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah). Once he came to him to recite before him oneof his Qasidas. But A'la Hadrat recited his Qasida-e-M'erajiyya first, with the result that

Mohsin Kakorvi did not recite his Qaseeda afterwards and was compelled to observe that

after hearing such an ode, how could he present his own one.

Commenting on one of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi's poems, Allama Sayyid

Muhammad Muhaddith Kichauchawi (Alaihir Rahmah) said: Once I had the opportunity ofreciting the Qasida-e-Me'rajiyya in my own style, in a select gathering of men of letters at


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Lucknow. I then asked them about the literary worth of the poem. Everybody was

overwhelmed and they all exclaimed that the language is superb, pure and divine.

Mawlana Qari Noorul Hassan, quoting the following stanzas from Imam Ahmed Raza KhanBarelwi's (Alaihir Rahmah) poetry:

Mulke Sukhan Ki Shahi Tum Ko Raza Musallam

Jis Simt Aagaye ho sikhe Bithaa diye hai.

and says that there are many illiterate and ignorant people who look at the above stanzasand accuse Imam Ahmed Raza of praising himself in his poetry. This, he says, is not true

and are mere baseless objections. He further explains.

Mawlana Hassan Raza Khan (Alaihir Rahmah), the younger brother of Imam Ahmed RazaKhan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah), would often send his poetry to be corrected to Janaab

Daagh Delhwi, who was a famous and distinguished poet of his time. Hadrat Hasnain RazaKhan (Alaihir Rahmah) used to take the poetry of Mawlana Hassan Raza Khan (Alaihir

Rahmah) to Daagh Delhwi. One day, as he was about to leave for Dehli, Imam Ahmed Razapresented one of his Na'ats to Hadrat Hasnain Raza Khan (Alaihir Rahmah) and said, Ask

Daagh Delhwi to rectify this Qalaam. The Na'at which Imam Ahmed Raza sent begins withthe following stanza:

Unki Mahk ne dil ke ghunche khila diye hai

Jis Raah chal diye hai kooche basa diye hai.

When Hadrat Hasnain Raza Khan reached Delhi and presented the Na'at 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 Hasnain Raza Khan replied that it was written by Imam Ahmed Raza

Khan Barelwi. On hearing this, Daagh Delhwi said, You have brought the Qalaam of ImamAhmed Raza Khan Barelwi to me for correction! This is the Qalaam of such a poet who holds

no place for any corrections. But, since it is incomplete, I would like to write the final verse

from my side. Please ask Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi not to change it as I am aware

that he does not like anything written in his praise. After saying this, he wrote the verse:

Mulke Sukhan Ki Shahi Tum Ko Raza Musallam

Jis Simt Aagaye ho sikhe Bithaa diye hai.

So, to those who accuse Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) of praising

himself in his poetry, will find sufficient evidence to prove that it was Daagh Delhwi whoinserted that stanza and not Imam Ahmed Raza!

A number of books, booklets and articles have been written and published eulogizing the

poetic talent of Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah). A'la Hadrat was adistinguished Na'atia poet because of his following distinguished features:

1. Each and every verse of A'la Hadrat is embodied in utter love and respect for the Holy

Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam).2. A Na'at is one which permits neither deficiency nor excess of actuals. It is strictlyrequired to run in between. To describe anything short or excess of the Holy Prophet (Sallal

Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) vitiates the Na'at and it is a difficult condition to abide by. Most ofthe poets deviate and tend to run towards excess. But Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah)has not slighted even a bit, which is exemplary.

3. Sometimes, a poets write such a Na'at in the honour of the Holy Prophet Muhammad

(Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) which casts an insult to other Prophets in some way or theother. The poetry of A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah) is absolutely free from such flaws.

4. The poetry of A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah) is a reflection of the teachings of Holy Qur'an

and Hadith. It is not based on mere poetic approach.


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Professor Dr Abdul Wahid Halepota, Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology, Government of

Pakistan, said: Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi Mawlana Shah Ahmed Raza Khan is that

ingenious personality of the Indo-Pak Sub-Continent whose academic position and legalinsight has general recognisance. His multifarious achievements deserve that they should bespread on an international level. His greatest deed is that he beautified the hearts of the

Muslims with the love of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) through his

academic wonders, sweet speeches and most valuable Naatya Qalaam (Poetry in praise ofthe Holy Prophet - Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam)."

IMAM AHMED RAZAS BELIEFS

Imam-e-Ahle Sunnat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi's (Alaihir Rahmah) beliefs and thecorrect beliefs of generations of Muslims are mentioned below:

(1) Allah Ta'ala is Supreme, free from all defects and faults, free from the restraints of time,

space and location.

(2) The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) was created from the Noor

of Allah Ta'ala and is the first and best of all creations.

(3) The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) is the leader of all the

Prophets and is the Seal of Prophethood.

(4) The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) is alive and is present and

witnessing (Haazir Naazir).

(5) The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) is the last and finalProphet of Allah Ta'ala and no Prophet is to come after him.(6) The knowledge of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) is no match for

knowledge of Allah Ta'ala and the knowledge of entire creation in no match for the Holy

Prophet's (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) knowledge. The knowledge of the Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) has no relation or comparison whatsoever with that of Allah,

the Most High.

(7) The knowledge of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) was gifted knowledge

from Allah Ta'ala. Ilm-e-Zati (Personal knowledge) is a feature of Allah Ta'ala only. For non-

Allah, it is strictly impossible and whosoever accepts even an iota of Ilm-e-Zati for non-

Allah, he is a Kaafir.(8) The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) was granted Knowledge ofthe Unseen by Allah Ta'ala, that is, certain amount of knowledge not total knowledge.

(9) The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) was granted ascension[Meraj] with his body.

(10) The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) is the governing authority

of the two worlds (Mukhtaar-e-Do Aalam).

(11) To call from far and seeking intercession is lawful and permissible.

(12) To celebrate the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallal Laahu AlayhiWasallam) [Moulood] and to stand up [Qiyam] in his honour.

(13) The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) is the intercessor on theDay of Judgement, etc.

(14) To respect relics [Tabarukaat] of the Prophets and elders and to rever them.

(15) To visit the Mazaars (Tombs) or graves of the Awliya with the intention of tawassul.(16) To celebrate 'Urs which is free from impermissible practises and sin.

These are beliefs and practices permitted by our predecessors and even today, 90% of theMuslims of the world practice these actions. The Arabic book, Mafaheem Yajib an Tusahhaha

[Matters that need to be Clarified], by the late Sayyid Muhammad bin Alawi ibn Abbas al-Maliki al-Makki (Alaihir Rahmah) is a detailed exposition and research on the practices of

the Ahle Sunnah. Many contemporary Arab and African scholars have endorsed this book,

many of whom are the members of Raabta al-'Aalam-e-Islami, Makka. Mawlana YaseenAkhtar Misbahi of India has translated this book into Urdu by the name of Islah-e-Fikr-o-

I'ytiqad, which has been published both in India and Pakistan.


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Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) also abided by the following and

encouraged his followers to live by these:

(1) Shari'ah is the ultimate law and following it is obligatory for all Muslims;

(2) To refrain from Bid'ah is of utmost importance;

(3) A Sufi without knowledge or a Shaykh without actions is a tool in the hands of the devil;

(4) It is impermissible to imitate the Kuffar, to mingle with the misguided [and heretics] and

to participate in the festivals of the Hindus.(5) It is polytheism [Shirk] to prostrate to any other than Allah Ta'ala with the intention of

worship. If such a prostration is out of reverence [Sajdah at-Tahiyyah], it is Haraam.

(6) It is prohibited to ridicule other Muslims and consider oneself higher than others.

(7) The iconography of the Shi'ah [ta'aziyah] and respecting such icons is forbidden.

(8) Qawwali [sama'a] with musical instruments is forbidden.

(9) It is not permissible for women to travel to visit graves [or maqams of Awliya].

(10) It is not permissible to make pictures of living things.

(11) Abbreviating the blessing Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam to an acronym sa'd lam aynmeem, [in English it is abbreviated as PBUH] is impermissible.

(12) To visit false graves [that have no basis or record but simply the product of folklore] is

impermissible.

(13) Feeding the poor and needy with the intention to donate the reward to the dead is

permissible; but to hold banquets where even the rich are invited is impermissible.

For further details, see Mawlana Yaseen Akhtar's book, Imam Ahmed Raza aur Radd e

Bid'aat-o-Munkaraat, [Imam Ahmed Raza and his refutation of heresies and innovations]

published in India and Pakistan.

The Mujaddid A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah) has written a lot against Bid'ah (innovations).

Refer to: Al-Zubda al-Zakiyya li Tahrim-i Sajud al-Tahiyya; Murawwaj al Naja li khuruj al-Nisa; Hadi al-Nas fi Rusum al-A'ras; Jali al-Sawt li Nahi al Da'wat Imam al-Mawf, etc. etc.

A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah) kindled the torch of the Sunnah in the subcontinents. It is a

fact admitted by the scholars of the world. Sunni Islam is the true Islam, true religion andthe only religion. The anti-Islam lobby tries their best to disintegrate the unity of Ahle

Sunnah. In his last word of advice, A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah) said: You are the simpleand innocent sheep of dear Mustafa (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) and wolves are aroundyou. They want you to drag you to Hell with them. Beware of them! Be far from them!

A point of note: Bareilly is no religion. In 1986, Taajush Shari'ah Hadrat Allama Mufti

Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Azhari, the great grandson of the great Imam, during his Hajjpilgrimage when he was arrested and questioned, declared in Saudi Arabia that Bareilly is

no religion. He made it very clear that if it is a religion, he has no part of it. The fact is thatneither Bareilly nor Deoband is a religion. Both are different Schools of Thought. Sayyidi A'la

Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) was the Torch Bearer of Ahle Sunnah wa

Jama'ah. He was deadly against disintegrating the unity of the Ahle Sunnah. He fought forthis aim throughout his whole life.

BAYAT AND KHILAFAT

TAKING BAYAT & HIS KHILAFAT

In the year 1294 A.H., at the age of 22 years, Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza(Alaihir Rahmah) became the Mureed (disciple) of Imam-ul-Asfiya, Hadrat Shah Aale Rasool

Marehrawi (Alaihir Rahmah). The incident surrounding the Bay'at (Spiritual Allegiance) and

Khilafat (Spiritual Successorship) of Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah)is as follows:

Once Hadrat Mawlana Abdul Qaadir Badayouni (Alaihir Rahmah) came to Bareilly Shareef.

He invited Imam Ahmed Raza to go to Marehra Shareef with him. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan


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accepted his invitation and they both set off to Marehra Shareef. When they arrived at the

station in Marehra Shareef, Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) said, I

am receiving the scent of my Murshid.

When they reached the Khanqah-e-Barakaati and entered, Hadrat Shah Aale Rasool (Alaihir

Rahmah) saw Imam Ahmed Raza Khan and said, Come in. I have been awaiting your

presence for a long time.

Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (Alaihir Rahmah) immediately made Imam Ahmed Raza aMureed and blessed him with Khilafat and I'jazat in all the Sufi Silsilas. Thus, Imam Ahmed

Raza's Peer-o-Murshid (Spiritual Guide) was Hadrat Shah Aale Rasool (Alaihir Rahmah).

Hadrat Abul Hussain Noori Barakaati (Alaihir Rahmah), who was also the Peer-o-Murshid of

Mawlana Mustapha Raza Khan (Alaihir Rahmah), was also present in this spiritual gathering.

He was also among the Awliya Allah. For the benefit of the others who were present and tomake them aware of the exalted calibre and status of Imam Ahmed Raza, he asked HadratShah Aale Rasool (Alaihir Rahmah) a question. He asked, Huzoor! The ritual here at

Marehra 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

Ta'ala). We also give him dried bread to eat as part of his spiritual training. After this, if wefind him worthy enough, then we grant him Khilafat and I'jazat in one or two Silsilas, butyou 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 thisso?

Hadrat Shah Aale Rasool (Alaihir Rahmah) answered with the following words: O people!You do not know Ahmed Raza. Others who come here need to be prepared before gainingI'jazat and Khilafat. But Ahmed Raza Khan has come prepared from Allah Ta'ala. All he

needed was a link and this is why I made him Mureed.

I always teared through the fear of Allah Ta'ala that if on the Day of Qiyamah he

questioned me concerning what I had brought for him from the world, then I would have noanswer. But, today, that fear no longer exists. If on the Day of Qiyamah the Almighty asks,'O Aale Rasool! What have you brought for me?' Then, I will immediately present ImamAhmed Raza to my Creator.

This highly spiritual incident alone explains the status of Imam Ahmed Raza (AlaihirRahmah).

HIS SPIRITUAL SISILA - TAREEQAH 'ALIYYAH QADIRIYYAH BARKATIYYAHJADIDAH AND GOLDEN CHAIN OF MASHAA'IKH

1) Mujaddid Ash-Shah Imam Ahmad Rida [1272-1340/1856-1921] Murid of

2) Khatim al-Akabir Sayyid Sha Aal-e-Rasool Ahmadi al-Husani Qadiri [1209-1296/1795-1879] Murid and nephew of

3) Ghawth al-Waqt Sayyid Sha Aal-e-Ahmad Ache Mia al-Husani Qadiri [1160-1235/1747-1820] Murid and son of

4) Asad al-'Arifin Sayyid Sha Hamza al-Husani Qadiri [1131-1198/1719-1783] Murid andson of

5) Burhan al-Muwahhidin Sayyid Sha Aal-e-Muhammad al-Husani Qadiri [1111-1164/1700-

1751] Murid and son of

6) Sahib al-Barkat wa al-Darajat Sayyid Sha Barkat Allah al-Husani Qadiri [1070-1142/1659-1729] Murid of

7) Sayyid Jalil al-Shan Shaykh Fadl Allah al-Husani Qadiri [1111 Hijri /1700 AD] Murid and

son of

8) Sayyid Mir Ahmad al-Husani Qadiri [1084 Hijri/1673 AD] Murid and son of


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9) Sayyid Jalil al-Qadar Mir Muhammad al-Husani Tirmidi Qadiri [1006-1071/1598-1661]

Murid of

10) Hadrat Shaykh Sayyid Jamal al-Awliya al-Qadiri Jahanabadi [973-1047/1565-1638]Murid of

11) Qadi Diya al-Din Shaykh Jiya al-Qadiri Newtanwi [925-989/1519-1581] Murid of

12) 'Arif Billah Muhammad Bhikari Sayyid Nizam al-Din al-Qari al-Qadiri [890-981/1485-

1574] Murid of13) Shams al-'Arifin Mawlana Sayyid Ibrahim Iraji al-Qadiri [953/1546] Murid of

14) 'Arif Billah Hadrat Shaykh Baha al-Millat al-Din Shattari al-Qadiri [921/1516] Murid of

15) Shaykh Sayyid Ahmad al-Jilani al-Qadiri [853/1449] Murid of

16) Shaykh Sayyid Hasan al-Jilani al-Qadiri [781/1379] Murid of

17) Shaykh Sayyid Moosa al-Jilani al-Qadiri [763/1362] Murid of

18) Shaykh Sayyid 'Ali al-Jilani al-Qadiri (739/1339) Murid of

19) Shaykh Sayyid Muhiyy al-Din Abu-Nasr Muhammad al-Jilani al-Qadiri [656/1258] Murid

and son of

20) Shaykh Sayyid Qadi al-Imam Abu-Swaleh Habat Allah al-Jilani al-Qadiri ]562-632/1167-1235] Murid and son of

21) 'Arif al-Jalil al-Imam Taj al-Millat al-Din Sayyid Abu-bakr 'Abd al-Razzaq al-Jilani al-

Qadiri [528-623/1134-1226] Murid and son of

22) Ghawth al-Aghyath Sultan al-Awliya Taj al-'Urafa Qutb al-Irshad Marja' al-AwtadShaykh al-'Alamin Ghawth al-Konayn Sayyid Abu-Muhammad 'Abd al-Qadir Jilani al-Hasanial-Husaini [470-561/1078-1166] Murid of

23) Qadi al-Qodat Imam al-Ajal Shaykh Abu Sa'id al-Mubarak al-Makhzoomi [513/1119]Murid of

24) Shaykh al-Islam wa al-Muslimin Abu al-Hasan 'Ali al-Qarshi al-Amawi al-Hakkari [409-

486/1017-1093] Murid of

25) Al-Imam Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf Abu al-Farah Tartusi [447/1055] Murid of

26) Al-Imam Shaykh Abu al-Fadl 'Abd al-Wahid Tamimi [425/1033] Murid of

27) Taj al-'Arifin al-Imam Shaykh Abu-Bakr Shibli [247-334/861-946] Murid of

28) Sayyid al-Ta'ifah al-Oliyah Abu al-Qasim Junaid al-Baghdadi [218-297/833-910] Muridand nephew of

29) 'Arif al-Jalil Shaykh Sirr al-Din Abu al-Hasan Sirri al-Saqati [155-253/771-867] Murid of30) Al-Imam al-Mutasarrif Abu-Mahfooz Shaykh Asad al-Din Maroof al-Karkhi [200/815]Murid of

31) Sayyid al-Ajal Ibn Rasoolillah al-Imam 'Ali al-Rida [153-208/770-824] Murid and son of

32) Sayyiduna wa Mawlana al-Imam Moosa al-Kazim [128-183/745-799] Murid and son of

33) Sayyiduna wa Mawlana al-Imam Jafar al-Sadiq [80-148/699-756] Murid and son of

34) Sayyiduna wa Mawlana al-Imam Muhammad al-Baqir [57-114/676-733] Murid and son

of

35) Sayyiduna wa Mawlana al-Imam al-Sajjad Zain al-'Abidin [38-94/659-712] Murid andson of

36) Sayyid al-Shohadah Sayyiduna wa Mawlana al-Imam Husain Shahid al-Karbala [4-

61/626-680] Murid and son of

37) Zoaj al-Batool Akh al-Rasool Bab al-Wilayah Amir al-Mu'minin Sayyiduna wa Mawlana

al-Imam 'Ali al-Murtudah. Murid and Son-in-Law of38) Khatim al-Nabiyyeen Sayyid al-Mursaleen Rahmat al-'Alameen Sayyiduna wa Mawlana

wa Shafi'ina Abi al-Qasim Muhammad ibn 'Abd Allah Rasool Rab al-'Alameen Alaihi AfdalusSalati wat Tasleem

[Ridwanullahi Tabaraka wa Ta'ala Alaihim Ajma'een]

CERTIFICATES OF KHILAFAH OF VARIOUS SILSILAS IMAM AHMED RAZA WAS

BESTOWED WITH BY HIS MURSHID-E-KAMIL1) Sisilah Tareeqah 'Aliyyah Qadiriyyah Barkatiyyah Jadidah

2) Sisilah Tareeqah Qadiriyyah Abaiyyah Qadimah

3) Sisilah Tareeqah Qadiriyyah Ahdaliyyah

4) Sisilah Tareeqah Qadiriyyah Razzaqiyyah


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5) Sisilah Tareeqah Qadiriyyah Munawwariyyah

6) Sisilah Tareeqah Chishtiyyah Nizamiyyah 'Atiqiyyah

7) Sisilah Tareeqah Chishtiyyah Mehbobiyyah Jadidah

8) Sisilah Tareeqah Sohrawardiyyah Wahidiyyah

9) Sisilah Tareeqah Sohrawardiyyah Fadliyyah

10) Sisilah Tareeqah Naqshabandiyyah 'Ula'iyyah Siddiqiyyah

11) Sisilah Tareeqah Naqshabandiyyah 'Ula'iyyah (the chain linked to the illustrious SufiMaster Sayyid Moula Abu al-'Ula Naqshabandi Akbarabadi)

12) Sisilah Tareeqah Badi'iyyah

13) Sisilah Tareeqah 'Uloh'wiyyah Manamiyyah

These also include the 4 Mystical Musafahas, namely:

- The Sanad of Musafaha Jinniyyah

- The Sanad of Musafaha Khidriyyah

- The Sanad of Musafaha Mu'ammariyyah- The Sanad of Musafaha Manamiyyah

LIST OF IJAZAT OF ALL THE DU'AS, AWRAD (LITANIES) AND ASH'GHAAL THAT

WAS BESTOWED BY SPIRITUAL INSPIRATION DIRECTLY INTO HIS HEART FROM

THE HEARTS OF HIS MASHAA'IKH:1) The Secrets of the Holy Qur'an

2) Asma-e-Ilahiyyah

3) Dala'il al Khayrat

4) Hisne Hasin

5) Qasre-Matin

6) Asma-e-Arba'inah

7) Hisb al-Bahr

8) Hisb al-Bar

9) Hisb al-Nasr

10) All the Ah'zab of Silsila Shazaliyyah

11) The Hirz of 104,000 Awliya

12) Hirz al-Amirayn

13) Hirze Yamani (also known as Du'a-e-Saifi Sharif)14) Du'a-e-Mughni

15) Du'a-e-Haydari

16) Du'a-e-Izra'ili

17) Du'a-e-Suryani

18) Qasidah Khamriyyah also famously known as Qasidah Ghawthiyyah

19) Salat al-Asrar or Salat Ghawthiyyah

20) Qasidah Burda

21) Du'a-e-Bashmakh

22) Takbir-e-'Ashikan

23) Nim Takbir24) Irsal al-Hawatif

IMAM AHMED RAZAS MUREEDS AND KHULAFA

There were many Mureeds (disciples) and Khulafa (Spiritually Successors) of Sayyidi A'laHadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah). They have spread far and wide over the Indo-

Pak subcontinent and also in all parts of the world. Their impact, influence and contribution

towards the development of Islamic culture and thinking have left its mark in the pages ofhistory. Nearly 35 are in the other parts of the world and 30 in Indo-Pak subcontinent.These are the leading ones:

1. Hujjatul Islam, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Muhammad Haamid Raza Khan Noori Barakaati

2. Ghausul-Waqt, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Hadrat Mawlana Mustapha Raza Khan NooriBarakaati

3. Hadrat Allama Mawlana Abdus Salaam Jabalpuri


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4. Sadrul-Afaadil, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Na'eemuddeen Muraadabadi

5. Malikul Ulema, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Sayyid Zafar'uddeen Bihaari

6. Mubbalig-e-Azam, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddique

7. Sadrus Shariah, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Mufti Amjad Ali

8. Qutbul Madinatul Munawwara, Hadrat Allama Shaykh Zia'uddeen Ahmed Al Madani

9. Burhaan-e-Millat, Hadrat Allama Burhaanul Haq

10. Hadrat Allama Mawlana Mukhtar Ahmad Siddiqi Meerati11. 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. Hadrat Mawlana Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf &

17. Hadrat Mawlana Shah Sulayman

Professor Dr Sayyid Jamaalud'deen, Director Zaakir Hussain Institute of Islamic Studies andJaamia Millia, New Delhi, India, said: Ahmad Raza Khan wrote over a thousand books andbooklets which influenced many. He founded a Darul Uloom called Manzarul Islam in 1904

which was able to draw students from different regions in India. His views were sought on a

wide variety of social, religious and political affairs, and he proved guidance to many,including those from established Khanqahs. Many of his Disciples and Khalifas later foundedmadressas which soon developed into important spiritual centres. Some took up teaching,

such as Mawlana Sulaiman Ashraf, who headed the Theology Department of the M.A.O.

College, Aligarh, while others swelled their ranks of the Pesh Imams in the Mosques.

We will discuss, very briefly, the lives of three of the famous Khulafa of Sayyidi A'la Hadrat

Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah).

Sadrush Shari'at, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Amjad Ali Razvi (Alaihir Rahmah): He was born in

1296 A.H. and passed away in 1367 A.H. at the age of 71 years. He is author of the

internationally renowned book, Bahare Shariat, which is in 18 volumes. This book contains avolume 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.

Hadrat Allama Amjad Ali (Alaihir Rahmah) 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 threatenedto 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 illiteratebegan following many traditions introduced by the Hindu Rajput. When Allama Sadrush

Shari'at (Alaihir Rahmah) heard of this, he immediately went to Ajmer Shareef with few of

his students. He began teaching and making the Muslims aware of the polytheism and falseinnovations that they were following. Through his hard efforts, the Imaan of many Muslims

were saved and many non-Muslims also accepted Islam.

He was blessed with 8 sons and each one of them became great Aalims. His 2 daughtersbecame Aalimas. His sons, Muhaddith-e-Kabeer, Hadrat Allama Zia-ul-Mustapha Qadri and

Allama Baha-ul-Mustapha Qadri are well-known.

Shaykh Zia'uddeen Al Madani (Alaihir Rahmah): He resided in Madinatul Munawwara and

came there in 1327 A.H. He made Nikah to a pious lady from a Sayed family. Before coming

to Madinatul Munawwara he lived for some time in Baghdad Shareef.

He was a great Aalim, Sufi and Wali of his time. He is known as Qutbe Madina. He hailed

from a very illustrious family. His father was the Allama Abdul Hakim Siyalkoti (Alaihir

Rahmah), a powerful Islamic Scholar of his time, who gave the title of Mujaddid-e-Alf


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Thaani to Imam Rabbani, Imam Ahmed Sirhindi Faruqi (Alaihir Rahmah), the Mujaddid of

the 11th Islamic Century.

With the exception of being the Khalifa of Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (AlaihirRahmah), he also gained Khilafat from various other Mashaa'ikh. Some of them are: Shaykh

Ahmad Shams Maghribi, Shaykh Mahmoodul Maghribi, Mawlana Abdul Baaqi Farangi, and

Allama Abu Yusuf Nibhaani (radi Allahu Ta'ala anhum ajma'in).

He was a great Sheikh-e-Tariqat of his time. He spent day and night giving advice andguidance to the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam). He is well-

known for his piety and steadfastness in Islam in Damascus, Iraq, Egypt, India, Pakistan,South Africa and many other countries. Shaykh Zia'uddeen Madani (Alaihir Rahmah) also

had many Khulafa and Mureeds throughout the world. He left this mundane world on the

12th of August 1981 in the city of Madinatul Munawwara.

Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi Meerati (Alaihir Rahmah): He was born in the year 1892 andpassed away in the year 1954 at the age of 62. He is buried in Jannatul Baqi.

His Eminence, Hadrat Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi (Alaihir Rahmah) was an Islamic

Scholar and a holder of a B.A. degree from the University of Meerat (India). He spokeArabic, Urdu, Persian, English, French, Indonesian, Malaysian and Japanese languagesfluently.

In 1951, he toured the world preaching and propagating Islam. He visited America, London,

Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Europe, Southern Africa, Trinidad, Philippines, Iraq, Holland,

Thailand, Ceylon, France, and many other countries. As a result of his efforts, thousands ofnon-Muslims accepted Islam. Princess Gladys Palmer [Burinia], Merwate Tifinch [the FrenchGovernor of Mauritius], Mahifl Donawa [Minister of Trinidad] and Mr F. Gengson [Christian

Minister of Ceylon] were some of the famous personalities who accepted Islam aftermeeting him.

His Eminence was also responsible for establishing various Masaajids and IslamicEducational Centres throughout the world. Three of the famous Masaajids are the HanafiMasjid [Colombo], the Sultaan Masjid [Singapore] and the Naagarya Masjid [Japan]. He wasalso the founder of various newspapers and Islamic magazines from amongst which are,

The Muslim Digest (South Africa), Trinidad Muslim Annual' and the Pakistani News.

During his tour of the world, he met with various western dignitaries and had lengthy

discussions with them on Islam. He met the world renowned Irish dramatist and

Philosopher, George Bernard Shaw, on 17th of April 1935 during his visit to Mombassa anddiscussed many religious problems with him. He was very much impressed by MawlanaAbdul Aleem Siddiqi (Alaihir Rahmah) and said, I have been very pleased to make the

acquaintance, and it will be the most precious of all memories of this trip of mine.

VISIT TO THE HARAMAIN SHARIFAIN

IMAM AHMED RAZA'S FIRST HAJJ

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) performed his first Hajj and Ziyaarah onthe 26th of Shawwal 1295 A.H. [1876] at the age of 20.

One day, after completing his Hajj, he went to perform his Maghrib Salaah before theMaqaam-e-'Ibrahim. Having completed his Salaah, the Shafi'i Imam of MakkatulMukarramah, Shaykh Hussain bin Saleh Kamaal, who was observing him, came to him, took

his hand and led him to his house. The great Imam then placed his hand on the blessed


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forehead of Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) and said: Verily, I am

observing the Noor of Allah Ta'ala on this forehead.

Without hesitation, he blessed Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) withthe Sanad (Certificate) of Sahih Sitta (six compilers of Hadith: Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Majah,

Abu Dawood, Tirmizi and Nisa'i). He also began addressing Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam

Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) by the title of Zia'uddeen or The Light/Splendour of Deen.

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) was also blessed with the Sanads ofAhadith from the Hanafi Muftis in Makkatul Mukarramah, Allama Abdur Rahmaan Siraaj and

Mufti Shaykh Sayed Ahmad Dahlaan Shafi'i (Alaihimur Rahmah).

It was also during this historical visit that Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi informed the

Ulema-e-Haramain Sharifain concerning the blasphemous and corrupt beliefs of the Ulema

of Deoband.

IMAM AHMED RAZA'S SECOND HAJJ

Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) performed his second Hajj in 1323

A.H. [1905] when he was 49 years of age.

On the 25th of Zil-Hajj, Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza once again had the

opportunity of meeting the great Imam, Shaykh Saleh Kamaal. He also met Allama SayedIsma'il and many other Noble Ulema, who showed great respect towards him.

It was on this occasion that Shaykh Saleh Kamaal presented Sayyidi A'la Hadrat ImamAhmed Raza with five questions pertaining to I'lm-e-Ghaib (Knowledge of the Unseen).These questions were posed on behalf of the Wahabi Ulema of Makkatul Mukarramah. Imam

Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) had to answer these five questions in two days.

In so happened that on the following day, Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza(Alaihir

Rahmah) contracted a heavy fever. In spite of his illness, he managed to answer all thequestions relating to I'lm-e-Ghaib. In fact, Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (AlaihirRahmah) presented such a detailed answer to the question of I'lm-e-Ghaib that it turnedout 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 Sayyidi A'la Hadrat

Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) presented this book to them on time. He completed

this 400 pages book in only 8 hours. It was in the pure Arabic language. If one totals thenumerical values of the Arabic letters in the context of this Kitaab, Al Daulatul Makkiyah BilMaadatil Ghaibiya, one would discover that they amount to 1323. It was the same year,

that is, 1323 A.H., in which Imam Ahmed Raza Khan performed his second Hajj!

IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

It was during Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi's (Alaihir Rahmah) second visit to theHaramain Sharifain that his yearning to see the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam)

became very great. He continued reciting the Durood Shareef in front of the Rauda-e-

Shareef and felt confident of seeing the exalted personality of his Master, the Holy ProphetMuhammad (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam).

It was during the second night of his visit to the doorstep of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallal

Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) that he was given the opportunity of actually seeing the blessedpersonality of the Master of both Worlds, Muhammad-e-Mustafa (Sallal Laahu Alaihi

Wasallam). On that night, Imam Ahmed Raza, in a state of total submission, lifted his pen


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and began writing a Na'at in praise of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam).

The first line of that Na'at is: Wo Soo'e La'la Zaar Phirte hai ... The beautiful Na'at

continues praising the most Beloved of Allah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) and ends withthe following verse: Koyi Kyu Pooch teri baat Raza, Tujh se kutte hazaar phirte hai.

Here, Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) lowers himself to the

extremes and addresses himself as the dog of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu AlaihiWasallam). At this point, he was given the opportunity of seeing his Master, the Mercy unto

the Worlds, Muhammad-e-Mustafa (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) standing beside theRauda-e-Mubaarak. The great Imam recites:

Ar're Ai Raza tere dil ka pata chala ba mushkil

Darre Roza Ke Muqaabil wo hume Nazar to Aaya

Ye na pooch kaisa paaya, Y

Documents

Complete History Ala Hazrat Raa