HUZOOR’~ E na

AA

L7”

A NOORI PUBLICATION

HUZOOR MUFTI-E-AZAM HIND

A STEADFAST & MIRACULOUS PERSONALITY

TRANSLATED THROUGH THE BLESSINGS OF GHAU$-UL-WAOQT HUZOOR MUFTI-E-AZAM HIND (Radi Allahu anhu)

BY A HUMBLE SERVANT OF ALLAH Muhammad Afthab Cassim Razvi Noori

Published by Imam Mustafa Raza Research Centre Overport — Durban — South Africa

TRANSLATOR’S NOTE

All Praise is due to Almighty Allah, Who sent a Divine Light in the garb of man as Guidance to Mankind. Immeasurable Blessings and Salutations upon the Light of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam), whose light has brightened dead hearts and granted hope to the desperate. Peace and Blessings upon his radiant family and beaming companions, whose love draws us closer to his magnificent light. Blessings upon the Awliyah Allah, who are beacons of light, that guide us on the path of enlightenment and upon the Ulama-e-Haq Ahle Sunnat Wa Jamaat, who are lanterns, shining brightly, pointing us in the direction of the Allah’s pious servants, Salutations upon them and all those who will be with them until the last day.

For the past few years, I have intended to either compile or translate a book which focused on the karaamats of Ghaus-ul-Waqt Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu). I had already compiled a brief booklet as an introduction to this great personality but I never got down to doing what I intended, until my sight fell upon a book in the compiled by Mufti Aabid Hussain Razvi Noori of India. I was very impressed with this book and thus decided to put together information that I had already gathered in two other simple books on Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) and combine it with some of the information found in this Urdu treatise. Alhumdulillah, before you is a translation and compilation, called: Huzoor Mufti- e- Azam Hind, A Miraculous and Steadfast Personality” which gives a brief introduction to the great saint and then presents numerous incidents relating to his miracles and steadfastness in the Shariah. The book also has the statements of numerous Awliyah and Ulama regarding the excellence of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu). For the benefit of those who enjoy reciting Naat-e- Rasool (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) and who can not read the Urdu language, I have also added a few Naats with the transliteration from Ghausul Waqt’s world renowned Naat Collection “Samaan-e- Bakhshish”. I am sure that every one of you will enjoying reading

this book and I am sure that the readers will take great pleasure in learning from such blessed incidents from the life of the Ghaus of the Era, Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu).

I pray that Almighty Allah accepts my humble efforts in His Most Exalted Court and allows this translation to be the means of my salvation in the hereafter.

I must thank all those that have made it possible for this book to be published and those who have assisted in any other way in making this publication a success.

Special thanks to Haji Mohammed Amod for co-ordinating this publication; to Brother Riaz ul Haq for proof reading; to Brother Abdur Rasheed and our young brothers, Mohammed Faeez Sayed and Sohail Sayed, who have assisted us during the publishing and printing of numerous books, by volunteering their valuable time to serve the Deen of Allah. Also special thanks to my wife Fathima Cassim for reading through the document and making valuable suggestions. I must thank my parents Haji Cassim Goolam Rasool and Hajiani Khadija Goolam Rasool for their duas and support in everything I do. May Allah grant them good health and long life. Aameen

I sincerely make dua that Almighty Allah keeps us all firm on the path of Ahle Sunnat Wa Jamaat, through the blessing of the Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam).

Khuda Aisi Quwat De Mere Qalam Me Ke, Wudmazhaha Ka Sud haara Karao Me

Sag-e-Mufti-e- Azam 14° Rithajj 1428 - 4° January 2007

Wilaayat and Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam (radi Allahu anhu)

According to the dictionary, “Wilaayat” means, to become close; to be of assistance; to love; to make friends and to be one with power and ability.

Now, if we look at a Wali in the context of the meaning of Wilaayat as mentioned in a dictionary, then it would mean that a “Wali” is one who is close to Allah and one who is a Friend of Allah and who loves him dearly or it could mean that a Wali is that person who has the special help and support from Allah and whom Allah has made his beloved friend and has blessed him with being a powerful person with great ability.

As per the terminology of Shariah and as explained by Hazrat Allama Taftazaani (alaihir rahma):

“A Wali is that person who is the Aarif of the Being and Qualities of Allah to the best of his ability and he is one who is steadfast and continuously striving in his obedience to Almighty Allah. He abstains from major sins and he gladly also stays away from minor sins. He even abstains from being too engrossed in those things which are allowed for him and which cause one to be engrossed in its pleasures.” (An Nabraas Footnotes of Sharah Aqaaid page 295)

No matter which ever angle of the life of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) one looks at, one will find the explanation of Wilaayat befitting his personality.

Now, let us examine each one of the qualities of Wilaayat mentioned by Allama Taftazaani (alaihir rahma) and see how well it befits the personality of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam (radi Allahu anhu)

(1) The first sign (of Wilaayat) being explained is: A Wali is that person who is the Aarif of the Being and Qualities of Allah to the best of his ability”

If we look at his life in this aspect, then one will find that all those who have written about his life or who have explained his personality have said that there is no doubt that Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) was an “Aarif Kaamil” and one who had in-depth understanding of the splendours and secrets of Shariat and Tariqat.

The editor of the monthly Hijaz Magazine Maulana Yasin Akhtar Misbahi says as follows about Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu):

He is such an Aarif and Kaamil, pious believer whose true sight penetrates and reaches at first glimpse the secrets and magnificence of Shariat and Tariqat, andthe is) that personality to whom hundreds of thousands of disciples (mureeds) have pledged the allegiance, and on whose hearts, his authority and command has been engraved. Another example of such a personality in the Muslim World can not be seen today.”

The proof that he was drowned in the love of Allah and that he was a true Aarif was the fact that he was always in the Zikr of Allah, chanting “Allah” “Allah” from the depths of his heart. He was so deeply engrossed in the wazifa called Sultaanul Azkaar that every part of his body would split into pieces, each making zikr of Allah individually.

His heart was so engrossed in the Zikr of Almighty Allah that if one sat silently next to him, the Zikr and sound of Allah; Allah could be heard from his heart. When he wrote anything, it was as per the command of Almighty Allah and His Rasool (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) and when he said anything, it was in accordance with the command of Almighty Allah and His Beloved Rasool (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). When he walked, he walked in accordance with the command of Allah and His Rasool (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam).

He had engrossed himself to such an extent in the Zikr of Allah that towards the latter parts of his worldly life, there was no doubt that he had reached the levels of Istighraaq (Fana Fil’laah and Baaqi Bil’laah).

Even though Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam (radi Allahu anhu), had reached such levels of spiritual excellence, he never thought that he was exempt in any way from the commands of the Shariat.

The testimony to this statement is the eye witness account of one of his Khalifas, Maulana Mubeenul Huda Noori:

“Although Hazrat was in the state of istighraaq, he never missed any of his Namaaz. There were certain people (with not much understanding of Istighraaq) who thought that Hazrat had loss of memory, because even after reading his Namaaz, Hazrat would ask if he had already read his Namaaz or not. When two or three persons would say that he had already performed his Namaaz, then only would he feel content.

In other words, after reading his Namaaz, he would some times want to repeat it twice or thrice and then people

around him would mention to Hazrat that he had already read his Namaaz. Hazrat would then become comfortable. But, it was never seen that the time of Namaaz had expired and Hazrat had not performed his Namaaz and never did at any time anyone remind him that he had not read his Namaaz.” (Ref: Istiqaamat — Mufti Azam Edition — page 270)

After reading the above mentioned testimony, it can be said that Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam (radi Allahu anhu) had reached a very elevated spiritual level which is known as “Ghaflatus Saaliheen” For the true servants of Allah, this such an elevated level of spiritualism, that on reaching this level, they have no memory of even the existence of the world (in other words materialistic things).

They remain deeply engrossed in the love of Almighty Allah, going deeper and deeper into this sea of love. During this deeply spiritual condition, they sometimes are in the condition of “Sukr” (deeply spiritual condition) and they journey from the state of “Qaal” (normal discourse) into the state of “Haal” (spiritual condition)

Even though these pious servants of Allah reach such levels of spiritual excellence, these personalities never think of themselves as being exempt from the commands of the Shariat, but actually, as soon as the time for fulfilling any obligations of Shariat comes, they immediately come out of this deep spiritual state and fulfill their obligations as per the Shariat.

The Great Muhadith of his era, Hazrat Sufyaan Thauri went into such a deep spiritual condition for a very long time and would sometimes be heard loudly chanting the name of Allah whilst in this condition. Mention of this condition of Sufyaan

Thauri (radi Allahu anhu) was made to Hazrat Junaid-e- Baghdadi (radi Allahu anhu). On hearing about his condition, Hazrat Junaid-e-Baghdadi (radi Allahu anhu) asked, “What is the condition of his Namaaz?” Those present replied that when the time of Namaaz comes, he regains his normal conscious state (and prays his Namaaz). Hazrat Junaid-e- Baghdadi (radi Allahu anhu) replied, “Then his spiritual condition is true.”

Whilst explaining this condition of Ghaflatus Saaliheen of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu), Marhoom Maulana Sayyiduz Zamaan Hamdawi writes: “Whilst discussing the narrators of Hadith, those who record the Hadith have mentioned, ‘During the latter of their lives, the condition of Ghaflatus Saaliheen could be found in them.’ In other words, they entered into the exalted levels of devoutness and piety. This condition of being uninterested (in worldly things) is a sign from amongst the signs of Wilaayat and is a sign of piety.

This condition was one into which the exalted and blessed personality (Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind) had entered into during the latter of his life, and this is the reason why it was found that he would often be in the condition of Istighraaq, which the ordinary public (out of ignorance) think that it is lack of memory due to becoming senile, whereas this so-called forgetfulness was not really forgetfulness, but in reality it was because he had reached such a level and was in such deep remembrance of Almighty Allah and His Beloved Rasool (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) that it had caused all that which had nothing to do with this condition of excellence to be erased from his thoughts and the bright rays of Ghaflatus Saaliheen was shining brightly in him.”

Translators Note: Subhaan Allah! Ghausul Waqt Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) had reached such a

level of excellence and was so deeply engrossed in the love of Allah and His Beloved Rasool (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) that this remembrance was so powerful in his heart and mind that it did not allow the thought of anything else to exist in his heart and mind. It erased the thoughts of this mundane world and of all that which dealt with this world, for Huzoor Mufti-e- Azam’s heart and mind was the spiritual chamber of the love of Allah and His Rasool (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam)

After studying the life and issues related to the life of Taajedaar-e-Ahle Sunnat Mufti-e-Azam Naa’ib-e-Ghaus-e- Azam Shabih-e-Mujaddid-e-Azam Shah Mustafa Raza Khan Barelvi (radi Allahu anhu) it can be derived that Huzoor Mufti- e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) is from that high level of the Awliyah-e-Kaamileen who are known as the “Nujaba” as it has been mentioned regarding the condition of the Nujaba, that the spiritual condition of Haal is always over them. Towards the latter stages of his life, Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam (radi Allahu anhu) was consistently in this condition.

Allama Yusuf Nibhaani (radi Allahu anhu) whilst discussing the status and position of the Nujaba in his world renowned book Jaame Karamaat-e-Awliyah, says as follows:

“There are never more or less than eight in every era. It is through their condition only that the signs of acceptance are evident, although it is not necessary in these signs that they should have control of the condition as well. Actually this condition shrouds them and only those personalities truly understand this condition of theirs, who are of a higher spiritual level than they are. Those who have not reached such a high level are not able to understand this condition that they enter into.”

Confirmation what has been already written is clear from the following statement of Moulvi Shah Muhammad Raza Laukahawi:

“Sometimes when people would come to Huzoor Mufti- e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) for Fatawa (Decrees), then they would find him in a deeply spiritual state for a lengthy period. It was however never seen that any person was turned away or had to leave without an answer to his query. After some time would pass, he would enter a normal state and then answer all the queries that were presented.”

(2) The second sign of (Wilaayat) being explained is: He is one who is steadfast and continuously striving in his obedience to Almighty Allah and His Beloved Rasool (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam).

This sign of Wilaayat is such and important and essential quality that some of the pious predecessors have used just this to explain the meaning of who a Wali is. It is for this reason that Imam Qushairi (radi Allahu anhu) in his world renowned Risaala Qushairiyah states the following when explaining who is a Wali:

“A Wali is that person who is constantly striving to be obedient (to Allah) or (A Wali) is that person that Almighty Allah has taken it upon Himself to protect and to guarantee his well-being.”

Now, Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam (radi Allahu anhu) is no doubt the possessor of the second sign and quality of Wilaayat as well and he spent his entire life remaining steadfast and firm. He never allowed the slightest interference in his Ibaadat and in his duties to Almighty Allah, be it whilst at home or whilst on a

journey. His entire life was spent obeying the commands of Allah and His Beloved Rasool (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). He was especially steadfast when it came to his Salaah. He would rather let his bus or train be missed, but he would never allow his Salaah to become Qazaa (expired).

Once, he had to travel by mail train from Nagpur to Akola. The train stopped for a short while at a certain juncture. He immediately took his Musalla (prayer mat) and his Lota (utensil for water) and disembarked from the train to perform his Salaah. Many of those who were on the train mentioned to him that it was a mail train and that it would not wait for him to finish his Salaah and unnecessarily the train will go away without him, but Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) placed his full trust in Almighty Allah and got off the train.

He made wudhu (Ablution) and the commenced with his Namaaz with a few others, thus Namaaz was being now read in Jama’at. Marhoom Raaz Ilahabadi explains the rest of what transpired that day in the following words:

“Just as we had made the intention (Niyyah) for Maghrib Salaah, the train had left. Hazrats belongings and the belongings of all those with Hazrat was left on the train. As the train left, there was a person on the train who began to mock and he said ‘Mias train has gone, Mias train has gone’. Little did that unfortunate person know who it was that he was talking about? Namaaz was performed with Jama’at and Sunnats were also read and then we also read our Nafils. When we finished, the platform was deserted except for a few people who were talking amongst themselves.

They were saying, ‘Look now, Maulana Saheb left the train for Namaaz and now they have lost the train and

their belongings as well.’ Hazrat heard their discussion, but paid no heed. Looking at him, it seemed that he had not bother about what had happened. His was very comfortable and sitting peacefully, whereas others that were with Hazrat were also a bit concerned about their belongings. This was the scenario in front of me, when suddenly the railway guard could be seen running towards us with a lantern in his hand. A huge crowd of people were also running with him coming towards us. The guard panting and puffing came to Hazrat and said, ‘Huzoor! The train has stopped’. Hazrat replied, ‘Has the train just stopped or has its engine failed?’ The guard very humbly said, ‘Huzoor! The engine is not running. Please forgive us. We have made a grave error and were disrespectful to leave without you. It’s just that it is a mail train and we could not wait too long. Please understand our feeble situation.’

Hazrat said, ‘In the coach that I was seated there is a Muslim who is a Muslim just by name. He said that the train will not wait for Namaaz to take place.’ The station master then ordered another engine to be brought to pull the coaches. Hazrat said that there was no need. He said, ‘Let the train come in reverse and the engine will run’. They did as Hazrat commanded and the engine began to run. The train was delayed for a short while and all those on the train heard of this miraculous incident. They were all astounded by what had happened and at the same time learnt a valuable lesson. Even those two modern Muslims who were in the coach saw the truth and were inspired. The moment they saw Hazrat entering the train, both of them apologized and Hazrat immediately accepted their apologies. On witnessing this incident, the truth of Islam dawned upon a sikh who was present their

and he accepted Islam at the hands of Huzoor Mufti-e- Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu).”

It seems to be for this reason that some of the Scholars of Tariqat have said the following when explaining the meaning of Wali:

“A Wali is that person, that on seeing him, one starts to remember Allah”

There is no doubt that when a person saw Huzoor Mufti-e- Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) and the way he spoke and behaved, the person seeing him would immediately start to remember Allah and his heart would be turned in the direction of attaining closeness to Allah.

(3) The third sign of (Wilaayat) being explained is: “He abstains from sinning” This too has a special importance in the life of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu). There is no single incident in his life that has ever shown that at any time he committed any sin. He kept himself completely safe from committing any sins. He never allowed his garb of piety and knowledge to be stained in the blotches of any sin.

He was such a firm mountain of steadfastness that he never allowed himself to slip even one bit out of the boundaries of Shariat. To take photographs is haraam. This is a common transgression that almost everyone is involved in.

Until his last moments, Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) regarded this as Haraam. When the Indian government made it compulsory for every individual to have a photograph in his or her passport, Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam (radi Allahu anhu) refused to take a photo even for this reason. He said that he

was not prepared to do a haraam act so as to do one good and pure action.

Even though he had a burning desire in his heart for Hajj and Ziyaarat at that time, but he refused to go with a photo in his passport. Finally, the Indian and Saudi governments both agreed for him and his blessed wife to leave India and enter Arabia without a photo in his passport.

Translator’s Note: This was also a great example of the steadfastness of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) and his true obedience in the Court of Almighty Allah and the Beloved Rasool (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam).

With the exception of the above mentioned incident, there are numerous other incidents which bear testimony to how he strived to abstain from committing any sinful acts.

There are also numerous incidents that can be found in his life where not only he stayed away from sinful acts, but also he abstained from doing those things which were contrary to the Sunnah and those things that were contrary to the preferred way. Such incidents and others will be explained in the pages which follow.

(2) The fourth sign of (Wilaayat) being explained is: He even abstains from being too engrossed in those things which are allowed for him and which cause one to be engrossed in its pleasures.”

The meaning of this is that if he gets something desirable that is allowable and permissible without making an effort for it and the Wali did not allow himself (his nafs) to stay away from it, then it is not suitable to his Wilaayat. An incident is being presented which shows how Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi

Allahu anhu) even abstained from doing those things which were allowed without being engrossed in its pleasures. This will be well understood by the people of wisdom.

The ruling of the Shariat is that a person, who is not in I'tekaaf and who is not a musaafir (traveler), is not allowed to eat, drink or sleep in the Musjid. If a person needs to eat or drink in the Musjid, then he must make the intention of I’tekaaf and then enter the Musjid. He must read some tasbeehs etc. and then only is he allowed eating or drinking something in the Musjid and this is that which is permissible and according to the Fatwas.

However, if a person even after making the intention of I’tekaaf, still abstains from eating or drinking in the Musjid, then this is his Taqwa (piety).

The wisdom in not eating or drinking in the Musjid is that if ordinary people see the Ulama eating and drinking in the Musjid, then they too will do so without any hindrance. It is for this reason that the Awliyah and the learned personalities have abstained from eating and drinking in the Musjid.

Molvi Ahmed Hussain Saaheb, who was a very punctual person in his Namaaz and also a person who was very firm in Shariat says that once Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) and Huzoor Muhadith Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) both came to their hometown. He says,

“Once, both these great personalities were sitting in the Musjid and the hosts who had invited them to the said town, presented some tea for them whilst they were in the Musjid. Huzoor Muhadith Azam took the tea and drank it in the Musjid and Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) took the tea and went outside the

door of the Musjid to drink it. On seeing this Huzoor Muhadith Saheb Qibla said, ‘That is your Taqwa (piety) and this is your fatwa (decree).’”

Another similar incident about both these personalities was presented by Maulana Marghoob Hassan Saaheb Qadri A’zami. He says,

“During one journey, Huzoor Muhadith Azam and Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam were both seated inside the Musjid after Asr Namaaz. Some person brought some tea to both of them in the Musjid. Huzoor Muhadith Azam Hind took his tea whilst sitting in the Musjid, but Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind took the cup of tea and went outside the door of the Musjid and then drank the tea. Those present witnessed the actions of both these personalities but did not have the courage to ask why each acted separately. Huzoor Muhadith-e-Azam realized the position of those present and said, ‘When I enter into the Musjid, I make the intention of ’tekaaf and there is no objection according to Shariat in a Mu’takif (one in I’tekaaf) eating or drinking in the Musjid. Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam also made the very same intention of I’tekaaf, but he acted upon Taqwa

(piety).’”

These incidents have made it very clear that even though it is permissible and allowable for a Mu’takif to eat and drink in the Musjid and there is definitely some pleasure attained in this as well as a person is saved from inconvenience, but Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) abstained from such allowable actions, for he had reached such a high level of Wilaayat but he continued acting with Taqwa.

His entire life was spent in writing books, propagating the religion, passing decrees, giving guidance to people, educating his disciples, commanding what is right and forbidding what is wrong and spending time engrossed in the love of Allah and His Beloved Rasool (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). Where then, did this great Wali have the time to ever be engrossed in those pleasurable actions which are allowable and permissible?

Based on the detailed explanations that have been presented, there is no doubt and as clear as the sun at mid-day that Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) is a Wali-e- Kaamil and Aarif-e-Saadiq.

Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam was from amongst “The Akhyaar” and “The Saaliheen”

When discussing Wilaayat (Level of Saintliness), is it also of utmost importance and beneficial to explain that Huzoor Mufti- e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) and other great pious personalities like him are given the knowledge of the fact that they are from amongst the “Akhyaar” (Virtuous Personality)”.

It is a very great blessing for a person to become aware of the fact that Almighty Allah has placed His Special Blessing upon him (in other words, he has become a chosen and special servant of Allah). That which we are mentioning is not merely an ordinary statement, but it is based on that which the Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) has mentioned in one of His Blessed Hadith.

The Prophet (Sall Allaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) says,

“On Whomsoever Allah wishes to place his special blessing and Mercy, He makes him the Faqih (Expert Jurist) of the Religion”

All the learned scholars of the Indo-Pak subcontinent and the people of knowledge throughout the world unanimously and impartially agree that Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) was a very great, blessed, esteem, respectable and knowledgeable Aalim and Faqih of his era.

The testimony of this is even evident from his distinguished works. The knowledgeable people of the era accepted him as a Haafiz of the General principles and intricate minor details pertaining to jurisprudence.

It is for this reason that he was known as Mufti-e-Azam, Muhity’yud’deen wa Islam and and the Great Imam of Tariqat in his era, thus bestowed with the honorable title of Taajedaar- e-Ahle Sunnat.

He became the person towards whom the servants of Allah turned and he was the one who was there to present judicial solutions to their problems. Since it has been clearly proven that Almighty Allah had made him a very learned and virtuous Aalim of the Sunnah and a great Jurist, then in the light of the above mentioned Hadith, there is no doubt that Almighty Allah had placed his special blessings on Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu).

Here, this also becomes very clear that when just as a Faqih comes to know that he has become great Jurist, in the same way he comes to know that Almighty Allah has made him amongst those on whom is His Special Blessings.

It is in Durr-e-Mukhtar from Allama Muhammad Haskafi (radi Allahu anhu) as follows:

“With the exception of the Ambia-e-Kiraam (and those

to whom the Prophet Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam gave glad tidings of Jannat) there is no human who knows if Allah has willed to be kind towards him (Place His special blessings upon him) as this intention of Allah has to do with Ghaib (hidden), but the Fuqaha-e- Kiraam (The Learned Jurists) know that Allah has intended to place his special blessings upon them, because The Truthful and Trustworthy Rasool (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam) said, “On Whomsoever Allah wishes to place his special blessing and Mercy, He makes him the Faqih (Expert Jurist) of the Religion” (Intro of Durr Mukhtar vol 1 page 35)

Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) himself said in one of his poetic stanzas:

Huwa he Khaatima Imaan par Mera Noori Jabhi He Khuld Ke Hoor-o-Qusoor Aankho me

My Life has ended with Imaan O Noori, That is why I can see the maidens and Palaces of Paradise

This poetic stanza shows that Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) had faith in the reality that Allah has bestowed His Special Blessings upon him.

The Great Imam of Fiqh Imamul A’ima Siraajul Ummat Kaashiful Ghumma Sayyidi Imam Azam Abu Hanifa, Imamul Mashariq wal Magharib Qaazi Abu Yusuf and Muharir-e- Mazhab Sayyidina Imam Muhammad (radi Allahu ta aala

anhum) have been blessed by Allah with His special blessings. Discussing this, it is mentioned in Durr-e-Mukhtar:

“Ismaeel bin Abi Rujaan saw Hazrat Imam Muhammad (radi Allahu anhu) in his dream after he had passed away. He asked him, ‘How did your Creator treat you.’ He answered, ‘Rub-e-Kareeem made my Maghfirat and then my Rub said’, ‘O Muhammad! If I had intended to punish you, then I would have not blessed you with the knowledge of Fiqh’ Ismaeel says I then asked Hazrat Imam Muhammad, ‘What is the condition of Imam Abu Yusuf?’ In answer he said, ‘He is in a more exalted position than me’ ‘I then asked, what is the condition of Imam Abu Hanifa?’ He answered, ‘What are you asking me about him? Compared to us, he is in Alal Iliyain (in the great heights of Jannatul Firdaus)’ and why should he not receive such an exalted position, when for forty years, he read the Namaaz of Fajr with the wudhu of Esha Salaah, he made fifty five Hajj and saw his Rub one hundred times in his dream.” (Intro of Durr-d- Mukhtar on the footnotes of Raddul Muhtaar vol 1 page 38)

From this narration, it is clear that Almighty Allah protected him and freed him from the punishment of the hereafter because he had attained the knowledge of Figh and shone as great Faqih and one who with his pen propagated the religion.

Countless thanks and favours of Allah are upon us that he made our Spiritual Grandmaster Sayyidid Aale Rahmaan Abul Barkaat Muhiy’yud’deen Jilani Muhammad Mustafa Raza Khan Barelvi the greatest Faqih (Proficient Jurist) of his time through the blessings of the great and learned Fuqaha and pious predecessors. Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) had numerous laws of Figh inscribed in his mind. He wrote

vast amounts of Fatawa (Edicts) and was so proficient that he solved even modern day queries with much ease.

During the era of General Ayub Khan, there was a government appointed Hilaal Committee (Moon Sighting Committee). An incident relating to this is being presented from the book written on Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam (radi Allahu anhu) by Maulana Sayyid Riyaasat Ali Qadri (Karachi) wherein those reading this book will realize the vast knowledge and wisdom of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu).

Once during the time of Eid, a few members of the said Hilaal committee flew into the sky with a plane, with the intention of sighting the moon. These people saw the moon and they informed the government of their sighting. Based on this, the government announced the confirmation of moon sighting for Eid.

Some Ulama opposed this and Fatwas were thus collected on this issue from Ulama all over the world. One questionnaire on this issue was also sent to Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) in Bareilly Shareef. All the Muftis from many countries supported the Moon Sighting committee’s decision but Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) gave his Fatwa against what they had said. He wrote:

“The ruling of the Shariat is that to start fasting and to end the fasting (Eid), the moon needs to be sighted from the ground and where the moon has not been sighted, there the Qaazi should give his ruling based on receiving proper testimony of sighting as per the Shariat.

The moon must be sighted from the ground or anything that is attached to the ground (built on the ground). As

for the issue of sighting from the plane (whilst in flight), then, this is incorrect as the moon sets and does not vanish. It is for this reason that in some places the moon is seen on the 29" whilst in other places it is seen on the 30". If it were correct to sight the moon from a plane and announce confirmation of sighting, then, by going even higher into the sky, the moon will be visible on the 27" as well. Now can one after seeing the moon (through this way) on the 27" and 28" say it to be permissible to announce that the next day will be Eid or Baqr Eid? How then will it be correct to give this verdict that to see the moon in this way on the 29" is authentic?”

Second Proof of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam being amongst the Blessed Special Servants of Allah

Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) was definitely from amongst the pious and blessed servants of Allah. Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) was the personality towards whom all his disciples and those who loved him turned to in their times of need.

They came to him to solve their judicial, social, political, spiritual personal and congregational problems and he would assist them to sort out their problems and give them comfort. It is mentioned in the Hadith Shareef that when Allah intends to send his special blessings upon someone, then he makes him the one towards whom the people turn to in their times of need.

Thus it is totally correct to say that even in the light of this, Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) can be clearly seen as a chosen and blessed servant of Allah.

Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) was from amongst the Beloveds of Allah

A very blessed moment in the life of a servant and the ascension of a servant is when is Master loves him and blesses him with the gift of being a beloved servant.

When a person is on a level that he loves but he does not know how much he is loved, then he just burns in this love which he possesses, but once he reaches a level where not only does he love, but he knows that the One whom he loves also loves him dearly, then the level of love changes and he becomes free from any fears.

This level in spiritualism where a servant loves his Creator and Allah ta’aala makes him aware that Allah loves him is known as “Mahboobiyat” Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) had reached this exalted level of love. The proof of this is that he was accepted all over, even in Arabia by those who had sincerity and true love for Allah and His Rasool (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam).

Where ever he went, thousands of people flocked towards him to attain his blessings and take his duas. This is proof that a believer has reached the level of Mahboobiyat.

Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran:

“Verily for those who believed and did good deeds, it is near that The Compassionate will instill their love into the hearts of the people.” (Surah Maryam verse 96)

Whilst commentating on this verse Sadrul Afaadil Hazrat Maulana Na’eemud’deen Muradabadi (alaihir rahma) says as follows in Khazaa’inul Irfaan:

“It is in the Hadith that when Allah makes any servant His beloved, He says to Jibraeel (Alaihis salaam) that certain person is my beloved. Hazrat Jibraeel (alaihis salaam) starts to love that person. Then Hazrat Jibraeel (alaihi salaam) announces in the skies that Allah Ta’Aala loves a certain person, thus all should love him. Thus, those in the skies start to love him, and then his personality becomes an accepted one on the earth.”

After this, Sadrul Afaadil says:

“From this it is evident that the vast acceptance that true believers, the pious persons and the Awliya-e-Kaamileen receive is based on their Mahboobiyat.” (i.e. Allah’s love for them)

It is for this reason that a pious servant of Allah once said,

“Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) is like a bright shining flame towards which the entire sunni world flocks. This has been seen time and over again by all those who had the opportunity to be with him. Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) was on such a level of Mahboobiyat that his love became the heartbeat of ever true sunni Muslim.”

Chapter 2

A Glimpse inta Che Life Of Ghaus- Ul- Wagt Muzoor Mufti-e- Azam Plind

(Radi Allahu Anhu)

Glorious Birth

Ghausul Waqt, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu anhu) was born on Monday, 22nd of Zil Hijjah 1310 AH (18 July 1892) in the most beautiful city of Bareilly Shareef, India. It was in this very city that his illustrious father, the Mujaddid (Reviver) of Islam, Imam-e-Ahle Sunnat, Aala Hazrat, Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al Qaderi (radi Allahu anhu) was born (1856 - 1921). At the time of the birth of Ghousul Waqt, Mufti- e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu anhu), his distinguished father, was in Marehrah Shareef, one of the great spiritual centres of the Sunni World.

On that very night, Sayyidina AalaHazrat (radi Allahu anhu) dreamt that he had been blessed with a son and in his dream he named his son "Aale Rahmaan". Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Abul Hussain Ahmadi Noori (radi Allahu anhu), one of the great personalities of Marehrah Shareef, named the child "Abul Barkaat Muhiy'yuddeen Jilani". Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu 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 Ghausul Waqt, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu anhu) Sayyidina Shah Abul Hussain Ahmadi Noori (radi Allahu anhu) told Aala Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu),

"Maulana, When I come to Bareilly Shareef, then I will definitely see this child. He is a very blessed child."

As promised, when Sayyiduna Abul Hussain Ahmadi Noori (radi Allahu anhu) went to Bareilly Shareef, he immediately

summoned to see Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu anhu) who was only six (6) months old. Sayyiduna Noori Mia (radi Allahu anhu), as he was also famously known, congratulated Aala Hazrat (radi Allahu anhu) and said,

"This child will be of great assistance to the Deen and through him the servants of Almighty Allah will gain great benefit. This child is a Wali. From his blessed sight thousands of stray Muslims will become firm on the Deen. He is a sea of blessings."

On saying this, Sayyiduna Noori Mia (radi Allahu anhu) placed his blessed finger into the mouth of Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu anhu) and made him a Mureed. He also blessed him with I'jaazat and Khilafat at the same time. 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, Aala Hazrat, Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al Qaderi (radi Allahu 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. He had a firm nose, broad forehead, small beautiful teeth like pearls. He had a firm neck, back slightly bent, broad wrists, full palms, firm and beautiful feet.

Early Education

Ghausul Waqt, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu anhu) attained most of his early education from his illustrious family -

from his father, Aala Hazrat, Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al Qaderi (radi Allahu anhu) the Mujaddid of Islam, whose status and position even at that time cannot be explained in these few lines. He also studied Kitaabs under the guidance of Hazrat 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 Allahu anhu).

He attained 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 occasion.

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 Allahu anhu) walked into the Darul Ifta and noticed that Hazrat Maulana Zafrud'deen (radi Allahu anhu) was

writing a certain Fatawa. He was taking "Fatawa Razvia" from the shelf as his reference.

On seeing this, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu anhu) said, "Are you relying on Fatawa Razvia to write an answer?" Maulana Zafrud'deen (radi Allahu anhu) replied, "Alright then, why don't you write the answer without looking." Mufti-e- Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu anhu) then wrote a powerful answer without any problem.

This was the