A'LA HADRAT, IMAM-E-AHLE SUNNAT, MUJADDID-E-DEEN-O-MILLAT, ASH SHAH IMAM AHMED RAZA KHAN MUHADDITH BAREILWI AL-QAADIRI (RADI ALLAHU ANHU)-10
Al Malibari
IMAM AHMED RAZA’S REFUTATION AGAINST THE INSULTERS OF RASOOLULLAH,WORKS &DEMISE
Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) spent much of his time also refuting those who insulted the dignity of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam). He left no stone unturned in safe-guarding the dignity and integrity of Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam), in spite of being personally attacked by the misguided. These personal attacks did not bother him in the least bit!
The Insulters and their Books
In India, many false beliefs were being propagated by individuals like:
Some of the blasphemous statements found in these books
Shaitaan and Malakul Maut have more Knowledge than Rasoolullah
Knowledge of Rasoolullah is like that of Lunatics
Rejection of Finality of Prophethood
Allah Almighty can tell a Lie
If one examines the original books that were written by such persons, one will find other similar disrespectful statements found in their writings. These writings tended to destroy the doctrinal foundations of Islamic orthodoxy.
Imam Ahmed Raza's Response to the ‘Ulama of Deoband
Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) considered it to be contrary to adab [respect] to use words or phrases loosely when referring to Allah Ta'ala or the Prophets; because even though the literal meaning might seem correct, they still remain disrespectful. According to Imam Ahmed Raza, such words are present in Molvi Muhammad Qasim Nanotwi's Tahzeerun Nas, Molvi Ashraf Ali Thanwi's Hifzul Iman, Molvi Khalil Ahmad Ambethawi's al-Baraheen al-Qati'ah, Molvi Isma'il Dehlwi's Sirat-e-Mustaqeem and Taqwi'atul Iman and Molvi Mahmood Hasan's al-Jahd al-Maqal.
Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) and other illustrious Ulama of the Ahle-Sunnat not only reprimanded such insulers vehemently but also made them aware of their false doctrines asking them to repent over their false notions, but due to the fake egoism and criminal freedom of expression of thought allowed by the Britishers, they did not refrain from their false beliefs.
Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) was very careful in making Takfir. After he saw the statements which insulted Sayyidina Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) in the books of the leaders of Deoband, it took approximately 20 years for him to issue the actual verdict of Kufr against them. He continuously sent letters by registered post to the Ulama of Deoband for them to retract their statements but to no avail. For example, it was a whole 13 years after the publication of Hifz al-Iman Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) issued the fatwa of Kufr.
He was not at all hasty in making Takfir. This can be seen when he wrote regarding Isma'il Dihlawi: “There is a difference between a statement being Kufr and the bearer being a Kafir. We shall practice extreme caution and adopt silence on this issue. As long there is there is the weakest of the weak explanation that excludes Kufr - we shall refrain from making Takfir”. [Salla's Suyuf al-Hindiya - Imam Ahmad Raza]
Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi himself says: “I have abundant respect for Ahmad Raza in my heart. He calls us Kafir but only on the basis of love for the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) and on no other ground”.
Murtaza Hasan Darbhangwi, Head of Education at Deoband, says: “If according to Ahmed Raza Khan some scholars of Deoband were as he perceived them to be, then making Takfir of them was Fard upon him. If he did not call them Kafir, then he himself would have been a Kafir. Like the Qadianis when the scholars found out of their Kufr, then it is Fard for them to make Takfir and if they do not, then they themselves would become Kafir because he who does not call a Kafir a Kafir, he himself becomes one”. [Ashaddu'l Adhab, p. 13]
Not all Deobandis declared as Kaafirs
A famous scholar, Allama Sayed Ahmed Sa'eed Kaazmi (Alaihir Rahmah) has clearly stated: “In the Mas'ala of Takfeer (Apostization) our attitude has always been that if any person utters words of Kuffar and acknowledges it with any action or affirmation, then we will not delay in condemning him as a Kaafir, be he a Deobandi, Barelwi, member of the League of Congress, Nadvi, etc. It is within the context of truth that on such an important issue no consideration must be given to whosoever is concerned. Of course, this does not mean that if a single person belonging to a certain group uttered these words of Kufr, therefore, the entire group is a Kaafir. For example, if a Nadvi individual made a Kufr statement then the entire Nadvi fraternity is Kaafir! No! We regard only certain Deobandis as Kaafirs who have uttered statements of Kufr and not every individual living in Deoband! Our eminent Ulama have always made it clear and propclaimed that 'We do not regard every resident of Deoband or Lucknow as a Kaafir. It is our belief that only those who have insulted the integrity of Allah and His Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the great Awliya are Kaafirs and even after issuing warnings about their corrupt statements, they did and do not withdraw their remarks. This also applies to all those whoe are aware, fully understand and yet regard these Kufr statements as Haqq and still regard those who made such statements as Mu'mins, people of truth, leaders of the path, etc. Such a person we regard as a Kaafir! Other than these individuals, we have never called any person who subscribes to the tenets of Islam as Kaafir. It proves that those who we have labelled as Kaafirs are very few in number.'” [Al Haqqul Mubeen, pg. 24-5]
Imam Ahmed Raza Presenting Proofs to Ulama of Haramain
In 1323 A.H. Imam Ahmad Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) visited holy places in Hijaz (Makka Shareef and Madina Shareef) for performing pilgrimage. During this period he prepared a draft document entitled Al Motamad Al-Mustanad (The Reliable Proofs) for presentation to the eminent 'Ulama of Makka Shareef and Madina Shareef. This document was in the form of a questionnaire pointing out the blasphemous utterances of the Deobandi Scholars. It was an appeal to them to guide the Muslims of the subcontinent by giving their opinions and views, duly stamped, and decide as to what those seditious Maulvis were doing.
Endorsements by the Ulama of Haramain Sharifain
The opinions and views of the illustrious Ulama of Makka Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah were collected and Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi's (Alaihir Rahmah) compiled a book in Arabic. The historical name of this book is Husamul-Haramain Ala Manhar-if-Kufr-e-wal Mayn [The Sword of Two Sanctuaries on the Slaughter-Point of Blasphemy and Falsehood] [1324 A.H.]. There are over 300 endorsements to Husam al-Haramayn which show that the Fatawa of Imam Ahmad Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) were accepted by other scholars.
This volume is a monumental work containing the thirty-three 'Ulamas' verdicts (20 Meccan and 13 Madinite 'Ulama). All of them gave their verdicts based on the consensus, that all the statements that were written by these Deobandi Scholars were Kufr. All of them condemned in unequivocal terms blasphemy. They also exhorted those at the helm of affairs of the Islamic state to indict and punish them according to the Shari'ah Law. If these heretics do not resort to repentance after imprisonment, the Head of the State must order their execution. This is mandatory obligation of the rulers to kill the apostates.
The names of the 'Ulama of Makka and Medina who issued the Kufr Fatwa on the 'Ulema of Deoband in 1320 A.H. (1900 A.D.) are listed below:
'Ulama of Makka Shareef
'Ulama of Medina Shareef
Urdu Compilation of Husaamul Haramain
In 1325 A.H. Mawlana Muhammad Husnain Raza [1892-1981/1310-1401], nephew and Khalifa of Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah), translated the final compilation into Urdu. Afterwards, the Urdu translation of Husaamul-Haramain Ala Manhar-if-Kufr-e-wal Mayn along with Arabic text was published more than once. Supporters of Husaam-ul-Haramain were among leading 'Ulama of not only Hijaz but of whole Islamic world in earlier decades of 14th Century AH. Both the Urdu and Arabic versions were brought out in the market simultaneously. The publication of this book was hailed by the men of faith and beliefs with great fervour.
Moreover, a book entitled Al-Sawarim al-Hindiya was published by Mawlana Hashmat Ali Khan (Alaihir Rahmah) which contained separate and distinct ratification of the said Fatwa by 268 savants of the then undivided India. In all, the Husaam al-Haramayn of A'la Hadrat mustered the endorsement of 301 savants, whereas the opponents could get nothing in their support.
Reaction from the Deobandis
Only one thing which they could do was that Mawlana Khalil Ahmad Ambethvi, wrote a book Al-Mohannid Ala al-Mofanna stating there in that Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) misconstrued their wording on the basis of which he issued a wrong Fatwa and that their beliefs were quite different from those as understood by Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah). In rebuttal of this book, Mawlana Na'eemuddin Muradabadi (Alaihir Rahmah) wrote a book al-Tahaqiqat disproving the charges leveled by Maulana Khalil Ahmad Ambethvi.
It is to be noted that the book Al-Mohannid carried no ratification from savants as against 301 ratifications by Husaam al-Haramayn of A'la Hadrat (Alaihir Rahmah). It is to be noted that according to Mawlana Khalil Ahmad Ambethvi:
The Maulvis who professed such bad beliefs began writing so-called fatawa and books, arranging gatherings for making interpretations over interpretations. However, the wounds and cuts of Husaam-al-Haramain were so deep that they neither had any reply to Husaam-al-Haramain nor had repented over their obnoxious writings. They protected the sham ideas of their elders very stubbornly.
These insolent people flatly deny the charge of having made insulting statements against Allah Ta'ala and His Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam). They say that their statements do not mean this. The answer to this situation is contained in the verse of the Holy Qur'an: “They swear by Allah that they said nothing (wrong). Yet they did say the word of disbelief and did disbelieve after their surrender (to Allah)”. [Tauba:74] It is a fact that liars often deny their own words.
The Disbelieving Statements were Printed and Published by the Deobandis
The books containing the disbelieving statements were printed and published by these insolent people long ago, during their own life-times. Some of these books were printed twice. Time and again the scholars of Ahl-e-Sunnat printed refutations of these disbelieving statements. The printed papers, in which these insolent people have called Allah Ta'ala a liar, under their seals and signatures, can be seen even today. Photos of these documents were taken. This photo still exists in the records of the government of Arabia. This unholy verdict relating to Allah Ta'ala being a liar was printed 18 years ago together with the refutation in Rabi-ul Akhir, 1308 A.H. in the magazine Sianat-un-Naas in Hadiqah-tul-'Ulum Press, Meerut. Later on, in 1318 A.H. a detailed refutation of this verdict was printed in Gulzar-e-Hasnie Press, Bombay. Still later, in 1320 A.H., a very comprehensive refutation of this verdict was printed by Tuhfa-e-Hanafiyah Press at Patna Azimabad. They can neither disown their printed books nor can they invent any other meaning or their words of insult.
In 1320 A.H., these disbelieving statements were printed in a single volume along with a convincing refutation. At that time some Muslim leaders contacted the heads of these insolent people to ask him some intellectual questions. These questions flabbergasted the insolent people very much. But they could neither disown their statements nor invent any interpretation. Their leader said that he had not come to take part in a debate. He further said that he did not want a debate to take place because he and his teachers were ignorant in the art of debating. His final word was that he would continue to say the same thing over and over again, even if others convinced him to the contrary.
The questions together with a detailed account were printed on the 15th of Jamad-al-Akhir 1323 A.H. and this document was handed over to the head and his insolent followers.
Imam Ahmad Raza and the Scholars of Haramayn
These are the words of some scholars of Makka in praise of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah). Mawlana Muhammad Yusuf al-Afghani al-Makki writes: “He whose existence the era is proud of.” [Husam al-Haramayn, p.62]
Shaykh Salih Kamal Mufti Hanafiya writes: “A sea of merits, the coolness of the eyes of scholars, Mawlana, Muhaqqiq, the blessing of the era, Ahmad Raza Khan Barelwi. May Allah preserve him.” [Husam al-Haramayn, p.25]
Shaykh Abu'l Khayr Mirdad writes: “Indeed he is that 'Allama and Fadil who solves problems with the light of his eyes his name is Ahmad Raza Khan”. [Husam al-Haramayn, p.23]
Shaykh Abdur Rahman Dahan writes: “The one on whom the scholars rely; the 'Allama of his time; the unique; for whom the scholars of Makka bear witness that he is the leader; the unmatched; the Imam; my master; my refuge; Hazrat Ahmad Raza Khan Barelwi. May Allah make us and all Muslims benefit from his life and may He give me his mission as his mission is the mission of Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam)”. [Husam al-Haramayn, p.46]
Shaykh Muhammad Mukhtar bin 'Ata al-Jawi al-Makki writes: “Indeed the writer is the leader of the scholars and researchers and all his words are the truth. He is from the miracles of our Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) and Allah revealed this miracle at the hands of the Imam”. [al-Dawlah al-Makkiya, p.166]
Shaykh Musa Ali Shami al-Azhari Ahmad Darderwi Madani writes: “The Imam of Imams and the Mujaddid of the Muslim Ummah”. [al-Dawlah al-Makkiya, p.166]
Shaykh Muhammad Yaseen Ahmad al-Khayari Madani praises him thus: “He is the Imam of the Hadith scholars.” [Rasa'il-e-Ridawiya, Mawlana Abdul Hakeem Shahjanhanpuri, p.148]
Concerning the vastness of his knowledge and the extensiveness of proofs that he gives, 'Allama Mawlana Tafaddal al-Haq Makki writes: “These answers show that the writer is an 'Alim, 'Allama, Fahhama and he is to the scholars as the eye is to the body.” [Rasa'il-e-Ridawiya, Mawlana Abdul Hakeem Shahjanhanpuri, p.136]
Due to weakness, Shaykh al-Khutaba, 'Ustad al-'Ulama, 'Allama Mawlana al-Shaykh Ahmad Abu'l Khayr Mirdad was not able to visit Imam Ahmad Raza at the latter's residence. The Shaykh heard al-Dawlah al-Makkiya from cover to cover and when Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) was about to leave Makka, he respectfully touched the feet of the Shaykh. The Shaykh addressed Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) and said: “I would kiss your feet and I would kiss your shoes”. [al-Malfuz, vol.1, p.10 - Imam Ahmad Raza]
Shaykh Mirdad also addressed Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) as: “Shaykhanal Ulama Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi.”
Shaykh Sayyid Alawi Maliki Makki says: “When someone from India comes to Makka and we want to see if he is Sunni, we simply mention the name of Imam Ahmad Raza before him. If his face lights up with happiness, we know he is a Sunni and if he shows unhappiness at his mention, we know he is something else.”
Some Titles bestowed upon him by the Noble 'Ulema of Makkatul Mukarramah
These titles are recorded in the books, Al Fuyuzaatul Makkiya, Husaamul Haramain and Ad Daulatul Makkiya.
Some Titles bestowed upon him by the Noble 'Ulema of Madinatul Munawwarah
These titles are recorded in the books, Al Fuyuzaatul Makkiya, Husaamul Haramain and Ad Daulatul Makkiya. THE SCHOLARLY WORKS OF IMAM AHMED RAZA KHAN
Earlier in this book, we learnt that Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) gained proficiency in more that fifty branches of knowledge. With this, Imam Ahmed Raza wrote many books on various aspects of Islam. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) was a genius writer. He wrote numerous books and treatises in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu on diversified topics.
To date, it has not been fully ascertained as to exactly how many books he wrote, for in doing so, requires research and many personnel. There has risen, over the past years, many Islamic Scholars in the Indo-Pak subcontinent and in other parts of the world, who are making serious attempts in studying or translating the works of this great Mujaddid of Islam.
In 1887, at the age of 30 years, he had completed 75 books and treatises. In 1909, at the age of 43 years, this number increased up to 500. However, it has been estimated that the number of books written by Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi exceed 1000 on more than 50 branches of knowledge. Apart from these contributions, he had written annotations and commentaries on more than 150 books pertaining to various branches of learning.
Professor Dr Muhammad Hassan, Shaikh-ul-Adab, Islamia University, Bhawalpur, said: “Mawlana was a prolific writer. He wrote a large number of treatises. It is due to the fact that his head and heart had surging waves of knowledge which were hard to restrain.”
From the many books that were written by him, a table of 549 have been classified. The table is as follows:
The names of a few books written by Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) have been listed below:
Those who wished to challenge the greatness of Allah Ta'ala by attributing deficiencies to Him were refuted by Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah). He wrote Subhan al-Subbuh 'an 'Aybi Kadhibi al-Maqbuh and wrote another 5 monographs on the issue of Imkan-e-Kidhb.
He also refuted those who believed in Allah having a body by compiling Qawari' al-Qahhar 'alal Mujassamatu'l Fujjar.
Refuting ancient philosophers, he wrote a lengthy monograph named al-Kalimatu'l Mulhima.
He strongly refuted those who insult and curse the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam), his companions, his family, the Mujtahid Imams and the Saints. As for the fitna of Qadian, he tore it from the roots by writing 5 monographs against it and was the first scholar to issue a fatwa of Kufr against it. It can easily be seen from his literary masterpieces that he strove against all the prevalent innovations of his era and saved the Muslim ummah from their dangers.
When Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) was 20 years old the Governor of Rampur commented that since he was so brilliant at such a young age, that Imam Ahmed Raza should study a few books in Logic under the supervision of Mawlana Abdul Haq Khairabaadi.
Coincidently, Mawlana Abdul Haq Khairabaadi arrived. They were both introduced to one another. After getting acquainted, he questioned Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) concerning the books that he had studied in the field of Logic. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) told the Moulvi that he had studied the Kitaab Kazi Mubaarak. Mawlana Abdul Haq Khairabaadi did not believe him because he felt that he was too young to study Kazi Mubaarak. He then, very sarcastically, asked, “Have you studied 'Tahzeeb'?” Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) also answered in a very sarcastic manner by saying, “Is 'Tahzeeb' taught after 'Kazi Mubaarak' at your institution?”
After listening to the answers of Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah), he began questioning him about his qualifications. Imam Ahmed Raza said that he preferred teaching, engaging in Fatawa work and writing books. When asked about his field of expertise Imam Ahmed Raza replied by saying that he specialised in any field that was necessary at any given time, and this included debating the Wahabis.
When Mawlana Abdul Haq Khairabaadi heard this reply from Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah), he remarked, “That crazy person from Badayoun is also in this fanaticism.” (He was referring to Mawlana Abdul Qaadir). On hearing this, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) became offended and said, “Your father, Mawlana Fadhl-e-Haq Khairabaadi, was the first person to debate the Wahabis, and he was the one responsible for writing a book against Isma'il Delhwi. He called this book 'Al Fatawa Fi Butali Taghwa'.”
Mawlana Abdul Haq Khairabaadi then said, “If, in my presence, you answer me in this way, then it will be impossible for me to teach you.” Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) replied by saying, “I have already decided not to study under you, since for me to study under you will be an insult to the Ulema-e- Ahle Sunnah”.
Professor Abdul Shakoor Shad, Kabul University, Afghanistan, said: “The research works of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi are worth presenting. There is due need that Historical and Cultural Societies of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran together with other such institutions keep all his writings duly catalogued in their libraries.” CELEBRATED ULAMA AND IMAMS OF THE ARAB WORLD WHO PRAISED IMAM AHMED RAZA
The following is the list of some of the Celebrated 'Ulama and Imams of the Arab World who highly praised Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) and acknowledged his books and teaching as strictly in accordance to the Shari'ah and the tenets of the Ahle Sunnah wa Jama'ah:
REFUTING TWO ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE NOBLE IMAM
AGENT OF THE BRITISH
One of the charges leveled against the great Mujaddid of Islam, Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) is that he was an agent of the British.
This is a lie! A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) has never written a single word in support of the British although they were of authority in India. He never attended any of the meetings of the British. He never invited any English to any of his functions. Imam Ahmed Raza never allowed any interview with the British.
He hated the British so much that he used to affix postage stamps on the envelope in such a way that the head of Queen Victoria, Edward VIII and George V were facing downwards. He carried out this practice not only in case of envelopes but he also wrote the address on the postcard by keeping the picture-head of the Queen and King downwards. Such envelopes and postcards of the great Mujaddid A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) can be seen in the libraries of Prof. Dr. Mukhtar al-din Arzu at Aligarh.
Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) usually spoke and wrote against the British. His four point economic programme released in 1912 was a big challenge to the British Govt. and their interest in India. Prof. Mas'ud Ahmed has written a separate book Gunahe be Gunahi in this respect. Through his book Ulama-i-Deoband Ki Angrez Dosti published from Allahabad (UP). Allama Mushtaq Ahmad Nizami has proved that, in fact, bonds of friendship existed between the 'Ulema of Deoband and the British Government. Of late, Hadrat Abd al-Naim Azizi, ex-editor of Sunni Dunya, Bareilly has compiled and published a thrilling book, Humphery Kay e'trafat (Memoirs of Mr. Humphery, the English spy in Islamic countries), which unmasks that the real British agent was Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahab. The book is a severe blow to the Wahabi world.
CREATION OF DIFFERENCES AMONGST MUSLIMS
Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) is also accused of creating differences amongst Muslims. The sole basis of this allegation is that the Mujaddid of Islam condemned Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, Maulana Khalil Ahmad Ambethvi, Maulana Qasim Nanautvi and Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi as “Kaafir”. It was but natural for these leaders and their supporters to turn against the great Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah). Had he supported or agreed to the cause of these leaders, certainly there would have been no schism amongst the Muslims. This is what the opponents of Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) want to impress upon the people. How could he have supported those people who insulted the personality of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam)? Here are a few points to consider:-
Maulvi Ismail Dehlwi was the first person in India who created differences amongst Muslims by criticizing the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah or Sunni ideology and introducing “Deobandi” ideology. Taqwi'at-al-Iman was the first book in India, which brought about such tumult. Over and above, even if the condemnation of Deobandism alone is taken as the root cause for the Muslim split-up, even then, it shall have to be seen if Imam Ahmed Raza was the first person in this sphere? The fact of the matter is that Maulvi Ismail Dehlwi was first opposed by Shah Abd al-Aziz Dehlawi (Alaihir Rahmah), Shah Makhsoos Ullah Saheb (nephew of Shah Abd al-Aziz) and Shah Munawwar al-din Saheb (grandfather of Mr. Abu al-Kalaam Azad). All these savants were contemporaries of Maulvi Ismail Dehlwi and Imam Ahmed Raza ?was not born by then.
It is also a matter of fact that when Mawlana Fazle Haq Khairabadi (Alaihir Rahmah) ?condemned “Deobandism” and wrote Tahqiq al-Fatwa, A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) was not born by then.
History also shows that Mawlana Fazle-i-Rasul Badayuni (Alaihir Rahmah) who condemned Deobandism wrote Saif al-Jabbar and Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) was not born by then.
As a number of scholars condemned Deobandism and as a number of books were written over this issue before the birth of A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah), he cannot be said to the first person to condemn Deobandism and thereby create differences amongst Muslims. Imam Ahmed Raza only followed Ahle Sunnah scholars and endorsed their views in regard to propagation of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah and condemnation of Deobandism. For detailed study of various charges leveled against A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza at and their befitting replies, please see Adhere say ujale tuk written by Hadrat Muhammad Abd al-Hakim Qadri, published from Markazi Majlis Raza, Lahore. A FEW MIRACLES OF IMAM AHMED RAZA KHAN
Without any exaggeration, an entire book on the Karamats (Miracles) of Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) can be compiled. In this time, the greatest Karaamat that any person can display is his followance of Shari'at-e-Mustapha (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam). Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi never fell short of this in any way. However, a few or his Karaamats are narrated.
Janaab Amjad Ali was a resident of Bhasouri. He was a dedicated Mureed of Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah). Once Amjad Ali went out hunting. While he was hunting, a stray bullet from his rifle accidentally hit a passer-by, killing him. Amjad Ali was later arrested for murder. He was tried and then sentenced passed on him - death by hanging.
A few days before his execution, a few members of his family came to visit him. With the mere thought of his execution, they began to weep bitterly. He smiled at them and said, “Go home and do not weep. I will return on the day of my execution. My Peer-o-Murshid, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) has stated that he has released me.”
On the night of his execution, his mother went to visit him. She began to weep out of fear as the time was drawing near. But Amjad Ali's faith in the words of his Peer-o-Murshid was very strong. He asked his mother to go home and to stop worrying. He told her that through the Will of Allah Ta'ala, he will return home in a little while to have breakfast with her. Being visibly shaken, she returned home.
The time had finally arrived. Amjad Ali was escorted to the gallows to be hanged. The noose was put around his neck. The authorities asked him if he had any final request. Very calmly, he replied, “There is no need to request anything. My time of death has not yet arrived.” The authorities were baffled by his composure. Nevertheless, they decided to proceed with the hanging. As they were about to hang him, they received a telegram stating that due to the crowning of Queen Elizabeth, a certain number of prisoners were being released. Amjad Ali Sahib's name was on that list! He was immediately released. As promised, he went home to have breakfast with his mother. In this miracle of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah), not only was Amjad Ali pardoned but, many other prisoners were freed.
Once, a woman came crying to Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah). She reminded him that he had once made Du'a for her to bear a child and through his Du'a a male child was born. The child had now passed away and she could not bear this loss. She cried and begged the Imam to bring the child back to life.
Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) went to her home. He noticed that the child was lying on a bed and was covered with a sheet. In the meantime, the mother of the child continuously asked him to bring the child back to life. Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) removed the sheet from the face of the child, placed his blessed hands over the child's eyes and commanded the child, “Son! Wake up and listen to that which your mother is saying.' All of a sudden, the child began to cry. All those present were astonished. They thanked the great Imam abundantly. He humbly smiled and said, “I did not do anything. He was asleep. All I did was wake him up.”
There lived a certain person in Bareilly Shareef who had very false concepts concerning 'Ulema, Awliyah and Peer-o-Murshid and Mureed relationships. One of his friends, who was on his way to meet Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi, asked this person to accompany him and meet this great Scholar. He also suggested that by discussing his false concepts and beliefs with Imam Ahmed Raza Khan, he will be shown the right path. While discussing whether or not to go, that person with the false concepts, saw a vendor selling fresh sweetmeats. He said, “First buy me some sweetmeats then I will go with you.” His friend agreed to buy it for him on the way back home.
Nevertherless, after much convincing he agreed to accompany his friend to the house of Imam Ahmed Raza. They entered his house and sat there. A Mureed arrived and brought some sweetmeats. It was the procedure in the court of Imam Ahmed Raza that those persons with beards would get two shares, and those without beards would receive only one share as they were still taken as children.
The Mureed who was responsible for distributing the sweetmeats only gave one share to the person who had misconcepts about Awliyah and 'Ulema. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah), who was present there and witnessing the entire incident, commanded the Mureed to give that person two shares. The Mureed remarked, “Huzoor! He has no beard. He should get one.” Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) replied, “Give him two. He desires to have two.” When the person heard this he immediately repented and became the Mureed of the great Imam. His desire was to receive two shares and he realised that Imam Ahmed Raza was even aware of the thoughts in his heart. IMAM AHMED RAZA’S DEMISE
Final Advice before his Demise
His Demise
The Imam of the Ahle Sunnah, the Mujaddid, Shaykh al-Islam wal Muslimeen, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Hanafi Qadri Barkaati Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) left this mundane world on Friday, the 25th of Safar 1340 A.H. [28 October 1921] at 2.38 p.m.. It was the exact time of the Jum'uah Azaan.
From beginning to end, this shining star of the Ummah was an embodiment of Shari'ah. Hence, even on his death bed, he ordained that nothing be done in contravention to the Sunnah. He said: “From the food of the Fatiha, nothing should be given to the rich. Only the poor will be fed and that too with utmost respect. No one will treat the poor badly and nothing will happen that is against the Sunnah”. [Wisaya Shareef, written on 28th October, 1921 Imam Ahmad Raza]
In the majority of cases, food from the Fatiha is only for the rich and the poor miss out. Imam Ahmed Raza destroyed this ugly practice which was snatching the rights of the poor and in doing so he revived a dying Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam).
At the time of the demise of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah), a certain Saint of Syria, dreamt of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) while he was in the Baitul Muqaddas. In his dream, the Saint saw many Sahaba-Ikraam (Radi Allahu Anhum) seated around the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam). All of them seemed to be waiting for someone. The Saint says that in his dream he asked, “Ya Rasoolallah! Whose presence is being awaited?” The Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Ahmed Raza Khan.” The blessed Saint then asked, “Who is Ahmed Raza Khan?” The Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) answered, “An Aalim from Bareilly.'
This Saint immediately journeyed from Syria to Bareilly Shareef to meet Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah), but to his dismay, he learnt that Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) had already departed from this world.
It is said by those true lovers of Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) that after he passed away he was spiritually transported to Madinatul Munawwarah to be close to the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam). They say this because once, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) personally said: “The time of demise is close and India is India. But, I do not even feel like passing away in Makka. My desire is this, that I should pass away with Imaan in Madinatul Munawwarah and then be buried with kindness in Jannatul Baqi. Almighty Allah is Most Powerful.” The date of the Wisaal of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) was actually deduced by himself from the Holy Qur'an four months and twenty days prior to his passing away: “And there shall be passed around them silver vessels and goblets.” [76:15]
The benevolence of Allah Ta'ala and His most beloved Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wasallam) remained with Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) till his demise. He said that my weakness has left me in such a state that I may not even recognise some of my own relatives but all the matters of the Shari'ah are still with me and I have not forgotten any of them.
May Allah Ta'ala shower abundant blessings on the grave of the great Imam and may He raise us with him on the Day of Judgement. Aameen.
MAZAAR SHAREEF
The Mazaar Shareef (Blessed Tomb) of Sayyidi A'la Hadrat Imam Ahmed Raza (Alaihir Rahmah) is situated in the Mohalla Saudagran, Bareilly Shareef in India (U.P.). Each year, in the month of Safar, during the 'Urs Shareef of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah), hundreds of thousands of Muslims from all over the world present themselves in Bareilly Shareef to partake in the 'Urs Shareef of the Mujaddid of Islam, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah). ORGANISATIONS AND INSTITUTES SPIRITUALLY AFFILIATED TO IMAM AHMED RAZA KHAN BARELWI
In the year 1904, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah) founded “Darul Uloom Manzare Islam” in Bareilly Shareef. This great religious institution has thus far served the Muslim world superbly. Each year, a large number of students graduate from this institution as Fadhils, Aalims, Hufaaz and Qur'ra. With the exception of Madressa Manzare Islam, there are also scores of institutes and organisations world-wide that are spiritually affiliated to Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelwi (Alaihir Rahmah). http://www.taajushshariah.com/Imam%20Ahmed%20Rida.htm
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