Personal Profile:

Full Name: Mufti Muhammad Akhtar Raza Khan son of Mufassir-e-A’zam Moulana Ibrahim Raza Khan.
Titles: Tajush Shariah (Crown of Islamic Law), Azhari Miyan, Qazi-ul-Quzzah fil Hind (Chief Justice of India), Grand Mufti of India.
Date of Birth: 2 February 1943 / 26 Muharram 1362 AH.
Birthplace: Bareilly Sharif, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Lineage: Grandson of Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind Mufti Mustafa Raza Khan Qadri; connected to Imam Ahmed Raza Khan through both parents.
Date of Wisaal: 20 July 2018 / 6 Dhul Qa’dah 1439 AH.
Resting Place: Darbar-e-Aaliya Razawiyyah, Bareilly Sharif, India.

Family Background and Spiritual Lineage:
Huzoor Tajush Shariah was born into the most distinguished scholarly family of the Ahle Sunnat. His father was Mufassir-e-Azam Hind Hadrat Jilani Mia, and his mother was the daughter of Mufti-e-Azam Hind. Through both parents, he was directly linked to A’la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (the Mujaddid of the 14th century), making him the inheritor of a glorious legacy of knowledge, spirituality, and leadership.

He is recognized as the Forty-Third Sheikh of the Qadiriyyah Barkatiyyah Razawiyyah spiritual order, continuing the chain of guidance that began with the great saints of the past.

Early Education:
– Received his foundational Islamic education under the supervision of his illustrious father and leading scholars of Bareilly.
– Completed Dars-e-Nizami with distinction.
– Higher Studies at Al-Azhar University, Cairo
– In 1963, he traveled to Egypt and remained there until 1966.
– Specialized in Hadith, Tafsir, Arabic Literature, and Islamic Sciences.
– Graduated with outstanding academic performance, earning post-graduate qualifications.

 Spiritual Authorization (Khilafat and Ijazat)

He received spiritual authorization (Khilafat) from:

– Mufti-e-Azam Hind Mufti Mustafa Raza Khan Qadri (his maternal grandfather)
– Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Hamid Raza Khan (his paternal grandfather)
– Numerous other eminent Mashaikh of the Qadiriyyah Barkatiyyah Silsilah

His maternal grandfather, Mufti-e-Azam Hind, not only granted him Khilafat but also appointed him as his Ja Nasheen (spiritual successor), entrusting him with both religious and spiritual leadership.
Services to the Ummah:

– Fatwa and Ifta Services
– Served the Ummah for more than five decades.
– Issued hundreds of thousands of Fatwas on a wide range of issues.
– Headed Dar-ul-Ifta at Bareilly Sharif, responding to religious queries from across the world.
– Recognized as one of the greatest Hanafi jurists of the modern era.

Teaching Services:

– Taught Hadith, Fiqh, Tafsir, and other Islamic sciences for several decades.
– Trained thousands of scholars, Muftis, and Imams.
– Delivered lectures and scholarly addresses worldwide.

Students and Khulafa

– Thousands of scholars graduated under his guidance.
– Granted Khilafat and Ijazah to numerous scholars across the globe.
– His students and disciples continue serving Islam in various countries.

Literary Contributions

Huzoor Tajush Shariah was a prolific author and poet. His works span Fiqh, Aqeedah, contemporary issues, and devotional poetry.

Major Books

– Fatawa Tajush Shariah: (Several Volumes) Urdu/Arabic , Comprehensive Fatawa collection
– Safinah-e-Bakhshish:  Urdu Collection of Naats (devotional poetry)
– Al-Haqqul Mubeen: Arabic  Islamic jurisprudence
– Az-Zaujatus Salihah : Urdu  Marriage and family issues
– Tasweeron Ka Hukm: Urdu  Rulings on images/pictures
– T.V. Aur Video Ka Operation: Urdu Rulings on modern media
– Difa-e-Kanzul Imaan: Urdu Defense of classical Islamic creed
– Aasaar-e-Qiyaamat: Urdu/English Signs of the Day of Judgment

– Me’ratun Najdiah:  Arabic Islamic theology
– Fatwa Regarding Wearing of the Tie English Contemporary Fiqh issues
– Al Amn wa al-Ula:  Arabic Various topics

In addition, he wrote numerous articles, treatises, and research papers on Fiqh, Aqeedah, and contemporary challenges facing the Muslim world.

His Poetry and Love for the Prophet (ﷺ)

His deep love for the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) is beautifully reflected in his poetry. He wrote numerous Naats (poems in praise of the Prophet) which have been compiled in “Safinah-e-Bakhshish.” His eloquent and spiritually moving verses are a testament to his profound devotion. 

Recognition as Chief Justice (Qaazi-ul-Quzzah) of India:

Aala Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan had established the tradition that the most knowledgeable Aalim of the country is appointed as the Chief Justice by the Will of Allah. This position was later held by Mufti-e-Azam Hind, who then appointed Huzoor Tajush Shariah as his true successor.

– His appointment as Qaazi-ul-Quzzah (Chief Justice of India) was formally announced during the Urs-e-Razvi gathering in Bareilly Sharif, in the presence of hundreds of thousands of devotees and hundreds of Ulama.

– The announcement was made by Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer Allama Mufti Zia ul Mustafa Qadri and was accepted unanimously by all scholars and dignitaries present.

– This was later reaffirmed during the third Fiqh Seminar of the Shar’i Council of India, where over 60 accredited Ulama from across the country endorsed his position.

Key responsibilities of his role included:

– Appointment of Imams and Khatibs for Jummah and Eid prayers.
– Announcement of moon sighting confirmations.
– Rulings on inheritance, marriage annulments, and guardianship of orphans.
– Resolving religious and judicial disputes.

International Travels and Global Influence:

Huzoor Tajush Shariah traveled extensively, spreading the message of Islam and Ahle Sunnat. He delivered lectures and guided communities in:

– Saudi Arabia & Egypt
– Pakistan, Bangladesh, & Sri Lanka
– South Africa, Mauritius, & Zimbabwe
– United Kingdom, United States, & Holland
– Several countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia

His global presence made him a unifying figure for Muslims around the world.

Spiritual Leadership and Karaamat:

He served as the leading Shaykh of the Qadiriyyah Barkatiyyah Razawiyyah spiritual order after Mufti-e-Azam Hind. His millions of mureeds (disciples) and numerous Khulafa across the world turned to him for spiritual and educational guidance.

Regarding miracles (Karaamat), it is said that “he is a karaamat himself” — but the greatest miracle of his life was his steadfastness on the Shariah and his unwavering commitment to the teachings of Islam.

The Vision: Jami’atur Rida:

At the time of his passing, Huzoor Tajush Shariah was overseeing the construction of a massive Darul Uloom in Bareilly Sharif called Jami’atur Rida, which continues to be a center of Islamic learning and spiritual inspiration for thousands of students.

Legacy and Conclusion:

Huzoor Tajush Shariah was among the most influential Sunni scholars of the contemporary era. His scholarly works, Fatwas, spiritual training, and defense of Ahlus Sunnah continue to benefit Muslims around the world. His teachings remain a beacon of guidance for scholars, students, and devotees alike.

He was truly the Torchbearer of Maslak-e-A’la Hadrat, a dynamic orator, a master jurist, a spiritual guide, and a devoted poet. His life was a perfect blend of knowledge, action, spirituality, and service.

Dua:

May Almighty Allah bless Huzoor Tajush Shariah with the highest ranks in Jannah and continue to spread his blessings and knowledge through his works and disciples. Aameen.

“Haqq Raza; Ya Raza; Ya Hamid-o-Mustafa Raza Ya Sayyidi Akhtar Raza Imdaad Kun”