Taajedare Ahle Sunnat Shamsul Arifeen Ghausul Waqt Huzoor Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind Ash Shah Abul
Barkaat Muhiy'yudeen Jilani Aale Rahman Muhammad
Mustafa Raza Khan
(radi Allaho anhu)
GLORIOUS
BIRTH : Ghousul Waqt,
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allaho 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, AalaHazrat, Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al Qaderi (radi
Allaho anhu) was born (1856 - 1921). At the time of the birth of Ghousul Waqt,
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allaho anhu), his distinguished father, was in
Mahrerah Shareef, one of the great spiritual centres of the Sunni World. On
that very night, Sayyiduna AalaHazrat (radi Allaho 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 Allaho
anhu), one of the great personalities of Mahrerah Shareef, named the child
"Abul Barkaat Muhiy'yuddeen Jilani". Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allaho
anhu) was later named "Mustafa 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 Allaho anhu)
Sayyiduna Shah Abul Hussain Ahmadi Noori (radi Allaho anhu) told AalaHazrat (radi
Allaho 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
Allaho anhu) went to Bareilly Shareef, he immediately summoned to see Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind
(radi Allaho anhu) who was only six (6) months old. Sayyiduna Noori Mia (radi
Allaho anhu), as he was also famously known, congratulated AalaHazrat (radi
Allaho 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 Allaho anhu) placed his blessed finger
into the mouth of Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allaho anhu) and made him a Mureed.
He also blessed him with I'jaazat and Khilafat at the same time. Not only did
he receive Khilafat in the Qaderi Silsila (Order), but also in the Chishti,
Nakshbandi, Suharwardi, and Madaari Orders. He also received Khilafat from his
blessed father, AalaHazrat, Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al Qaderi (radi
Allaho anhu).
HIS
FEATURES : Well built,
handsome, round face, very radiant. It seemed like drops of Noor were raining
on it. Big beautiful eyes, glittering and alert, broad eyebrows, thin
eyelashes, Bright tan fingers, well groomed beard, white and soft like silk,
moustache, not very big and not too thin. Firm nose, broad forehead, small
beautiful teeth like pearls. Firm neck, back slightly bent, broad wrists, full
palms, firm and beautiful feet.
HIS
POSITION IN THE SILSILA : Aftaab-e-Ilme marifat, Mahtaabe Rushd-o-Hidaayat, Shamsul Arifeen, Qutbul
Waqt, Ghausul Waqt, Mujadid ibn Mujadid, Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind Ash Shah Imam
Mustafa Raza Khan (radi Allaho anhu) is the 41st Sheikh of the
silsila Aaliyah Qaaderiyah Barakaatiyah Razviyah Nooriyah.
EARLY
EDUCATION : Ghausul
Waqt, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allaho anhu) attained most of his early
education from his illustrious family - from his father, AalaHazrat, Ash Shah
Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al Qaderi (radi Allaho 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 Maulana Haamid Raza Khan
(his elder brother), Maulana Shah Rahm Ilahi Maglori and Maulana Sayyid 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, AalaHazrat (radi Allaho 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, Maulana Mustafa
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 Sayyid Abdur
Rasheed (radi Allahu anhum) were at the Darul Ifta (Fatawa Department) at this
stage. One day, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allaho anhu) walked into the Darul
Ifta and noticed that Hazrat Maulana Zafrud'deen (radi Allaho 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 Allaho anhu) said, "Are you relying on Fatawa Razvia to
write an answer?" Maulana Zafrud'deen (radi Allaho anhu)
replied, "Alright then, why
don't you write the answer without looking."
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allaho 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
AalaHazrat (radi Allaho anhu) for correction and verification. On seeing the
authenticity of the Fatawa, Sayyiduna AalaHazrat (radi Allaho anhu) became delighted
and immediately certified the Fatawa. Sayyiduna AalaHazrat (radi Allaho anhu)
then signed the Fatawa. He also commanded Hafiz Yaqeenudeen (radi Allaho anhu)
to make a stamp for Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allaho anhu) as a gift and said
that it should read as follows: "Abul
Barkaat Muhiy'yuddeen Jilani Aale Rahmaan urf Mustafa Raza Khan." This incident took place in 1328 AH.
After this incident Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (radi Allaho
anhu) spent another 12 years writing Fatawas at the feet of AalaHazrat (radi
Allaho anhu). He was given this immense responsibility of issuing Fatawas even
while AalaHazrat (radi Allaho 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.
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, Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (radi Allaho 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,
Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (radi Allaho 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
Rasoolullah (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam). Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Maulana Mustafa
Raza Khan (radi Allaho 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 Allaho anhu). Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allaho 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.
On another ocassion, Fakhruddeen Ali
Ahmad, the President of a Political Party, came to visit Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi
Allaho anhu) but was refused this opportunity. Many other proud ministers had
also come to meet Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allaho 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 Allaho 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, Maulana Mustafa
Raza Khan (radi Allaho 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, Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (radi Allaho
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, Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (radi Allaho
anhu) gave Khilafat to many Ulama-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
Allaho 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 Allaho anhu)
immediately removed the shawl and presented it to him. Although the Maulana
refused to accept it Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allaho anhu) insisted that he
have it. 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 HABITS :
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (radi Allaho 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, Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (radi Allaho 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, Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (radi Allaho
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 (Sall Allaho alaihi
wasallam) or Mehfil-e-Zikr, he always sat with utmost respect until the very
end. Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (radi Allaho 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 fortune
telling. If any death or loss took place in the house of a Muslim,
Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (radi Allaho 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 Ulama-e-Ikraam. He respected the Sayyids 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.
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 Rasoolullah (Sall Allaho 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, Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (radi Allaho 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 Allaho anhu)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 Allaho 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
Allaho anhu) and begged for forgiveness for their shameful behaviour.
IBAADAT AND
RIYAAZAT: Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind,
Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (radi Allaho 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, Maulana Mustafa
Raza Khan (radi Allaho 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 Allaho
anhu) had left all the worldly desires and was intent upon pleasing his
Creator. Once, while Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allaho 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 Allaho
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 Allaho 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 Allaho anhu) looked undisturbed. His companions were
busy talking about the luggage when they noticed the station guard, followed by
a
