20th MuHarram | Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal ibn Rabah al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu

Sayyid al-Mu'azzineen (Leader of the Mu'azzins)
Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu

Sayyid al-Mu'azzineen (Leader of the Mu'azzins), Imam al-Aashiqeen, The great devotee, faithful companion and Mu'azzin of the beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu is a famous and exalted Sahabi who accepted Islam in its early days in Makkah al-Mukarramah. When he accepted Islam, the non-believers placed great difficulties upon him which he bore with great forbearance in his youth. His father's name was Rabah and his mother's name was Hamamah.

His birth place is Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and this is why he is known as Habshi (the old name for Abyssinia is Habsh). Born in the late 6th century, the preferred view is that Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was 43 years old at the time of Hijra but it has been suggested by some that he could have been as old as 53.

He was either a slave of a woman in Makkah who had made Umayyah bin Khalaf her agent in the matters of Hadrat Bilaal or Umayya Ibn Khalaf himself when he accepted Islam. The Kaafirs of Makkah persecuted him severely. When Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu came to know about the pain and anguish which he underwent at the hands of the Kuffaar, he bought him and set him free. One of the many emancipated slaves of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was known for his beautiful voice and was given the honour by the Holy Prophet Muhammad SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam of being the first Mu'azzin of Islam. He remained constantly in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. He was at the service of the needs of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Muhaddith Hakim and Hafidh Abu Nu'aym also regarded him as one of the Ashaab of al-Suffah.

After he had accepted Islam, he participated with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam in the battle of Badr and in all other battles. He called the Adhaan and he was the Mu'azzin of Masjid al-Nabawi as long as he remained with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. His greatness and excellence is mentioned in numerous books of Ahadith.

VIRTUE

One day at the time of Fajr, beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam asked Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, 'O Bilaal, Show me one action that you have done after accepting Islam, whose virtue is above all other actions, because I have heard your footsteps in Jannah'. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu explains that I have not done any action whose virtue is more than the others. But it is true, that during the day or night, whenever I made Wudhu, I made it my duty to read some Nafl Salaah, and from amongst the Salaah I read, I verily read Tahiyyatul Wudhu (Salaat after Wudhu)" when beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam heard this, he said that it was because of this action that he had attained such status.

Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu used to mention

أبو بكر سيدنا وأعتق سيدنا
Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu is our leader who freed our leader Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala.

In 'Hilyat al-Awliyaa', beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam mentions that he is Sayyid al-Mu'azzineen (leader of the Mu'azzins).

ENDURANCE OF DIFFICULTY ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF ISLAM

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was harassed and beaten the day long and during the night. He was tied in chains and lashed. On the next day, he was again made to lie on the hot desert sands which cause even greater injuries to the body of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, who was loved by Allah Ta'ala.

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu used to be beaten by many people. When one would get tired, another would take his place. Sometimes it was Abu Jhal's turn and sometimes Umayyah bin Khalaf and others. Each of them would beat him until they got tired but no mercy was spared for the slave whom they so brutally injured and whose status in Jannah was to surpass that of many Arabs.

In the sweltering heat under the Arabian skies, Hadrat Bilal's love for Allah shone brighter than the sun itself. So strong was it that he could not conceal it despite the punishment and torture afflicted on him by his cruel master.

There were times when a large boulder would be placed upon his chest as he lay on the scorching sand, his ribs being crushed under the weight. Yet the words 'Ahad! Ahad! (There is only one Allah!)' were constantly repeated by Hadrat Bilal, so strong was his faith and love.

His Jewish master would insult him and threaten him to denounce Islam, beat him, whip him and humiliate him on the streets of Makkah, but nothing was able to shake Hadrat Bilal's heart.

FREEDOM

One day, it so happened that Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was passing that way and saw Sayyidina Hadrat Bilal crying out, "Ahad! Ahad!", despite the immense torture he was being subjected to. As he watched, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique's heart became agitated upon seeing Hadrat Bilal under such persecution, and tears filled his eyes.

He then called Hadrat Bilal towards himself and advised him to utter Allah's name in solitude and not to utter it in the presence of his persecutor, or he would be subjected to further persecution and torture. Hadrat Bilal replied, "O Honoured One! You are the Siddique of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and therefore I accept your advice and will act accordingly."

The following day, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu happened to pass that way, and again he witnessed the same sight.

Hadrat Bilal was once more uttering the cry of "Ahad! Ahad!" while the Jew was torturing him to such an extent that again his body became soaked in blood. Seeing this, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique's heart was filled with pain and he advised Hadrat Bilal, "Brother, why do you utter 'Ahad' in the presence of this persecutor? Utter it silently and secretly within yourself".

Hadrat Mawlana Rumi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu says:

"When Abu Bakr advised him towards silence and secrecy,
Bilal repented again,
But when love overwhelmed, he swallowed the repentance.
It is the message of the troubled heart.
Without You there can be neither peace nor comfort."

Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique, on numerous occasions, gave Hadrat Bilal the same advice but on every occasion when he passed that way, he saw the same scene - the Jew persecuting Bilal who was all the time crying, "Ahad! Ahad!"

Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu finally went to Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and related the story to him. When Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam heard the story, he was filled with sorrow and tears flowed from his blessed eyes. He asked, "O Siddique! What is the solution to this problem? How can we save Bilal from this calamity?"

Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu replied: "Ya Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, I shall buy Bilal. Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam agreed and said, "Let my share also be therein".

SubhanAllah! How great the fortune of Sayidina Hadrat Bilal, that Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam himself took part in purchasing him.

Hadrat Abu Bakr then approached the Jew while he was again torturing Hadrat Bilal. Hadrat Abu Bakr said to him, "Why are you beating this friend of Allah?" How long will you carry out this practice on this poor person?" Umayyah bin Khalaf retorted that, 'since you have instigated him (by teaching Islam to him) so you free him." Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu answered, "Yes, I will free him. I have a black slave who is even stronger than him and who is in your religion. Will you accept this slave in exchange for him?" Umayyah bin Khalaf accepted the offer. Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu exchanged the slaves and thus bought Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu and freed him before migration. It is also narrated that Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique paid the ransom and freed Hadrat Bilal. Besides Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu he bought other slaves who were being beaten and harassed for accepting Islam and freed them also.

After this, Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, out of love and joy, embraced Hadrat Bilal and held him to his heart.

Hadrat Mawlana Rumi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu says:

"Beloved Mustafa embraced Bilal and held him against his chest. The ecstasy Bilal felt! Who can ever imagine that?"

CONQUEST OF MAKKAH

When the Muslims finally conquered the city of Makkah, its people fled to their houses in fear and bolted the doors and windows. They feared that the Muslims would avenge themselves for the wrong done to them years ago.

The Muslims advanced towards the Holy Kabah and then Hadrat Bilal assured the people that they were safe. He announced out loud, "All those who lay down arms are safe. All those in the house of Abu Sufyan are safe. All those behind closed doors are safe."

BROTHERHOOD

After the migration Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam formed brotherhood between the Sahaaba Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhum Ajma'een which meant that two two brothers should be concerned about each other's difficulty and necessity. In this way all of them became Muslim brothers and they shared in the sorrow and grief of each other. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam made Hadrat Bilaal and Hadrat Ubaida bin Haarith (Radi Allahu Anhuma) brothers and a few Historians mention that beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam made Hadrat Abu Rawahah Khashami Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu the brother of Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu.

PARTICIPATION IN THE BATTLE OF BADR AND THE KILLING OF UMAYYA BIN KHALAF

A year after beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and his beloved Sahaaba Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma'een migrated from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah, the battle of Badr took place. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu also participated in this battle with the other Sahaaba Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma'een. The leaders of the Mushrikeen of Makkah (who were the enemies of Islam and the Muslims - who forced the Muslims out of Makkah, who also oppressed Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) were killed in this battle. Specially, Abu Jahl and Umayyah bin Khalaf who severely punished Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu were both killed in this battle.

THE BEGINNING OF ADHAAN AND THE APPOINTMENT OF HADRAT BILAAL RADI ALLAHU TA'ALA ANHU AS MU'AZZIN

In the second year after Hijrah, the announcing of the time of Salaat began and Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was appointed Mu'azzin and always remained the Mu'azzin of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam both in his presence and also during travel.

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu stayed with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam In Madinah Munawwarah, he was the Mu'azzin and even while travelling, he went with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and at the time of Salaah he used to give Adhaan. Very seldom beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam went somewhere and someone other than Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu called the Adhaan. Whenever beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam went to Masjid al-Qubaa, then Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu would give the Adhaan and when hearing him, the people living around the area knew that beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was in the area.

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu used to give the Fajr Adhaan from the roof of the house of a lady from the tribe of Banu Najjaar. Her home was joined to the Masjid. From the time of Sehri he used to sit on the roof waiting for the time of Fajr. When it was time to commence the Adhaan then he should stretch his limbs, and make the following Du'a after which he gave the Adhaan.

اللهم إنى أحمدك وأستعينك على قريش أن يقيموا دينك
'Oh Allah I praise you, and I desire that You become aid to the Quraysh to establish Your Deen'

The woman from whose roof he gave the Adhaan said that there was not a day that he did not mention this Du'a. [Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 2, Page 198, Hadith 519]

TREASURER OF BELOVED PROPHET SALLALLAHO ALAIHI WA SALLAM

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was the Muazzin of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and his treasurer. If anyone came to beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam with any necessity then he used to ask Hadrat Bilaal to carry out this task who would then make sure to get the necessary item and fulfill the need on behalf of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam

Hadrat Bilal mentioned it to Abdullah Al-Hawzaani that if some Muslims came who did not have anything to wear, then Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam should order me to take a loan and purchase a cloth to clothe the needy.

Whilst doing this once Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu accumulated a heap of dates. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam asked Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu what is this? Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu answered I have accumulated this for you and your visitors. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said, 'Oh Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, spend it and do not fear it becoming less'

ENDURANCE OF HUNGER

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was the special companion of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. It is for this reason he also endured difficulties. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said that undoubtedly, the fear he had for Allah was greater than anyone else. On one occasion thirty nights and days passed with him and Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu having had only that amount to eat which could be concealed under the armpits (side) of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu.

COMPANIONSHIP WITH BELOVED PROPHET SALLALLAHO ALAIHI WA SALLAM

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was always present in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Hadrat Jaabir Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu mentions that at the time of Eid, he was present with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam started the Salaah without the Adhaan and Iqaamat and thereafter gave the Khutbah. Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu stood up and stood side by side with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam while beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam stood up resting on him and after praising Allah, beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam delivered a lecture and reminded the people about the commands of Allah and encouraged the people to be obedient to Allah Ta'aala. Thereafter, he took Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu with him and addressed the women and ordered them to fear Allah and advised them and reminded them about the commands of Allah.

At one time Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu presented himself in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam It was morning and beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was having meals. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam told Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu to join him. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu mentioned to beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam that he was fasting. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam remarked, 'We are eating our sustenance and the sustenance of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu is preserved in Jannah." Then he told Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu that the bones of a fasting person make Tasbeeh and the Angels request his forgiveness when something is eaten near him." [Mishkat al-Masabih]

HEARTBREAK & IMMENSE GRIEF

After the passing away of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Bilal was overcome with immense grief. This death had completely shattered his heart and in this state, he decided that he could no longer stay in Madinah Sharif. He then gathered his belongings and left for Syria. He had just left the border of Madinah Sharif, when sleep overcame him. He found a tree to sleep under and took some rest there. In his sleep, Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam appeared in his dream and said, "Bilal, why did you leave me?" Hadrat Bilal immediately woke up and, without hesitation, made the journey back to Madinah Sharif.

When the people of Madinah saw Hadrat Bilal returning through the city gates, they were overwhelmed with joy. Word spread through the streets that Bilal, the Holy Prophet's Muazzin had returned. As Hadrat Bilal made his way to the Holy Prophet's Masjid, requests for him to do the Azan were ringing in his ears. People followed him through the streets, pleading for him to deliver the call to prayer once more. The blessed city had been deprived of his beautiful Azan for too long, and the people craved to hear it one last time.

However, since the passing away of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Bilal's grief had been so immense that he resolved that he would never do the Azan again, and so he refused the pleas of the people. As he advanced towards the blessed Masjid, he saw the two beloved grandsons of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Hassan and Hussain. They too requested for him to do the Azan, and when he looked upon their blessed young faces, his love for them overwhelmed his heart. He knew he could never refuse them anything, and they were, after all, the grandsons of the one whose love had penetrated his heart through and through.

Hadrat Bilal then stood up on the Mimbar, assumed his position as the Muazzin and started to read the Azan. His voice, beautiful as it was, rang through the streets of Madinah Sharif, his pain and heartbreak evident in the painful tune. He read to his heart's content, and in such a manner that there was not a person in the blessed city whose eyes were not wet with tears.

When Hadrat Bilal reached "Ash-hadu anna Muhammadur Rasulallah", he broke down and could not continue. His pain and the pain of Madinah's people was unbearable. Memories of the beautiful days when Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam sat amongst them penetrated their hearts with hurt and agony. The emptiness of their lives and their souls without Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam had devastated them and left them broken inside. Even the strongest amongst them who were usually able to suppress the pain could not hold back any longer.

STAY IN SYRIA

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu then came in the presence of Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu and said, 'Oh Khalifah of Rasoolullah, without doubt I have heard from beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam that the best action of a Mu'min is Jihaad in the path of Allah and I have intended now to spend my life in Jihaad till I die." Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu said, 'Oh Bilaal! I swear by Allah and my right which is deserving to honored (it is for this reason) that during my lifespan you spend it in Madinah al-Munawwara and give Adhaan. Because I have become old and my time is near (death)." Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu then remained in Madinah Munawwarah. [Usdul Ghabah]

After Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu became Khalifah, then Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu came to him and said the same thing again. Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu gave the same answer which Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu had given, but Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu respectfully refused to stay any longer. Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu granted permission to him. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu became a Mujaahid forever and went to Syria. During the Khilaafat of Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu when he went to Syria, then Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu gave Adhaan in his presence. The narrator says that on this day, Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu thinking of the days of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam cried to such an extent which we never saw before.

MARRIAGE

While in Syria, Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu got married but it is not known whether he had any children or not. The author of Usdul Ghabah states that at the time of death, Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu had no children.

PASSING AWAY OF THE PROPHET'S MU'AZZIN

The great devotee and Muazzin of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, the courageous and beloved Abyssinian by the name of Hadrat Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu passed away in the 20th year after Hijrah in the middle of reading Adhan in Damascus, Syria between the years 638 and 642 at the age of 60 or 63 and there he is buried near 'Bab as-Sagheer'. When beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam proclaimed Prophethood, he was 30 years old. He spent the remaining 33 years of his life in the assistance of this Deen, persecuted severely for admitting his Islam and despite this, he continued to announce boldly, 'Ahad, the One Allah!'. He participated in the battles and endured both hunger and pain. He was not only a Mu'azzin, but was granted the status of being the leader of the Mu'azzins.

His respected stature during the birth of Islam is a perfect example of the importance of pluralism and racial equality in the foundations of Islam. May Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala be pleased with him forever... Aameen!!

Important Note: Our previous email subjected "14th MuHarram | Mufti-e-Azam Qutb-e-Alam Mawlana Mustafa Raza Khan Qadiri Noori Alaihir raHmah ", had some mistakes in the list of Khulafa that has been corrected and updated over http://www.ahlesunnat.net/media-library/downloads/regularupdates/mustafaraza-urdu.htm

18th MuHarram | Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Zain al-'Abideen Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho

Sayyid al-Sajjad Imam Abu al-Hasan Ali
Zain al-'Aabideen Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho

Sayyiduna Abu al-Hasan Ali, Imam Zain al-'Abideen is the fourth Imam and Shaykh of the Silsila Aaliyah Qaadiriyah Barakaatiyah Razviyah Nooriyah. He was one of the greatest Aabids of his era. Imam Zuhri (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho) says, (In my era) I have not seen any Quraysh more excellent than Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho). Hadrat Ibn Abbas (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho) used to look at Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho) and refer to him as the Beloved of the Beloved.

BIRTH:

He was born on a Thursday the 5th of Shabaan 38 Hijri in Madinah Munawwarah. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen, Vol. 1, Page 207]

NAME:

Hadrat Imam Hussain kept most of his children names attached to the name Ali. This was due to his love for his father Sayyiduna Ali (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho). He was thus also named Ali. He was also known as Abu Muhammad, Abul Hassan, Abul Qaasim and Abu Bakr. His titles were Sajjad, Zain al-'Aabideen, Sayyidul Abideen, Zakki and etc.

EDUCATION:

He spent two years with his grandfather Sayyiduna Ali (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), ten years with his uncle Sayyiduna Imam Hasan (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and eleven years with his father, Hadrat Imam Hussain (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho).

BLESSED MOTHER:

His mother was known as Umm-e-Wulad, and was also known as Shahar Banu Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha. She was very pious and Allah fearing.

HIS FEATURES:

He was the image of his grandfather Sayyiduna Ali (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho). He was tan in complexion and not very tall. He had a full beard on which he used henna (mehndi).

PREDICTIONS OF HIS BIRTH:

Hadrat Jaabir (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) says, I was in the blessed court of the Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and Imam Hussain (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) was in the blessed arms of the Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). The Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) said, O Jaabir (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)! A son shall be born to him, whose name shall be Ali. Then he will have a child, whose name shall be Muhammad (Imam Baaqir). O Jaabir! If you meet with him, then you should pass my salaams to him.

HIS CHARACTER:

Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) was blessed with beautiful character, which he definitely inherited from his illustrious forefathers. He was very eloquent and very respectful. He was always willing to assist those in need. Umar Abu Nasr writes that Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) purchased various slaves, and then set them free. He would be kind even to those who were his personal enemies. Once he heard that there was a certain person who always spoke ill of him. Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) went to him and treated him with such respect and kindness, that he repented from his bad behaviour and affiliated himself to the great Imam. Many great poets have written numerous Qasidas in praise of his kindness and generosity. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen, Vol. 1, Page 208]

HIS EXCELLENCE:

Abu Haazim says, I have not seen any Jurist more exalted than him.

Zahbi and Ainiyah have said, We have not seen any Quraish more exalted than him.

Hadrat Imam Maalik (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) says, He is from the Men of Excellence

Ibn Abi Shaiba says, In Hadith, the most exalted chain of transmission is that which is narrated from Imam Zain al-'Abideen, (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) where he narrates from his father Imam Hussain (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho). [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]

Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) was always prepared to sacrifice everything he had for Islam. He sacrificed all his wealth twice for Islam. He was a very generous person. He used to discreetly send money to the poor people living in Madinah Shareef and none of them knew that the money was coming from him. The only time this became known to them, was after his wisaal. [Tarikh al-Khulafa]

Masjid wa Maqam Sayyaduna Imam Zain al-'Abideen in Egypt

HIS PATIENCE :

He was a person with great patience. After the Battle of Karbala, HE was marched to Damascus in chains and in the time of Abdul Malik bin Marwan , he was arrested and chained. He was then forced to walk from Madinah to Syria in chains. With all this, he never complained or said one word about his condition in the Court of Allah . He instead remained patient and made Shukr (thanked Allah ) on every step. Imam Zain al-'Abideen's most loyal student Sayyiduna Imam Zuhri could not bear to see the Imam in this condition, so he went to Abdul Malik bin Marwaan, and had the great Imam released. He then took him back to Madinah Shareef with great respect. [Khazinat al-Asfiyah, Vol.1, Page 31/32]

Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen had a very soft heart and always thought of the sacrifice that was given by his Father Imam Hussain and all the other Martyrs on the plains of Karbala.

Once, he was walking in the blessed streets of Madinah Munawwarah, when he saw a person placing a goat on the ground, and was sharpening the knife before making the animal zibah. On seeing this, he became very saddened and thought of the martyrdom of his father. He then began to weep bitterly and asked the man, "My dear Brother! Did you give the goat some food and water or not?"The man replied that he had fed and given water to the goat for the past three days and had also fed it water just before laying in down. On hearing this, Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen let out a sigh of pain and said, "It is sad, that the people of Kufa did not even care for him like (you care for) the goat. They starved him for three days and nights and then martyred him in this state." [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]

He used to perform one thousand rakaats of nafil salaah every night. One night whilst he was performing his nafils, his house caught on fire. The people were rushing around trying to put of the fire, but he continued his Namaaz with total sincerity. After he completed his salaah, the people told him that his house had caught on fire and yet he continued reading his salaat (Namaaz) without any showing any sign of panic. He said, "You were trying to extinguish this fire, and I was trying to extinguish the fire of the hereafter." [Khazinat al-Asfiyah, Vol.1, Page 31]

A person once swore at Imam Zain al-Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and made slanderous remarks to him.

In response, Imam Zain al-Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) said to him: 'If the attributes, you accuse me of, are found in me then I repent to Allah Azzawajal and ask for forgiveness. If the attributes are not found in me then on your behalf I ask Allah Azzawajal for forgiveness and repentance.'

The person saw Imam Zain al-Abideen's patience and was overwhelmed by it. He stood up, kissed Imam Zain al-Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) on the forehead and said: 'May my soul be sacrificed for you! Whatever I accused you of was wrong. I seek forgiveness from you and I request you to pray to Allah Azzawajal for the acceptance of my repentance.'

Imam Zain al-Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) agreed to pray to Allah Azzawajal on his behalf.

HIS IBAADAT:

After the shahaadat of his blessed father Imam Hussain (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), he completely divorced himself from the materialistic world. He spent all his time in the remembrance of Allah. He would pass his days and nights thinking of the tragedy of Karbala and weeping. When Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) used to sit down to perform wudhu, then his face used to become pale, and when he stood in Namaaz, then his complexion would change to such an extent, that it would be difficult to recognise him. The people would ask, O Beloved of the Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)! What has happened to you?and he said, O People! Namaaz is a time when you are present in the Court of Allah. Who is so naive as to smile and look happy, when he is standing before his Creator. [Awaarif al-Ma'arif, Page 475]

He used to perform one thousand rakaats of nafil salaah every night. One night whilst he was performing his nafils, his house caught on fire. The people were rushing around trying to put of the fire, but he continued his Namaaz with total sincerity. After he completed his salaah, the people told him that his house had caught on fire and yet he continued reading his Namaaz without any showing any sign of panic. He said, You were trying to extinguish this fire, and I was trying to extinguish the fire of the hereafter. [Khazinat al-Asfiyah, Vol.1, Page 31]

Imam Talha Shafi'i (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) writes that once shaitaan appeared in the form of a snake whist the Imam was in Salaah. He caught the toe of Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen in his mouth, but the Imam did not even move or show sign of discomfort. After some time, he became disillusioned and stood a distance away from the Imam. Then, a voice was heard thrice, saying the following words, You are the Jewel of the Worshipper, You are the Chief of those who prostrate (to Allah).

HIS FEAR FOR ALLAH:

He was a personality who truly feared Allah. His heart flowed with the fear of Allah. Once during Hajj, he tied his Ehraam but did not say the Labbaik. The people asked him the reason for this, and he said, I fear the I will say Labbaik and Allah will say, I do not accept your presence (Hajj). The people then told him that his Ehraam would not be proper if he did not say Labbaik. He then said Labbaik, and began to tremble in the fear of Allah until he fell off his camel and became unconscious. This continued throughout the Hajj, every time that he said Labbaik. [Khazinat al-Asfiyah]

RECITATION OF THE HOLY QUR'AN:

Hadrat Imam Jaafar Saadiq (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) says, When my grandfather, Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) used to recite the Quran, then the beauty of his recitation attracted the people towards him and all those listening to him would become so overwhelmed with the fear of Allah, that one did not know the condition of the other.

RETURN FROM THE BATTLE OF KARBALA:

When Imam Zain al-'Abideen was returning to Madinah after the Battle of Karbala, he said a few stanzas. A few stanzas are being presented for blessing.

"O Winds! If someday you pass by the sacred land, then pass my salaams
before the Rawda al-Aqdas where the most exalted Nabi rests

The Sadness of separation from Madinah feels
like a sword stuck deep into my liver

How fortunate are the people of that city in
which is the Exalted and Beloved Prophet

O Rahmatulil Aalameen! Assist Zain al-'Abideen.
Who is standing alone and in difficulty amongst the tyrants."

Once a person asked Imam Zain al-'Abideen about who will be looked upon as pious and good on the last day and he said, "That person, who when he is happy, his happiness does not drive him towards wrong and that person, when he is angry, then his anger does not remove him from what is right."

In other words, when you are happy, you should not let your happiness take you towards bad deeds and when you are angry, then you should not allow your anger to blind you from that which is right. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]

Maqam Sayyaduna Imam Zain al-'Abideen in Egypt

RESPECT FOR THE KHULAFA:

Once some people from Iraq, came to visit Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho). During their visit, they began to say disrespectful words concerning Hadrat Abu Bakr, Hadrat Umar and Hadrat Uthman (Ridwanullahi Ta'aal Alaihim Ajma'een).

When they had completed saying what they wished to, He said, Tell me, are you from amongst the first Muhajireen, concerning whom Almighty Allah says, "Those who were driven out from their homes and their possessions seeking the grace of Allah and His Pleasure, and helping Allah and His Messenger. They are the truthful." [Surah Hashr verse 8]

They replied in the negative, by saying that the verse did not refer to them. Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) then asked if they were from amongst the Ansaar, concerning whom Almighty Allah says in the Quran, And those who had established their homes in this city, with faith, from inception, They, (who) show love to those, who migrated towards them, and who find no need in their hearts, for that which has been left, and they give preference to them over their lives, even though they are in great need. [Surah Hashr verse 9]

Again, they answered in the negative. He then said, I swear, that you are not even worthy of this verse of the Quran wherein Allah says, And those who came after them say, O Allah! Pardon us and our brothers, who brought faith before us, And keep not in our hearts hostility towards those with Imaan. O Our Lord, Verily you are most Compassionate, Most Merciful.

After saying this, he asked them to leave his presence. In other words, he showed them that they were not from amongst the Muhajireen, or the Ansaar, or even from amongst the believers. He therefore shunned them for being disrespectful to the Khulafa-e-Thalaasa.

KARAAMAT:

The Karaamats of Imam Zain al-'Abideen are numerous, but a few are being quoted for attaining blessings.

Incident During Hajj:

Two people where making tawaaf of the Kaaba and came to Hajr-e-Aswad. When they touched the Hajr-e-Aswad, both their hands became stuck on it. People tried very hard to release their hands, but it was not possible. Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen entered the Haram whilst this was happening. He said Bismillah hir rahmaan nir rahim and then placed his hands on the Hajr-e-Aswad. Immediately the two peoples hands were released. [Khazinat al-Asfiyah, Vol. 1, Page 34]

The Deer:

Once Hadrat had gone into the jungle with his companions. As they sat to eat, a deer passed by them. The Imam called to the deer and asked it to partake in the meal with them. The Deer immediately came to the Imam and partook in the meal provided. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen, Vol. 1, Page 11]

A Deers Complaint:

A deer once came to Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), whilst he was in a jungle. The animal fell to the ground and began to say something. Those with the Imam asked what had happened. The Imam said that the deer was complaining about a man who captured her child. Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) summoned the man. The man brought with him the child belonging to the deer. Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) asked him to release the deer, which he gladly did. After some time, the deer took its young, and said something and then left. Those present were amazed and asked the Imam what the deer said as she left. The Imam said, She said, JazakAllahu fi Darain Khair. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]

HIS CHILDREN:

Almighty Allah blessed Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) with fifteen children. Their blessed names are as follows :

Sons:

1. Hadrat Muhammad (Imam Baaqir), (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
2. Hadrat Zaid, (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
3. Hadrat Imraan, (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
4. Hadrat Abdullah, (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
5. Hadrat Hassan, (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
6. Hadrat Hussain, (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
7. Hadrat Hussain Asghar, (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
8. Hadrat Abdur Rahmaan, (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
9. Hadrat Sulaiman, (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
10.Hadrat Ali, (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
11. one more son whose name is not known.

Daughters:

1. Hadrat Khadija,
2. Hadrat Fathima,
3. Hadrat Aliyah,
4. Hadrat Umme Kulthoom (Ridwanullahi Ta'ala Alaihim Ajma'een).

Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideens (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) descendants are from Hadrat Imam Baqir, Hadrat Zaid, Hadrat Abdullah, Hadrat Hussain Ashgar, Hadrat Imraan and Hadrat Ali (Ridwanullahi Ta'ala Alaihim Ajma'een) All of them were blessed with numerous children. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]

WISAAL SHARIF:

He was given poison by Waleed bin Abdul Malik and was thus made shaheed on the 18th of Muharram and according to some narrations on the 12th or 22nd of Muharram at the age of 57 or 58. He passed away in Madinatul Munawwarah and his Mazaar Shareef is in Jannatul Baqi. Few have said that his Mazar Sharif is in Egypt and there is a Mosque and Shrine of Imam Zain al-'Adideen in Cairo, Egypt as well but the majority have accepted his Mazar Sharif being in Baqee al Garqad, Madina Munawwarah. ALLAH Knows the Best!

After his wisaal, his camel placed its head on his mazaar shareef and cried. Hadrat Imam Baqir tried to move it away, but it refused. In the end, he said, "She will die in this exact place." Eventually she did pass away at the Mazaar of Imam Zain al-'Abideen. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen, Vol. 1, Page 207]

Mazar Sharif of  Imam Zain al-'Abideen in Jannat al-Baqee' Sharif

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

Mufti-e-Azam Qutb-e-Alam Mawlana Mustafa Raza Khan Qadiri Noori Alaihir raHmah [URDU]

مفتی اعظم الشاہ ابو البرکات محی الدین جیلانی آل رحمٰن
محمد مصطفیٰ رضا خان قادری برکاتی نوری علیہ الرحمۃ والرضوان

ولادت با سعادت

مرجع العلماء و الفقہاء سیدی حضور مفتی اعظم ہند حضرت علامہ الشاہ ابو البرکات محی الدین جیلانی آل رحمٰن محمد مصطفی رضا صاحب قبلہ نور اللہ مرقدہ کی ولادت با سعادت ۔ ۲۲ذوالحجہ ۱۳۱۰ھ بروز جمعہ صبح صادق کے وقت بریلی شریف میں ہوئی ۔

پیدائشی نام '' محمد '' عرف ''مصطفی رضا'' ہے ۔ مرشد برحق حضرت شاہ ابو الحسین نوری قدس سرہ العزیزنے آل الرحمن ابو البرکات نام تجویز فرمایا اور چھہ ماہ کی عمر میں بریلی شریف تشریف لا کر جملہ سلاسل عالیہ کی اجازت و خلافت عطا فرمائی اور ساتھ ہی امام احمد رضا قدس سرہ کو یہ بشارت عظمیٰ سنائی کہ یہ بچہ دین و ملت کی بڑ ی خدمت کرے گا اور مخلوق خدا کو اس کی ذات سے بہت فیض پہونچے گا۔ یہ بچہ ولی ہے ۔

مرشد کامل کی بشارت

سید المشائخ حضرت شاہ سیدابوالحسین احمد نوری رضی اللہ عنہ نے حضرت مفتی اعظم کو بیعت کرتے وقت ارشاد فرمایا!!!''یہ بچہ دین وملت کی بڑی خدمت کرے گا اور مخلوقِ خدا کو اس کی ذات سے بہت فیض پہنچے گا۔ یہ بچہ ولی ہے۔ اس کی نگاہوں سے لاکھوں گم راہ انسان دینِ حق پر قائم ہوں گے۔ یہ فیض کادریا بہائےگا''۔

سید المشائخ حضرت نوری میاں علیہ الرحمہ نے حلقہئ بیعت میں لینے کے بعد قادری نسبت کا دریائے فیض بناکر ابوالبرکات کو امام احمد رضا علیہ الرحمہ کی گود میں دیتے ہوئے ارشاد فرمایا!!!''مبارک ہو آپ کویہ قرآنی آیت،واجعل لی وزیرا من اھلی کی تفسیر مقبول ہوکر آپ کی گود میں آگئی ہے۔ آل الرحمن۔ محمد۔ ابوالبرکات محی الدین جیلانی مصطفی رضا''۔

اس مبارک نام پر اگر غور کیا جائے تو سب سے پہلے یہ بات سمجھ میں آتی ہے کہ جب کسی شخص میں محاسن کی کثرت ہوتی ہے تو اس کاہر کام تشنہ تو صیف محسوس ہوتا ہے۔ اور ذوق ستائش کسی جامع الصفات شخصیت کو مختلف ناموں سے پکارنے پر مجبور ہوتا ہے۔ اس نام میں پہلی نسبت رحمن سے ہے۔ دوسری نسبت سید عالم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم سے ہے۔ تیسری نسبت سیدنا حضرت غوث اعظم شیخ عبد القادر محی الدین جیلانی علیہ الرحمہ سے ہے۔

تیسری نسبت کے بعد عزیمت میں اعلیٰحضرت امام احمد رضا خاں علیہ الرحمہ سے نسبت ملحوظ رکھی گئی ہے۔ یہ اہتمام تو اکابرکی بالغ نظری نے کیا تھا۔ مگر لاکھوں افراد نے جب اس منبعِ خیر وفلاح اور سرچشمہ ہدایت سے قریب ہوکر فیوض وبرکات حاصل کیے تو وہ بھی اپنے جذبہئ ستائش پر قابونہ پاسکے۔ آج حضرت مفتی اعظم مختلف ناموں سے یاد کیے جاتے ہیں۔ اللہ تعالیٰ اپنے اسمائے صفات کا پر تو انہیں پرڈالتا ہے جو اس کی بارگاہ میں مقبول ومحبوب ہوجاتے ہیں۔

حصول علم

سخن آموزی کے منزل طے کرنے کے بعد آپ کی تعلیم کا باقاعدہ آغاز ہوا ا ور آپ نے جملہ علوم و فنون اپنے والد ماجد سیدنا امام احمد رضا فاضل بریلوی قدس سرہ ۔ برادر اکبر حجۃ الاسلام حضرت علامہ شاہ محمد حامد رضا خاں صاحب علیہ الرحمۃ و الرضوان۔ استاذ الاساتذہ علامہ شاہ رحم الہی منگلوری ۔ شیخ العلماء علامہ شاہ سید بشیر احمد علی گڑ ھی ۔ شمس العلماء علامہ
ظہور الحسین فاروقی رامپوری سے حاصل کئے اور ۱۸ سال کی عمر میں تقریباً چالیس علوم و فنون حاصل کر کے سند فراغت حاصل کی ۔

تدریس

فراغت کے بعد جامعہ رضویہ منظر اسلام بریلی شریف ہی میں مسند تدریس کو رونق بخشی۔، تقریبا ًتیس سال تک علم و حکمت کے دریا بہائے ۔ بر صغیر پاک و ہند کی اکثر درسگاہیں آپ کے تلامذہ و مستفیدین سے مالا مال ہیں ۔

طریقہ تعلیم

فقیہ ذی شان مفتی محمد مطیع الرحمن رضوی مدیر عام''الادارۃ الحنفیہ'' کشن گنج بہار حضرت مفتی اعظم علیہ الرحمہ کے طریقہئ تعلیم اور درس افتاء میں امتیازی شان بیان کرتے ہوئے رقم طراز ہیں۔

حضور مفتی اعظم درسِ افتاء میں اس کا التزام فرماتے تھے کہ محض نفسِ حکم سے واقفیت نہ ہو بلکہ اس کے ماعلیہ ومالہ کے تمام نشیب وفراز ذہن نشین ہوجائیں۔ پہلے آیات واحادیث سے استدلال کرتے، پھر اصولِ فقہ وحدیث سے اس کی تائید دکھاتے اور قواعدِ کلیہ کی روشنی میں اس کا جائزہ لے کر کتب فقہ سے جزئیات پیش فرماتے ،پھر مزید اطمینان کےلئے فتاویٰ رضویہ یا اعلیٰحضرت علیہ الرحمہ کا ارشاد نقل فرماتے۔ اگر مسئلہ میں اختلاف ہوتا تو قولِ راجح کی تعیین دلائل سے کرتے اور اصولِ افتا کی روشنی میں ماعلیہ الفتویٰ کی نشاندہی کرتے۔ پھر فتاویٰ رضویہ یااعلیٰحضرت علیہ الرحمہ کے ارشاد سے اس کی تائید پیش فرماتے۔ مگر عموماً یہ سب زبانی ہوتا۔ عام طور سے جواب بہت مختصر اور سادہ لکھنے کی تاکید فرماتے۔ ہاں کسی عالم کا بھیجا ہوا استفتا ہوتا اور وہ ان تفصیلات کا خواستگار ہوتا تو پھر جواب میں وہی رنگ اختیار کرنے کی بات ارشاد فرماتے۔

فقیہ العصر شارح بخاری مولانا محمد شریف الحق امجدی صدر مفتی الجامعۃ الاشرفیہ مبارکپور حضرت امام الفقہاء مفتی اعظم علیہ الرحمہ کے درسِ افتا اور اصلاح فتاویٰ کے متعلق تحریر فرماتے ہیں!!

''میں گیارہ سال تین ماہ خدمت میں حاضر رہا۔ اس مدت میں چوبیس ہزار مسائل لکھے ہیں، جن میں کم از کم دس ہزار وہ ہیں جن پر حضرت مفتی اعظم کی تصحیح وتصدیق ہے۔ عالم یہ ہوتا کہ دن بھر بلکہ بعد مغرب بھی دوگھنٹے تک حاجت مندوں کی بھیڑرہتی۔ یہ حاجت مند خوشخبری لے کر نہیں آتے،سب اپنا اپنا دکھڑا سناتے، غم آگیں واقعات سننے کے بعد دل ودماغ کا کیا حال ہوتا ہے وہ سب کو معلوم ہے۔ اتنے طویل عرصے تک اس غم آفریں ماحول سے فارغ ہونے کے بعد، عشا بعد پھر تشریف رکھتے اور میں اپنے لکھے ہوئے مسائل سناتا۔ میں گھساپٹا نہیں،بہت سوچ سمجھ کر، جانچ تول کر مسئلہ لکھتا،مگر واہ رے مفتی اعظم۔اگر کہیں ذرا بھی غلطی ہے، یالوچ ہے یا بے ربطی ہے۔ یاتعبیر غیر مناسب ہے۔ یا سوال کے ماحول کے مطابق جواب میں کمی بیشی ہے۔ یا کہیں سے کوئی غلط فہمی کا ذرا بھی اندیشہ ہے فوراً اس پر تنبیہ فرمادیتے اور مناسب اصلاح۔تنقید آسان ہے مگر اصلاح دشوار۔ جو لکھا گیا ہے وہ نہیں ہونا چاہیے، اس کو کوئی بھی ذہین نقاد کہہ سکتا ہے،مگر اسکو بدل کرکیا لکھاجائے،یہ جوئے شیرلانے سے کم نہیں ہے۔ مگر ستر سالہ مفتی اعظم کا دماغ اور علم ایسا جوان تھاکہ تنقیدکے بعد فوراً اصلاح فرمادیتے اور ایسی اصلاح کہ پھر قلم ٹوٹ کررہ جاتا''۔

کبھی ایسے جاں فزاتبسم کے ساتھ کہ قربان ہونے کا جذبہ حد اضطرار کو پہنچ جائے۔ کبھی ایسے جلال کے ساتھ کہ اعصاب جواب دے جائیں۔ مگر اس جلال کو کون سانام دیں جس کے بعد مخاطب کی جرأت رندانہ اور بڑھ جاتی۔ کیا کیجئے گا اگر جلال سے مرعوب ہوکر چپ رہتے تو اور جلال بڑھتا،بڑھتا رہتا،یہاں تک کہ مخاطب کو عرض ومعروض کرنا ہی پڑتا۔ یہ جلال وہ جلال تھا کہ جو اس کا مورد بناکندن ہوگیا۔

یہ مجلس آدھی رات سے پہلے کبھی ختم نہ ہوتی۔ بار ہارات کے دوبج جاتے اور رمضان شریف میں توسحری کا وقت روز ہوجاتا۔

بارہا ایسا ہوتا کہ حکم کی تائید میں کوئی عبارت نہ ملتی تو میں اپنی صواب دیدسے حکم لکھ کردیتا۔ کبھی دوردراز کی عبارت سے تائید لاتا۔مگر مفتی اعظم ان کتابوں کی عبارتیں جودارالافتاء میں نہ تھیں زبانی لکھوادیتے۔ میں حیران رہ جاتا۔ یا اللہ کبھی کتاب کا مطالعہ کرتے نہیں،یہ عبارتیں زبانی کیسے یاد ہیں؟پیچیدہ سے پیچیدہ دقیق سے دقیق مسائل پر بداہۃً ایسی تقریر فرماتے کہ معلوم ہوتا تھا اس پر بڑی محنت سے تیاری کی ہے۔

سب جانتے ہیں کہ کلام بہت کم فرماتے مگر جب ضرورت ہوتی تو ایسی بحث فرماتے کہ اجلہ علماء انگشت بدنداں رہ جاتے۔ کسی مسئلہ میں فقہا کے متعدد اقوال ہیں تو سب دماغ میںہروقت حاضر رہتے۔ سب کے دلائل،وجوہ ترجیح اور قولِ مختار ومفتی بہ پر تیقن اور ان سب اقوال پر اس کی وجہ ترجیح سب ازبر۔ باب نکاح میں ایک مسئلہ ایسا ہے جس کی بہتّر صورتیں ہیں اور کثیر الوقوع بھی ہیں۔ پہلی بار جب میں نے اس کو لکھا،سوال مبہم تھا۔ میں نے بیس،پچیس شق قائم کرکے چارورق فل اسکیپ کا غذپر لکھا جب سنانے بیٹھا تو فرمایا!!!''یہ طول طویل شق درشق جواب کون سمجھ پائےگا؟ پھر اگر لوگ ناخداترس ہوئے تو جوشق اپنے مطلب کی ہوگی اس کے مطابق واقعہ بنالیں گے۔ آج ہندوستان میں یہ صورت رائج ہے اسی کے مطابق حکم لکھ کر بھیج دیں یہ قیدلگا کر کہ آپ کے یہاں یہی صورت تھی تو حکم یہ ہے''۔

یہ جواب فل اسکیپ کے آدھے ورق سے بھی کم پر مع تائیدات آگیا۔

اس واقعہ نے بتایا کہ کتب بینی سے علم حاصل کرلینا اور بات ہے اور فتویٰ لکھنا اور بات۔

مجاہدانہ زندگی

آپ کی ۹۲ سالہ حیات مبارکہ میں زندگی کے مختلف موڑ آئے ۔ کبھی شدھی تحریک کا قلع قمع کرنے کیلئے جماعت رضائے مصطفی کی صدارت فرمائی اور باطل پرستوں سے پنجہ آزمائی کیلئے سر سے کفن باندھ کر میدان خارز ارمیں کود پڑ ے ، لاکھوں انسانوں کو کلمہ پڑ ھایا اور بے شمار مسلمانوں کے ایمان کی حفاظت فرمائی ۔ قیام پاکستان کے نعرے اور خلافت کمیٹی کی آوازیں بھی آپ کے دور میں اٹھیں اور ہزاروں شخصیات اس سے متاثر ہوئیں۔ نسبندی کا طوفان بلا خیز آپ کے آخری دور میں رونما ہوا اور بڑ ے بڑ ے ثابت قدم متزلزل ہوگئے لیکن ہر دور میں آپ استقامت فی الدین کا جبل عظیم بن کر ان حوادث زمانہ کا مقابلہ خندہ پیشانی سے فرماتے رہے ۔

آپ نے اس دور پر فتن میں نسبندی کی حرمت کا فتوی صادر فرمایا جبکہ عموما دینی ادارے خاموش تھے ، یا پھر جواز کا فتوی دے چکے تھے ۔

عبادت و ریاضت

سفر و حضر ہر موقع پر کبھی آپ کی نماز پنجگانہ قضا نہیں ہوتی تھی، ہر نماز وقت پر ادا فرماتے ، سفر میں نماز کا اہتمام نہایت مشکل ہوتا ہے لیکن حضر ت پوری حیات مبارکہ اس پر عامل رہے ۔ اس سلسلہ میں چشم دید واقعات لوگ بیان کرتے ہیں کہ نماز کی ادائیگی و اہتمام کیلئے ٹرین چھوٹنے کی بھی پرواہ نہیں فرماتے تھے ، خود نماز ادا کرتے اور ساتھیوں کو بھی سخت تاکید فرماتے ۔

زیارت حرمین شریفین

آپ نے تقسیم ہند سے پہلے دو مرتبہ حج و زیارت کیلئے سفر فرمایا، اس کے بعد تیسری مرتبہ ۱۳۹۱ ھ / ۱۹۷۱ ء میں جب کہ فوٹو لازم ہو چکا تھا لیکن آپ اپنی حزم و احتیاط پر قائم رہے لہذا آپ کو پاسپورٹ وغیرہ ضروری پابندیوں سے مستثنی قرار دے دیا گیا اور آپ حج و زیارت کی سعادت سے سرفراز ہوئے۔

سفرحج و مسئلہ تصویر

آپ نے تین مرتبہ حج و زیارت کی سعادت حاصل کی مگر کبھی تصویر نہیں بنوائی بلکہ ہر بار بغیر تصویر کے پاسپورٹ سے حج پر تشریف لے گئے۔ تیسری مرتبہ حج بیت اللہ پر جاتے وقت حکومت بھارت کی جانب سے پاسپورٹ پر تصویر لگانےکا قانون سخت ہو گیا تھا۔ چنانچہ آپ سے تصویر لگانے کا کہا گیا تو آپ نے برجستہ انکار کرتے ہوئے فرمایا" مجھ پر جو حج فرض تھا وہ میں نے کرلیا، اب نفل حج کیلئے اتنا بڑا ناجائز کام کرکے دربار مصطفوی میں کیسے حاضر ہوسکتا ہوں، میں تصویر ہرگز نہیں کھینچواؤں گا۔ جب اس سے قبل گیا تھا، اس وقت تصویر کی پابندی نہیں تھی۔ بڑے افسوس کی بات ہے کہ جس رسول محترم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کی شریعت مطہرہ میں تصویر کھینچوانا،رکھنا،بنانا سب حرام ہے،میں اس رسول محترم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کی بارگاہ میں تصویر کھینچوا جاؤں، یہ مجھ سے نہیں ہوگا"۔ حضور تاجدار مدینہ سرور قلب و سینہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کو اپنے اس غلام کی استقامت و اتباع سنت کی یہ ادا پسند آئی تو اپنے دربار میں حاضری کیلئے خصوصی انتظام فرمایا اور احباب نے جب بغیر تصویر پاسپورٹ کیلئے کوشش کی تو حکومت ہند اور حکومت سعودی عرب نے آپ کو خصوصی اجازت نامہ جاری کیا اور پھر جب آپ جدہ پہنچے تو آپ کا شاندار استقبال کیا گیا اور جب مدینہ منورہ میں داخل ہوئے تو برہنہ پاپیادہ آنکھوں سے آنسو جاری اور جسم پر رقت طاری تھی اور حاضری مدینہ طیبہ کا بڑا پُر کیف و ایمان افروز منظر تھا۔

فتوی نویسی کی مدت

آپ کے خاندان کا یہ طرہ امتیاز رہا ہے کہ تقریبا ً ڈیڑ ھ سو سال سے فتوی نویسی کا گراں قدر فریضہ انجام دے رہا ہے ۔ ۱۸۳۱ ھ میں سیدنا اعلیٰ حضرت قدس سرہ کے جد امجد امام العلماء حضرت مفتی رضا علی خاں صاحب قدس سرہ نے بریلی کی سر زمین پر مسند افتاء کی بنیاد رکھی ، پھر اعلیٰ حضرت کے والد ماجد علامہ مفتی نقی علی خاں صاحب قدس سرہ نے یہ فریضہ انجام دیا اور متحدہ پاک و ہند کے جلیل القدر علماء میں آپ کو سر فہرست مقام حاصل تھا ، ان کے بعد امام احمد رضا قد س سرہ نے تقریبا نصف صدی تک علوم و معارف کے دریا بہائے اور فضل و کمال کے ایسے جوہر دکھائے کہ علمائے ہندہی نہیں بلکہ فقہائے حرمین طیبین سے بھی خراج تحسین وصول کیا اور سب نے بالاتفاق چودہویں صدی کا مجدد اعظم تسلیم کیا ۔

آپ کے وصال اقدس کے بعد آپ کے فرزند اکبر حجۃ الاسلام نے اس منصب کو زینت بخشی اور پھر باقاعدہ سیدنا حضور مفتی اعظم کو یہ عہدہ تفویض ہوا جس کا آغاز خود امام احمد رضا کی حیات طیبہ ہی میں ہو چکا تھا ۔

آپ نے مسئلہ رضاعت سے متعلق ایک فتوی نو عمری کے زمانے میں بغیر کسی کتاب کی طرف رجوع کئے تحریر فرمایا تو اس سے متاثر ہو کر امام احمد رضا نے فتوی نویسی کی عام اجازت فرمادی اور مہر بھی بنوا کر مرحمت فرمائی جس پر یہ عبارت کندہ تھی ''ابو البرکات محی الدین جیلانی آل الرحمن محمد عرف مصطفی رضا''

یہ مہر دینی شعورکی سند اور اصابت فکر کا اعلان تھی۔ بلکہ خود امام احمد رضا نے جب پورے ہندوستان کے لئے دار القضاء شرعی کا قیام فرمایا تو قاضی و مفتی کا منصب صدر الشریعہ ، مفتی اعظم اور برہان الحق جبل پوری قدس اسرارہم کو عطا فرمایا ۔

غرضکہ آپ نے نصف صدی سے زیادہ مدت تک لاکھوں فتاوی لکھے ۔ اہل ہندو پاک اپنے الجھے ہوئے مسائل آپ کی خدمت میں لے کر حاضر ہوتے اور ہر پیدا ہونے والے مسئلہ میں فیصلہ کے لئے نگاہیں آپ ہی کی طرف اٹھتی تھیں ۔ آپ کے فتاوی کا وہ ذخیرہ محفوظ نہ رہ سکا ورنہ آج وہ اپنی ضخانت و مجلدات کے اعتبار سے دوسرا فتاوی رضویہ ہوتا۔

تصنیفات و ترتیبات

آپ کی تصانیف علم و تحقیق کا منارہ ہدایت ہیں ۔ جس موضوع پر قلم اٹھاتے ہیں حق تحقیق ادا فرماتے ہیں ، فقیہ ملت حضرت مفی جلال الدین صاحب قبلہ علیہ الرحمہ نے آپ کی تصانیف کا تعارف تحریر فرمایا ہے اسی کا خلاصہ ہدیۂ قارئین ہے ۔

1 المکرمۃ النبویۃ فی اللفتاوی المصطفوی (یہ پہلے تین حصوں میں عالی جناب قربان علی صاحب کے اہتمام میں شائع ہو ا تھا ۔ اب ایک ضخیم جلد میں حضرت فقیہ ملت علیہ الر حمہ کی نگرانی میں رضا اکیڈمی بمبئی سے شائع ہو ا ہے جو حسن صوری و معنوی سے مالا مال ہے.)
2 اشد العذاب علی عابد الخناس (۱۳۲۸) تحذیر الناس کا رد بلیغ
3 وقعات السنان فی حلق المسماۃ بسط البنان (۱۳۳۰) بسط البنان اور تحذیر الناس پر تنقید اور۱۳۲سوالا ت کامجموعہ
4 الرمح الدیانی علی راس الوسواس الشیطانی (۱۳۳۱) تفسیر نعمانی کے مولف پر حکم کفر وارتداد گویا یہ حسام الحرمین کا خلاصہ ہے
5 النکتہ علی مراۃ کلکتہ (۱۳۳۲) اذان خارج مسجد ہونے پر ائمہ کی تصریحات کا خلاصہ
6 صلیم الدیان لتقطیع حبالۃ الشیطان (۱۳۳۲)
7 سیف القہار علی عبد الکفار (۱۳۳۲)
8 نفی العار عن معائب المولوی عبد الغفار (۱۳۳۲)
9 مقتل کذب وکید (۱۳۳۲)
10 مقتل اکذب و اجہل (۱۳۳۲) اذان ثانی کے تعلق سے سے مولوی عبد الغفار خاں رامپور ی کی متعدد تحریروں کے رد میں یہ رسائل لکھے گئے
11 ادخال السنان الی الحنک الحلق البسط البنان (۱۳۳۲)
12 وقایۃ اہل السنۃ عن مکر دیوبند و الفتنۃ (۱۳۳۲) اذان ثانی سے متعلق آیک کانپوری دیوبندی کا رد
13 الہی ضرب بہ اہل الحرب (۱۳۳۲)
14 الموت الاحمر علی کل انحس اکفر (۱۳۳۷) موضوع تکفیر پر نہایت معرکۃ الآراء بحثیں اس کتاب میں تحقیق سے پیش کی گئی ہیں
15 الملفوظ ، چار حصے (۳۳۸ا) امام احمد رضا قدس سرہ کے ملفوظات
16 القول العجیب فی جواز التثویب (۱۳۳۹) اذان کے بعد صلوۃ پکارنے کا ثبوت
17 الطاری الداری لہفوات عبد الباری (۱۳۳۹) امام احمد رضا فاضل بریلو ی اور مولانا عبد الباری فرنگی محلی کے درمیان مراسلت کا مجموعہ
18 طرق ا لہدی و الارشاد الی احکام الامارۃ و الجہاد (۱۳۴۱) اس رسالہ میں جہاد، خلافت ، ترک موالات ، ، نان کو آپریشن اور قربانی گاؤ وغیرہ کے متعلق چھہ سوالات کے جوابات
19 فصل الخلافۃ (۱۳۴۱) اس کا دوسر ا نام سوراج در سوراخ ہے اور مسئلہ خلافت سے متعلق ہے
20 حجۃ واہرہ بوجوب الحجۃ الحاضرہ (۱۳۴۲) بعض لیڈروں کا رد جنہوں نے حج بیت اللہ سے ممانعت کی تھی اور کہا تھا کہ شریف مکہ ظالم ہے
21 القسورۃ علی ادوار الحمر الکفرۃ (۱۳۴۳) جس کا لقبی نام ظفر علی رمۃ کفر۔۔اخبار زمیندار میں شائع ہونے والے تین کفری اشعارکارد بلیغ
22 سامان بخشش (نعتیہ دیوان) ( ۱۳۴۷)
23 طرد الشیطان (عربی) نجدی حکومت کی جانب سے لگائے گئے حج ٹیکس کا رد
24 مسائل سماع 
25 سلک مرادآباد پر معترضانہ رمارک
26 نہایۃ السنان  بسط البنان کا تیسرارد
27 شفاء العی فی جواب سوال بمبئی  اہل قرآن اور غیر مقلدین کا اجتماعی رد
28 الکاوی فی العاوی و الغاوی (۱۳۳۰)
29 القثم القاصم للداسم القاسم (۱۳۳۰)
30 نور الفرقان بین جند الالہ و احزاب الشیطان (۱۳۳۰)
31 تنویر الحجۃ بالتواء الحجۃ 
32 وہابیہ کی تقیہ بازی 
33 الحجۃ الباہرہ 
34 نور العرفان 
35 داڑ ھی کا مسئلہ
36 حاشیہ الاستمداد ( کشف ضلال ویوبند)
37 حاشیہ فتاوی رضویہ اول 
38 حاشیہ فتاوی رضویہ پنجم

بعض مشاہیر تلامذہ

بعض مشہور تلامذئہ کرام کے اسماء اس طرح ہیں جو بجائے خود استاذ الاساتذہ شمار کئے جاتے ہیں ۔

۱۔ شیر بشیۂ اہل سنت حضرت علامہ محمد حشمت علی خاں صاحب قدس سرہ
۲۔ محدث اعظم پاکستان حضرت علامہ مفتی سردار احمد صاحب علیہ الرحمۃ و الرضوان
۳۔ فقیہ عصر مولانا مفتی محمد اعجاز ولی خاں صاحب بریلی شریف علیہ الرحمۃ و الرضوان
۴۔ فقیہ عصر شارح بخاری مفتی محمد شریف الحق امجدی دامت علیہ الرحمہ
۵۔ محدث کبیر علامہ محمد ضیاء المصطفی اعظمی شیخ الحدیث الجامعۃ الاشرفیہ مبارکپور
۶۔ بلبل ہند مفتی محمد رجب علی صاحب نانپاروی ، بہرائچ شریف
۷۔ شیخ العلماء مفتی غلام جیلانی صاحب گھوسوی

مستفیدین اور درس افتاء کے تلامذہ کی فہرست نہایت طویل ہے جن کے احاطہ کی اس مختصر میں گنجائش نہیں ، صرف اتنا سمجھ لینا کافی ہے کہ آسمان افتاء کے آفتاب و ماہتاب بنکر چمکنے والے مفتیان عظام اسی عبقری شخصیت کے خوان کرام کے خوشہ چین رہے جس سے یہ بات روز روشن کی طرح عیاں ہوجاتی ہے کہ حضور مفتی اعظم ہند کو افتاء جیسے وسیع و عظیم فن میں ایسا تبحر اور ید طولیٰ حاصل تھا کہ ان کے دامن فضل و کرم سے وابستہ ہو کر ذرے ماہتاب بن گئے ۔

بعض مشاہیر خلفاء

۱۔ مفسر اعظم ہند مولانامحمد ابراہیم رضا خاں جیلانی میاں بریلی شریف
۲۔ غزالی دوراں علامہ سید احمد سعید صاحب کاظمی، ملتان پاکستان
۳۔ مجاہد ملت علامہ حبیب الرحمن صاحب رئیس اعظم اڑ یسہ
۴۔ شیر بیشہ اہل سنت مولانا حشمت علی خاں صاحب، پیلی بھیت
۵۔ رازی زماں مولانا حاجی مبین الدین صاحب امروہہ ، مرآد اباد
۶۔ شہزادۂ صدر الشریعہ مولانا عبد المصطفی صاحب ازہری کراچی ، پاکستان
۷۔ شارح بخاری مفتی محمد شریف الحق صاحب امجدی گھوسی، اعظم گڑ ھ
۸۔ شمس العلماء مولانا قاضی شمس الدین احمد صاحب جونپور
۹۔ محدث اعظم پاکستان مولانا محمد سردار احمد صاحب لائل پور ، پاکستان
۱۰۔ خطیب مشرق مولانا مشتاق احمد صاحب نظامی الہ آباد۔
۱۱۔ پیر طریقت مولانا قاری مصلح الدین صاحب کراچی پاکستان
۱۲۔ استاذ العلماء مولانا محمد تحسین رضا خاں صاحب بریلی شریف
۱۳۔ قائد ملت مولانا ریحان رضا خاں صاحب بریلی شریف
۱۴۔ تاج الشریعہ مولانا محمد اختر رضا خاں صاحب بریلی شریف
۱۵۔ پیر طریقت مولانا سید مبشر علی میاں صاحب بہیڑ ی بریلی شریف
۱۶۔ فاضل جلیل مولانا سید شاہد علی صاحب الجامعۃ الاسلامیہ رامپور
۱۷۔ حضرت مفتی محمد خلیل خاں برکاتی، پاکستان
۱۸۔ حضرت سید امین میاں قادری بارکاتی، مارہرہ شریف، انڈیا
۱۹۔ حضرت علامہ مشتاق احمد نظامی، انڈیا
۲۰۔ حضرت مفتی محمد حسین قادری، سکھر، پاکستان
۲۱۔ حضرت مفتی عبد الوھاب خان قادری، لاڑکانہ، پاکستان
۲۲۔ حضرت مولانا عبد الحمید پالمر، ساوتھ افریقہ
۲۳۔ حضرت علامہ مولانا شیخ عبد الھادی القادری، ساوتھ افریقہ وغیرہ

تاریخ وصال اور عمر شریف

لفظ طہ میں ہے مضمران کی تاریخ وصال
چودھویں کی رات کو وہ بے گماں جاتا رہا

محبوب ذوالجلال کا عاشق صادق، اسلام وسنت کا مہکتا گلشن شریعت وطریقت کا نیرتاباں، علم وفضل کا گوہ گراں، امام ابوحنیفہ کی فکر، امام رازی کی حکمت، امام غزالی کا تصوف، امام احمد رضا کی آنکھ کا تارا اور ہم سنیوں کا سہارا، اکانوے سال اکیس دن کی عمر میں مختصر علالت کے بعد ١٤، محرم الحرام ١٤٠٢ھ بمطابق ١٢ نومبر١٩٨١ء رات ایک بج کر چالیس منٹ پر کلمہ طیبہ کا ورد کرتا ہوا خالقِ حقیقی سے جاملا۔ اناللّٰہ واناالیہ راجعون

حضرت مفتی اعظم کے وصال پر ملال کی خبر دنیا کے مشہور ریڈیو اسٹیشنوں نے نشر کی۔ اگلے روزنماز جمعہ کے بعد اسلامیہ کالج کے وسیع میدان میں تین بج کر پندرہ منٹ پر نمازجنازہ ہوئی اور تقریباً چھ بجے اعلیحضرت فاضل بریلوی علیہ الرحمہ کے بائیں پہلو میں سپرد خاک کردیا گیا۔ نماز جنازہ میں لاکھوں افراد کا ٹھاٹھیں مارتا ہوا سمندر تھا۔ جو حضور مفتی اعظم کی مقبولیت وشہرت اور جلالتِ شان کا کھلا ثبوت تھا۔

١٤٠٢ھ ''پروازکرد مفتی اعظم'' بہ عیسوی ست١٩٨١ء

14th MuHarram al-Haraam | Hadrat Mufti-e-Aazam Imam Mustafa Rida Noori al-Qadiri Alaihir raHmah

URS of the Ghawth & Grand Mufti of India
Imam Mustafa Rida Noori al-Qadiri Alaihir raHmah

Ghawth al-Waqt Mufti A'zam Qutbe-'Alam 'Arife-Billah Aalur-RaHman MuHiyy al-Din Jilani Imam Mustafa RiDa al-Qadiri Barakati Noori Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was born on 22 Zil-Hajj 1310 in Bareilly Sharif, U.P., India. He was the youngest son of Qutbul-Irshad Imam al-Akbar A'la-HaDrat Imam AHmad RiDa al-Qadiri Barkati Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho the Mujdaddid of the 14th Century.

His ancestor, Shuja'at Jung MuHammad Sa'idullah Khan, accompanied Sultan Nadir Sha Abdali in 1739 AD on his first political expedition to Hindustan. Nadir Sha returned to Afghanistan but Shuja'at Jung MuHammad Sa'idullah Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho decided to settle in Hindustan. In later years (between 1739 and 1748 AD), Sultan MuHammad Sha (d. 1748 AD), King of Delhi officially appointed him to the rank of Shash-Hazaari. This was indeed a very elite post in the Moghal Empire which was only entrusted to one of Royal Descent. The Moghal King also gave him The Glass Palace of Lahore and some districts in Rampur as his Jageer .

Later, by Divine Command, General MuHammad Sa'idullah Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho settled in Bareilly which was then known as the capital of the famous Rohelkand District of the empire.

Important Point

The following ancestral tree of HaDrat Mufti A'zam Imam Mustafa RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was carefully constructed from the authentic Books of Genealogy and meticulously scrutinized with references to other books in this field. The ancestors were compared with dates and periods found in books written by Historians who were masters in this field. The following points were noted before compiling the Ancestral Tree:

- Preference was given to books compiled by Historians of Afghan descent/origin as they knew their descendants better than others.

- Furthermore, amongst the Afghani Historians, preference was given to Historians that belonged to the Bar'hech Tribe as the Ghawth al- Waqt Imam Mustafa RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho belonged to the Bar'hech Tribe.

- There is not much dispute in the Chain of the Ancestral Tree from Sayyiduna Nabi Adam Alaihis Salam to Sayyiduna Nabi IsHaq Alaihis Salam.

- The chain of the Family Tree from Sayyiduna Nabi IsHaq Alaihis Salam to HaDrat Malik Taloot Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was extracted according to the citation found in the books of authors who belonged to the Bar'hech Tribe. This was so because people of a Tribe will have more genuine information of their ancestors in relation to others of different tribes.

- There is a consensus in Books of Ancestral Trees from HaDrat Malik Taloot Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho up to Sayyiduna Qais Malik 'Abdur-Rashid Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho and so is the case from Sayyiduna 'Abdur-Rashid to Bar'hech.

- From Bar'hech till HaDrat Shuja'at Jang MuHammad Sa'eedullah Khan the genealogy was extracted from Khulasatul-Ansab, Akhbar al-Sanadid and Bustan-e-Hikmat, whose authors are not only Afghanis, but belonged to the Bar'hech Tribe.

This is how cautiously this Family Tree from Sayyiduna Nabi Adam Alaihis Salam till Ghawth al-Waqt, HaDrat Mufti A'zam Qutbe-'Alam's Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was constructed. The Ancestral Tree is as follows:

Imam Mustafa RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o Mujaddid Imam AHmad RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o Ra'isul-Atqiya Imam MuHammad Naqi 'Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o 'Arife-Billah Imam RiDa 'Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o Mawlana Hafiz Kazim 'Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o Mawlana Sha MuHammad A'zam Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o Mawlana MuHammad Sa'adat Yaar Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o Shuja'at Jung MuHammad Sa'idullah Khan Bhadur Qandhari Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o 'Abdur-RaHman Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o Yusuf Khan Qandhari Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o Dawlat Khan s/o Badal Khan s/o Da'ood Khan s/o Bar'hech Khan s/o Sharfud-Deen 'Urf Shar'haboon s/o Ibra'him 'Urf Sard'bun s/o Sayyiduna Qais Malik 'Abdur-Rashid SaHabi Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o 'Ays Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o Salool Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o 'Utba Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o Na'eem Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o Marra s/o Malik Jalandar s/o Malik Askandar Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o Zaman s/o 'Unais s/o Bah'lool s/o Sa'lam s/o SalaH s/o Qaroon s/o Nasr s/o Ashmu'ail s/o Na'eem s/o Akram s/o Ash'ath Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho s/o Sharood s/o Makhal s/o Nusrat s/o Qalaj s/o Sher s/o 'Atham s/o Faylool s/o Karam s/o 'Amaal s/o Hudayfa s/o Mat'hal s/o Qabal s/o 'Ilm or 'Aleem s/o Ash'mool s/o Haroon s/o Qamar s/o Abi s/o Su'heb s/o Talal s/o Lu'ee s/o 'Ameel s/o Taraj s/o Arzand s/o Mandool s/o Saleem or Sa'lam s/o Afghana s/o Sarad al-Muqallab bi Malik Taloot s/o Qais s/o 'Utbah s/o Talas s/o Ru'ail s/o Yahoodah s/o Sayyiduna Nabi Ya'qoob Alaihis Salam s/o Sayyiduna Nabi IsHaq Alaihis Salam s/o Khaleelullah Sayyiduna Nabi Ibra'him Alaihis Salam s/o Ta'rikh s/o Makhood or NaHoor s/o Shuroo' or Ash'ragh s/o Sayyiduna Nabi Hood Alaihis Salam s/o 'Abir s/o Sha'lakh s/o Araf'khashad s/o Saam s/o Sayyiduna Nabi NooH Alaihis Salam [age: 1400 years] s/o La'lak [age:780 years] s/o Malik Matla'shakh [age: 900 years] s/o Sayyiduna Nabi Idris Alaihis Salam s/o Bayarad s/o Mahla'heel s/o Qay'nan s/o Anoosh s/o Sayyiduna Nabi Sheeth Alaihis Salam [age: 912 years] s/o Sayyiduna Nabi Adam Alaihis Salam [age: 900 years]

HaDrat Mufti A'zam, Qutbe-'Alam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho belonged to the Afghani Bar'hech Tribe which was of Royal Descent. This was indeed a very respectable and noble tribe in Afghanistan. Great 'Ulama and Masha'ikh hailed from this dignified tribe whose Mazars are still a centre of solace and spiritual enlightment for the people both in Afghanistan and Hindustan. A separate detailed book can be written about these great dignitaries. Since this a very brief introduction of the Imam, therefore no details will be recorded herein. However, an important point to note is that in the ancestry of Ghawth al-Waqt Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, there are eight Prophets and one SaHabi. The Prophets are:

1) Sayyiduna Nabi Ya'qoob Alaihis Salam
2) Sayyiduna Nabi IsHaq Alaihis Salam
3) Khalilullah Sayyiduna Nabi Ibra'him Alaihis Salam
4) Sayyiduna Nabi Hood Alaihis Salam
5) Sayyiduna Nabi NooH Alaihis Salam
6) Sayyiduna Nabi Idris Alaihis Salam
7) Sayyiduna Nabi Sheeth Alaihis Salam
8) Sayyiduna Nabi Adam Alaihis Salam

The one SaHabi is Sayyiduna Qais Malik 'Abdur-Rashid SaHabi Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. He is the 43rd descendant of Afghana and 45th descendant of HaDrat Malik Taloot. Qais bin 'Ays lived in the mountainous terrains of Ghour. In one of the Expeditions of Sayyiduna Khalid ibn Walid Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, he became interested in Islam. So he took some of the leaders of Afghanistan and went to Madina al-Munawwara. They met the beloved Prophet of ALLAH SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala and immediately accepted Islam on his sacred hands. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam then said to him:"Qais is a Hebrew word and I am an Arab. The Prophet of ALLAH SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala gave him the Islamic name 'Abdur-Rashid. The Habib Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam further said: "You are the Awlad of Malik Taloot whom ALLAH SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala blessed with the title of Malik (King). In the future you too will be remembered with the title of Malik." This is how he got the title of Malik from the office of Prophethood.

It was in the Madinan period that the Beloved Nabi Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam was planning for the conquest of Makka and appointed Malik 'Abdur-Rashid and the other Afghani SaHabi as the lead of the secret service scouts of the army led by Sayyiduna Khalid ibn Walid Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. The Afghani Mujahids displayed their astonishing bravery in the battle of Makka. Sayyiduna Malik 'Abdur-Rashid Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho himself killed 70 Kuf'far in this battle. His role and bravery in this war brought great joy to the heart of the Beloved Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam who predicted that a great family will emerge from the off-springs of this Sahabi. They will be steadfast on religion and will strengthen the Din of Islam like Bataan (conqueror with great bravery or Military Advisor). It was the effects of this Du'a of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam that great 'Ulama and Masha'ikh were born in the lineage of Sayyiduna Malik 'Abdur-Rashid Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. To name a few, some of the stars in the firmament of excellence were the great Mujaddid, Ala-HaDrat Imam AHmad Raza al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho and his son, Ghawth al-Zaman Mufti A'zam Imam Mustafa RiDa al-Qadiri Noori Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. Their services to the Din is known to the Muslim World and precisely the manifestations of the Du'as of the Beloved Prophet of ALLAH SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala.

Since the Beloved Nabi's Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam Du'a for the Awlad of Sayyiduna Malik 'Abdur-Rashid Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was that they will strengthen the Din and their strength will be like Bataan, from that day on he became famous by the title of "Bataan". This word Bataan in later days changed to the present day name "Pathaan". Eventually, the Awlad of Sayyiduna Malik 'Abdur-Rashid Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho then became synonymous by the word Pathaan. This is how the word Pataan can into existence. Sayyiduna Malik 'Abdur-Rashid Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho married Mutahira, the daughter of Sayyiduna Khalid ibn Walid Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, and he passed away at the age of 87 years.

GLAD TIDINGS BEFORE THE MASTER'S BIRTH

Before the birth of the Ghawth, his father Imam AHmad RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, was on a visit to the Mazar of his Murshid al-Kamil Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho in Marehra Sharif. It was on the night of 22nd of Zil-Hajj that the noble Imam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho had a dream. He noticed in this dream that the full moon began descending towards the earth and it was many folds bigger than the earth. As it descended, its size began decreasing and its brilliance increased. So much so that it comfortably landed on his lap. That morning Ala-HaDrat Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho awoke for Tahajjud Salah and Almighty ALLAH SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala inspired his heart with the correct interpretation of that dream. The Imam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho immediately made WuDu and performed two Rak'ats of Shukr (thanks-giving) and named his son Aalur-RaHman.

That same day he performed the Salatul-Zuhr with the Qutb, Sirajul-'Arifin, Sayyid Abul-Husain AHmade-Noori al-Husaini Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho in the Musjid of the Masha'ikh. After the Salah, he left the Musjid with the Qutb 'Arife-Noori Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. As the Qutb Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho reached the steps of the Musjid, he turned to Ala-HaDrat Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho as if he had already intercepted his dream and intention and said: "Mawlana SaHib! You must return to Bareilly as ALLAH SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala has blessed you with a pious and gifted son. I suggest the name Aalur-RaHman Abul-Barakat MuHiyy al-Din Jilani for him. I will certainly come to Bareilly to see him and bestow all the Spiritual Secrets on him." The Qutb also gave Ala-HaDrat Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho a five Rupee silver coin as a gift for the new-born son.

However, Imam AHmad RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho obeyed the command of the Qutb who was not only his Peer-Bhai but also his Teacher and immediately left for Bareilly. He reached Bareilly the same day and was delighted to see his new-born son. Imam AHmad RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho inquired about the time of the son's birth and it was confirmed that it was the exact time that the Qutb Sayyid 'Arife-Noori Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, had intercepted when leaving the Musjid after Salatuz-Zuhr in Marehra. SubHanALLAH! What precise perception is bestowed upon the beloved servants of ALLAH SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala!

The noble Imam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho then kissed his son on the forehead, hugged him to his chest and said: "Welcome, O perfect Wali!" The arrival of this son brought great joy to all in the household because many daughters were born in his home after the first son, Hujjatul-Islam Mawlana Hamid RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. There was an 18 year gap between the first son and the new arrival. Everyone in the family was so overjoyed that they celebrated his arrival for many months.

HIS 'AQEEQA

His father, Imam AHmad RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, though chose the name Aalur-RaHman on the morning of his dream, but instead, he kept his name MuHammad when the Aqiqa was performed for two apparent reasons.

- Firstly, this was so because there are no limits of Barakat and blessing in the name MuHammad.
- And secondly, A'la-HaDrat was a great 'Arif and an 'Arif's vision is always focused on the LouH-e-MaHfooz (Sacred Tablet of Records). The great Imam and 'Arif noticed the physical life u of his son on the LouH-e-MaHfiz which was 92 years and kept his name MuHammad. The Ghawth, HaDrat Mufti A'zam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho passed away in 1981 at the age of 92. According to numerology and the Abjad Formula calculation, the numerical value of the word MuHammad is 92. It was only after the demise of HaDrat Mufti A'zam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho that this secret and Karamat of Imam AHmad RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was understood by the people. The word complimented his son's love for the Master Sayyiduna MuHammad Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam and it's numerical value complimented his age u as Divinely pre-destined on the LouH-e-MaHfooz.

HIS BAY'AH AND KHILAFAT

On Wednesday, 25th Jamadiul-Thani 1310 / 3rd January 1894 as promised the great Qutb, Sayyidi Abul-Husain AHmad-e-Noori al-Husaini al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho came to Bareilly, to visit the new born. The child was 6 months and 3 days old. Imam AHmad RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho took the child and placed him on the sacred lap of the Great Qutb Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. Sayyidi 'Arife-Noori Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho carefully looked at the face of this child for a long time and kissed his forehead and said to the father: "Mawlana! This is a gifted child and a born Wali of ALLAH! As far as Barakat is concerned, he is Abul-Barkat and MuHiyyud-Din as far as Fanaiyyat is concerned. This child will serve the Din extensively and mankind will derive great benefits from him. The vision of this Wali will cherish the hearts of millions and make them steadfast on the Din and from him will flow an ocean of Divine Grace."

After these glad tidings, the Murshid al-Kamil Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho placed his blessed Shahadah finger in the child's mouth who began suckling as if being breast fed by the mother. It was as if the great Qutb infused all the Barakat and Secrets of the four major Spiritual Orders at once into the receptive heart of this young and future Ghawth of ALLAH SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala. The grand Master then initiated the child in the Qadiriyyah Spiritual Order and bestowed on him the Khilafah of 13 Spiritual Orders. They were as follows:

1) Qadiriyyah Barkatiyyah Jadidah
2) Qadiriyyah Aba'iyyah Qadimah
3) Qadiriyyah Hidayiyyah
4) Qadiriyyah Raz'zaqiyyah
5) Qadiriyyah Mansooriyyah
6) Chishtiyyah Nizamiyyah Qadimah
7) Chishtiyyah MaHboobiyyah Jadididah
8) Suhrawardiyyah WaHidiyyah
9) Suhrawardiyyah FaDiliyyah
10) Naqshabandiyyah 'Ula'iyyah Siddiqiyyah
11) Naqshabandiyyah 'Ula'iyyah 'Ulawiyyah
12) Badi'iyyah
13) 'Uluwiyyah Manamiyyah

After blessing this child with all these lofty stations, the Murshid al-Kaamil'ala Anho then placed the child on the lap of Ala-HaDrat Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho and said: "Mubarak to you! The Tafsir of the Ayah وَجَعَل لِّى وَزِيراً مِن اَهلِى has now filled your lap."

This is how the first chapter of this future Ghawth of the Sublime Lord Azzawajal began and at a tender age of 6 months and 3 days he was introduced to this Ummah. After the completion of his external studies, HaDrat Mufti A'zam Qutb al-'Alam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho perfected the mystical sciences and Sulook under the Spiritual Guidance of his Murshid al-Kamil Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho.

Jubba Mubarak of Mufti-e-Aazam Qutb-e-Aalam Alaihir raHma

HIS BISMILLAH KHWANI

At the age of 4 years, 4 months and 4 days the traditional Soofi Bismillah Khani was personally performed by Ala-HaDrat Imam AHmad RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. He was then given in the care of his elder brother, Hujjatul-Islam Mawlana Hamid RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, to teach him the Nazara of the Holy Qur'an. This astonishing child shocked his brother by completing Nazara of the recitation of the entire Qur'an in just 3 years!

HIS EDUCATIONAL CAREER

After the completion of the recitation of the Holy Qur'an, Ala-HaDrat Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho then handed him over to the able teachers of teachers [Ustaz al-'Ulama], HaDrat Mawlana RaHam Ilahi Manglori al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho to study the elementary books of the 'Alim course. After teaching him for a few months, he said to Imam AHmad RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho: "I am indeed honoured to teach this future giant of Islam. Your son is a Wali and it is not possible for me to perfect him. It is only your personality that can fulfil this difficult task. However, I will do my utmost best to teach him as much as I can which for me is not an easy task. I am dumb-founded at his memory and intellect."

Ghawth al-Waqt, Mufti al-A'zam Qutb al-'Alam, Imam Mustafa RiDa al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho completed his external studies under 5 Masters. They were as follows:

1) His Father, Imam al-Akbar Ala-HaDrat Imam AHmad RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
2) His elder brother, Hujjatul-Islam Mawlana Hamid RiDa al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
3) The Teacher of Teachers, HaDrat Mawlana RaHam Ilahi Mang'lori Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
4) Shaykh al-'Ulama 'Allama Sayyid Bashir AHmad 'Aligari Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
5) Shams al-'Ulama HaDrat Mawlana Zuhoor al-Hasan Farooqi Rampuri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho

In 1328/1910, at a young age of 18 years, HaDrat Mufti al-A'zam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho had mastered 36 sciences of knowledge. Thereafter, for the next 13 years (1328 to 1340) he sat with his illustrious father, the Mujaddid and Qutbul-Irshad Imam AHmad RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho and mastered the science of Islamic Law (Fiqa).

HIS DEVOTION AND 'IBADAH

The Qutb, Mufti al-A'zam Imam Mustafa RiDa al-Qadiri Noori Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho from a very young age till the last moments of his life was always engrossed in the remembrance of Almighty ALLAH SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala. He never missed his daily Salah and always performed it with the Jama'at in the Musjid. This excessive remembrance was so intense that it was often noticed that his lips moved in Dhikr while he was asleep. He sat in long devotions after the Fajr and Maghrib Salahs. He used to perform the Imamat of the Rijal al-Ghayb and Jinns after mid-night. There were instances that people noticed him teaching a group of "amazing" people late after mid-night in the confines of his private chamber . Sometimes people peeped into his private room of 'Ibadah to see this class in session. Such people were later confronted by the student Jinns in anger and warned not to interfere in their matters when engaged with their Shaykh at night. This confrontation had such an impact on them that they lay sick for days.

The Ghawth Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was a master of the highly esoteric Dhikr of Sultan al-Azkar. This Dhikr is also known as Dhikre-Ara, the Dhikr of the Saw. This is a highly secret form of Dhikr of the senior Awliya of ALLAH. Years of practice is required to perfect this Dhikr. When the 'Amil is engaged in this Dhikr, every joint in his body becomes dislodged and the pieces are scattered on the floor bouncing in the ecstasy of the Dhikr of "ALLAH ALLAH". If anyone unintentionally has to see this then he would think that someone has chopped up every part of this person. But if a person intentionally invades the privacy of the 'Arif engrossed in this Dhikr, then there is a great chance that he may loose his eyesight or even die. There were 3 or 4 instances in the life of the Murshid al-Kaamil that people unintentionally saw the Master in this state. [In 1994 while I (translator) was attending the 'Urs-e-Noori in Marehra Sharif, I was summoned to the private quarters of the Sajjadah 'Arife-Billah Makhdoom Sayyid Hasan Mia Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. In the chamber, there were 2 of us seated in the august presence of the Master. Professor Sayyid MuHammad Amin Mia and I sat with heads bent in absolute undivided attention while the Master, with tears rolling down his cheeks, spoke of the excellence of the Ghawth al-Waqt, HaDrat Mufti al-A'zam Qutb al-'Alam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. The door was closed and no person was allowed to enter while this meeting was in session.

The Soofi Master Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho then mentioned to us of a horrifying experience he had when he was a young boy of about 12 years. At that time the Ghawth, HaDrat Mufti al-A'zam Qutb al-'Alam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was in Marehra Sharif for the Ziyarat of his Peer-o-Murshid's Mazar. It was about 3 p.m. when his brother, the 'Arif, Sayyid al-'Ulama HaDrat Sayyid Ale-Mustafa al-Husaini al-Qadiri Barkati Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho said to him; "Hasan Mia! It's late and HaDrat has not eaten lunch as yet. Go and see where he is and bring him for lunch." I (Sayyid Hasan Mia) immediately went to his room and did not find him there. I inquired from some people sitting outside the room and they mentioned that HaDrat went to the Musjid for Zuhr Salah and not returned as yet. So I went to the Musjid which was totally empty and found the inner section doors closed. As I opened the door, I was horrified to find the body of the Ghawth in pieces and every piece of his body was bouncing on the floor reading "ALLAH ALLAH". I had never seen anything like this before and it had such an impact on me that I instantly became feverish and ran out of the Musjid crying straight to my brother (Sayyid al-'Ulama). I was hysterical and he grabbed me and asked: "What is the matter? Why are you crying?" All I could tell him in that state of terror was that someone had killed HaDrat in the Musjid. My brother was a great Soofi himself and felt my temperature and understood what had happened. He began praying on me until my condition normalized. After a while we saw HaDrat coming out of the Musjid and I was now even more confused as he was in a perfect normal state.

However, after some time Sayyid al-'Ulama Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho explained to me about my experience and said: "HaDrat Mufti al- A'zam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho is a great 'Amil of Sultanul-Azkar. When you saw his state in the Musjid, he was engrossed in this very Dhikr. He is the pride of our Barkati family and the coolness of the eyes of our grandfather HaDrat Noori Dada Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho."

A Pair of very old Nagra Shoes of Mufti-e-Aazam Qutb-e-Aalam Alaihir raHma

HIS ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTION

Ghawth al-Waqt Mufti al-A'zam Qutbul-'Alam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was a prolific writer and wrote numerous books on different subjects of Din. Unfortunately, many were never published and of those that were published, many are out of print. There is some resurgence amongst the present day scholars to locate the Murshid's books to be printed. Below, is a list of some of his books:

واقعات السنان
الموت الاحمر
ادخال السنان
طرق الهدى و الارشاد الى احكام الاماره و الجهاد
حاشيه شرح الاستمداد كحلى اجيال الارتداد
الملفوظ
الطارى الدارى
سامان بخشش
وهابيه كى تقيه بازى
مسائل سماع
القول العجيب في جواز التثويب
الحجة الباهرة
تنوير الحجه بالتور الحجه
كشف الضلال
وقاية اهل السنه
مقتل كذب و كيد
سيف الجبّار
نور القرآن
القسورة على ادوار الخمر الكفرة
داع الديان على رأس الوسواس الشيطان
مقتل اكذب و اجهل
الكاوى في العادى
القثم الفاصم
رشد الالياس على عابد الخناس
شفاء العى في جواب سوال بمبى
النكته على مراء كلكته
نفى العار من معائب عبدالغفار
دارهى كا مسئله
سراخ در سوراج
فتاوى مصطفويه
ترد الشيطان عن سبيل الرحمن

These are some of the contributions of the great Mufti and Wali of ALLAH. He has also left thousands of students, Mureeds and Khulafa, who in turn produced thousands of students that are serving the Muslim globally.

The Roving Ambassador of Islam, Mawlana 'Abd al-'Alim Siddiqi al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was a close friend of Ghawth al-Waqt Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho and greatly revered him. HaDrat Mawlana 'Abd al-'Alim Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was also a great politician and took an active part in local and international politics. He was very instrumental in abolishing the Hajj Tax then introduced by the Saudī Regime. The introduction of the Hajj Tax infuriated him as it was against the Sharī'ah and affected millions of incoming Hujjaj to the Holy land. It is also ethically incorrect to charge a Hajj Tax on pilgrims who spend thousands and undertake such a strenuous journey only to be welcomed at Jeddah seaport and airport by an unjustified tax instead of being given a warm welcome to the Holy Land as the guest of Allah Azzawajal and His Rasūl Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam.

He consulted with the most senior Jurist of the Muslim World, the great 'Arife Billah, Qutb al-'Alam, Muftī al-A'zam, Imam Mustafa RīDa al-QaDirī Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho and requested him for an Islamic ruling (Fatwa) on the Hajj Tax. The Grand Mufti issued an Islamic decree in the Arabic language condemning the Hajj Tax as un-Islamic which was later published by the title:

طَردُ الشَّيطَان عَن سَبِيلِ الرَّحْمن اَلمُلَقِّب بِعُمْدَةُ البَيَان فيِ حُرْمَةِ كُوشَان
"Tard al-Shaytan 'un Sabil al-RaHman al-Mulakkab bi 'Omdat al-Bayan fi Hurmate Koshan".

This Fatwa was acknowledged and ratified by many giants of the Islamic World, namely Sadr al-Afadil Mawlana Sayyid Na'īmudīn Muradabadī Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, Sadr al-Shari'ah Mawlana Amjad 'Ali al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, etc.

Mawlana 'Abd al-'Alim Siddiqui Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho took this Fatwa and set out to meet with the King in Hijaz and debated the Hajj Tax and presented the Fatwa. The Fatwa of HaDrat Mufti al-A'zam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho convinced the Wahabi Clergies and the King then abolished the Hajj Tax, but unfortunately, the Saudi authorities later reinstated this un-Islamic Tax to exploit the pilgrims to the Holy Land.

Ghawth al-Waqt Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was also a celebrated Poet and the collection of his poetry has been published under the title of Saman-e-Bakh'shish which widely read internationally.

It is amazing to note that wherever you find Sunni Muslims in the world, you ought to find someone amongst them doing work for the Ahle-Sunnah who is either a Mureed or a student of the Mureed of the Ghawth HaDrat Mufti al-A'zam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. The list students and Khulafa is too extensive to mention here. However, a short list of his famous Khulafa is give below. The Ghawth of ALLAH Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho had over TWENTY MILLION MUREEDS who are living throughout the world. Isha-ALLAH, I intend to compile a detailed book on my Murshid al-Kamil in due course. Please make Du'a that Almighty ALLAH SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala grants me the strength to undertake this mammoth task.

Pen Case + Ink Pot + 2 Pens + Seal of Mufti-e-Aazam Qutb-e-Aalam Alaihir raHma

A SHORT LIST OF SOME OF THE FAMOUS KHULAFA

The following names of 'Ulama and Masha'ikh is indeed a very brief list of the many Khulafa of the Grand Soofi Master and Ghawth Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho.

Haramayn al-Sharifan and the Arab World:

1) Qutbul-Waqt Sayyid Amin Qutbi Makki Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
2) Shaykh Sayyid 'Abbas 'Alawi al-Hasani Maliki Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
3) Uslaz al-'Ulama Shaykh Noor MuHammad Sayf Makki Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
4) The Hadith Master Sayyid MuHammad 'Alawi al-Maliki Hasani Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
5) HaDrat Mawlana Shaykh FaDlur-RaHman al-Qadiri Madani Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
6) Shaykh Sayyid Mu'ad FatHullah Khalifa al-Husaini Shami

Indo-Pak Sub-Continent:

1) MuHaddith-e-Pakistan HaDrat Mawlana Sardar AHmad Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
2) The Grand Mufassir HaDrat Mawlana Ibrahim Raza Jilani al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
3) The Ghazali of his time 'Allama Sayyid AHmad Sa'id Kazimi Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
4) HaDrat Sayyid AHmad 'Ali Ajmeri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
5) Mujahid-e-Millat Abdal al-Waqt HaDrat Sha Habibur-RaHman 'Alawi al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
6) The Lion of the Ahle-Sunnah Mawlana Hashmat 'Ali Khan al-Qadiri RaDawi Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
7) 'Allama QaDi Sayyid Shamsud-Din Ja'fari al-Husaini Jawanpoori Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho (author of Qanoon-e-Shari'at)
8) The MuHaddith, HaDrat Haji Mubinud-Din Amrohi Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
9) Shaykh al-Hadith 'Allama 'Abdul-Mustafa Azhari al-Qadiri Amjadi Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
10) Khalil al-Millat Mufti MuHammad Khalil Khan Barkati Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho (author of Hamara Islam and Sunni Bahishti Zewar)
11) Prof. Dr. Sayyid MuHammad Amin Mia al-Husaini Barkati Phd. (Prof. Aligarh Muslim University, Faculty of Urdu and Sajjada Nasheen Khanqah Barkatiyya, Marehra Sharif.)
12) The Robust Orator and Statesman, Hadrat Mawlana RayHan Raza Khan al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
13) Taj ash-Shari'ah HaDrat Mufti MuHammad Akhtar Raza Khan Azhari al-Qadiri
14) HaDrat Soofi MuHammad Iqbal RaDawi Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho (compiler of the famous Shame Shabistan-e-Raza)
15) The Hadith Master, HaDrat Mufti Shariful-Haqq Amjadi Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
16) BaHrul-'Uloom Mufti 'Abdul-Manan al-Qadiri RaDawi
17) The Master Orator, Mawlana Mushtaq AHmad Nizami al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
18) Ustaz al-'Ulama Mawlana MuHammad Jhangir FateHpuri al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
19) BaHral-'Uloom Mufti Sayyid AfDal-Husain al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
20) Mujahid-e-Ahle Sunnat Sayyid Sha Turabul-Haqq Jilani al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
21) The International Ambassador of Imam AHmad RiDa, Mawlana Sha MuHammad Ibrahim Khushtar Siddiqi al-Qadiri RaDawi Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
22) Shaykh al-Hadith Mawlana 'Abdul-Qayyoom Hazarwi al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
23) The Sufi Master and MuHaddith, HaDrat Mawlana Qari MasleHud-Din Siddiqi al-Qadiri Amjadi Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
24) Prof. Dr. Sayyid Sha Mufti Ghulam Sarwar al-Husaini al-Qadiri RaDawi (Phd. Arabic Grammer)
25) The Hadith Master Mawlana Diya al-Mustafa Qadiri Amjadi
26) HaDrat QaDi 'Abdur-RaHim Bastawi al-Qadiri
27) The MuHaddith and authority on Qasidah al-Burdah, HaDrat Mawlana Mufti MuHammad Husain MuHaddith Sakkar Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho

South Africa:

1) HaDrat Mawlana MuHammad AHmad Mukaddam al-Qadiri RaDawi MA. [Rector - International Peace University, Cape-Town (IPSA)]
2) HaDrat Mawlana 'Abdul-Hamid Palmer al-Qadiri Noori [Chairman – Sunni 'Ulama Counsel, Durban ]
3) Khadim al-'Ilm al-Sharif Shaykh Abu-MuHammad 'Abdul-Hadi al-Qadiri RaDawi [Founder & President - Imam AHmad Raza Academy, S. Africa & Director – Barkaatur-Raza Publication, S.Africa ]

HIS JOURNEY TO THE HARAMAYN AL-SHAREEFAYN

The Ghawth performed his first Hajj in 1323/1905 at the age of 13 years with his illustrious father, A'la-HaDrat Imam AHmad RiDa al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. His second trip was in 1364/1945 and the third trip was in 1391/1971. The third trip was a very historic one where all Hujjaj were required to travel with a passport and a valid Hajj Visa. Both these documents had to have the photograph of the traveller. But the Ghawth Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, from a very young age never took out a photograph because the sacred Shari'ah forbade the taking of photograps . He always strictly followed the Laws of the Shari'ah in all aspects of his life. Since he had made his Niyyah for Hajj and Ziyarah, hence nothing could now stop him to undertake this sacred journey. It was his Charismatic Exploit that the Indian Government and the Saudi Consulate exempted him from the use of a photograph on his passport which was indeed the first time for something like this to happen. Why not, no Law is superior to the Divine law of Almighty Allah Azzawajal and one who adheres to the Divine Law is always Divinely Protected by the Sublime Lord Azzawajal. This was a unique occasion when the world witnessed the Divine Control of Allah Azzawajal and the authority of His Azzawajal Awliya.

In this trip, the Ghawth Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was accompanied by his wife, his niece, his grandson, the very old servant-lady (Khadima) of his father, A'la-HaDrat Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho and my humble self. This journey was undertaken by ship. The Murshid was welcomed at Jeddah docks by Qutb al-Madina Shaykh Dia al-Din AHmad Siddiqi al-Qadiri Madani Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, HaDrat Mawlana Shaykh FaDlur-RaHman Madani Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, the Indian Ambassador and hundreds of Mureeds and followers.

The 'Ulama of Haramayn Sharifayn, the Arab word and scholars of Din always humbled themselves in the presence of the Ghawth Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. These dignitaries sat around the Ghawth as students and devotees seeking his grace, Du'as and Asanid [Certificates of Khilafat, Hadith Narrations, Fiqh and Awrad]. Amongst the Makkan 'Ulama who met with and took Ijazah and Khilafa from the Ghawth were:

- Qutbul-Waqt 'Arife-Billah Sayyidi Shaykh Amin Qutbi al-Husaini Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
- Sayyid al-'Ulama HaDrat Sayyid 'Alawi Maliki al-Hasani Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho (the illustrious father of Sayyid MuHammad 'Alawi al-Maliki Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
- Ustaz al-'Ulama HaDrat Mawlana Shaykh MuHammad Noor Saif Makki Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
- Shaykh Sayyid MuHammad 'Alawi Maliki al-Hasani Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho
- Shaykh Sayyid Mu'ad FatHullah Khalifa al-Husaini Shami etc.

It was in this trip that the famous MuHaddith of Makka al-Mukarramah, Sayyidi MuHammad 'Alawi Hasani al-Maliki Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, received the Khilafat of the consecrated Qadiriyyah Spiritual Order and Ijazah of Narration of the Hadith al-Sharif from the great Ghawth, Mufti al-A'zam Qutb al-'Alam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho . I was personally present in this coronation which took place in the home of Sayyidi MuHmmad's Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho father, Sayyid al-'Alawi al-Hasani Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho in Makka al-Mukarrama. AlHamdulillah! This humble servant has in his possession the pen and ink-pot which the the Ghawth Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho used to write the Certificate of Khilafat and Hadith al-Sharif.

Sayyid MuHammad Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho followed the Murshid al-Kamil throughout his stay in Makka al-Mukarrama and his ardant love and devotion for the Ghawth was so strong that he even followed him to Madina al-Munawwara. Here, in this sanctified city of the Habib Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, the Sayyid daily visited the Master for the 31 days he spent here. I am a witness to this as I was every moment in the service of the Murshid and responsible to present tea and refreshments to all the guests. In some meetings Sayyid MuHammad spent hours with the Ghawth Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. Periodically, I served tea to the Sayyid and every time he moved the tea in front of the Master and sat staring at his luminous face. It was the unique nature of the Ghawth Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho that when he had any association with any Sayyid, he expressed great love and affection to them. Since Sayyidi MuHammad was a progeny of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam the Murshid compassionately requested him to drink the tea. But the Sayyid refused saying, "I would only drink if you first make the tea Tabarruk by drinking from it." So the Murshid, with tears rolling down his cheeks, read some Du'a and drank a little tea and passed it on to Sayyid MuHammad. The Sayyid's face brightened up with happiness and he drank the tea. After some time the Master ordered more tea and the Sayyid would do the same. The Ghawth said that he had already made it Tabarruk the first time and he should now drink it. But Sayyid MuHammad 'Alawi replied; "If I have to drink tea a thousand times in your august presence, you will have to first make it Tabarruk before I drink it." This was the extreme love and respect the 'Ulama and Masha'ikh of Haramayn al-Sharifayn expessed for the great Ghawth of Allah. May the Sublime Lord Azzawajal sanctify their souls and through them, bless us with the sweetness of Iman - Amin thumma Amin.

HIS MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN

Ghawth al-Waqt, Murshid al-Kamil Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was married to his cousin and only child of HaDrat Mawlana MuHammad RiDa al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho on 11th May 1911. Mawlana MuHammad RiDa al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was the youngest brother of A'la-HaDrat Imam RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho and received all his education from his big brother. He was a master of 'Ilm al-Fara'iD (Faculty of Distribution of Inheritance) and all questions (Fatawa) pertaining to this subject that came to A'la-HaDrat Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho was referred to him to be answered. HaDrat Mufti A'zam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho had six daughters and one son, Anwar RiDa, who passed away at a tender age of 18 months. His progeny survives through his daughters.

HIS WISAL SHAREEF

Ghawth al-Waqt, Mufti al-A'zam Qutb al-'Alam Imam Mustafa RiDa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho peacefully departed from this mundane world at the age of 92 on Wednesday night – 1:40 am, 14th MuHarram al-Haram 1402 / 11th November 1981. He was put to rest on the right side next to his illustrious father, Qutb al-Irshad Imam al-Akbar Ala-HaDrat Imam AHmad RiDa al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho. Although the illustrious Ghawth has physically departed from this material world, but the spiritual beams of his guidance and blessings still manifests as a radiant beacon for Mureeds of the sanctified Qadiriyyah Barkatiyyah RaDawiyyah Spiritual Order.

May ALLAH Azzawajal The Real Absolute, instil in our hearts the love and honour for all the Awliya-ALLAH and give us courage to follow the principles of mystical ethics taught by the Righteous 'Ulama and Masha'ikh and as laid down in their books.

— — —
Inferior Mendicant of the Murshid
Abu-MuHammad 'Abd al-Hadi al-Qadiri Ridawi