Explore the life, books, and fatwas of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, the Mujaddid of the 14th century. Learn about his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence, Hanafi scholarship, and Sunni Barelvi thought
🕌 Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi – The Mujaddid of the 14th Century Hijri
Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi (1856–1921), famously known as Ala Hazrat, was a towering Islamic scholar, jurist, theologian, poet, and the founder of the Barelvi movement within Sunni Islam in South Asia. A prolific writer and deeply committed to the Hanafi school of thought, he authored over a thousand books and fatwas, defending traditional Sunni beliefs and practices at a time of rising reformist movements.
Table of Contents
📜 Early Life and Education
Born on 14 June 1856 (10th Shawwal 1272 AH) in Bareilly, India, Imam Ahmed Raza showed remarkable intellect at a very early age. By the age of 13, he had completed traditional Dars-e-Nizami education, and by 14, he issued his first fatwa.
He mastered:
- Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)
- Tafsir (Quranic Exegesis)
- Hadith (Prophetic traditions)
- Aqidah (Islamic Theology)
- Philosophy and Science
📚 Major Books by Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi
Imam Ahmed Raza authored numerous influential Islamic books, covering a vast range of subjects. Here are some of his most renowned works:
1. Fatawa Razawiyyah
- 📘 Volume: 30 Volumes
- 📚 Subject: Hanafi Fiqh and Islamic rulings
- 🖋️ Description: A monumental encyclopedia of Islamic jurisprudence, answering thousands of questions on Islamic law.
- ✅ Proof: [Digitized copies and references available on alahazrat.net and various Islamic libraries]
2. Husamul Haramain (The Sword of the Two Holy Sanctuaries)
- 🖊️ Purpose: Issued against the Deobandi and Wahhabi scholars, defending Sunni Aqidah.
- ✍️ Co-signed by 33 other scholars from the Haramain (Mecca and Medina).
- 🔍 Reference: Published in 1906 CE, still widely quoted in Sunni theological debates.
3. Kanzul Iman
- 📖 Subject: Translation of the Holy Quran
- 🌟 Style: Poetic, spiritual, and firmly rooted in Sunni Tafsir traditions
- 📝 Unique Aspect: Still widely used by Urdu-speaking Sunni Muslims today.
4. Ahkam-e-Shari’at
- 📕 Focus: Islamic rulings related to personal life, purity, and prayer
- 🖋️ Practical guide for day-to-day religious practice under Hanafi jurisprudence.
⚖️ Fatwas of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan – With Proofs
Imam Ahmed Raza’s fatwas were rooted deeply in Quran, Hadith, Ijma’ (consensus), and Qiyas (analogy). His landmark fatwas include:
✅ On Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday Celebration):
He ruled it permissible and commendable (Mustahabb), providing references from Hadith and classical scholars.
“To celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet ﷺ is a sign of love and reverence.”
🟢 Reference: Fatawa Razawiyyah, Vol. 1, Pg. 276
✅ On Intercession (Tawassul):
He affirmed that seeking intercession of the Prophet ﷺ and saints is allowed.
“Calling upon the beloveds of Allah for help is not Shirk, it is Sunnah.”
🟢 Reference: Fatawa Razawiyyah, Vol. 29
✅ On the Status of Deobandi Beliefs:
In his fatwa Husamul Haramain, he declared specific Deobandi beliefs as kufr (disbelief), while distinguishing between individuals and doctrines.
🟢 Proof: Husamul Haramain, published in Makkah in 1906 CE with endorsements from scholars of Haramain.
🌍 Legacy and Influence
Imam Ahmed Raza Khan’s followers today are known as Barelvis, and his teachings are spread across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, UK, and other parts of the Muslim world.
His legacy includes:
- Preserving traditional Sunni practices
- Reviving love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
- Establishing madrassas, khanqahs, and publishing houses
- Defending Islamic creed against rising reformist ideologies
🏁 Conclusion
Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi remains one of the most influential Islamic scholars of the Indian subcontinent. His books, fatwas, and defense of traditional Sunni Islam continue to inspire millions worldwide.
For youth seeking guidance in traditional Islamic scholarship, his life is a shining beacon of knowledge, integrity, and devotion to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
📎 Recommended Links:
- Official Website: https://www.alahazrat.net
- Digital Fatawa Library: https://www.razanetwork.com
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