Jaisoli, Bareilly, UTTAR PRADESH :

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi, also known as Aala Hazrat, was an influential Indian Islamic scholar, poet, and founder of the Barelvi movement. Renowned for his extensive writings on Islamic law, Sufism, and devotion to Prophet Muhammad, his legacy endures through his scholarly works and spiritual teachings.

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi, reverentially known as Aala Hazrat, was an eminent Indian Islamic scholar, poet, and the founder of the Barelvi movement and the Razvi branch of the Qadri Sufi order. Renowned for his vast contributions to Islamic law, philosophy, and the sciences, Aala Hazrat is celebrated as a polymath by scholars worldwide, including the prominent Western historian Francis Robinson. His work emphasised the importance of Islamic law, Sufi practices, and deep devotion to Prophet Muhammad. Over his lifetime, he authored several hundred books in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, including the monumental thirty-volume “Fatawa Razawiya” and the widely respected translation of the Quran, “Kanzul Iman.”

Early Life and Education

 Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was born on June 14, 1856, in the neighbourhood of Jaisoli in Bareilly, India. His family, belonging to the Barech tribe of Pashtuns, had roots in Kandahar, Afghanistan, before migrating to Lahore and eventually settling in Bareilly. His birth name was Muhammad, later given the historical name ‘Al-Mukhtar.’ However, it was his great-grandfather, Raza Ali Khan, who suggested the name Ahmad Raza. This name became synonymous with Islamic scholarship and piety across the Indian subcontinent.

From a young age, Ahmad Raza Khan received his education under the tutelage of his father, Naqi Ali Khan, a renowned scholar in his own right. By the age of six, he had completed the recitation of the Quran, and by eight, he had written his first commentary on “Hidayat al-Nahw.” His profound intellectual abilities were evident early on, as he delivered a two-hour lecture on Islamic theology at the age of six, leaving the audience in awe of his knowledge and wisdom.

His education continued under the guidance of various esteemed scholars, including Mirza Ghulam Qadir Beg and his father, who taught him Arabic, Persian, and various Islamic sciences. By the age of ten, he had authored a margin on “Muslim al-Thubut” and had begun his lifelong journey of teaching and writing.

Literary Contributions

 Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi’s scholarly output is both vast and diverse. His most famous work, the thirty-volume “Fatawa Razawiya,” is a comprehensive collection of Islamic legal rulings that cover a wide array of theological, jurisprudential, and social issues. This work is considered a cornerstone of Hanafi jurisprudence and remains a vital reference for scholars worldwide.

Another significant contribution is his Urdu translation and interpretation of the Quran, “Kanzul Iman,” which is celebrated for its eloquence and depth of interpretation. His poetry collection, “Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish,” reflects his deep spiritual love for Prophet Muhammad and continues to inspire Muslims globally.

Ala Hazrat’s intellectual prowess is further demonstrated in his work “Al-Dawlat al-Makkiyya bi al-Madda al-Ghaybiyah,” which he authored during his second pilgrimage to Mecca. Remarkably, he completed this book in just eight hours, relying solely on his insight and memory. This feat earned him the title of “Mujaddid” (Reviver of Islam) from scholars across the Arab world.

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan’s literary contributions are numerous, with over a thousand books and treatises to his name. Some of his most notable works include:

Fatawa Razaviyya, Kanzul Iman, Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish, Al-Dawlat al-Makkiyya, Subhan al-Sibyan, Al-Malfuz al-Sharif, Ahkam-e-Shariat, Amn-al-Wala’ li-Naa’it al-Mustafa, Tamheed-e-Iman, Al-Fuyuz al-Makkiyah, Husam al-Haramayn.

Teachers and Spiritual Lineage

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan’s education was shaped by several prominent scholars of his time, including his father, Naqi Ali Khan, and his grandfather, Raza Ali Khan. He also studied under Shah Al-i-Rasul, a respected scholar who greatly influenced his theological and spiritual education. During his pilgrimage to Mecca, he received further instruction from scholars like Ahmad Zayni Dahlan Makki and Abd al-Rahman Siraj Makki.

In 1877, Aala Hazrat, along with his father, took the Sufi initiation (Bait) in the Qadri order from Shah Al-Rasul Marehrwi and was granted spiritual succession (Khilafat). He received authorization to initiate disciples in several other Sufi orders, including the Chishti, Naqshbandi, and Suhrawardi orders.

Establishment of Darul Uloom Manzar-e-Islam

 In 1904, at the insistence of his close friend Syed Amir Ahmad and his student Zafaruddin Bihari, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan agreed to establish a new madrasa (Islamic school) in Bareilly. Named Darul Uloom Manzar-e-Islam, the institution began with just two students but soon became a significant centre of Islamic learning, attracting students from across the region.

Final Years and Legacy

 Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi passed away on Friday, 25th Safar 1340 AH (1921), at precisely 2:38 PM Indian Standard Time. His legacy continues to thrive through the Barelvi movement, which emphasises traditional Sunni beliefs, devotion to Prophet Muhammad, and the integration of Sufi practices into everyday life. His works remain a source of guidance and inspiration for millions of Muslims around the world.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Personality / by Sahil Razvi / August 20th, 2024