Raees al-Ulama, Taaj al-Atqiya, Shaykhul Muhaditheen, Hujjat al-Islam Hadrat Allama Mawlana Hamid Raza Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho is the fortieth Imam and Shaykh of the Silsila Aaliyah Qadiriyah Barakatiyah Razaviyah Nooriyah.

HIS BLESSED NAME:

According to the family tradition, he was given the name Muhammed during his Aqeeqa, the value of which in Arabic numerals is nine two. His was affectionately called Hamid Raza, and his title is Hujjat-ul-Islam.

HIS BRIEF GENEALOGY:

Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho is the son of the Mujjadid of the fourteenth Century, A’la Hadrat Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Qaadiri Barakaati Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho, who was the son of Hadrat Allama Maulana Naqi Ali Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho, who was the son of Maulana Raza Ali Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho.

HUJJATUL ISLAM’S EDUCATION:

He attained his knowledge at the feet of his blessed father, Sayyiduna A’la Hadrat Azeemul Barkat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. He attained proficiency in the fields of Hadith, Islamic Jurisprudence, Tafseer etc. and graduated with distinctions at the tender age of nineteen. His blessed father admired Hujjatul Islam for his sincerity and dedication in gaining knowledge. A’la Hadrat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho loved him so dearly, that he said:

حامد مني و انا من حامد
Hamid is from me and I am from Hamid.

INITIATION INTO THE SPIRITUAL ORDER:

Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was the Mureed and Khalifa of Noorul Aarifeen, Hadrat Sayyid Shah Abul Husain Ahmad-e-Noori Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. His Spiritual Master was from amongst the great Mashaa’ikh of Marehrah Mutaaharah. Hadrat Abul Husain Ahmad-e-Noori Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho had immense love for his beloved disciple and guided him with his rays of spiritualism along the path of mysticism. Hadrat Noori Mian Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was the mureed and Khalifa of Khaatimul Aakabir Hadrat Sayyid Shah Aale Rasool Marehrwi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho who was the Peer-o-Murshid of A’la Hadrat, Azeemul Barkat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. He was also blessed with Khilafat by his father Sayyiduna A’la Hadrat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho.

HIS FEATURES:

Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was an very handsome personality. He was very fair in complexion and his face shone like a bright light. All those who saw him could not compare him to others they had seen.

HIS EXCELLENCE:

He is the eldest son of Alaa Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Fazil-e-Bareilly Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. He was the image of his father in looks, and the true successor of his blessed father. His personality was a shining example of the Truth of Islam. In addition to his inner spiritual beauty, Almighty Allah has blessed him with outer beauty as well. All those who saw Hujjatul Islam have said that never have they seen in their era, such a handsome and beautiful personality. Scores of non-Muslims accepted the pure religion of Islam only by looking at his blessed face. The excellence of his handsomeness was such, that anybody who saw him would say,

 

“Haaza Hujjatul Islam” meaning, “This is the Proof of Islam”.

When Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho travelled to the Holy cities of Makkatul Mukarramah and Madinatul Munawwarah for Hajj and Ziyaarah, he was blessed with meeting great scholars such as Hadrat Sheikh Sayyid Husain Dabbaagh Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho and Sayyidi Maaliki Turki Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. After meeting Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho, both these learned scholars said:

“From the Learned and Talented Personalities in India, we have never met anybody that was more fluent and commanding in the Arabic Language, than Hujjatul Islam.”

He was the combination of many inner spiritual qualities. He was not only a great scholar, but he was the best teacher of his time. He was famous for his lectures on the topics of Hadith and Tafseer. He held a unique position in the command of the Arabic Language. He was an excellent poet and his poetry was pure and gentle. His poems (Naats) were written in the deep love of the Holy Prophet Muhammed Mustafa SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam. He served the Maslak-e-Ahle Sunnat, and the Silsila-e-Aaliyah Qaaderiyah Barakaatiyah Razviyah with complete sincerity and humility. He spent his entire life in striving for the upliftment of the Muslim Ummah.

HIS BLESSED HABITS:

Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was a bright example of his pious predecessors and his illustrious forefathers. He possessed a beautiful character and all good habits. He was a very pleasant and gentle person, and would always smile when he spoke to anyone. His respect for the elders and love for children was one of his blessed qualities. He always lowered his gaze when in conversation, or when walking in the street. He spent most of his time in the recitation of Durood Shareef, and it was for this reason, that many had witnessed him recite Durood aloud even when he was asleep. Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho, like his blessed father strongly opposed the British and their allies. He was always firm in his belief and never compromised his principles, which were based on the Quran and Hadith.

HIS HUMILITY:

Due to his humbleness, his dress was also the same. Not withstanding his status and knowledge his lifestyle remained the epitome of simplicity. Even though he was a great scholar and the son of the Mujjadid of the Century, he never showed any pride over his knowledge. He respected all the Ulama and Masha’ikh and humbled himself in their presence. His humbleness was another example of his exemplary character. An example of his humbleness can be determined from the following statement of Qutbe Madinah Hadrat Sheikh Ziauddin Madani Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho who was amongst the esteemed disciples and Khulafa of A’la Hadrat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho:

“Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was a very bright and handsome personality. He was such a humble person, that when I would journey from Madinatul Munawarah to Bareilly Shareef, he would be such an excellent host, that he would even take a cloth and personally shine my shoes. He never allowed anyone else to serve me and he would personally serve my meals to me. I have difficulty expressing the extent of his hospitality. When I would prepare to return for Madinah Shareef, he would humbly say, ‘Please Convey my Salutations in the Exalted Court of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam, and pray that He invites me to the Holy City.’”

HIS BLESSED CHARACTER:

Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was a radiant personality. Likewise, his character was also admirable. He was exemplary in every way, be it in looks, habits, character, knowledge, piety, actions and in words. He was always generous and merciful. Not only did those who knew him praise his character, but those who opposed him were also forced to accept the blessed nature of his character. Even though he was very gentle and kind, he became very firm and strong against those who insulted Allah and His Rasool SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam.

For those who were true servants of Allah and His Rasool SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam, he was like a rose, which brings pleasure at all times, and for the enemy of Allah and His Rasool SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam he was a naked sword.

When Shab-e-Baraat (the eve of the fifteenth of Shabaan, when the Mercy of Allah reaches the sky above the earth) would arrive, Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho would ask for forgiveness and pardon from all those around him. He was so sincere in this, that he would even ask forgiveness from children, servants and his disciples by saying:

“If I have been the cause of any pain to you, then please forgive me, and if I owe anything to anybody, then please inform me.”

Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was an excellent example of “Al Hubbu Lil Laahi Wal Bughzu fillah” (Love for the sake of Allah and Hate for the sake of Allah) and “Firm against the disbelievers and gentle towards your own”.

Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho showed much love and gentleness towards his students and disciples, and every one of his mureeds felt that he was the most loved of Hujjatul Islam’s mureeds.

Once Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho had just arrived home from a lengthy train journey and was still seated on the carriage on which he arrived. A person who lived in Biharipur Bareilly arrived and mentioned that his elder brother was a mureed of Hadrat and he was very ill and was wishing to see his Peer. The person mentioned to Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho that he had come to Hadrat’s home for many days and then left sadly when he was told that Hadrat was out on a journey and had not yet arrived. When Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho heard this, he did not even get off the carriage, but summoned his younger son Hadrat Nu’mani Mian Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho and asked him to remove the luggage. He then told him to inform all at Hadrat=s home that he was on his way to visit a sick person. With this, he immediately went to the home of his ailing mureed and comforted him in his time of ailment and need. Subhaanallah!

On another occasion, one of the mureeds of Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho who was a loyal disciple but possessed a bad temper had invited Hadrat to his home for a meal. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was delayed and reached the home of the mureed, which was in Banarus, after quite some time. The mureed who saw that Hadrat had not come to his invitation became upset, and locked the door of his home and left with his family. When Hadrat arrived, he saw that the door of the house was locked and the people of the house were away. Any other person would be annoyed at this type of behavior of a mureed, but Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho knew the disposition of his disciple and without even the slightest disappointment or anger, Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho returned home with a smile on his face. After sometime, when Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho met this mureed, and the disciple showed his dissatisfaction, Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho still spoke to him with love and apologized for the inconvenience. The mureed on seeing the humbleness of his Master immediately humbled himself in the Court of his Sheikh and showed more respect and love than ever. SubhaanAllah!

The above mentioned incidents verily open the chambers of the heart and soul, bringing freshness to our Imaan. Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho loved both the young and the elderly dearly. He showed deep respect for the learned scholars as we have learnt from Qutbe Madinah Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. From amongst the Ulama, he had much respect for Hadrat Ashrafi Mian, Sadrul Afaadhil Maulana Naeemudeen Muradabaadi, Sadrush Shariah Maulana Amjad Ali Razvi, Sher Bashai Ahle Sunnat Maulana Hashmat Ali Khan, and his son-in-law and Khalifa Maulana Taqadus Ali Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho.

He also had great respect for Haafiz-e-Millat Maulana Shah Hafiz Abdul Aziz Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho, who was the founder and Rector of Al Jamiatul Ashrafiyah Arabic University (Mubarakpur). It was on the invitation of Huzoor Hafiz-e-Millat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho that Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho made his first visit to Al Jamiatul Ashrafiyah accompanied by his younger son Hadrat Nu’mani Mian Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho in 1334 Hijri.

HIS PIETY AND FIRMNESS ON SHARIAH:

Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was a very pious and Allah fearing personality. Whenever he gained any free time from his propagation and other works, he spent this time in the Remembrance of Allah (Zikrullah) and in sending Durood and Salaams upon the Holy Prophet Muhammed Mustafa SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam.

Once there was an abscess on his body, that was very painful and according to the advice of the doctors, needed to be removed. The doctor who was to do the procedure informed Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho that he needed to give him anaesthetic, so that the procedure could be done. Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho refused to take any type of anaesthetic or anything to even numb the area of the operation by saying that he was not prepared to allow anything with alcohol into or on his body. The doctor informed Hadrat that there was no other way to do the procedure, as the absence of anaesthetic would cause him unbearable pain during the procedure. The procedure was finally performed, lasting more than an hour, without any anaesthetic. Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho during this time did not show any signs of discomfort and passed through the entire procedure reciting Durood-e-Paak.

After the procedure, the doctor was completely impressed by the firmness and Taqwa (piety) of Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. Allahu Akbar!

SERVICES RENDERED:

Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was a great orator, an admirable teacher and a learned Aalim. His life was spent in serving the Deen of Almighty Allah, by propagating Islam, Defending the Exalted pedestal of Prophethood and educating the Muslim masses in accordance with the Pristine teachings of the Quran and the Hadith. This was the real goal in his life. He lived for the sake of the Protection of Islam and Muslims. He passed from this mundane world, upholding the flag of Islam. He was a great teacher as he was taught by none other than his blessed father, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho who was proud of his blessed son. For the purpose of strengthening the Maslak-e-Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at, Hujjatul Islam travelled to every corner of his country teaching Muslims and instilling in them the Obedience of Allah and His Rasool SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam. He debated and refuted openly the Wahabis and all other false sects that were insulting Almighty Allah and His Rasool SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam. He saved the Muslim masses from the destructive forces of dubious politicians, and during the Shudhi Tahreek (A movement of the disbelievers to convert unsuspecting Muslims to disbelievers), he strongly opposed this movement and struggled for the protection of the Imaan of the Muslims.

HIS POLITICAL INSIGHT AND SUPPORT OF THE TRUTH:

By being well informed regarding the political situation in his time, Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho became well versed with the schemes of the dubious politicians. He guided the Muslims out of the ruthlessness of the political arena. He was also prepared to challenge and refute all those so-called Ulama and Muslim Leaders who were using Islam as a bargaining tool to gain political success. He had no fear for any person no matter what his political standing was. A’la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho had passed a fatwa against Maulana Abdul Baari Sahib Farangi Mahali due to certain of his political maneuvers and major errors. The very same Maulana Abdul Baari hosted a massive conference in Lucknow to protest against the actions of the Najdi Government that was bulldozing the Mazaars of the Sahaba of the Holy Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam. Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho with a few others learned Ulama, journeyed to Lucknow under the auspices of Jama’at-e-Raza-e-Mustafa. On their arrival, they were given a heros welcome by Maulana Abdul Baari and various other Ulama. When Maulana Abdul Baari came forward to shake the hand of Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho, he pulled his hand back and said:

“As long as my blessed father’s fatwa is on you, and until you do not repent, I am not prepared to meet with you.”

Hadrat Mawlana Abdul Baari Farangi Mahali (rahmatullah alaih) seeing the firmness of Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho immediately repented sincerely at the hands of Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho and said:

“Whether my dignity remains or not, I do not care. I repent in the fear of Almighty Allah, as I have to present myself in His Court. Let it be known, that, whatever Imam Ahmed Raza Khan wrote is the truth and the fact.”

HIS FIRMNESS & FEARLESNESS IN IMPLEMENTING ISLAMIC LAW:

An official Conference (at Government level) was held in Lucknow concerning new laws that were to be gazetted by the Government concerning Muslim Marriages and Divorce. Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho and Maulana Taqaddus Ali Khan (rahmatullah alaih) were representatives from Bareilly Shareef at this conference. Many shi’ite and Najdi Molvis were also present at this conference. Shah Sulaiman (Chief Justice of the High Court of India) and the son-in-law of Maulana Abdul Baari Farangi Mahali, Janaab Abdul Waali were also amongst the representatives. During the debate on the issues of Islamic Marriages and divorce, Hujjatul Islam uprooted all those with new ideas from their places, with his immense knowledge, wisdom and debating skills. After this debate, the decision in this matter was made based on the argument presented by Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. Whenever faced with such situations, Huzoor Hujjatul Islam always stood by the Laws of Shariah and never compromised the Teachings of the Shariah. In 1935, a Conference was held in Muradabad to address the religious, social, political and financial position of the Muslims in India. Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was appointed the Head of this conference. During this conference, he delivered a lecture explaining all of the above topics to the Muslims masses. This lecture inspired the Muslims to take a firm stand for the sake of Islam.

AUTHORITY IN THE COMMAND OF LANGUAGE:

Huzoor Hujjatul Islam’s Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho command of the Arabic language was worthy of praise and admiration. His Arabic was praised by both the Ulama of Indo-Pak Subcontinent and Arabia. Once Qutbe Madinah Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho presented a book written by himself on Knowledge of the Unseen to Hujjatul Islam, during the physical lifetime of A’la Hadrat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho, so that he may write a foreword to the book. The Foreword written by Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho in the Arabic language was so well written that Qutbe Madinah Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was astounded. Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho also wrote the translation and commentary of the world renowned Ad Daulatul Makkiyah, which was written in eight hours by A’la Hadrat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho on the topic of AIlme Ghaib.

Once, Hadrat Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho had to go to Darul Uloom Mueenia in Ajmer Shareef as an Examiner during the final examinations. While in Ajmer Shareef, Hadrat Maulana Mueenudeen Saahib Ajmeri (rahmatullah alaih), requested Hujjatul Islam to write something concerning the Darul Uloom. Hadrat agreed and said that he knew three languages namely, Urdu Arabic and Persian, and that he would write in whatever language was necessary. During this time, Maulana Mueenudeen was not very well versed with the immense knowledge possessed by Hujjatul Islam, so he suggested jokingly that the article should be written in Arabic. Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho immediately wrote an article of numerous pages in the Arabic language, while the learned Maulana looked on. After some time, Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho handed the article over to the learned Maulana who perused through the document in amazement. After Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho handed over the article, he left. When Maulana Mueenudeen sat down to translate the document, he found that the Arabic language in which the article was written was so pure and deep, that he could not even understand many of the words used. He had to search through advanced Arabic Dictionaries and books of the Arab Ulama to find the meanings to words used by Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho in the article.

KING GAWALYAAR:

Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho as we mentioned earlier was a possessor of great beauty, and many travelled just to make ziyaarah of his blessed face. It has been stated that he once went to a place called Gawalyaar. For as long as he stayed there, the King of Gawalyaar (a hindu) used to come daily to make ziyaarah of the blessed face of Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho.

Once Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho arrived home from a journey. At the railway station was Ataullah Bukhari. On seeing Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho he enquired concerning him, and was informed by the people that this was Hujjatul Islam Maulana Shah Hamid Raza Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho who was the son and Successor of A’la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. Ataullah Bukhari then said: “I have seen many Molvis, but I have seen none as handsome and bright as him.”

HAJJ AND ZIYAARAT:

Almighty Allah had blessed Hujjatul Islam with the opportunity of visiting the Haramain Sharifain for the purpose of Hajj and Ziyaarah. He travelled for his first Hajj in 1323 B 1905 with his blessed father Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. This was an elevated Hajj for him, and was a journey of much learning and experience. It was during this Hajj, that he put together Ad Daulatul Makkiyah bil Maaddatil Ghaibiyyah, which was written on this journey by A’la Hadrat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. The most important part of this journey was Hujjatul Islam’s Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho visit to the

Exalted Court of his and our Beloved Master, The means of Creation Hadrat Ahmad-e-Mujtaba Muhammed Mustafa SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam. He relished the opportunity to be present in the Court of Holy Prophet Muhammed SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam. Almighty Allah blessed Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho with his second Hajj in 1334 Hijri.

HUJJATUL ISLAM’S VISIT TO PAKISTAN:

In 1925, Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho visited Pakistan, as a representative at the Annual Conference held under the Banner of Hizbul Ahnaaf. During this visit, Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho gave a challenge of Munaazira (debate) to the deobandis. At the very last moment, when the debate was about to commence, the deobandis made a lame excuse and refused to debate with Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho.

Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho also met with the poet and philosopher Dr Iqbal. When Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho informed him of the corrupt and blasphemous beliefs of the deobandis, he was astonished and replied by saying:

“These are such blasphemous statements made by these people, why is the sky not falling on them. The sky should fall in such blasphemous.”

It was during this journey, that a very important event took place. While Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was in Lahore, a young man who was at that time studying at an English school, would visit Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho daily. Everybody else came to ask questions, or request Taaweez etc. but this young man would come daily, sit silently and look at the face of Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. When just a few days were left for Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho to return to India, Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho asked his reason for coming to visit him daily and yet not requesting anything. The young man replied by saying that his only request was to accompany Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho back to India and become his student in attaining knowledge of Deen. Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho on hearing the request of the youngster was very pleased and immediately agreed to take him with. This young man studied with great sincerity, respect and dedication at the feet of Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho and qualified with distinctions as an Aalim and Muhadith. This young boy grew up to be none other than the world renowned Muhadith-e-Azam Pakistan Maulana Sardaar Ahmad (rahmatullah alaih) who later became the Leader of the Muslims in Lahore. This was definitely the karam of Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho on Muhadithe Azam Pakistan that led him to being one of the Greatest Scholars of Hadith in Pakistan.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC SERVICES:

Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho served the Muslim Ummah in various ways. He encouraged them to become self-sufficient and not remain laborers and slaves of the West. In 1925 he held a conference in Muradabad under the banner of All India Sunni Conference, in which he explained to the Muslims the importance of being self-sufficient. He delivered an inspiring lecture in which he pointed out the importance of Muslims strengthening their financial positions and removing themselves from dependency. A few excerpts from his lecture are being quoted below:

“Our only means of income today is as laborers or as public servants. The situation has become so bad, that even the Hindu Nawaabs do not employ Muslims anymore. As for jobs in government, our applications never seem to reach the proper authorities, and even if they do, it takes years to process, by which time; a person is soaked in debt. By the time he receives a job, his debts are so vast that the meagre government salary is not enough to pay off these debts. Even if he gets the job, then because of the large numbers of hindus in high positions, he is always being watched (and can be removed for a minor reason). We must realise that our incomes should not be confined to such jobs. We should learn different trades and gain expertise in various fields. We should start businesses and factories, so that our socio-economic conditions may be strengthened. Today all our certificates and diplomas are not accepted. We do not have the proper finances to educate our children. If we had some type of profession or trade, then today we would not have been dependant like the way we are. Today, if a person loses his job, him and his family are destroyed, as he has no other means of dependable income. We should now completely forget the thought of laboring. Laboring has never given success to any nation in the world. Muslims should become professionals and tradesman if they wish to gain economic and financial stability.”

SHUDHI MOVEMENT:

This was a movement of the Hindus to convert unsuspecting Muslims to disbelievers, by using political and financial influence. It was during this time, that Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho protected the Imaan of the Muslims and saved thousands of Muslims from becoming Murtads. He informed the Muslims of the evil schemes of the Kufaar in the following words:

“The movement of converting the Muslims by the shudhi is now not only in the main states, but they have now spread their false movement throughout the country. They are using their schemes in the whole of India and are taking advantage of ignorant and unsuspecting Muslims. Huge groups of people are being destroyed and caught in their web of deceit. Muslims do not have many institutes and organisations to combat this corruption, and wherever there are organisations, then due to a lack of correspondence, they are either not well informed, or do not have the expertise to cope with this dangerous problem. Unless Ulama are summoned from other parts of the country to combat this problem in the affected areas, there will be no success. I already have experience in such situations, and it must be known that these movements of infidelity destroy the propagation work of Muslims. I have been to the effected areas, where thousands of rupees have been given to Muslims to sell their Imaan and they have been promised positions and power. In such places, all that I could use were the words of the Beloveds, reminding Muslims of our religion, and the fear of Allah. This seemed to be the only medicine for those with the illness of weak Imaan. This method was so successful, that the Muslim youth that were being misled immediately repented and kicked away the promises of wealth and power given to them by the disbelievers, and became obedient to the words of Allah and His Rasool SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam.”

Concerning Unity with other Groups, Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho said:

“Whenever Sunnis decide to call for unity with others (non-sunnis), they should first remember the opposition from their own. What reason is there to try to unite with those who spend their days and nights scheming to undermine the Ahle Sunnat and increasing their number of mislead followers? Our true brothers have not allowed such movements to be successful. Remember! If these other groups were on Haq, then there would have been no need for them to leave the mainstream and form their own firqas (groups). An example of this is the newly formed khilafat committee, which used the front support of the khilafat movement to call for unity. Even in this Committee, there is a joint Union of the so-called Jamiatul Ulama, which is made up of a majority of wahabis, ahle Hadith and ghayr muqalids. This forefront was only used to win the support of the Sunnis on the name of Unity, but it is the same group of people that are openly opposing the Beliefs of the Ahle Sunnah. I received a letter from Molvi Ahmad Mukhtar, who is the President of Jamiatul Ulama Bombay in which he writes that the huge amounts of money have been collected from the Muslim community and with this, two hundred thousand copies of Taqweeyatul Imaan (this book has been written by Ismaeel Dehlwi, who in it has made statements of blasphemy against the Holy Prophet Muhammed sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) have been printed and distributed free. Now I ask, should we now join and unite with such groups? It is definitely a means of destruction. It is with our own finances that our very religion is being destroyed”

IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION:

Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho had a deep feeling for the importance of knowledge. He spent much time encouraging students and parents alike, to attain knowledge. He tried his utmost to explain the importance of education for females. He travelled throughout India trying to instill the importance of educating females in the hearts of the Muslim Ummah. His words were heeded and opened the doors of religious learning for many females throughout the country. During his talk at the Muradabad Conference, he said:

“It is also of utmost importance, to have educational institutes for females. In Addition to religious education, they should be taught simple home economics, such as dressmaking etc. that they would be able to do from their homes. However in doing this, there must be strict adherence to the laws of pardah.”

His speech at the Muradabad Conference inspired the hearts of many. In reality what he did, was “to gather the ocean into a jar”, so that everybody understood the point that he was making in a simple fashion.

HIS IMMENSE LOVE FOR SAYYIDUNA RASOOLULLAH SALALLAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM:

Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho loved the Holy Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam dearly and his every action was in accordance with the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam. Indeed how could he not be a true devotee, when he was groomed at the feet of The Greatest Devotee of His time, Sayyiduna A’la Hadrat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. His Haaziri at Madinatul Munawwarah was an important even in his life, when he had the opportunity of presenting himself before the Holy Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam. His love for the Holy Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam can be seen in his Naat, which he wrote in Praise of the Most Exalted of all Creation, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam.

Gunahgaro Ka Roze Mahshar Shafi’i Khayr-ul-Anaam Hoga
Dulhan Shafa’at Banegi, Doolha Nabi Alaihis Salaam Hoga

Para Hoo Me Unki Rah Guzar Me Pare Hi Rahne Se Kaam Hoga
Dil-o-jigar Farsh Raah Banenge Ye Deedae-e-ishq Khiraam Hoga

Unhi Ka Moo Sub Takenge Us Din Jo Wo Karenge Wo Kaam Hoga
Duhaa’i Sub Unki Dete Honge Unhi Kar Har Lub Pe Naam Hoga

Khuda Ki Marzi He Unki Marzi, He Unki Marzi Khuda Ki Marzi
Unhi Ki Marzi Ye Ho Raha He Unhi Ki Marzi Ye Kaam Hoga

Jidhar Khuda He Udhar Nabi He, Jidhar Nabi He Udhar Khuda He
Khudaayi Bhar Sub Idhar Phiregi Jidhar Wo Aali Maqaam Hoga

Ussi Tamana Me Dum Para He Yahi Sahaara He Zindagi Ka
Bula Lo Mujko Madina Sarwar Nahi to Jeena Haraam Hoga

Huzoor Roza Huwa Jo Haazir to Apni Saj Dhaj Ye Hogi Hamid
Khamida Sar Aankh Band Lub Par Mere Durood-o-salaam Hoga

BOOKS WRITTEN BY HUJJATUL ISLAM:

In addition to all his other exceptional qualities, Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was a distinguished author of various books, which he wrote on many important topics. His immense knowledge can be gauged by perusing the books that he has written. Some of the more renowned books are listed below:

1. As Saarimur Rabaani alaa Israaf Qaadiyani
2. Translation of Ad Daulatul Makkiyah
3. Translation of Husaamul Haramain
4. Haashia Mulla Jalaal
5. Naatia Deewaan
6. Majmua Fatawa and etc.

HIS KARAMAAT:

Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was also Saahib-e-Karaamat, meaning that he performed various miracles. His greatest Karaamat however, was his firmness on the Shariah and his adherence to the Sunnah of Nabi Muhammad SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam. A few of Hadrat’s Karaamats are being quoted for the sake of attaining blessings.

KARAAMAT AS A TEACHER:

Once, a few teachers from the Madrassa decided to resign. They thought that they were indispensable and that none would be able to teach in their absence. The Karaamat of Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was that he taught all the students all the subjects, with even more insight than was given by any other teacher. The scheme of the teachers failed hopelessly and even more students enrolled at the Madressa after becoming aware of the high level of education being attained by students under the tutorship of Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho.

THE GRAVE IS IN THE INCORRECT PLACE:

Haji Muhammad Ismaeel bin Haji Abdul Ghaffar Saahib reported that once Hujjatul Islam went to Madanpura. After Salaah, he was asked to make Fateha at the Mazaar of one of the Awliyah Allah whose Mazaar was on the Musjid property. Hadrat lifted his hands for Duaa, and after a few moments moved back and said that the Grave in the Mazaar was not in its original place. The people were astounded and informed Hadrat that they had moved the spot of the actual grave slightly, due to the shortage of saff space. Hadrat explained to them that this was improper, and that it should be rectified. Subhanallah!

REMOVING JINNAAT:

Hadrat was blessed with the mystical power of removing Jin and Aaseb (evil spirits). Once while Hadrat was in Banarus, many people heard of the mystical power possessed by him and thus crowds of people arrived to take his Duas. He asked for some clothing of all those with such problems to be placed in front of him. He looked once at the clothing and then only removed a few and said, “Only these people are effected, there is nothing wrong with the rest of them.” He then prayed with the clothes in front of him, and in a few days, all those with these problems were fully cured. Also during this time in Banaras, there was a person who had such a strong jinn controlling him that he used to run on the roofs of high buildings, late at night. His family was very worried and brought him to Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho, who made dua for him. The Jinn, which was affecting him immediately made touba and left him, and the person was cured for good.

UNSEEN WRATH ON A DEOBANDI BLASPHEMER:

Hadrat Sheikh Abdul Mabood Jilaani Makki (rahmatullah alaih) states:

“When I visited Bareilly Shareef, A’la Hadrat Azeemul Barakat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho was writing the eleventh stanza of his famous Naat “Wo Kamaal-e-Husne Huzoor he, ke Gumaan Naqs Jahaa Nahibn”. As I am from the lineage of Ghaus-e-Azam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho I took this to be a good sign for me. While in Bareilly Shareef, I became very close to Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho and I had to accept that he was undoubtedly a Saahibe Karaamat. The reason I am saying this, is because, I left Bareilly Shareef and went to Dehli after sometime. In Dehli I had taken a place to stay, which was right next to where the deobandis were having one of their gatherings. I could thus hear their lectures from my room. During a lecture session, one of their Molvis stood up and said the following in his lecture, This Maulana Hamid Raza is not Hamid, but he is Jaabid (Dumb). After saying this, all those present witnessed that, that Molvi became dumb and could not speak anymore. A few moments after this, he fell to the ground and died an agonizing death. Those present at the gathering say that when he fell to the ground, he tried to say something but could not talk. He signalled for a pen and paper. Those in the gathering quickly brought him a pen and a paper, on which he wrote the following before dying, I repent for my disrespect towards Maulana Hamid Raza Khan.”

MUREEDS AND KHULAFA:

Huzoor Hujjatul Islam’s mureeds run into a lengthy list both in India and abroad. Hadrat had many mureeds in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Sultanpur, Bareilly and Kanpur. Hadrat also had many mureeds in other countries such as Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Amongst the names of his famous Students and Khulafa are the following:

1. Muhadithe Azam Maulana Sardaar Ahmad Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
2. Huzoor Mujahid-e-Millat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
3. Hadrat Maulana Shah Rifaaqat Husain Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
4. Hadrat Maulana Hashmat Ali Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
5. Hadrat Maulana Ibrahim Raza Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
6. Hadrat Maulana Hamaad Raza Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
7. Hadrat Maulana Ahsaan Ali Saahib Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
8. Hadrat Maulana Abdul Mustafa Saahib Azhari Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
9. Hadrat Maulana Mufti Taqadus Ali Khan Saahib Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
10. Hadrat Maulana Inaayat Muhammad Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
11. Hadrat Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Hazarwi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
12. Hadrat Maulana Muhammad Saeed Shibli Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
13. Hadrat Maulana Wali-ur-Rahmaan Sahib Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
14. Hadrat Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Mian Ashrafi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
15. Hadrat Maulana Abul Khaleel Anis A’lam Sahib Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
16. Hadrat Maulana Qaari Fazle Karim Sahib Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
17. Hadrat Maulana Razi Ahmed Sahib Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho
18. The famous poet Janaab Akhtarul Hamidi was also a disciple of Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho

HUZOOR HUJJATUL ISLAMS CHILDREN:

Almighty Allah blessed Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho with two sons and four daughters. The names of his sons are:

1. Mufassir Azam Hadrat Ebrahim Raza Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho also known as Jilani Mian. He is the distinguished father of Taajush Shariah Allama Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Qaaderi Azhari.

2. Nu’mani Mian, Hadrat Maulana Muhammad Ham’maad Raza Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho

HIS DEMISE:

Hujjatul Islam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho travelled from this world into the hereafter on the 17th of Jamadil Ulaa co-inciding with 23 May 1943 in the condition of Namaaz, in Tashahud position. The demise of Hujjatul Islam was a sore loss to the entire Sunni community. A loss that was felt throughout the world, as the bright shining sun of A’la Hadrat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho had come to set.

JANAZAH:

Hundreds of thousands of devotees and Mureeds gathered for his Janazah Salaah, which was performed, by his Khalifa, Muhadith-e-Azam Pakistan, Maulana Sardaar Ahmad Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho.

MAZAAR-E-PAAK:

His Mazaar-e-Paak is beside his blessed father Sayyiduna A’la Hadrat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. Every year during the Urs, thousands of devotees gather at his Mazaar to pay tribute, to a Faithful Servant of Allah, A True Devotee of the Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam and an Aalim and Saint of his time. May Almighty Allah bless us with his Fuyooz and Barakaat always. Aameen.

Hadrat Shaykh Nizamuddin bin Muhammad bin Ahmed bin Ali Badayuni Bukhari (May Allah shower His mercy on him) is regarded among the greatest of saints.

He was blessed with absolute love, abundance of yearning, true conscience and great courage.  He illuminated the whole world with the radiance of his sainthood and guided a multitude of people towards the right path.

Till date, his words and deeds are considered the final word among the Shaykhs.  The populace remembers him as “Sultan al Mashaaikh” (The King of Shaykhs), “Mahboob-e-Ilaahi” (The Beloved of Allah) and so on.

His antecedents were residents of the great center Islamic learning, Bukhara.  The grandfather of his father, Hadrat Khwaja Ali (May Allah shower His mercy on him) and the grandfather of his mother, Hadrat Khwaja Arab (May Allah shower His mercy on him) both came to Lahore from Bukhara and went to Badayun from there and took up residence there.

In light of the truthfulness, veracity and honesty of Hadrat Khwaja Ahmed (May Allah shower His mercy on him), the king had made him the Judge (Qazi) of Badayun.  Through him, Almighty Allah brought into this world Hadrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya (May Allah shower His mercy on him) who is the epitome of divine grace and love.

Once in the childhood of the Khwaja, his father fell ill.  The Khwaja’s mother saw a dream that in which she was being asked to choose any one between Khwaja Ahmed and her son.  She chose her son.  After this, Hadrat Khwaja Ahmed passed away.

The Khwaja was enrolled in a Madarsa.  He finished the recitation of the Holy Quran with a few days and started studying other books and developed mastery over many sciences.

The Khwaja himself says that I studied grammar at the age of 12 years.  Abu Bakr came from Multan to meet my teacher.  He first described the accomplishments of Hadrat Khwaja Bahauddin Zakariyya Multani (May Allah shower His mercy on him).  After this he started mentioning the greatness of Hadrat Baba Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (May Allah shower His mercy on him).  I became restless on listening to his very name and his love overwhelmed my heart.  When I reached the age of 16, along with my mother and sister, I took residence in Delhi.  By chance, we were living near the house of Hadrat Shaykh Najeebuddin Mutawakkil (May Allah shower His mercy on him).  With his company, the desire to meet Hadrat Baba Fareed (May Allah shower His mercy on him) increased day by day.  I remained in the city for 3, 4 years and worked hard to gain knowledge.  I took the authorization of Hadith from my teacher.

It is mentioned in Siyar ul A’arifeen that when Hadrat Nizamuddin Auliya (May Allah shower His mercy on him) mastered all the disciplines and became prominent among all the scholars of the city, he paid his respects to Hadrat Khwaja Najeeb (May Allah shower His mercy on him) and said:  I have the desire to become the Judge and benefit the creation.  Shaykh Najeeb (May Allah shower His mercy on him) said:  May Allah forbid that you become a Judge.  You will become what we hope for you to become.

After this, he went to Hadrat Khwaja Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (May Allah shower His mercy on him) and was honored with Ba’yah and the authorization to accept disciples.  He is the greatest among all the disciples and caliphs of Hadrat Ganj Shakar (May Allah shower His mercy on him).

Hadrat Nizamuddin Auliya (May Allah shower His mercy on him) says:  Once I was with Hadrat Ganj Shakar (May Allah shower His mercy on him) that I got a thought that whatever I hear from my Shaykh, I will write it down.  Immediately Hadrat Ganj Shakar (May Allah shower His mercy on him) said:  Lucky is that disciple who writes down whatever his Shaykh utters.  There are many blessings for him.

The magnanimity of the Khwaja

Once in the house of Hadrat Nizamuddin Auliya (May Allah shower His mercy on him), a person was caught with a knife.  Allah Most High knows what his intention was.  When this became known to Hadrat Nizamuddin Auliya (May Allah shower His mercy on him), he forbade others from hurting him.  Then, he summoned that person and told him:  You promise that you will not hurt others. 

When that person did so, Hadrat Nizamuddin Auliya (May Allah shower His mercy on him) ordered that money for expenses should be given to that person.

Then, Hadrat Nizamuddin Auliya (May Allah shower His mercy on him) said the following about enmity:

Translation: Bear hurt and leave the reprisal to the Lord!

May Allah Most High grant comfort to the person who pains us!  May Allah Most High be the helper of the person who leaves us helpless!  For the person who lays down thorns in our path, may all the flowers in his life be without thorns.

He also said:

Someone lays thorns in somebody’s path and that person in turn also lays thorns in the other person’s path, this is like one to the other.  This is the practice of laymen, but this does not happen among the dervishes.  The dervishes are good with those who are good, but they are not evil with those who are evil.  (Siyar ul Auliya, Pg. No. 578)

With his teachings and his character, Hadrat Nizamuddin Auliya (May Allah shower His mercy on him) gave the message of peace.  With his wisdom and sagacity, he turned the person who was bent on destroying the peace of the society into a standard bearer of peace and turned him from a terrorist into a pacifist.  Each word of what he said is an invitation to peace. 

Three, four months before his passing away, Hadrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya (May Allah shower His mercy on him) gave 10 disciples the authorization to accept and train disciples on their own.  Among all his disciples, the Khwaja chose Hadrat Naseeruddin Chiraag Dehlvi (May Allah shower His mercy on him) to be his successor.

• Hadrat Sayyid Shah Zahoor Hussain,
• Hadrat Sayyid Shah Mahdi Hassan Marehrwi,
• Hadrat Sayyid Shah Zahoor Hassan Marehrwi,
• Hadrat Sayyid Shah Abul Hussain Ahmed-e-Noori,
• Hadrat Sayyid Shah Abul Hassan Khirqani,
• Hadrat Sayyid Shah Muhammad Saadiq,
• Hadrat Sayyid Shah Ameer Haidar,
• Hadrat Sayyid Shah Hussain Haidar,
• Aala Hadrat Mujaddid-e-Azam Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Qaaderi Barelvi,
• Hadrat Sayyid Shah Ali Hussain Ashrafi Kichawchwi,
• Hadrat Qaazi Abdus Salaam Abbasi,
• Hadrat Shah Ahsaanullah,
• Hadrat Shukrullah Khan,
• Hadrat Haji Haafiz Muhammad Ahmed Badayouni,
• Hadrat Haji Fazl Razaaq Badayouni,
• Hadrat Haafiz Mazhar Hussain Badayouni,
• Hadrat Haafiz Mujahidudeen Siddiqi,
• Hadrat Mufti Muhammad Shareef Ali Siddiqi,
• Hadrat Sheikh Munawwar Ali,
• Hadrat Mufti Muhammad Hassan Khan Barelvi,
• Hadrat Sayyid Shah Tajammul Hussain Qaaderi,
• Hadrat Molvi Abdur Rahmaan Saahib,
• Hadrat Qaazi Molvi Shamsul Islam Abbasi badayouni and
• Hadrat Molvi Ziaullah Khan Abbasi badayouni Barelvi (Ridwaanullahi Ta’ala Alaihim Ajma’een).

A renowned and famous scholar of philosophy, geometry, logic, hadith, and a poet of the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta’ala ‘alayhi wa Sallam, namely Sayyad Muhammad Na’imuddin, titled as ‘Sadr-al-Afadhil’, the son of Mawlana Mu’in al-Din Rahmatullahi alayh, who was born on 21st of Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1300H, on 1st January 1887, in Muradabad, India.

He became a memoriser (hafiz) of the Ennobled Qur’an, at the age of 8. He studied the Urdu, and Persian literature from his father, as the ‘Dars-e-Nizamiyyah’ was studied under Shah Fadl Ahmad Rahmatullahi ‘alayh. He further obtained a degree in granting legal juristic opinion (ifta’) from Shah Muhammad Gul Rahmatullahi ‘alayh, and had also sworn allegiance (bay’ah) to him.

His forefathers were the inhabitants of ‘Mash’had’. At the time of King Aurangzeb, they travelled from there to India. The king gave them great esteem, and granted them with entitlement to land. They travelled many cities when they reached Lahore, and there they stayed near ‘Abul-Hasanat’.

He took part vigorously, in many Islamic Movements, as he was also a part (rukn) of the ‘Khilafat Committee’ which was to establish a Sultanate in Turkey. At this stage, he had made some sensational lectures.

He made ‘impacting’ tours of Agra, Jaipur, Kishan Garh, Gobind Garh, Hawali’-e-Ajmer, Mithar, and Bharatpur against the ‘Show ‘Ali Movement’ whose aim was to destroy Islam, and also sent his delegates there.

In 1343H [1924], he issued the Monthly ‘As-Sawad-al-A’zam’ and by doing so, vigourously supported the ‘View of the Two nations’.

In gaining the independance for Pakistan, on the 18th September 1918, he delivered an oratory masterpiece, at the opening ceremony at the ‘All India Sunni Conference’. He took great part in the passing of the resolutions for a Pakistan at Minto-Park. He was the Chief Organiser (Nazim-e-A’ala), at the Banaras Conference held in 1942.

He fell ill while he was still preparing an Islamic constitution. Life spared him no deferment, and on 18th Dhul Hijjah 1367H [13th October 1948], on a Friday, the world became deprived of him. His sanctuary stands at the left of the Jami’ah Masjid, at Muradabad.

He left 14 works, and lots of treatises including ‘Khaza’in-al-Irfan’ the tafsir of Kanz al-Iman: Ala Hadrat Shah Ahmad Raza Khan alayhir rahman’s Qur’an tranlsation in urdu.

Amongst the most famous works are:

• Tafsir Khaza’in-al-Irfan, [Read Online]
• Kitab-ul-‘Aqa’id,
• Deewan-e-Urdu,
• Sirat-e-Sihabah,
• Sawaneh Karbala,
• Adab-ul-Akhya,
• al-kalimatu’l ‘ulya li iylayi ‘ilm al-mustafa,
• aTyab al-bayan radd e tafwiyatu’l iman,
• and at-taHqiqat li daf’ al-talbisat.
  

He was a khalifa of Imam al-Ahl as-Sunnat A’la Hadrat Shah Imam Ahmad Raza Khan al-Barelwi and of ‘Ashrafi miya’ Shaykh Allama Sayyad Muhammad Ali Hussain Shah al-Kicchochawi ‘Alayhir rahmah w’al ridwan

Some of his students included:

• Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Na’imi
• Sarkar-e-Kalan Sayyad Mukhtar Ashraf

Riyaz-e-Na’eem (Poetry Collection):

Sadr al-Afadil, the teacher of teachers in the last century, Mawlana Muhammad Na’eemuddin Muradaabadi is a jurist, scholar, mufti, Quranic Exegete and an Educator. He was also an excellent poet; a collection of his poems is named as ‘Riyaz e Na’eem’ / the ‘Garden of Na’eem’ or the ‘Garden of Comfort.’

Khalifa-e-AlaHadrat, Aalim-e-Jaleel, Fazil-e-Nabeel, Haami-e-Sunan, Maahi-e-Fitan, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Al-Haaj Shah Mehmood Jaan Khan Sahab Sunni Hanafi Qadiri Barakaati Ridawi Jamjodhpuri Peshawari (Alaihir raHmah) was born around the year 1820 in Peshawar. His father Hafidh Ghulam Rasool (Alaihir raHmah) was a distinguished Aalim and teacher of his time. Many would come from, Kabul, Qandahar, Baarqand and Samarkand by travelling lengthy journeys to sit respectfully at his feet and attain knowledge of Deen-e-Islam. Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) also attained his academic knowledge from his father, where upon completion of his Islamic studies, he migrated to Jamjodhpur (Katyawadh, Gujarat, India), where he served the Muslims. Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah), like his father Hafidh Ghulam Rasool (Alaihir raHmah) was also popular for his debating skills. He brought many Christian leaders to their feet during debates.

SPIRITUAL GUIDE

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) did not become a mureed until he had reached an advanced age. He later became a Mureed of Sayyidi AlaHadrat Ash-Shah Imam Ahmad Rida Khan al-Qadiri (Alaihir raHmah). Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) narrates:

“For a long time, this thought was in my heart, that unless and until, I do not find a Kaamil and exalted Shaykh, I will not become a mureed. It was during this time, that I began reading the Islamic Magazine (Touf-e-Hanafiyyah) prepared by Hadrat Maulana Zia’ud’deen Sahab Pilibhiti (Alaihir raHmah), which was filled with gems of knowledge and wisdom and it was in this that I read about Sayyiduna AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah). My heart immediately said that in this Era to find such a great personality is not ordinary. Through divine guidance, I travelled to Bareilly Shareef where I presented myself in the Court of AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah). The moment I saw His bright face, my heart melted, my Imaan came to life and my heart blossomed like never before.

I had found a Peer (Spiritual Guide) even greater than I had ever imagined. I requested to be initiated into the Silsilah, and my Shaykh accepted me as His disciple (Mureed), blessed me immediately with Ijaazat and Khilafat, and then went into the house, removed what He was wearing at that time and blessed me with His Kurta, Paijamah, Amaama and Waistcoat. This was a great blessing from such a sea of generosity. He blessed this humble servant with the crown of Khilafat in the Silsila Aaliya, Qadiriyah, Barakatiyah, Ridawiyyah, Chishtiyah, Soharwardiyah, Naqshabandiyah and other Salasil. He showed great love and respect for me, and in that time, he bestowed so many titles upon me and showed such love to me, that I will never forget as long as I live.”

It must be noted that Hadrat Allama Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) did not make anyone mureed or give khilafat to anyone. It is related that when anyone came to him for the purpose of becoming a mureed, he would direct them towards Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah).

During 1339 Hijra, Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) wrote a letter to Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah). In it he addressed him as ‘Haami-e-Sunan’ (The Helper of Sunnah) and ‘Maahi-e-Fitan’ (Eradicator of Fitna). He further wrote:

“Due to my busy schedule and my duties, I unintentionally left out your name, which should have been engraved in gold, in the list of names of my well wishers and supporters at the end of Qasidah Al-Istimdaad. I only realized this after it was published, and to this very day I regret my oversight.”

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) commented on this blessed letter (which is still present to this day) by saying:

“Nine or ten months before AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah)’s Wisaal, he wrote a Blessed letter to me, in which He said that in His book Al-Istimdaad, He added the names of all His Khulafa, and my name was unintentionally left out in printing. I say that, by unintentionally missing out my name was a means of great blessings for me, since my Shaykh prayed for me on this occasion.”

LOVE AND FAITH IN HIS SHAYKH

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) was drowned in the love of his Shaykh and had true faith in his Shaykh. During the forty days khatam of Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah), Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) went to the Mazaar Sharif of his Shaykh and made Dua to Allah Ta’ala, that through the wasila of his chosen servant, Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah), Allah Ta’ala bless him with a son. Alhamdulillah within the same year, Allah Ta’ala blessed Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) with a son, whom he named Ahmed Raza. However, Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) had so much respect for his Shaykh that he never called his son by his name, and always referred to him as Hadrat.

VISUALIZER OF THE DOME OF ALAHADRAT ALAIHIR RAHMAH

Very few people know that Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) is responsible for the design of the Gumbad of Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah). Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) presented his design – which he drew by burning match-sticks as he did not have a pen – to Hadrat Hujjat al-islam (Alaihir raHmah) and Hadrat Mufti-e-Azam Hind (Alaihir raHmah) and said:

“Huzoor, Next to the Gumbad-e-Khazra of Aaqa-e-do Aalam (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) there is a Minaret, and on that Minaret there is white and black design, and since AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) had spent His whole life trying to explain the Exaltedness of Sarkaar (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam), by fighting against the enemies of Sarkaar (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam), therefore it is my wish that the Gumbad of AlaHadrat, should contain that same black and white design that is on that Minarat next to the Gumbad-e-Khazra of the Madani Aqaa (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam).”

Hujjat al-Islam, Mufti-e-Azam, Sadr al-Shari’ah and all the other esteemed Ulama (Radi Allahu Anhum) of the time, had a liking for this design and decided that this design was most fitting for the Dargah Sharif of Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah). Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah), in those days contributed 10000 Rupees and stayed in Bareilly Sharif until the construction of the Dargah Sharif was completed. Hadrat used to say,

“Jaisa yeh Mujjaddid Anokha, waisa unka Mazaar bhi Anokha hona chahiye.”

PERSONAL QUALITIES AND BLESSED HABITS

Although it is almost impossible to pin point which quality or habit of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) was more beautiful, for the sake of Barakat, I will mention a few qualities that I have heard of.

One of the most blessed qualities of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) was that he was firm on Maslak-e-AlaHadrat. In other words he was steadfast on the blessed Shari’ah and did not allow anything to come between him and Islam.

Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) said the following words with regard to Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) in his Khilafat Nama:

“Be Fadhlihi Ta’ala, Mawlana mausoof jumla Mazahid wa Masharib mein is Faqeer ke Qadam ba – Qadam hai. Tamam Biraderaan-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat ke, is Faqeer ke Muhib aur Hum-Mazhab ho! Mawlana ke Masa’ail wa Hidayaat wa Irshaadat pe be-Ta’amul, Amal farmaen”

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) aslo used to remove Jinns from people. One incident that was accounted to me is as follows:

There was once a man who had consulted Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) for the removal of the Jinn within him. He had been brought to Hadrat by his mother. She complained that the Jinn was troublesome to them. Hadrat, after listening to her warned her that he would have to beat her son so much that he would bleed profusely. This had to be done in order to force the Jinn out of him. However even though her son would be beaten, he would not feel any pain. When she had agreed, Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) began to beat her son so much that he indeed began to bleed profusely, until the Jinn himself began to say that he would leave. Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) ordered the Jinn to leave the man immediately to go into a big bottle which was closed after the Jinn had entered it. Thereafter Hadrat would dig a deep hole and bury the bottle containing the Jinn.

One of the blessed habits of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) loved to recite Surah al-Quraish. He would read this Surah seven times and would blow it on any goods that he had for sale. He would also encourage his wife to read this surah and blow it on the food that she would prepare. He used to say that by reading this surah would bring barakat in the home.

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

The family genealogy of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) is as follows:

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan Sahab Ibn Hafidh Ghulam Rasool Sahab Ibn Muhammad Isma’eel Sahab Ibn Muhammad Siddiq Sahab Ibn Umar Sahab Ibn Ramzan Ibn Saboor Sahab Meer Ibn Haji Muhammad Akbar Sahab Ibn Maulvi Haamid’duddin Sahab Ibn Maulvi Shahbaaz Sahab Ibn Khush-Haal Sahab Ibn Gohar Ibn Rehmatullah Sahab Ibn Khwaja Ubaidullah Sahab.

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) was married thrice in his lifetime and had sixteen children in total:

First wife: Marhooma Maryam bai

1. Mawlana Ghulam Mustapha Raza Khan (during Sayyidi alaHadrat’s Alaihir raHmah last illness, when he used to be carried to the masjid on a chair, among the four people who used to carry the chair of sayyidi alaHadrat Alaihir raHmah on their shoulder, was Mawlana ghulam mustapha raza khan)
2. Ayesha bai
3. Ghulam Murtaza Raza (passed on at a young age)

Second wife: Marhooma Halima bai

4. Mawlana Ghulam Mujtaba Raza (buried in Malawi)
5. Hawwa bai
6. Ruqaiyyah bai

Third wife: Marhooma Amatullah bai

7. Raheema bai
8. Kareema bai
9. Hajiani khadija bai
10. Ayesha bai
11. Mawlana Ghulam Ahmed Raza Khan, He was granted khilaafat by Hadrat Mufti-e-Azam Hind . Hadrat Mufti Mehood Jaan used to say, “Hadrat mere Ilm ko jayb mein rakh ke Ghoomtay hain).”
12. Marhooma Jamila bai (passed away during childhood, after an incident that led to a short illness)
13. Mawlana Ahmed Jaan Khan
14. Hajiani fatima bai (Alhamdulillah, she is currently living in Zimbabwe)
15. Hajiani Amina bai (Alhamdulillah, she is currently living in Upleta)
16. Hajiani Jamila bai (it is said she was born when Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan Alaihir raHmah was at the age of 100. That was in 1935.)

KARAAMAAT

When I had asked the daughter of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) if she remembered any Karamat of her father, she replied simply by saying, “Thousands”. However, for the sake of Barakat, I will mention one karamat of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah).

A man named Muhammad, during his childhood had German measles. The doctors had no hope of his recovery and advised his parents to expect the worst. Hearing this Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) came to his parents home and asked them why they had not consulted him, as he was still Alive. Hadrat, put his blessed saliva on the child and prayed for him. He was cured in no time and went on to live a comfortable life.

BOOK CREDENTIALS

Two of the books written by Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) received great success namely:

1. Zikr-e-Raza: Khalifa of AlaHadrat, Malik al-Ulama, Hadrat-e-Allama Mawlana Zafar al-Din Bihari (Alaihir raHmah), mentions in his Sawaneh Hayaat of Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah), that the first Sawaneh Hayaat written on the life of Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) was by Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) under the title of Zikr-e-Raza. The specialty of this book is that it has been written in the form of poetry. It has also been translated into the English language by Sayyid Shah Aulad-e-Rasool Qudsi Misbahi (Daamat Barakatuhum al-Qudsiyyah).

2. Eezah-e-Sunnat: This kitaab was based on the eight questions posed by the Bud-Muzhabs. In this book Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) answered all their questions by providing authentic proof from the Holy Qur’an and the blessed Ahadith. This book was certified and verified by sixty three distinguished scholars by their blessed words and blessed seals, such as Sayyidi AlaHadrat, Hujjat al-Islam, Mufti-e-Azam Hind, Sadr al-Shari’ah, and many other learned Ulama of that time (Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma’een).

Sayyidi alaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah)’s verification was as follows:

“O ALLAH, for YOU is ALL Praise! This Blessed book which has been written by my companion and my Beloved Brother in Islam, the Helper of the Sunnah, and Eradicator of the Fitnah, Respected Mawlana Moulvi Mehmood Jaan Saahib Qadiri Barakaati Peshawari, has passed before Me. I found it adorned with great attributes and I have found it to be complete and concise. I thanked ALLAH for blessing the author with such Taufeeq to support the Deen in such a difficult and corrupt time. Verily the Blessing of ALLAH and HIS Rasool (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) is upon this Learned Faadhil and Insha-ALLAH, His reward for this effort, through the Blessing of the Holy Prophet (SallAllaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) is closeness to ALLAH and a blessed place in the Blessed Paradise. WA ALLAHU AA’LAM.”

This book too, has been translated into the English language by the khalifa of Hadrat Taaj al-Shari’ah and Muhaddith al-Kabeer, Mawlana Aftaab Qasim Qadiri Ridawi (Hafidhahullahu Ta’ala), and is available in three volumes.

CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS ISLAM

Hadrat Taaj al-Shari’ah, Allama Mawlana Mufti al-Haaj Shah Muhammad Akhtar Rida Khan, Sunni Hanafi Qadiri Barakaati Ridwi Noori Azhari (Daamat Barakatuhum al-Aaliyah), during the 61st Urs-e-Razvi Mehmoodi Sharif in Jamjodhpur Sharif said the following words:

“…AlaHadrat ke Sache Khulafa, jin mein Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan Sahab, ek the aur laakhon mein ek the, aur Jamjodhpur ke log aur Jamjodhpur ke Atraaf-o-khoob-o-Jawar ke log, Unki Istiqamat aur Maslak-e-AlaHadrat par sakhti se kaarbandhi aur uski tarweej-o-isha’at mein Unki jo zindagi guzri, woh yahan ke log toh usse waakif hai hi, Africa ke mumalik mein bhi reh kar yahin kaam kiya aur AlaHadrat Azeem-ul-Barkat ke Silsile se, aur Unke Khanwaade se, Unke Gharane se aur subse badi baat yeh hai ke Unke Maslak se logon ko wabista kiya…”

The blessed month of Muharram is celebrated the world over, and in many instances there are many elements in which some of the followers of Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah), forget his teachings. However, due to the teachings of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah), the inhabitants of Jamjodhpur shareef celebrate muharram according to the Maslak of alaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah). It is said that Hadrat used to burn the ‘Taajias’ that were made.

In gujrat, there is a Muslim clan known as the Meer. In the past the people of this caste used to be looked down upon by the inhabitants of the area. This carried on until Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) had decided to include them in his Jama’at. A little while after, some of these people wished to be initiated into the Silsila Aaliyah Qadiriyyah Barakaatiyyah Ridawiyyah and hence Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (alahir rahma) decided to take them to Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah). When they were introduced to Sayyidi alaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah), he exclaimed that their dress and appearance did not resemble (they were clad in their traditional gujrati attire) that of a muslim. Sayyidi alaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) then inquired the name of one of the men present which coincidently was Raju. Sayyidi alaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) then proceeded to re-name the man as Ghulam Muhammad and he was initiated into the Silsila. However since he had no beard, Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) advised him to first go and look at himself in the mirror and then, grows a beard according to the Sunnah and if he thought the beard to be fine, then he should not shave it. Alhamdulillah, the Meer left their orthodox ways and began living as the Muslims that they truly were.

WISAAL SHARIF

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) left this mundane world on the 3rd of Safar-al-Muzaffar 1370 Hijri {14th of October, 1950} at the blessed age of 130. In his last days, he suffered from diabetes and other ailments and his advanced age did not alleviate his situation.

On the morning of the Wisaal of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah), he rose early and asked his son, Mawlana Ghulam Ahmed Raza to make him Paak and Saaf while his wife cleaned his bed and laid new sheets. After this he requested his son to purify himself and come and read Yaseen Sharif for him. However, when Mawlana Ghulam Ahmed Raza returned to recite the Yaseen Sharif he found that his blessed father had already read the Yaseen Sahrif. When Shah Sahab from Dhoraji had come to visit Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah), he related to him and his son Hadrat Mawlana Ghulam Ahmed Raza, that he had been blessed with the sight of Ssayyiduna Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) in his dream, in which they had asked him to come along with them. After while Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) requested Shah Sahab to move to another room as he wished to be surrounded by his children.

He called upon each of his daughters who stood at the foot of his bed by their name and advised them to look at him until their hearts were content as his time to leave was near. He told them even though he had surpassed the age of 100 his Nafs still had to taste death.

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan made Du’a for all his children and when he noticed his children had began to cry, Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) told them that he was not dying, but he was only transferring his home. He also told them that his youngest son, Mawlana Ahmed Jaan was going to be married soon and he would be present at his marriage, however they would not see him but he would see them.

After saying all this Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) told his son that there is book on top of the cupboard in which there were some taweez for some of the people who had requested them and he told his family that due to his illness he had made three obligatory fasts and a certain amount of Salaah Qazah, for which the kaffarah must be paid for before his Janazah Salaah was to be performed. He told his son that his son-in-law, Mawlana Abdul Qadir (Alaihir raHmah) was to perform his Janazah Salaah. Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) then recited his Shahadat and just after the Aadhaan of Zuhar he left this world towards the hereafter and like this the light that had brightened the hearts of many by removing the darkness of Kufr and Shirk, had come to rest in the love of the Master. His blessed Mazaar Sharif is in the small town of Jamjodhpur, Saurashtra, Gujarat, India. – Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’oon!!

Hadrat Sayyid Abdullah Shah Qadiri also known as Hadrat Baba Bulleh Shah Alaihir raHma is universally admitted to have been the greatest of the Panjabi mystics. No Panjabi mystic poet enjoys a wider celebrity and a greater reputation. His kafis have gained unique popularity. In truth he is one of the greatest Sufis of the world and his thought equals that of Jalal al-Din Rumi and Shams Tabriz of Persia. As a poet Bulleh Shah is different from the other Sufi poets of the Panjab, and represents that strong and living pious nature of Panjabi character which is more reasonable than emotional or passionate. As he was an outcome of the traditional mystic thought we can trace some amount of mystic phraseology and sentiment in his poetry but, in the main, intellectual vedantic thought is its chief characteristic.

He was born in a Saiyyid family residing at, the village Pandoki of Kasur in the Lahore district, in the year A.D. 1680. This was during the twenty-first year of Emperor Aurangzeb’s reign. According to C. F. Usborne he passed away in A.H. 1171 or A.D. 1785 (i.e. in the short reign of Alamgir the Second) at the ripe old age of 78.

A large amount of what is known about Bulleh Shah comes through legends, and is subjective; to the point that there isn’t even agreement among historians concerning his precise date and place of birth. Some “facts” about his life have been pieced together from his own writings. Other “facts” seem to have been passed down through oral traditions.

Baba Bulleh Shah practiced the Sufi tradition of Punjabi poetry established by poets like Shah Hussain (1538 – 1599), Sultan Bahu (1629 – 1691), and Shah Sharaf (1640 – 1724) Alaihim ar-RaHmah.

Baba Bulleh Shah lived in the same period as the famous Sindhi Sufi poet , Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689 – 1752). His life also overlapped with the legendary Punjabi poet Waris Shah (1722 – 1798), and the famous Sindhi Sufi poet Abdul Wahad (1739 – 1829), better known by his pen-name, Sachal Sarmast (“truth seeking leader of the intoxicated ones”).

After completing his education, it is said that Baba Bulleh Shah went to Lahore. Of the two traditions, one says that, as was customary in those days, he came to Lahore in search of a spiritual teacher, while the other relates that he went there on a visit. Each of these two contradictory traditions has a legend to support it. The first relates that while he was busy searching the intellectual circles of Lahore to find out a competent master he heard of Shah Inayat’s greatness and decided to make him his Murshid. He turned his steps towards the house of the Shah, and found him engrossed in his work in the garden. Having introduced himself, Baba Bulleh Shah requested that he might be accepted a disciple and taught the secret of God. Thereupon Hadrat Shah lnayat Alaihir raHmah said:

Bullhia rabb da pan ai
edharo puttan odharo lan hai.

O Bulleh! the secret of Almighty Allah is this; on this side He uproots, on the other side He creates.

‘This’, says the tradition. ‘so impressed Baba Bulleh Shah that, forgetting his family and its status, he became Inyat Shah’s disciple.’

The second tradition says that Shah Inayat was the head gardener of the Shalimar gardens of Lahore. When in Lahore, Baba Bulleh Shah visited them, and as it was summer, he roamed in the mango-groves. Desirous of tasting the fruit he looked round for the guardian but, not finding him there, he decided to help himself. To avoid the sin of stealing, he looked at the ripe fruit and said; ‘ALLAHu Ghani’. On the utterance of these magic words a mango fell into his hands. He repeated them several times, and thus collected a few mangoes. Tying them up in his scarf he moved on to find a comfortable place where he could eat them. At this time he met the head gardener, who accused him of stealing the fruit from the royal gardens. Considering him to be a man of low origin and desirous of demonstrating to him his occult powers, Baba Bulleh Shah said ironically: ‘I have not stolen the mangoes but they have fallen into my hands as you will presently see.’ He uttered ‘ALLAHu Ghani’ and the fruit came into his hand. But to his great surprise the young Saiyyid found that Inayat Shah was not at all impressed but was smiling innocently. The great embarrassment of Bullhe Shah inspired pity in the gardener’s heart and he said: ‘You do not know how to pronounce properly the holy words and so you reduce their power.’ So saying, he uttered ‘ALLAHu Ghani’, and all the fruits in the gardens fell on the lovely lawns. Once again he repeated the same and the fruit went back on to the trees. This defeat inflicted by the guardian, whom the young Saiyyid Bullhe Shah considered ignorant and low, revolutionized his whole thought. Falling at the feet of Inayat Shah he asked to be classed as his disciple and his request was immediately granted.

The above two traditions, though different in detail, come to the same conclusion, that Baba Bulleh Shah, impressed by the greatness of Inayat, became his disciple. Bullhe Shah in his verse often speaks of his master Inayat Shah and thanks his good luck for having met such a murshid.

Bulleh Shah ve nic kamini
Shah inayat tari.

Says Bulleh Shah, O Almighty the Lord Inayat has saved me, low and mean.

And:

Bullhe Shah di suno hakait
hadi pakria hog hadait
mera murshid Shah Inayat
Uh langhaai par.

Listen to the story of Bullhe Shah, he has got hold of the peer and shall have salvation. My teacher, Shah Inayat, he will take me across.

In an account of the Panjabi poets it would perhaps be out of place to speak at great length of Shah Inayat who wrote in Persian. But the influence exerted by him through his teachings and writings has linked him with Panjabi literature. Baba Bulleh Shah the Rumi of the Panjab, came most directly under his influence and, having learnt from him, was inspired to write his remarkable poetry. It will therefore, be proper to give a short account of this wonderful man.

Hadrat Shah Inayat Qadiri and his School

Hazrat Shaykh Muhammad Inayatullah, generally known as Shah Inayat Qadiri, was born at Kasur in the Lahore district, of Arais parents. The arias in the Panjab were gardeners or petty cultivators. They are known to be Hindu converts to Islam and are therefore considered inferior.

He was educated after the manner of his time and gained a good knowledge of Persian and Arabic. As he was born with a mystic disposition he became a disciple of the famous Sufi scholar and saint Muhammad Ali Raza Shattari. After he had finished his studies he was created a khalifa. Later on he received the khilafat of seven other sub-sects of the Sufi Qadiri. Soon after this event he left Kasur and migrated to Lahore .The author of Bagh-i-Awliya-e-Hind says that the great enmity of the Hakim Hussain Khan compelled him to migrate, but his descendants assert that it was the order of his teacher that brought him to Lahore. Here after having quelled the jealousy of his famous contemporaries, he established a college of his own. To this college came men of education for further studies in philosophy and other spiritual sciences of the time.

Inayat Shah was a well-known Qadiri Sufi of his time. From the historical point of view the Qadiri Sufis can be traced back to the Sufi Saint Abdul Qadri Jilani of Bagdad. Jilani is also known by the names Peer Dastgeer and Peeran-e-Peer. Bulleh Shah himself has also given a hint that his “Master of Masters” was born in Bagdad but his own Master belonged to Lahore:

My Master of Masters hailed from Baghdad,
but my Master belongs to the throne of Lahore.
It is all the same. For He himself is the kite
and He himself is the string.

Such was the man whom Baba Bulleh Shah made his Murshid. This action of Baba Bulleh Shah, however, was highly displeasing to his family. His relatives tried to induce him to give up Inayat and find another murshid. But Baba Bulleh Shah was firm and paid no attention to them or to their wailings. The following will sufficiently demonstrate the indignation of the family:

Bulleh nu samjhawan aiyaan bhena te bharjhaiyaan
Aal nabi ullad Nabi nu tu kyun leekaan laaiyaan
Manlay Bulleya sada kehna chad de palla raiyaan

To Bulleh sisters and sisters-in-law came to explain (advise). Why, O Bulleh, have you blackened the family of the Prophet and the descendants of Ali? Listen to our advice, Bulleh, and leave the skirt of the aria.

To this reproach Baba Bulleh Shah firmly but indifferently replies:

Jehra sanu saiyad akkhe dozakh miln sazaiya
Jehra sanu rai akkhe bahishti piga paiya
Je tu lore bag bahara Bullhia Talib ho ja raiya.

He who calls me a Saiyyid, shall receive punishments in Hell, he who calls me an arai shall in heaven have swings; O Bulleh, if you want pleasures of the garden become a disciple of the aria.

Raeen saain sabhan thaain rab diyaan be parwaiyaan
Sohniyaan pare hataiyaan te khoojiyaan lay gall laiyaan

Arain and masters are born at every place, God does not discriminate against anyone.
Wise people don’t care for such differences, only the ugly ones do

Je tu loorain baag baharaan chaakar hoo ja raiyaan
Bulleh Shah di zaat ki puchni shakar ho razaiyaan

If you seek to the gardens of heaven, become a servant to the ‘Arains’. Why ask about the caste of Bulleh Shah? Instead be grateful in the God’s will.

Baba Bulleh Shah seems to have suffered at the hands of his family, as he has once or twice mentioned in his poetry. In the end, being convinced of the sincere love and regard of their child for Inayat Shah, the family left him alone. It is said that one of his sisters, who understood her brother, gave him her support and encouraged him in his search for truth.

After the demise of Hadrat Shah Inayat, Baba Bullhe Shah returned to Kasur. He remained faithful to his Beloved and to himself by not marrying. The sister who understood him also remained single and kept him company in his last years. He died in A.D. 1758 and was buried in Kasur, where his tomb still exists.

May Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala elevate his Status and bless with a part from the Divine Love of Hadrat Sayyid Abdullah Shah Qadiri that he had for HIM (Almighty) and accept our remembrance of the Great Wali and the Sufi Master and make it a medium for us to receive his divine mercy and blessings… Aameen!!

There were many Mureeds (Disciples) & Khulafa (Spiritual Successors) of Syeduna A’la Hadrat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. They have spread far & wide over the Indo-Pak and also all parts of the world. Near 35 were in other parts of the world & 30 remained in the Indo-Pak Sub continent. One of the prominent Khalifas of the great Imam was Sher Besha Ahle Sunnat (The Lion of the AhleSunnat), Abul Fath Hadrat Allama Maulana Hashmat Ali Khan Qadiri Razavi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho.

Blessed Birth

He was born in 1902 (1319 Hijri) in Ameti, Lucknow, India. From a young age he had a thirst for knowledge. He qualified as a Hafizul Quran at the age of 9, Qualified in Qirat-e-Saba at 12 and as young as 14 was already tackling other fields of learning.

Education

No sooner did his father send him to Dar al-Uloom Manzar-e-Islam in Bareilly Sharief to study under the feet of the Masters. He was only 14 by then, but never too young to take Bai’at at the hands of the great Scholar & Sufi, A’la Hadrat . A’la Hadrat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho paid special attention to the young Maulana Hashmat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho.

Exalted Teachers

He also studied under Sadrush Shariah, Hadrat Maulana Amjad Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho & Hujjatul Islam, Hadrat Maulana Haamid Raza Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho who was the son of A’la Hadrat Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho

As a Teacher

Hadrat Hashmat Ali Khan soon became a lecturer at the Uloom, then as a Mufti of Jamaat-e-Raza-e-Mustafa in Bareilly Sharief & then as Principal of Darul Uloom Ahle Sunnat Miskeenia. Later he took up a Khateeb position at the Zeenat-ul-Masjid in Gojra Waala.

Khilafat from the Great Imam

Due to his great intelligence & learning, he excelled in the field of debating & A’la Hadrat had a special liking and preference toward him. He soon earned the title of “Abul Fatah” from the great Imam who bestowed him with his turban & cloak when Hadrat Allama Hasmat Ali Khan defeated a person of a corrupt sect. It is said that he never lost any debate & was always victorious against the corrupt sects.

His Blessed Mission

He is such a blessed and exalted personality who spread the fragrance and radiance of Imaan and righteousness with complete dedication, until his last breath.

Those who listened to him as an orator were blessed with the riches of Imaan and Aqida which flowed from his words. His lectures were drowned in the love of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) quenching the thirst of those seeking to attain this love.

He adorned the hearts of the people with the love of the Awliyah Allah and in doing so, he warned them of the “Thieves of Imaan” in order to protect the Imaan of the believers against these thieves.

His tongue was like a naked sword and his words dissected the false beliefs of the corrupt sects as he struck them with his bright proofs, yet the very same tongue flowed with words of love and comfort to the true believers.

Wo Apne Khalwat-o-Jalwat me Ku’e Istiqaamat Tha;
Wo Apno Ke Liye Har Lamha Ikhlaas-o-Muhabbat Tha

A’doo-e-Deen’o Imaan Ke Liye Wo Ghaiz-o-Shid’dat Tha
Haqeeqat Me Wo Thaa Ek Jaama’e Awsaf Insaani

Wo Sher Be’sha Ahl-e-Sunnan Maqbool-e-Rab’baani
Laraz Jaata Tha Jin Ka Naam Sunkar Makr-e-Shaitaani

Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat (alaihir rahma), with all his blessed qualities and grandeur, spent his entire life striving against and debating the corrupt sects. He spent all his time battling those who made blasphemy in the Court of Almighty Allah and the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam).

He had dedicated his entire life to this mission of protecting the truth and stopping any attacks on the personality of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam).

Wisdom and Debating Techniques

Since his era was the one in which the corruption of the wahabi and najdi menace was rife, he debated and combated this with vigor and with his knowledge and wisdom. He even debated and combatted the other corrupt sects in his era such as the Naichris, Qadianis, Chakralvis, Khaaksaaris, and Bahais etc.

He also fought against the corrupt Arya Shud’hi movement and Alhumdulillah, he was completely successful in every debate. He never failed or lost any debate.

Hazrat was well-known for his wisdom and debating techniques. There was none like him in this field in his era. Approximately sixty of his debates have been recorded in written format and also published and scores of other debates have been narrated by witnesses who heard his debates and informed those after them about these. Based on his determination and dedication, he was as firm as a mountain in his striving.

There were such testing instances where many others did not even dare to enter into confrontation, but he went into these debates without any fear and announced the truth. He had only one policy and he lived by this policy:

Chut Jaa’e agar Daulat-e-Kaunain To Kya Ghum
Choote Na Kabhi Haath se Daamaan-e-Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam)

The elders & most intelligent and so called witty debaters of the opposition had no chance against him. He raised the flag of Sunniyat & the name of Razviat! He always kept singing the praises of A’la Hadrat, Ghaus Paak & Khwaja Ghareeb Nawaz (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhum Ajma’een)

Demise

He passed away on the 8th of Muharam 1380 Hijri (3 July 1960) in Pilibhit Sharief, India, where his Mazaar stands today in Hashmat Nagar. He was poisoned. May Allah Ta’ala reward him with the best of rewards for his services to the Deen & may Allah Ta’ala bless him with a special place in His Mercy, granting Him an exalted place in Jannatul Fridous. Ameen!!

A personality who is regarded amongst the best of his era, is not only regarded as being of great stature, respectable and honorable, because his disciples, devotees, well-wishers, friends and relatives pay tribute to him by praising him and honoring him after his passing away, but his actual excellence and status becomes really evident through the views, words and writings of the distinguished and learned Ulama, Masha’ikh and Muftis etc. of his era.

His actual excellence can be seen by the manner in which the learned scholars of Deen turn towards him in their times of need and by the manner in which they address him and the titles that they bestow upon him in their writings and letters.

Hujjatul Islam Hadrat Allama Haamid Raza Khan (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

“From amongst the blessings which Almighty Allah has bestowed upon me, two such great blessings are Hadrat Maulana Sardaar Ahmed and Hadrat Maulana Hashmat Ali Khan Saaheb”

Sarkar Mufti-e-Azam Hind Allama Mustafa Raza Khan (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

“From amongst the Khulafa of A’la Hadrat (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho), the services that Mazhar’e A’la Hadrat, Asadul Millat, Naasir’e Ahle Sunnat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat Hadrat Maulana Hashmat Ali Khan (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho) accomplished, will not be able to be done even by one hundred and fifty Molvis together.”

Hadrat Sayyidul Ulama Sayyid Aal-e-Mustafa Qadri Barkaati (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

I have no fear in saying that Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat is also my respected Ustaad. He came to Khanqaah-e-Barkaatiyah once for an entire month and during this time; I studied fourteen lessons from Tafseer-e-Jalaalain, Noorul Anwaar, Qutbi with Meer and Sharah Waqayah from Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat (RaHmatullahi Ta’ala Alaih).

Just four years ago, I went to Darul Uloom Ahle Sunnat Shah Aalam in Ahmedabaad as an examiner. During that time, the Sheikul Hadith was Allama Abdul Mustafa A’zmi. There were just a few days left for Shab’be Baraaat, so he had arranged for a lecture programme there. I delivered a lecture and probably that was the longest lecture I had given in my life. I sat down to deliver my lecture at 8.45pm and stood up at 4am to read Durood-o-Salaam.

Even the little children of Ahmedabaad know that after I had delivered my lecture, Ajmalul Ulama Hadrat Maulana Ajmal Shah Saaheb Sambhali Daamat barkaatuhum said,

“Mia, Today you have reminded me of Maulana Hashmat Ali Saaheb”

I simply replied to him by saying,

“It is true. The mannerism of the father falls upon his son and the mannerism of a great teacher falls upon his student, thus if today you remembered him by listening to me, there is nothing amazing about that.”

Today he is not amongst us; his physical body is not before us. The physical body is only like a cage that is holding the soul, like a bird but realize this fact, that his spiritual blessings will always remain with us and the blessings of his soul shall always be a helper to the Ahle Sunnat Wa Jama’at.

Mujaahid-e-Millat, Hadrat Allama Maulana Habeebur Rahmaan (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

The evident status and excellence of Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat are clearly evident and well known and as for his hidden excellences, then this is known to the specially blessed servants.

In this era, the most dangerous and harmful movement to Imaan, is that of deobandism and wahabism, which is trying to show kufr to be Imaan and misled ones to be believers and in doing so causing hundreds and thousands of unsuspecting believers to be misled.

In this special service of combating these forces, the personality of Hadrat (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho) is unique in his method of approach and combating this. His passing has left such a vacuum, that to fill it will be very difficult.

Where Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat was well known as Mazhar’e A’la Hadrat and as being the example of Ashidaa’u alal Kufaar, the condition of him being the example of Ruhama’u Bainahum was such that he showed so much kindness and mercy upon a person like myself.

The Prophet (Sall Allahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said that the Demise of an Aalim is the Demise of the entire nation and the demise of an Aalim leaves a huge vacuum in the Deen.

Maut-e-Aalim, Maut-e-Aalam Thalma-e-Deen-e-Nabi
Jaan-e-Too Jaan-e-Jahaa, Jaan-e-Jahaan Bar Too Nisaar

Malikul Ulama Hadrat Allama Zafrud’deen Bihari Razvi (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

Haami-e-Deen-e-Mateen, Maahi-e-Sher-e-Mubtadi’een Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat Naasir-e-Deen Millat Abul Fatah Maulana Molvi Hashmat Ali Khan Saaheb Daamat Fuyuzukum Barkatukum

Taajedaar-e-Kichaucha Hadrat Muhadith-e-Azam Hind (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

My feelings about the life and services of Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat Maulana Hashmat Ali Khan (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)… for me, is to gather the sea into a jug. The knowledge and excellence of Hadrat has been in the hearts of all and now even on the tongues of the opposition.

His character and behavior was such that not only did he show honour and respect to his seniors, but he also respected those younger than himself. The manner, in which he conducted himself with every Sunni Sahihul Aqida Muslim, is a minaret of guidance for all, even today. His piety and obedience to the Sunnat is clearly evident from his entire life.

Another angle of Maulana’s (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho) life is the he went through hardships and difficulties, but he remained steadfast and was a strong and firm as a mountain in his mission of righteousness, no matter what the circumstances were. He never feared or winched and remained a shining example of the pious predecessors.

Hadrat Qaazi Shamsud’deen Ahmed Jaunpuri (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

There is no doubt that the demise of an Aalim is the demise of an nation and no doubt leaves a vacuum in the Deen. The vacuum that has been left by the passing away this Lion of Righteousness can never be filled, for those of us who leave in reality do not leave a successor equal to him self. In this difficult and testing time, his services are those which are worthy of being inscribed in gold letters and that which he did for the benefit of the Ummah can never be forgotten, especially, announcing the truth and combating the corrupt sects.

He was never afraid of anyone when it came to saying that which was the truth and there was none who could stop him from doing this. His intelligence and knowledge was such that he even knew the actual quotations from the books of the opposition by memory. When in confrontation with the opposition, each one of them, even the ones regarded as eloquent amongst them, seemed like a kindergarten child before him.

Haafiz-e-Millat Allama Mufti Ash Shah Abdul Azeez (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

The reality of the matter is that it is such a feeling and condition I am feeling by his demise, that I cannot find words to describe this. The emotions that I am feeling cannot be put into words, but I will try to write a few words. The passing of Haami-e-Sunnat Maahi-e-Bid’at Sar Shikne Najdiyat Sultaanul Muqarireen Imamul Munaazireen Shaheed-e-Millat Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat Al Haaj Maulana Shah Abul Fatah Muhammad Hashmat Ali Khan Saaheb Qibla (alaihir rahmatu wa ridwaan) is such a great sadness that it has caused much grief in the world of the Ahle Sunnat.

It feels as if a mountain has fallen upon us and it is a sadness that has left such a wound on the heart that it will remain forever. His demise has caused a huge vacuum. The world can be seen mourning. In’na lil laahi Wa In’na Ilaihi Raaji’oon

In which ever direction Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat went, he openly announced the truth and spread righteousness. His services to Islam are such that even though he has passed on, his services will remain known and praised forever.

Hadrat Allama Abdul Aziz Qaadri Razvi (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

Mustaqeemul Maslak Muqeemul Muneeh Mahsoodul Mu’aasireen Mabghoodul Maraqeen Anid Deenil Qaweem Aziz Muhtaram Maulana Molvi Hashmat Ali Khan Saaheb Salamahul Maulal Musta’aan

Hadrat Allama Mufti Mohammed Imaad’dud’Deen Hanafi Qaadri (Mufti A’zam Sambhal – Muradabad)

May Almighty Allah bless Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat Haafiz wa Muhaafiz-e-Deen-o-Millat Molvi Abul Fatah Ubaidur Raza Haafiz Muhammad Hashmati Ali Khan Saaheb with a wonderful reward on behalf of the Ahle Deen and Ahle Taqwa.

He is a personality who protected the unsuspecting Muslims from the corruption of the corrupt and the mischief of the enemy. His fearlessness and boldness against the enemies shows that undoubtedly he was the flag bearer of Razviyat and one of the true representatives of A’la Hadrat (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho).

My heart, my mind, my justice and intellect tells me that in his last advise to the people, when A’la Hadrat said that, “Allah will definitely send someone to stand up for the protection of the Deen”, I think he referred to Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

Hadrat Allama Maulana Mahmood Jaan Peshawari (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

I pray that Almighty Allah blesses Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat Mazhar’e-e-A’la Hadrat Maulana Molvi Haafiz Qaari Mufti Muhammad Hashmat Ali Khan Saaheb Qadri Barkaati Razvi Qibla Daamat Barkaatuhumul Aaliyah with immense reward and blessings for the services which he has rendered.

Hadrat Allama Syed Ahmad Saeed Kaazmi (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

In the July 1960 issue of “As Saeed” magazine, he said the following: “Imamul Munaazireen Hadrat Maulana Alhaaj Al Haafiz Muhammad Hashmat Ali Khan Saaheb Qaadri Razvi lucknowi (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho) was ill for a lengthy time and then on the 3rd July 1960 he passed away in Philibit.

Hadrat Maulana (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho) was the example of A’la Hadrat (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho) in knowledge, wisdom, piety and firmness in Maslak. In other words, he was Mazhar’e A’la Hadrat. In the field of debating and combating the misled sects, none can be seen who would really be able to take the special position which was awarded to Hadrat Maulana (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho).”

Hadrat Allama Noorullah (Sheikhul Hadith, Madrassa Fareedia, Basarpur Pakistan)

He says as follows in his magazine Mukabirus Saut: “From all the references provided, it is evident that the personality of Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat Hadrat Maulana Hashmat Ali Khan (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho) is not unrecognized and the Learned Scholars and distinguished Ulama and Masha’ikh Ahle Sunnat have acknowledged his blessed and great services and all are praising his memorable works.”

Ahle Sunnat Ki Tujh Se Yahi he Dua
Baagh Maulana Hashmat Ali Ai Khuda
Taa Qiyaamat Rahe Yun Hara aur Bhara
Faiz Paate Rahain Un se Sunni Sadaa
Mazhar-e-Shah’e Ahmad Raza Aap Hain
Waaris-e-Sayyidul Ambiya Aap Hain

Hadrat Allama Mufti Shareeful Haq Amjadi (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho) was such a blessed personality that he possessed so many great qualities that there are very few people of this stature that can be found. He was such a dynamic orator that he would make a crowd of thousands emotional and passionate with his words.

He had such a beautiful character that if a person met him just once, he would be in his thoughts forever. He was so steadfast in his adherence to the Shariat that leave alone Faraaid and Waajibaat, he never left out Mushtahibaat either at home or whilst on journey. He was so open hearted and content that he never raised his sight to look towards the materialistic wealth of this world.

He was so kind and generous that whatever he earned he spent. He never thought of saving anything for the next day. With all these qualities, there was that one special quality that caused him to shine, causing the world to remember him by the title of “Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat” and this was his steadfastness on Haq (righteousness), His firmness in Deen and him being the example of loving for the sake of Allah and hating for the sake of Allah.

He was unique in his time in clearly and openly announcing the truth and unveiling the corruption of the corrupt. That which he regarded as Haq, he announced it without fear and that which he regarded as corrupt, he went against it and never looked around to notice if anyone supported him or not.

Like a bold and brave Lion he fearlessly caused disarray amongst the corrupt, by firmly announcing the truth and challenging the corrupt beliefs. He did not care if anyone was with him or what others were saying about him or whether anyone was jealous of him or if someone was slandering him.

All this never caused him to move one step back, but rather he moved forward and never allowed any complaint to be heard from himself.

The reality is that Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat was rightfully worthy of being called “Mazhar’e A’la Hadrat” (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

Tauheed to Ye He Ke Khuda Hashr me Keh De
Ye Banda Do Aalam se Khafa Mere Liye He

Hadrat Allama Arshadul Qaadri (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)

From all the Khutbas which I have heard and from all the orators, the Khutba of Hadrat Sher Be’sha Ahle Sunnat (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho) held a very special place.

When he complete rendering the Na’at, the audience would feel as if they had just woken from a highly spiritual dream.

His lectures had such an effect on the audience that the eyes of the audience would be filled with tears, and his words of advice and encouragement would cause thousands of individuals to turn their lives around.

Grand Son of AlaHadrat, Qamr al-Aarifeen, Umdat al-Mufasireen, Mufassir al-Azam Hind Jilani Mia Hadrat Allama Mawlana Muhammad Ibrahim Rida Khan was born on the 10th of Rabi ul Aakhir 1325 Hijri (1907) in Bareilly Shareef. His birth pleased his grandfather AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma dearly. Ala Hadrat Alaihir RaHma called the Azaan and Iqaamah in his ears and chewed a date and placed it in his mouth. AlaHadrat’s Alaihir RaHma brother Ustaz-e-Zaman Hadrat Hassan Raza Khan Alaihir RaHma was also very pleased when he heard of his birth.

AQEEQA:

AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma prepared a great feast for his Aqeeqah. All the students of the madrassa were fed according to their taste. In other words, those from Africa were fed according to their taste and those from India were fed according to their taste. AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma made sure that all the students were very happy during this invitation.

NAME:

According to the family tradition, he was named Muhammad. His father then added the name Ibrahim. His mother always called him Jilani Mia, and his title was Mufassir-e-Azam Hind Alaihir RaHma.

HIS POSITION IN THE SILSILA:

Umdatul Mufassireen Hadrat Jilani Mia Alaihir RaHma is the forty second Imam and Sheikh of the Silsila Aaliyah Qaaderiyah Barakaatiyah Razviyah Nooriyah.

EDUCATION:

When he was four years, four months and four days old, then on a Thursday, the 14th of Shabaan 1329, AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma held a programme for his Bismillah Khwaani (commencement of Islamic studies). AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma also invited many people and Niyaz was distributed. He studied the Holy Quran and the Urdu language under the care of his beloved mother. When he was 7 years old, he was enrolled into the world renowned Darul Uloom Manzar-e-Islam in Bareilly Shareef. He studied under great Ulama such as Maulana Ahsaan Ali Saahib Muhadith Faizpuri, his father Hujjatul Islam Maulana Haamid Raza Khan and Hadrat Maulana Sardaar Ahmed Muhadith-e-Pakistan (Ridwanullahi Ta’ala Alaihim Ajmaeen). He qualified as an Aalim and Faadil at the age of 19 years and four months, in the year 1344 and Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Alaihir RaHma tied the turban on his head and blessed him with the Khilafat.

HIS HABITS & CHARACTER:

Hadrat was very kind and generous. His life was an example of the great Masha’ikh. He always oiled his hair and beard after taking a bath. He wore a loose Punjabi kurta. He sometimes wore a badami colored Kurta, but usually he wore white. His diet was roti, braised meat, Kalabash, herbs and Bhindi. He loved to use itar and if anyone gave him itar, he made sure that it was not some kind of contaminated perfume. He always used both his hands to apply the itar onto his chest and under his arms. He always slept on his right hand side. He never preferred anyone to lie flat on his or her face when sleeping.

HIS NIKAH:

Hadrat Mufassir-e-Azam Alaihir RaHma married the daughter of his uncle, Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind Alaihir RaHma. AlaHadrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Alaihir RaHma arranged this marriage.

IJAAZAT AND KHILAFAT:

Once Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind Alaihir RaHma said,

“When Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Alaihir RaHma passed away, then Jilani Mia Alaihir RaHma was not here. When he returned, then some people had reservations about his Khilafat, so I said, that if some of them have reservations concerning wheter his blessed father gave him the Khilafat, and I too hereby bestow the Khilafat upon him. Now, none should have any objections. Because of my support for him, many people now supported him and the Madrassa was given into his control.”

ZIYAARAT OF HARAMAIN SHARIFAIN:

In 1372, he made Ziyaarat of Haramain Sharifain. The Ulama of Makkah al-Mukarrama and Madinah al-Munawwarah showed great respect to him, due to his relationship to AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma and he was blessed with various Ijaazats, for Hadith, Dalaail-e-Khairaat and Hizbul Bahr etc.

AS A TEACHER:

He was a very well qualified and experienced teacher. After Fajr Salaah, he would spend some time reading his wazeefas etc. He would then take breakfast and go directly to his classroom. He always entered the Darul Uloom before the students prayed the Salaami to commence classes and he would join them in sending salaams to the Prophet ù. He would then make dua with great sincerity. He used to teach Muslim Shareef, Tirmizi Shareef and Mishkaat Shareef. He also presented the false beliefs of the Najdis and then refuted them with very bright proofs. When teaching Muslim Shareef, he often entered a very highly spiritual state. He used to speak most often in Arabic, and he encouraged the students to do the same.

A DYNAMIC ORATOR:

Hadrat was also a very dynamic orator. Once, there was a two-day programme. He delivered a very dynamic lecture on the first day, and then left. The next day, was the lecture of Hadrat Muhadith-e-Azam Kichauchwi Alaihir RaHma. He says, “In the morning, 20 wahabis, came to me and said that the lecture which was delivered the night before inspired them so much that they realized their beliefs were corrupt, so they made tauba and accepted the (true) Islam.”

MONTHLY ALAHADRAT MAGAZINE:

He started the monthly AlaHadrat Magazine for the propagation of the teachings of the Ahle Sunnat. This magazine gained great success. Alhumdulillah, this magazine is still in circulation even today.

HIS KARAAMATS:

Hadrat Mufassir-e-Azam Alaihir RaHma was also a very powerful Saahib-e-Karaamat. A few Karaamats are being presented for Barkat. Once a man was bought to Hadrat who was dumb since birth. Hadrat made dua for him, and he began to speak immediately. Many of the tableeghis in that town saw Hadrat’s karaamat and made tauba from their false beliefs.

Once, a couple came to Hadrat and said that their brother-in-law had been false accused of murder and that he was the breadwinner of the family. They requested Hadrat to make dua for his release. Hadrat asked if he was Sunni and they answered in the positive. Hadrat took a piece of paper and wrote the following on it: “Allahu Rabbu Muhammadin Sal’laa alaihi wa sal’lama Nahnu Ibaadu Muhammadin Sal’laa alaihi wa sal’lama” Hadrat said that the prisoner should learn this Durood and recite it in abundance. Hadrat then said that he should tie the taweez with the Durood on his right arm and if Allah Wills, then he will be released. Ten days later, both of them returned with sweets and Niyaz. They also brought a third person with them. They told Hadrat that he was their brother-in-law and that he had been released as he was found not guilty, but the two others who were with him have been given the life sentence. Hadrat entered them both into the Silsila and then advised them to continue with their Salaah and Durood Shareef.

BOOKS AND TREATIES:

Some of the books written by him are:

• Zikrullah
• Nematullah
• Hujjatullah
• Fazaail-e-Durood Shareef
• Tafseer Surah Balad
• Tashreeh Qasida Nau’mania

HIS CHILDREN:

Almighty Allah blessed him with five sons and three daughters.

Hadrat Allama Rehan Raza Khan (Rahmatullah Alaih): Born on the 18th Zilhajj in Bareilly Shareef. He is the Mureed and Khalifa of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind Alaihir RaHma. He was a great teacher, and a very powerful personality. He passed away on the 18th of Ramadaan 1405 (1985). And his Mazaar Shareef is in Bareilly Shareef.

Hadrat Allama Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Hafidhahullah: Taajush Shariah Allama Akhtar Raza Khan Qibla is the present Torch bearer of the Khandaan-e-AlaHadrat Alaihir RaHma. Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind Alaihir RaHma appointed him as his successor during his lifetime. Hadrat still lives in Bareilly Shareef (India).

Dr. Qamar Raza Khan: He lives in Bareilly Shareef and is a very kind and loving personality. He resembles Taajush Shariah Allama Akhtar Raza Khan very closely.

Mawlana Mannan Raza Khan Manaani Mia: He is a very well read personality and is the founder of Jamia Nooria, a Darul Uloom constructed in memory of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind Alaihir RaHma.

Hadrat Tanweer Raza Khan: He was older than Hadrat Akhtar Raza Khan, and was always in a very highly spiritual state even as a child. He disappeared (Mafqood-ul-Khabr) as a child and has never be seen or heard from since.

GEMS OF WISDOM:

His words were always full of knowledge and wisdom. Mufassir-e-Azam Alaihir RaHma always said:

• My own faults stop me from finding faults in others
• Slight Absence makes the heart grow fonder and an extensive absence kills the love.
• The respect of every nation depends on its Ulama
• Allah gave us two ears and one tongue, so that we listen more and speak less
• Piety is through good character and not through family ties
• One who is not the beloved of Allah cannot be your beloved
• Sabr (patience) is more bitter than poison and sweeter than honey
• Knowledge without practice is a burden to ones soul
• Allah gives comfort in the world, to one who does deeds for the hereafter
• When you have done everything, then you should still think that you have done nothing

WISAAL:

He passed from this world on a Monday, the 11th of Safar 1385 Hijri (12 June 1965). The next day, his Janaaza Salaah was prayed at the Islamia Inter College. Mufti Sayyid Muhammad Afzal Hussain performed the Janaaza Salaah Mufti Muhammad Afzal Hussain, Maulana Muhammad Ahsaan Ali, Maulana Sayyid Aarif Ali, Janaab Sayyid Ijaaz Hussain and Janaab Muhammad Ghaus Khan lowered Hadrat into his Mazaar.

MAZAAR SHAREEF:

His Mazaar Shareef is in the Dargah of AlaHadrat Alaihi raHma wa ar-Ridwan in Bareilly Shareef.