His life and teachings, from his early years to his later years, were marked by devotion, scholarship and spiritual guidance

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan, famously known as Aalahazrat, was one of the most towering figures in Islamic scholarship during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on June 14, 1856, in the city of Bareilly, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Aalahazrat was destined for greatness from a young age. His lineage is traced back to Sayyiduna Imam Hasan (RA), the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), giving him a noble heritage deeply rooted in Islamic piety and scholarship.

Aalahazrat was born into a devout and scholarly family. His father, MaulanaNaqi Ali Khan, was an accomplished scholar and a prominent Sufi, and his grandfather, Maulana Raza Ali Khan, was a renowned jurist of his time. Under the tutelage of his father and grandfather, Aalahazrat received an exceptional education in various Islamic sciences. By the age of four, he was already fluent in reading the Quran, and by the age of 13, he had completed his formal education, mastering a wide array of disciplines, including Arabic, Persian, logic, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and Islamic jurisprudence.

Aalahazrat’s profound love for the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the foundation of his entire life. His devotion was not only reflected in his teachings but also in his personal conduct. He frequently emphasized that the love of the Prophet (SAW) is the cornerstone of faith, and he encouraged Muslims to live their lives in strict adherence to the Sunnah. This deep affection is beautifully encapsulated in his poetic works, especially in his famous *Salaam-e-Raza*, which is recited with immense reverence in Islamic gatherings to this day. The love for the Prophet was also the driving force behind many of his scholarly endeavours, including his defence of traditional Sunni beliefs against modernist interpretations that sought to undermine the sanctity of the Prophet (SAW’s) teachings.

Aalahazrat was a distinguished jurist and a leading authority in the Hanafi school of thought. His legal expertise was unparalleled, and he became renowned for issuing Fatwa (Islamic legal rulings) on a wide range of issues. His most significant contribution in this field is the ‘Fatawa Razawiyyah’, an extensive collection of legal opinions that spans over 30 volumes and covers almost every aspect of Islamic law. This work not only demonstrates his deep understanding of Islamic jurisprudence but also his ability to address contemporary issues with clarity and precision. His legal opinions are still widely referenced by scholars and are considered authoritative in the Hanafi tradition.

In addition to his legal scholarship, Aalahazrat was a master of Islamic theology, Hadith, Tafsir (Quranic exegesis), and Sufism. He was deeply involved in the intellectual and spiritual life of the Muslim community, authoring more than a thousand books and treatises on various aspects of Islam. Some of his most influential works include ‘Al-Dawlah al-Makkiyah’ on the miracles of the Prophet (SAW), ‘Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish’, a collection of his poems, ‘Husam al-Haramain’, a defence of traditional Sunni beliefs, and ‘Irfan-e-Shariat’, a guide to Islamic law and spirituality.

One of Aalahazrat’s most enduring contributions is his Urdu translation of the Quran, ‘Kanzul Iman’. This translation is celebrated for its eloquence and accuracy, providing not just a literal translation of the Quranic text but also capturing its deeper spiritual meanings. ‘Kanzul Iman’ remains one of the most widely read and respected translations of the Quran in the Urdu-speaking world. Aalahazrat’s ability to convey the profound wisdom of the Quran in a language that is accessible to the masses is a testament to his deep understanding of both the Quran and the needs of the Muslim community.

Aalahazrat was also deeply interested in the sciences, particularly in astronomy, mathematics, and physics. He wrote extensively on these subjects, demonstrating how Islamic teachings are in harmony with scientific knowledge. His work in this area was groundbreaking, as he sought to show that Islam is not at odds with modern science but rather provides a framework for understanding the natural world. Some of his notable works in the scientific domain include ‘Fauz-e-Mubeen’ on the lunar eclipse and ‘Tamheed-e-Imaan’ on the movement of the sun.

Aalahazrat’s life was marked by extraordinary piety and deep trust in Islam. Despite his vast knowledge and the respect he commanded, he lived a life of humility and simplicity. He was known for his ascetic lifestyle, dedicating himself entirely to worship, teaching, and writing. His day was structured around his religious duties, and he spent much of his time in seclusion, engaged in prayer and meditation. His devotion to Islam was unwavering, and he was a staunch defender of traditional Sunni beliefs, particularly in the face of challenges from reformist movements that sought to modernize Islam in ways that compromised its core teachings.

Throughout his life, Aalahazrat remained a devoted follower of the Qadiri Sufi order, under the spiritual guidance of his father, Maulana Naqi Ali Khan. His attachment to Sufism was not just intellectual but deeply spiritual, and it influenced his approach to Islamic law and theology. He saw Sufism as an essential part of Islam, one that emphasizes the inner dimensions of the faith and the importance of purifying the soul. His spiritual teachings continue to inspire Muslims around the world, particularly those who follow the Barelvi tradition, which is named after the city of Bareilly, his birthplace.

Aalahazrat’s legacy is vast and multifaceted. His contributions to Islamic scholarship, his deep love for the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his defence of traditional Sunni beliefs, and his efforts to harmonize Islam with modern science have left an indelible mark on the Muslim world. Today, his works are studied by scholars and laypeople alike, and his teachings continue to guide Muslims in their pursuit of knowledge and spiritual growth. Aalahazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (RA) was not just a scholar; he was a revivalist who sought to renew the Islamic spirit in a rapidly changing world. His insights and contributions will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that his legacy lives on for centuries to come.

The writer is the administrator of Darsgah Taleem-ul-Quran, Rohama

Zubair Ahmad Kumar