Spiritual Life

Bai'at and Khilafat; Imam Ahmed Raza's Mureeds and Khulafa; Imam Ahmed Raza's First Hajj; Imam Ahmed Raza's Second Hajj; In the Presence of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam); His Love for the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam); Love and Respect for the Descendants of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam); Imam Ahmed Raza's Adherence to the Sunnah; Love for Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam; His Contentment and Abstention from Worldly Activities BAI'AT AND KHILAFAT In the year 1294 A.H., at the age of 22 years, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)became the Mureed (Disciple) of Imam-ul-Asfiya, Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool Mahrerwi(radi Allahu anhu). The incident surrounding the Bai'at (Spiritual Allegiance) and Khilafat (Spiritual Successorship) of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) is as follows: Once Hadrat Mawlana Abdul Qaadir Badayouni (radi Allahu anhu) came to Bareilly Shareef. He invited A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to go to Mahrera Shareef with him. Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) accepted his invitation and they both set off to Mahrera Shareef. When they arrived at the station in Mahrera Shareef, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "I AM RECEIVING THE SCENT OF MY MURSHID." When they reached the Khanqah-e-Barakaati and entered, Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu) saw A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) and said, "COME IN. I HAVE BEEN AWAITING YOUR PRESENCE FOR A LONG TIME." SAYYIDUNA SHAH AALE RASOOL (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) IMMEDIATELY MADE A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) A MUREED AND BLESSED HIM WITH KHILAFAT AND I'JAZAT IN ALL THE SUFI SILSILAS. Thus, A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) Peer-o-Murshid (Spiritual Guide) was Hadrat Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu). Hadrat Sayyiduna Abul Hussain Noori Barakaati (radi Allahu anhu), who was also the Peer-o-Murshid of Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), was also present in this spiritual gathering. He was also a great Awliya Allah and needed no introduction to Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). For the benefit of the others who were present and to make them aware of the exalted calibre and status of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), he asked Hadrat Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu) a question. He asked, "HUZOOR! THE RITUAL HERE AT MAHRERA SHAREEF IS THAT IF ANY PERSON COMES HERE, AND AFTER BECOMING MUREED DESIRES TO GAIN KHILAFAT AND I'JAZAT, THEN WE ASK HIM TO PERFORM MUJAHIDA (STRUGGLE IN THE PATH OF ALLAH). WE ALSO GIVE HIM DRIED BREAD TO EAT AS PART OF HIS SPIRITUAL TRAINING. AFTER THIS, IF WE FIND HIM WORTHY ENOUGH, THEN WE GRANT HIM KHILAFAT AND I'JAZAT IN ONE OR TWO SILSILAS, BUT YOU HAVE BLESSED THIS YOUNG MAN WITH KHILAFAT AND I'JAZAT OF ALL THE SILSILAS, AND EVEN COMMANDED HIM TO LOOK AT AND VERIFY ALL THE KITAABS WHICH YOU HAVE WRITTEN. WHY IS THIS SO?" Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu) answered with the following words: "O PEOPLE! YOU DO NOT KNOW AHMED RAZA. OTHERS WHO COME HERE NEED TO BE PREPARED BEFORE GAINING I'JAZAT AND KHILAFAT. BUT AHMED RAZA KHAN HAS COME PREPARED FROM ALMIGHTY ALLAH. ALL HE NEEDED WAS A LINK AND THIS IS WHY I MADE HIM MUREED." "I ALWAYS TEARED THROUGH THE FEAR OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH THAT IF ON THE DAY OF QIYAMAH, HE QUESTIONED ME CONCERNING WHAT I HAD BROUGHT FOR HIM FROM THE WORLD, THEN I WOULD HAVE NO ANSWER. BUT, TODAY, THAT FEAR NO LONGER EXISTS. IF ON THE DAY OF QIYAMAH THE ALMIGHTY ASKS, 'O AALE RASOOL! WHAT HAVE YOU BROUGHT FOR ME?' THEN, I WILL IMMEDIATELY PRESENT IMAM AHMED RAZA KHAN (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) TO MY CREATOR." This highly spiritual incident alone explains the status of A'la Hadrat, Azeemul Barkat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) possessed immense love for his Peer-o-Murshid and for the family members. He also displayed his love for all those who had contact with them and respected them. Whenever A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) went to Mahrera Shareef to gain blessings from his Peer-o-Murshid, he would remove his shoes at the station and walk bare feet in Mahrera Shareef! Whenever any person or representative from Mahrera Shareef arrived in Bareilly Shareef to deliver a letter or parcel to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), he would treat that person with great respect and dignity. He addressed the person with words of respect, such as, "Most Respected Representative," and would not allow that person to leave without giving him something to eat. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) would personally go into the house to bring out food for that person. He even used to carry the dish or plate of food on his head! If this is the respect that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) showed towards the representatives of his Peer-o-Murshid and his family, one cannot imagine or fathom the respect which he showed towards them personally! IMAM AHMED RAZA'S MUREEDS AND KHULAFA There were many Mureeds (Disciples) and Khulafa (Spiritually Successors) of A'la Hadrat(radi Allahu anhu). They have spreaded far and wide over the Indo-Pak and also in all parts of the world. Nearly 35 are in the other parts of the world and 30 in Indo-Pak Sub-Continent. These are the leading ones: 1. Hujjatul Islam, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Muhammad Haamid Raza Khan Noori Barakaati (radi Allahu anhu), 2. Ghousul-Waqt, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Hadrat Mawlana Mustapha Raza Khan Noori Barakaati (radi Allahu anhu), 3. Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Abdus Salaam Jabalpuri (radi Allahu anhu), 4. Sadrul-Afaadil, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Na'eemuddeen Muraadabadi (radi Allahu anhu), 5. Malikul Ulema, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Sayyid Zafar'uddeen Bihaari (radi Allahu anhu), 6. Mubbalig-e-Azam, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddique (radi Allahu anhu), 7. Sadrus Shariah, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Mufti Amjad Ali (radi Allahu anhu), 8. Qutbul Madinatul Munawwara, Hadrat Allamah Sheikh Zia'uddeen Ahmed Al Madani(radi Allahu anhu), 9. Burhaan-e-Millat, Hadrat Allamah Burhaanul Haq (radi Allahu anhu), 10. Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Mukhtar Ahmad Siddiqi Meerati (radi Allahu anhu), 11. Sheikh Muhammad Abd al-Hayy (radi Allahu anhu), 12. Sheikh Ahmad Khalil (radi Allahu anhu), 13. Sheikh Ahmad Khudravi (radi Allahu anhu), 14. Sheikh Muhammad bin Abi Bakr (radi Allahu anhu), 15. Sheikh Muhammad Sa'id (radi Allahu anhu), 16. Hadrat Mawlana Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf (radi Allahu anhu), & 17. Hadrat Mawlana Shah Sulayman Ashraf (radi Allahu anhu) The Khulafa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) need no introduction to the Muslim World. Their impact, influence and contribution towards the development of Islamic Culture and Islamic thinking have left its mark in the pages of history. For the sake of attaining blessings and Barakah, we will discuss, very briefly, the lives of three of the famous Khulafa of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). Sadrush Shariat, Hadrat Allamah Amjad Ali Razvi (radi allahu anhu): He was born in 1296 A.H. and passed away in 1367 A.H. at the age of 71 years. He is author of the internationally renowned book, "Bahare Shariat", which is in 18 volumes. This book contains a volume of information dealing with the Hanafi Law of Fiqh and answers all the questions pertaining to it. It is presently a "Handbook" of all Muslim institutions. This Khalifa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was one of the Head Advisers of the Department of Islamic Deeniyat at the Aligarh Muslim University. Moulvi Sulaiman Nadwi (a non-Sunni) said the following words concerning Allamah Sadrush Shariat (radi Allahu anhu),"Mawlana Amjad Ali is totally experienced in the field of teaching and he is well-versed in solving the new needs of the classroom." Hadrat Allamah Amjad Ali (radi Allahu anhu) also propagated Islam to the non-Muslims. He spent much of his time teaching. Once in Ajmer Shareef, a very critical problem arose among the Muslims which threatened to destroy the Imaan of the innocent Muslims. The Hindu Rajput of India began introducing many new beliefs and false innovations to such an extent that those who were illiterate began following many traditions introduced by the Hindu Rajput. When Allamah Sadrush Shariat (radi Allahu anhu) heard of this, he immediately went to Ajmer Shareef with few of his students. He began teaching and making the Muslims aware of the polytheism and false innovations that they were following. Through his hard efforts, the Imaan of many Muslims were saved and many non-Muslims also accepted Islam. He was blessed with 8 sons and each one of them became great Aalims. His 2 daughters became Aalimas. One of his sons, Muhaddith-e-Kabeer, Hadrat Allamah Zia-ul-Mustapha Qadri and, another, Allamah Baha-ul-Mustapha Qadri are teachers today at their respective Darul Ulooms in India. Allamah Sheikh Zia'uddeen Al Madani (radi allahu anhu): He was one of the most famous Khulafa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) who lived in Madinatul Munawwara. Before coming to Madinatul Munawwara he lived for some time in Baghdad Shareef. Allamah Zia'uddeen Madani (radi Allahu anhu) arrived in Madinatul Munawwara in the year 1327 A.H. Here, he made Nikah to a pious lady from a Sayed family. He was a great Aalim, Sufi and Wali of his time. He hailed from a very illustrious family. His father was the famous Allamah Abdul Hakim Siyalkoti (radi Allahu anhu), a powerful Islamic Scholar of his time, who gave the title of "Mujaddid-e-Alf Thaani" to Imam Rabbani, Imam Ahmed Sarhindi Faruqi (radi Allahu anhu), the Mujaddid of the 11th Islamic Century. With the exception of being the Khalifa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), he also gained Khilafat from various other Akaabireen (Great Ulema). Some of them are: Hadrat Allamah Sheikh Ahmad Shams Maghribi, Sheikh Mahmoodul Maghribi, Mawlana Abdul Baaqi Farangi, and Allamah Abu Yusuf Nibhaani (radi Allahu Ta'ala anhum ajma'in). He was a great Sheikh-e-Tariqat of his time. He spent day and night giving advice and guidance to the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He is well-known for his piety and steadfastness in Islam in Damascus, Iraq, Egypt, India, Pakistan, South Africa and many other countries. Allamah Zia'uddeen Madani (radi Allahu anhu) also had many Khulafa and Mureeds throughout the world. He left this mundane world on the 12th of August 1981 in the city of Madinatul Munawwara. His son, Hadrat Allamah Fadhl-ur Rahmaan Al Madani, is presently living in Madinatul Munawwarah and is following closely in the footsteps of his illustrious father. Allamah Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi Meerati (radi allahu anhu): He was born in the year 1892 and passed away in the year 1954 at the age of 62. He was amongst the most famous Khulafa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). His Eminence, Hadrat Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi (radi Allahu anhu) was an Islamic Scholar and a holder of a B.A. degree from the University of Meerat (India). He spoke Arabic, Urdu, Persian, English, French, Indonesian, Malaysian and Japanese languages fluently. In 1951, he toured the world preaching and propagating Islam. He visited America, London, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Europe, Southern Africa, Trinidad, Philippines, Iraq, Holland, Thailand, Ceylon, France, and many other countries. As a result of his efforts, thousands of non-Muslims accepted Islam. Princess Gladys Palmer of Burinia, Merwate Tifinch, the French Governor of Mauritius, Mahifl Donawa, a Minister of Trinidad and Mr F. Gengson, the Christian Minister of Ceylon, were some of the famous personalities who accepted Islam after meeting him. His Eminence was also responsible for establishing various Masaajids and Islamic Educational Centres throughout the world. Three of the famous Masaajids are the Hanafi Masjid in Colombo, the Sultaan Masjid in Singapore and the Naagarya Masjid in Japan. He was also the founder of various newspapers and Islamic magazines from amongst which are, "The Muslim Digest" (South Africa), "Trinidad Muslim Annual" and the "Pakistani News". During his tour of the world, he met with various western dignitaries and had lengthy discussions with them on Islam. He met the world renowned Irish dramatist and Philosopher, George Bernard Shaw, on 17th of April 1935 during his visit to Mombassa and discussed many religious problems with him. He was very much impressed by Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi (radi Allahu anhu) and said, "I have been very pleased to make the acquaintance, and it will be the most precious of all memories of this trip of mine." His Eminence passed away in Madinatul Munawwara in 1954 and is buried in Jannatul Baqi. Professor Dr Sayyid Jamaalud'deen, Director Zaakir Hussain Institute of Islamic Studies and Jaamia Millia, New Delhi, India, said: "Ahmad Raza Khan wrote over a thousand books and booklets which influenced many. He founded a Darul Uloom called Manzarul Islam in 1904 which was able to draw students from different regions in India. His views were sought on a wide variety of social, religious and political affairs, and he proved guidance to many, including those from established Khanqahs. Many of his Disciples and Khalifas later founded madressas which soon developed into important spiritual centres. Some took up teaching, such as Mawlana Sulaiman Ashraf, who headed the Theology Department of the M.A.O. College, Aligarh, while others swelled their ranks of the Pesh Imams in the Mosques." IMAM AHMED RAZA'S FIRST HAJJ Imagine the condition of that Lover of the Prophet or Aashik-e-Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) who is blessed with the opportunity of visiting the Rauza-e-Aqdas of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and placing his eyes on the doorstep of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). This opportunity of performing his first Hajj and Ziyaarah was granted to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) on the 26th of Shawwal 1295 A.H. (1876). He was 20 years of age. One day, after completing his Hajj, he went to perform his Maghrib Salaah before the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim (alaihis salaam). Having completed his Salaah, the Imam of the Shafi'i order of Makkatul Mukarramah, Allamah Hussain bin Saleh Kamaal (radi Allahu anhu),approached him. He clutched A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) by his hand and led him to his house. The great Imam then placed his hand on the blessed forehead of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) and said: "Verily, I am observing the Noor of Almighty Allah on this forehead." Without hesitation, he blessed A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) with the Sanad (Certificate) of Sahih Sitta (Six Compilers of Hadith: Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Majah, Abu Dawood, Tirmizi and Nisa'i). He also began addressing A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) by the title of "Zia'uddeen" or "The Light or Splendour of Deen." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was also blessed with the Sanads of Ahadith from the Muftis of the Hanafi order in Makkatul Mukarramah, Sayyiduna Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Siraaj and Mufti Sheikh Sayed Ahmad Dahlaan Shafi'i (radi Allahu anhuma). IT WAS ALSO DURING THIS HISTORICAL VISIT THAT SAYYIDUNA A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) INFORMED THE ULEMA-E-HARAMAIN SHARIFAIN CONCERNING THE BLASPHEMOUS AND CORRUPT BELIEFS OF THE ULEMA-E-DEOBAND. Having studied A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) books, "Aljaamu Sunnah Li Ahli Fitna" and "Al Mu'tamadul Mustanad", which he presented to them, they also gave their verdicts on those who committed blasphemy and those who had written words of disrespect against Almighty Allah and His Beloved Rasool(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The verdicts of the Ulema of Makkatul Mukarramah and Madinatul Munawwarah were compiled to form the famous, "Husaamul Haramain." We have quoted a few of the Fatawas from "Husaamul Haramain" later in this book. IMAM AHMED RAZA'S SECOND HAJJ Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) performed his second Hajj in 1323 A.H. (1905). He was 49 years old. On the 25th of Zil-Hajj, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) once again had the opportunity of meeting the great Imam, Sheikh Saleh Kamaal (radi Allahu anhu). He also met Allamah Sayed Ismae'el (radi Allahu anhu) and many other Noble Ulema, who showed great respect towards him. It was on this occasion that Allamah Sheikh Saleh Kamaal (radi Allahu anhu) presented A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) with five questions pertaining to I'lm-e-Ghaib (Knowledge of the Unseen). These questions were posed on behalf of the Wahabi Ulema of Makkatul Mukarramah. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) had to answer these five questions in two days. In so happened that on the following day, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) contracted a heavy fever. In spite of his illness, he managed to answer all the questions relating to I'lm-e-Ghaib. In fact, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) presented such a detailed answer to the question of I'lm-e-Ghaib that it turned out to be a complete book on its own. He named this book, "Al Daulatul Makkiyah Bil Maadatil Ghaibiya." The Learned Ulema of Haramain Sharifain were totally astounded when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) presented this book to them on time. He completed this book of approximately 400 pages in only 8 hours. It was also in the pure Arabic language. If one totals the numerical values of the Arabic letters in the context of this Kitaab, "Al Daulatul Makkiyah Bil Maadatil Ghaibiya," one would discover that they amount to 1323. It was the same year, that is, 1323 A.H., in which A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) performed his second Hajj! IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) It was during A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) second visit to the Haramain Sharifain that his aspiration to see the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) became very great. Continuously reciting the Durood Shareef with great veneration and humbleness in front of the Rauza-e-Shareef of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), he felt confident of seeing the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). It was during the second night of his visit to the doorstep of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that he was given the opportunity of actually seeing the blessed personality of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). On that night, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), in a state of total submission, lifted his pen and began writing a Naath in praise of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The first line of that Naath is: "Wo Soo'e La'la Zaar Phirte hai ..." The beautiful Naath continues praising the Beloved of Allah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and ends with the following verse:"Koyi Kyu Pooch teri baat Raza, Tujh se kutte hazaar phirte hai" Here, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) lowers himself to the extremes and addresses himself as the "dog" of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). AT THIS POINT, HE WAS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY OF SEEING WITH HIS NAKED EYES THE BELOVED PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) STANDING BESIDE THE RAUZA-E-MUBAARAK. "Ar're Ai Raza tere dil ka pata chala ba mushkil Darre Roza Ke Muqaabil wo hume Nazar to Aaya Ye na pooch kaisa paaya, Ye Na pooch kaisa paaya Tuje humd he khuda ya, Tuje humd he khuda ya" HIS LOVE FOR THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) spent every moment of his life praising the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Everything he did was for the Pleasure of Almighty Allah and His Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Professor Dr Abdul Wahid Halepota, Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology, Government of Pakistan, said: "A'la Hadrat Mawlana Shah Ahmed Raza Khan is that ingenious personality of the Indo-Pak Sub-Continent whose academic position and legal insight has general recognisance. His multifarious achievements deserve that they should be spread on an international level. His greatest deed is that he beautified the hearts of the Muslims with the love of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) through his academic wonders, sweet speeches and most valuable Naatya Qalaam (Poetry in praise of the Holy Prophet sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)." Once, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) went into the Raza Masjid in Bareilly Shareef. He was confronted by a Majzoob, Hadrat Dhoka Shah (radi Allahu anhu). The Majzoob said, "O Ahmed Raza! I see the Power of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) only on the earth and not in the skies." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), in turn, replied: "The Power of Huzoor (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is on the earth and in the skies." The Majzoob said that he could not see this. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "Whether you see it or not, it is still present." The Majzoob, in a highly spiritual state, said, "Go! I have dropped him." At that moment, Mawlana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), who was still a child, was playing on the roof of the house. When Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) reached the house, his mother came up to him and said, "You should know better than to argue with Majzoobs. Look! Mustapha Raza has fallen off the roof." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)enquired as to whether his son had been hurt or not. When he was told that he was not injured, he said, "I AM PREPARED TO SACRIFICE A THOUSAND MUSTAPHA RAZAS' ON THE RAZA (PLEASURE) OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM), BUT I WILL NOT ALLOW ONE WORD TO BE UTTERED AGAINST THE DIGNITY OF RASOOL-E-AKRAM (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)." After some time, the Majzoob returned and met Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) and said, "O AHMED RAZA! YOU ARE VICTORIOUS. OUR CASE WAS BROUGHT UP BEFORE SULTAANUL-HIND, HADRAT KWAJA GHARIB-UN NAWAAZ (RADI ALLAHU ANHU). HE HAD PASSED THE VERDICT ON YOUR BEHALF, AND ALHUMDULILLAH, THROUGH YOUR BLESSINGS, I AM NOW ABLE TO SEE THE KARAM (MERCY) OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) EVEN IN THE SKIES." It has been recorded that Hadrat Mawlana Naee'muddeen Muradabadi once asked A'la Hadrat(radi Allahu anhu) the reason from him being so severe upon those who disrespected Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied, "O MAWLANA! I AM SEVERE UPON THOSE PEOPLE, BECAUSE INSTEAD OF INSULTING SAYYIDUNA RASULULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM), THEY SHOULD RATHER MAKE ME THE TARGET FOR THEIR INSULTS. I DO NOT HAVE ANY INTEREST IN WHAT THEY ARE CALLING ME. AT LEAST, WHILE THEY ARE BUSY INSULTING ME, MY BELOVED MASTER, SAYYIDUNA RASULULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM) IS SPARED FROM THESE INSULTS." The above mentioned incidents clearly highlights the following thoughts of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu): "If you desire my life, I will sacrifice it. If you desire my wealth I will give it. But, there is one thing that I will never sacrifice, and that is, the love and reverence for the beloved, Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam)." Dr Karrar Hussain, Vice Chancellor, Baluchistan University Quetta (Baluchistan) said: "I am impressed by his personality because it was he who gave pivotal role to the love and affection of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) without which, Islam is a body without a soul." Also commenting on the great love that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) had for Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), Justice Shamim Hussain Qadri, Punjab High Court, Lahore (Pakistan), said: "He was a devotee of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) from the deepest chambers of his heart, and to popularise this attitude is the need of the hour. Love, affection and devotion to the Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) personality is the only solution to the multifarious problems of our temporal life and a solution for the life hereafter." LOVE AND RESPECT FOR THE DESCENDANTS OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) It is A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) who showed the Muslim world how to respect the descendants or family of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). His entire life is filled such with incidents. Many are aware of this famous incident. Once, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu)was invited to the home of a certain person. In those days, the Ulema were carried in chariots as a means of transport. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was sitting in one of these chariots that was carried by the chariot-bearers. As they proceeded along the way, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) suddenly commanded the chariot-bearers to stop. He immediately alighted from the chariot and asked, "Who is a Sayed from amongst you? I am receiving the scent of a Sayed." One of the chariot-bearer's, who was a Sayed, was too scared to speak. Nevertheless, when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) further prompted that person to reveal himself, he came forward and admitted that he was Sayed. With tears in his eyes, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) fell at his feet and began asking for pardon. The Sayed continuously asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to refrain from doing so but, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) continued asking for pardon, by saying, "Please forgive me. What would I do on the Day of Qiyamah if the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) asks me concerning this incident, and says to me that I showed disrespect to his family?" The Sayed readily forgave A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). But this Aashik-e-Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was yet not satisfied. He commanded the Sayed to sit on the Chariot, and placing the chariot on his blessed shoulders, carried the Sayed for the same distance which he had been carried! Allahu Akbar! Those who had been witnesses to this incident could not believe that the Imam of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah, the Mujaddid of Islam was carrying a chariot-bearer on his blessed shoulders. But to A'la Hadrat (radi allahu anhu), that person that he was carrying was no ordinary chariot-bearer. It was a family of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)! It has also been stated that a child, who was a Sayed, used to live in the vicinity of Bareilly Shareef. The child used to play in the presence of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) while A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) would be busy writing. EACH TIME THAT THE CHILD RAN PASS THE DOOR OR CAME IN THE PRESENCE OF A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU), HE WOULD STAND UP IN RESPECT FOR THAT CHILD. EVEN WHEN THE CHILD PASSED THE DOOR TEN TIMES IN A DAY, THEN A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) USED TO STAND UP TENS TIMES IN A DAY IN RESPECT FOR THAT SAYED CHILD. When Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was asked about the Islamic punishment that was to be meted out to a Sayed, he remarked, "Even though a Judge is called upon to declare judgement and punishment upon a Sayed, and the penalty that he has decreed is within the tenets of Islam, he (the Judge), should not have the Niyah (intention) that he is punishing the Sayed. Rather, he should think that a small amount of mud has smeared itself on the Sayed's feet, which he is merely washing away". (Al Malfooz Shareef) IMAM AHMED RAZA'S ADHERENCE TO THE SUNNAH Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) laid great emphasis on the followance of the Sunnah of Sayyiduna Rasoolulah (salal laahu alaihi wa sallam). The following account clearly describes A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) great trust and faith upon the Sunnah. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) narrates, "There was once a rumour in Bareilly, that the Plague had appeared. Co-incidently, at that moment, my gums became extremely inflamed. It continued to such proportions that it became difficult for me to open my mouth. I also had a high fever, coupled with inflamed glands. The doctor who was called, looked at me closely for a few minutes. He exclaimed that I had the Plague. I could not speak at that moment, or else I could have told him that his diagnosis was incorrect and false. "I was certain that I did not have the Plague or any other major disease, simply because I had already recited a Dua as explained by Sayyiduna Rasoolulah (salal laahu alaihi wa sallam) who said that if one sees a serious and deadly illness, he should recite the following Dua, which would protect the person from such an illness. I had, therefore, recited this dua: 'Al hamdu lil laahil lazi aafini mim mab tilaaka bihi wa fad dalni 'ala katheeram mimam khalaqa tafdeelan.' Whenever I saw a serious illness, I recited this Dua, therefore, I was protected against it, including the Plague. "Thereafter, with extreme respect, I proclaimed aloud, 'O Allah! Prove that the words of your beloved Habeeb (salal laahu alaihi wa sallam) is true, and that the words of the doctor is false'. At that moment a voice on my right advised me to use the Miswaak and black pepper. With a little difficulty, I performed brushing with the Miswaak and kept the black pepper on my tongue as a tablet. Infinite, indeed, is the Mercy of Almighty Allah! Within a few minutes, I had gained my strength and sent the doctor away by proving that his diagnosis was false and baseless." A similar incident showing the great trust that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) had in Almighty Allah and His beloved Habeeb (salal laahu alaihi wa sallam) is recorded by Mawlana Mohammed Shareef. He says, "Once, when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was returning from Hajj by ship with his father, there was a great storm. The storm reached such an intensity that the Captain advised the passengers to wear their kafans (shrouds), for he could see no escape from such a storm. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), noticing the concern on the face of his father, inquired as to what had transpired. His father replied, 'My beloved son, I have no concern for myself, rather it is for you that I am sad'. The young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied, 'O father! If the captain has lost hope then let him do so. We should have complete faith in Allah and His beloved Habeeb, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam). In accordance with the commands of the beloved Habeeb (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam), when entering this ship, I recited the Dua: 'Subhaanal lazi sakh khara lana haaza wa maa kunna lahu muq rineen wa inna ila Rabbina la mun qalibun'. Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam) has stated that, 'Whosoever, recites this Dua when entering a ship (any mode of transport), that ship would not be destroyed. Therefore, I have absolute certainty that generations may change, yet, this ship would never sink'." A'LA HADRAT, HAVING MERELY SPOKEN THESE WORDS, WHEN THE CAPTAIN ARRIVED AND BEGAN INFORMING THE PASSENGERS THAT THE STORM IS SUBSIDING AND THAT THERE WAS NO NEED FOR CONCERN! LOVE FOR SAYYIDUNA GHOUSUL AZAM (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) possessed immense love for Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam, Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani Baghdadi (radi Allahu anhu). Hadrat Muhaddith-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) reported that in the period when he was given permission to serve in the Darul Ifta at Bareilly Shareef, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)bought sweets (Niyaaz) to the value of 11 Rupees and made the Fatiha of Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam (radi allahu anhu). He then distributed the sweets to those who were present. While the sweets were being distributed, those who were present became astonished to see A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) standing up from his chair and kneeling down on to the floor in the Tashahud position. They immediately came closer to him too see what had happened. Then only did they realise that the person distributing the Niyaaz had dropped a little on the ground, and A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was lifting this piece of Niyaaz with the tip of his blessed tongue! This alone will show the great amount of love and respect that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)possessed for Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allahu anhu). It has been stated that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was not only the Na'ib (Helper) of Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam (radi Allahu anhu), but he was also the Ghousul Azam of his time. He wrote many Manqabats in praise of Hadrat Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allahu anhu). HIS CONTENTMENT AND HIS ABSTENTION FROM WORLDLY ACTIVITIES It is recorded that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) had a few acres of land in his possession. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) left the entire maintenance of the land in the responsibility and trust of others. Although A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) received a monthly allowance from his own property, he spent his allowance in the service of guests, of Sayeds and in the purchasing of books. There were times when A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was left with only a few pennies in his pockets! But he never inquired about the income that he received from his few possessions. (Al Mizaan, pg. 335) During the Khilafat Movement, Ghandi was advised that he should meet with the distinguished Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). This suggestion was made to Ghandi by people such as the Ali Brothers, Mawlana Qiyaamudeen and Abdul Baari Faranghi. They said that since A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) commanded the respect of the large Muslim populace, it would assist them in their Khilafat Movement. When A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was told that the Ghandhi wished to meet and speak to him, he said, "What would he speak about? Religion or worldly affairs? If it is worldly affairs, what can I partake in, for I have abstained from the world and have no interest in it." (Al Mizaan, pg. 335