Mufti Akhtar Raza Khan

Introduction

Haqq Raza; Ya Raza; Ya Hamid-o-Mustafa Raza Ya Sayyidi Akhtar Raza... Imdaad Kun!! 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). NAATS WRITTEN BY HIM: His love for the Holy Prophet can be seen flowing in the beautiful and eloquent manner he shows in writing Naats in praise of the Beloved Rasool SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. These Naats which he has written in the love of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam are proof enough of the deep love his possesses for the Master of the Green Dome Muhammadur Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Huzoor Taajush Shariah has written numerous Naats which have been compiled to form the beautiful compilation called “Safeena-e-Bakhshish” 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. 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!! A Man Among the Men of Allah - Mufti Akhtar Raza A Man Among the Men of Allah Mufti Akhtar Rida al-Qadiri Hafidhahullahu Ta'ala Shaykh al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen, Sultan al-Fuqaha, Faqeeh al-Asr, Taaj al-Shari'ah Mufti Muhammad Akhtar Rida Khan (may Allah preserve him) has produced a number of first-rate works/translations in various Islamic disciplines. Among them are (non-exhaustive list): 1) Mufti Akhtar Rida translated “al-Zulal al-Anqa Min Bahr Sabaqat al-Atqa” into Urdu which was written by Imam Ahmad Rida Khan in Arabic on the commentary of the verse “those who are most God-fearing will be far removed from it” (92:17). This scholarly commentary argues to establish that Sayyiduna Abu Bakr al-Siddique is the most virtuous companion. It contains arguments against Tafdhili Shi’ites and requires an in-depth understanding of Usul al-Tafsir and Usul al-Din. 2) Mufti Akhtar Rida wrote an Arabic commentary to a selection of Hadiths to Sahih al-Bukhari which is titled “Namudhaj Hashiyat al-Bukhari”. His strength and authenticity of arguments is very clear in the way he rebuts Ahmad Ali Saharanpuri in a number of Fiqh related issues. 3) He also wrote and excellent Usuli commentary to the Hadith of the intention “Actions are based upon intentions” which he called “Sharh Hadith al-Niyyah”. 4) [Fiqh/Hadith] The Shaykh dictated the translation to Imam Ahmad Riza Khan’s magnum opus work on the issue of combining prayers titled “Haajiz al-Bahrayn al-Waaqi an al-Jam bayn al-Salatayn” into Arabic. The work combines Fiqh with Hadith and perfectly illustrates how a faqih analyses Hadith evidences. 5) [Usul al-Hadith] Mufti Akhtar Rida fully dictated the Arabic translation to Imam Ahmad Rida Khan’s “al-Haad al-Kaaf Fi Hukm al-Di’aaf” (The Sufficient Guide on Weak Hadiths). It was published by Dar al-Sananbil of Damascus and Dar al-Hawi of Beirut in 2009. The work uniquely examines the definitions of weak Hadith, and their application and usage in areas of Fiqh uncovering Wahhabi fallacies in their understanding of their acceptance and rejection. It is ample with scholarly discussions and is an outstanding gift for the student and teacher as its signatory Sayyid Yusuf al-Hashimi al-Beiruti (p. 139) clearly points in his endorsement,   فوجدته فريدا في بابه، يغني عن تطلابه، ثقيل المضمون، منكوز العلم، مرصوص العبارة، دقيق المباحث، طويل النقول، يتعرض للعويصات والمشكلات. فبالجملة: إن الكتاب له قيمة علمية راقية   This book can be obtained from Dar al-Faqih in Abu Dhabi, Dar al-Dhiya lil-Nashr in Kuwait, Maktabah Tarim al-Hadithah in Tarim, Dar al-Salam in Cairo, Maktabah al-Tamam in Beirut and Dar al-Ulum al-Islamiyya in Indonesia. Six Ulama endorsed it with their remarks. They are: Abu Muhammad Musa Abduh Yusuf al-Is’haqi (from the Is’haqiyya Ashraf of Somali-Jeddah), Muhammad Anas Muhammad Saleem Murad who wrote the endorsement on behalf of his Shaykh Sa’d al-Din al-Murad (Jeddah), Sayyid Yusuf Muhammad Idris al-Hasani al-Husaini al-Hashimi (Beirut), Sayyid Yusuf Hashim Rifa’i (Kuwait), Shaykh Mahmud al-Huwt al-Nabhani (Halab, Syria) and Muhammad Nazim Ali Misbahi (Mubarakpur, India). Sayyid Yusuf al-Rifa’i (p. 240-1) thanks the Shaykh for producing the translation of a work that was much needed in the Arabic language such that it now “fills an empty area in the library of the Ah al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah” and addressed him saying “al-Allamah al-Mukarram al-Akh al-Shaykh al-Mubajjal al-Shaykh Akhtar Ridha” and “al-Allamah al-Hafid al-Da’iyah”. Shaykh Mahmud al-Huwt (p. 244-5) refers to the Shaykh as “al-Imam” and “Taaj al-Shari’ah” and claims that "he has never seen a work of its kind" saying,   فما أن أحظيت بهذا الكنز، وبصرت في عنوانه، وتمنعت في مقدمته، حتى أسلمني أوله إلى اخره، فقرأته في رحلته هذه، والحق أقول: إنني ما رأيت مؤلفا نسج على منواله، ولا كتابا حوى بديع خصاله   Shaykh Musa Abduh Yusuf al-Is’haqi (p. 236) calls the Shaykh “Mawlana wa-Ustadhuna al-Fadhil” among other revering names. Here is the Arabic,   ولقد قام مولانا وأستاذنا الفاضل وسليل السادة الأفاضل، شيخنا الأكبر ومرشدنا الأنور، تاج الشريعة سماحة المفتي محمد أختر خريج الجامع الأزهر بترجمة "الهاد الكاف في حكم الضعاف" من اللغة الأردية إلى اللغة العربية، وأضاف إليها إضافات سنية ومرضية من معلومات فائقة وشائقة، مما كسا الكتاب رونقا وجمالا، وزاده روعة وكمال، فلله دره، وأطال الله عمره، ويسر الله أمره، ورفع الله قدره، وأجزل الله أجره، ونفع بعلومه الخاص والعام من أهل الإسلام   6) Mufti Akhtar Rida dictated the complete Arabic translation of Imam Ahmad Rida Khan’s “al-Amnu wa al-Ula li-Naa’iti al-Mustafa bi-Daafi al-Bala” (Protection and Eminence for the Person who Praises the Chosen One as an Eliminator of Calamity) which was published Dar al-Nu’man, Damascus, 2009. This work is a scholarly refutation of Muftis that considered the “Salat Taajiyah” shirk on the basis that is impermissible to call anyone other than Allah “Daafi al-Balaa”. It categorically refutes the Wahhabi stance using numerous verses of al-Qur’an al-Karim and its commentaries and two hundred and eighteen Hadiths of the Noble Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) with their sources on the topic making it an encyclopaedic work. The muqaddima contains an excellent explanation to the types of Isnad and Nisbah highlighting the correct usage of this title for the Noble Prophet (may Allah bless him ad give him peace). The Shaykh put excellent Hadith notes to this work and his student created its bibliographical references. It contains a three page endorsement by the great fadhil and adeeb, Abdul Jaleel Ata in which he addresses the Shaykh with titles such as “Fadilat al-Allamah al-Jalil al-Shaykh Muhammad Akhtar Rida Khan”, “Taaj al-Shari’ah”, “Fadilat al-Shaykh al-Jalil al-Murabbi al-Fadil” and praises the scholarly activities of the Shaykh saying,   فاهنأ يا فضيلة الشيخ الجليل المربي الفاضل وأنت تنعش اثارا جليلة تحيي به وفاء واداء بعض ما أنت به قمين لنشر العلوم الغزيرة التي أنبتها روضكم العامر، وأثمرتها أشجاركم الباسقة. يناعة وغذاء للألباب والعقول والأفكار! ولا زلت كما مرّ أسلافك الكرام منارات اهتداء وأسنة مشرعة في الدفاع عن حصن الشريعة الغراء بكل عزة وشموخ وكبرياء. ولا زالت جهودنا الوضيعة في خدمة علومكم الغزيرة فتوة، وتمكّنا بفضل ما طوقتمونا به من ثقة وحسن ظن! فلنكن عند حسن ظنكم، ودام ظلكم الوارف لمزيد من إحياء اثار الجد الجليل، ولتدم منكم الهمة القعساء للنهوض بالأجيال القادمة تربية وتعليما وإرشادا، وحلما وتسديدا. وفقكم الله للمزيد، وفر أعينكم بكل محب مريد، وأدام عطاءكم بلا تحديد   7) Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan dictated the full translation of Shah Fazl al-Rasul Badayouni’s “al-Mu’taqad al-Muntaqad” from the Arabic into Urdu, and its commentary “al-Mu’tamad al-Mustanad” by Imam Ahmad Rida Khan. Those teaching Aqidah know how difficult of a text this work is. It contains many intricate discussions on Asma wa-Sifaat yet the Shaykh has effectively translated the work which when read in Urdu seems as though it was originally written in Urdu! The Shaykh translated this work throughout the car and aeroplane journey to Sri Lanka in 2003 and completed it within six months. This single example is sufficient to establish to our readers the immensity of the Shaykh’s knowledge and determined efforts to teach. 8) [Asma wa-Sifat] The Shaykh has dictated the translation to Imam Ahmad Riza Khan’s “Subhan al-Subbuh an Ayb Kadhib Maqbuh” into Arabic. I sat in one of awe-filling majalis to listen to the Shaykh’s mastery in the subject and translation of the text. This will be the largest known work on establishing the sifah of truth (sidq) for Allah Most Sublime and refuting the view of Imkan al-Kadhib. It shall shatter - by the aid of the Most Truthful - the Deobandi stance in Arabic when released. The work is a masterpiece in Asma wa-Sifat containing a wealth of rational and transmitted proofs. The translation is near completion, wal-hamdulillah. None other than an expert can embark such a task. 9) [Hadith/Aqidah] The Shaykh dictated the translation of “Shumul al-Islam li-Usul al-Rasul al-Kiram” by Imam Ahmad Rida Khan into Arabic on the Iman of the parents of our Noble Prophet (upon him peace and blessings). This was published along with the Shaykh’s study on the Father of Sayyiduna Ibrahim in Arabic titled “Tahqiq Anna Aba Ibrahim Tarih wa-laysa Azar”. These works were endorsed by the following Ulama: Sayyid Abdullah Fad’aq Hashimi (Da’iyah of Makkah and student of the late Sayyid Muhammad Alawi Maliki), who referred to the Shaykh as “Fadilat al-Imam al-Shaykh Muhammad Akhtar Ridha Khan al-Azhari al-Mufti al-Azam fi al-Hind” Shaykh Isa Mani al-Himyari (Muhadith of Dubai) who referred to the Shaykh as “al-Shaykh al-Aarif billah al-Muhadith Muhammad Akhtar Ridha al-Hanafi al-Qadiri al-Azhari” Shaykh Waathiq Fu’ad Ubaydi (Baghdad) who called him “Shaykhuna al-Jalil, Sahib al-Radd al-Qati, Murshid al-Saalikeen, al-Mahfouz bi-Rabb al-alameen, al-Aalim al-Fadhil” and “Taaj al-Shari’ah” Mufti Jamal Abdul Kareem al-Dabban (Baghdad) who referred to him as “al-Imam al-Allamah al-Qudwah Sahib al-Fadhilat al-Shaykh” 10) [Qasaid/Madih] During my stay in Jeddah in Dhul Hijjah (2009) after the completion of Haj, I visited Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan in Jeddah and witnessed his knowledge and piety. He gave his daily commentary on Qasidah Burdah (verses 90-91) fluently in Arabic which was being recorded (I personally possess 3 unedited audio cds). The Shaykh has memorised the entire Qasidah Burdah and Dalai’il al-Khayrat by heart. Every morning after Fajr, he recites the entire Burdah till sunrise. After every Asr prayer, he recites a section from Dala’il al-Khayrat. This has been his wird-occupation since teenage years. I witnessed this on the 13th morning of Dhul Hijjah in Mina and after Asr in Jeddah. The Shaykh has a Diwan to his name titled “Safinah-e-Bakhshish” which contains several qasaid and mada’ih on the Noble Prophet (upon him peace and blessings) and the chosen people, some of which are in Arabic too. One of his famous Qasidahs is which he recited in his majlis with the Ulama of Damascus in August 2008 and in Jeddah 2009 (partial):   الله الله الله ۔۔۔ ما لي رب إلا هو يفنى الكل ويبقى هو ۔۔۔ ليس الباقي إلا هو من كان دعاه أن يا هو ۔۔۔ ذاك حميد عقباه من كان لربي دنياه ۔۔۔ ذاك سعيد اخراه من كنت الهي مولاه ۔۔۔ كل الناس تولاه تنسى ربك يا فاني ۔۔۔ دم إن شئت بذكراه ترجو الناس لجدواهم ۔۔۔ إن الحدوى جدواه ربي رب الأرباب ۔۔۔ ليس يضاهى حاشاه كن لنبي الله رضى ۔۔۔ تحظ لديه بزلفاه وهذا أختر أدناكم ۔۔۔ ربي أحسن مثواه   When the Shaykh recited the last verse, Sayyid Abdul Aziz Khatib (Damascus) began profoundly saying (as heard from students that were present):   أختر سيدنا وابن سيدنا   Expressing his yearning for the Noble Habib (may Allah give him peace and blessing) Mufti Akhtar Rida writes (partial):   رسول الله يا كنز الأماني على أعتابكم وقف المعاني بهذا الباب يعتز الذليل لهذا الباب يأتي كل عان لهذا الباب انتدب الرحيم ذوي الأوزار من قاص ودان رسول الله إني مستجير لدى أعتابكم من كل جان لكم جاءت رواحلنا حفافأ وكم صدرت محملة عواني فداكم مهجتي أنتم عمادي مرادي بغيتي كنزي أماني ألا تحيون من قلبي مواتا ألا تأتون مندرس المكان ولا زالت بحارك تفيض وأمطار الندى مر الأوان اما للشمس في ليلي شروق   ألا ما يجلو محياكم كياني   A Notice: The reader must keep in mind that Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan is visually impaired and cannot read or write. He listens to a text and dictates the translation and those occupied in translating know how difficult of a task this is especially when translating difficult texts in Islamic disciplines!  Acclaim Among Contemporary Arab Ulama: 1) Shaykh Abdul Jaleel Ata (Damascus) recited the following qasidah in praise of the Shaykh in Damascus in the presence of numerous scholars and students who gathered to join the Shaykh, every letter of which lustres with love and truth,   یا کوکب من بھاء الدین ذاألق ۔۔۔ ومنھا من دقیق العلم متسق اقدام قولک في التحقیق مصدرہ ۔۔۔ اھل التمکن في النبراس کالشفق ولو تباھی رسول اللہ في أحد ۔۔۔ مثل طلعتکم یا فاتح العبق محمد أختر جاء الرضا به ۔۔۔ فمر حبافي منبع الحصن الدرق   This majlis was attended by Shaykh Abdur-Razzaq Halabi, Shaykh Hussam al-Din Farfour, Shaykh Abdul Aziz Khateeb, Shaykh Hisham Burhani, Shaykh Abdul Hadi Kharsah and many others. 2) In his first-rate work on the defining the manhaj of Imam Ahmad Rida Khan titled “Insaf al-Imam”, the Egyptian author Shaykh Muhammad Khalid Thabit (p. 114-5) speaks of his encounter with Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan in Egypt in the following words,   منذ أيام – وأنا أكتب هذه السطور- استنارت مصر بزيارة الشيخ الكبير محمد أختر رضا القادري الأزهري المعروف بتاج الشريعة المفتي الأعظم بالهند، حفيد الإمام أحمد رضا خان البريلوي والقائم على جماعته، ورأيت حديثه عن جده الإمام اكثر من حديثه عن نفسه، واعتزازه بجده الإمام الأعظم من اعتزاز بنفسه، ورأيت تمسكه بما أرساه جده من القواعد ومن الثبات على الحق مما يثير الإعجاب حقا...نظرت إلى وجه الشيخ الكبير محمد أختر والبهاء يكسوه، والسكينة والوقار يجللانه، واستمعت إلى كلماته –بلغة عربية صحيحة-تخرج من فمه في قوة وثقة تصدق بالحق المبين فوجدتني أقول: سبحان الله...ذرية بعضها من بعض   3) The Azhar Journal titled “Sawt al-Azhar” (May Issue 2009) referred to the Shaykh as “Mufti al-Hind”. In this visit, the Shaykh met with Shaykh al-Azhar in his office for an hour and who presented him an Azhar award for his scholarly achievements and activities. Among Those Who Visited Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan in Bareilly: 1) The late Muhadith of Makkah, Sayyid Muhammad Alawi al-Maliki (may Allah have mercy on him) travelled to Bareilly in April 2004 during Rabi' al-Awwal. They engaged in a number of scholarly discussions with Shaykh Akhtar and in his talk addressed Shaykh Akhtar with the title “al-Mufti al-A’zam bil-alam”. When he studied the Shaykh’s Arabic Hashiya on Sahih al-Bukhari titled “Namudhaj Hashiyat al-Azhari” he regarded the Shaykh as “Muhadith Hanafi” before those that were present. 2) Sayyid Muhammad Umar ibn Saleem al-Mahdi al-Dabbagh of Baghdad was appointed as the Head of Arabic literature at Jamiat al-Ridha in Bareilly in 2007. He showed immense love for the Shaykh and wrote a qasidah in his praise which he publicly recited on the Imam Ahmad Rida Conference in Bareilly on the 24th Safar, 2007. 3) The Mufti of Damascus, Shaykh Abdul Fattah Bizm visited Mufti Akhtar Rida at his residence twice during the last Hajj season (2009) in Jeddah and in Madinah Tayyibah. I personally witnessed the amount of love these Shuyukh had for one another on both occasions. In his talk in Jeddah, Mufti Abdul Fattah expressed his feelings about the Shaykh and spoke of his previous meetings with him in Syria and Bareilly. He said, “When the Shaykh came to Damascus the first time round, I heard about him and wanted to visit him. Some people prevented me but I went to meet him and at the first sight Allah made me realise that he is from the people of Allah (Ahlullah)”. He then added, speaking of a miracle he experienced, that when the Shaykh invited him to Bareilly he was in two minds about travelling even to the moment of submitting his passport. For some reason, the visa was not issued. Upon collecting the passport, he mentioned that Shaykh Akhtar rang him and said, “If you make a firm intention, Allah will make the means easy”. Mufti Abdul Fattah said, “This struck my heart and I came to realise that the Shaykh is aware of the state of my heart”. Thereafter, I made a firm intention and re-submitted my passport and received the visa”. He also said, “When I travelled to Bareilly and saw the thousands of people that are attached to Shaykh Akhtar, it brought joy to my heart that the people of India are still connected with their shuyukh and illustrate immense love and respect for them”. This is what I remember from his comments. If anyone requires an audio recording of this talk, Insha Allah, I can try to facilitate it and perhaps others too. Acclaim in Indo-Pakistan: Bareilly, as all of us know, has a massive Sunni following in and around the world. Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan has been the Shaykh of the silsilah and head Mufti there for many years. The claim that he is not known among India’s people is clearly a lie intended to discredit the Shaykh. A 700 page book has been compiled on the life, works and activities of the Shaykh titled “Tajalliyaat Taaj al-Shariah” containing the comments, letters, articles of hundreds of ulama from around the world to the Shaykh and their views about him. Majority of these articles, letters, qasa’id are in Urdu by scholars of India and Pakistan. It includes articles on the Shaykh’s travels within India and meetings with its people that shatter the false notion. Mufti Abdul Fattah Bizm has witnessed the annual urs event at Bareilly in the month of Safar whose remarks I presented above  The Manhaj of Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan in Love and Hate: It would be not be a hyperbolic comment if I were to assert that Mufti Akhtar Rida is an embodiment of the Hadith “Love for the sake of Allah and Hate for the sake of Allah”. He loves the awliya of the entire world and hates the enemies of Allah and His Messenger (upon him peace and blessings). He does not unite with those who “offend” Allah and His Messenger with comments that are by nature “repulsive”, “repugnant”, “below the standards of scholarly discourse”, “indefensible breaches of proper respect” and thus “unacceptable to Muslims around the world” and neither does he have compassion for those who shamelessly destroy the graves of the companions and Ahlul Bayt, demolish Muslim sites and heritage whilst preserving Jewish landmarks and relics of their Kings in their museums, and speak with minimal respect about the Noble Habib (may Allah bless him and give him peace), his companions, kin, and the majority of the Ummah whom they consider misguided. He has no love for those who consider it permissible to shout out Shirk and kufr slogans to those who recite the Burdah and Dalai’il. He has written and spoken against such people and their beliefs as this is the duty (wajib dini) of every upright scholar from Ahlus-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah, and is not a hobby as some may assert, to warn people from wavering and falling into the trap of the Shaytan. As for the claim that the Shaykh makes takfir of everyone other than himself and those affiliated with him is another exaggeration, rather, a lie that stems from animosity. The Shaykh has replied to this accusation in Arabic in his “Mira’at al-Najdiyyah” published by the name “Haqiqat al-Barelwiyyah”, which is the reply to Qadhi Atiyyah’s endorsement to Ihasan Ali Zahir’s “al-Barelwiyyah” (Published in Egypt by Dar al-Muqattam, 2009) asking him to produce a single nas of our ulama in which they have made takfir of Ibn Taymiyya, Ibn Abdul Wahhab and their followers. Rather, it is these people who make takfir and tadlil of the entire ummah. This accusation is the popular one found in “Nuzhat al-Khawatir” and “al-Barelwiyyah” about Barelwis and is false. Conclusions: On these premise, our conclusions therefore are that Shaykh Akhtar Rida Khan   a) is a scholar, a Mufti and one who possesses immense knowledge “Allamah” of the Shari’ah. b) is a tireless teacher of the Islamic sciences, valuing time and teaching throughout his travels. c) has excellent command on the Arabic language and translation skills. d) is beloved to the Ulama of the Arab world and has been received with warm hearts and love. e) produces works in various scholarly disciplines which have brought immense benefit to the Ahlus-Sunnah. f) is not just a scholar of the outward sciences but a man of Allah whose presence is awe-filling and a person of karaamat. g) is on the manhaj of the Ahlus-Sunnah Wa al-Jama’ah. h) is well-known in India and its people of the Ahlus-Sunnah.   And to hold otherwise leads to the falsification of popular accounts by ulama and awliya on the basis of a solitary report lacking proper adab of discourse which appears biased to anyone who reads it with a sound mind. Supporting false notions attributed to the Shaykh such that he is not an “alim”, he is “unknown” and that he makes “takfir of everyone” is unlawful when there are clear signs to the contrary. Beware too of having animosity towards the awliya as its consequence from Allah is devastating! And alone gives guidance.   ——— Penned by Shaykh Munawwar Ateeq [Birmingham - United Kingdom]