No tribute to Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu) could
be complete without understanding the sustained restlessness of the Imam in
providing true leadership throughout his life, when he was faced with leading
the Muslims in a fragile moment in the history of Islam in the Indo-Pak
sub-continent. The continued emergence of false sects like the Qadianis,
Wahabis, and other sects which sought to prove that Almighty Allah indulges in
falseness - Ma'aazallah, Summa Ma'aazallah - proved a genuine threat when
these sects began imitating unsuspecting but uneducated Muslims into their fold.
It was against such a background that Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu)
rose forth to defend the true Islamic principles as a scholarly giant, and in
doing so, also succeeded in securing a place in the Urdu language as a literary
giant in Na'athia Kalam.
In typical tyrannical behaviour, the envious opponents of the
Imam embarked on futile attempts at issuing propaganda aiming to discredit the
Imam by labelling him as an "innovator" and "mischief maker"; and announcing
that the sole providers of Islamic research in the Indo-Pak sub-continent were
the Deobandi Ulema. It is interesting to note that history has proved that the
volume of work the Imam had completed in Islamic Research singlehandedly was
beyond the capability of the entire Deobandi Ulema to this day.
We thank the Almighty Allah that as He unfolds the truth before
the masses. Islamic scholars the world over are recognising the Imam's
superiority in issuing Islamic judicial decrees with incisiveness and
substantiated detail. Today, expensive research is being taken on the Imam's
writings and decrees the world over in the Urdu, Persian, Arabic and English
languages. Special permissions for such research were made in Birmingham
University, England, Holland, India and Pakistan.
Little publicised is the fact that Imam Ahmed Raza (radi
Allahu anhu) produced more researched decrees in annihilating Bid'at
practices in India in the last century than any other scholar. Established
anti-Islamic customs in Muslim society were accepted without question until Imam
Ahmed Raza started a reform campaign armed with Quranic injunctions and
researched Hadith to wipe out such customs.
More than just issuing Fatawas, Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu
anhu) prepared researched treatises on an academic level on these issues
which fast saw the decline of most of the anti-Islamic practices. To this day
the Muslim masses benefit from his Fatawa-e-Razvia,
Ahkam-e-Shariat, Irfaan-e-Shariat, Al Malfooz,
Fatawa-e-Africa, etc. which deal with deal with almost every masaa'il of
our day-to-day life.
Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu) was very sensitive to
the pains and afflictions that befell the Muslim Ummah. In this regard he used
every scholarly resource at his disposal to assist the Muslims regain their
honour in the face of all anti-Islamic forces.
In his Hada'iq-e-Bakshish he wrote an entire nazm "Soona
Jungle" warning the Muslims about safeguarding their Imaan. This Nazm became
very popular with the masses as its clear message was arranged in a style that
appealed to the masses. It should be the duty of the Ulema and organisers of
Meelad to popularise this Nazm in our society as it stirs up the fear of
Almighty Allah and the Aakirah in the minds of the listeners.
GREAT BREAKTHROUGH AT THE AL AHZAR
UNIVERSITY: The famous Al Azhar University in Cairo,
Egypt has granted permission for a graduate to research on the topic of A'la
Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu) and his services for Hanafi
Fiqah. This research is towards the M.Phil. Degree and Mustaq Ahmed Shah
of Pakistan is doing this research.
IMAM AHMED RAZA AND MEDICINE (TIBB): Hakeem Mohammed Saeed
Dehlwi, the founder of Madinatul Hikmat University, Karachi (Research Centre for
Unani Medicine) and owner of Hamdard Dawa Khana did research and compiled A'la
Hazrat's (radi Allahu anhu) theory about medicine. The
book is titled, "Imam Ahmed Raza aur Fann Tibb," and is printed and
published in Pakistan.
IMAM AHMED RAZA FOUNDATION: The IARF was recently
established in the Kerala State India to research and propagate the teachings of
Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu).
NEW TRANSLATIONS OF IMAM AHMED RAZA PUBLISHED: The "Islamic
Times" of the U.K. has recently published two articles by A'la Hazrat (radi
Allahu anhu).
These are: (1) "A Commentary upon Paper Currency Notes," which was
researched and translated by Dr. Muhammad A. Junejo and (2) "Imam Ahmed
Raza and Topology," by Dr. Abdul Naim Azizi of Jasoli, Bareilly
Shareef.
HISTORIC A'LA HAZRAT MAZAAR STAMP PRINTED BY GOVERNMENT OF
INDIA: The Postal Services Department of the Indian
government have acknowledged the Islamic and Academic services of the great
Mujaddid (Reviver) of Islam, A'la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaderi
(radi Allahu anhu). They have printed a new Indian stamp portraying the
Mazaar Shareef of A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) in full colour. The
words "A'la Hazrat Barelvi" have been printed along the side of the stamp in
English and Hindi. This stamp is currently being sold at all Post Offices in
India. This is India's way of saluting a great genius and Islamic scholar of his
time, A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu).
RESEARCH WORK ON IMAM AHMED RAZA KHAN: Hazrat Maulana Ahmed
Raza Khan, an eminent jurist, also known as A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu)
was born at
Bareilly, India in 1856. He completed the Holy Quran at the age of four
and became astonishingly well-versed in more than fifty branches of
learning, pertaining to Ancient Sciences, Current Sciences and Oriental
Learnings and left contributions in all these academic disciplines.
At Makkah Mu'azzama and Madina Munawwara, he was visited by
many scholars who received diplomas and fatawas from him. Due to his distinction
in this field, the Islamic world acknowledged him as a great Jurist. The
renowned poet of the East, Dr. Allama Iqbal, remarked, "Such a genius and
intelligent Jurist did not emerge." Despite being well-versed in scores of
branches of knowledge, he restricted his interest to the following
branches:
1. To support and defend the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam).
2. To uproot the innovations
prevalent in the Muslim society.
3. To issue fatawa according to
the Hanafi School of Jurisprudence.
In short, he was a Jurist, Theologian and a Reformer whose life
revolved around the motto "Love the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam)." In recognition of this eminent personalities life, the following
researches are being carried out by these individuals, amongst others:
1. Dr. Usha Saanpaal, Ph.D Colombo University, "Ahmed
Raza and the Ahle-Sunnat Wa Jamaat Movement (1921-1947)", Oxford University,
Press, New Delhi.
2. Dr. Ghulaam Qureshi Dastageer, who translated A'la
Hazrat's Qalaam in English which was published in the "Islamic Times" U.K.
3. Muhammed Muazzam Ali who wrote "Fundamental Faith of
Islam -Treaties of Ahmed Raza"
4. Prof. J.M. Baljo of Leiden University, Holland, who
presented and delivered research material on A'la Hazrat at an international
forum.
5. British scholar, Dr Muhammad Haroon, who has compiled
a thesis on "The World Importance of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Bareilly."
RESEARCH AND TRANSLATION OF A'LA HAZRAT'S WORKS: A'la
Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), the Muslim Revivalist
(Mujaddid) of the previous Islamic Century, wrote and compiled numerous
commentaries and treatises on various topics. As an author, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan
Al-Qaderi (radi Allahu anhu) has left to his credit more than a thousand
books on fifty different subjects ranging from Tafseer, Logic, Grammar,
Literature, Islamic Jurisprudence, Education, Sociology, Astronomy, Mathematics,
Physics, History, Science of History, Engineering, Biographies, Philosophy,
Mysticism to Persian, Arabic, Urdu and Hindi Literature. His poetry includes
such works as "Mustapha Jaan-e-Rahmat."
At present, many Islamic and Western universities, colleges and
Darul Uloom's, throughout the world, are researching and translating the works
of this great Muslim scholar. Some of the countries in which research is being
carried out are: India, Pakistan, United States of America, England, Holland,
Saudi Arabia, Egypt and South Africa. Perhaps one of his more famous scientific
theories lies in his proof that the sun and other bodies revolve around the
earth!
UNIVERSITIES CONDUCTING RESEARCH ON A'LA HAZRAT'S WORKS:
More than twenty five Universities throughout the world are actively researching
the works of the great Islamic Scholar and Saint, A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu
anhu).
"KANZUL IMAAN" NOW AVAILABLE: "Kanzul Imaan", the
internationally renowned Urdu translation of the Holy Quran by A'la Hazrat, Imam
Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaderi (radi Allahu anhu) has been translated into the
English language by many Islamic scholars.
This momentous task was first undertaken by Professor Fatimi, a
highly acclaimed academic of the University of Kuwait. He had it published in
Karachi, Pakistan. The second translation was undertaken by Professor Shah
Fareedul Haq of Pakistan and was published in India and Pakistan. The commentary
notes on "Kanzul Imaan" by Sadrul Faadhil, Maulana Na'eemuddeen Muradabadi
(rahmatullah alaihi) has been translated into the English language by Dr.
Professor Majeedullah of Lahore, Pakistan.
A'la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza's (radi Allahu anhu)
translation of the Holy Quran - "Kanzul Imaan" - is now available from our
offices. This translation of the Holy Quran is in the English language, but is
without a commentary (Tafseer). It is a must in every Muslim home.
KANZUL IMAAN IN SINDHI: The Urdu translation of the Quran,
"Kanzul Imaan" by A'la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) has been translated
into the Sindhi language by Mufti Muhammad Raheem Sikandari.
KANZUL IMAN - HOLY QURAN IN CREOLE LANGUAGE: In Mauritius A'la Hazrat's Kanzul Iman has been translated
into the Creole language, thanks to the combined effort of Maulana Mansoor
and Maulana Najeeb of Mauritius. This historic translation of the Holy
Quran was first published on 17-01-96 under the guidance and patronage of
the Khatib of the Jaame Masjid Mauritius, Hazrat Allama Shameem Ashraf
Azhari. Many Ulema and politicians also partook in this great service. The
translation was greatly welcomed and accepted by all.
NEW RESEARCH MATERIAL ON A'LA HAZRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU):
Three new research thesis on A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) by Professor Dr.
Muhammad Mas'ood Ahmad was published in Pakistan. Two of his books, viz.
"Fundamental Faith of Islam" and "Imam Ahmad Raza - The Reformer of the Muslim
World", are in English and one in Arabic. Whilst numerous
books and research on A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) has been published in Urdu,
only a limited material is available in English and Arabic. This move is,
therefore, greatly encouraged. (Ashrafia Monthly Mubarakpur)
PH.D ON A'LA HADRAT: Twenty-one (21) Scholars in Pakistan
have completed their research works on A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) and have received
their Doctrate. Amongst them were:
1. Professor Dr Hafiz Abdul Baari Siddiqi
2. Professor Dr Majeedullah Qaaderi, who is also doing a
indepth research on the works of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu).
FATAWA RADAWIYYAH: Alhamdulillah, eleven volumes of
A'la Hazrat's (radi Allahu anhu) scholarly work "Fatawa Radawiyyah" has now been published by Darul
Uloom Amjadiya under the expert supervision of Qari Raza-ul-Mustapha Azmi.
This famous work, which contains hundreds of questions and answers
pertaining to almost every aspect of Islamic life, is in the Urdu
language.
T.V. DOCUMENTARY ON A'LA HAZRAT: An investigative and
informative documentary on the life and services of A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu
anhu) was broadcast by the National Pakistan Television. It was featured as
a special programme of "Television Encyclopedia." This programme was unanimously
applauded and due to popular public demand it was presented once again on the
occasion of Urs-e-Razvi. Consequently, a learned and well-known scholar of
"Razviat," Sayyed Aarif Ali Razvi, of Kalyaan Bombay has exhorted the
Doordarshan, India's state television channel, to present an indepth documentary
on the life of Imam Ahmed Raza (radi Allahu anhu).
A'LA HAZRAT'S HISTORY INCLUDED IN ENCYCLOPEDIA: The Islamic
book publications section of the Punjab University is to launch a new Urdu
Encyclopedia of Islam. In the 10th volume, pages 278 to 287, incorporates a
brief history of the life and works of A'la Hazrat, Imam-e-Ahle Sunnat, Imam
Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). This brief history was
prepared by Professor Dr Muhammad Ma'sud Ahmed, M.A. Phd., on the request
of Dr.Sayed Abdullah.
RESEARCH ON A'LA HAZRAT'S "FAUZ-E-MOBEEN": Scientists from
the Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad have taken a keen interest in
researching A'la Hazrat's (radi Allahu anhu) "Fauz-e-Mobeen" which deals
with the movement of the sun and planets around the earth. At present,
research is about to commence on the subject.
CHRISTIAN CONVERTS TO ISLAM AFTER READING "KANZUL IMAAN": In 1974, Dr. Hannif Faatimi of London University brought the Professor of
Kuwait an English translation of "Kanzul Imaan" (A'la Hazrat's
translation of the Holy Quran) for printing. Prof. Faatimi at that time
had met a Christian scholar who had revealed that he was interested in
reading more about Islam. Prof. Faatimi was two-minded about giving him an
English copy of Kanzul Imaan. Eventually, he gave him a copy to read. The
Christian scholar, after reading this translation, accepted Islam.