Biography - Mufti Akhtar Raza Khan Qadri Azhari, Huzoor Taaj ush Shariah

About:
The Grand Mufti of India, The Crown of Islamic Law, The Jurist of Islam, Leader of the Ulama, The Official Representative of the Ghaus and Mujaddid of this era Mufti-e-A'zam, Taajush Shari'ah Mufti Muhammad Akhtar Rida Khan al-Qadiri al-Azhari.

BIRTH:
Huzoor Taajush Shariah Hadrat Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Qaderi Azhari Qilba was born on the 26th of MuHarram 1362H / 2nd of February 1943 in Bareilly Shareef, the city of spirituality and learning.

HIS POSITION IN THE SILSILA:
Huzoor Taajush Shariah, Rahbar-e-Tariqat, Ja Nasheen-e-Mufti-e-Azam, Na’ibe Hujjatul Islam, Fakhr-e-Ahle Sunnat, Hadrat Allama Maulana Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Qadri Azhari Qibla is the Forty Third Sheikh of Silsila and the present inheritor of the knowledge, wisdom and spiritualism from the court of A’la Hadrat (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho).

HIS FATHER AND FOREFATHERS:
Huzoor Taajush Shariah is the son of Mufassir-e-Azam Hind Hadrat Jilani Mia (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho). What can be said about his blessed personality whose great gradfather is A’la Hadrat Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), and whose grandfathers are Huzoor Hujjatul Islam (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho).

HIS CLOSE RELATIONSHIP T0 A’LA HADRAT:
He is linked to A’la Hadrat (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) through both his parents. His father Huzoor Jilani Mia (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) is the son of Huzoor Hujjatul Islam (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and his blessed mother is the daughter of Ghausul Waqt Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho).

EDUCATION:
He attained his knowledge at the feet of pious and great personalities in his family and other learned Ulama of the time and then journeyed to Egypt in 1963 and remained there until 1966, where he excelled and post-graduated in Arabic literature and Islamic Studies with specialization in Hadith and Tafseer.

CLOSENESS TO HUZOOR MUFTI-E-AZAM HIND:
On returning home from Egypt, Taajush Shariah Qibla attained even more closeness in the court of his maternal grandfather, Ghausul Waqt Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho). Hadrat loved him dearly and showed deep compassion and caring towards him. Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) in his lifetime on this world blessed Huzoor Taajush Shariah with Ijaazat and Khilaafat and granted him a very exalted position when he appointed him his Ja Nasheem (spiritual successor).

KARAAMAAT:
As for the issue of Karaamats, then he is a karaamat himself and the greatest karaamat of Huzoor Taajush Shariah Qibla, is his steadfastness on the Shariah.

PROPAGATION:
Huzoor Taajush Shariah is no doubt the Torch Bearer of Maslak-e-A’la Hadrat in the world today and is the personality whose blessings are assisting us in every single day of our lives. With the exception of him being a great poet, Huzoor Taajush Shariah Qibla is also a dynamic orator and author. Hadrat has written numerous books in both the Urdu and Arabic languages. Some of the books written by Huzoor Taajush Shariah are:

1. Tasweeron Ka Hukm
2. T.V. Aur Video Ka Operation
3. Difa-e-Kanzul Imaan
4. Al Haqqul Mobeen (Arabic)
5. Me’ratun Najdiah (Arabic)
6. Fatwa Regarding Wearing of the Tie (English)
7. Aasaar-e-Qiyaamat (Also available in English)
8. Shumool al-Islam (Arabic Translation)
9. Al haad al-Kaaf (Arabic Translation)
10. Al Amn wa al-Ula (Arabic Translation) etc etc.

One of his latest books “Aasaar-e-Qiyaamat” is a masterpiece on the signs of Qayaamat and has been translated into English as well and is available from the Imam Mustafa Raza Research Centre in South Africa. Huzoor Taajush Shariah Qibla has millions of mureeds throughout the world and numerous Khulafa, who direct their attention to this great Sheikh for their educational and spiritual upliftment.

TAAJUSH SHARIAH HADRAT ALLAMA MUFTI MOHAMMED AKHTAR RAZA KHAN QADRI AZHARI QIBLA IS THE QAAZI-UL-QUZ’ZAAH (CHIEF JUSTICE) OF INDIA

There are numerous religious affairs of Muslims, such as; the appointment of an Imam and Khateeb for Jummah and both Eids, issues relating to administration of the inheritance of an orphan child who has no legal guardian, issues regarding annulment of marriages and numerous other issues related to separation between husband and wife and in the same way there are many other contentions relating to judicial issues, for all of which, it is extremely necessary to have a Qaazi (Muslim Justice) in authority. It is thus necessary for every city, district, province and country to have a Muslim Justice (Religious Judge) in authority, so that the affairs of the Muslims may be properly settled.

Where there is a Sovereign Muslim State, there, it is the responsibility of the Sovereign Righteous Muslim Ruler (Sultaanul Islam) to appoint the Qaazi and where there is no Sovereign Muslim State, then there, the Most Knowledgeable amongst the Ulama-e-Deen is regarded by the being appointed by the Will of Allah as the Qaazi and the one responsible for the administration of the General appointment of leadership responsibilities and the judicial affairs of the Muslims. It is he who is appointed as being appointed from the Divine Court of Allah as the Islamic leader, The Guardian of the Religion of Islam and the Muslim Justice in authority and it becomes Waajib (compulsory) upon the Muslims to turn towards him in order to resolve their religious and other issues.

In the situation where there is no Sultaan al-Islam (Righteous Muslim Ruler), the administration and management of appointment is the responsibility of the Ulama and their aides. It becomes their responsibility to appoint the Most Knowledgeable Aalim as the Qaazi of their affairs. It is the responsibility of the Ulama and their aides of a district to appoint a Qaazi for their district. Likewise it is the responsibility of the Ulama and their aides to appoint a Qaazi for their respective province, whilst it is the responsibility of the Ulama and the aides on the entire country to appoint the “Qaazi-Ul-Quz’zaah” (Chief Justice) for the entire country. In a case where the Ulama and the aides are negligent and apathetic in the issues of managing the said responsibility, then the general (Muslim) public may together mutually agree on appointing a Qaazi for the reason of deciding their religious cases and affairs. Now, if both the general public and the responsible member of community are negligent of this responsibility, then the most knowledgeable amongst the Ulama as per the Will of Allah will be regarded as the Qaazi and it will be become necessary upon the Muslims to turn towards him for their religious affairs.

Aala Hadrat (Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) states in Fatawa Razvia as follows: “In the affairs of the Muslims and for the reason of granting rights of administration for (the property) of Muslim minors (children), it is a necessary condition, for the Qaazi to be a Muslim. Thus it is clear about the necessity of Muslim Justices with authority in the Shariah in a Muslim state and where in reality there is no Islamic State, and the Muslims there have together after consultation appointed a Muslim as the Qaazi to settle their religious cases, then he will be regarded as per the Shariah he is regarded as the Qaazi. It is compulsory upon the Muslims to turn towards him for settlement of their affairs and they should act upon his commands. He should appoint the administrators of the affairs of the orphans who have no legal guardians and those minors who have no legal guardians should be married (when reaching age) on his recommendation.” [Fatawa Razvia, Vol. 7 – Page 338]

He (Aala Hadrat Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) further says, “To fulfill these religious necessities, to appoint a Qaazi after mutual agreement for these affairs and for the reason of appointing an Imam and Khatib for Jummah and for both the Eids, and in separation cases of Li’aan (cursing by parties in marriage), Unain (rulings regarding an impotent person), issues of taking a wife, rulings regarding minors without guardians and the annulment of marriages and related issues of puberty and other examples such as these, in which there is no legal implications, then, to appoint someone for this is without doubt advisable. Even the government has never objected to this. Even those people who have appointed their groups and have even sorted out their financial and religious as their primary system, then, this in this too, they find no objection from government.”

The most knowledgeable amongst the Ulama in the Country is made the Qaazi of his city and his jurisdiction and authority is his city including the nearest and furthest areas of (the city) and all its suburbs. The authority of the most knowledgeable Aalim of a district is his district. The authority of the most knowledgeable Aalim of a state is his entire state, whereas the authority and jurisdiction of the most knowledgeable amongst all the Ulama in the country is in different cities, towns and states through the agreement of the Ulama and aides of the numerous cities, towns and states, for the administration of (affairs) and actually (he) has authority over the entire country.

After presenting the above detailed discussion, it must be said that both the general Muslim masses and the special servants amongst the Muslims know well that the Markaz (Centre) of the Ahle Sunnat is “BAREILLY SHAREEF”, from where, for more than two hundred years the responsibility of guiding the Muslims in their religious and social affairs is being fulfilled. It is the result of this exceptionally given Direction and Judicial masterfulness, that the entire Ahle Sunnat wa Jama’at has recognized Bareilly Shareef as the Markaz.

The personality of the Mujaddid (Reformer) of the 14th Century Hijri Mujaddid-e-Azam Imam-e-Ahle Sunnat Aala Hadrat (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) needs no introduction. This is that unique personality of the Era and this Emperor of Hanafi Fiqh who was the most knowledgeable personality in the country. On the basis of his vast knowledge and is masterfulness in Islamic Jurisprudence, Aala Hadrat (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) was appointed in the exalted position of Chief Justice of the entire undivided India by the Will of Allah. He was the direction of the entire Muslims masses and the Ulama of India and he was the one towards who all turned for religious decrees. Aala Hadrat (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) then appointed his beloved student (and son) Mufti-e-Azam Aalam-e-Islam Hadrat Allama Mufti Mohammed Mustafa Raza Qadri and his chosen student and Khalifa Sadrush Shariah Hadrat Allama Mufti Mohammed Amjad Ali Razvi (May their blessings be upon us) as the Chief Justices of the entire India, just as it was mentioned in detail and presented in numerous composition on Moon Sighting, during the second seminar on Islamic Jurisprudence hosted by “SHAR’I COUNCIL OF INDIA”

Then, Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) appointed Sultanul Fuqaha Taajush Shariah Hadrat Allama Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Al Qadri as his True Successor and Spiritual Heir handing him authority over all his Religious affairs such as in the field of issuing decrees and in Judicial matters and at the same time granted him authority over all his spiritual affairs. In other words, Huzoor Taajush Shariah is actually the Chief Justice of the entire India, and it is for this reason that in Bareilly Shareef, the general Muslim masses and the ulama turn towards him for advice in appointment of Imam and Khatib for the Jummah and both Eids and for the announcement of Moon Sighting confirmations and all other issues related to jurisprudence and decrees and he inturn fulfills this great responsibility and due to his vast knowledge and his masterful ability in jurisprudence, his is appointed by the Will of Allah for the Leadership and the responsibility of Qaazi and the entire India accepts him as the one to turn towards in issues of judiciary and for religious decrees.

This year, during the Urs-e-Razvi, in an audience of hundreds of thousands, and in the presence of scores of learned Ulama and other religious Dignitaries, Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer (Hadrat Allama Mufti Zia ul Mustafa Qadri Amjadi Qibla) announced that Huzoor Taajush Shariah is the Chief Justice of India as appointed through The Will of Allah and all the Ulama and Muslim masses present during this massive gathering immediately and wholeheartedly accepted this grand announcement. At the time of this announce on the state of Urs-e-Razvi, there were Ulama and Religious Dignitaries from all over India and from other countries in the World as well, such as from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Lanka, Africa, Zimbabwe, Holland and London. Also present were numerous Masha’ikh of highly acclaimed Khanqahs and Centre so learning.

A few of many that were present during this gathering are being named below:

1. Sadrul Ulama Hadrat Allama Mufti Tehseen Raza Khan, who is the grandson of Ustaz-e-Zaman Allama Hassan Raza Khan (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho). He is also famously known as Muhadith-e-Bareilly. He is currently the Principal of Jami’atur Rida.

2. Ja Nasheen Faateh Bilgiraam, Raeesul Atqiya Hadrat Allama Haafiz Qaari Sayyid Uwais Mustafa Waasti Qaadri Bilgiraami. He is the Sajjada Nasheen of Khanqah-e- Qadria, Chishtia, Razaqiyya Barkaatia in Bilgiraam Shareef, in other words the Sajjada of the Great Predecessor and Forefather of the Sayyids Bilgiraam Shareef and Marehrah Shareef and Masoli Shareef, in other words

Majma’ul Bahrain Imamul Awliyah Faateh Bilgiraam Sayyid Muhammad Da’watus Sughra who was the mureed and Khalifa of Khaja-e-Thaani Khaja Qutbud’deen Bakhtiyaar Kaaki alaihimur rahma. After hearing the announcement regarding Huzoor Taajush Shariah being appointed Chief Justice, he said, “The stability of the systematic order of this world is unshakable through a few chosen personalities. In this century, the personality through whom this stability of the systematic order of the world can be seen seems to be Huzoor Taajush Shariah. Almighty Allah only causes such personalities to be born after centuries. He is truly worthy of the position of “Qaazi ul Quzzah” and “Mufti-e-Azam” (of this era) and this grand status is now only befitting his personality.”

3. Bahrul Uloom Hadrat Allama Mufti Abdul Man’naan Saaheb A’zmi. He is a highly acclaimed Teacher and Mufti and is currently the Head of the Darul Ifta (Fatwa Dept) at Shamsul Uloom in Ghousi (India).

It must also be noted that after this announcement, Huzoor Taajush Shariah stood up and appointed Mumtazul Fuqaha Hadrat Muhadith-e-Kabeer Allama Zia ul Mustafa Al Qaadri as the Deputy Chief Justice and announced this appointment. Huzoor Taajush Shariah commanded Maulana Mohammed Shu’aib Raza Saaheb to explain the reason for this appointment further. Maulana Shu’aib Raza (out of modesty) presented Mufti Me’raj Al Qaadri to present this (which he did).

After this, during the third Fiqh Seminar of “SHAR’I COUNCIL OF INDIA’ when there were more than sixty highly accredited Ulama from numerous cities and states present, Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer once again announced the appointment of Huzoor Taajush as Chief Justice and all of them accepted him as Chief Justice for the entire India without any protest and all those present supported this announcement. Now, with the exception of the fact that Huzoor Taajush Shariah by the Will of Allah is the Chief Justice, the Ulama and the other people of knowledge and wisdom have unanimously agreed to this and as per their agreement as well, he is regarded as the Chief Justice.

Amongst those present at this seminar were the following learned personalities:

1. Mumtazul Fuqaha, Muhadith-e-Kabeer Hadrat Allama Mufti Zia ul Mustafa Saaheb Qibla

2. Ustazul Fuqaha Hadrat Allama Mufti Qaazi Abdur Raheem Bastavi (Markazi Darul Ifta Bareilly Shareef)

3. Haawi-e-Usool wa Furoo’ Hadrat Allama Mufti Aashiqur Rahmaan Saaheb (Principal Jaamia Habeebia Ilahabad)

4. Jaami’ Maqoolaat wa Manqoolaat Hadrat Allama Mufti Shabeer Hassan Saheb (Principal and Sheikhul Hadith Jamia Islamia Ronaahi)

5. Mu’ammar Qawm-o-Millat Hadrat Allama Shabihul Qadri Saaheb Qibla

6. Hadrat Allama Maulana Mufti Muhammad Ayoob Saheb Naeemi (Principal Jaamia Naeemia Muradabad)

7. Shahzada-e-Sadrush Shariah Hadrat Allama Baba ul Mustafa Saaheb Qibla (Teacher Jamia Manzare Islam Bareilly Shareef)

8. Shahzada-e-Sadrush Shariah Hadrat Allama Fida ul Mustafa Saaheb (Teacher Jamia Shamsul Uloom Ghosi)

9. Hadrat Allama Maulana Sayyid Shaahid Mia Saaheb Qibla Rampuri

10. Hadrat Allama Maulana Salmaan Raza Khan Saaheb Qibla

11. Hadrat Allama Maulana Mufti Merajul Qadri (Teacher Jamia Ashrafiyah Mubarakpur)

12. Hadrat Allama Maulana Mufti Naazim Saheb Qibla (Teacher Jamia Ashrafiyah Mubarakpur)

13. Hadrat Allama Mufti Shu’aib Raza Saaheb Dehli

14. Hadrat Allama Maulana Sagheer Ahmed Jhokanpuri (Rector Al Jamiatul Qadria Richa)

15. Hadrat Allama Mufti Qaazi Qaazi Shaheed Aalam Saaheb Qibla

16. Hadrat Allama Maulana Mufti Muhammad Naazim Ali (Markazi Darul Ifta)

17. Hadrat Allama Maulana Mufti Habeebullah Khan Naeemi (Teacher Fazl Rahmaaniyyah Balrampur)

18. Hadrat Allama Mufti Akhtar Hussain Saaheb (Teacher Jaamia Aleemia Jamdashahi)

19. Hadrat Allama Maulana Mufti Azeez Ahsan Saaheb (Principal Tadreesul Islaam Basdila)

20. Hadrat Allama Maulana Mufti Fazle Ahmad Saaheb (Banaras)

21. Naqeeb-e-Ahle Sunnat Hadrat Allama Maulana Ali Ahmed Saaheb Siwaani..

This is a great happiness for the Ahle Sunnat wa Jamaat, that the family of Aala Hadrat (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) has been continuing in this great service of the Islamic Judiciary. We pray for Almighty Allah to keep the blessings of Huzoor Taajush Shariah over us for a long time and may we be blessed with being compliant subjects to affairs of religion directed from his court. Aameen bi jaahi Sayyidil Mursaleen (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam).

CONCLUSION:
Huzoor Taajush Shariah Qibla is currently residing in Bareilly Shareef and travels the world spreading his rays of knowledge and spiritualism, giving comfort to the hearts and souls of those thirsty for knowledge, wisdom and true guidance. Hadrat is currently having a massive Darul Uloom constructed in Bareilly Shareef called “Jami’atur Rida” which is already a source of knowledge and inspiration for those wanting to quench their thirst for knowledge and spiritualism.

I sincerely pray that Almighty Allah grants him long life and good health and allows his dream of constructing a Darul Uloom of this caliber to be completely fulfilled. We also make dua that ALMIGHTY ALLAH blesses Hadrat with a long and healthy life and we pray through his blessing for the karam of all the Masha’ikh to be upon us forever. Aameen!