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.
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.
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.
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."
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.”
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”
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.”
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
Extracted from
Tadhkira Mashaikh-e-Qadiriyah Barakatiya Ridawiyah
Urdu: Mawlana Abdul Mujtaba Ridawi | English: Mawlana Aftab Qasim
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