Imam Ahmad Raza Khan
Known reverentially as A'la Hazrat, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was born on the 10th of Shawwal 1272 AH (14 June 1856) in Bareilly, India. He was a prominent Islamic scholar, jurist, theologian, ascetic, Sufi, and reformer in British India.
"The love of the Prophet ﷺ is the foundation of our faith, and showing respect to him is essential for every Muslim."
- Imam Ahmad Raza Khan
A'la Hazrat was a towering figure in Islamic scholarship, known for his extensive knowledge across more than fifty disciplines including jurisprudence (fiqh), theology (kalam), philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and literature. He was a prolific writer who authored more than 1,000 works in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu.
His devotion to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was exemplary, and his poetry in praise of the Prophet continues to inspire millions of Muslims worldwide. Every year, his birthday is celebrated with great reverence by Sunni Muslims, particularly followers of the Barelvi movement which he founded.
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan
(1272-1340 AH / 1856-1921 CE)
Islamic Scholar
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was proficient in over 50 disciplines of knowledge and was recognized as the Mujaddid (Reviver) of Islam in the 14th century Hijri.
Renowned Jurist
He was a master of Hanafi jurisprudence, authoring the monumental collection of legal verdicts known as Fatawa Razaviyya, spanning over 30 volumes.
Gifted Poet
His poetic anthology "Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish" (Gardens of Salvation) is a masterpiece of devotional poetry in praise of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Special Commemoration
Join us in commemorating the birthday of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan on 10th Shawwal
Annual Urs Celebration
Every year, millions of devotees gather at the Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat in Bareilly, India to commemorate his life and teachings.
Legacy Continues
His scholarly tradition is continued through various institutions worldwide, preserving and spreading his teachings for future generations.
Biography of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan
Early Life & Family
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was born on Saturday afternoon, 10th Shawwal, 1272 AH (14th June 1856) in Bareilly, a city in what is now Uttar Pradesh, India. He was born into a family of notable Islamic scholars. His father, Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan, was a renowned scholar and his grandfather, Mawlana Raza Ali Khan, was also a prominent Islamic jurist.
His grandfather named him "Al-Mukhtar," but he later became known as Ahmad Raza. The honorific "Ala Hazrat" (meaning "Grand Master") was a title of respect that became so associated with him that it is now synonymous with his name.
His family traced their lineage to the Barech tribe of Pathans who had migrated from Qandahar, Afghanistan to India. His ancestors had held important positions in the Mughal Empire before withdrawing from worldly affairs to focus on religious scholarship.
Education & Scholarly Achievements
Ahmad Raza Khan was a child prodigy who showed extraordinary intelligence from a young age. He received his early education from his father, completing the traditional Dars-e-Nizami curriculum at a remarkably young age. By the time he was 14, he had already mastered several Islamic sciences and was authorized by his father to issue legal verdicts (fatawa).
He was an autodidact who continued to expand his knowledge throughout his life. He received authorizations in Hadith and other Islamic sciences from prominent scholars including Shah Aale Rasool Marehwi, Ahmad ibn Zayn Dahlan al-Makki (the Chief Mufti of Makkah), and Abd al-Rahman Siraj al-Makki.
His mastery extended to over 50 disciplines, including:
- Qur'anic Sciences
- Hadith Sciences
- Jurisprudence (all schools)
- Principles of Jurisprudence
- Theology (Kalam)
- Arabic Grammar & Linguistics
- Logic & Philosophy
- Mathematics & Algebra
- Astronomy & Astrology
- Literature & Poetry
- Tasawwuf (Sufism)
- Inheritance Law
- Geometry & Trigonometry
- Calligraphy
- Medicine & Natural Sciences
Spiritual Path & Character
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was a devoted follower of the Qadiri Sufi order, having been initiated by Shah Aale Rasool Marehwi in 1295 AH. His spiritual guide in tasawwuf was Shah Abu'l Husayn Ahmad Nuri. He received authorizations in thirteen different chains of tariqa (Sufi orders), which he passed on through his own disciples.
He was known for his exceptional piety, humility, and adherence to the Sunnah in every aspect of his life. He was extremely cautious in religious matters and scrupulous in his personal conduct. Despite belonging to an aristocratic family and inheriting a substantial fortune, he lived simply and gave away his wealth generously to the poor.
"I am a person who is incapable of preaching to my own self - how can I give counsel to others? However, if any of you wishes to inquire of a legal [sharay] ruling, I will reply if I know the answer; because it is obligatory to answer questions related to the sharah, when one knows the answer."
- Imam Ahmad Raza Khan, when asked to deliver a speech
His love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was legendary and formed the cornerstone of his scholarly and spiritual life. This deep devotion is evident in all his works, particularly his poetry.
Major Contributions & Legacy
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan is recognized as the founder of the Barelvi movement, which emphasizes traditional Sunni Islam with a focus on the veneration of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He wrote extensively to defend traditional Sunni beliefs and practices against what he saw as heretical innovations.
His most significant contribution to Islamic jurisprudence is the monumental "Fatawa Razaviyya," a comprehensive collection of his legal verdicts spanning over 30 volumes and addressing thousands of questions on various aspects of Islamic law.
His translation of the Qur'an into Urdu, "Kanz al-Iman," is highly regarded for its eloquence and precision. He also wrote "Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish," a collection of devotional poetry that continues to inspire millions.
During his lifetime, he trained numerous scholars who went on to become prominent religious leaders. His two sons, Mawlana Hamid Raza Khan and Mawlana Mustafa Raza Khan, continued his scholarly tradition.
Final Days
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan passed away on Friday, the 25th of Safar 1340 AH (October 28, 1921 CE) at the age of 68 (lunar calendar). Despite illness in his final months, he continued to attend congregational prayers and fulfill his religious duties.
On the day of his passing, he dictated his final will, emphasizing the importance of adherence to Sunni Islam and love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He breathed his last as the call for Friday prayer was being announced.
His funeral was attended by thousands of mourners, and he was laid to rest in Bareilly. Today, his shrine (Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat) is a major center of pilgrimage for his followers from around the world.
Titles & Honorifics
- A'la Hazrat (The Grand Master)
- Imam Ahl al-Sunnah (Leader of Sunni Muslims)
- Mujaddid of the 14th Century Hijri (Reviver of Islam)
- Abd al-Mustafa (Servant of the Chosen One)
- Taj al-Shari'ah (Crown of Islamic Law)
Personal Life
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan married in 1291 AH. He had two sons and five daughters:
- Mawlana Hamid Raza Khan (1292-1362 AH / 1875-1943 CE)
- Mawlana Mustafa Raza Khan (1310-1402 AH / 1892-1981 CE)
Both his sons became accomplished scholars and continued their father's work in preserving and spreading traditional Sunni teachings.
Famous Sayings of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan
"The light [that I ask you to take] is the true love of Allah Ta'ala and His Messenger ﷺ, being mindful of their reverence, to serve the friends of Allah Ta'ala and His Messenger ﷺ and to oppose the enemies of Allah Ta'ala and His Messenger ﷺ."
"If you find anyone disrespectful towards, or blaspheming against Allah Ta'ala and His Messenger ﷺ - then regardless of how dear such a person is to you, depart from him immediately."
"I do not say this to boast about my abilities, nor in vanity or pride - [I mention this] only to thank for the bounties of my Lord upon me. Also, I do not claim to be an expert in these sciences."
- After listing his mastery of 55 disciplines
"I flatter none, nor others deride - No praise I heed; no curse, no chide. The lonely nook has where I dwell, Few books, an inkpot; and a quill."
- From one of his quatrains
Works & Contributions
Literary Output
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was an extraordinarily prolific writer. According to his student and scribe, Mawlana Zafaruddin Bihari, who compiled a list of his works in 1327 AH, Imam Ahmad Raza had written 350 works by that time. When Mawlana Zafaruddin returned to Bareilly in 1362 AH to help organize and publish Alahazrat's works, he supplemented the previous list, adding books written from 1327 until 1340 AH, and the tally crossed 600 works in 50 subjects.
More recent compilations have identified 679 works in 50 subjects, among which 531 are original works and 148 are annotations and glosses. About 240 works have been published so far, with most included in the 30-volume Fatawa ar-Razawiyyah.
| Subject Category | Number of Works |
|---|---|
| Tafsir, Tajwid and Qur'anic Sciences | 21 |
| Aqaid, Kalam, Criticism, Polemics | 131 |
| Hadith, Usul Hadith | 59 |
| Fiqh, Usul Fiqh, Terminology of Fiqh, Inheritance | 266 |
| Tasawwuf, Adhkar, Dream Interpretation, Morals, etc. | 60 |
| History, Biographies, Eulogies | 37 |
| Literature, Grammar, Lexicology, Prosody | 7 |
| Numerology, Jafar, Fractions, Calculations of Prayer Times, etc. | 44 |
| Algebra, Trigonometry, Arithmetic, Logarithms, Geometry | 17 |
| Astronomy, Astrometry | 27 |
| Logic, Philosophy, Miscellaneous | 10 |
| Total Number of Books | 679 |
Major Works
1. Kanz al-Iman fi Tarjamah al-Qur'an
The Treasure of Faith: An Explanatory Translation of the Qur'an
This is arguably the finest explanatory translation of the Holy Qur'an in Urdu. Its major highlight is the meticulous use of appropriate language when referring to Allah Ta'ala and His messengers, and utmost care in the translation of complex verses. It is unique because explanations are woven into the translation itself while remaining close to the literal meaning. Arabic idioms are skillfully translated with similar or equivalent Urdu idioms.
2. Fatawa ar-Razawiyyah
Bestowal of Prophetic Blessings in Raza's Rulings
This is a major collection of legal rulings in Urdu, Arabic, and Persian, comprising fatawa of only fifteen years, as many previous fatawa were lost. Originally published in twelve volumes of approximately 800 large-size pages each, it has been recently republished in thirty volumes totaling 22,000 pages containing 6,847 fatawa and 206 monographs.
A unique aspect of this collection is that many of the questions were posed by other scholars and muftis, making Imam Ahmad Raza "the mufti's mufti" – an authority to whom leading scholars of the day turned for answers.
3. Al-Dawlah al-Makkiyyah bi'l Maddah al-Ghaybiyyah
The Meccan Jubilation of Unseen Aid
This is a treatise on the extensiveness of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ knowledge, which Imam Ahmad Raza wrote in Makkah in less than eight hours over two days, upon the request of prominent Makkan scholars. The work received glowing recommendations from scholars of the Two Holy Sanctuaries.
4. Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish
Gardens of Salvation
This is a collection of the Imam's devotional poetry in praise of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and other hymns in two volumes. The first volume contains 80 poems and 8 quatrains; the second volume contains 39 poems and 13 quatrains. It includes the famous Ode of Salutation or the Salam, which is recited at the end of religious gatherings throughout the Sunni Muslim world.
5. Husam al-Haramayn
The Sword of the Two Sanctuaries
This is a collection of attestations from scholars of Makkah and Madinah affirming Imam Ahmad Raza's fatwa regarding certain deviant beliefs. It was during the presentation of this work that scholars of the Two Sanctuaries hailed him as the Reviver of Religion for the 14th century Hijri.
Unique Aspects of His Scholarship
Interdisciplinary Approach
Imam Ahmad Raza's works reflect an exceptional integration of various disciplines. When addressing fiqh issues, he would incorporate insights from hadith, tafsir, linguistics, mathematics, and other relevant sciences to provide comprehensive answers.
Linguistic Excellence
He wrote fluently in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, with each work displaying native-level proficiency. His command of vocabulary and eloquence in all three languages was acknowledged even by his critics.
Traditional & Modern Sciences
While deeply rooted in traditional Islamic sciences, he was also well-versed in contemporary fields like modern astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy, allowing him to address new challenges facing Muslims.
Meticulous Documentation
His works feature extensive citations and references, some fatawa containing hundreds of sources. He developed innovative indexing systems long before modern information management techniques.
His Students & Spiritual Heirs
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan trained many scholars who went on to become prominent religious leaders in their own right. Some of his notable students and spiritual deputies (khulafa) include:
- Mawlana Hamid Raza Khan (his eldest son)
- Mawlana Mustafa Raza Khan (his second son)
- Mawlana Amjad Ali Azami (author of Bahar-e-Shariat)
- Mawlana Sayyid Naymuddin Muradabadi
- Mawlana Sayyid Zafaruddin Bihari
- Mawlana Ahmad Mukhtar Siddiqi Meeruti
- Mawlana Sayyid Muhammad al-Kichauchawi
- Mawlana Abd al-Alim Siddiqi Meeruti
- Mawlana Abd al-Salam Jabalpuri
- Mawlana Ziyauddin Ahmad al-Madani
- Mawlana Hasanayn Raza Khan (his nephew)
- Mawlana Muft Taqaddus Ali Khan
Global Impact & Legacy
The scholarly contributions of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan continue to influence Islamic thought worldwide. The Barelvi movement, which emerged from his teachings, is estimated to include over 200 million followers globally, predominately in South Asia but with growing communities in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and other Western countries.
Numerous educational institutions, research centers, and charitable organizations have been established in his name, dedicated to preserving and propagating his scholarly heritage. His works are taught in traditional Islamic seminaries (madrasas) across the world, and contemporary scholars continue to draw upon his insights in addressing modern challenges.
His emphasis on love and respect for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, adherence to traditional Sunni beliefs, and integration of spirituality with rigorous intellectual inquiry remains his enduring legacy to Islamic scholarship and Muslim communities worldwide.
Poetry & Writings
Poetic Brilliance
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was a gifted poet who wrote in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu. His poetry is distinguished by its profound spirituality, elegant expression, and deep devotion to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He was particularly cautious in his poetic expressions, ensuring that no word or phrase could be misinterpreted as contradicting Islamic beliefs.
"It is the toughest form of poetry, even though people think it is the easiest. It is like walking on the edge of a sword. This is because, if a person exaggerates, he will have elevated him ﷺ to godhood; and if he is reticent, he may diminish his lofty stature."
- Imam Ahmad Raza Khan, on writing poetry in praise of the Prophet ﷺ
His most celebrated poetic work is "Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish" (Gardens of Salvation), an anthology of devotional poetry that continues to inspire millions of Muslims worldwide. The collection contains numerous poems in praise of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, including the famous "Salam" (Salutation) that is recited at the conclusion of religious gatherings throughout the Sunni Muslim world.
Famous Poems
1. Salam (The Salutation)
Mustafa jaan-e-rahmat pe lakhon salam
Sham'a-e-bazm-e-hidayat pe lakhon salam
Translation:
Countless salutations upon Mustafa, the essence of mercy
Countless salutations upon the lamp of the gathering of guidance
2. Mi'rajiyyah (Ode on the Ascension)
Sana-e-sarkar hai wazifah qabul-e-sarkar hai tamanna
Na shayiri ki hawas na parwah, rawi thi kya kayse qafiye the
Translation:
My sole aim is to praise my Master; and hope that he accepts it
I am not worried about poetry; neither rhyme, nor meter
3. On Yearning for Medina
Phir uth walwalah e yadh e mughlan e arab
Phir khinch daman e dil sue bayaban e arab
Translation:
The yearning for thorns of Arabia gushingly rises once again
The heart is yanked toward the forests of Arabia once again
4. On Divine Love and Mercy
Allah! kya jahannam ab bhi na sard hoga
Ro ro ke Mustafa ne dariya baha diye hain
Translation:
O Allah! Shall the fires of hell not quench yet?
Even after Mustafa has let flow rivers of tears?
Multilingual Mastery
One of the remarkable aspects of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan's poetry is his ability to compose verses in multiple languages with equal eloquence. He wrote in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, and sometimes even incorporated all three languages within a single poem.
Quadrilingual Quatrain
In an incredible display of linguistic prowess, he composed a quatrain with each line in a different language: Arabic, Persian, Hindi/Prabi, and Urdu, yet maintaining seamless integration between the lines:
Lam ya't naruka fi nazirin (Arabic)
Misl e tu na shud paida jan (Persian)
Jag raj ko taj torey sar sohey (Hindi/Prabi)
Tujh ko shah e har do sar jan (Urdu)
Translation:
The likeness of you, no eye hath seen
Akin to you won't be born, has never been
The crown of the world befits you alone
King of both worlds; and that is known
Stylistic Features & Innovations
Chronograms (Abjad)
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was a master of abjad, a numeral system in which each letter of the alphabet is assigned a value. He used this system to create chronograms for events and as titles for his books, such that when the letters are added using the abjad system, they tally with the year in which the work was written.
Paronomastic Prefaces
He composed prefaces using paronomasia (wordplay), incorporating names of fiqh imams and books. For example, the preface to Fatawa al-Razawiyyah uses names of Hanafi texts like Fiqh al-Akbar, Jamiy al-Kabir, and Hidayah as part of the flowing text.
Qadiri Chain
At the request of a spiritual descendant, he composed a salawat (prayer upon the Prophet ﷺ) using the names of shaykhs in the Qadiri spiritual chain, ingeniously weaving their names into a beautiful prayer.
Interlacing Qur'anic Phrases
He skillfully interwove Qur'anic phrases within his running text, creating a rich tapestry of meaning that emphasizes points through direct divine speech while maintaining grammatical harmony.
Prose Writings
Beyond poetry, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan's prose writings display exceptional eloquence and scholarly depth. His fatawa (legal verdicts) are not just technical legal opinions but masterpieces of juristic reasoning, often running into hundreds of pages with extensive citations and original insights.
Scholarly Precision
His writings are characterized by meticulous attention to detail, precise language, and comprehensive treatment of topics. When addressing complex theological or legal issues, he would examine all perspectives, address potential objections, and provide well-reasoned conclusions.
Rhetorical Excellence
Even in technical works, his prose exhibits rhetorical excellence, utilizing literary devices like metaphor, analogy, and rhythmic patterns to enhance clarity and impact. His refutations of heretical views, in particular, display eloquent argumentation combined with powerful rhetorical effect.
His Qur'anic translation, "Kanz al-Iman," is praised for its eloquence and precision in conveying both the literal meaning and deeper implications of verses, particularly in passages referring to Allah Ta'ala and His Messenger ﷺ, where he employs language that appropriately conveys reverence and majesty.
Impact and Legacy in Literature
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan's literary legacy continues to resonate in the Muslim world, particularly in South Asia. His poetic style has influenced generations of Urdu poets, and his devotional compositions remain fixtures in religious gatherings.
Literary scholars acknowledge his contribution to enriching Islamic literature with works that combine traditional devotional themes with innovative stylistic techniques. His ability to express complex theological concepts in accessible, moving poetry has helped popularize Islamic teachings among masses.
Perhaps the most enduring aspect of his literary legacy is how his devotional poems, particularly the Salam, have become integral to Sunni Muslim identity in South Asia and diaspora communities worldwide, recited daily in mosques, homes, and gatherings as expressions of love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Interactive Timeline
Key Events in Alahazrat's Life
Birth & Early Years
- 1272 AH/1856 CE Born on 10th Shawwal in Bareilly, India
- 1276 AH/1860 CE First completion of Qur'an recitation at age 4
- 1277 AH/1861 CE First speech in public at age 5
- 1286 AH/1869 CE Completed education and began teaching at age 14
Scholarly Development
- 1291 AH/1874 CE Marriage at age 19
- 1293 AH/1876 CE Permission to issue legal edicts independently
- 1294 AH/1877 CE Initiation in the Qadiri Sufi order
- 1295 AH/1878 CE First Hajj and visit to the Two Sanctuaries
Major Works & Recognition
- 1323 AH/1905 CE Second Hajj; wrote Al-Dawlah al-Makkiyyah
- 1324 AH/1906 CE Recognized as Mujaddid by Haramayn scholars
- 1330 AH/1912 CE Completed Qur'an translation Kanz al-Iman
- 1340 AH/1921 CE Passed away on 25th Safar in Bareilly
Detailed Chronology
1272 AH (1856 CE)
Born on 10th Shawwal (14th June) in Bareilly, India during the Zuhr prayer time. His grandfather named him "Al-Mukhtar."
1276-1277 AH (1860-1861 CE)
Completed first recitation of the Qur'an at age 4. Delivered his first public speech at age 5 during Rabi al-Awwal celebrations.
1285 AH (1868 CE)
Wrote his first work in Arabic at age 13, displaying remarkable scholarly potential at a young age.
1286 AH (1869 CE)
Completed his education at age 13 years, 10 months, and 5 days. Began teaching and issuing legal edicts under the supervision of his father.
1291-1292 AH (1874-1875 CE)
Married at age 19. His eldest son, Mawlana Hamid Raza Khan, was born the following year.
1293-1294 AH (1876-1877 CE)
Received permission to issue legal edicts independently at age 21. Initiated in the Qadiri Sufi order and received permission to initiate others (Bayat/Khilafat).
1295 AH (1878 CE)
First Hajj and visit to the Two Sanctuaries. Received ijazah (authorization) in Hadith from prominent scholars including Shaykh Ahmad Zayn Dahlan al-Makki, Shaykh Abd ar-Rahman Siraj, and Shaykh Husayn Salih Jamal al-Layli.
1307 AH (1889 CE)
Wrote "Sub'han al-Subbuh," a masterpiece of kalam refuting the absurd belief that falsehood is included in the Divine Power of Allah Ta'ala.
1310 AH (1892 CE)
Birth of his second son, Mawlana Mustafa Raza Khan, who later became the Grand Mufti of India.
1318 AH (1900 CE)
Hailed as the Mujaddid (Reviver) of the 14th century by Indian scholars, recognizing his immense contributions to Islamic scholarship.
1322 AH (1904 CE)
Established the school Manzar-e-Islam in Bareilly. Began compilation of Fatawa Ar-Razawiyyah, his monumental collection of legal verdicts.
1323-1324 AH (1905-1906 CE)
Second Hajj and visit to the Two Sanctuaries. Wrote Al-Dawlatu'l Makkiyyah in Makkah in less than eight hours. Received attestations on his fatawa from scholars of Haramayn and was recognized as the Mujaddid of the 14th century by Arabian scholars.
1330 AH (1912 CE)
Completed his translation of the Qur'an, Kanz al-Iman, a masterpiece of Urdu literature that remains highly regarded for its eloquence and precision.
1340 AH (1921 CE)
Passed away on Friday, 25th Safar (October 28) at the age of 68 (lunar calendar) in Bareilly. He breathed his last as the call for Friday prayer beckoned: "Come to success.." His funeral was held the next day in the Eid prayer grounds, and he was interred in the house of his elder son.
Annual Urs Celebration
Commemorating Alahazrat
Every year, millions of devotees gather at the Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat in Bareilly to commemorate the Urs (death anniversary) of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan on the 25th of Safar.
The Urs celebration includes recitation of the Qur'an, devotional poetry (particularly from Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish), scholarly discussions on his works, and distribution of food to the poor.
While the Urs marks his passing from this world, his birthday on 10th Shawwal is also celebrated with great reverence, featuring lectures on his life and contributions, and special programs highlighting his scholarly legacy.
Global Observance
Beyond India, Alahazrat's birth and death anniversaries are observed by Sunni Muslims worldwide, particularly in Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and North America.
These celebrations serve not only as a tribute to his memory but also as platforms for propagating his teachings and continuing his mission of preserving traditional Sunni Islam.
Many institutions named after him, such as Raza Academy (Mumbai), Jamia Razvia (Lahore), and International Imam Ahmad Raza Research Institute (New York), organize special events during these commemorations.