BLESSED
QUALITIES
His
Blessed Character; Obedience towards Parents; Respect towards the Superior
Ulema; Respect for the Masjid; Love and Respect towards Pilgrims; Care for
Children; A Few of Imam Ahmed Raza's Unique Habits; His Mystical Powers
HIS BLESSED CHARACTER
Both
the inner and outer personality of Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)
was the same. He never compromised when it came to Shariat-e-Mustapha
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He used to reprimand anyone who even
uttered one word against Shariah. He was the living example of :"LOVE FOR
THE SAKE OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH AND HATE FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH."
He
never hurt the feelings of any good Muslim. He showed a splendid amount of
affection towards the poor and orphans. On a certain occasion, A'la Hadrat (radi
Allahu anhu) was invited to a person's house. Allamah Zafruddeen Bihari (radi
Allahu anhu) accompanied him. The host, due to his extreme poverty, could
only afford to place a few pieces of bread and some beef before his honourable
guests. When Allamah Zafruddeen (radi Allahu anhu) saw the beef on the
table, he became very uncomfortable as he knew that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu
anhu) never used to eat beef. It did not agree with his health. But,
Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) did not object to the food. He
sensed what Allamah Zafruddeen (radi Allahu anhu) was thinking about, so
he said, "If any Muslim recites the following dua before eating, then
no harm will be caused by the food."
After
completing the meal and, as they were departing, Allamah Zafruddeen (radi
Allahu anhu) questioned the host about his reason for inviting Sayyiduna
A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to his house in such a time of poverty.
The host very confidently replied that although he was in such a state, he was
sure that by A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) presence in his home, his
home would be blessed with Barakah and Mercy from Almighty Allah.
Once,
a young boy went to see A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) at his home. He
said, "Huzoor! You are invited to my house tomorrow morning."
A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) lovingly asked the boy, "What
will you be feeding me?" The boy, undoing a knot at the bottom of his
kurta, happily replied, "Look! I have brought some Dhall and
chillies." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said, "Very
well then. I shall come tomorrow."
The
following morning, Hajee Kifaayatullah (radi Allahu anhu) accompanied
A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to the boy's house. As they entered the
house, Hajee Kifaayatullah commented, "Huzoor! This is the home of a
musician." Just then the boy appeared to wash their hands. A'la Hadrat
(radi Allahu anhu) asked him, "Where is your father and what is
his occupation?" Before the boy could answer, the boy's mother, from
behind the pardah, respectfully said, "Huzoor! My husband passed away
and he used to be a musician, but before his death he repented. Now, all that I
have is this young boy who works to support us." A'la Hadrat (radi
Allahu anhu) then made Dua-e-Barakah and sat down to eat. After eating he
said, "If I would receive such sincere invitations daily, then I will
definitely accept them."
Professor
Dr Mukhtarud'deen Arzoo, Dean of the Department of Arabic, Muslim University
Aligarh, said: "His affection and hate was for the sake of Allah.
Believers in Almighty Allah were his friends, and non-believers his enemies.
Followers of Allah and His last Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) were
close and dear to him. He was not unkind to his personal opponents. He was
never harsh to them, but he never spared the enemies of Islam. The entire life
of A'la Hadrat was illuminated with the glorious observance of Sunnat-e-Nabwi
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)."
OBEDIENCE TOWARDS PARENTS
After
the demise of his father, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu
anhu), A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) inherited all his properties.
Although he was the sole owner and beneficiary of these properties, A'la Hadrat
(radi Allahu anhu) never spent a single cent of this wealth without
first seeking the permission of his blessed mother. Even if he wished to buy a
Kitaab for study purposes he asked permission from his mother!
When
A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wished to fulfill his heart's desire of
being present in front of the Rauza-e-Anwar, the Blessed Tomb of Sayyiduna
Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), he first sought the
permission of his blessed mother. She immediately granted him permission by
saying: "Bismillahi Khuda Hafiz."
RESPECT TOWARDS THE SUPERIOR ULEMA
While
studying the life of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), it is difficult not
to comprehend that he was, towards the enemies of Islam, an example of "Ashidda'aoo
alal kuffar" (harsh upon the Kufaar). Towards the pious Muslims he was
the shining example of "Ruhhamaoo bainahuma" (caring towards
each other).
A'la Hadrat
(radi Allahu anhu) always showed immense love and respect towards the
Ulema of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah. He had a liking towards Allamah Abdul
Qaadir Badayouni (radi Allahu anhu). Concerning the Ulema-e-Haq, A'la
Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) always praised them with the following words,
"THESE ULEMA ARE SUCH THAT IF THEY HAD TO ENTER A BARREN TOWN, THEN IT
TURNS INTO A BRIGHT CITY, AND WHEN THEY DEPART FROM A CITY, IT BECOMES A BARREN
TOWN."
Hadrat
Mahdi Hassan Barkaati (radi Allahu anhu), the Sajjada-e-Nashin of
Sarkaare Kilan Mahrerah Shareef states, "When I used to go to Bareilly
Shareef, Huzoor A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) would personally bring out the
food for me, and he would also wash my hands. Once, while washing my hands, he
requested me to give him my ring and bangle which were made of gold. I
immediately presented them to him. Later, I departed to Bombay. When I returned
to Mahrerah Shareef, my daughter informed me that there was a parcel for me
from Bareilly Shareef. I opened the parcel and found enclosed the ring and
bangle. There was also a note in it which A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wrote
presenting the jewels to my daughter."
Subhan-Allah!
Look at the respect and wisdom that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) showed
towards his superiors. He practised upon the law of "Amr bil Ma'roof Wa
Nahi Anil Munkir" (forbidding that what is not proper and practising
that what is good) and the same time showing great respect towards Hadrat Mahdi
Hassan Barkaati (radi Allahu anhu).
RESPECT FOR THE MASJID
Once,
A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was performing I'tikaaf in the Masjid in
Bareilly Shareef. It was a cold winter's night. It was raining quiet heavily.
A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) went to perform his Wudhu. In order not
to allow the Masjid floors from becoming wet, he placed the blanket that he was
wearing on to the Masjid floor by folding it four times to soak in the water.
He then made his Wudhu on the blanket. Thus, he did not allow one drop of water
to fall in the Masjid. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) then spent the
entire night shivering in the cold since he did not have a blanket to cover
himself with because it was damp with water.
LOVE AND RESPECT TOWARDS PILGRIMS
A'la
Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) always showed great respect to Pilgrims (Hajees).
He made it his duty to meet with the Hajees when they arrived from the Haramain
Sharifain. Whenever he would meet a Hajee, the very first question he used to
ask was, "DID YOU VISIT THE MAZAAR OF THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SALLAL
LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)?" If the answer he received was in the affirmative,
then he would kiss the feet of the Hajee. If the Hajee replied that he did not,
then A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) would show his dissatisfaction and
would end his conversation with that person.
CARE FOR CHILDREN
Hadrat
Allamah Zafruddeen Bihari (radi Allahu anhu) states that while he was
still a student in Bareilly Shareef, he and many others used to spend their Eid
in Bareilly Shareef. They did not go home to their families as they lived far
from the madressa. But, he says that Eid was always spent joyfully because A'la
Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) used to treat them like his very own children.
He used to also give them "Eidi" (spending money) on that day.
When
Muffasir-e-Azam-e-Hind, Hadrat Ebrahim Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), who
is the father of Tajush Shariah, Hadrat Allamah Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan
Al Azhari, was born, his grand-father, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu),
out of great joy, invited all the students of Madressa Manzare Islam to a meal.
Before preparing the meal, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) asked each
group of students as to what they enjoyed eating. Accordingly, he prepared the
meals for them - fish and rice for the Bengali students; Firini, Zarda and
Breyani for the Bihari students; and sheep for the Punjabi and other foreign
students.
A'la
Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) loved and cared for children. He always made
them feel comfortable around him. He never shouted or scolded at them
unnecessarily. If any child did something wrong, he would gently explain to
that child their error and show them the right path. He always returned the
Salaams of little children.
A FEW OF IMAM AHMED RAZA'S UNIQUE HABITS
1. He
never kept any ordinary book on the books of Ahadith.
2. He would
be displeased if anyone spoke out unnecessarily while he explained the Ahadith.
3. He
did not prefer anyone to sit with one leg onto the lap of the other leg. He
would usually sit with both knees erect.
4. He
would sit in the position of Tashahhud from the beginning to the end in a
Mehfil-e-Meelad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) which sometimes lasted
for 5 or 6 hours.
5. He
would never chew paan during a lecture.
6. On
hearing the name "Muhammad", he would immediately say "Sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam."
7. He
would never laugh out aloud.
8. He
slept in the position of the Arabic form of the word "Muhammad".
9. He
would never spit or stretch his feet in the direction of the Qibla.
10. He
always did everything form the right-hand-side.
HIS MYSTICAL POWERS
Without
any exaggeration, an entire book on the Karaamats (Miracles) of A'la Hadrat (radi
Allahu anhu) can be compiled. In this time, the greatest Karaamat that any
person can display is his followance of Shariat-e-Mustapha (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) never fell short of
this in any way. We also wish to state that, in reality, the mere existence of
A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was a miracle on its own. However, for
the sake of attaining blessings, a few or his Karaamats are being quoted for
the benefit of his lovers.
Janaab
Amjad Ali was a resident of Bhasouri. He was a dedicated Mureed of A'la Hadrat
(radi Allahu anhu). Once Amjad Ali took his rifle and went out hunting.
While he was hunting, a stray bullet from his rifle accidentally hit a
passer-by, killing him. Amjad Ali was later arrested for murder. He was tried
and then sentenced passed on him - death by hanging.
A few
days before his execution, a few members of his family came to visit him. With
the mere thought of his execution, they began to weep bitterly. He smiled at
them and said, "GO HOME AND DO NOT WEEP. I WILL RETURN ON THE DAY OF MY
EXECUTION. MY PEER-O-MURSHID, SAYYIDUNA A'LA HADRAT (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) HAS
STATED THAT HE HAS RELEASED ME."
On the
night of his execution, his mother went to visit him. Thinking how near the
time of his execution had come, she began to weep out of fear. But Amjad Ali's
faith in the words of his Peer-o-Murshid was very strong. He asked his mother
to go home and to stop worrying. He told her that through the Will of Almighty
Allah, he will return home in a little while to have breakfast with her. Being
visibly shaken, she returned home.
The
time had finally arrived. Amjad Ali was escorted to the gallows to be hanged.
The noose was put around his neck. The authorities asked him if he had any
final request. Very calmly, he replied, "There is no need to request
anything. My time of death has not yet arrived." The authorities were
baffled by his composure. Nevertheless, they decided to proceed with the
hanging. As they were about to hang him, the authorities received a telegram.
The telegram stated that due to the crowning of Queen Elizabeth, a certain
number of prisoners were being released. Amjad Ali Sahib's name was on that
list! He was immediately released. As promised he went home to have breakfast
with his mother. In this Karaamat of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), not
only was Amjad Ali pardoned but, many other prisoners were freed.
Once,
a women came crying to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). She reminded him
that he had once made Dua for her to bear a child and through his Dua a male
child was born. She told him that the child had now passed away and she could
not bear this loss. She cried and begged A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)
to bring the child back to life.
A'la
Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) went to her home. He noticed that the child
was lying on a bed and was covered with a sheet. In the meantime, the mother of
the child continuously asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to bring the
child back to life. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) removed the sheet
from the face of the child, placed his blessed hands over the child's eyes and
commanded the child, "Son! Wake up and listen to that which your mother
is saying." All of a sudden, the child began to cry. All those present
were astonished. They thanked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) abundantly.
He humbly smiled and said, "I did not do anything. He was asleep. All I
did was wake him up."
There lived
a certain person in Bareilly Shareef who had very false concepts concerning
Ulema, Awliyah and Peer-o-Murshid and Mureed relationships. One of his friends,
who was on his way to meet A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), asked this
person to accompany him and meet A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). He also
suggested that by discussing his false concepts and beliefs with A'la Hadrat
(radi Allahu anhu), he will be shown the right path. While discussing
whether or not to go, that person with the false concepts, saw a vendor selling
fresh sweetmeats. He said, "First buy me some sweetmeats then I will go
with you." His friend agreed to buy it for him on the way back home.
Nevertheless,
after much convincing he agreed to accompany his friend to the house of A'la
Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). They entered his blessed house and sat there.
A Mureed arrived and brought some sweetmeats. It was the procedure in the court
of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) that those persons with beards would
get two shares, and those without beards would receive only one share as they
were still taken as children.
The
Mureed who was responsible for distributing the sweetmeats only gave one share
to the person who had misconcepts about Awliyah and Ulema. A'la Hadrat (radi
Allahu anhu), who was present there and witnessing the entire incident,
commanded the Mureed to give that person two shares. The Mureed remarked, "Huzoor!
He has no beard. He should get one." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)
replied, "Give him two. He desires to have two." When the
person heard this he immediately repented and became the Mureed of A'la Hadrat
(radi Allahu anhu). His desire was to receive two shares and he realised
that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was even aware of the thoughts in
his heart.