Hujjat al-Islam Shaykh Hamid Rida
al-Qadiri Barakati Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu
HIS POSITION IN THE
SILSILA:
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.
— —
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Extracted from
Tadhkira Mashaikh-e-Qadiriyah Barakatiya Ridawiyah
Urdu: Mawlana Abdul
Mujtaba Ridawi |
English:
Mawlana Aftab Qasim