5th Safar al-Muzaffar | Umm al-Mu'mineen Hadrat Sayyidah Maimoona bint al-Harith Radi Allah Ta'ala Anha..

Umm al-Mu'mineen Hadrat Sayyidah
Maimoona bint al-Harith Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha

Hadrat Umm al-Mu'mineen Sayyidatuna Maimoona Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha was the last wife of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). She was the daughter of Harith bin Huzn and Hind bint Awf. She belonged to the tribe of Banu-Hilala. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) had another wife from the same tribe. The other wife’s name was Sayyidah Zainab Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha, commonly known as Ummul-Masakeen (Mother of the needy and poor). Maimoona was her second adopted name. Her first name Barra was changed by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and the new name Maimoona was given. Her father Harith bin Hazam was one of the respected chief of tribe Banu-Hilala and he had sixteen daughters. One of his daughters namely Umm al-Fadhl was the wife of Hadrat Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, who was the Holy Prophet’s uncle. His another daughter namely Umm-e-Salma was married to Hadrat Hamzah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, another uncle of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). Another daughter Lubaba was the mother of Hadrat Khalid bin Walid Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu (A renowned General of Muslims who fought against Iranians and was given the title of ‘Sword of Allah’ by the Holy Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). Harith’s some other daughters were later married to Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, the second Caliph and Hadrat Ali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, the fourth Caliph. Another daughter Asma was married to Hadrat Jafar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu. Thus most of Hadrat Maimoona’s sisters were married to the pioneering revolutionary leaders of Islam.

Mazar Shairf of Hadrat Maimoona Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha in 1901 before Demolition.
Pilgrims would gather here on their way to perform Hajj and then to Madinah al-Munawwarah.

The Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was about sixty years old at the time of his marriage with Hadrat Maimoona. She lived three years’ married life with the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). Prior to her marriage twice. Her first marriage took place with Masood bin Amr. Masood divorced her and then she was married to Abu Rahim bin Abdul Aza. Abu Rahim died in the seventh year of Hijra. After Abu Rahim’s death the Holy Prophet’s Uncle Hadrat Abbas persuaded the Holy Prophet Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) to marry Sayyidah Maimoona.

Maymuna or Barra as she was then called, yearned to marry the Prophet. She went to her sister, Umm al-Fadhl to talk to her about that and she, in turn, spoke to her husband, Sayyiduna Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu. Hadrat Abbas immediately went to the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) with Maymuna’s offer of marriage to him and her proposal was accepted. When the good news reached her, she was on a camel, and she immediately got off the camel and said,

“The camel and what is on it is for the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).”

They were married in the month of Shawwal in 7 AH just after the Muslims of Madinah al-Munawwarah were permitted to visit Makkah Sharif under the terms of the treaty of Hudaybiyya to perform Umrah. Allah Almighty sent the following ayah about this:

وامراة مومنة ان وهبت نفسها للنبي ان اراد النبي ان يستنكحها خالصة لك من دون المومنين
...Any believing woman who dedicates herself to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her, that is only for thee and not for the believers... [Surah al-Ahzab, Verse 50]

The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was wearing Ihram (Ihram is the dress for performing Hajj or Umrah comprised of two sheets of cloth, one wrapped around the waist and the other around the shoulder. After putting on Ihram, one can not trim his hair, cut his nails, abuse or have intercourse etc.). In the same condition he sent five hundred Dirhams as Mehr to Hadrat Maimoona and the Nikah ceremony was Performed While on return after Umrah from Makkah Mukarramah to Madina Munawwarah, he stayed at a place called Saraf. This place is ten miles away from Makkah Sharif on way to Madina Munawwarah. At Saraf, the feast of Walima ( The feast, i.e. lunch or dinner offered to friends and guests on the next day of the marriage) was held.

A great event followed the marriage of Hadrat Maimoona’s to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). Hadrat Maimoona’s nephew Hadrat Khalid bin Walid embraced Islam. He was a very talented and brave man from the Quraysh tribe. He was also a great warrior and renowned soldier. After her marriage when Hadrat Maimoona went to Madina Munawwarah with the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), Hadrat Khalid bin Walid addressed his tribe and declared, “I can no longer remain in your fold”. Thus a great force in the shape of Hadrat Khalid came to Islam’s side.

The Prophet gave her the name, Maimoona, meaning “blessed”, and Sayyidah Maimoona lived with the Prophet for just over three years, until his death. She was obviously very good natured and got on well with everyone, and no quarrel or disagreement with any of the Prophet’s other wives has been related about her. Hadrat Sayyidah ‘A’isha said about her,

إنها والله كانت من أتقانا لله وأوصلنا للرحم
“Among us, she had the most fear of Allah and did the most to maintain ties of kinship.”[Mustadrak alaa al-Sahihain, Vol. 16, Page 53, Hadith 6869]

It was in her room that the Prophet first began to feel the effects of what became his final illness and asked the permission of his wives to stay in Sayyidah Ayesha’s room while it lasted.

Hadrat Maimoona had a great love for teaching and preaching of Islam. She has narrated forty-six traditions and according to some, seventy-six traditions. People used to come to her for the solution of their various religious problems and she always guided them with intelligent replies to their questions.

She was a kind and very pious lady. During her life, she set many slaves free. Once during the life of the Holy Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam, she set a slave free to enjoy the rights of a free citizen, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) praised her saying,

“Maimoona, Allah will reward you for this act”.

She was also a great scholar of religion. Even her nephew Ibn Abbas who later became a great scholar interpreter and commentator of the Holy Quran, was her pupil.

After the beloved Prophet’s passing away, (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) Sayyidah Maimoona continued to live in Madina Munawwarah for another forty years, passing away at the age of eighty, in 51 A.H., (may Allah be pleased with her), and according to Ibn Ishaq, She passed away in 63 A.H. being the last of the Prophet’s wives to pass away. She asked to be buried where had married the Prophet at Saraf and her request was carried out.

Hadrat Ibn-e-Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha led her funeral prayers. When her coffin was lifted and was carried towards the grave, Hadrat Ibn Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha said:

“Don’t shake her bed. Be respectful and carry her with ease. She is the wife of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)”.

Qabr Sharif of Sayyida Maimoona Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anha after Demolition. The Tomb over the Blessed Grave of Sayyida was demolished and it was even planned to remove the Qabr Sharif as well to make the road over it but the Bulldozers went off whenever they try to bulldoze the Blessed Qabr Sharif of Sayyida Maimoona Radi Allahu Anha

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Hadrat Allama Mawlana al-Haaj Shah Mehmood Jaan Khan Qadiri Barakaati Ridawi Jamjodhpuri Peshawari (Alaihir raHmah)

Hadrat Allama Mawlana al-Haaj Shah Mehmood Jaan Khan
Qadiri Barakaati Ridawi Jamjodhpuri Peshawari (Alaihir raHmah)

Khalifa-e-AlaHadrat, Aalim-e-Jaleel, Fazil-e-Nabeel, Haami-e-Sunan, Maahi-e-Fitan, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Al-Haaj Shah Mehmood Jaan Khan Sahab Sunni Hanafi Qadiri Barakaati Ridawi Jamjodhpuri Peshawari (Alaihir raHmah) was born around the year 1820 in Peshawar. His father Hafidh Ghulam Rasool (Alaihir raHmah) was a distinguished Aalim and teacher of his time. Many would come from, Kabul, Qandahar, Baarqand and Samarkand by travelling lengthy journeys to sit respectfully at his feet and attain knowledge of Deen-e-Islam. Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) also attained his academic knowledge from his father, where upon completion of his Islamic studies, he migrated to Jamjodhpur (Katyawadh, Gujarat, India), where he served the Muslims. Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah), like his father Hafidh Ghulam Rasool (Alaihir raHmah) was also popular for his debating skills. He brought many Christian leaders to their feet during debates.

SPIRITUAL GUIDE

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) did not become a mureed until he had reached an advanced age. He later became a Mureed of Sayyidi AlaHadrat Ash-Shah Imam Ahmad Rida Khan al-Qadiri (Alaihir raHmah). Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) narrates:

“For a long time, this thought was in my heart, that unless and until, I do not find a Kaamil and exalted Shaykh, I will not become a mureed. It was during this time, that I began reading the Islamic Magazine (Touf-e-Hanafiyyah) prepared by Hadrat Maulana Zia’ud’deen Sahab Pilibhiti (Alaihir raHmah), which was filled with gems of knowledge and wisdom and it was in this that I read about Sayyiduna AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah). My heart immediately said that in this Era to find such a great personality is not ordinary. Through divine guidance, I travelled to Bareilly Shareef where I presented myself in the Court of AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah). The moment I saw His bright face, my heart melted, my Imaan came to life and my heart blossomed like never before.

I had found a Peer (Spiritual Guide) even greater than I had ever imagined. I requested to be initiated into the Silsilah, and my Shaykh accepted me as His disciple (Mureed), blessed me immediately with Ijaazat and Khilafat, and then went into the house, removed what He was wearing at that time and blessed me with His Kurta, Paijamah, Amaama and Waistcoat. This was a great blessing from such a sea of generosity. He blessed this humble servant with the crown of Khilafat in the Silsila Aaliya, Qadiriyah, Barakatiyah, Ridawiyyah, Chishtiyah, Soharwardiyah, Naqshabandiyah and other Salasil. He showed great love and respect for me, and in that time, he bestowed so many titles upon me and showed such love to me, that I will never forget as long as I live.”

It must be noted that Hadrat Allama Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) did not make anyone mureed or give khilafat to anyone. It is related that when anyone came to him for the purpose of becoming a mureed, he would direct them towards Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah).

During 1339 Hijra, Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) wrote a letter to Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah). In it he addressed him as ‘Haami-e-Sunan’ (The Helper of Sunnah) and ‘Maahi-e-Fitan’ (Eradicator of Fitna). He further wrote:

“Due to my busy schedule and my duties, I unintentionally left out your name, which should have been engraved in gold, in the list of names of my well wishers and supporters at the end of Qasidah Al-Istimdaad. I only realized this after it was published, and to this very day I regret my oversight.”

The letter sent to Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan sent by Sayyidi AlaHadrat.
This letter because of its age is quite fragile, hence the glass casing.

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) commented on this blessed letter (which is still present to this day) by saying:

“Nine or ten months before AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah)’s Wisaal, he wrote a Blessed letter to me, in which He said that in His book Al-Istimdaad, He added the names of all His Khulafa, and my name was unintentionally left out in printing. I say that, by unintentionally missing out my name was a means of great blessings for me, since my Shaykh prayed for me on this occasion.”

LOVE AND FAITH IN HIS SHAYKH

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) was drowned in the love of his Shaykh and had true faith in his Shaykh. During the forty days khatam of Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah), Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) went to the Mazaar Sharif of his Shaykh and made Dua to Allah Ta’ala, that through the wasila of his chosen servant, Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah), Allah Ta’ala bless him with a son. Alhamdulillah within the same year, Allah Ta’ala blessed Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) with a son, whom he named Ahmed Raza. However, Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) had so much respect for his Shaykh that he never called his son by his name, and always referred to him as Hadrat.

VISUALIZER OF THE DOME OF ALAHADRAT ALAIHIR RAHMAH

Very few people know that Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) is responsible for the design of the Gumbad of Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah). Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) presented his design - which he drew by burning match-sticks as he did not have a pen - to Hadrat Hujjat al-islam (Alaihir raHmah) and Hadrat Mufti-e-Azam Hind (Alaihir raHmah) and said:

“Huzoor, Next to the Gumbad-e-Khazra of Aaqa-e-do Aalam (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) there is a Minaret, and on that Minaret there is white and black design, and since AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) had spent His whole life trying to explain the Exaltedness of Sarkaar (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam), by fighting against the enemies of Sarkaar (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam), therefore it is my wish that the Gumbad of AlaHadrat, should contain that same black and white design that is on that Minarat next to the Gumbad-e-Khazra of the Madani Aqaa (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam).”

Hujjat al-Islam, Mufti-e-Azam, Sadr al-Shari’ah and all the other esteemed Ulama (Radi Allahu Anhum) of the time, had a liking for this design and decided that this design was most fitting for the Dargah Sharif of Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah). Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah), in those days contributed 10000 Rupees and stayed in Bareilly Sharif until the construction of the Dargah Sharif was completed. Hadrat used to say,

“Jaisa yeh Mujjaddid Anokha, waisa unka Mazaar bhi Anokha hona chahiye.”

Some of the Blessed Relics that were given to Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah)
by Sayyidi AlaHadrat Imam Ahmad Rida Khan Qadiri (Alaihir raHmah)

PERSONAL QUALITIES AND BLESSED HABITS

Although it is almost impossible to pin point which quality or habit of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) was more beautiful, for the sake of Barakat, I will mention a few qualities that I have heard of.

One of the most blessed qualities of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) was that he was firm on Maslak-e-AlaHadrat. In other words he was steadfast on the blessed Shari’ah and did not allow anything to come between him and Islam.

Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) said the following words with regard to Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) in his Khilafat Nama:

“Be Fadhlihi Ta’ala, Mawlana mausoof jumla Mazahid wa Masharib mein is Faqeer ke Qadam ba - Qadam hai. Tamam Biraderaan-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat ke, is Faqeer ke Muhib aur Hum-Mazhab ho! Mawlana ke Masa’ail wa Hidayaat wa Irshaadat pe be-Ta’amul, Amal farmaen”

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) aslo used to remove Jinns from people. One incident that was accounted to me is as follows:

There was once a man who had consulted Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) for the removal of the Jinn within him. He had been brought to Hadrat by his mother. She complained that the Jinn was troublesome to them. Hadrat, after listening to her warned her that he would have to beat her son so much that he would bleed profusely. This had to be done in order to force the Jinn out of him. However even though her son would be beaten, he would not feel any pain. When she had agreed, Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) began to beat her son so much that he indeed began to bleed profusely, until the Jinn himself began to say that he would leave. Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) ordered the Jinn to leave the man immediately to go into a big bottle which was closed after the Jinn had entered it. Thereafter Hadrat would dig a deep hole and bury the bottle containing the Jinn.

One of the blessed habits of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) loved to recite Surah al-Quraish. He would read this Surah seven times and would blow it on any goods that he had for sale. He would also encourage his wife to read this surah and blow it on the food that she would prepare. He used to say that by reading this surah would bring barakat in the home.

The Blessed Amamah (Bottom left), Blessed Shawl (top) and Libaas Mubarak of
Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan Qadiri (Alaihir raHmah)

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

The family genealogy of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) is as follows:

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan Sahab Ibn Hafidh Ghulam Rasool Sahab Ibn Muhammad Isma’eel Sahab Ibn Muhammad Siddiq Sahab Ibn Umar Sahab Ibn Ramzan Ibn Saboor Sahab Meer Ibn Haji Muhammad Akbar Sahab Ibn Maulvi Haamid’duddin Sahab Ibn Maulvi Shahbaaz Sahab Ibn Khush-Haal Sahab Ibn Gohar Ibn Rehmatullah Sahab Ibn Khwaja Ubaidullah Sahab.

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) was married thrice in his lifetime and had sixteen children in total:

First wife: Marhooma Maryam bai

1. Mawlana Ghulam Mustapha Raza Khan (during Sayyidi alaHadrat’s Alaihir raHmah last illness, when he used to be carried to the masjid on a chair, among the four people who used to carry the chair of sayyidi alaHadrat Alaihir raHmah on their shoulder, was Mawlana ghulam mustapha raza khan)
2. Ayesha bai
3. Ghulam Murtaza Raza (passed on at a young age)

Second wife: Marhooma Halima bai

4. Mawlana Ghulam Mujtaba Raza (buried in Malawi)
5. Hawwa bai
6. Ruqaiyyah bai

Third wife: Marhooma Amatullah bai

7. Raheema bai
8. Kareema bai
9. Hajiani khadija bai
10. Ayesha bai
11. Mawlana Ghulam Ahmed Raza Khan, He was granted khilaafat by Hadrat Mufti-e-Azam Hind . Hadrat Mufti Mehood Jaan used to say, “Hadrat mere Ilm ko jayb mein rakh ke Ghoomtay hain).”
12. Marhooma Jamila bai (passed away during childhood, after an incident that led to a short illness)
13. Mawlana Ahmed Jaan Khan
14. Hajiani fatima bai (Alhamdulillah, she is currently living in Zimbabwe)
15. Hajiani Amina bai (Alhamdulillah, she is currently living in Upleta)
16. Hajiani Jamila bai (it is said she was born when Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan Alaihir raHmah was at the age of 100. That was in 1935.)

External view of Razvi Masjid in Jamjodhpur built by Mawlana Mehmood Jaan

KARAAMAAT

When I had asked the daughter of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) if she remembered any Karamat of her father, she replied simply by saying, “Thousands”. However, for the sake of Barakat, I will mention one karamat of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah).

A man named Muhammad, during his childhood had German measles. The doctors had no hope of his recovery and advised his parents to expect the worst. Hearing this Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) came to his parents home and asked them why they had not consulted him, as he was still Alive. Hadrat, put his blessed saliva on the child and prayed for him. He was cured in no time and went on to live a comfortable life.

BOOK CREDENTIALS

Two of the books written by Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) received great success namely:

1. Zikr-e-Raza: Khalifa of AlaHadrat, Malik al-Ulama, Hadrat-e-Allama Mawlana Zafar al-Din Bihari (Alaihir raHmah), mentions in his Sawaneh Hayaat of Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah), that the first Sawaneh Hayaat written on the life of Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) was by Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) under the title of Zikr-e-Raza. The specialty of this book is that it has been written in the form of poetry. It has also been translated into the English language by Sayyid Shah Aulad-e-Rasool Qudsi Misbahi (Daamat Barakatuhum al-Qudsiyyah).

2. Eezah-e-Sunnat: This kitaab was based on the eight questions posed by the Bud-Muzhabs. In this book Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) answered all their questions by providing authentic proof from the Holy Qur’an and the blessed Ahadith. This book was certified and verified by sixty three distinguished scholars by their blessed words and blessed seals, such as Sayyidi AlaHadrat, Hujjat al-Islam, Mufti-e-Azam Hind, Sadr al-Shari’ah, and many other learned Ulama of that time (Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma’een).

Sayyidi alaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah)’s verification was as follows:

“O ALLAH, for YOU is ALL Praise! This Blessed book which has been written by my companion and my Beloved Brother in Islam, the Helper of the Sunnah, and Eradicator of the Fitnah, Respected Mawlana Moulvi Mehmood Jaan Saahib Qadiri Barakaati Peshawari, has passed before Me. I found it adorned with great attributes and I have found it to be complete and concise. I thanked ALLAH for blessing the author with such Taufeeq to support the Deen in such a difficult and corrupt time. Verily the Blessing of ALLAH and HIS Rasool (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) is upon this Learned Faadhil and Insha-ALLAH, His reward for this effort, through the Blessing of the Holy Prophet (SallAllaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) is closeness to ALLAH and a blessed place in the Blessed Paradise. WA ALLAHU AA’LAM.”

This book too, has been translated into the English language by the khalifa of Hadrat Taaj al-Shari’ah and Muhaddith al-Kabeer, Mawlana Aftaab Qasim Qadiri Ridawi (Hafidhahullahu Ta’ala), and is available in three volumes.

The Blessed Seal of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah)

CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS ISLAM

Hadrat Taaj al-Shari’ah, Allama Mawlana Mufti al-Haaj Shah Muhammad Akhtar Rida Khan, Sunni Hanafi Qadiri Barakaati Ridwi Noori Azhari (Daamat Barakatuhum al-Aaliyah), during the 61st Urs-e-Razvi Mehmoodi Sharif in Jamjodhpur Sharif said the following words:

“...AlaHadrat ke Sache Khulafa, jin mein Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan Sahab, ek the aur laakhon mein ek the, aur Jamjodhpur ke log aur Jamjodhpur ke Atraaf-o-khoob-o-Jawar ke log, Unki Istiqamat aur Maslak-e-AlaHadrat par sakhti se kaarbandhi aur uski tarweej-o-isha’at mein Unki jo zindagi guzri, woh yahan ke log toh usse waakif hai hi, Africa ke mumalik mein bhi reh kar yahin kaam kiya aur AlaHadrat Azeem-ul-Barkat ke Silsile se, aur Unke Khanwaade se, Unke Gharane se aur subse badi baat yeh hai ke Unke Maslak se logon ko wabista kiya...”

The blessed month of Muharram is celebrated the world over, and in many instances there are many elements in which some of the followers of Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah), forget his teachings. However, due to the teachings of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah), the inhabitants of Jamjodhpur shareef celebrate muharram according to the Maslak of alaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah). It is said that Hadrat used to burn the ‘Taajias’ that were made.

In gujrat, there is a Muslim clan known as the Meer. In the past the people of this caste used to be looked down upon by the inhabitants of the area. This carried on until Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) had decided to include them in his Jama’at. A little while after, some of these people wished to be initiated into the Silsila Aaliyah Qadiriyyah Barakaatiyyah Ridawiyyah and hence Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (alahir rahma) decided to take them to Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah). When they were introduced to Sayyidi alaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah), he exclaimed that their dress and appearance did not resemble (they were clad in their traditional gujrati attire) that of a muslim. Sayyidi alaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) then inquired the name of one of the men present which coincidently was Raju. Sayyidi alaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) then proceeded to re-name the man as Ghulam Muhammad and he was initiated into the Silsila. However since he had no beard, Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) advised him to first go and look at himself in the mirror and then, grows a beard according to the Sunnah and if he thought the beard to be fine, then he should not shave it. Alhamdulillah, the Meer left their orthodox ways and began living as the Muslims that they truly were.

Interior view of Razvi Masjid in Jamjodhpur Sharif built by Mawlana Mehmood Jaan

WISAAL SHARIF

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) left this mundane world on the 3rd of Safar-al-Muzaffar 1370 Hijri {14th of October, 1950} at the blessed age of 130. In his last days, he suffered from diabetes and other ailments and his advanced age did not alleviate his situation.

On the morning of the Wisaal of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah), he rose early and asked his son, Mawlana Ghulam Ahmed Raza to make him Paak and Saaf while his wife cleaned his bed and laid new sheets. After this he requested his son to purify himself and come and read Yaseen Sharif for him. However, when Mawlana Ghulam Ahmed Raza returned to recite the Yaseen Sharif he found that his blessed father had already read the Yaseen Sahrif. When Shah Sahab from Dhoraji had come to visit Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah), he related to him and his son Hadrat Mawlana Ghulam Ahmed Raza, that he had been blessed with the sight of Ssayyiduna Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and Sayyidi AlaHadrat (Alaihir raHmah) in his dream, in which they had asked him to come along with them. After while Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) requested Shah Sahab to move to another room as he wished to be surrounded by his children.

He called upon each of his daughters who stood at the foot of his bed by their name and advised them to look at him until their hearts were content as his time to leave was near. He told them even though he had surpassed the age of 100 his Nafs still had to taste death.

Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan made Du’a for all his children and when he noticed his children had began to cry, Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) told them that he was not dying, but he was only transferring his home. He also told them that his youngest son, Mawlana Ahmed Jaan was going to be married soon and he would be present at his marriage, however they would not see him but he would see them.

After saying all this Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) told his son that there is book on top of the cupboard in which there were some taweez for some of the people who had requested them and he told his family that due to his illness he had made three obligatory fasts and a certain amount of Salaah Qazah, for which the kaffarah must be paid for before his Janazah Salaah was to be performed. He told his son that his son-in-law, Mawlana Abdul Qadir (Alaihir raHmah) was to perform his Janazah Salaah. Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah) then recited his Shahadat and just after the Aadhaan of Zuhar he left this world towards the hereafter and like this the light that had brightened the hearts of many by removing the darkness of Kufr and Shirk, had come to rest in the love of the Master. His blessed Mazaar Sharif is in the small town of Jamjodhpur, Saurashtra, Gujarat, India. – Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’oon!!

The Blessed Mazaar Sharif of Hadrat Mawlana Mehmood Jaan (Alaihir raHmah)

— — —
Penned by:
Muhammad Akhtar Raza Abd al-Qadir [Harare – Zimbabwe]
The Great Grandson of Hadrat Mufti Mehmood Jaan Qadiri Alaihir raHma

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Ursh of Sultan-E-Surat at Gujarat (India) Khwaja Dana Rehmatullah Allayhe

Ursh of Sultan-E-Surat at Gujarat (India)
Khwaja Dana Rehmatullah Allayhe

His orginal name was Jamaluddin Badshah Pardah Push Khwarzmi. He was disciple of Khwaja Muhammad Islam. This is a really nice place. Everyone will get a peace of mind at this place especially early in the morning after Fajar's Prayer and in the evening after Asar's Prayer. You will get festival like atmosphere on Thursday after Magrib. Do not miss the Tarhavi Prayer at this place in the holy month of Ramadan. If you are young person, perform wudu (Wuzu) at the Hauz(Tank) instead of using ordinary tap. It will give you an eternal pleasure.

Ursh Details
Month Mahe Safar
Date 3,4 and 5
3rd Night Gusul Mubarak of Dargah sharif
4th Night Sandal Shareef at Dargah Sharif
5th Night Dua & Special Niyaz

From Today Ursh of Hazrat Khwaja Dana Rehmatullahe Alayhe,

has been Started, May Allah Bless Us with Success and Peace in Duniya and Aakhirat

Address: Badekha Chakla, Chowk Bazar Surat

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A Man Among the Men of Allah | Mufti Akhtar Rida al-Qadiri Hafidhahullahu Ta'ala

A Man Among the Men of Allah
Mufti Akhtar Rida al-Qadiri Hafidhahullahu Ta'ala

Shaykh al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen, Sultan al-Fuqaha, Faqeeh al-Asr, Taaj al-Shari'ah Mufti Muhammad Akhtar Rida Khan (may Allah preserve him) has produced a number of first-rate works/translations in various Islamic disciplines. Among them are (non-exhaustive list):

1) Mufti Akhtar Rida translated "al-Zulal al-Anqa Min Bahr Sabaqat al-Atqa" into Urdu which was written by Imam Ahmad Rida Khan in Arabic on the commentary of the verse "those who are most God-fearing will be far removed from it" (92:17). This scholarly commentary argues to establish that Sayyiduna Abu Bakr al-Siddique is the most virtuous companion. It contains arguments against Tafdhili Shi'ites and requires an in-depth understanding of Usul al-Tafsir and Usul al-Din.

2) Mufti Akhtar Rida wrote an Arabic commentary to a selection of Hadiths to Sahih al-Bukhari which is titled "Namudhaj Hashiyat al-Bukhari". His strength and authenticity of arguments is very clear in the way he rebuts Ahmad Ali Saharanpuri in a number of Fiqh related issues.

3) He also wrote and excellent Usuli commentary to the Hadith of the intention "Actions are based upon intentions" which he called "Sharh Hadith al-Niyyah".

4) [Fiqh/Hadith] The Shaykh dictated the translation to Imam Ahmad Riza Khan's magnum opus work on the issue of combining prayers titled "Haajiz al-Bahrayn al-Waaqi an al-Jam bayn al-Salatayn" into Arabic. The work combines Fiqh with Hadith and perfectly illustrates how a faqih analyses Hadith evidences.

5) [Usul al-Hadith] Mufti Akhtar Rida fully dictated the Arabic translation to Imam Ahmad Rida Khan's "al-Haad al-Kaaf Fi Hukm al-Di'aaf" (The Sufficient Guide on Weak Hadiths). It was published by Dar al-Sananbil of Damascus and Dar al-Hawi of Beirut in 2009. The work uniquely examines the definitions of weak Hadith, and their application and usage in areas of Fiqh uncovering Wahhabi fallacies in their understanding of their acceptance and rejection. It is ample with scholarly discussions and is an outstanding gift for the student and teacher as its signatory Sayyid Yusuf al-Hashimi al-Beiruti (p. 139) clearly points in his endorsement,

فوجدته فريدا في بابه، يغني عن تطلابه، ثقيل المضمون، منكوز العلم، مرصوص العبارة، دقيق المباحث، طويل النقول، يتعرض للعويصات والمشكلات. فبالجملة: إن الكتاب له قيمة علمية راقية

This book can be obtained from Dar al-Faqih in Abu Dhabi, Dar al-Dhiya lil-Nashr in Kuwait, Maktabah Tarim al-Hadithah in Tarim, Dar al-Salam in Cairo, Maktabah al-Tamam in Beirut and Dar al-Ulum al-Islamiyya in Indonesia. Six Ulama endorsed it with their remarks. They are: Abu Muhammad Musa Abduh Yusuf al-Is'haqi (from the Is'haqiyya Ashraf of Somali-Jeddah), Muhammad Anas Muhammad Saleem Murad who wrote the endorsement on behalf of his Shaykh Sa'd al-Din al-Murad (Jeddah), Sayyid Yusuf Muhammad Idris al-Hasani al-Husaini al-Hashimi (Beirut), Sayyid Yusuf Hashim Rifa'i (Kuwait), Shaykh Mahmud al-Huwt al-Nabhani (Halab, Syria) and Muhammad Nazim Ali Misbahi (Mubarakpur, India).

Sayyid Yusuf al-Rifa'i (p. 240-1) thanks the Shaykh for producing the translation of a work that was much needed in the Arabic language such that it now "fills an empty area in the library of the Ah al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah" and addressed him saying "al-Allamah al-Mukarram al-Akh al-Shaykh al-Mubajjal al-Shaykh Akhtar Ridha" and "al-Allamah al-Hafid al-Da'iyah".

Shaykh Mahmud al-Huwt (p. 244-5) refers to the Shaykh as "al-Imam" and "Taaj al-Shari'ah" and claims that "he has never seen a work of its kind" saying,

فما أن أحظيت بهذا الكنز، وبصرت في عنوانه، وتمنعت في مقدمته، حتى أسلمني أوله إلى اخره، فقرأته في رحلته هذه، والحق أقول: إنني ما رأيت مؤلفا نسج على منواله، ولا كتابا حوى بديع خصاله

Shaykh Musa Abduh Yusuf al-Is'haqi (p. 236) calls the Shaykh "Mawlana wa-Ustadhuna al-Fadhil" among other revering names. Here is the Arabic,

ولقد قام مولانا وأستاذنا الفاضل وسليل السادة الأفاضل، شيخنا الأكبر ومرشدنا الأنور، تاج الشريعة سماحة المفتي محمد أختر خريج الجامع الأزهر بترجمة "الهاد الكاف في حكم الضعاف" من اللغة الأردية إلى اللغة العربية، وأضاف إليها إضافات سنية ومرضية من معلومات فائقة وشائقة، مما كسا الكتاب رونقا وجمالا، وزاده روعة وكمال، فلله دره، وأطال الله عمره، ويسر الله أمره، ورفع الله قدره، وأجزل الله أجره، ونفع بعلومه الخاص والعام من أهل الإسلام

6) Mufti Akhtar Rida dictated the complete Arabic translation of Imam Ahmad Rida Khan's "al-Amnu wa al-Ula li-Naa'iti al-Mustafa bi-Daafi al-Bala" (Protection and Eminence for the Person who Praises the Chosen One as an Eliminator of Calamity) which was published Dar al-Nu'man, Damascus, 2009. This work is a scholarly refutation of Muftis that considered the "Salat Taajiyah" shirk on the basis that is impermissible to call anyone other than Allah "Daafi al-Balaa". It categorically refutes the Wahhabi stance using numerous verses of al-Qur'an al-Karim and its commentaries and two hundred and eighteen Hadiths of the Noble Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) with their sources on the topic making it an encyclopaedic work. The muqaddima contains an excellent explanation to the types of Isnad and Nisbah highlighting the correct usage of this title for the Noble Prophet (may Allah bless him ad give him peace). The Shaykh put excellent Hadith notes to this work and his student created its bibliographical references.

It contains a three page endorsement by the great fadhil and adeeb, Abdul Jaleel Ata in which he addresses the Shaykh with titles such as "Fadilat al-Allamah al-Jalil al-Shaykh Muhammad Akhtar Rida Khan", "Taaj al-Shari'ah", "Fadilat al-Shaykh al-Jalil al-Murabbi al-Fadil" and praises the scholarly activities of the Shaykh saying,

فاهنأ يا فضيلة الشيخ الجليل المربي الفاضل وأنت تنعش اثارا جليلة تحيي به وفاء واداء بعض ما أنت به قمين لنشر العلوم الغزيرة التي أنبتها روضكم العامر، وأثمرتها أشجاركم الباسقة. يناعة وغذاء للألباب والعقول والأفكار! ولا زلت كما مرّ أسلافك الكرام منارات اهتداء وأسنة مشرعة في الدفاع عن حصن الشريعة الغراء بكل عزة وشموخ وكبرياء. ولا زالت جهودنا الوضيعة في خدمة علومكم الغزيرة فتوة، وتمكّنا بفضل ما طوقتمونا به من ثقة وحسن ظن! فلنكن عند حسن ظنكم، ودام ظلكم الوارف لمزيد من إحياء اثار الجد الجليل، ولتدم منكم الهمة القعساء للنهوض بالأجيال القادمة تربية وتعليما وإرشادا، وحلما وتسديدا. وفقكم الله للمزيد، وفر أعينكم بكل محب مريد، وأدام عطاءكم بلا تحديد

7) Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan dictated the full translation of Shah Fazl al-Rasul Badayouni's "al-Mu'taqad al-Muntaqad" from the Arabic into Urdu, and its commentary "al-Mu'tamad al-Mustanad" by Imam Ahmad Rida Khan. Those teaching Aqidah know how difficult of a text this work is. It contains many intricate discussions on Asma wa-Sifaat yet the Shaykh has effectively translated the work which when read in Urdu seems as though it was originally written in Urdu! The Shaykh translated this work throughout the car and aeroplane journey to Sri Lanka in 2003 and completed it within six months. This single example is sufficient to establish to our readers the immensity of the Shaykh's knowledge and determined efforts to teach.

8) [Asma wa-Sifat] The Shaykh has dictated the translation to Imam Ahmad Riza Khan's "Subhan al-Subbuh an Ayb Kadhib Maqbuh" into Arabic. I sat in one of awe-filling majalis to listen to the Shaykh's mastery in the subject and translation of the text. This will be the largest known work on establishing the sifah of truth (sidq) for Allah Most Sublime and refuting the view of Imkan al-Kadhib. It shall shatter - by the aid of the Most Truthful - the Deobandi stance in Arabic when released. The work is a masterpiece in Asma wa-Sifat containing a wealth of rational and transmitted proofs. The translation is near completion, wal-hamdulillah. None other than an expert can embark such a task.

9) [Hadith/Aqidah] The Shaykh dictated the translation of "Shumul al-Islam li-Usul al-Rasul al-Kiram" by Imam Ahmad Rida Khan into Arabic on the Iman of the parents of our Noble Prophet (upon him peace and blessings). This was published along with the Shaykh's study on the Father of Sayyiduna Ibrahim in Arabic titled "Tahqiq Anna Aba Ibrahim Tarih wa-laysa Azar". These works were endorsed by the following Ulama:

Sayyid Abdullah Fad'aq Hashimi (Da'iyah of Makkah and student of the late Sayyid Muhammad Alawi Maliki), who referred to the Shaykh as "Fadilat al-Imam al-Shaykh Muhammad Akhtar Ridha Khan al-Azhari al-Mufti al-Azam fi al-Hind"

Shaykh Isa Mani al-Himyari (Muhadith of Dubai) who referred to the Shaykh as "al-Shaykh al-Aarif billah al-Muhadith Muhammad Akhtar Ridha al-Hanafi al-Qadiri al-Azhari"

Shaykh Waathiq Fu'ad Ubaydi (Baghdad) who called him "Shaykhuna al-Jalil, Sahib al-Radd al-Qati, Murshid al-Saalikeen, al-Mahfouz bi-Rabb al-alameen, al-Aalim al-Fadhil" and "Taaj al-Shari'ah"

Mufti Jamal Abdul Kareem al-Dabban (Baghdad) who referred to him as "al-Imam al-Allamah al-Qudwah Sahib al-Fadhilat al-Shaykh"

10) [Qasaid/Madih] During my stay in Jeddah in Dhul Hijjah (2009) after the completion of Haj, I visited Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan in Jeddah and witnessed his knowledge and piety. He gave his daily commentary on Qasidah Burdah (verses 90-91) fluently in Arabic which was being recorded (I personally possess 3 unedited audio cds).

The Shaykh has memorised the entire Qasidah Burdah and Dalai'il al-Khayrat by heart. Every morning after Fajr, he recites the entire Burdah till sunrise. After every Asr prayer, he recites a section from Dala'il al-Khayrat. This has been his wird-occupation since teenage years. I witnessed this on the 13th morning of Dhul Hijjah in Mina and after Asr in Jeddah. The Shaykh has a Diwan to his name titled "Safinah-e-Bakhshish" which contains several qasaid and mada'ih on the Noble Prophet (upon him peace and blessings) and the chosen people, some of which are in Arabic too. One of his famous Qasidahs is which he recited in his majlis with the Ulama of Damascus in August 2008 and in Jeddah 2009 (partial):

الله الله الله ۔۔۔ ما لي رب إلا هو
يفنى الكل ويبقى هو ۔۔۔ ليس الباقي إلا هو
من كان دعاه أن يا هو ۔۔۔ ذاك حميد عقباه
من كان لربي دنياه ۔۔۔ ذاك سعيد اخراه
من كنت الهي مولاه ۔۔۔ كل الناس تولاه
تنسى ربك يا فاني ۔۔۔ دم إن شئت بذكراه
ترجو الناس لجدواهم ۔۔۔ إن الحدوى جدواه
ربي رب الأرباب ۔۔۔ ليس يضاهى حاشاه
كن لنبي الله رضى ۔۔۔ تحظ لديه بزلفاه
وهذا أختر أدناكم ۔۔۔ ربي أحسن مثواه

When the Shaykh recited the last verse, Sayyid Abdul Aziz Khatib (Damascus) began profoundly saying (as heard from students that were present):

أختر سيدنا وابن سيدنا

Expressing his yearning for the Noble Habib (may Allah give him peace and blessing) Mufti Akhtar Rida writes (partial):

رسول الله يا كنز الأماني
على أعتابكم وقف المعاني
بهذا الباب يعتز الذليل
لهذا الباب يأتي كل عان
لهذا الباب انتدب الرحيم
ذوي الأوزار من قاص ودان
رسول الله إني مستجير
لدى أعتابكم من كل جان
لكم جاءت رواحلنا حفافأ
وكم صدرت محملة عواني
فداكم مهجتي أنتم عمادي
مرادي بغيتي كنزي أماني
ألا تحيون من قلبي مواتا
ألا تأتون مندرس المكان
ولا زالت بحارك تفيض
وأمطار الندى مر الأوان
اما للشمس في ليلي شروق

ألا ما يجلو محياكم كياني

A Notice: The reader must keep in mind that Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan is visually impaired and cannot read or write. He listens to a text and dictates the translation and those occupied in translating know how difficult of a task this is especially when translating difficult texts in Islamic disciplines!

Acclaim Among Contemporary Arab Ulama:

1) Shaykh Abdul Jaleel Ata (Damascus) recited the following qasidah in praise of the Shaykh in Damascus in the presence of numerous scholars and students who gathered to join the Shaykh, every letter of which lustres with love and truth,

یا کوکب من بھاء الدین ذاألق ۔۔۔ ومنھا من دقیق العلم متسق
اقدام قولک في التحقیق مصدرہ ۔۔۔ اھل التمکن في النبراس کالشفق

ولو تباھی رسول اللہ في أحد ۔۔۔ مثل طلعتکم یا فاتح العبق
محمد أختر جاء الرضا به ۔۔۔ فمر حبافي منبع الحصن الدرق

This majlis was attended by Shaykh Abdur-Razzaq Halabi, Shaykh Hussam al-Din Farfour, Shaykh Abdul Aziz Khateeb, Shaykh Hisham Burhani, Shaykh Abdul Hadi Kharsah and many others.

2) In his first-rate work on the defining the manhaj of Imam Ahmad Rida Khan titled "Insaf al-Imam", the Egyptian author Shaykh Muhammad Khalid Thabit (p. 114-5) speaks of his encounter with Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan in Egypt in the following words,

منذ أيام – وأنا أكتب هذه السطور- استنارت مصر بزيارة الشيخ الكبير محمد أختر رضا القادري الأزهري المعروف بتاج الشريعة المفتي الأعظم بالهند، حفيد الإمام أحمد رضا خان البريلوي والقائم على جماعته، ورأيت حديثه عن جده الإمام اكثر من حديثه عن نفسه، واعتزازه بجده الإمام الأعظم من اعتزاز بنفسه، ورأيت تمسكه بما أرساه جده من القواعد ومن الثبات على الحق مما يثير الإعجاب حقا...نظرت إلى وجه الشيخ الكبير محمد أختر والبهاء يكسوه، والسكينة والوقار يجللانه، واستمعت إلى كلماته –بلغة عربية صحيحة-تخرج من فمه في قوة وثقة تصدق بالحق المبين فوجدتني أقول: سبحان الله...ذرية بعضها من بعض

3) The Azhar Journal titled "Sawt al-Azhar" (May Issue 2009) referred to the Shaykh as "Mufti al-Hind". In this visit, the Shaykh met with Shaykh al-Azhar in his office for an hour and who presented him an Azhar award for his scholarly achievements and activities.

Among Those Who Visited Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan in Bareilly:

1) The late Muhadith of Makkah, Sayyid Muhammad Alawi al-Maliki (may Allah have mercy on him) travelled to Bareilly in April 2004 during Rabi' al-Awwal. They engaged in a number of scholarly discussions with Shaykh Akhtar and in his talk addressed Shaykh Akhtar with the title "al-Mufti al-A'zam bil-alam". When he studied the Shaykh's Arabic Hashiya on Sahih al-Bukhari titled "Namudhaj Hashiyat al-Azhari" he regarded the Shaykh as "Muhadith Hanafi" before those that were present.

2) Sayyid Muhammad Umar ibn Saleem al-Mahdi al-Dabbagh of Baghdad was appointed as the Head of Arabic literature at Jamiat al-Ridha in Bareilly in 2007. He showed immense love for the Shaykh and wrote a qasidah in his praise which he publicly recited on the Imam Ahmad Rida Conference in Bareilly on the 24th Safar, 2007.

3) The Mufti of Damascus, Shaykh Abdul Fattah Bizm visited Mufti Akhtar Rida at his residence twice during the last Hajj season (2009) in Jeddah and in Madinah Tayyibah. I personally witnessed the amount of love these Shuyukh had for one another on both occasions. In his talk in Jeddah, Mufti Abdul Fattah expressed his feelings about the Shaykh and spoke of his previous meetings with him in Syria and Bareilly. He said, "When the Shaykh came to Damascus the first time round, I heard about him and wanted to visit him. Some people prevented me but I went to meet him and at the first sight Allah made me realise that he is from the people of Allah (Ahlullah)".

He then added, speaking of a miracle he experienced, that when the Shaykh invited him to Bareilly he was in two minds about travelling even to the moment of submitting his passport. For some reason, the visa was not issued. Upon collecting the passport, he mentioned that Shaykh Akhtar rang him and said, "If you make a firm intention, Allah will make the means easy". Mufti Abdul Fattah said, "This struck my heart and I came to realise that the Shaykh is aware of the state of my heart". Thereafter, I made a firm intention and re-submitted my passport and received the visa".

He also said, "When I travelled to Bareilly and saw the thousands of people that are attached to Shaykh Akhtar, it brought joy to my heart that the people of India are still connected with their shuyukh and illustrate immense love and respect for them". This is what I remember from his comments. If anyone requires an audio recording of this talk, Insha Allah, I can try to facilitate it and perhaps others too.

Acclaim in Indo-Pakistan:

Bareilly, as all of us know, has a massive Sunni following in and around the world. Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan has been the Shaykh of the silsilah and head Mufti there for many years. The claim that he is not known among India's people is clearly a lie intended to discredit the Shaykh. A 700 page book has been compiled on the life, works and activities of the Shaykh titled "Tajalliyaat Taaj al-Shariah" containing the comments, letters, articles of hundreds of ulama from around the world to the Shaykh and their views about him. Majority of these articles, letters, qasa'id are in Urdu by scholars of India and Pakistan. It includes articles on the Shaykh's travels within India and meetings with its people that shatter the false notion. Mufti Abdul Fattah Bizm has witnessed the annual urs event at Bareilly in the month of Safar whose remarks I presented above

The Manhaj of Mufti Akhtar Rida Khan in Love and Hate:

It would be not be a hyperbolic comment if I were to assert that Mufti Akhtar Rida is an embodiment of the Hadith "Love for the sake of Allah and Hate for the sake of Allah". He loves the awliya of the entire world and hates the enemies of Allah and His Messenger (upon him peace and blessings). He does not unite with those who "offend" Allah and His Messenger with comments that are by nature "repulsive", "repugnant", "below the standards of scholarly discourse", "indefensible breaches of proper respect" and thus "unacceptable to Muslims around the world" and neither does he have compassion for those who shamelessly destroy the graves of the companions and Ahlul Bayt, demolish Muslim sites and heritage whilst preserving Jewish landmarks and relics of their Kings in their museums, and speak with minimal respect about the Noble Habib (may Allah bless him and give him peace), his companions, kin, and the majority of the Ummah whom they consider misguided. He has no love for those who consider it permissible to shout out Shirk and kufr slogans to those who recite the Burdah and Dalai'il. He has written and spoken against such people and their beliefs as this is the duty (wajib dini) of every upright scholar from Ahlus-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah, and is not a hobby as some may assert, to warn people from wavering and falling into the trap of the Shaytan.

As for the claim that the Shaykh makes takfir of everyone other than himself and those affiliated with him is another exaggeration, rather, a lie that stems from animosity. The Shaykh has replied to this accusation in Arabic in his "Mira'at al-Najdiyyah" published by the name "Haqiqat al-Barelwiyyah", which is the reply to Qadhi Atiyyah's endorsement to Ihasan Ali Zahir's "al-Barelwiyyah" (Published in Egypt by Dar al-Muqattam, 2009) asking him to produce a single nas of our ulama in which they have made takfir of Ibn Taymiyya, Ibn Abdul Wahhab and their followers. Rather, it is these people who make takfir and tadlil of the entire ummah. This accusation is the popular one found in "Nuzhat al-Khawatir" and "al-Barelwiyyah" about Barelwis and is false.

Conclusions:

On these premise, our conclusions therefore are that Shaykh Akhtar Rida Khan

a) is a scholar, a Mufti and one who possesses immense knowledge "Allamah" of the Shari'ah.
b) is a tireless teacher of the Islamic sciences, valuing time and teaching throughout his travels.
c) has excellent command on the Arabic language and translation skills.
d) is beloved to the Ulama of the Arab world and has been received with warm hearts and love.
e) produces works in various scholarly disciplines which have brought immense benefit to the Ahlus-Sunnah.
f) is not just a scholar of the outward sciences but a man of Allah whose presence is awe-filling and a person of karaamat.
g) is on the manhaj of the Ahlus-Sunnah Wa al-Jama'ah.
h) is well-known in India and its people of the Ahlus-Sunnah.

And to hold otherwise leads to the falsification of popular accounts by ulama and awliya on the basis of a solitary report lacking proper adab of discourse which appears biased to anyone who reads it with a sound mind. Supporting false notions attributed to the Shaykh such that he is not an "alim", he is "unknown" and that he makes "takfir of everyone" is unlawful when there are clear signs to the contrary. Beware too of having animosity towards the awliya as its consequence from Allah is devastating! And alone gives guidance.



———
Penned by
Shaykh Munawwar Ateeq
[Birmingham - United Kingdom]

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True Anecdotes | The King of YemenTrue Anecdotes | The King of Yemen..

It’s been recorded in Hujjatullahi ala al-Alameen and Taarikh Ibn Asaakir that 1,000 years before the arrival of the Holy Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, the King of Yemen (Tabaa Awwal Hamīri) assembled 12,000 of his scholars and officials, 132,000 horsemen, and 113,000 foot soldiers to accompany him on a tour of his kingdom. During this expedition, they arrived in the city of Makkah and were surprised to find none of its residents interested in coming out to salute them. When the king enquired from his officials as to the reason for this, his prime-minister responded,

“There’s a structure in this city called ‘the House of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala’ which people from all over – way more than this army, in fact – come to pay their respects towards and to the city’s residents. Why then would they concern themselves with this measly procession?”

The king became infuriated upon hearing this and swore,

“I’ll tear that structure down and have all of these people killed!”

He then suddenly found blood emerging from his eyes, nose and mouth (along with a liquid so horrendous in smell that no-one in his company could bear sitting next to him). After seeking help from his numerous doctors to cure this condition of his (all to no avail), one of his priests finally stepped forward and said,

“O King! This sickness is from the Heavens, while we possess cures only from the Earth. The only way to rid yourself of it is to seek forgiveness for any bad intention you may have had recently.”

So, the king repented from his earlier plans against the Kaaba and the Makkans and immediately found his condition return to its normal state again! Unable to contain his happiness, he then ordered for a silk covering to be prepared and draped over the Kaaba, before presenting every resident of the city with wealth and some silk clothing.

The army then proceeded to Madinah al-Munawwarah. Upon their arrival, those that were scholars of the Heavenly Books examined its sand, stones and landscape and immediately recognized the area to be the future residence of the Final Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. For this reason, they turned to their king and said,

“We’d rather die than leave this city! Should fortune favour us, the Final Messenger will one day arrive and bless us with his companionship. Otherwise, the sand from his feet will surely land on our graves, and this will be sufficient for our salvation.”

So, the king built 400 houses for them in the city, and in the region of his chief-priest’s residence, he constructed a few houses better than the others (intending that when the Holy Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam did arrive, he’d choose to stay in one of them). After then giving them enough money to begin their new lives, the king gave a letter to his main priest with the following instruction,

“Give this to the Prophet if you see him in your lifetime. If not, keep it in your family until he arrives.”

This letter passed from generation to generation in the priest’s family (for 1,000 years) until it finally came into the hands of the famous Companion, Hadrat Abu Ayyub al-Ansaari Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu (who requested his servant, Abu Layla, to safeguard it). Written in it was the following,

‘From the most insignificant creation, Tabaa Awwal Hamīri, to the Intercessor of Sinners & Leader of Prophets Alaihim as-Salam, Muhammadur-Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. O Beloved of Allah SallAllaho Alaika wa Sallam, I bring faith upon you, the book which will be revealed to you, and the religion that you will propagate. Should I see you in my lifetime, it would only be my good fortune. Otherwise, I ask that you intercede for me and do not forsake me. I’m from your first Ummah and also pledge allegiance (بيعة) to you. I hereby testify that Allah is One and that you are his true Messenger SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam.’

When the Prophet neared Madinah al-Munawwarah at the end of his migration, its residents were so ecstatic to meet him that they came out in large numbers, decorating and tidying their homes and streets, all with the intention of having the blessed Messenger choose to stay with them over everyone else.

Since he did not want to show favour to one family over another, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah entered the city and said,

“Leave the nose-string of my camel and let it to walk freely. Wherever it stops, I’ll stay there.”

In this way, the camel roamed for a short while until it finally stopped outside the house of Hadrat Abu Ayyub al-Ansaari Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu (who was, incidentally, staying in the very same residence built by the King of Yemen 1,000 years earlier!). When his servant, Abu Layla, presented himself before the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Rasoolullah SallAllao Alaihi wa Sallam noticed him and said,

“You’re Abu Layla; I’m the Messenger of Allah. Give me the King’s letter.”

Rasoolullah was then presented with the letter; and after reading it, he said in reply,

“I congratulate the virtuous brother Tabaa.” [Mizaan al-Adyaan, Page 171]

Lesson: The Holy Messenger was praised even before his birth… and the people who praised him even received honour for their praise! How then can we, who are in the Ummah of the Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, not be shown any favour by him?! We also come to know the Prophet is aware of the past, and that cleaning and decorating buildings on the arrival of esteemed personalities is not a bad practice. In fact, it is the practice of the Sahabah al-Kiram Alaihim ar-Ridwan.

———
Extracted from
Stories Of The Prophets (Partial Translation of Sacchi Hikayaat)
Urdu: Maulānā Abun-Nūr Muhammad Bashīr | English: Omar Sayed

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Hadrat Jibrael Alaihis Salam & The Shining Star...

The Holy Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam once asked Hadrat Jibrael Alaihis Salam,

“O Jibrael ! How old are you?”

Jibrael al-Ameen Alaihis Salam replied,

“O Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, I don’t know how old I am, but I do know that in the Fourth Covering (حجاب), I saw a star shine once every 70,000 years, and I saw this 72,000 times.”

The Holy Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam then said,

وعزة ربي انا ذالك الكوكب
“By the honour of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala! I was that star.” [Tafseer Rooh al-Bayaan, Vol. 1, Page 974]

Lesson: The Noor of our Beloved Prophet was created before anything else. He came before angels, humans, the Earth, and whatever else lies within all of creation.

———
Extracted from
Stories Of The Prophets (Partial Translation of Sacchi Hikayaat)
Urdu: Maulānā Abun-Nūr Muhammad Bashīr | English: Omar Sayed

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20th MuHarram | Hadrat Sayyiduna wa Mawlana Bilal ibn Rabah al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu

Sayyid al-Mu'azzineen (Leader of the Mu'azzins)
Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu

Sayyid al-Mu'azzineen (Leader of the Mu'azzins), Imam al-Aashiqeen, The great devotee, faithful companion and Mu'azzin of the beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu is a famous and exalted Sahabi who accepted Islam in its early days in Makkah al-Mukarramah. When he accepted Islam, the non-believers placed great difficulties upon him which he bore with great forbearance in his youth. His father's name was Rabah and his mother's name was Hamamah.

His birth place is Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and this is why he is known as Habshi (the old name for Abyssinia is Habsh). Born in the late 6th century, the preferred view is that Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was 43 years old at the time of Hijra but it has been suggested by some that he could have been as old as 53.

He was either a slave of a woman in Makkah who had made Umayyah bin Khalaf her agent in the matters of Hadrat Bilaal or Umayya Ibn Khalaf himself when he accepted Islam. The Kaafirs of Makkah persecuted him severely. When Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu came to know about the pain and anguish which he underwent at the hands of the Kuffaar, he bought him and set him free. One of the many emancipated slaves of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was known for his beautiful voice and was given the honour by the Holy Prophet Muhammad SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam of being the first Mu'azzin of Islam. He remained constantly in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. He was at the service of the needs of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Muhaddith Hakim and Hafidh Abu Nu'aym also regarded him as one of the Ashaab of al-Suffah.

After he had accepted Islam, he participated with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam in the battle of Badr and in all other battles. He called the Adhaan and he was the Mu'azzin of Masjid al-Nabawi as long as he remained with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. His greatness and excellence is mentioned in numerous books of Ahadith.

VIRTUE

One day at the time of Fajr, beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam asked Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, 'O Bilaal, Show me one action that you have done after accepting Islam, whose virtue is above all other actions, because I have heard your footsteps in Jannah'. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu explains that I have not done any action whose virtue is more than the others. But it is true, that during the day or night, whenever I made Wudhu, I made it my duty to read some Nafl Salaah, and from amongst the Salaah I read, I verily read Tahiyyatul Wudhu (Salaat after Wudhu)" when beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam heard this, he said that it was because of this action that he had attained such status.

Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu used to mention

أبو بكر سيدنا وأعتق سيدنا
Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu is our leader who freed our leader Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala.

In 'Hilyat al-Awliyaa', beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam mentions that he is Sayyid al-Mu'azzineen (leader of the Mu'azzins).

ENDURANCE OF DIFFICULTY ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF ISLAM

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was harassed and beaten the day long and during the night. He was tied in chains and lashed. On the next day, he was again made to lie on the hot desert sands which cause even greater injuries to the body of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, who was loved by Allah Ta'ala.

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu used to be beaten by many people. When one would get tired, another would take his place. Sometimes it was Abu Jhal's turn and sometimes Umayyah bin Khalaf and others. Each of them would beat him until they got tired but no mercy was spared for the slave whom they so brutally injured and whose status in Jannah was to surpass that of many Arabs.

In the sweltering heat under the Arabian skies, Hadrat Bilal's love for Allah shone brighter than the sun itself. So strong was it that he could not conceal it despite the punishment and torture afflicted on him by his cruel master.

There were times when a large boulder would be placed upon his chest as he lay on the scorching sand, his ribs being crushed under the weight. Yet the words 'Ahad! Ahad! (There is only one Allah!)' were constantly repeated by Hadrat Bilal, so strong was his faith and love.

His Jewish master would insult him and threaten him to denounce Islam, beat him, whip him and humiliate him on the streets of Makkah, but nothing was able to shake Hadrat Bilal's heart.

FREEDOM

One day, it so happened that Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was passing that way and saw Sayyidina Hadrat Bilal crying out, "Ahad! Ahad!", despite the immense torture he was being subjected to. As he watched, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique's heart became agitated upon seeing Hadrat Bilal under such persecution, and tears filled his eyes.

He then called Hadrat Bilal towards himself and advised him to utter Allah's name in solitude and not to utter it in the presence of his persecutor, or he would be subjected to further persecution and torture. Hadrat Bilal replied, "O Honoured One! You are the Siddique of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and therefore I accept your advice and will act accordingly."

The following day, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu happened to pass that way, and again he witnessed the same sight.

Hadrat Bilal was once more uttering the cry of "Ahad! Ahad!" while the Jew was torturing him to such an extent that again his body became soaked in blood. Seeing this, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique's heart was filled with pain and he advised Hadrat Bilal, "Brother, why do you utter 'Ahad' in the presence of this persecutor? Utter it silently and secretly within yourself".

Hadrat Mawlana Rumi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu says:

"When Abu Bakr advised him towards silence and secrecy,
Bilal repented again,
But when love overwhelmed, he swallowed the repentance.
It is the message of the troubled heart.
Without You there can be neither peace nor comfort."

Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique, on numerous occasions, gave Hadrat Bilal the same advice but on every occasion when he passed that way, he saw the same scene - the Jew persecuting Bilal who was all the time crying, "Ahad! Ahad!"

Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu finally went to Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and related the story to him. When Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam heard the story, he was filled with sorrow and tears flowed from his blessed eyes. He asked, "O Siddique! What is the solution to this problem? How can we save Bilal from this calamity?"

Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu replied: "Ya Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, I shall buy Bilal. Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam agreed and said, "Let my share also be therein".

SubhanAllah! How great the fortune of Sayidina Hadrat Bilal, that Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam himself took part in purchasing him.

Hadrat Abu Bakr then approached the Jew while he was again torturing Hadrat Bilal. Hadrat Abu Bakr said to him, "Why are you beating this friend of Allah?" How long will you carry out this practice on this poor person?" Umayyah bin Khalaf retorted that, 'since you have instigated him (by teaching Islam to him) so you free him." Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu answered, "Yes, I will free him. I have a black slave who is even stronger than him and who is in your religion. Will you accept this slave in exchange for him?" Umayyah bin Khalaf accepted the offer. Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu exchanged the slaves and thus bought Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu and freed him before migration. It is also narrated that Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique paid the ransom and freed Hadrat Bilal. Besides Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu he bought other slaves who were being beaten and harassed for accepting Islam and freed them also.

After this, Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, out of love and joy, embraced Hadrat Bilal and held him to his heart.

Hadrat Mawlana Rumi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu says:

"Beloved Mustafa embraced Bilal and held him against his chest. The ecstasy Bilal felt! Who can ever imagine that?"

CONQUEST OF MAKKAH

When the Muslims finally conquered the city of Makkah, its people fled to their houses in fear and bolted the doors and windows. They feared that the Muslims would avenge themselves for the wrong done to them years ago.

The Muslims advanced towards the Holy Kabah and then Hadrat Bilal assured the people that they were safe. He announced out loud, "All those who lay down arms are safe. All those in the house of Abu Sufyan are safe. All those behind closed doors are safe."

BROTHERHOOD

After the migration Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam formed brotherhood between the Sahaaba Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhum Ajma'een which meant that two two brothers should be concerned about each other's difficulty and necessity. In this way all of them became Muslim brothers and they shared in the sorrow and grief of each other. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam made Hadrat Bilaal and Hadrat Ubaida bin Haarith (Radi Allahu Anhuma) brothers and a few Historians mention that beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam made Hadrat Abu Rawahah Khashami Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu the brother of Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu.

PARTICIPATION IN THE BATTLE OF BADR AND THE KILLING OF UMAYYA BIN KHALAF

A year after beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and his beloved Sahaaba Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma'een migrated from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah, the battle of Badr took place. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu also participated in this battle with the other Sahaaba Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma'een. The leaders of the Mushrikeen of Makkah (who were the enemies of Islam and the Muslims - who forced the Muslims out of Makkah, who also oppressed Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) were killed in this battle. Specially, Abu Jahl and Umayyah bin Khalaf who severely punished Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu were both killed in this battle.

THE BEGINNING OF ADHAAN AND THE APPOINTMENT OF HADRAT BILAAL RADI ALLAHU TA'ALA ANHU AS MU'AZZIN

In the second year after Hijrah, the announcing of the time of Salaat began and Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was appointed Mu'azzin and always remained the Mu'azzin of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam both in his presence and also during travel.

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu stayed with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam In Madinah Munawwarah, he was the Mu'azzin and even while travelling, he went with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and at the time of Salaah he used to give Adhaan. Very seldom beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam went somewhere and someone other than Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu called the Adhaan. Whenever beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam went to Masjid al-Qubaa, then Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu would give the Adhaan and when hearing him, the people living around the area knew that beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was in the area.

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu used to give the Fajr Adhaan from the roof of the house of a lady from the tribe of Banu Najjaar. Her home was joined to the Masjid. From the time of Sehri he used to sit on the roof waiting for the time of Fajr. When it was time to commence the Adhaan then he should stretch his limbs, and make the following Du'a after which he gave the Adhaan.

اللهم إنى أحمدك وأستعينك على قريش أن يقيموا دينك
'Oh Allah I praise you, and I desire that You become aid to the Quraysh to establish Your Deen'

The woman from whose roof he gave the Adhaan said that there was not a day that he did not mention this Du'a. [Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 2, Page 198, Hadith 519]

TREASURER OF BELOVED PROPHET SALLALLAHO ALAIHI WA SALLAM

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was the Muazzin of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and his treasurer. If anyone came to beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam with any necessity then he used to ask Hadrat Bilaal to carry out this task who would then make sure to get the necessary item and fulfill the need on behalf of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam

Hadrat Bilal mentioned it to Abdullah Al-Hawzaani that if some Muslims came who did not have anything to wear, then Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam should order me to take a loan and purchase a cloth to clothe the needy.

Whilst doing this once Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu accumulated a heap of dates. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam asked Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu what is this? Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu answered I have accumulated this for you and your visitors. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said, 'Oh Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, spend it and do not fear it becoming less'

ENDURANCE OF HUNGER

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was the special companion of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. It is for this reason he also endured difficulties. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said that undoubtedly, the fear he had for Allah was greater than anyone else. On one occasion thirty nights and days passed with him and Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu having had only that amount to eat which could be concealed under the armpits (side) of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu.

COMPANIONSHIP WITH BELOVED PROPHET SALLALLAHO ALAIHI WA SALLAM

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was always present in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Hadrat Jaabir Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu mentions that at the time of Eid, he was present with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam started the Salaah without the Adhaan and Iqaamat and thereafter gave the Khutbah. Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu stood up and stood side by side with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam while beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam stood up resting on him and after praising Allah, beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam delivered a lecture and reminded the people about the commands of Allah and encouraged the people to be obedient to Allah Ta'aala. Thereafter, he took Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu with him and addressed the women and ordered them to fear Allah and advised them and reminded them about the commands of Allah.

At one time Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu presented himself in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam It was morning and beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was having meals. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam told Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu to join him. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu mentioned to beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam that he was fasting. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam remarked, 'We are eating our sustenance and the sustenance of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu is preserved in Jannah." Then he told Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu that the bones of a fasting person make Tasbeeh and the Angels request his forgiveness when something is eaten near him." [Mishkat al-Masabih]

HEARTBREAK & IMMENSE GRIEF

After the passing away of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Bilal was overcome with immense grief. This death had completely shattered his heart and in this state, he decided that he could no longer stay in Madinah Sharif. He then gathered his belongings and left for Syria. He had just left the border of Madinah Sharif, when sleep overcame him. He found a tree to sleep under and took some rest there. In his sleep, Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam appeared in his dream and said, "Bilal, why did you leave me?" Hadrat Bilal immediately woke up and, without hesitation, made the journey back to Madinah Sharif.

When the people of Madinah saw Hadrat Bilal returning through the city gates, they were overwhelmed with joy. Word spread through the streets that Bilal, the Holy Prophet's Muazzin had returned. As Hadrat Bilal made his way to the Holy Prophet's Masjid, requests for him to do the Azan were ringing in his ears. People followed him through the streets, pleading for him to deliver the call to prayer once more. The blessed city had been deprived of his beautiful Azan for too long, and the people craved to hear it one last time.

However, since the passing away of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Bilal's grief had been so immense that he resolved that he would never do the Azan again, and so he refused the pleas of the people. As he advanced towards the blessed Masjid, he saw the two beloved grandsons of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Hassan and Hussain. They too requested for him to do the Azan, and when he looked upon their blessed young faces, his love for them overwhelmed his heart. He knew he could never refuse them anything, and they were, after all, the grandsons of the one whose love had penetrated his heart through and through.

Hadrat Bilal then stood up on the Mimbar, assumed his position as the Muazzin and started to read the Azan. His voice, beautiful as it was, rang through the streets of Madinah Sharif, his pain and heartbreak evident in the painful tune. He read to his heart's content, and in such a manner that there was not a person in the blessed city whose eyes were not wet with tears.

When Hadrat Bilal reached "Ash-hadu anna Muhammadur Rasulallah", he broke down and could not continue. His pain and the pain of Madinah's people was unbearable. Memories of the beautiful days when Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam sat amongst them penetrated their hearts with hurt and agony. The emptiness of their lives and their souls without Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam had devastated them and left them broken inside. Even the strongest amongst them who were usually able to suppress the pain could not hold back any longer.

STAY IN SYRIA

Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu then came in the presence of Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu and said, 'Oh Khalifah of Rasoolullah, without doubt I have heard from beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam that the best action of a Mu'min is Jihaad in the path of Allah and I have intended now to spend my life in Jihaad till I die." Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu said, 'Oh Bilaal! I swear by Allah and my right which is deserving to honored (it is for this reason) that during my lifespan you spend it in Madinah al-Munawwara and give Adhaan. Because I have become old and my time is near (death)." Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu then remained in Madinah Munawwarah. [Asad al-Ghabbah]

After Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu became Khalifah, then Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu came to him and said the same thing again. Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu gave the same answer which Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu had given, but Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu respectfully refused to stay any longer. Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu granted permission to him. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu became a Mujaahid forever and went to Syria. During the Khilaafat of Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu when he went to Syria, then Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu gave Adhaan in his presence. The narrator says that on this day, Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu thinking of the days of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam cried to such an extent which we never saw before.

MARRIAGE

While in Syria, Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu got married but it is not known whether he had any children or not. The author of Asad al-Ghabbah states that at the time of death, Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu had no children.

PASSING AWAY OF THE PROPHET'S MU'AZZIN

The great devotee and Muazzin of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, the courageous and beloved Abyssinian by the name of Hadrat Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu passed away in the 20th year after Hijrah in the middle of reading Adhan in Damascus, Syria between the years 638 and 642 (AD) at the age of 60 or 63 and there he is buried near 'Bab as-Sagheer'. When beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam proclaimed Prophethood, he was 30 years old. He spent the remaining 33 years of his life in the assistance of this Deen, persecuted severely for admitting his Islam and despite this, he continued to announce boldly, 'Ahad, the One Allah!'. He participated in the battles and endured both hunger and pain. He was not only a Mu'azzin, but was granted the status of being the leader of the Mu'azzins.

His respected stature during the birth of Islam is a perfect example of the importance of pluralism and racial equality in the foundations of Islam. May Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala be pleased with him forever... Aameen!!

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