World of Tasawwuf
In the time of the Prophet, Tasawwuf was a reality without a name, today Tasawwuf is a name, but few know its Reality
Page [6] d. 1251 H -
Sufis, Shaykhs, Saints & Scholars
Short Biographies
KEY : d = death, H = Hijri, CE = Common Era
- 250 HIJRI | 251 - 500 HIJRI | 501 - 750 HIJRI | 751 - 1000 HIJRI | 1001 - 1250 HIJRI | 1251 + HIJRI
SUFIS & SHAYKHS [6] d. 1251 H + Last updated: 22nd August 2008
MAWLANA
FAZL-E-HAQ KHAYRABADI
[d. 1278
H - 1861
CE]
AHMAD
ZAYNI DAHLAN AL-MAKKI
[d. 1304
H - 1886
CE]
HAJI
IMDADULLAH MUHAJIR MAKKI
[d.1317
H - 1899
CE]
AL
HAAJ WARIS ALI SHAH
[d.1323
H - 1905
CE]
MIAN
MUHAMMAD BAKSH AL-QADIRI
[d.1324
H - 1907 CE]
A'LA
HADRAT IMAM AHMAD RIDA KHAN
[d.1340
H - 1921
CE]
ALIM-E-RABBANI
SAYYAD AHMAD ASHRAF
[d. 1347
- 1930
CE]
A'LA
HADRAT 'ASHRAFI MIYA'
[d.1354
H - 1936 CE]
PIR
MEHR ALI SHAH GOLRAWI
[d.1356
H - 1937
CE]
'HUJJAT
AL ISLAM' HAMID RIDA KHAN
[d.1362
H - 1945
CE]
SADR'AL
AFAZIL NAIM AL-DIN MURADABADI
[d. 1367 H
- 1948 CE]
PIR
SAYYAD JAMA'AT ALI SHAH
[d.1370 H
- 1951
CE ]
SHAH
ABD'AL ALEEM SIDDIQI
[d.1373
H - 1954
CE]
MUHADDITH
AL A'ZAM-E-HIND [d.1381
H - 1961
CE]
MUHADDITH AL AZAM PAKISTAN [d.1381 H - 1962 CE]
MUFTI
AHMED YAAR KHAN NA'IMI
[d. 1391
H - 1971
CE]
KHAWAJA
QAMAR AL-DIN SIYALVI
[d.1401
H - 1981
CE]
'MUFTI
AL-A'ZAM' MUSTAFA RIDA KHAN
[d.1402
H - 1981
CE]
SAYYAD
AHMAD SA'EED KAZMI
[d.1406
H - 1986
CE]
SARKAR-E-KALAN
SAYYAD MUKHTAR ASHRAF
[d. 1417
H - 1996
CE]
PIR KARAM SHAH AL-AZHARI [d.1418 H - 1998 CE]
More scholars will be added at regular intervals
Fazl-e-Haq Khayrabadi
Mawlana Fadl al-Haq Khayrabadi [d.1278 H / 1861 CE] 'alayhir rahman w'al ridwan
An exceptional thinker and scholar of the sub-continent who was born in Khayrabad [1212H]. An officer of the Independance Movement (1857 CE), who studied first under his father Mawlana Fazl al-Imam, then completed his studies in hadith with Shah Abd 'al-Qadir. In the era of the East India Company, he was employed as a 'sir', in relation to the Commissioner of Delhi. He was appointed in many provinces, in various branches. He held a great station in logic, philosophy, literature, law, poetry, and religious knowledge ('ulum-e-diniyyah). He was also a student of SHAH ABDUL AZIZ MUHADDITH DIHLAWI [d.1823 CE] 'alayhir rahman.
Mawlana Fadl-e-Haqq Khayrabadi resided in Delhi. The
gatherings of many famous poets such as Ghalib, Mu'min, Suhba'i, and
Shayftah took place at his dwellings.
Literate and intellect scholars ('ulama'),
such as Mawlana Mamluk 'Ali, Mawlwi Karimullah and Mawlana Nasir al-Din
Shafi'i would gather to have educational seminars. Mawlana Fazl-e-Haq
himself used to take great interest in poetry and literature. According
to one narration, he had compiled in excess of 4000 Arabic couplets alone. Mirza Ghalib
was from one of his closest friends relating to poetry.
On the issue of the 'possibility of another Messenger' (Imtina'e-Nazir), he debated with the misguided Shah Isma'il Dihlawi (deoband/tablighi jama'at). He authored many treatises in opposition to the heretical views of Shah Isma'il.
His works are mainly based upon the laws pertaining to logic (mantiq). Some of his most famous works are :
Imtina an-Nazir
Tahqeeq al-Fatwa fi Ibtal al-Taghawa
Mawlana Fadl-e-Haqq was embroiled in the war of independance in 1857. Upon the accusation of being a rebel, the British sentenced him to life imprisonment. He passed away during his detention in 1861 [1278 Hijri], in the Andiman-Nicobar island.
Ahmad Zayni Dahlan al-Makki'
Mawlana Shaykh al-Islam Mufti Sayyad Ahmad Zayni Dahlan al-Makki' ash-Shafi'i [d. 1304 AH / 1886 CE ] 'alayhir ar-rahman w'al ridwan
In Makka and Madina there were the "great
scholars of the age", most notably the theologists and jurists
of the different law-schools. These would teach in the Haram mosque
(that is, the Great Mosque of the Ka'aba) and in the Masjid al-Nabawi (Prophet's)
mosque in Madina according to fixed schedules. Among
these, by far the most influential was Shaykh al-Islam Sayyad Ahmad Zayni Dahlan (Allah be pleased with him).
1- Sharhu Matn-il-Alfiyyah;
(an explanation of the text of al-Alfiyyah in the Arabic language)
2- Tarikh-ud-Duwal-il-Islamiyyah bil-Jadawil-il Mardiyyah;
(a history of the Islamic states)
3- Fath-ul-Jawad-il-Mannan 'alal-'Aqidat-il-Musammati
bi Fayd-ir-Rahman fi Tajwid-il-Qur'an;
(a summary of the tajwid rules of recitation of the Qur'an)
4- Khulasat-ul-Kalam fi Umara'-il-Balad-il-Haram;
(the history of the rulers of Makkah)
5- Al-Futuhat-ul-Islamiyyah;
(a history of the opening of the different countries by Muslims)
6- Tanbih-ul-Ghafilin, Mukhtasaru Minhaj-il-'Abidin;
(a summary exposing the good manners of the worshippers)
7- Ad-Durar-us-Saniyyah fir-Raddi 'alal-Wahhabiyyah;
(a treatise refuting the Wahhabiys)
8- Sharh-ul-Ajurrummiyyah;
(an explanation of an Arabic grammar text)
9- Fitnat-ul-Wahhabiyyah;
[this booklet] (a treatise of the tribulations inflicted by the Wahhabiyyah
sect).
The reputation of Shaykh Ahmad Zayni Dahlan
grew and he became sought after by the seekers of knowledge
particularly so in the Indian Ocean. Indeed, Dahlan's connection with
the Indian Ocean world was close and multi-faceted, and his impact on
East African Sufi practices and Islamic scholarship was to be
long-standing. Firstly, he himself studied with a number of Hadrami
Alawis, many of whom had family branches in East Africa as well as in
the wider Indian Ocean. Then, he became a teacher for new generations of ulama from Indian Ocean
lands - both Alawi and non-Alawi. Dahlan's theological outlook was very
much in line with the reformed Sufis (of which the
Alawis were important proponents even in the early 19th century). In
his treatise against Wahhabi influence, Dahlan clearly views Sufism
as a legal and integral part of Islamic practice - including such aspects
as the visitation of tombs. From Dahlan's perspective, these practices fulfill
- rather than transgress - the Sharia. He views grave-visitation
or the recitation of dhikr as devotional acts, rather than ones with
magical-mystical overtones. At the same time, Dahlan also accepted the
call for ijtihad (reinterpretation) and clearly claimed the right to
reinterpret the revelation. His was, in other words, a ''middle position''. This
view was shared by Dahlan's ''second-in-command'' Muhammad Said Bab-Sayl
(d. 1912), a scholar of Hadrami origin. Like his mentor, Muhammad Said
Bab-Sayl wrote a treatise in defence of Sufi practices.
Imdadullah Muhajir Makki
Haji
Zafar Ahmad Imdadullah Muhajir Makki
[d.1317H/1899
CE]
'alayhir al-rahman w'al ridwan
Born:
22 Safar 1233h/1st January 1818
Died: 13 Jamadi-al-Akhir
1317h/19th October 1899
A
great and pious personality, a kamil
shaykh [complete saint] and a great sufi scholar. Born in Nanota,
district Saharanpur, India.
His fathers name was Hafiz
Muhammad Amin al-Faruqi 'alayhir rahman and
who named him as 'Imdad Hussain', but Mawlana Muhammad Is'haq
Muhaddith Dehlawi 'alayhir rahman referred
to him as 'Imdadullah.' His historical name is Zafar Ahmad. He
was descended from Amir al-Momineen Hadrat Umar al-Faruq Radi
Allahu ta'ala anhu and was thus a 'faruqi.'
His mother paid particular attention to him in comparison to his
other brothers and sisters, but sadly he was only 7 years of age when
she passed away. His brothers and sisters did not pay any particular
attention towards his studies, so he took it upon himself to acquire
knowledge and further his studies. Through his studies, and through
his inner interest (batni shawq)
he started memorising the Qur'an al-karim, although certain barriers
faced by him, prevented him from memorising the Qur'an completely.
At
the age of 16, he travelled to Delhi with Mawlana Mamluk 'Ali
Nanotwi, (with whom he was related to, through his mothers side),
where he obtained some education in the Persian (Farsi)
language, and in Arabic lexicology (Nahw).
He studied Mishqat Shareef with Mawlana Muhammad Qalandari Muhaddith
Jalalabadi 'alayhir rahman,
and studied 'Hisn-e-Hasin' and 'Fiqh Akbar', under Mawlana Abdur
Rahim Nanotwi 'alayhir rahman.
It
was sometime at this stage in his life, he dreamt that he was in the
presence of the Beloved Messenger of Allah, Salla Allahu ta'ala
'alayhi wa Sallam;-
Because
of Rasullallah Salla
Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam's 'jalal'
[majestic-character] he was unable to move forward. Suddenly his
grandfather Hadrat Bilali 'alayhir
rahman
arrived and took him by the hand to the presence of the Beloved
Messenger of Allah Salla
Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam.
The Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla
Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam
then took his hand and placed it in the hand of Hadrat Mayanji Nur
Muhammad.
After this event he remained in a state of idhtirar [constraint]. After many years, one of his former teachers Mawlana Muhammad Qalandar Muhaddith Jalalabadi 'alayhir rahman took him in the presence of Hadrat Mayanji Nur Muhammad Janjhanwi 'alayhir rahman and Haji Imdadullah took bayt [oath] on his hands. Therefore up until a certain time he stayed in the presence of Hadrat Mayanji Nur Muhammad 'alayhir rahman, and made riyadah, and mujahadah, after which he obtained the path known as 'suluk'. He was then granted with the 'khilafat'.
He
was bestowed with the blessing of seeing the 'Haramayn Sharifayn' and
after performing the rites of Hajj [1260H/1844CE],
he resided at the presence of Shah Muhammad Is'haq Muhaddith Dehlawi
'alayhir rahman at
Makkah-tul-Mukarramah. Having been granted his blessings and baraka,
he went to Madina-tul-Munawwarah to visit the shrine of the Beloved
Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi
wa Sallam, at which stage he found harmony
and tranquility. On his return, he stayed for a few days at
Makkah-tul-Mukarramah, afterwhich he returned back to India, in
[1262H/1846CE].
Due to the political turmoil and misorganisation in India he decided migrate [1276H] to Makkah-tul-Mukarramah, and thus spent the remaining 41 years of his life there. This is the reason why he is regarded as 'Muhajir-e-Makki'. The Masha'ikh of Makkah-tul-Mukarramah used to pay visitation to him, and quench their spiritual thirst therein as he held a distinguished status amongst them.
There
is a secretive narration (kashf),
that at one point Pir
Mehr 'Ali Shah Sahib Golrawi [d.1356H]
'alayhir
rahman went
to perform the Hajj, and as a blessing (tabarrukann)
swore allegiance [bayt] to him, and decided to reside there on a
temporary basis. Haji Imdadullah 'alayhir
rahman
prevented Pir Mehr Ali Sahib 'alayhir
rahman from
remaining, as he stated that in the near future there will rise a
mischief in India, and that he must go there. That even if you sit
silently in India, then that mischief will not rise, and there will
be peace in the country. Pir Mehr Ali Shah Sahib 'alayhir
rahman interpreted
this 'Kashf'
to mean the mischief of the deviant new sect known as 'Qadianis'.
Thus the false beliefs of the Qadianis were profusely challenged,
refuted and defeated by word of mouth, and by pen.
When
Haji Imdadullah 'alayhir rahman
arrived back from the Hijaz, he enlightened India from
mischiefs, with good words, and advice. Some people are sometimes
known to be less learned and educated, but through their conformance
of the sunnah, and
through their actual deeds ('amal)
they reach such a great stage that even great scholars ('ulama')
gain their spiritual upbringing through them.
In
Makkah, Haji Imdadullah 'alayhir rahman grew
weak from illness and age that it was difficult for him to even turn
over in bed. Hunger had diminished, and he soon passed away. He is
laid to rest in Jannat al-Ma'laa, in Makkah.
He was
generous in his manners, and had great virtues. He had sweetness in
his speech, and met every individual with full valour. Whenever he
met anyone, a smile would remain dancing at his face. He severly
disliked bad manners, as the conforming to the sunnah, had
become a habit.
From his works, include:
A
commentary in the Persian language upon the 'Mathnavi', of Mawlana
Rume 'alayhir rahman, namely, 'Gaza-e-Ruh', 'Jihad-e-Akbar',
'Mathnavi Tuhfat-ul-'Ush'shaq', 'Dar nama Ghazabnak',
'Irshad-e-Murshid', 'Dhiya'-al-Qulub', 'Wahdat-al-Wujud', 'Faysla
Haft Mas'lah', 'Gulzar-e-Ma'rifat', 'Marqumat-e-Imdadiyyah', and
'Maktubat-e-Imdadiyyah', are all included.
Waris Ali Shah
Hajji Hafidh Sayyad Waris Ali Shah [d.1323H ] 'alayhi al-rahmah wa'l-ridwan
Haji Waris Ali Shah rahmatullahi alayh of Dewah
Shareef, U.P, India came from a distinguished family of Husayni Sayyads who had
travelled from Nishapur in Iran. Waris Ali Shah's genealogy shows that he was
born in the 26th generation of Hadrat Imam Husayn Radi Allahu ta'ala
anhu. His father, Sayyad Qurban Ali Shah
rahmatullahi alayh was a pious landlord and a man of immense
knowledge having completed his education in Baghdad. The date of Waris
Ali Shah's birth is disputed varying from 1233AH to
1238AH. The author of 'Ma'arif Warisya' has put the date of
his birth as 1234AH corresponding to 1809 of the Common
Era.
At the age of five he started learning the Qur'an and had
committed it to memory by the age of seven.
For 12 long-years he
travelled across the Arabia, Syria, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Iran, Turkey, Russia
and Germany, it is said that he performed the Haj [pilgrimage] 10 times
in the course of his travels. One day while inside the 'Ka'aba' [Sacred House of
Allah, Makkah,] he began 'humming' a tune. The keeper of the 'Ka'aba' warned him
and said 'You seem to forget that it is the house of God'. A quick response came
from Haji Waris Ali Shah; 'Can you tell me a place where Allah is not present?'
From the date of his first Haj, Haji Waris Ali Shah discarded
putting tailored clothes and started donning the Ihram (Unstitched
cloth wrapped around the body during Haj). He had always travelled by foot and
used no conveyance of any sort apart from the boats to cross the
Seas.
When he returned home his own community did not recognise him or want to know him. His ancestral house was in ruins and when he went round the village no-one came to welcome him. Some of his relatives shunned him, lest he should claim back his property which they held in their possession. He smiled at their coldness and remarked 'they seem to think that I have come back for the sake of my property, as if I care for it' and went away to resume his wandering.
Haji Waris Ali Shah passed away for his heavenly abode on April 7th, 1905CE, [1323AH] after a brief illness. He was buried at the spot where he died and this place [Dewah] is marked by a splendid monument erected in his memory by some of his devoted followers. His mission was to teach the love of God, which he did successfully given the legions of non-muslims who travel to Dewah for his Urs [anniversary].
Mian Muhammad Baksh
Hadrat Pir Mian Muhammad Baksh al-Qadiri [ 1324 H / 1907 CE] 'alayhir rahman w'al ridwan
Mian Muhammad Baksh May Allah be pleased with him was a Sufi saint and also a Potohari/Hindko poet of great repute. He is especially renowned as the writer of a book of poetry called Sayful Muluk. Such was his reputation that he attained the richly deserved of ''the Rumi of Kashmir''! He was born in a village called khanqa peera shah gazi Khari Shaeef, situated in the Mirpur District (now in Azad Kashmir).
He belonged to the Gujjar caste, and was a fourth generation descendant of Pir-e Shah Ghazi Qalandar Dumri-Vala, Allah be pleased with him, who was buried in Khari Sharif. Pir-e Shah Ghazi's khalifah was Khwajah Din Muhammad; and his khalifah was Mian Shamshuddin, who had three sons: Mian Bahaval Bakhsh, Mian Muhammad Bakhsh - the subject of this article -, and Mian 'Ali Bakhsh. Mian Muhammad Bakhsh's ancestors originated in Gujrat, but had later settled in the Mirpur district of Kashmir.
There is much disagreement about his year of birth. Mahbub 'Ali Faqir Qadiri, in a biography printed as an appendix to the text of Sayful Muluk gives the date as 1246 AH (1826 CE), a date also followed by the Shahkar Islami Encyclopedia; 1830 and 1843 are suggested in other works but are almost cetainly erroneous. Mian Muhammad Bakhsh himself states in his magnum opus - Sayful Muluk - that he completed the work during the spring in the month of Ramadan, 1279 AH (1863 CE), and that he was then thirty-three years of age- hence he must have been born in 1830.
He was brought up in a very religious environment, and received his early education at home. He was later sent with his elder brother, Mian Bahaval, to the nearby village of Samval Sharif to study religious sciences, especially the science of Hadith in the madrassah of Hafiz Muhammad 'Ali. Hafiz Muhammad 'Ali had a brother, Hafiz Nasir, who was a majzub, and had renounced worldly matters; this dervish resided at that time in the mosque at Samval Sharif. From childhood Mian Muhammad had exhibited a penchant for poetry, and was especially fond of reading Yusuf o Zulaikha by Nur ad-Din Abd ar-Rahman Jami May Allah be pleased with him. During his time at the madrassah Hafiz Nasir would often beg him to sing some lines from Jami's poetry, and upon hearing it so expertly rendered would invariably fall into a state of spiritual intoxication.
Mian Muhammad was still only fifteen years old when his father, falling seriously ill, and realising that he was on his deathbed, called all his students and local notaries to see him. Mian Shamshuddin told his visitors that it was his duty to pass on the spiritual lineage that he had received through his family from Pir-e Shah Ghazi Qalandar Dumri-Vala; he pointed to his own son, Mian Muhammad, and told those assembled that he could find nobody more suitable than he to whom he might award this privilege. Everybody agreed, the young man's reputation had already spread far and wide. Mian Muhammad, however, spoke up and disagreed, saying that he could not bear to stand by and allow his elder brother Bahavul to be deprived of the honour. The old man was filled with so much love for his son that he stood up and leaving his bed grasped his son by the arms; he led him to one corner and made him face the approximate direction of Baghdad, and then he addressed the founder of their Sufi Order, Ghawth al-Adham Shaykh 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani May Allah sanctify his secret, presenting his son to him as his spiritual successor. Shortly after this incident his father died. Mian Muhammad continued to reside in his family home for a further four years, then at the age of nineteen he moved into the khanqah, where he remained for the rest of his life. Both his brothers combined both religion and worldly affairs in their lives, but he was only interested in spirituality, and never married - unlike them.
Despite the fact that he had essentially been made a khalifah (successor) of his father, he realised that he still needed to make a formal pledge of allegiance or bay'ah (oath) to a Sufi master. Having completed his formal education he began to travel, seeking out deserted locations where he would busy himself in prayer and spiritual practices, shunning the company of his fellow-men. He took the Sufi pledge of allegiance or bay'ah with Hadrat Ghulam Muhammad 'alayhir rahman, who was the khalifah of Baba Baduh Shah Abdal, the khalifah of Haji Bagasher (of Darkali Mamuri Sharif, near Kallar Syedan District Rawalpindi), the khalifah again of Pir-e Shah Ghazi Qalandar Dumri-Vala. He is also said to have travelled for a while to Srinagar, where he benefitted greatly from Shaykh Ahmad Vali May Allah be pleased with him.
His works include:
Sohni Mahival,
Tuhfah-e Miran,
Tuhfah-e Rasuliyah,
Shirin Farhad,
Mirza Sahiban,
Sakhi Khavass Khan,
Shah Mansur,
Gulzar-e Faqir,
Hidayatul Muslimin,
Panj Ganj,
Masnavi-e Nirang-e ‘Ishq.
He also wrote a commentary on the Arabic
Qasidat-ul-Burda of Imam al-Busairi May Allah be pleased with him and his most famous work, entitled
Safarul ‘Ishq (The Journey of Ardent Love), but better known as
Sayful Muluk.
He died on the 7th of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah 1324 AH (1907 CE), and was buried in Khari Sharif, not far from his illustrious great great grandfather Pir-e Shah Ghazi Qalandar Dumri-Vala. To this day many thousands people visit his tomb with the intention of receiving spiritual blessings.
References:
Shahkar Islami Encyclopedia: Sayyad Qasim Mahmud. (Lahore, n.d.) [In Urdu.]
Sharh-e Kalam-e Mian Muhammad Baksh Saiful Muluk o Badi’ul Jamal: Abul Kashif Qadiri. (Lahore, n.d.) [In Urdu.]
Sayful Maluk Urdu Text
' A'la Hadrat Barelwi '
A'la
Hadrat Shah Imam Ahmad Rida Khan Barelwi [d.1340H/1921CE]
'alayhi al-rahmah wa'l-ridwan
Imam-e-Ahl as-Sunnat, Mujaddid-e-Deen O Millat, A'la Hadrat'
Shah Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Fadil al-Barelwi Radi Allahu anhu was a great
Muslim scholar and Saint, who lived in India between 1856 and 1921. He was
popularly known as "A'la Hadrat" in the Islamic world. A'la
Hadrat Imam Ahmad Rida Khan Radi Allahu anhu achieved the status of a versatile scholar and
obtained a high distinction in over 50 branches of learning. On his visit to
Makkah tul Mukarramah and Madinah tul Munawwarah, 'A'la
Hadrat' Radi Allahu
anhu was treated
with great dignity and was conferred the title of "Imam-e-Ahl al-Sunnat"
by eminent Ulema. He was also hailed as the Mujaddid or Revivalist
of the Century. He acted as a shield against those who wanted to assault the
principles of the Ahl as-Sunnah Wa Jama'ah.
As a devout Sufi, A'la Hadrat
Imam Ahmad Raza Radi Allahu anhu was awarded the Ijaazah and
Khilafat (Certificate of Spiritual Successorship) in the Qadiriya
Silsila (Order), as well as in 13 other branches of
Sufism. As an
author, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Radi Allahu anhu has left to his credit more than a
1,000 books on 50 different subjects ranging from Tafseer, Logic,
Grammar, Literature, Islamic Jurisprudence, Education, Sociology, Astronomy,
Mathematics, Physics, History, Science of History, Engineering, Biographies,
Philosophy, Mysticism to Persian, Arabic, Urdu and Hindi
Literature.
No tribute to Imam Ahmad Raza Radi Allahu anhu could be complete without understanding the sustained restlessness of the Imam in providing true leadership throughout his life, when he was faced with leading the Muslims in a fragile moment in the history of Islam in the Indo-Pak sub-continent. The continued emergence of false sects like the Qadianis, Wahabis, and other sects which sought to prove that Almighty Allah indulges in falseness - Ma'aazallah, Summa Ma'aazallah - proved a genuine threat when these sects began imitating unsuspecting but uneducated Muslims into their fold. It was against such a background that Imam Ahmed Raza Radi Allahu anhu rose forth to defend the true Islamic principles as a scholarly giant, and in doing so, also succeeded in securing a place in the Urdu language as a literary giant in Na'athia Kalam.
Imam Ahmad Raza Radi Allahu anhu produced more researched decrees in annihilating Bid'at practices in India in the last century than any other scholar. Established anti-Islamic customs in Muslim society were accepted without question until Imam Ahmad Raza Radi Allahu anhu started a reform campaign armed with Quranic injunctions and researched Hadith to wipe out such customs.
For the full bioghraphy and works
See also Hamid Raza Khan
And Mustafa Raza Khan
Mawlana Ahmad Ashraf
Mawlana Pir Sayyad Ahmad Ashraf al-Kicchochawi [d. 1347 AH / 1930 CE ] 'alayhir rahman w'al Ridwan
Son of : AlaHadrat 'Ashrafi Miyan' alayhir rahman
Father of : Sarkar-e-Kalan Sayyad Mukhtar Ashraf alayhir rahman
'Ashrafi miya'
A'la Hadrat 'Ashrafi miya' Sayyad Shah Ali Hussain [d.1354 H] 'alayhi al-rahmah wa'l-ridwan
He
circulated and also distributed the spirituality and the divine
blessings which he had by the propagation of the Ashrafiya order not
only in the Indo-Pak region, but also by his continuous journeys to the
Islamic countries, such as Egypt, Iraq, Syria (Sham), Aleppo and so on.
It has been witnessed by many that he was strictly firm and steadfast
on the path of Shari'ah (Islamic Law).
Pir Mehr Ali Shah
Ala'Hadrat Pir Sayyad Mehr 'Ali Shah al-Golrawi [d.1356 H / 1937 CE] 'alayhir al rahman w'al ridwan
Works :
- Tahqeeq al-Haq fi Kalima t'al-Haq (The truth about Kalima t'al-Haq)
- Shams al Hidayah
- Saif-e-Chishtiya
- I'la Kalimatillah fi Bayan-e-Wa Ma Uhilla Bihi Legharillah
- Al Fatuhat 'as-Samadiyyah (Divine Bounties)
- Tasfiah Mabain Sunni wa Shi'ah
- Fatawa al-Mehria
- Mulfoozat al-Mehria (Sayings of Mehr Ali Shah)
Pir Mehr Ali Shah alayhir rahman passed away on the 29th Safar 1356 H (11th May 1937) and his shrine at Golra Shareef sees thousands attend his Urs [anniversary] for 3 days from throughout Pakistan and further afield.
Extracts, courtesy : aiwanemehralishah.org
Recommended link : Light of Golra Shareef
Hujjat al Islam Hamid Raza Khan
al-Imam Mawlana Muhammad Hamid Rida Khan al Qadiri al Barelwi [d.1362 H / 1945 CE] 'alayhi al-rahmah wa'l-ridwan
Hujjat al Islam, Manazir al Islam, Mawlana as-Shaykh Hamid Raza Khan alayhir ar-rahmah was born in 1875 (1292 A.H.). He is the eldest son of A'la Hadrat, Ash Shah IMAM AHMAD RIDA KHAN alayhir ar-rahmah. The name given to him at birth was Muhammad. His alias was Hamid Raza Khan and he later earned the title of Hujjat al Islam (Proof of Islam).
He received his early education under the tutorship of his noble father A'la Hadrat alayhir ar-rahmah. By the age of 19, he completed his formal Islamic studies. He was an Ashiq-e-Rasul, a sufi, and known to possess encyclopedic knowledge. He was extremely proficient in both arabic and persian, as well as a master in the field of ahadith, fiqh, philosophy, mathematics and many other fields. Imam Hamid Raza Khan alayhir ar-rahmah taught for many years at the Darul Uloom Manzar al-Islam, Bareilly Shareef, where many thousands of students benefitted from his teachings. Imam Hamid Raza Khan alayhir ar-rahmah wrote and translated numerous books on a variety of subjects. Amongst his famous works were his compilation of "Risaal-e-Jaleela". He also translated A'la Hadrat's arabic treatise, "Ad Daulat al Makkiya Bil Mad'datil Ghaibiya," which dealt with the subject of ILM AL-GHAIB (Knowledge of the Unseen).
Imam Hamid Raza Khan alayhir ar-rahmah was also a great debater [manazir] against the enemies of Islam. In one of his historical debates that took place in 1933, in which he was accompanied by 'ALA HADRAT ASHRAFI MIYA'; Shaykh as-Sayyad Ali Hussain al-Kicchochawi, Sadr al Afadhil Mawlana Na'eem al-Din Muradabadi, Pir Sayyad Sadr al-Din and Mawlana Muhammad Sharif Kotli, he refuted the corrupt beliefs of Ashraf Ali Thanwi [Deobandiyat].
Imam Hamid Raza Khan alayhir ar-rahmah had thousands of mureeds who served the Deen of Islam. His khulafa were spread out globally serving the ummah.
Amongst his khulafa* were:
Hadrat Mawlana Abd al-Ghafur Hazarwi;
Hadrat Muffasir al-A'zam al-Hind Raza;
Mufti Ijaz Wali Khan [Shaykh al-Fiqh Jamia Na'eemia] and
Allama Abul Hasnat Muhammad Ahmad Qadiri
* radi Allahu anhumul ajma'een
Imam Hamid Raza Khan alayhir ar-rahmah left behind two sons and four daughters. One of his prominent sons was given the title of Mufassir al-A'zam, Hadrat Mawlana Ibrahim Raza Khan alayhir ar-rahmah, who is the father of 'Tajush Shariah', Allama Mufti Muhammed Akhtar Raza Khan al-Azhari al Qadiri.
He passed away in 1945 (1362 A.H.) at the age of 70 in Bareilly Shareef. He is buried next [to the right] to his blessed father, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat alayhir ar-rahmah. Till this day, his lovers from throughout the world present themselves at his mazaar [shrine] during the Urs Shareef to pay homage and to gain blessings from this great Saint and Scholar of Islam.
Source RAZA.CO.ZA
Also see IMAM AHMAD RAZA KHAN
and MUSTAFA RAZA KHAN
Naim 'al-Din Muradabadi
Sadr al-Afazil Mawlana Sayyad Muhammad Naim 'al-Din Muradabadi [d.1948 C.E / 1367 A.H] 'alayhir rahman w'al ridwan
He became a memoriser (hafiz) of the Ennobled Qur'an, at the age of 8. He studied the Urdu, and Persian literature from his father, as the 'Dars-e-Nizamiyyah' was studied under Shah Fadl Ahmad Rahmatullahi 'alayh. He further obtained a degree in granting legal juristic opinion (ifta') from Shah Muhammad Gul Rahmatullahi 'alayh, and had also sworn allegiance (bay'ah) to him.
His forefathers were the inhabitants of 'Mash'had'. At the time of King Aurangzeb, they travelled from there to India. The king gave them great esteem, and granted them with entitlement to land. They travelled many cities when they reached Lahore, and there they stayed near 'Abul-Hasanat'.
He took part vigourously, in many Islamic Movements, as he was also a part (rukn) of the 'Khilafat Committee' which was to establish a Sultanate in Turkey. At this stage, he had made some sensational lectures.
He made 'impacting' tours of Agra, Jaipur, Kishan Garh, Gobind Garh, Hawali'-e-Ajmer, Mithar, and Bharatpur against the 'Show 'Ali Movement' whose aim was to destroy Islam, and also sent his delegates there.
In 1343H [1924], he issued the Monthly 'As-Sawad-al-A'zam' and by doing so, vigourously supported the 'View of the Two nations'.
In gaining the independance for Pakistan, on the 18th September 1918, he delivered an oratory masterpiece, at the opening ceremony at the 'All India Sunni Conference'. He took great part in the passing of the resolutions for a Pakistan at Minto-Park. He was the Chief Organiser (Nazim-e-A'ala), at the Banaras Conference held in 1942.
He fell ill while he was still preparing an Islamic constitution. Life spared him no deferment, and on 18th Dhul Hijjah 1367H [13th October 1948], on a Friday, the world became deprived of him. His sanctuary stands at the left of the Jami'ah Masjid, at Muradabad.
He left 14 works, and lots of treatises including 'Khaza'in-al-Irfan' the tafsir [commentary] of Kanz al-Iman: Ala Hadrat Shah Ahmad Raza Khan alayhir rahman's Qur'an tranlsation in urdu.
Amongst the most famous works are :
Tafsir Khaza'in-al-Irfan,
Deewan-e-Urdu,
Kitab-ul-'Aqa'id,
Sirat-e-Sihabah,
Sawaneh Karbala,
and Adab-ul-Akhya.
Some of his students included :
Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Na'imi
Sarkar-e-Kalan Sayyad Mukhtar Ashraf
Pir Sayyad Jamaat Ali Shah
Pir Sayyad Jamaat Ali Shah Naqsbandi-Mujaddidi [d.1370 H/1951 CE] 'alayhir rahman w'al ridwan
Hadrat Jama'at Ali Shah sahib was renowned for his saintliness even as a young child and after completing his religious studies (he was an expert in all of the branches of fiqh but especially in the sciences of hadith) he went throughout the width and breadth of the subcontinent working tirelessly for Islam and the Muslims. He laid the foundation stones--and funded-- hundreds of mosques throughout the Subcontinent from Peshawar to Hyderabad, Deccan. He was a leading personality in all of the major movements of that time such as the Khilafat movement and he was especially active against the Arya Samaj movement and helped to save the iman of countless Muslims with his tireless efforts. He also was one of the key defenders of the Ahl as-Sunnah faith against the rise of Qadianism and also was an opponent of the reform movements like that of the Wahabis.
He had a wonderful, awe-inspiring personality and was gentle and loving towards all, yet was afraid of no one when it came to defending the religion of Allah's Messenger sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam; this is demonstrated by his leadership of the Muslims during the Shahid Ganj Mosque incident where the Shaykh led the opposition to the plans of the British rulers in Lahore as well as his refusal to pray behind the official Wahabi Imams in the Haramain appointed by King Saud and his refusal to visit the King when he was ordered to do so to explain: "I am a faqeer, he is a king" was his famous reply. In the end it was Saud who relented and allowed the Shaykh to pray by himself! He received medals from the Sultan of Ottoman Turkey for his services to Islam and for his amazing generosity in helping the people of Madina during a drought there for which he received the title "Abu'l Arab".
However, apart from his vast learning, it was as a Sufi shaykh that the saint was loved by the populace and it is estimated that he had over 1 million murids [disciples] from Afghanistan to the southern tip of India; he received the khirqa [cloak] from his Shaykh very soon after taking bayah [pledge of spiritual allegaince] and was thus the representative of his Shaykh early on. He was authorized to accept murids into many Sufi Orders but it was as a Naqshbandi Master that he is famous for, carrying the great secret of this Order. He transformed the lives of countless people and sinners repented at his hands by the thousand and many others themselves reached the highest levels of spiritual development by his attention. His karamaat [miracles] are too many to recount and there are many eye-witnesses to them.
He was extremely generous and magnanimous towards all, especially the poor, and he would not eat alone and the poor had been invited to share his table with him. Though possessing great family wealth the Shaykh spent it all on Islam and the poor, himself living frugally in the manner of the great Naqshbandi Sufis of the past.
He was a big supporter of the Pakistan movement and amongst his admirers was one Muhammad Iqbal, the poet. Also, he wrote many letters to Quaid e Azam offering advice and support and he was instrumental in getting the populace to vote for the Muslim League: he issued a fatwa saying that he would not read the janazah prayer of anyone of his mureeds who did not vote for Pakistan. He sent a tasbih and prayer mat to the Quaid too and asked him to pray regularly. As a Sufi he occupied the status of a Perfect Master and he was loved by all and sundry. It is for his love of the Beloved Prophet of Allah alayhi salaat o salaam that he is especially famous for. He passed onto his Creator in 1951 but until the very end he stuck passionately to the commands of the Shar'iah, never missing a prayer and often he would pray all night long. Inna lillaha wa inna ilayhi raaj'iun.
ALSO SEE : 40 UTTERANCES OF PIR SAYYAD JAMAAT ALI SHAH by Asif Jahangir Jamaati
Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqi
Hadrat Mawlana Shah Abd 'al Aleem al-Siddiqi al-Meerathi [d.1373H/1954CE] 'alayhi al-rahmah wa'l ridwan
Shah Abd 'al Aleem Rahmatullahi 'alayh was an exceptionally intelligent child who proved to have an intellectual capacity beyond his years. He completed the memorisation of the Noble Qur'an at the age of 4 years and ten months at the Madrassa Islamiya Arabiya, at Meerat. He studied urdu, persian, and arabic from the blessed companionship of his noble father. At the age of only 9, his oratory skills matured and he consequently delivered his first public speech at the Jammia Masjid of Meerat, where he mesmerised the audience for 90 minutes with his captivating eloquence.
His father left this world when Shah Abd 'al Aleem Rahmatullahi 'alayh was 16 yrs of age. Shah Abd 'al Aleem obtained a degree in theology and studied many modern subjects as well as Law. His motivation to proliferate Islam inspired him to meet with Mujaddid al-A'zam al-Imam Hadrat Shah Ahmad Raza Khan Bareilly Rahmatullahi 'alayh who was then the greatest living Islamic scholar, & who had agreed to become his mentor. During his apprenticeship with al-Imam ash-Shah Ahmad Raza Khan he had the opportunity to absorb many lessons and teachings from this great scholar. He acquired an advanced knowledge in Qur'anic Rules, hadith, tasawwuf and the four Islamic laws in Makkah and Madina under the strict guidance of Shaykh Ahmad As-Shams Rahmatullahi 'alayh of Morrocco, Shaykh As-Sunnua Rahmatullahi 'alayh of Libya and Mawlana Abdul Baqi of Faranghi Mahal of Madina. Mawlana Shah Abd 'al Aleem Rahmatullahi 'alayh also studied the Arabian Medicine System from Hakim Qazi Inteshan-al-Din of Meerat. The knowledge of medicine imparted to him had proven to be of great help for his humanitarian efforts and serving the ailing population in many countries.
His next mission started when he was ordered by his spiritual teachers to visit the sacred land of Makkah. His journey to Makkah was the culmination of his spirituality, it was at that pinnacle moment that his lessons in 'Baatin' (inner) had to be lived in "zahiri' (exterior). He set himself, body & soul to the pilgrimage in 1919CE. His life took a different turn when he stepped onto the hallowed steps of our Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam's Mosque and his ennobled shrine [rawdah mubarak] ; immediately he was convinced and inspired that he was a man chosen by Allah The Almighty and our Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam to sacrifice his entire life to the service of humanity. His mission was handed over by the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam to his heart and soul, and it was here when his real journey commenced. He endured many painful obstacles and tribulations, but continued to persist through them with admirable patience. His heart was set to acquire the inner knowledge that he was taught during his early years. His approach to tasawwuf and spirituality was a distinctive feature that differentiated Mawlana Shah Abd 'al Aleem Rahmatullahi 'alayh from other living scholars. The desire to spread the teaching of Islam became so intense, that he travelled far and wide not only to spread Deen Islam and to enrich people's conception about spirituality but also for the gratification of his soul.
Jab Chasame Basirat se Dekha, hein Dil ke Andar Tu Hi Tu
Bahar-e-Shabab for Youth
A Short Catechism of Islam
Meeting Between a Shavian and a Theologian
The Universal Teacher
The Universal Religion
The Islamic Ideal
Quest for True Happiness
The Meaning of Worship
Women and their Status in Islam
The Forgotten Path of Knowledge
Islam's Answer to the Challenge of Communism
Kitabb at-Tasawwuf ( Urdu)
Dhikr-e-Habeeb and many others
Muhaddith al-A'zam al-Hind
Hadrat Mawlana Pir Sayyad as-Shaykh Muhammad al-Ashrafi al-Jilani al-Kicchochawi [d. 1381 AH / 1961 CE] 'alayhir rahman w'al ridwan
Title : Muhaddith al-A'zam al-Hind
Name: Sayyad Muhammad Kicchochawi al-Ashrafi al-Jilani
Also referred to, and given title of : Makhdoom al-Millat, Shaykh al-Mashaykh
Father of: Shaykh al Islam Sayyad Muhammad Madani al-Ashrafi &
Ghazi al-Millat Sayyad Muhammad Hashmi al-Ashrafi
Muhaddith al-Azam Pakistan
Mawlana Mufti Sardar Ahmad al-Qadiri al-Razwi [1381H / 1962CE] 'alayhir rahman w'al Ridwan
'Muhaddith al-A'zam Pakistan' Hadrat Mawlana Sardar Ahmad al-Qadiri May Allah be pleased with him was born in 19n Diyal Garh District, Gurdaspur. His father who was a farmer was financially well off. By the way, may we add that "wealth, properly employed, is blessing, and a man should lawfully endeavour to increase it by honest means" - as mentioned by the Beloved Prophet Muhammad May Allah Shower his Mercy upon him.
After completing his matriculation in his native district,
Muhaddith al-A'zam went to Lahore for further academic studies. During
a religious gathering there, he was blessed with the golden
opportunity to see 'Hujjat al-Islam' - Mawlana Hamid Raza Khan May
Allah be pleased with him, eldest son of 'Ala'Hadrat' - Shah Imam Ahmad Rida Khan al-Qadiri al-Barelwi May Allah be
pleased with him. This very first sight moved his heart.
The glance of a pious believer can bring changes in ones destiny (M. Iqbal)
Nigahei marda moumin se badal jaarti hein taqdeerin
The students who therefore came to study F.A. at Lahore University finally joined Darul Uloom Mazhar-e-Islam Bareilly (Faisalabad today). There, Hujjat al Islam May Allah be pleased with him personally took care of his accommodation and expenses while other students from outside resided in the local mosques. He stayed at the famous institution for three years.
'Sadr as-Shari'ah' - Mawlana Amjad Ali Azmi May Allah be pleased with him, khalifa of Ala'Hadrat al-Barelwi 'alayhir rahman, was the leading teacher in Ajmer Shareef’s madrassa (seminary) Mu'iniya Uthmaaniya. Muhaddith al-A'zam proceeded there in company of Mawlana Hassan Raza May Allah be pleased with him and was fortunate to receive blessings from this famous spiritual representative of Imam Ahl al-Sunnat Ahmad Rida Khan al-Barelwi May Allah be pleased with him.
In 1933, when Mawlana Amjad Ali May Allah be pleased with him came to Bareilly from Ajmer, Mawlana Sardar Ahmad May Allah be pleased with him was appointed a second leading scholar in 'Mazhar-e-Islam'. Some time after, when Mawlana Amjad Ali May Allah be pleased with him left Dadu district, Aligarh, Muhaddith al-A'zam Mawlana Sardar Ahmad became the leading scholar in charge.
In 1937, the madrassa Mazhar-e-Islam in Bareilly Shareef was totally renovated through the personal guidance and support of Mawlana Sardar Ahmad May Allah be pleased with him. He taught there until the separation of India and Pakistan. He made hijrat according to the tradition of the Beloved Messenger Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam to Lahore. In 1949, with the instruction of Mufti al-A'zam al-Hind Mawlana Mustapha Rida Khan May Allah be pleased with him, the youngest son of Ala'Hadrat al-Barelwi 'alayhir rahman w'al Ridwan, he moved to Faisalabad in Muhalla Sunnat Purra. Later with the blessings of Muhaddith al-A'zam Mawlana Sardar Ahmad May Allah be pleased with him 'Jaamia Razvia Mazhar-e-Islam' was founded.
Mawlana Sardar Ahmad was also a renowned debater. He was once involved in a manazra (debate) with Mawlana Shibli Nomani (a leading deobandi scholar) and comprehensively defeated his opponent. The topic discussed was 'tahzir an-Nas'!
Mawlana Sardar Ahmad May Allah be pleased with him was an ocean of knowledge. He was gifted with the knowledge of 'Hadith-e-Nabwi' - Allah bless him and give him peace. He personally used to teach all the AHadith books. In twenty-five years of his teaching life, 700 students read AHadith from him. Indeed, it is very rare to find someone like him. He brought life back into the peoples hearts. His students later became scholars and are now found all over the world giving lectures and teaching Qur'an and Hadith.
'Muhaddith al-A'zam Pakistan' - Mawlana Sardar Ahmad May Allah be pleased with him, had great love and respect for Ala'Hadrat al-Barelwi May Allah be pleased with him, but was unable to meet him as the latter passed away in 1912. It was Mawlana Sardar Ahmad who led the funeral prayers of Hujjat al Islam Hamid Raza Khan May Allah be pleased with him. And as per the will of the latter, it was Mawlana Sardar Ahmad May Allah be pleased with him who washed the blessed body of Hujjat al Islam May Allah be pleased with him and lowered him into the grave.
Among his students, many of them are famous scholars, namely, Shaykh al-Hadith Ghulam Rasool Razvi, Mawlana Inayat' Allah, Mawlana Mukhtar al Haqq Siddiqi, Mawlana Abu Dawud Muhammad Sadiq, Mawlana Ghulam Rasool Samundri and Mawlana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar al-Siddiqi al-Qadiri al-Razvi, founder patron of the Sunni Razvi Society International.
Mawlana Sardar Ahmad 'alayhir rahman w'al ridwan passed away in 1961 [1st of Shabaan 1384 AH]. His mausoleum stands in Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Links:
Urdu Fatwa by Muhaddith al-A'zam Pakistan
Source: Abridged from Sunni Razvi Society
Ahmad Yaar Khan Na'imi
Mawlana Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Na'imi [d.1391 H - 1971 CE] 'alayhir ar-rahman w'al ridwan
Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Na'imi May Allah be pleased with him was a prolific and highly renowned research scholar of his time. He was born in the famous town of Badayun in India.
His most famous works are Jaa al-Haq; which details 'Ahl al-Sunnah w'al Jama'ah' aqaid, Tafsir-e-Na'imi; a classic detailed tafsir [exegis] of the Qur'an al-karim and Nur al-Irfan a shorter commentary highlighting all the main verses of the Qur'an. Mufti Ahmed Yar Khan Rahmatullahi 'alayh also wrote a book titled 'What is bid'at ? : An Explanation of Correct and Incorrect Innovation in Islam.
Mufti Ahmed Yar Khan Rahmatullahi 'alayh writes in his classical masterpiece commentary of the Qur'an Tafsir e Naimi :
''O, Muslim believers! All of you should be in such an organisation, or you should form yourselves into such a group or you should live as such a group that's invites,
- All people that have gone astray from the straight path back to righteousness.
- Non-Muslims to the Fold of Islam (The Only True Religion)
- Sinful people to Piety
- Heedless (Ghaafil) to spiritual wakefulness
- The Ignorant (Jaahil) to Religious knowledge
You should stop people doing bad deeds, having false beliefs, sinful actions, bad intentions and bad ideas.
Mufti Ahmed Yar Khan Rahmatullahi 'alayh further says:
Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan was a student of Mawlana Sayyad Naim al-Din Muradabadi 'alayhir rahman.
List of some works :
Qamar ad-Din Siyalvi
Khawaja 'Shaykh al-Islam' Muhammad Qamar ad-Din Siyalvi [d.1401 H / 1981 CE] 'alayhir rehman w'al-ridwan
Hadrat Allama Khawaja 'Shaykh al Islam' Qamar ad-Din Siyalwi (Allah be pleased with him) comes from a long and distinguished line of sufi scholars of the Chistiya Nizamiya silsila. They all descend from the astana of Siyal shareef (Shah Pur District), of Punjab in Pakistan. For three quarters of a century, Shaykh al Islam Khawaja
Muhammad Qamar al-Din Siyalwi shined above the horizon of life as a
full moon spreading light and defeating every form of darkness.
Khawaja Qamar ad-Din, son of ..Khawaja Ziya ad-Din s/o
Khawaja Muhammad Din s/o
Khawaja Shams ad-Din s/o
Mian Muhammad Yar (Siyal Shareef)
Khawaja Qamar ad-Din Siyalwi (Allah be pleased with him) was born in Siyal (dist. Sarghoda) in the Islamic year of 1324 (Hijri) that is 1906 in the Common Era. When he was only four years and four months he was enrolled in the hifz class ( learn to memorise the Noble Qur'an). He had learnt the complete Qur'an by heart when he was just 9 years of age. He went onto a number of institutions to further his religious education. The most
important of these institutions were situated in Makkah Mukarramah and at Ajmer shareef. After completing his education he continued the mission of his forefathers of reviving the spirit of Islam. Khawaja Qamar ad-Din's respected father Khawaja Ziya ad-Din sought it his duty to take his eldest son to the best available scholars of his time. One such teacher of Khawaja Qamar ad-Din was Mawlana Muin al-Din Ajmayri Khayrabadi. Many sciences and topics were learnt and studied under Mawlana Ajmayri Khayrabadi, who also bestowed the sanad and ijaza of hadith narration to him.
In
1970 Khawaja Qamar ad-Din became the president of Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan. Under his
leadership the party fared very strongly in the election of 1970. He was nominated member of Islamic Idealogy Council, twice, where he worked hard to Islamicize the current laws.
He tragically died from a road accident on July 20th 1981 (17th Ramadan). He was awarded 'Tamgha-e-Imtiaz' (Medal of Distinction) by the then President of Pakistan in 1981.
Mufti al Azam al Hind
al-Imam Mustufa Rida Khan al Qadiri al Barelwi [d.1402 H / 1981 CE] 'alayhi al-rahmah wa'l-ridwan
Mufti al A'zam alayhir ar-Rahman received Khilafat in the Qadiri Silsila (Order), but also in the Chishti, Naqshbandi, Suhrawardi, and Madaari Orders. Mufti al-A'zam-e-Hind alayhir ar-Rahman also received Khilafat from his blessed father, A'la Hadrat radi Allahu anhu. He went onto study and gain proficiency in many branches of knowledge under the guidance of his most learned father. Mufti al A'zam alayhir ar-Rahman own spiritual guide, was Shaykh Shah Abul Hussain Noori [1839-1906] alayhir ar-Rahman, of Mahrehra Shareef (India), who was also a great Sufi Shaykh and renowned scholar.
Mufti al A'zam alayhir ar-Rahman started teaching in Jamia Manzar al Islam, Bareilly in 1910. He served in this prominent institution for a period of approximately 27 years. Several famous Islamic teachers of the sub-continent who were his pupils went on later to teach in the prominent Darul Ulooms of India and Pakistan. Some of them were:
Mawlana Ejaz Wali Khan,
Mawlana Hashmat Ali Khan and
Mawlana Mufti Shareef-ul-Haq
Hundreds of his students are serving all over the sub-continent and other parts of the world as Heads of Religious Institutions and Muslim organisations.
In spite of his 'round the year journeys' throughout India, and his deep commitment to his central 'Darul Ifta', he wrote many books, including commentaries on fatawa and fiqh, as well as many important contemporary issues of his time. He followed the same methodology of his illustrious father in his writings and speech; expressive, commanding and straight to the point. This was shown with his refutation of the heretical philosophy of the deviant sects and groups of the Ummah. He mainly targeted the "Wahabi/Deobandi" institutions in the sub-continent.
Mufti al-A'zam-e-Hind alayhir ar-Rahman left the 'A'lam-e-Duniya' to journey towards the 'A'lam-e-Akhira'. It was 1.40 pm. on the 14th of Muharram 1402 AH (1981). As he had requested, the 'Janaza Salaah' [funeral prayer] of Mufti al-A'zam-e-Hind alayhir ar-Rahman was performed by 'Sarkar al Kalan' [Shaykh al Islam's maternal uncle & murshid] Hadrat Sayyad Mukhtar Ashraf' al-Jilani alayhir rahman at the Islamia Inter College grounds in Bareilly Shareef. Two and a half million (2,500,000) Muslims attended his 'Janazah Salaah'. Those who lowered Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind alayhir rahman in his Qabr Shareef [grave] have stated that they were continuously wiping out perspiration from the forehead of Mufti al-A'zam alayhir rahman right up to the last minute. Mufti al-A'zam alayhir rahman is buried to the left of his noble father A'la Hadrat alayhir rahman. It is estimated that nearly ten million Muslims received spiritual guidance from Huzoor Mufti al-A'zam al Hind alayhir ar-Rahman.
Extracts from RAZA.CO.ZA
See also Ahmad Raza Khan
And Hamid Raza Khan
Ghazzali al Zaman
Allama as-Shaykh as-Sayyad Ahmad Sa'eed Shah Kazmi [d.1406 H / 1986 CE] 'alayhir al-rahman w'al ridwan
Kazmi Sahib 'alayhir ar-rahman was born at Mohalla Katkoi, Amroha (India) on Thursday, 13 March, 1913 (04 Rabi as-thani 1331 Hijri). Because of their knowledge, piety and nobility the family were quite famous. The family descends from Imam Musa Kazim through 35 steps, and this is why he is called Kazmi. Allama Ahmad Sa'eed was only 6 years old when his father died at the age of 39, therefore his uncle Sayyad Muhammad Khalil Kazmi brought him up. It was his uncle who gave him sanad-e-hadith and his spiritual education which polished his god gifted qualities.
He founded Madrassa Arabia Anwar al-Uloom in 1943 (1362 hijri), situated near Chowk Kumharanwala Multan. This Islamic school provides higher education including Dars-e-Hadith, Dars-e-Nizami, Hifz, Tajweed, etc.
Kazmi Sahib 'alayhir ar-rahman wrote many books, some of the most popular are as follows :
- Al-Bayan (Qur'an Majeed’s Urdu Translation)
- Al-Tibiyan (Tafseer - Qur'an Majeed’s Explanation)
- Haq al-Mubeen
- Al-Sa'eed (Monthly Magazine)
- Maqalat-e-Kazmi
Ahmad Sa'eed Kazmi 'alayhir ar-rahman passed away on the 25th of Ramadan 1406 hijri [1986]. His mazaar [shrine] is one of the most beautiful shrines in the sub-continent. He left behind six sons and six daughters. The names of his sons are as follows :
Sayyad Sajjad Sa'eed Kazmi
Sayyad Hamid Sa'eed Kazmi
Dr. Sayyad Rashid Sa'eed Kazmi
Sayyad Arshad Sa'eed Kazmi
Sayyed Tahir Sa'eed Kazmi
main source
Sayyad Mukhtar Ashraf
Mawlana Pir Sayyad as-Shaykh Mukhtar Ashraf [d. 1417 AH / 1996 CE ] 'alayhir rahman w'al ridwan
Titles: Sarkar-e-Kalan, Shaykh al-Mashaykh
Father of : Shaykh-e-A'zam Sayyad Izhar Ashraf
Grandfather of : Sayyad Mehmood Ashraf
Murshid/Spiritual Guide of : Shaykh al Islam Sayyad Muhammad Madani miya, Ghazi al-Millat Sayyad Muhammad Hashmi miya
Pir Karam Shah
Ziya al-Ummat Pir Karam Shah al-Azhari [d.1418 AH / 1998 CE ] 'alayhir rahman w'al ridwan
Justice Pir
Muhammad Karam Shah May Allah be pleased with him was a famous saint of Chishtiya Nizamiya sufi order. He was also a learned theologian,
a commentator of the Noble Qur'an, a biographer of the Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), a jurist, an educationist and Justice of the Supreme Court of
Pakistan. His family was honoured in the Punjab province due to their knowledge and
piety. His grandfather Pir Amir Shah known as Amir-us-Salikeen was also a famous
chishti saint. His father Pir Hafiz Muhammad Shah Ghazi was a sufi too, who took
an active part in the Pakistan Movement for the liberation of Kashmir. The forefathers of Pir Sahib include
famous Suhrawardiyya saints like Hadrat Shaykh-al-Islam Sadr-ud-Din Arif and Hadrat
Ghaus Baha ud-Din Zakariyya of Multan May Allah be pleased with them.
Pir Muhammad Karam Shah was born on Ist July 1918 C.E./Ramadan 21, 1336 A.H.
in the town of Bhera (Distt. Sargodha). This town was made famous in history by the attack led by the Mughal emperor
Zahir-ud-Din Babur and was mentioned by him in his memoir. A beautiful mosque
was built by Sher Shah Suri in this town. After study of the Noble Qur'an, he was
admitted in Muhammadia Ghausia Primary School in 1925 established by his father.
Later on, he got admission in Government High School Bhera and did his
matriculation in 1936. He learnt Persian and Arabic grammar from Mawlana
Muhammad Oasim Balakoti and Mawlana Abdul Hameed. He also studied lslamic
learning from Mawlana Muhammad Din Budhwi and Mawlana Ghulam Mahmood of Piplan
(Mianwali). In 1941, he got admission in Oriental College Lahore and passed
examination of Fazal-e-Arabi. Here he had the honour to be the student of famous
teachers of Arabic language like Shaykh Muhammad Arabi, Rasul Khan and Mawlana
Nur-ul-Haq.
On
the advice of Shaykh-al-Islam Khawaja Qamar-ud-Din Siyalwi May Allah be pleased with him, he reached Muradabad
(now in India) in 1942 for the study of Hadith from Sayyad Muhammad Naeem-ud-Din
Muradabadi May Allah be pleased with him who has written commentary "Khaza'inul- Irfan" on the Urdu
translation of the Noble Our'an "Kanzul-lman written by A'la Hadrat Mawlana Shah Ahmad Raza
Khan al-Barelwi May Allah be pleased with him. Though Mawlana Sadr-ul-Afazil Muradabadi was consumed in the struggle
for the Independence of Pakistan, he spared time to teach hadith to Pir Muhammad
Karam Shah who completed Daurah-e-Hadith in 1943 and got Dastar-e-Fazilat by
Hadrat Diwan Sahib Al-e-Rasul Sayyad Ajmiri May Allah be pleased with him. On this occasion Mawlana
Naeem al-Din Muradabadi said,
After completing his studies at Punjab University (1945) he proceeded to
Egypt for his higher education in 1951 and was admitted at al-Azhar
University in Cairo. He studied Islamic Law, obtained several degrees and also undertook research for
a thesis entitled "al-Hadud fi'l-Islam"!
Pir
Karam Sahib was a disciple (murid) of Khawaja Oamar-ud-Din Siyalwi May Allah be pleased with him under whose guidance
he completed spiritual training. He was granted Khilafat in the Chishtiya order by
Khawaja Siyalwi and his father. He became Sajjada nashin of Darbar Pir Amir Shah
after the demise of his father in 1957. Thousands of people took oath (bayt) at
his hand and repented from leading sinful life's. He bestowed Khilafat to seven
personalities including his eldest son Sahibzada Amin-ul-Hasanat Shah and an
Arab of Madinah Tayyabah.
This great Sufi was not a traditional Pir and Sajada nashin but was a great and renowned scholar of Islam. He is the author of many books. He wrote on Qur'an, Hadith, and Sirah (Biography of the Prophet Muhammad, Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam). He completed his first book "Sunnat Khayr-al-Anam" while he was the student at al-Azhar University. In this book, he refuted Ghulam Ahmad Pervaiz's views regarding Prophetic traditions. Being a pupil of Sadr-ul-Afazil, he pondered over the Our'anic verses and completed his famous exegesis of the Noble Qur'an entitled "Zia-ul-Qur'an" in Urdu language in five volumes in 19 years. His Urdu translation "Jamal-ul-Qur'an" has also been separately published. He wrote detailed biography of the Beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him) entitled "Zia-un-Nabi" in seven volumes. His lectures and articles have been published under the title "Maqalat Zia-ul-Ummat' in two volumes and speeches delivered by him to the prisoners of Sargodha jail have been published by Gul Muhammad Faizi in "Abr-e-Karam" He also translated Waza'if of Silsilah al-Chishtiya and Dala'il al-Khayrat into Urdu language. He started a monthly journal "Zia-e-Haram" in 1970 and remained the Editor-in-Chief of the journal for approx 28 years. The editorial was written by himself under the title "Sirr-e-Dilbaran" that was specially admired by its readers
He fell ill seriously in January 1998 and remained under treatment in lslamabad Complex from Jan 11 to April 7, 1998. As he had completed his mission, therefore he was satisfied with his achievements. He left this world on Dhu'l Hajjah 9, 1418 April 7, 1998. His funeral prayer was led by Khawaja Harneed-ud-Din Siyalwi and his body was buried in the tomb of Amir-us-Salikeen at Bhera.
Source
Other Links:
Huzoor Ziya al-Ummah - His legacy in the field of Education
www.zia-ul-ummat.com