Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Shah Hamid Raza Khan Qadri Baraylvi
Overview
Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Shah Hamid Raza Khan Qadri Baraylvi May Allah have mercy on him was a towering scholar, spiritual guide and defender of Ahl-e-Sunnat. After the Wisaal of A’la Hazrat, he carried the responsibility of preserving and spreading the mission of Sunni Islam with remarkable dedication. His scholarship, leadership, teachings and services continue to illuminate the path of truth for generations of scholars and devotees. He was born in the blessed city of Bareilly Sharif and raised in the noble household of Mujaddid-e-Deen-o-Millat A’la Hazrat, surrounded by faith, knowledge and piety from an early age. He is counted among the greatest scholars and spiritual leaders of the Qadiriyyah Barkatiyyah Razawiyyah order who were known for their deep knowledge, profound wisdom, eloquence and unwavering defense of Ahl-e-Sunnat. He played a pivotal role in unifying scholars and institutions under the banner of Maslak-e-Ala Hazrat.
Full Name
Maulana Shah Hamid Raza Khan ibn Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Qadri Barkati Baraylvi.
Titles
Hujjat-ul-Islam. Raees-ul-Ulama. Imam-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat. Ustadh-ul-Ulama. Sardar-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat.
Date of Birth
14 Jumada al-Ula 1292 AH corresponding to 17 June 1875 CE.
Birthplace
Bareilly Sharif, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Lineage
Eldest son and distinguished successor of Mujaddid-e-Deen-o-Millat A’la Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Qadri Baraylvi May Allah have mercy on him.
Early Education
He received his primary education under the direct supervision of his illustrious father. He displayed remarkable intelligence, piety and devotion from an early age. He memorized and mastered numerous Islamic texts during his student years.
Islamic Education
He studied under A’la Hazrat and other eminent scholars, gaining mastery in Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Usool-ul-Fiqh, Aqeedah, Arabic Literature, Logic known as Mantiq, Philosophy, Balaghat and Rhetoric, and Tasawwuf.
Graduation and Scholarly Rank
He completed Dars-e-Nizami with distinction and became one of the leading scholars of the Indian subcontinent.
Permission of Fatwa Ifta
He received authorization in Fatwa writing and religious guidance directly from A’la Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan and from leading scholars of his era.
Religious and Scholarly Services
He assisted A’la Hazrat in religious, academic and organizational affairs. He played a major role in spreading the teachings of Ahl-e-Sunnat. He guided scholars, students and the Muslim masses throughout India.
Teaching Services
He conducted lessons in Hadith, Fiqh, Tafseer and Aqeedah. He trained numerous scholars and future Muftis. He presided over scholarly gatherings and educational institutions.
Literary Contributions
His written works include Al-Hadi Al-Kafi and As-Sawlat-us-Saifiyyah. He also wrote numerous Fatwas, articles and religious treatises. His speeches, letters and scholarly responses on contemporary issues are well documented. He contributed significantly toward the publication and dissemination of the works of A’la Hazrat.
Leadership of Ahl-e-Sunnat
He became the principal leader of Ahl-e-Sunnat after the Wisaal of A’la Hazrat in 1921. He unified scholars and institutions under the banner of Maslak-e-Ala Hazrat. He defended orthodox Sunni beliefs against emerging challenges and deviations.
National and International Influence
His guidance reached Muslims throughout India, Pakistan which were pre-partition regions, Bangladesh which was pre-partition Bengal, South Africa, East Africa and Arab lands.
Prominent Students and Associates
Among his prominent students and associates were Mufti Azam-e-Hind Imam Mustafa Raza Khan, Sadrush Shariah Mufti Amjad Ali Aazmi and Allama Zafaruddin Bihari. He trained numerous scholars, Muftis and Khulafa of the subcontinent.
Sanad-e-Khilafat
He received Khilafat and spiritual authorization through the Qadiriyyah Barkatiyyah Razawiyyah Silsilah under the guidance of A’la Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan and eminent Mashaikh of Ahl-e-Sunnat.
Political and Social Services
He advocated for Muslim religious rights. He participated in important religious and communal movements. He worked tirelessly for the preservation of Sunni identity and scholarship.
Recognition
He was revered throughout the subcontinent as Hujjat-ul-Islam. He was regarded among the foremost scholars and spiritual leaders of his age. He is remembered for his eloquence, wisdom and steadfast defense of Ahl-e-Sunnat.
Public Guidance
He delivered speeches and sermons across India. He issued guidance on contemporary religious matters. He served as a source of inspiration for scholars and the general public.
Wisaal Passing Away
17 Jumada al-Akhirah 1362 AH corresponding to 13 July 1943 CE. Bareilly Sharif, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Mazaar Sharif
Darbar-e-Aaliya Razawiyyah, Bareilly Sharif, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Legacy
Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Hamid Raza Khan Qadri Baraylvi was a towering scholar, spiritual guide and defender of Ahl-e-Sunnat. After the Wisaal of A’la Hazrat, he carried the responsibility of preserving and spreading the mission of Sunni Islam with remarkable dedication. His scholarship, leadership, teachings and services continue to illuminate the path of truth for generations of scholars and devotees.

