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GLORIOUS BIRTH
Ghousul Waqt,
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) was born on Monday,
22nd of Zil Hijjah 1310 AH (18
July 1892) in the most beautiful
city of Bareilly Shareef, India. It
was in this very city that his
illustrious father, the Mujaddid
(Reviver) of Islam, Imam-e-Ahle
Sunnat, A'la Hazrat, Ash Shah Imam
Ahmed Raza Khan Al Qaderi (radi
Allahu anhu) was born (1856 -
1921).
At the time of the
birth of Ghousul Waqt, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu), his
distinguished father, was in
Mahrerah Shareef, one of the great
spiritual centres of the Sunni
World. On that very night, Sayyiduna
A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu)
dreamt that he had been blessed
with a son and in his dream he named
his son "Aale Rahmaan". Hazrat
Makhdoom Shah Abul Hussain Ahmadi
Noori (radi Allahu anhu), one
of the great personalities of
Mahrerah Shareef, named the child "Abul
Barkaat Muhiy'yuddeen Jilani".
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) was later named "Mustapha
Raza Khan". His Aqiqa was done on
the name of "Muhammad", which was
the tradition of the family.
GLAD TIDINGS OF
PEER-O-MURSHID
Upon the birth of
Ghousul Waqt, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) Sayyiduna
Shah Abul Hussain Ahmadi Noori (radi
Allahu anhu) told A'la Hazrat
(radi Allahu anhu),
"Maulana! When I come
to
Bareilly Shareef,
then I will definitely see this
child. He is a very blessed child."
As promised, when
Sayyiduna Abul Hussain Ahmadi Noori
(radi Allahu anhu) went to
Bareilly Shareef, he immediately
summoned to see Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) who was only
six (6) months old. Sayyiduna Noori
Mia (radi Allahu anhu), as he
was also famously known,
congratulated A'la Hazrat (radi
Allahu anhu) and said,
"This child will
be of great assistance to the Deen
and through him the servants of
Almighty Allah will gain great
benefit. This child is a Wali. From
his blessed sight thousands of stray
Muslims will become firm on the Deen.
He is a sea of blessings."
On saying this,
Sayyiduna Noori Mia (radi Allahu
anhu) placed his blessed finger
into the mouth of Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) and made him
a Mureed. He also blessed him with
I'jaazat and Khilafat at the same
time. (Mufti Azam Hind Number,
pg. 341). Not only did he
receive Khilafat in the Qaderi
Silsila (Order), but also in the
Chishti, Nakshbandi, Suharwardi, and
Madaari Orders. Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) also
received Khilafat from his blessed
father, A'la Hazrat, Ash Shah Imam
Ahmed Raza Khan Al Qaderi (radi
Allahu anhu).
EARLY EDUCATION
Ghousul Waqt,
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) attained most of his early
education from his illustrious
family - from his father, A'la
Hazrat, Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza
Khan Al Qaderi (radi Allahu anhu)
the Mujaddid of Islam, whose status
and position even at that time
cannot be explained in these few
lines. He also studied Kitaabs under
the guidance of Hazrat Moulana
Haamid Raza Khan (his elder
brother), Maulana Shah Rahm Ilahi
Maglori and Maulana Sayed Basheer
Ahmad Aligarhi and Maulana Zahurul
Hussain Rampuri (radi Allahu
anhum). He studied various
branches of knowledge under the
guidance of his most learned and
blessed father, A'la Hazrat (radi
Allahu anhu). He gained
proficiency in the many branches of
Islamic knowledge from among which
are:
Tafseer; Hadith; Fiqh; Laws of
Jurisprudence; Sarf; Nahw; Tajweed;
Conduct of Language; Philosophy;
Logistics; Mathematics; History
etc.; Arithmetic; Aqaid (Belief);
Taasawwaf; Poetry; Debating;
Sciences; etc.
HIS FIRST FATAWA
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu's) brilliance as an
Islamic Scholar manifested itself
when he was a still a youth, but
overflowing with knowledge and
wisdom. He wrote his first
historical Fatawa (Islamic Ruling)
when he was only 13 years old. It
dealt with the topic of "Raza'at" -
affinity between persons breast fed
by the same woman. The following has
been recorded with regards to this
ocassion.
Hazrat Maulana
Zafrud'deen and Hazrat Maulana Sayed
Abdur Rasheed (radi Allahu anhum)
were at the Darul Ifta (Fatawa
Department) at this stage. One day,
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) walked into the Darul Ifta
and noticed that Hazrat Maulana
Zafrud'deen (radi Allahu anhu)
was writing a certain Fatawa. He was
taking "Fatawa Razvia" from the
shelf as his reference. On seeing
this, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allahu anhu) said, "Are you
relying on Fatawa Razvia to write an
answer?" Maulana Zafrud'deen
(radi Allahu anhu) replied,
"Alright then, why don't you write
the answer without looking."
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) then wrote a powerful
answer without any problem. This was
the Fatawa concerning "Raza'at" -
the very first Fatawa which he had
written.
The answer was then sent to his
father, Sayyiduna A'la Hazrat (radi
Allahu anhu) for correction and
verification. On seeing the
authenticity of the Fatawa,
Sayyiduna A'la Hazrat (radi
Allahu anhu) became delighted
and immediately certified the Fatawa.
Sayyiduna A'la Hazrat
(radi Allahu anhu) then
signed the Fatawa. He also commanded
Hafiz Yaqeenudeen (radi Allahu
anhu) to make a stamp for
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) as a gift and said that it
should read as follows: "Abul
Barkaat Muhiy'yuddeen Jilani Aale
Rahmaan urf Mustapha Raza Khan."
This incident took
place in 1328 AH. After this
incident Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) spent another 12
years writing Fatawas at the feet of
A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu).
He was given this immense
responsibility of issuing Fatawas
even while A'la Hazrat (radi
Allahu anhu) was in this
physical world. He continued this
trend until his last breath. The
stamp which was given to him was
mislaid during his second Hajj when
his bags were lost.
MARRIAGE
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) married
the blessed daughter of his paternal
uncle, Hazrat Muhammad Raza Khan
(radi Allahu anhu). He had 6
daughters and one son, Hazrat Anwaar
Raza (radi Allahu anhu), who
passed away during childhood.
VISIT TO HARAMAIN SHARIFAIN
Tajedaare Ahle Sunnah,
Taaje Wilayat Wa Karaamat, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) went twice for Hajj
- in 1905 and 1945. He performed his
third Hajj in 1971.
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) was the first
person to go for Hajj without a
photograph in his passport. He
refused to take a photograph.
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) was allowed to go for Hajj
without a photograph in his passport
and without taking any vaccinations.
During his trip to
Makkatul Mukarramah, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu), also had
the opportunity of meeting those
Ulema whom his father, Sayidduna
A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu),
met during his visit to Haramain
Sharifain. These great Ulema were
from amongst the students of Sayed
Yahya Almaan (radi Allahu anhu).
A few of the Ulema that he met were
Allamah Sayed Ameen Qutbi; Allamah
Sayed Abbas Alawi and Allamah Sayed
Noor Muhammad (radi Allahu anhum)
- to mention just a few. They
narrated many incidents which had
taken place during Sayyiduna A'la
Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu's)
visit to Haramain Sharifain. They
then requested Khilafat from
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, (radi Allahu
anhu) which he bestowed upon
them.
WISAAL
Tajedaare Ahle Sunnah,
Taaje Wilayat Wa Karaamat, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) was aware of the
actual time of his Wisaal.
On the 6th of
Muharram (1981) he said, "All
those who intended to become my
Mureed but for some reason or the
other could not come to me, I have
made all of them Mureed and I have
given their hands into the hand of
Sayidduna Ghousul Azam (radi Allahu
anhu)."
On the 12th of
Muharram (1981) Hazrat said, "All
those who asked me to make Dua for
them, I have made Dua for their Jaiz
(permissable) intentions to be
fulfilled. May Allah accept this Dua."
On this day he asked those that
were present concerning date. They
told him that it was the 12th of
Muharram. On hearing this he became
silent.
On the 13th of
Muharram, he again asked concerning
the date and the Mureedeen present
said that it was Wednesday, the 13th
of Muharram. On hearing this
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) said, "Namaaz will be
held at Nau Mahla Musjid".
Those present did not understand
what he meant, but remained silent
out of respect. After some time
again Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allahu anhu) said, "Did
anybody tell you about the Namaaz. I
will read Jumma Namaaz in Nau Mahla
Masjid." After some time Hazrat
said, "Did anybody say anything
about the Fatiha." Those
present just gazed at each others
faces and remained silent. Only
later did they realise what Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) was implying.
Hazrat was spiritally present for
Jummah at the Nau Mahla Masjid!
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) was not only giving hope
to the Mureedeen but also informing
them of his Wisaal.
The shining star of
A'la Hazrat, Ash Shah Imam Ahmed
Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu),
the glitter and the hope for the
hearts of millions throughout the
world, the Mujaddid of the 15th
Century, the Imam of his time,
Huzoor Sayyidi Sarkaar Mufti-e- Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) left the
Aalame Duniya to Journey towards the
Aalame Aakhira. It was 1.40 p.m. on
the eve of the 14th of Muharram
1402 AH (1981).
GHUSL
On Friday, the 15th
of Muharram, at 8. 00 a.m. the Ghusl
of Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allahu anhu) took place. His
nephew, Hazrat Maulana Rehan Raza
Khan (radi Allahu anhu)
performed the Wudhu. Hazrat Allamah
Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan
Azhari performed the Ghusl. Sultan
Ashraf Sahib used the jug to pour
water. The following persons were
present during the Ghusl : Hazrat
Maulana Rehan Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu), Hazrat Allamah
Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan,
Sayed Mustaaq Ali, Maulana Sayed
Muhammad Husain, Sayed Chaif Sahib,
Maulana Naeemullah Khan Sahib Qibla,
Maulana Abdul Hamid Palmer Razvi,
Muhammad Esa of Mauritius, Ali
Husain Sahib, Hajji Abdul Ghaffar,
Qari Amaanat Rasool Sahib and a few
other Mureeds and family members.
Hazrat Allamah Mufti
Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Azhari and
Hazrat Maulana Rehan Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) have stated that at
the time of the Ghusl Shareef of
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) the Chaadar mistakenly
moved a little. Immediately,
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) held the Chaadar between
his two fingers and covered the area
that the Chaadar exposed. Those
present thought that the Chaadar had
just got caught between Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu's) fingers.
They tried to remove the Chaadar
from between his fingers but it
would not move. The first person to
notice this Karaamat was Hazrat
Allamah Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan
Azhari. He showed this to everyone.
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu's) fingers did not move
until the area was properly
covered.
JANAZA SALAAH
Two and a half
million (2 500 000) Muslims attended
his Janazah Salaah. Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) is buried
on the left-hand-side of Sayyiduna
A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu).
Those who lowered Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) in his
Qabr Shareef have stated that they
were continously wiping out
perspiration from the forehead of
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) right up to the last
minute.
CHARACTER AND HABITS
Wealth, presidency,
ministership, worldly satisfaction
and happiness can be given to a
person by anyone, but such people do
not have the spiritual insight to
give tranquillity to a disturbed
heart and they cannot put a smile
onto the face of a depressed person.
But Tajedaare Ahle Sunnah, Taaje
Wilayat Wa Karaamat, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) gave both the
treasures of the physical world and
the spiritual worlds to those in
need. To be his servant was not less
than kingship. Every day hundreds
and thousands of people in need of
spiritual, physical and academic
needs would come to him and each one
of them returned with complete
satisfaction.
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) is that light of
such an illustrious family whose
radiance reflected itself in his
character and manners that he
displayed - such qualities that very
few would be able to reach
perfection. His character was the
true embodiment of the Sunnah of
Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam). He shone
like a star in the darkness of the
night.
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) possessed great
heights of good character, moral
standards, kindness, sincerity, love
and humbleness. He never refused the
invitation of any poor Muslim. He
always stayed away from those who
were very wealthy and lavish. He was
the possessor of great moral and
ethical values.
It is stated that
once Akbar Ali Khan, a Governor of
U.P., came to visit Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu). Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) did not meet
him but left to a place called
Puraana Shahar (Old City) to visit a
poor Sunni Muslim who was very ill
and at the doorstep of death.
In another ocassion,
Fakhruddeen Ali Ahmad, the President
of a Political Party, came to visit
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) but was refused this
opportunity. Many other proud
ministers had also come to meet
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) but met with the same
fate. This was due to his extreme
dislike for politics and involvement
in worldly affairs.
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) never fell
short in entertaining those who came
to visit him. When he was physically
fit he used go into the Visitors
Section and ask each person whether
they had eaten or not. He used to
ask them if they partook in tea or
not. He used to continuously enquire
as to whether they were experiencing
any difficulties or not. It was
often seen that he would personally
carry the dishes into the house for
the visitors! He was definitely
blessed with the characters of the "Salfe
Saliheen" or The Pious Servants of
Allah.
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) was a pillar of
hospitality and humbleness. If he
reprimanded a certain person for
doing something un-Islamic or if he
became displeased with anyone for
some reason or the other, he used to
also explain to the person in a very
nice way and also try to cheer that
person. He would then make Dua in
abundance for such a person. His
Mureeds (Disciples), on many
ocassions, used to recite Manqabats
(Poetry) in his praise. On hearing
such Manqabats he would say,
"I am not worthy
of such praise. May Allah make me
worthy."
Many people came to
him for his blessings. Others would
come for Ta'weez. He never refused
anyone. It is also not known how
many homes were being supported
through the kindness and hospitality
of Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Moulana
Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu
anhu). He always entertained
those who came from far and near to
the best of his means. He used to
even give most of his visitors train
and bus fares to travel. In winter,
he would give warm clothes, warm
sheets and blankets to the poor and
the needy.
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) gave Khilafat to
many Ulema-e-Ikraam and personally
tied the Amaama (Turban) on their
heads. He gave cloaks, turbans and
hats to many people. Once, during
winter, a few of the Khaadims were
present with Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu). He was lying
on his bed and covered with a shawl.
A certain Maulana Abu Sufyaan
touched Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allahu anhu's) shawl and
commented as to how beautiful it
was. Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allahu anhu) immediately removed
the shawl and presented it to him.
Although the Moulana refused to
accept it Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allahu anhu) gave it to him
forcefully.
All of his Mehfils
were full of knowledge and Barkah.
Many questions on Tassawuf were
easily answered by him. It seemed as
if the rains of mercy and rays of
Noor were spread all over his
Mehfils.
A FEW OF HIS UNIQUE
HABITS
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) always wanted to
see a Muslim's inner and outer
personality. He always advised them
to mould their lives according to
the principles and the commands of
Islam. He always showed discomfort
to those who did not have beards,
those who wore hats and to those who
wore ultra-western clothes. He used
to warn such Muslims. Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) used to show his
displeasure towards those who wore
ties. He used to tug at their ties
and commanded them to abstain from
wearing a tie. He also asked them to
make Tauba from such acts.
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) always commanded
Muslims to give or take anything
with their right hand. He stopped
the Muslims from calling the
governments as their "Sarkaar" or
leaders. He never kept any ordinary
Kitaab on the books of Tafseer or
Hadith. Whenever he sat in a
Meelad-un-Nabi (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) or
Mehfil-e-Zikr, he always sat with
utmost respect until the very end.
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) never spat towards
the Qibla. He never stretched his
legs in the direction of the Qibla.
Whenever he entered the cemetery, he
never used his entire feet to walk
on the ground. He always walked on
his toes. At times, he would stand
on his toes for about half an hour
in the graveyard making Dua-e-
Maghfirat!
He always stopped
Muslims from doing any false fortune
telling. If any death or loss took
place in the house of a Muslim,
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Moulana
Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu
anhu) would go to comfort the
people of that house but he would
never eat there. He always advised
those in sorrow to make Sabr and
remember Almighty Allah. He always
respected Ulema-e-Ikraam. He
respected the Sayeds in such a
manner as a slave will respect his
King. He prohibited Muslims from
keeping un-Islamic names. He
preferred such names as Abdullah,
Abdur Rahmaan, Muhammad and Ahmad.
IBAADAT AND RIYAAZAT
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) always performed
his Salaah in Jamaah whether he was
on journey or not. The moment he put
his foot out of his house to go
towards the Masjid, he used to be
surrounded by his Mureeds
(disciples) and well-wishers who
would follow him till the Masjid
door which was just a few feet away
from his house. While some would be
kissing his blessed hands, others
tried to talk with him. He would
reply to all those who made Salaam
to him. On entering the Masjid, he
would immediately recite the dua
prescribed.
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) would then remove
his Amaama and then sit down to
perform Wudhu. He would wash all the
parts thoroughly so that the Sunnahs
were accomplished. He would perform
his Salaah with great sincerity and
used to be lost in the worship of
his Creator. The person who looked
at him from a distance would have
instantly understood that Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) had left all
the worldly desires and was intent
upon pleasing his Creator.
Once, while Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) was
travelling from Nagpur, it was time
for Maghrib Salaah. He immediately
disembarked from the train. The
people told Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) that the
train was about to leave, but he was
intent on performing his Salaah. His
companions also disembarked with
him. They had just performed their
Wudhu and were making Niyyah for
Salaah when the train left the
station. All of Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu's) and his
companions luggages' were left on
the train. A few un-Islamic people
who were there said "the Mias train
had left him". Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) was still in
Salaah.
When they all had
completed their Salaah, they noticed
that the station platform was empty.
They became a little worried since
all their luggage had gone with the
train, but still Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) looked
undisturbed. His companions were
busy talking about the luggage when
they noticed the station guard,
followed by a group of travellers,
running towards them. The guard came
up to Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allahu anhu) and said, "Huzoor!
The train is stuck!" Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) said, "The
engine is damaged." The train
was brought back and Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) and his
companions sat in the train. After
some repairs the train left with him
and his companions seated in it!
LOVE FOR THE HOLY
PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI
WASALLAM)
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) was drowned in the
love for the Holy Prophet, Sayyiduna
Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam). Everything he did was
for the pleasure of Almighty Allah
and Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam). All that
he had gained was due to the intense
love which he possessed for the Holy
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam).
His extreme and
intense love for the Holy Prophet
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
can be understood by the fact that
during the latter stages of his
life, even though he was very ill,
he would sit for hours with great
respect in the Naath Mehfils and
would shed tears in his love for
Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam). He used
to celebrate the Meelad-un-Nabi (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) each year
with great splendour. The programme
used to begin on the eve of the 12th
of Rabi-ul-Awwal and used to
continue till the next day just
before lunch. The invitation was
open to all Muslims and they all
used to be fed.
Even after examining
the Naath Shareefs written by
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) one would see that every
word written dislayed his
measureless love for the Holy
Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam).
LOVE FOR NAATH
SHAREEF
In the world of
poetry, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Moulana
Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu
anhu) was a Giant of his time.
Most of his poems were in the form
of Humd (Praise of Allah), Naath
Shareef, Qasidas and Manqabats
compiled in the Arabic, Urdu,
Persian and Hindi languages. All
these poems were compiled into a
book which is famously known as "Samaane
Bakhshish" which is still
available toady. Samaane Bakhshsish
is a treasure chest which flows with
pearls of love for Sayyiduna
Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam). The compilation of
Samaane Bakhshish is through the
blessings of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
When Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) returned from
his journeys he would become
engrossed in the writing of Fatawas,
yet he found the time to prepare
Samaane Bakhshsish and many other
kitaabs. In the world of poetry,
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) was known as "Noori".
LOVE FOR SAYYIDUNA
GHOUSUL AZAM (RADI ALLAHU ANHU)
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) possessed profound
love for Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam,
Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi
Allahu anhu). He wrote many
poems in which he praised Sheikh
Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allahu
anhu) with great respect. His
love for Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani
(radi Allahu anhu) can be
understood from the following
incident:
"Once a very young
descendant of Sayyiduna Sheikh Abdul
Qaadir Jilani (radi Allahu anhu),
Hazrat Peer Taahir Ala'uddeen (radi
Allahu anhu), visited Bareilly
Shareef. The respect and honour that
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) showed towards him was out
of this world. Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) used to
walk bare feet behind him with great
respect."
The great Ulema of
the time have stated that Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) was lost to
such an extent in the love for
Sayyiduna Ghousul Azam, Sheikh Abdul
Qaadir Jilani (radi Allahu anhu)
that even physically he began to
resemble Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani
(radi Allahu anhu).
RESPECT FOR SAYEDS
AND ULEMA
Ghousul Waqt,
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) had great respect and love
for the Ulema and for Sayeds
(Descendants of Sayyiduna Rasulullah
sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
The respect which he showed towards
them is beyond explanation.
One day, in 1979, a
lady came with her little child to
ask for Ta'weez. It was a very hot
day and she was informed that
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) was resting. The lady,
however, was in great need for the
particular Ta'weez. She asked
someone to see if Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) was awake
but nobody had the nerve of going
near him while he was resting as
they considered this to be
disrespectful. Taking her child she
commented,
"What did we know that the words of
Sayeds will not be heard in this
place".
It is not known how
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) heard this, but he
immediately summoned one of the
Mureeds. He instructed him to call
the lady and not give her grief. The
woman then sent her child to
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu). He asked the child's name
and showed great love and respect
towards this young child. With great
affection, he placed his hand on the
child's head. He even asked someone
to bring an apple for the child.
From behind the curtain, he spoke to
the lady concerning her problem and
immediately wrote a Ta'weez for her.
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) then sent
a message to his family requesting
that the mother and child should
only be allowed to leave after the
heat became less intense; that they
should be well entertained and that
no shortage should be spared in
entertaining these Sayeds.
When Allamah Sadru
Shariah Maulana Amjad Ali Al Qadri
(radi Allahu anhu), the author
of the famous "Bahare Shariah," used
to come to Bareilly Shareef for the
Urs Shareef of Sayyiduna A'la Hazrat
(radi Allahu anhu), Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) used to go to
the railway station to welcome him
and showed great respect towards
this Scholar of Islam. He also
showed great respect towards Sayyidi
Hafiz-e-Millat and Hazrat Maulana
Hasmat Ali Khan Sahib (radi
Allahu anhum). He also showed
respect towards his own Mureeds and
Khalifas who were Alims.
HIS BOLDNESS AND
FEARLESSNESS
The sign of a true
Mo'min is that he never submits
himself before an enemy. In the
worst of circumstances a Mo'min
announces that which is the truth.
Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) said,
"To speak the truth before a tyrant
King is a great Jihad." So
imagine the excellence of a person
who always spoke the truth at all
times, a person who always raised
the flag of truth and honesty, and a
person who never left the path of
truth in his entire life!
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) was one such
person. He is one of the greatest
leaders of the Sunnis. His boldness
and fearlessness is difficult to
explain. His entire life was spent
speaking against Deobandis, Wahabis
and all the other misleading sects,
whether is was against the West,
Qadianism, or Najdism he always
challenged them right till the very
end. He always propagated the true
Deen and the Path of the Ahle Sunnah
Wa Jamaah. With his Fatawas, he
helped protect the Imaan of not only
the Muslims in India and Pakistan,
but of Muslims throughout the world.
He attacked the
enemies of Islam through his
writings, sayings, actions, etc. He
did everything in his capacity to
challenge the enemies of Islam. No
person in his presence could say or
do anything against Shariah. No
person could speak against that
which was the truth.
It is stated by one
of Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allahu anhu's) Khaadim's, who
accompanied him on a journey by
train, that there were some people
in the train who were consuming
alcohol. When Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) saw them, he
reprimanded them and told them to
desist from such a Haraam act. They
did not listen to his advise so he
scolded the leader of the group who
was a young and well-built person.
He gave the young person a hard slap
which caused the bottle of alcohol
to fall far from his hand. The
Khaadim expected the person to
retaliate but, who had the nerve to
retaliate against this Lion of
Islam! They became afriad and sat
down quietly. Later some of them
came up to Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allahu anhu) and begged for
forgiveness for their shameful
behaviour.
HIS POSITION IN
KNOWLEDGE OF FIQH
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu), who after writing
his first Fatawa while still a
student at "Darul Uloom Manzare
Islam", was given the status of
Mufti due to his immense knowledge.
When the Muslim World began to see
his knowledge and Fatawas
brightenening the world, they began
calling him "Mufti-e-Azam" or The
Most Exalted Mufti of the Time.
This title alone became the name he
was recognised by. Whenever the name
"Mufti Azam Hind" was mentioned, it
referred to none other than his
exalted personality.
Remember that he or
she only is exalted who has been
blessed with this excellence by
Almighty Allah and His Beloved
Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam). Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) was a personality
free from pride, lavishness and
self- fame. His status was bestowed
upon him by Almighty Allah and His
Beloved Rasool (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam). That person to
whom Almighty Allah and His Rasool
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
grants such excellence, then such
excellence cannot be understood by
ordinary mortals. This is one of the
reasons why the entire world was
brightened and received the benefits
of his knowledge of Fiqh.
There came a stage
when Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allahu anhu) was not only known
as "Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind" but he was
also known as
"Mufti-e-Azam-e-Alam" or The Grand
Mufti of the World.
It is recorded that
on his trip to the Haramain
Sharifain the Ulema of the Hejaz
(Arabia), Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and
from many other countries came to
him to solve Fiqh Mas'alas. Many
became his Mureeds. This is how his
Faiz of Shariah and Tariqah spread
its rays throughout the world. While
in the Hejaz Shareef, he also had to
deal with many Fatawas that poured
in from various countries, such as,
Africa, Mauritius, United Kingdom,
America, Sri Lanka, Pakistan,
Malaysia, Bangladesh, and many other
places. He answered every single one
of them in a very dedicated and
professional manner.
WRITING OF BOOKS
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan (radi
Allahu anhu) was a great
Muhaqqiq (Philosopher) and Musannif
(Author). His writings were filled
with the rays of knowledge of his
distinguished father, A'la Hazrat,
Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al
Qaderi (radi Allahu anhu).
All his works displayed great
research. It seemed as if his works
were overflowing with the
"research of Imam Ghazzali (radi
Allahu anhu), the rareness of Imam
Raazi (radi Allahu anhu) and the
rays of knowledge of Imam
Jalaluddeen Suyuti (radi Allahu anhu)".
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) wrote a number of books in
his blessed lifetime. The names of a
few of these books are being stated
below:
Tanweerul Hujjat Bi Tawaaril Hajjah;
Tardush Shaitaan; Hujatul Da'ira Bi
Jawaabil Hujjatul Hazira; Alqaulul
Ajeeb fi Ajoobatit Tasweeb; Masa'ile
Sima; Adkhalul Insaan; Almautul
Ahmar; Fatawa Mustafawiya Part 1 &
2; Noorul Irfaan; Saiful Jabbaar;
Malfoozate A'la Hazrat
FATAWA ON SIGHTING OF
THE MOON VIA AN AEROPLANE
During the reign of
General Ayub Khan a "Rooyat Hilal
Committee" was formed in Pakistan
for the purpose of sighting the moon
for every Islamic Month, and more
importantly, for Eid-ul-Fitr and
Eid-ul-Adha. An aeroplane was flown
up to a certain height and the moon
would be sighted from there. This
form of Shahaadah (Confirmation) of
the sighting of the moon via an
aeroplane was readily accepted by
the Pakistani Government. In this
manner, Eid was celebrated.
On a specific
ocassion, on the 29th of Ramadaan,
an aeroplane was flown from the East
to the West of Pakistan and the moon
was reported to be sighted. This
sighting was announced by the Hilaal
Committee, but the Sunni Ulema of
Pakistan did not accept this
confirmation. The Ulema of Pakistan
sent questionnaires to the Ulema
throughout the world for
clarification and one such
questionnaire was sent to Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu). Many
Ulema replied that the confirmation
had to be accepted and that it was
permissible, but Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) clearly
replied that this was not
permissible. His Fatawa read as
follows:
"The Command of
Shariah is to sight the Moon and
fast or celebrate Eid. Where the
Moon is not sighted the Qazi should
give an Islamic decision in
connection with a confirmation. The
moon must be sighted from the ground
level or any place attached to the
ground. With regards to the matter
of using the plane - to sight the
moon via a plane is wrong because
the moon sets and does not perish.
This is why it is sometimes sighted
on the 29th and sometimes on the
30th. If to fly in a plane to sight
the moon is a condition, then by
increasing altitude the moon will be
sighted even on the 27th and 28th.
In this case, will the sighting be
confirmed for the 27th or 28th? No
person in his right sense will
accept this. Thus under these
circumstances, how would it be
proper to sight the moon on the
29th?"
This Fatawa of
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Moulana
Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu
anhu) appeared in every
newspaper in Pakistan as "Headline
News".
The following month,
on the 27th and the 28th, the
Pakistan Government sent an
aeroplane at a higher altitude and
found that the moon was visible on
these days.
The Government of
Pakistan then accepted the Fatawa of
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) and the Hilaal Committee
of Pakistan was disbanded.
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) wrote more
or less 50 000 Fatawas in his
lifetime.
His word was accepted
by great Ulema. Shamsul Ulema,
Hazrat Maulana Shamsud'deen Ja'fari
(radi Allahu anhu) stated:
"In this era, there is no greater
expert in Fiqha than Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu). Whenever I
present myself in his high court I
always sit with my head bowed and I
listen to his words in silence. I do
not have the audacity to talk in
abundance to him."
VASECTOMY IS HARAAM
IN ISLAM
The year 1976 was a
very difficult period for the
Muslims in India. Certain Ulema,
bought of by the Saudi Riyals and
American Dollars, passed the Fatawa
making Vasectomy (male sterilisation
to prevent birth of children)
permissible. The Indian Government
made Vasectomy necessary for every
male in India at that time.
Muslims of India were
in search of a Saviour to prevent
such a law from being passed as this
would mean them not having any more
children. They were looking for
someone who would stand and fight
for their religious rights. All the
Muslims looked towards the city of
Bareilly Shareef, the city of light
and truth, for an answer to this
controversy. All of a sudden that
Mujahhid of Islam rose with the
torch of knowledge and light against
the winds of enmity and destruction
- Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allahu anhu). He immediately
issued the true Fatawa on vasectomy
and said, "Vasectomy is Haraam,
Haraam, Haraam." This news
spread throughout India. Through the
Dua and firmness of Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) on this
issue, the Government that wished to
pass this law had lost power, and a
new government came into power. The
law on Vasectomy was abolished!
MAS'ALA ON TASSAWWUF
Once, Maulana Abdul
Hadi Al Qaderi and Soofi Iqbal Sahib
asked Ghousul Waqt, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu) the following
question: "Huzoor! Can one
remember his Sheikh in Namaaz?"
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) answered by saying, "If
you need to remember anyone in
Namaaz then you should remember
Tajedare Do Aalam, Habbibe Khuda
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Yes, just as people tend to gaze
here and there in Namaaz - if, in
this way, the thought of one's Peer
comes into the mind, then there is
no hinderance". Subhan-Allah!
Such caution is in this answer! This
answer has also contradicted the
Deobandi belief. By looking at the
life of Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allahu anhu) and reading his
Fatawas, one would see his status
and excellence in the spiritual
domain. His spiritual life was
according to that of his renowned
and distinguished father, Sayyiduna
A'la Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu).
A PHILOSOPHICAL POINT
When the Americans
were announcing there journey to the
moon, a few Ulema were present with
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Moulana
Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu
anhu). Amongst these Ulema were
Shamsul Ulema Hazrat Maulana
Shamsud'deen and Allamah Ghulam
Jilani Mirati (radi Allahu anhum).
They were discussing the concepts
concerning the sun and the moon.
Mufti-e-Azam-e- Hind (radi Allahu
anhu) said that the sky and the
earth are both stationary and that
the moon and the sun are in motion.
On hearing this Allama Ghulam Jilani
Mirati (radi Allahu anhu)
said, "In the Holy Quran it is said,
'Wash Shamsu Tajri Li
Mustaqaril'laha'. In other
words, the sun is in motion in its
fixed abode. From the word 'Tajri',
it is obvious that the sun is in
motion and from the word 'Mustaqaril'laha'
it is obvious that it is stationary
in one place. How can both these
concepts be right?"
In answer to this,
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Moulana
Mustapha Raza Khan (radi Allahu
anhu) immediately said, "It
was commanded to Hazrat Adam (alaihis
salaam) and Hazrat Hawa (radi
Allahu anha) (as follows): 'Walakum
fil Ardi Mustaqar'. Does this
mean that they were stationary in
only one portion of the earth? Did
they not walk around (on the earth)?
To be Mustaqar means to be
stationary in your surrounding, not
to come out of your boundaries. To
move but to move within your
boundaries of movement." On
hearing this Allama Mirati Sahib
(radi Allahu anhu) became
silent.
IN THE EYES OF THE
ULEMA
Hazrat
Muhaddith-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allahu anhu) said: "IN THIS
TIME, THAT PERSONALITY WHOSE TAQWA
(PIETY) IS MORE THAN HIS FATAWA, IS
NONE OTHER THAN THE SON OF SAYYIDI
A'LA HAZRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) WHOSE
BEAUTIFUL NAME IS MUSTAPHA RAZA AND
THIS NAME COMES ON MY TONGUE WITHOUT
PROBLEM AND IT ALLOWS ME TO GAIN
GREAT BLESSINGS." Once Hazrat
Muhaddith-e-Azam (radi Allahu
anhu) wrote the following words
on the Fatawa of Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allahu anhu):
"THIS IS THE SAYING OF SUCH AN AALIM
WHOM
TO FOLLOW IS COMPULSORY "
Huzoor Sayyidi
Hafiz-e-Millat (radi Allahu anhu)
stated, "A PERSON DOES NOT GET
PROPER RESPECT AND ACCEPTANCE IN HIS
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