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

d. 1251 H +

KEY :        d = death,   H = Hijri,    CE = Common Era


SUFIS & SHAYKHS [6]  d. 1251 H +

AL HAJJ WARIS ALI SHAH  [d.1323 H - 1905 CE]
A'LA HADRAT IMAM AHMAD RIDA KHAN
  [d.1340 H - 1921 CE]
A'LA HADRAT 'ASHRAFI MIYA'  [d.1354 H - 1936 CE]
PIR MEHR ALI SHAH  [d.1356 H - 1937 CE]
'HUJJAT AL ISLAM' HAMID RIDA KHAN [d.1362 H - 1945 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 [d.1381 H - 1961 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]


 

More scholars will be added at regular intervals



MAIN PAGE: SUFIS & SHAYKHS [1]


[1]  |   [2]  |  [3]  |  [4]  |  [5]  |  [6]




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].



' A'la Hadrat '



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 SufismAs 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





'Ashrafi miya'




A'la Hadrat 'Ashrafi miya' Sayyad Shah Ali Hussain [d.1354 H]
'
alayhi al-rahmah wa'l-ridwan



After taking bay'ah and being bestowed with ijazah in 1290 A.H, 'Ashrafi miya' spent a whole year on the shrine of Astan-e-Aliyah Ashrafiya, where he retired into mystic seclusion, as per advice of the great saints, removing his attention from the worldly affairs. Eventually, he surpassed all the various mystical levels of the highest stage and phase of mystical and divine meditation by which, the superior signs and relics were reflected on his personality. By the blessings and supplications of Hadrat Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih, many great, noble and eminent personalities were born to this blessed place of Kicchocha. However, there did not rise the sun of guidance, which illuminated the name of the Ashrafiya order (Silsila), as much as the personality of 'Ashrafi miya' who without any shadow of doubt, can be entitled the Reviver (mujaddid) of the Ashrafiya Silsila (order).


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).

 

Read more



Pir Mehr Ali Shah



Pir Mehr Ali Shah [d.1356 H / 1937 CE] 'alayhir al rahman w'al ridwan


Sayyidina Pir Mehr Ali Shah was born in Golra Shareef [b.1275 H/ 1859 CE].  He was a great sufi teacher, religious scholar and descendent of the Qadiriya Chishtiya Sufi orders. He was a beacon of light for Muslims of the sub-continent in one of the darkest periods in their history. He gave a vision of spiritual enlightenment, worldly progress, hope and compassion to the Muslim community. Pir Mehr Ali Shah alayhir rahman's method's of teaching and guidance was continuation of the sufi tradition, consisting of both inner teachings for spiritual growth through a variety of methods and guidance on the ways to deal with social and political changes unfolding during British Raj. Some important aspects of his teaching relate to interpretation of shariah, spiritual growth [via the path of tasawwuf] and quest of Muslims for  self-rule in India. Pir Mehr Ali Shah also subscribed to the doctrine of 'Wahdat ul Wajood' (unity of existence) and an undying love for the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam.


Pir Mehr Ali Shah was a sufi master as well as a talented poet. He lived a life based on extremely demanding sufi practices ; he would fast for long periods, retreat to abandoned places for worship in seclusion, stay awake all night for remembrance and prayers, give up the worldly comforts and follow a very demanding routine.


Pir Mehr Ali Shah alayhir rahman also led a very enlightened debate to defend attacks on the Islamic concept of the  Finality of Prophethood [khattam-e-Nabuwwah] by a claimant of prophethood from Qadian, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. Without inciting his followers to bigotry, violence and blind hatred he agreed to hold a dialogue with Mirza Ghulam Ahmad on the authenticity of his claim and his knowledge of Islam, Qur'an and prophethood. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani declined to participate in the debate he had himself insisted upon.


Works :

  1. Tahqeeq al-Haq fi Kalima t'al-Haq (The truth about Kalima t'al-Haq)
  2. Shams al Hidayah
  3. Saif-e-Chishtiya
  4. I'la Kalimatillah fi Bayan-e-Wa Ma Uhilla Bihi Legharillah
  5. Al Fatuhat 'as-Samadiyyah (Divine Bounties)
  6. Tasfiah Mabain Sunni wa Shi'ah
  7. Fatawa al-Mehria
  8. 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:


Muhaddith al-A'zam Pakistan, Mawlana Sardar Ahmad Qadiri;
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




Pir Sayyad Jamaat Ali Shah



Pir Sayyad Jamaat Ali Shah Naqsbandi-Mujaddidi [d.1370 H/1951 CE
]
'alayhir rahman w'al ridwan


Amir al Millat Hadrat Pir Sayyid Jamaat Ali Shah Sahib quds-sirruhu (c.1840 -1951) of Alipur Sharif, Sialkot, Pakistan. The Shaykh was one of the great saints of the Punjab and a sayyid also from both maternal and paternal sides of his family. His ancestors, all sufi masters themselves, hailed from Shiraz in Iran and came to the Subcontinent when one of them accompanied Emperor Humayoun back to Delhi after his exile in Iran where Humayoun had originally met him. The Shaykh's ancestors honoured the court of Humayoun with their presence but when Akbar began to deviate from the religion of Islam and announced his 'Din i Ilaahi' they left the imperial court in protest. Akbar was loathe to see such saintly persons go but they were adamant and so he granted them a piece of land in Alipur area as a parting honour. Here the Shaykh's ancestors settled in the subcontinent and their descendants have remained there ever since.


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



Pir al Tariqat Hadrat Mawlana Shah Abd 'al Aleem al-Siddiqi al-Qadiri al-Madani al-Meerathi Rahmatullah 'alayh was born in the blessed month of Ramadhan, on 3 April 1892 (15 Ramadhan 1310H), in Meerat, India. He was a shining luminary from the family of the first caliph of Islam; Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddiq Radi Allah ta'ala 'anhu. He not only captured the hearts' of thousands throughout the world but also improved the lives of several thousand people. Shah Abd 'al Aleem al-Siddiqi came from a very distinguished ancestral background who were all well respected for their faith, piety, purity, sincerity and intelligence (All praise to Allah). As both scholars & teachers of tasawwuf they were all driven in the same blessed direction: preaching Islam and serving humanity. Their teachings focused on the reconciliation of shariah and tariqat. Their high spiritual devotion and their eagerness in the promotion of tasawwuf made them great Sufis of their time. People by the thousands gathered around them, seeking their guidance and spiritual advice. Coming from such a divine lineage, this paved the road for Hadrat Mawlana Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqi Rahmatullahi 'alayh's spiritual quest.


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.


Dunya Chaani Alaam Mein Phira, Paar Tera Shuragh kahin Na Mila
Jab Chasame Basirat se Dekha, hein Dil ke Andar Tu Hi Tu


He travelled throughout the entire globe for approximately 30 years with that sacred inspiration and mission: to revive humanity and to reveal the truth to everyone's heart. He was not only a scholar, but also a highly endowed spiritual master conveying the message. He brought spiritual illumination to the hearts of thousands; Muslims and Non-Muslims. His prayers had given hope to many that were struck by incurable illnesses. People around the world felt the sweetness of his presence. Many were attracted by his sincerity, others by the manifestation of a divine light, which encompassed his entire being and many others, by his friendly and compassionate attitude. His blessed presence and spiritual magnetism had given new impetus to the religious and social lives of thousands. He had gained a high esteem in everybody's heart and continues to be remembered by so many as a great Sufi and spiritual leader.


In the wake of his visits to different part of the world, he urged Muslims to build orphanages for the helpless youths, infirmaries for the destitute, hospitals for the suffering, spiritual assemblies for spiritual discipline, libraries for the preservation of the Islamic traditions and intellectual heritage, several masajids, organisations of Ulemas for the coordination of Islamic forces, Muslim youth Brigade & Muslims scouts for the physical and moral discipline of the youth.Mawlana Shah Abd 'al Aleem Rahmatullahi 'alayh also encouraged the publication of several magazines such as 'Muslims Digest' and the 'Ramadan Annual' (South Africa), The 'Real Islam' (Singapore) and the 'Prophet's Birthday [Mawlid] Annual' (Mauritius). He himself compiled his missionary works in terms of books or articles under the following titles:


History of the Codification of Islamic Law Cultivation of Science by Muslims
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


It was the 22nd of Dh'ul Hajjah (August 22, 1954) at the age of 63 after a last visit to the Beloved Mesenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam that Mawlana Shah Abd 'al Aleem al-Siddiqi Rahmatullah 'alayh left this world for the hereafter. Allah the Almighty had responded to his prayers, as he always desired to be buried in Madina Munawwara. His body rests peacefully at the Jannat al Baqi near the tomb of Hadrat Ayesha Siddiqa Radi Allahu Ta'ala 'anha. He left behind a legacy in the shape of Mawlana Shah Ahmad Noorani [d.1424H/2003CE] Rahmatullah 'alayh who himself was a world renowned Islamic scholar, sufi, and orator of outstanding pedigree; Shah Ahmad Noorani was only 12 years old when his eminent father Shah Abdul Aleem Rahmatullah 'alayh passed away. 





Qamar ad-Din Siyalvi

 

Khawaja Shaykh 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.

Recent ancestory :

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.

 



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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


Shaykh Mustafa Raza Khan [Mufti al A'zam] alayhir ar-Rahman was born on Monday, 22nd of Dhil Hujjah 1310 AH [18 July 1892] in the city of Bareilly Shareef, India. It was in this very city that his illustrious father, the Mujaddid (Reviver) of Islam, the Imam of Ahl as-Sunnat, A'la Hadrat, ash-Shah IMAM AHMAD RIDA KHAN radi Allahu anhu was born [1856 – 1921CE]. Imam Mustafa Raza Khan alayhir ar-Rahman was a proficient scholar of hadith and fiqh which led to his contemporaries giving him the titles of Ghawth al-Waqt, and Mufti al-A'zam al-Hind.


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 Sardar Ahmad Razvi,
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


Sayyad Ahmad Sa'eed Kazmi (Urdu: ÓیÏ ÇÍãÏ ÓÚیÏ ˜ÇÙãی) was a well known sufi scholar, living in Multan, Pakistan. Such was his contribution to Islam that his contemporaries gave him the title of Ghazali al-Zaman. He was well known for his work as a Muhaddith [Dars-e-Hadith], and for his urdu translation and explanation [Tafseer] of al-Qur'an, as well as many other religious services for the sake of Islam.


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.


Ahmad Sa'eed Kazmi 'alayhir ar-rahman migrated to Multan in early 1935 CE, after Sayyad Nafir Alam a Sufi scholar,  invited young Ahmad Saeed to debate in Multan. When he listened to his speech, he was greatly impressed. So he continuously requested Ahmad Saeed to permanently shift to Multan. In Multan, he started teaching in his own home near Tinan Wali Khoi. In November 1935 he started giving lectures in Masjid Hafiz Fateh Sher Outside Lohari Gate, which continued for 18 years. After that He started Dars-e-Hadith in Hadrat Chup Shah's Mosque and completed Mashkawt Sharif followed by Bukhari Sharif. It was during this period that his popularity grew throughout the sub-continent.


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 Mazhar Sa'eed Kazmi
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


NB : It was Ghazzali al Zaman Ahmad Sa'eed Kazmi 'alayhir ar-rahman who gave the title of 'Raees al Muhaqiqeen' to Allama Mufti Pir Sayyad Muhammad Madani Ashrafi al-Jilani al-Kicchochawi in the early 1970's for his in-depth study, and comprehensive response to a fatawa that Kazmi Sahib had sent to him for his perusal.





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