Alla Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Qadri (R.A)

CHILDHOOD

Imam Ahmed Raza's Birth

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was born on a Monday, the 10th of Shawaal 1272 A.H. (14th June 1856), at the time of Zohar Salaah in a place called Jasoli, which is in the city of Bareilly Shareef, India.

A few days before the birth of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), his father, Allamah Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), had a wonderful dream. He immediately disclosed this dream to his father, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), who interpreted this dream by saying: "This is a sign that you are going to be the father of a child, a boy, who will grow up to be pious and knowledgable. His name will gain prominence from East to West."

This was the good news that was given to Allamah Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) concerning the birth of none other than the "emerald from amongst the Treasures of Almighty Allah", the "sweet-scented rose from the fragrant garden of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)", Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu).

The date of birth of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was extracted by himself from the Holy Quran.

"These are they in whose hearts Allah has inscribed faith and helped them with a spirit from Himself." (58:2)

His Name

The name that was given to him at birth was the beautiful name of "Mohammed." The name corresponding to that year of his birth was "Al Mukhtaar." His grandfather, a great Scholar of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), also gave the young child the beautiful name of "Ahmed Raza." It was by this name that he was famously known.

Much later in his life, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) added the title "Abdul Mustafa" to his name signifying his great love and respect for Sayyiduna Rasulullah (salal laahu alaihi wasallam).

The Grand Mufti of Makkatul Mukarramah, Sheikh Hussain bin Saleh Makki (radi Allahu anhu), also gave him the title of "Zia'udeen Ahmed."

Family History

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaderi, was the son of Allamah Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan, who was son of Allamah Mawlana Mohammed Kaazim Ali Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Shah Mohammed Azam Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Sa'adat Yaar Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Sa'eedullah Khan (radi Allahu anhum ajma'in).

The great forefathers of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) migrated from Qandhar (Kabul) during the Mogul rule and settled in Lahore. Allamah Mawlana Sa'eedullah Khan, the first forefather of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhum), held a high government post when he arrived in the Indo-Pak sub-continent. His son, Allamah Mawlana Sa'adat Yaar Khan (radi Allahu anhu), after gaining victory in the city of Ruhailah, was elected as the Governor of that city.

Allamah Mawlana Hafiz Kaazim Ali Khan, the son of Mawlana Mohammed Azam Khan (radi Allahu anhum), was a Tax-collector in the city of Badayun. His son, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), the illustrious grandfather of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), did not serve in the Government. It was from this generation that the heads of the family began to adopt Tassawuf as their way of life.

We have included a very brief history of A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) father and grandfather.

HIS FATHER

A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) father, Hadrat Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), received his education at the hands of his father, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He wrote more than 50 books, among them, "Suroorul Quloob fi Zikri Mouloodul Mahboob", which received a very high distinctive position amongst Islamic literature.

The treatise is characteristic in its condemnation of the enemies of Islam, both internally and externally. A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) father passed away in 1297 A.H. (1880) when he was 24 years old.

HIS GRANDFATHER

One of the greatest Sufis of his time, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was born in the year 1224 A.H. He was also a great warrior and fought with General Bakht Khan against English invaders in the year 1834. He received his early education at the hands of Molwi Khaleerur Rahman.

At the age of 23, he had already completed his Islamic education, earning certificates of distinction in various fields of knowledge. He passed away in the month of Jamaadi-ul-Awwal in the year 1282 A.H. (1866). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was at this time only 10 years old.

Imam Ahmed Raza's Piety as a Child

A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was a child of 4 years when this incident took place. On that particular day, he was dressed in a long Kurta. As he stepped out of his house, a few female prostitutes walked past him. In order to cover his eyes, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) quickly held the bottom of his Kurta with both his hands and lifted the Kurta over his face.

When one of the prostitutes saw what he did, she said, "Well! Young man. You covered your eyes, but allowed your Satr to be shown." With his face and eyes still covered, the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied, "When the eyes are tempted, then the heart becomes tempted. When the heart is tempted, then the concealed parts become tempted." So shocked and affected was this woman on hearing such a reply from a child that she lost consciousness.

Another incident which happened in the Month of Ramadaan also s hows A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) piety and fear of Allah. Fasting was not Fardh (obligatory) upon him because he was still a child, but on that day he intended to keep fast.

It should be known that for a little child to keep fast in India during the summer season was very difficult. The average temperature on a summer's day rises to approximately 50 degrees Celsius. On that day, the heat of the sun was intense. Hadrat Allamah Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) took his young son, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), into a room where sweets were kept.

He closed the door and said, "There, eat the sweets." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied that he was fasting. His father then said, "The fasting of children is always like this. The door is closed and no one is looking. Now you may eat."

On hearing this, the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) respectfully said, "Through Whose command I am fasting, He is Seeing me." On hearing this answer from a little child, tears began to flow from the eyes of Hadrat Allamah Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He then left the room with A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu).

Imam Ahmed Raza's First Lecture

Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) delivered his first lecture at the age of 6 years. It was during the glorious month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) stood on the Minbar (Pulpit) and delivered a lecture before a very large gathering which also consisted of Ulema. His lecture lasted for approximately 2 hours. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) spoke on the Wilaadat (Birth) of Sayyiduna Rasulullah . He brightened the hearts of the listeners with the love of Sayyiduna Rasulullah . The people listening were thoroughly impressed by the maturity and eloquence of this lecture which was being delivered by a 6 year old child!

His Intelligence as a Child

A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was so gifted and intelligent that there was no need for him to study beyond the fourth Kitaab of his course under the tutorship of any of his teachers. He studied the remaining Kitaabs by himself and used to later ask his teachers to test him.

Once, his teacher asked him, "Mia! Are you a Jinn or a human being? It takes me much time to teach a lesson, but it does not take you much time to learn the same lesson." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) answered, "Praise be to Allah that I am a human."

When he was 8 years old, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wrote a Mas'ala concerning Fara'idh (Fards). When his father looked at the answer, he happily remarked, "If only some adult could answer in this manner."

At the age of 10, when he was studying the Kitaab, "I'lm-us- Thuboot," under the guidance of his father, he noticed a few objections and answers of his father on the side of the page. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) studied this book carefully and wrote such a well- explained footnote that even the need for an objection was ruled out. His father came across his research on that objection. He was so delighted that he stood up and held the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to his heart and said, "Ahmad Raza! You do not learn from me, but you teach me."

Professor Dr Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Head of Department: Urdu, Sindh University, Sindh (Pakistan) said: "Allamah Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan is among the outstanding scholars. His deep learning, intelligence, vision and acumen, surpassed that of great contemporary thinkers, professors, renowned scholars and orientalist. Indeed, there is hardly any branch of learning that is foreign to him."

Events of Childhood

At the age of 3, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was once standing outside the Raza Musjid in Bareilly Shareef. An "unknown" person, attired in an Arabian garb, approached him and spoke to him in the Arabic language. Those who were present and witnessed this incident heard the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) converse with the person in pure Arabic. They were surprised. The person who spoke to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was never seen again in Bareilly Shareef!

A Majzoob (one drowned in his love for Almighty Allah) by the name of Hadrat Basheeruddeen Sahib (radi Allahu anhu) used to live at the Akhoon Zada Musjid in Bareilly Shareef. He spoke harshly to anyone who visited him. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wished to meet this Majzoob. One night, at about 11 o'clock, he set off alone to meet him. He sat respectfully for about 15 minutes outside the Majzoob's house. After some time, the Majzoob became aware of him and asked, "Who are you to Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu)." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied that he was the grandson of Hadrat Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu).

The Majzoob immediately embraced him and took him into his little room. He asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) if he had come for any specific matter, but A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said that he had come to ask him to make Dua for him. On hearing this, the Majzoob, for approximately half an hour, made the following Dua: "May Allah have mercy on you, May Allah bless you."

IMAM AHMED RAZA'S JIHAD AGAINST THE INSULTERS OF SAYYIDUNA RASULULLAH

Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) spent much of his time also refuting those who insulted the dignity of the Holy Prophet . He left no stone unturned in safe-guarding the dignity and integrity of Holy Prophet , in spite of being personally attacked by the misguided. These personal attacks did not bother him in the least bit!

Allamah Abdul Hamid, Vice Chancellor of Al Jamia Al-Nizamiyya

(Hyderbad, India), said: "Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan was a Sword of Islam and a great commander for the cause of Islam. He may justifiably be called AN INVINCIBLE FORT THAT HELPED TO DEFEND THE BASIC TENETS AND IDEAS OF THE AHLE SUNNAH WAL JAMA'AT. It is on accord of his untiring efforts that due respect and regard for the Messenger of Allah, Holy Prophet Muhammad and other Sufis and Saints of Islam is still alive in the Muslim Society. His opponents had to mend their ways. No doubt he is the Imaam (Leader) of the Ahle Sunnah. His written and compiled works reflect immense depth and vision."

Justice Allamah Mufti Sayyid Shuja'at Ali Qadri (radi Allahu anhu), Shariah Court, Government of Pakistan (Islamabad), said: "He was pious like Ahmad bin Hambal and Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani. He had true acumen and insight of Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Abu Yusuf. He commanded the force of logic like Imam Razi and Imam Ghazzali, bold enough like Mujaddid Alf Thaani and Mansoor Hallaj to proclaim the truth. Indeed, he was intolerant to non-believers, kind and sympathetic to devotees, and the affectionates of the Holy Prophet ."

The adversaries of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) levelled many accusations and tried desperately in defending their Kufr statements. After much proofs, when it became absolutely clear to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) that certain misguided individuals were not prepared in withdrawing their Kufr statements and making Tauba, and in order to protect Islam, he passed Kufr Fatawas against those persons. We should remember that he passed the "Fatawa-e-Takfeer" (Kufr Fatawa) against those persons who insulted the status and dignity of Almighty Allah and His Rasool . He passed the Fatawa-e-Takfeer on persons such as Ashraf Ali Thanwi, Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi and Khalil Ahmad Ambetwi and others because, through their writings, it was evident that they had insulted the Holy Prophet .

We will quote some of the following blasphemous statements that were made by them:

In page 51 of "Baraahin Qatia", Khalil Ahmed Ambetwi says: "After looking at the condition of Satan and the Angel of Death, it can be gained that they possess a great depth of knowledge and this has been proven from Quran and Ahadith. To prove such knowledge for Fakhre Aalam (Muhammad ) without proof from the Quran and Ahadith, but from common sense, is a false thought. If, to do so is not a Shirk, then in which category of faith does it fall?"

In page 6 of "Hifzul Imaan", (Printed in Mazahirul Uloom), Ashraf Ali Thanvi says: "If Knowledge of the Unseen refers to partial knowledge, then what speciality is there in Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Such knowledge is possessed by Zaid and Amr (any Tom, Dick and Harry), every child, insane people and all types of animals."

In page 5 of "Tahzeerun Naas", (Published in Makhtaba Fayz Nazd Jami Masjid Deoband), Qasim Nanotwi says: "Prophets are superior to their followers only in Knowledge, but in good deeds, followers sometimes seem equal and occasionally even become superior to them."

In Part 2, page 12 of "Fatawa Rasheedia", (Published Makhtaba Rasheedia Jami Masjid Delhi), Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi says: "The word 'Rahmatul lil A'lameen' is not a speciality of Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). But other Prophets, Saints and great Ulema are also cause for mercy unto the worlds, even though Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the highest of them all. Therefore, to use this word on others, is also permissible."

If one examines the original books that were written by such persons, one will find other similar disrespectful statements found in their writings.

Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) cautiousness in declaring a person a Kaafir is to be noted in many of his books. In his book, "Subhaanus Subooh", he academically destroys the arguments of Molwi Ismail Dehlwi. Yet, at the end of the book, A'la Hadrat says, "The Ulema have not termed this individual as a Kaafir, therefore, one has to be careful."

Once again, refuting the arguments of Molwi Ismail Dehlwi and a few of his "infamous" followers in another book, "Al Kaukabatush Sha'haabiya", A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) says, "In our opinion (the opinion of Islam), to term a person a Kaafir and to control one's tongue is an act of extreme precaution and analysis."

In another treatise entitled, "Sallus Suyooful Hindiya", A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) states: "There is indeed a difference between accepting words of Kufr and branding a person a Kaafir. We have to be extremely careful. We have to remain silent. If there is the minutest possibility that he is still a Muslim, we should fear terming that person a Kaafir."

In his book, "Subhaanus Subooh", Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) says, "We do not give any comment on the Kufr of Molwi Ismail Dehlwi, simply because Sayyiduna Rasulullah has warned us against terming the Ahle Qibla as Kaafirs. (It is only possible) to term a person a Kaafir if his Kufr becomes clear as the sun and the minutest indication does not remain that he is a Muslim." (Tamheed-e-Imaan, pg. 42-43)

From the above statements, we clearly see how careful A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was, in terming a person a Kaafir. He was merely fulfilling his duty as a conscientious and responsible Muslim. The fault was indeed of those individuals, who even after being warned, remained steadfast in their own beliefs and words of Kufr.1 2 3

As we have already stated earlier, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) sent many of the blasphemous and insulting statements to the Ulema of Makkatul Mukarramah and Madinatul Munawwarah for clarification. They did not hesitate in passing the Fatawa of Kufr against such people who insulted Almighty Allah and the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

COMMENTS BY SUPPORTERS AND ADVERSARIES

Comments by the Noble Ulema of Makkatul Mukarramah

Ustaad Ulema-e-Haram, Allamah Sa'eedullah (radi Allahu anhu):

"My respected brother, who is striving in the path of Nabi , is a perfect teacher, in other words, Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). May Almighty Allah grant him great reward, and accept his endeavour, and may Almighty Allah build his respect into the hearts of the people of knowledge." Ameen.

Allamah Mufti Muhammad Saleh Kamal (radi Allahu anhu):

"The learned person on this earth, the sea of great knowledge, the coolness of the eyes of the Ulema-e-Haq, is Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). Salutations upon the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and all the spiritual guides, especially Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). May he always be protected." Ameen.

Aftaabul Uloom, Allamah Sheikh Ali bin Siddique Kamal (radi Allahu anhu):

"Our leader and bright star, the sharp blade on the throats of the Wahabis, our respected teacher, our famous leader, is Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). May Almighty Allah grant him tranquillity and keep him victorious over his opposition." Ameen.

Comments by the Noble Ulema of Madinatul Munawwarah

Mufti Taaj'udDeen Ilyaas Hanafi (radi Allahu anhu):

"That famous and professional Aalim, Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) is from amongst the Ulema-e-Hind. May Almighty Allah grant him great reward and success. May Almighty Allah grant him Barkah in his life and destroy all those false sects through his blessing." Ameen.

Sheikh Malikiya, Allamah Sayed Ahmad Juz'iri (radi Allahu anhu) :

"May Almighty Allah brighten up the lives of the Muslims through (the Sadaqa of) Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). May Almighty Allah increase his age and allow all his future generations to be amongst the Ahle Jannah." Ameen.

Allamah Khaleel bin Ebrahim Kharbooti (radi Allahu anhu):

"May Almighty Allah grant the Muslims benefit forever through the blessings of this Kaamil Faadhil, Allamah Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). O Allah! Give glad tidings to Islam and Muslims." Ameen.

Allamah Mawlana Umar bin Hamdaan (radi Allahu anhu):

"Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) is that great Aalim, great philosopher and such a great researcher that his research baffles the mind. May Almighty Allah protect him and always keep him pleased." Ameen.

Comments by the Noble Ulema of the Indo-Pak Sub-continent

Sayyiduna Shah Aale Rasool (radi Allahu anhu):

"On the day of Qiyamah, when Almighty Allah asks me concerning what I had brought for Him from earth, then I will present Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu)."

Hadrat Sayed Shah Abul Husain Ahmad Noori (radi Allahu anhu):

"A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) is the brightness and the torch of the Khandaan-e-Barakaati."

Hadrat Allamah Ali Hussain Kichauchawi (radi Allahu anhu):

"My path of Shariah and Tariqah is that which is the path of Huzoor Purnoor, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)."

Hadrat Maulana Mu'eenuddeen Sahib (radi Allahu anhu):

"Phira hoo me us gali se Nuzhat ho jis me gumra sheikh o kaazi

Raza e Ahmad Usi me samjunga muj se Ahmad Raza ho Raazi."

Allamah Naee'muddeen Muradabadi (radi Allahu anhu):

"The expertise that Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) possessed in Fiqh was such that great Ulema of the East and West were humbled before him."

Imam Ahmed Raza in the Eyes of Others

Justice Mufti Sayyid Shujaat Ali Qadri (radi Allahu anhu), Shariah Court, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad (Pakistan):

"A'la Hadrat's appearance is such a commanding stature in terms of knowledge and action that every man of letters considers it an honour and pride to write about him. This worthless man also has the honour of opportunity and has contributed some write-ups and articles of A'la Hadrat. My first compilation in Arabic, entitled 'Mujaddid-al-Mata' has been published and distributed the world over, and this practice is going on regularly and steadily.

"All the men of letters know that A'la Hadrat was born in such a period when the Muslim Ummah was being threatened by different Fitnah (sedition) from all sides. Among all the prevalent sedition, the most dangerous and harmful was one which meant to infect non-Muslim elements in the beliefs of the Ahle Sunnat.

"A'la Hazrat performed incomparable services to safeguard the beliefs of the Ahle Sunnat. He wrote several books for the rejection of Shirk (Polytheism) and for the dissuasion from the Bid'ats (innovations in Deen causing divergences). He safe-guarded the status of Nabuwat (Prophethood), Sahabiyat (Companionship), Ahle Bait (the Members of the Prophet's family) and Wilayat (the Friendship with Allah the Magnificent). He published crushing and silencing articles against the criticism brought forward by the atheists, heretics and apostates against the revered Mystics of Islam and Islamic Mysticism.

As far as my study is concerned, A'la Hazrat always had good opinion about all the Muslims, and took all Muslims as Muslims, did not scratch and touch the people's beliefs, and did never scold unreasonably or speak rubbish to others. However, if someone committed any mistake in writing or speech, he invited him repeatedly to the Truth. This is the method which is called the good conduct of the Holy Prophet ( ). May Allah the Magnificent favour us through the benevolence of the Ahl-Ullah (Friends of Allah)."

Ziya-ul Mashaa'ikh, Allamah Muhammad Ibrahim Farooqi Mujad'didi [Afghanistan] (radi Allahu anhu):

"No doubt that Mufti Ahmed Raza Khan Bareilvi was a great scholar. He had the insight in the norms of Muslim conduct and behaviour and stages of spiritual transcendentalism (Tariqah). His competence as regard to exposition and explanation of the Islamic thought; his approach to the inner knowledge deserves high praise, and his contribution in Islamic Jurisprudence will always be remembered in respect of their relevance to the basic principles of Ahle Sunnah Wal Jama'at. Finally, it is not an exaggeration to state that his research works shall always serve as a beacon light for those who traverse this faith.

Professor Muhammad Rafi'ullah Siddique, Director of College Education, Hyderabad, Region - Hyderabaad (India):

"Let the thought of recollecting minds recall the circumstances of Muslims in 1912 when Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan appealed to the Ummah to control conspicuous consumption and save money to use for productive purposes. Now, everywhere the governments are emphasising the need for austerity to solve the multifarious economic problems. Will the men of vision not realise the far sightedness of the late A'la Hadrat Barelvi? J.M. Keynes was awarded the highest title for the same proposition and exposition which Mawlana Barelvi had disclosed at least 24 years before him. Alas! Muslims did not pay heed to his advice.

Professor Preshan Khattak, (Former Chairman) Pakistan Academy of Letters, Government of Pakistan:

"Imam Ahmed Raza's personality needs no introduction to Muslims of the Indo-Pakistan. Such a rare encyclopedic person is born after a long awaiting period. He served as a search- light for his own people and proved a strong rock for the powers of persecution and cruelty. Nobody can doubt his knowledge and greatness. The Holy Prophet ( ) has declared academic differences as sources of blessing and goodness for the evolution of the Deen of Islam and civilisation. This has opened new vistas of thinking and has helped in creating more vastness and comprehension in the Deen of Islam in order to cope with the need of the changing time. Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi has completed an important role for the evolution of the Islamic thinking in the Sub- Continent. It is not easy to present and interpret Islamic teachings in the present age without making use of his writings and views."

Professor Dr Ayub Razvi, Head of Department Urdu, Urdu College, Pakistan, Karachi:

"The learned Mawlana Ahmad Raza Khan (1856-1921) was a famous scholar, Jurist, Mathematician, Writer and Genius. He had special insight in Mathematics. There is no parallel to his expertise in Jurisprudence."

Dr Ilahi Bakhsh Ali Awan, Peshawar (Pakistan):

"Various aspects of his personality are very impressive and valuable. His real contributions in different fields are so comprehensive and exhaustive that men of thought and vision find it difficult to pin point the most attractive and impressive aspect of his intellectual personality which is so vast in every direction that sight is lost in wilderness."

Dr Muhammad Tahir Malik, Chairman, Department of Islamic Learning, University of Karachi (Pakistan):

"After a thorough study of many books and treatises of Imam Ahmed Raza, I have concluded that he gives much importance to the teacher, book, paper and school, etc. in the articles allied to Education. In our present day education system, a teacher is no more estimated than a salaried servant, and the book is regarded as a collection of letters and works. From our teaching institutions, the respect of the book and teacher has faded away. This is why the restrictions of a teacher and pupil have been reduced to nothing at our schools, colleges and universities.

"Today, to ignore or to forget the books of knowledge, gifted by theses teachers has become a common practice. One sees often the pupils dancing for pleasure on the teachers promenade and playing with their turbans. Why is this? The answer outlined by Mawlana Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi is that our ideology of education is lacking in high and sacred values. The Imaam Sahib says, 'Keep in vies (striving) the bonds of your teachers. If respect is given to the paper, the book and the school, this undesirable situation can not happen'."

Dr Ghulam Yahya Anjum, Department of Comparative Religions, Hamdard University, New Delhi:

"Imam Ahmed Raza Khan is an outstanding personality among 20th century renowned scholars of Islam. Very few can claim his eminence because if someone has some similarity with him in certain particular fields, he lacks significant achievement in some other field in which Imam Ahmed Raza is leading."

Dr Hassan Raza Khan Azami, Patna:

"A study of the 'Fatawa Razvi' (Judicial Opinions) of A'la Hadrat, has revealed his multi-dimensional personality to me.

1. As a Jurist his discussion reflects his reach of imagination, deep insight, wisdom, sagacity and unparallel scholarly talent.

2. I found him a great historian, that goes on quoting numerous historical references to support his view point in the matter under consideration.

3. He appears to be an expert in Arabic grammar and diction alongside being an inspiring Naatia poet.

4. He is observed as a great scholar of Ahadith, when he mentions logical interpretation of the Ahadith that he quotes.

5. After a deep study of his works, one finds in him not only a renowned Jurist, a great Logistician but also an outstanding Physicist, Astronomer, Mathematician, Philosopher, Philologist and Geographer whose expertise covers the minutest of details of the subject."

Professor Wasim Barelvi, Rohailkand University, Bareilly, U.P

(Dawn, Karachi, May 13 1992):

Indian poet, Wasim Barelvi, speaking at a function in his honour on Monday night, emphasised the need for fresh research on Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi and other Muslim scholars of the Sub-Continent, particularly those from Bareilly.

Eulogising Allamah Ahmed Raza Khan, Professor said that his services as a pioneer of a religious school is known to everybody, but his achievements as a writer have not yet been properly highlighted.

He said that a research work on Allamah Ahmed Raza Khan compiled in Rohailkand under his supervision has made revelations regarding the writings of Allamah Barelvi. This research work is likely to challenge the history of Urdu prose as it proves that Allamah Barelvi should be counted as one of the pioneers of Urdu prose, and as one of the great writers who spread modern thought in the Sub-Continent."

Justice Naeemud'deen, Supreme Court of Pakistan:

"Imam Ahmad Raza's grand personality, a representation of our most esteem ancestors, is history making, and a history uni-central in his self.

"You may estimate his high status from the fact that he spent all his lifetime in expressing the praise of the great and auspicious Holy Prophet , in defending his veneration, in delivering speeches regarding his unique conduct, and in promoting and spreading the Law of Shariah which was revealed upon him for the entire humanity of all times. His renowned name is 'Muhammad' (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the Prophet of Almighty Allah.

"The valuable books written by a encyclopedic scholar like Imam Ahmed Raza, in my view, are the lamps of light which will keep enlightened and radiant the hearts and minds of the men of knowledge and insight for a long time."

Dr Barbara D. Metcalf, Department of History, Barkley University, United States of America:

"He was outstanding from the very beginning on account of his extraordinary intelligence. He enjoyed a divine gift of deep insight in Mathematics. It is said that he solved a mathematical problem for Dr Ziaud'deen for which the learned Mathematician was intending to visit Germany. Ahmed Raza himself was a towering figure, revered for his extra-ordinary memory, mental agility, and intellectual capacity, and honoured as a Mujaddid and a Shaikh. Guarded in his relation to the British Government, he sought above all to guard what he saw as correct practice and make religion vital in the personal life of Muslims of his day."

The Poet, Doctor Iqbal:

"I have carefully studied the decrees of Imam Ahmed Raza and thereby formed this opinion; and his Fatawa bear testimony to his acumen, intellectual calibre, the quality of his creative thinking, his excellent jurisdiction and his ocean-like Islamic knowledge. Once Imam Ahmed Raza forms an opinion he stays firm on it; he expresses his opinion after a sober reflection. Therefore, the need never arises to withdraw any of his religious decrees and judgements. With all this, by nature he was hot tempered, and if this was not in the way, then Shah Ahmed Raza would have been the Imam Abu hanifa of his age." (Arafat, 1970, Lahore) In another place he says, "Such a genius and intelligent jurist did not emerge."

Abul Ula Maudoodi:

"I have great respect in my heart for the knowledge and status of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He has great foresight over the knowledge of Deen and even his opposition are forced to accept this fact."

Ashraf Ali Thanwi:

"I have great respect in my heart for Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He calls us Kaafirs, but he says this only on the basis for his love for the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and not out of any other reason."

Muee'nuddeen Nadwi:

"The late Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) in this present time was "The Person of Knowledge". His every Fatawa, be it in support or refutal of anyone, is worthy of being studied."

HIS PASSING AWAY

Imam Ahmed Raza's Final Advise before his passing; Wisaal of Imam Ahmed Raza; Mazaar Shareef

Imam Ahmed Raza's Final Advice before his Passing Away

1. Nothing with photos of living objects should be near me when my Ruh (Soul) leaves.

2. Recite Sura Yaseen and Sura Ra'ad beside me.

3. Recite Durood in abundance.

4. Keep those who are weeping away from me.

5. Give my Ghusl according to the Sunnah.

6. Either Mawlana Haamid Raza or Allamah Amjad Ali should perform my Janaza Salaah. (radi Allahu anhum)

7. Do not delay my Janazah.

8. When taking my Janazah, recite "Kaabe ke Badru Duja". (naat/qasidah)

9. Do not read anything in my praise.

10. Place me softly in the grave.

12. My grave should be dug according to my height.

13. My Kafan (shroud) should be according to the Sunnah.

14. The food of my Fatiha must be given to the poor.

15. Haamid Raza must give a fair share of everything to Chothe Mia (Huzoor Mufti Azam Hind Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (rahmatullahalai). If not, my soul will be displeased. (radi Allahu anhum)

16. All of you must remain steadfast on Deen. Do not leave the path of Shariah. Stay on the Deen on which I was.

Wisaal of Imam Ahmed Raza

The brightly shining sun of Bareilly Shareef, The Coolness of the Eyes of the Ulema, The Mujaddid of the Century, The Imam Abu Hanifa of his time, The Ghousul Azam of his time, The Sweet-scented Rose from the Fragrant Garden of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) left this mundane world on Friday, the 25th of Safar 1340 A.H. (28 October 1921) at 2.38 p.m.. It was the exact time of the Jummah Azaan.

The date of the Wisaal of Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was actually deduced by himself from the Holy Quran four months and twenty days prior to his passing away: "And there shall be passed around them silver vessels and goblets." (76:15)

At the time of the demise of Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), a certain Saint of Syria, dreamt of the Holy Prophet Muhammad while he was in the Baitul Mukaddas. In his dream, the Saint saw many Sahaba-Ikraam (radi Allahu anhum ajma'in) seated around the Holy Prophet ( ). All of them seemed to be waiting for someone. The Saint says that, in his dream, he asked, "Ya Rasoolallah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)! Whose presence is being awaited?" The Holy Prophet replied, "Ahmed Raza Khan." The blessed Saint then asked, "Who is Ahmed Raza Khan?" The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) answered, "An Aalim from Bareilly."

When this Saint awoke, he immediately journeyed from Syria to Bareilly Shareef to meet A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), but to his dismay, he learnt that A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) had already departed from this world.

Once, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) personally said: "THE TIME OF DEMISE IS CLOSE AND INDIA IS INDIA. BUT, I DO NOT EVEN FEEL LIKE PASSING AWAY IN MAKKAH. MY DESIRE IS THIS, THAT I SHOULD PASS AWAY WITH IMAAN IN MADINATUL MUNAW'WARA AND THEN BE BURIED WITH KINDNESS IN JANNATUL BAQI. ALMIGHTY ALLAH IS MOST POWERFUL."

Mazaar Shareef

The Mazaar Shareef (Blessed Tomb) of Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) is situated in the Mohalla Saudagran, Bareilly Shareef in India (U.P.). Each year, in the month of Safar, during the Urs Shareef of Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), hundreds of thousands of Muslims from all over the world present themselves in Bareilly Shareef to partake in the Urs Shareef of the Mujaddid of Islam, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu).

May Almighty Allah shower his choicest blessings upon the Mazaar-e-Anwaar of this great Saint of Islam.

IMAM AHMED RAZA'S MUREEDS AND KHULAFA

There were many Mureeds (Disciples) and Khulafa (Spiritually Successors) of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu). They have spreaded far and wide over the Indo-Pak and also in all parts of the world. Nearly 35 are in the other parts of the world and 30 in Indo-Pak Sub-Continent. These are the leading ones:

1. Hujjatul Islam, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Muhammad Haamid Raza Khan Noori Barakaati (radi Allahu anhu),

2. Ghousul-Waqt, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Hadrat Mawlana Mustapha Raza Khan Noori Barakaati (radi Allahu anhu),

3. Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Abdus Salaam Jabalpuri (radi Allahu anhu),

4. Sadrul-Afaadil, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Na'eemuddeen Muraadabadi (radi Allahu anhu),

5. Malikul Ulema, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Sayyid Zafar'uddeen Bihaari (radi Allahu anhu),

6. Mubbalig-e-Azam, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddique (radi Allahu anhu),

7. Sadrus Shariah, Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Mufti Amjad Ali (radi Allahu anhu),

8. Qutbul Madinatul Munawwara, Hadrat Allamah Sheikh Zia'uddeen Ahmed Al Madani (radi Allahu anhu),

9. Burhaan-e-Millat, Hadrat Allamah Burhaanul Haq (radi Allahu anhu),

10. Hadrat Allamah Mawlana Mukhtar Ahmad Siddiqi Meerati (radi Allahu anhu),

11. Sheikh Muhammad Abd al-Hayy (radi Allahu anhu),

12. Sheikh Ahmad Khalil (radi Allahu anhu),

13. Sheikh Ahmad Khudravi (radi Allahu anhu),

14. Sheikh Muhammad bin Abi Bakr (radi Allahu anhu),

15. Sheikh Muhammad Sa'id (radi Allahu anhu),

16. Hadrat Mawlana Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf (radi Allahu anhu), &

17. Hadrat Mawlana Shah Sulayman Ashraf (radi Allahu anhu)

The Khulafa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) need no introduction to the Muslim World. Their impact, influence and contribution towards the development of Islamic Culture and Islamic thinking have left its mark in the pages of history. For the sake of attaining blessings and Barakah, we will discuss, very briefly, the lives of three of the famous Khulafa of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu).

Sadrush Shariat, Hadrat Allamah Amjad Ali Razvi (radi Allahu anhu): He was born in 1296 A.H. and passed away in 1367 A.H. at the age of 71 years. He is author of the internationally renowned book, "Bahare Shariat", which is in 18 volumes. This book contains a volume of information dealing with the Hanafi Law of Fiqh and answers all the questions pertaining to it. It is presently a "Handbook" of all Muslim institutions.

This Khalifa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was one of the Head Advisers of the Department of Islamic Deeniyat at the Aligarh Muslim University. Moulvi Sulaiman Nadwi (a non-Sunni) said the following words concerning Allamah Sadrush Shariat (radi Allahu anhu), "Mawlana Amjad Ali is totally experienced in the field of teaching and he is well-versed in solving the new needs of the classroom."

Hadrat Allamah Amjad Ali (radi Allahu anhu) also propagated Islam to the non-Muslims. He spent much of his time teaching.

Once in Ajmer Shareef, a very critical problem arose among the Muslims which threatened to destroy the Imaan of the innocent Muslims. The Hindu Rajput of India began introducing many new beliefs and false innovations to such an extent that those who were illiterate began following many traditions introduced by the Hindu Rajput. When Allamah Sadrush Shariat (radi Allahu anhu) heard of this, he immediately went to Ajmer Shareef with few of his students. He began teaching and making the Muslims aware of the polytheism and false innovations that they were following. Through his hard efforts, the Imaan of many Muslims were saved and many non-Muslims also accepted Islam.

He was blessed with 8 sons and each one of them became great Aalims. His 2 daughters became Aalimas. One of his sons, Muhaddith-e-Kabeer, Hadrat Allamah Zia-ul-Mustapha Qadri and, another, Allamah Baha-ul-Mustapha Qadri are teachers today at their respective Darul Ulooms in India.

Allamah Sheikh Zia'uddeen Al Madani (radi Allahu anhu): He was one of the most famous Khulafa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) who lived in Madinatul Munawwara. Before coming to Madinatul Munawwara he lived for some time in Baghdad Shareef. Allamah Zia'uddeen Madani (radi Allahu anhu) arrived in Madinatul Munawwara in the year 1327 A.H. Here, he made Nikah to a pious lady from a Sayed family.

He was a great Aalim, Sufi and Wali of his time. He hailed from a very illustrious family. His father was the famous Allamah Abdul Hakim Siyalkoti (radi Allahu anhu), a powerful Islamic Scholar of his time, who gave the title of "Mujaddid-e-Alf Thaani" to Imam Rabbani, Imam Ahmed Sarhindi Faruqi (radi Allahu anhu), the Mujaddid of the 11th Islamic Century.

With the exception of being the Khalifa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), he also gained Khilafat from various other Akaabireen (Great Ulema). Some of them are: Hadrat Allamah Sheikh Ahmad Shams Maghribi, Sheikh Mahmoodul Maghribi, Mawlana Abdul Baaqi Farangi, and Allamah Abu Yusuf Nibhaani (radi Allahu Ta'ala anhum ajma'in).

He was a great Sheikh-e-Tariqat of his time. He spent day and night giving advice and guidance to the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He is well-known for his piety and steadfastness in Islam in Damascus, Iraq, Egypt, India, Pakistan, South Africa and many other countries. Allamah Zia'uddeen Madani (radi Allahu anhu) also had many Khulafa and Mureeds throughout the world.

He left this mundane world on the 12th of August 1981 in the city of Madinatul Munawwara. His son, Hadrat Allamah Fadhl-ur Rahmaan Al Madani, is presently living in Madinatul Munawwarah and is following closely in the footsteps of his illustrious father.

Allamah Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi Meerati (radi Allahu anhu): He was born in the year 1892 and passed away in the year 1954 at the age of 62. He was amongst the most famous Khulafa of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu).

His Eminence, Hadrat Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi (radi Allahu anhu) was an Islamic Scholar and a holder of a B.A. degree from the University of Meerat (India). He spoke Arabic, Urdu, Persian, English, French, Indonesian, Malaysian and Japanese languages fluently.

In 1951, he toured the world preaching and propagating Islam. He visited America, London, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Europe, Southern Africa, Trinidad, Philippines, Iraq, Holland, Thailand, Ceylon, France, and many other countries.

As a result of his efforts, thousands of non-Muslims accepted Islam. Princess Gladys Palmer of Burinia, Merwate Tifinch, the French Governor of Mauritius, Mahifl Donawa, a Minister of Trinidad and Mr F. Gengson, the Christian Minister of Ceylon, were some of the famous personalities who accepted Islam after meeting him.

His Eminence was also responsible for establishing various Masaajids and Islamic Educational Centres throughout the world. Three of the famous Masaajids are the Hanafi Masjid in Colombo, the Sultaan Masjid in Singapore and the Naagarya Masjid in Japan.

He was also the founder of various newspapers and Islamic magazines from amongst which are, "The Muslim Digest" (South Africa), "Trinidad Muslim Annual" and the "Pakistani News".

During his tour of the world, he met with various western dignitaries and had lengthy discussions with them on Islam. He met the world renowned Irish dramatist and Philosopher, George Bernard Shaw, on 17th of April 1935 during his visit to Mombassa and discussed many religious problems with him. He was very much impressed by Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi (radi Allahu anhu) and said, "I have been very pleased to make the acquaintance, and it will be the most precious of all memories of this trip of mine."

His Eminence passed away in Madinatul Munawwara in 1954 and is buried in Jannatul Baqi.

Professor Dr Sayyid Jamaalud'deen, Director Zaakir Hussain Institute of Islamic Studies and Jaamia Millia, New Delhi, India, said: "Ahmad Raza Khan wrote over a thousand books and booklets which influenced many. He founded a Darul Uloom called Manzarul Islam in 1904 which was able to draw students from different regions in India.

His views were sought on a wide variety of social, religious and political affairs, and he proved guidance to many, including those from established Khanqahs. Many of his Disciples and Khalifas later founded madressas which soon developed into important spiritual centres.

Some took up teaching, such as Mawlana Sulaiman Ashraf, who headed the Theology Department of the M.A.O. College, Aligarh, while others swelled their ranks of the Pesh Imams in the Mosques."

A FEW ENDORSEMENTS OF THE ULEMA-E-HARAMAIN SHARIFAIN

First Taqreez

"All Praise is due to Allah, the Master of the Worlds, Who has made the Ulema-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi ( ) the freshness of this world. By manifesting truth and guidance, and filling cities and heights, and by siding the religion of Sayyidul Mursaleen (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) they saved the society of Huzoor (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) from violation and (with their bright proofs) they destroyed the heresy of those who were misled.

"After sending praise and salutations, I have seen that which that learned person and professional teacher has purely written. It is a struggle on behalf of the religion of Muhammad ( ). In other words, my brother and my respected Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), who in his book, "Al Mu'tamadul Mustanad" has refuted the evil leaders of the false sects and false beliefs. Such people are worse than all evil, wicked and seditious people. Our author, in his book, has summarised and stated the names of those wrongdoers, who due to their wrong doings, are soon to become the worst and the lowest amongst the infidels.

"May Almighty Allah grant him (Imam Ahmed Raza) great reward for unveiling the wickedness and wrongness. May Allah accept his efforts and place his most high honour into the hearts of all people."

He has said this with his tongue and his writing has given an order. He is hopeful in gaining all he wishes from his Creator.

MUHAMMAD SAEED BIN BAABSEEL - MUFTI OF THE SHAFI'I ORDER IN MAKKAH (radi Allahu anhu)

Second Taqreez

"All Praise is for Allah Who is One. After Praise, I have heard of this bright and evident book. I have realised that our leader and most learned sea of great wisdom, Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) has made obvious the wrongs of those who have come out of Deen, those who walk on the path of the infidels and the wicked ones, in his book "Al Mu'tamadul Mustanad." From among their corrupt beliefs, not one of them did he leave un-examined.

"O! Readers, it is essential for you to hold on to this Kitaab which it's author has written with great swiftness. You will find in this book bright and evident proof in refutal of these groups. Especially those individuals who intend to undo the objective which is already bound. Who are these individuals who are known as Wahabis? From amongst them is "Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani" who has claimed Prophethood, and the other ones who have come out of Deen and insulted the dignity of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) are Qasim Nanotwi, Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi, Khalil Ahmad Ambetwi and Ashraf Ali Thanwi and all those who follow their ways.

"Almighty Allah grant Imam Ahmed Raza Khan great reward for he has given cure and has answered his decree which is in his book, "Al Mu'tamadul Mustanad", in which are also the decrees of the Ulema of Makkah and Madina. Due to the corruption and trouble, it has become necessary for them as they (the misguided) are spreading corruption on this earth. They and all those on their path.

"May Almighty Allah execute them where they behave arrogantly. May Allah give Imam Ahmed Raza glad tidings and shower His blessings upon him and his children amongst those who will speak truthfully until Qiyamah. Ameen."

One in need of forgiveness from his Powerful Creator.

MUHAMMAD BIN ABDUS SALAAM DAGHISTANI - MUFTI MADINATUL MUNAWWARA (radi Allahu anhu)

Third Taqreez

"All Praise is due to Almighty Allah Who has shown the path to those whom He has guided and with His Justice, misguided him who he has left, and granted the Believers an easy path to gain advice. He has opened their hearts to bring faith in Almighty Allah and bear witness with their tongues and keep sincerity with their hearts and follow that which Allah and His Books have shown.

"Peace and Salutations upon him whom Allah has sent as a mercy unto the worlds, and upon him sent down His Clear Kitaab in which is the bright explanation of everything and to terminate the wrongness of the disbelievers. This Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), whose proof and arguments are clear, has made it obvious from his practices. Salutations upon his family for they are guides, and upon his Companions who have made the Deen firm and beneficent, and upon their followers until Qiyamah, especially, the four A'ima-e-Mujtahideen and those Muslims who are their followers.

"After Praise and Salutations, I put my sight on the book of a learned person on this earth. He has widened the path of knowledge and, in it (the book) made obvious every interpretation and utterance in his clearly convincing and sufficient arguments. He is Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) on whose name is "Al Mu'tamadul Mustanad."

"May Almighty Allah protect his life and always keep him happy. Now, that which is in refutal of those people, cursed and evil Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, who is the Dajjal Khazzab of the last decade. Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi and Khalil Ambetwi and Ashraf Ali Thanwi, degrading and insulting Nabi.

THEN, IT IS NO DOUBT THAT THEY ARE KAAFIRS AND THOSE WHO HAVE THE POWER TO EXECUTE THEM, THEN IT IS NECESSARY FOR THEM TO DO SO, TO GIVE THEM THE DEATH SENTENCE."

This has been said by the servant of Allah

MUHAMMAD BIN HAMDAAN MAHSARI- SERVANT AT MUSJID-E-NABAWI (radi Allahu anhu)

10. REFERENCES

A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) by Abdun Na'eem Azeezi
Al Kaukabatush Shahabiya by A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)
Al Malfooz - by Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu anhu)
Al Mujad'did Ahmad Raza by Allamah Yaseen Akhtar
Ash Shah Ahmad Raza Barelvi by Mufti Ghulam Sarwar Qadri 6. Chaudwi Sadi ke Mujad'dide Azam by Allamah Zafruddeen Bihari (radi Allahu anhu)
Hisaamul Haramain by A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu)
Imam Ahmad Raza aur Alam-e-Islam by Professor Mas'ud Ahmad
Imam Ahmed Raza Kaun, by Moulana Mubeen-ul-Hudda Noorani
Imam Ahmad Raza Reflections & Impressions, by Prof. Dr Muhammad Masud Ahmed M.A. PH.D. - Courtesy of Idara-i- Tahqeeqat-e-Imam Ahmed Raza (Regd.), Karachi, Pakistan
Imam-e-Naath Goyaa by Allamah Akhtarul Haamidi
Karamaat-e-A'la Hadrat by Iqbal Ahmad Razvi
Shah Ahmed Rida Khan - The "Neglected Genius of the East" by Professor Muhammad Ma'sud Ahmad M.A. P.H.D. - Courtesy of "The Muslim Digest", May/June, 1985, pp. 223-230
Tajaliyaat-e-Imam Ahmad Raza by Qari Amaanat Rasool Razvi
The Message International, Published by World Islamic Mission, Vol.1 No. 6, October 1986

Footnotes

There is no doubt that Imam Ahmed Raza (radhiAllahanhu) passed such a fatwa [of kufr] on Gangohi, Abethvi and Thanvi. These quotes explain his carefulness when giving such fatwas and highlight the fact that he did not pass such a fatwa lightly. First he made writings refuting and exposing the statements of disrespect made by the above mentioned people.

When they refused to retract their words, he passed the fatwa on them. If I am correct in my dates, Molwi Ismail Dehlvi passed away many years before Imam Ahmed Raza Khan's (radhiAllahanu) time.

Therefore, although Imam Ahmed Raza wrote in his book refuting the writing of Ismail Dehlvi that some of Dehlvi's writings were of kufr, he did not pass kufr fatwa on the Ismail Dehlvi because Dehlvi was deceased and Dehlvi could obviously not write some defense or explanation of himself.

Therefore, Imam Ahmed Raza did not pass a fatwa of kufr on Ismail Dehlvi, he only wrote that the writing of Dehlvi had statements of kufr. On the other hand, Gangohi, Ambethvi and Thanvi were alive during the time of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan and were given the opportunity to retract their words, but they did not retract their words.

In the post where it says that Imam Ahmed Raza was careful when giving such fatwa is to dispel the misconception given by Deobandis of today that Imam Ahmed Raza loved to give a fatwa of kufr on "everyone."

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Qadiri
As aScientist[Mathematician, Physicist, Economist, Astronomer]

As a Mathematician :: As an Astronomer :: As a Scientist As an Economis

t

As a Mathematician:
Professor Zia Aldin was the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh University and Sayyid Sulayman Ashraf was Professor of Islamic Studies. Prof. Zia Aldin was a noted Mathematician of India. Once he got confused over a question of mathematics. The question was so complicated that despite all efforts, it remained unsolved. Insofar as, Prof. Zia Aldin made up his mind to go to Germany in order to consult his German counterparts. Meanwhile, Prof. Sulayman Ashraf advised him to approach Alahazrat at Bareilly on this issue. Prof. Zia Aldin raised certain queries about Alahazrat. On being told that Alahazrat was Mawlavi, he paid no heed and began to make all arrangements for his trip to Germany. However Prof. Sulayman Ashraf did not change his stand and went on insisting that he should visit Bareilly. Upon this, Prof. Zia Aldin said: "I admit what you say. I admit that he is a great man. But it is not a question of Islamic science; it is a question of mathematics. What has a Mawlawi to do with mathematics? What a deriding it is to go to him for such a question which is a gordian knot even for mathematicians". (For more details, please refer to "Hayat-e-Alahazrat" by Mawlana Zafar Aldin Bihari). Even so Prof. Sulayman Ashraf did not retract at all and argued: "As compared to Germany, Bareilly is at an arm's length and direct train is there. What ails you if you go there first for my sake? If you get satisfaction, all well. If not, you are at liberty to proceed to Germany or anywhere you like". Then, Prof. Zia Aldin said: "If you so insist, let me see Alahazrat".

Finally both gentlemen reached Bareilly and met Alahazrat. Alahazrat was running somewhat indisposed. However, Alahazrat asked Prof. Zia Aldin: "What brings you here?" "In connection with a question of mathematics", he replied. "What is that", Alahazrat asked. Prof. Zia Aldin said: "The question is not so easy. I shall tell you when you are at ease", "Even so, what is that?" Alahazrat remarked. Prof. Zia Aldin then went on putting up his lengthy and uphill question. By the time the question was finished, Alahazrat replied forthwith: "Its answer is such and such". Hearing the answer at such a slip shod, Prof. Zia Aldin was all-agape. He was overwhelmed with the charisma of Alahazrat talent. He said: "I heard of Ilm-e-Ladunni (inspired knowledge), but today I have seen it with my own eyes. Glorious mathematicians are vainglorious. The real genius is Alahazrat who took no time to solve an insoluble question for which I have been languishing since long". Prof. Zia Aldin, thus, took sigh of relief and thanked Prof. Sulayman Ashraf for his kind and fruitful guidance.
Ala Hazrat as an Astronomer:
Thrilling news appeared in the English daily "Express" of the 18th October 1919 published from Bankipur, Patna (Bihar). It was regarding a unique and dreadful forecast made by Prof. Albert of USA, who happened to be an astronomer and mathematician of international repute. Its gist was as under:
"On 17th December, 1919, six planets which are most powerful viz. Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn and Neptune will be in conjunction and the Sun will come in opposite direction of these planets. These planets will fetch the Sun towards them with all their gravity. The result will be that the magnetic properties of these planets will pierce into the Sun and it will inflict hole into the sun, which will be in the shape of a big dagger. And, such a stain on the sun will be visible which everybody would see on the 17 th December 1919 with naked eyes. Prof. Albert further predicted that conjunction of such planets, which was not witnessed for the last twenty centuries, would cause disorder in the air and it would bring about big storms, terrible rains and powerful earthquakes. The earth will return to its normal position after several weeks".
The news spread like wild fire. Panic gripped the whole world. Some of the Muslims fell prey to it as well. Mawlana Zafaruddin of Bihar, a disciple and caliph of Alahazrat apprised Alahazrat of such forecast of Prof. Albert. Thereupon, Alahazrat wrote an article belying the forecast tooth and nail brandishing it as baseless and bogus, which was published in the monthly "Al Raza" of Bareilly. This contradictory article too gained equal publicity. Alahazrat was challenging Prof. Albert. A Mawlawi was challenging an astronomer. An Indian was challenging an American. It was towards the middle of November and the people were waiting impatiently for 17 th December. In order to allay the fear on the part of his Muslim brethren, Alahazrat rose to the occasion and chose to get his article published. Alahazrat consoled the frightened Muslims and advised them:

"Muslims, be afraid of Allah. Don't be afraid of Albert. His forecast is false and baseless. It is neither desirable nor permissible for you to pay any heed to it". Interestingly enough, Alahazrat gave as many as seventeen arguments to disprove the said forecast. The arguments advanced by Alahazrat are astronomical and technical. Men of common understanding cannot understand. So, it is of no use to reproduce them in full. However, those who can and those who wish to make a deep study of these arguments, may please go through the booklet " Prof. Albert F. Porta Ki Peshin Goi Ka Rad" published from Maktaba Gharib Nawaz, Allahabad.
However, to present something for a common man, I would like to point out that Alahazrat argued vehemently that the very basis of such forecast was wrong. The forecast was based on the principle that the "sun is stationary and the earth moves around the sun". In the light of the Holy Quran, Alahazrat declared: "The sun and moon do move according to their course. They are sailing within a circle. It is earth (not sun) that is stationary around which the sun and other planets revolve".
According to the working of Prof. Albert, the mutual distance of six planets as on 17th December 1919, worked out to 26 degree, whereas Alahazrat presented a detailed chart depicting the real position of such planets as on 17 th December, according to which, such mutual distance worked out to 112 degree. There was such a lot of difference between the two.
Prof. Albert gave all the weigh to Law of Gravitation. Confuting it, Alahazrat argued that the said conjunction did not conform with the Law of Gravitation as well. Either of the two shall have to be discarded then. Have all the planets made a pact to attack the sun alone? Why will they not attack each other, Alahazrat quipped? If the Law of Gravitation is correct, it is bound to affect all ¨C more effect upon what is nearer and sharper effect upon what is weaker. When the attack of six planets can cause such an injury to the sun, then why the Saturn could not be destroyed by the gravity of the remaining five planets, especially when the Saturn is smaller than Sun by thousand times, Alahazrat asked.
Mars is smaller than Saturn. Mercury is the smallest of all. So in this way, these are bound to be shattered into pieces. What an absurd it is to believe that the weaker might not suffer at all and the strongest (sun) will lose the battle, Alahazrat argued. Even on the basis of the Law of Gravitation, there can be no such conjunction of planets, Alahazrat declared. That is Alahazrat beat Albert from both ends.
By and by, the time passed and the crucial day of 17th December arrived. As the sun rose, the panic-stricken people began to take it as Doomsday. The routine life went to standstill. Clouds of horror hovered heavily. Some people laid hope in Albert. Some people laid hope in Alahazrat. The names of Albert and Alahazrat were running on the lips and tips of one and all. By the grace of Almighty Allah, the day went off peacefully. The sun set setting the pandemonium at rest. Nothing untoward took place anywhere. The position of Albert was all burst.
Everybody witnessed that what Alahazrat had observed and declared, came true word by word. It bagged three cheers for Alahazrat. Prof. Albert also conceded the talent of Alahazrat in the field of astronomy.
Alahazrat as a Scientist:
The earth moves constantly about its own axis and also round the sun, which is stationary. This theory espoused by Copernicus, Kelper and Galileo, gained popularity all over the world. The theory says that the speed of rotation of earth is 1036 miles per hour i.e. 17.26 miles per minutes i.e. 30389 yards per minute i.e. 506.4 yards per second. Against this theory, nobody could speak. It was Alahazrat who challenged it and declared:
"The Islamic principle is that the sky and earth are stationary and the planets rotate. It is the sun that moves round the earth, it is not the earth that moves round the sun".
in order to substantiate it, Alahazrat put forward two-tier arguments. First, he quoted a number of verses from the Holy Quran and Hadith, the translation of some of which is given below:
The movement of the sun and moon is according to a course (Surah Rahman, verse 5).
The sun and the moon are sailing within a circle (Surah Yasin, verse 40).
The moon and the sun were besieged for you, which are constantly moving (Surah Ibrahim, verse 33).
(For detailed please refer to "Nuzool-e-Ayat-e-Furqaan Besukoon-e-Zameen-o-Asman" of Alahazrat written in 1339 A.H., published from Raza Academy, Bombay).
It is thus; quite clear that the sun moves and it is obligatory upon every Muslim to believe it because it is what Allah ordains us to believe. In light of the Holy Quran and Hadith, the theory of rotation of earth is absolutely wrong. Such arguments were more than enough for Muslims but for Muslims only. For others, Alahazrat presented a number of arguments based on scientific understanding ¨C technical and otherwise. Alahazrat wrote several books on this subject. In 1920, he presented his book " Fauz-e-Mubin Dar Radd-e-Harkat-e-Zamin", published from Idara Sunni Dunia, Saudagaran, Bareilly. This book contains 105 arguments, dozens of diagrams and lots of calculations in refuting the said theory. Out of 105, I am giving below gist of only five logical and axiomatic arguments which are quite easy and which can be understood by a man of average intelligence.
If a heavy stone is thrown up straight, it would fall on the same place from where it was thrown, whereas according to the theory of movement of earth, it must not happen. According to it, if the earth were moving towards east, the stone would fall in west because during the time it went up and came down, that place of earth from where the stone was thrown up, due to movement of earth, would slip away towards east. Suppose, the process of stone going up and coming down took a time of 5 seconds, then according to the said speed of movement of earth, that is 506.4 yards per second, the earth would slip away towards east by 2532 yards i.e. about one and a half miles. In other words, the stone must fall in the west of that place (place of throwing up the stone) at a distance of about one and a half miles but actually it would fall on the same place from where it was thrown up. It shows that the said theory of movement of earth is wrong.

If two stones are thrown away at the same time and with the same power ¨C one towards east and the other towards west, then what should happen according to the said theory of movement of earth, is that the stone going towards west must appear to be going very fast and that the stone going towards east very lazy. Suppose the power of throwing the stone is 19 yards within three seconds, then the respective stones would fall in the east and west at a distance of 19 yards only but according to the said theory, by the time the westward stone would cover a distance of 19 yards in three seconds, the place from where the stones were thrown, would slip away towards east by 1519 yards ( 506.4 §ç 3). In this way, it must fall at a distance of 1519 + 19 i.e. 1538 yards, whereas it would actually fall only at a distance of 19 yards. Similarly, the other stone going towards east must fall in the west at a distance of 1519 ¨C 19 i.e. 1500 yards, whereas actually it would fall in the very east at a distance of 19 yards only. It shows that the said theory of movement of earth is wrong.
Suppose, from a tree, two birds fly with equal speed and for equal period, one of them goes towards east and the other towards west. Now if their flying speed is equal to the speed of movement of earth, that is, if they fly at a speed of 1036 miles per hour, then according to the said theory, the bird going towards west must fly at a speed of 1036 + 1036 i.e. 2072 miles per hour (being its own speed added by the speed of movement of earth), while the bird going towards east would not be able to move even an inch as its speed after adjusting the speed of movement of earth (both being equal) would become zero. On the contrary, what would actually happen is that the bird going eastward would go in the east to a distance of 1036 miles during an hour and the bird going westward would go in the west at a distance of 1036 miles. It shows that the said theory of movement of earth is wrong. For a bird, the abnormal speed of flight of 1036 miles per hour has been assumed only to bring it parallel to the speed of movement of earth and simply to prove that according to the said theory, the bird flying towards east would not be able to cover any distance even if it comes abreast of a plane in the matter of speed and flies at a rate of 1036 miles per hour.

If it is intended to kill a bird appearing at a distance of 10 yards in the air from a particular place and suppose it takes two seconds in stringing the bow and shooting the arrow, then by the time the arrow is shot, that particular place would slip away within these two seconds at a distance of 1013 yards at a speed of 506.4 yards per second being the speed of movement of earth and thus the arrow can never reach the target, whereas it may be taken for granted that the arrow would hit the target. It shows that the theory of movement of earth is wrong.
If a bird is sitting on a pillar near its nest just at a distance of one yard, even then it can never reach the nest, because in order to reach the nest, the bird shall have to fly ¨C may it be for a second or part thereof. The fact is that, the bird can never surpass the speed of 1036 miles per hour, which is said to be the speed of movement of earth. It shows that the theory of movement of the earth is wrong.

Need you go yet for further arguments? Go on thinking over plane, gun, cannon, missile and so forth.
Thus, we can come to the conclusion that a person who challenged the great scientists like Copernicus Kelper, Galileo, and Newton etc. must have been a great genius himself. I would like to add that what is required to disprove the theories of these scientists, Alahazrat has done ahead of it but sooner or later its credit will be bagged by someone else who will win the fight in the name of a scientist for, Alahazrat is better known as a Muslim theologian rather than a scientist.
Alahazrat as an Economist
Economics is the science of wealth, as says Adam Smith, who is called the Father of Economics. Adam Smith wrote a book entitled "Wealth of Nations" which was published in 1176. For centuries, this subject was taken as dry and no interest was shown in it. It was only around 1940 that this subject gained popularity, and International depression was the main cause behind it. During the time of Alahazrat (1856 ¨C 1921) economics was a subject, which was not given much importance. Nevertheless, Alahazrat through his book published in 1912, presented four peerless points for the economic development of Muslim brethren. These are:
Barring the affairs wherein Government is involved, the Muslims should decide all their disputes mutually so that millions of rupees, which are being spent over litigations, may be saved.
The affluent Muslims of Bombay, Calcutta, Rangoon, Madras and Hyderabad should open banks for other poor Muslims.
Muslims should not purchase anything from anybody except Muslims.
The sciences of Islam should be propagated and publicized.
At the instance Prof. Rafiullah Siddiqui Chairman Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Hyderabad (Sind), has written an article "Fazil-e-Bareillvi Kay Char Ma'ashi Nikaat", published from Maktaba-e-Chashm-e-Rahmat, Balrampur (UP), India. Prof. Siddiqui has beautifully explained all the four points at length; I have had all the appreciation for Prof. Siddiqui and his article.
Through his first point, Alahazrat has propounded the theory of savings. He has realized the significance of savings and has made people to realize it. In most of the underdeveloped countries, the rate of saving varies from 5 to 8 %. Now the economic experts have declared that for economic development of the country, saving to the tune of 15 % of the national income is a must. The importance of savings overshadowed the world in 1936 when Lord J.M. Kaynez of England presented his "Theory of Savings & Investment", which proved successful in overcoming the international depression. In short, according to Kaynez, saving is all. It is equal to investment according to his equation. Thus, more saving, more investment; more investment, more development. For this theory of Saving & Investment, Prof. J.M. Kaynez was honored by England and the most prestigious title of "Lord" was conferred on him. Prof. Rafiullah Siddiqui has so nicely and so rightly quipped that Prof. J.M. Kaynez was honored in 1936 for what was already pointed out by Alahazrat in 1912. Who deserved and who bagged the honor, is thus to be seen. Yet, it may be taken for granted that Alahazrat would not accept such an honor from British even if he were presented one.
Secondly, Alahazrat presented the theory of opening banks. Needless to mention that banks in the eyes of Alahazrat were meant to be interest-free banks. History of banking is known to all of us. Alahazrat suggested and talked of opening banks at a time when banks played no significant role the country. In 1912, there were only a few banks in India, in big cities, and nobody could foresee then that after a lapse of three or four decades, the importance of banks would assume so much proportion. No doubt, it was Alahazrat who was able to peep into future and suggest boosting up the banking industry before hand.
A bank is an institution through which the savings of the masses are deployed over productive investment. It is bank that collects pennies but provides pounds. Banks help the people create tendency of saving. Being a great economist, Alahazrat well realized the hazards of hoarding and advocated for the development of banking industry.
The third point of Alahazrat is that Muslims should purchase each and every thing from Muslims only. Apparently, this point appears to be based on somewhat narrow-minded. But it is not so if we go deep. What Alahazrat says is that Muslims should purchase fro Muslims only. It is not restricted to a particular place, locality or province. It means that Muslims countries should purchase from Muslims countries only. It means that Alahazrat has opposed the free-trade theory as espoused by Adam Smith and suggested Trade Protection so as to withstand the competition in the international market. Fredrick List, a noted German economist has emphatically supported the Trade Protection Policy. Prof. Rafiullah Siddiqui has very much appreciated this point of Alahazrat. According to him, Alahazrat wanted to provide economic protection to Muslims but the Muslims neglected the economic acumen highlighted by their own savant, Alahazrat.
To the misfortune of Muslims, what was pinpointed by Alahazrat for the benefit of Muslims, was utilized by non-Muslims. Second World War had badly ruined Germany, France, and Italy etc. The economy of these European countries was crippled. European Common Market ( E.C.M.) consisting of six European countries came into existence. It achieved marvelous success and the entire World witnessed that it changed the entire story. The staggering economy of these countries mustered a sudden boom and the German mark became the powerful currency of the world. After all, what was this E.C.M.? It was a practical shape of the guidelines given by Alahazrat just on the lines that Muslims should make purchases from Muslims only. Even today, if the Muslims countries unite and follow such a policy, luck will smile upon them.
Now come to the fourth point. It is regarding the publicity of Islamic sciences. When theories of economics are going on, how far it is desirable to talk of Islamic sciences or religion. A Mawlawi always remains a Mawlawa-some people may think. Prof. Siddiqui has duly appreciated the importance of knowledge of Islamic sciences but meanwhile he has gone to say that this fourth point is not in regard to economics. With due respect to Prof. Siddiqui, I would like to say that he has hastened to observe like so, perhaps because of is appearance. Prof. Siddiqui has succeeded in realizing the importance of this point but has failed to link it with economic theories.
To my mind, this point is all the more important. Everybody knows that there is lot of difference between theory and practice. Implementation is an upheaval task. The first three points of Alahazrat provide a theoretical approach. The fourth one provides a pragmatic approach. It must be borne in mind that Alahazrat has introduced what we may call Muslim Economics. He has talked of benefit and betterment of only Muslims. From this angle, all the four points are inter-connected. The first point of Alahazrat is regarding mutual settlement of their disputes. The idea is so nice but its implementation is fairly difficult. As says Adam Smith: "man is the born servant of self interest". Everybody wants to gain. Nobody wants to lose. In quest of gain, man runs after the courts headlong. He runs and runs towards the courts till he gets a gain what he call justice. Such a race towards the gain makes the litigation time consuming as well as money consuming. Now Alahazrat speaks of preaching and teaching Islamic sciences to the people. He means to say hat spirit of Islam must prevail upon the Muslims. Alahazrat goes to say hat such an abrupt race of litigation can be controlled only with the spirit of Islam. Under true spirit of Islam, Muslims shall prefer to get their disputes decided only by their Muftis whom they would consider as heirs of the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessing be Upon Him), and regarding the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessing be Upon Him) the Holy Qur'an declares: "By Allah, they shall not be Muslims unless they make You Hakim in matter of their disputes and unless they accept your decision by heart and feel no hindrance whatsoever there from in their hearts". (Surah 4; Verse 65)
Thus, a true Muslim shall be duly satisfied with the decision of a Mufti regardless of the fact whether he remains a gainer or loser. He would accept the decision by heart. Nor would he take it as point of prestige, as true Muslim wants nothing but what Allah and His Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessing be Upon Him) want for him. He would not knock at the doors of the court at all. A short meeting with a Mufti can solve a long dispute. Thus, it would be seen that the fourth point advanced by Alahazrat is very much linked with the theory of mutual settlements of Muslims by avoiding litigation with a view to ensuring large savings.
The second point is of opening Muslims banks. Muslims would like to help Muslims only when they are taught to help them in terms of Islamic sciences, that is, in light of Holy Quran and Hadith. Interest is a prize of exploitation. Muslims would refrain from accepting interest if they were told that usury is haram (strictly forbidden) according to Holy Quran and whosoever accepts interest, should be ready to fight with Allah on the Day of Judgment. Only through the injunction of Islamic spirit, which flows from the knowledge of Islamic sciences attained through the study of Islamic books or through the company of Islamic savants, Muslims can agree to opening of interest-free banks and usury can be put an end to. If the rich people open banks out of their riches, the poor people will get rid of their poverty to a great extent. First, the poor will be able to get employment in various projects financed by banks. Secondly, the poor section will be able to secure interest-free loans from the banks, which they would get otherwise at a heavy rate of interest. Thus, the second and fourth points of Alahazrat are well linked together.
Muslims should make purchases from Muslims only ¨C is the third point. It does not purport to say that Muslims should sell to Muslims only. Alahazrat is restricting outgoings only to Muslims. Unless the Muslims are taught their religion, nothing can be achieved in this field. A person, who has no knowledge of Islamic studies, is western-minded, would hardly purchase anything from Muslims. He would be addicted to using foreign goods and would not hesitate to purchase them from any corner. Nowadays, it is seen that those who have craze for using foreign goods, may it be, cigarette, wine or anything like, help the foreign companies to earn a lot of foreign exchange. A Muslim would make purchases from Muslims only when it is impressed upon him that the Holy Qu'an declares:
"Innam Al-Mo'minoona Ikhwatun" (Surah Hujrat, verse 10)
That is "Muslim and a Muslim are brethren". Unless he treats the other Muslim as his brother, he would not extend him a brotherly-treatment. Moreover the teachings of Islam shall bear wide repercussions on the standard of trade. No trader would like to give short weight as it is forbidden in Islam. No trader would make any adulteration of any kind, as it is forbidden in Islam. No trader would try to conceal defect, if any, in his commodity as it is forbidden in Islam. No trader would resort to unnecessary hoarding of stock as it is forbidden in Islam. No trader would allow unnecessary bargaining in price as it is forbidden in Islam. In this manner, under the yoke of Islam, trade will wear a bloomy look. If Muslims undertake to make purchases from Muslims only and if Islamic spirit prevails, then a Muslim will not be able to get wine, because no Muslim would like to sell it as it is forbidden in Islam. In this way, not only the trade will flourish but it will also bring about a flawless society.
So, it is evident that all the four points of Alahazrat are coherent and correlated insofar as Muslim Economics is concerned. As I have been associated with Economics for the last twenty years, I had a right to study Alahazrat in this field and so I did. I have no hesitation to say that before the insight Alahazrat in the field of Economics, I find myself no better than a big zero.