NoorAyyaam
NoorAyyaam

Sacred Moments Illuminated

بسم اللّٰهِ الرحمن الرحيم

No image

Hadrat

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan

إمام أحمد رضا خان

(Rahimahullah) رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ

Born

10 Shawwal 1272 AH

Passed

25 Safar 1340 AH

Verified
Birth

— Jasoli neighbourhood, Bareilly Shareef, India

Appearance

complexion: Radiant complexion resembling polished gold

features: Graceful features, high forehead, attractive eyes with distinctive sharp gaze

beard: Perfectly formed beard

height: Moderate height

dress: Typically wore white attire with green blanket preference

voice: Deeply resonant voice

Ala HazratGrand Master — signifying supremacy and excellence as erudite scholar
Imam of Ahl-us-SunnahLeader and champion of Sunni Islam
Mujaddid of the 14th Hijri CenturyReviver of the faith in the 14th Islamic century — recognised by consensus of Arab and non-Arab scholars
Close Friend of Allah AlmightyWali of Allah
Ameer-ul-Mumineen fil HadeesLeader of Believers in Hadees — title conferred by 'Allamah Wasi Ahmad Soorati (rahimahullah), a great scholar who had taught Hadees for 40 years
  • Completed Quran recitation by age 4.5 years and spoke eloquent Arabic at the same age
  • At age six, delivered an elaborate speech on Milad-un-Nabi before a large audience

    events-ahmed-raza-khan — Maktaba tul Madina

  • At the age of eight, wrote a magnificent answer on the rulings of inheritance

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • At the age of eight, studied the famous book on Arabic syntax, Hidayat-un-Nahw, and wrote its commentary in Arabic

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Displayed extraordinary memory and remarkable sensibility from early years

    events-ahmed-raza-khan — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Versatile scholar excelling in 50+ knowledge fields

    events-ahmed-raza-khan — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Certified in Islamic jurisprudence, Quranic interpretation, and hadith studies — including by Arab scholars in Makkah

    events-ahmed-raza-khan — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Authored approximately 1,000 books in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu across more than 50 disciplines — including 31 in Ilm Al-'Aqaaid, 17 in Ilm Al-Kalam, 6 in Ilm Al-Tafseer, 11 in Ilm Al-Hadees, 9 in Usool Al-Fiqh, 150 in Fiqh, 30 in Ilm Al-Fazaail, 18 in Ilm Al-Manaqib and 18 in Ilm Al-Munazarah
  • His first fast demonstrated mature understanding: refused food despite heat, stating 'Allah Almighty is watching me'

    events-ahmed-raza-khan — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Had such mastery of horology (the science of timekeeping) that he could set his watch by looking at the sun during the day and by looking at the stars at night — with not even a single minute's discrepancy

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Named all of his sons and nephews 'Muhammad' out of love for the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Naturally loved Zamzam more than any other drink

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Recognised by Maulana Shaykh Muhammad Bin Al-'Arabi Al-Jazaairi (rahimahullah) as the criterion of truth: 'When we meet a scholar from India, we ask him about Maulana Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan Hindi. If he praises him, we know that he is a Sunni; if he criticises him, we know for sure that he is misguided and an innovator. For us, he is the criterion of the truth'

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Taught the books of Hadees while standing — both the teacher and the students stood throughout the lesson

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Accepted invitations from the poor — if the food was not to his taste, he never expressed this to the host but consumed it happily

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Always helped the poor and never returned them empty-handed — even in his last days, he advised his relatives to take good care of the poor, feed them hospitably, and not to scold them

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Forbade writing Bismillah, Quranic verses, the name of Allah, the name of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and Salat upon the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on cards or open letters out of fear of disrespect — instead writing '786' for Bismillah

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

Whoever does good with any of my descendants, I will grant him the recompense for it on the Day of Judgement

booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

Anyone who does good with the children of Abdul Muttalib in this world, I am obliged to grant him its reward when he meets me on the Day of Judgement

booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

Recite Salat upon me in abundance on the night and day of Friday, because your Salat is presented to me

booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

Born on Saturday at the time of Zuhr in Jasoli neighbourhood, Bareilly Shareef

10th Shawwal-ul-Mukarram 1272 AH / 14 June 1856 CE

Completed Quran recitation by age 4.5 years and spoke eloquent Arabic at the same age

In Rabi'-ul-Awwal 1276 AH / 1860 CE

Corrected his teacher's Quran recitation as a young child — the scribe had mistakenly written Zabar in place of Zayr

His teacher asked him to pronounce a Quranic word with Zabar, but he kept pronouncing it with Zayr. The teacher brought the Holy Quran and discovered that the scribe had written Zabar in error — A'la Hadrat's pronunciation was in fact correct. His teacher exclaimed in astonishment: 'Ahmad! Are you a human being or a jinn?'

Delivered elaborate speech on Milad-un-Nabi at age six before large audience in Rabi-ul-Awwal

In Rabi'-ul-Awwal 1278 AH / 1861 CE. Fully appreciated by the scholars and saints present

Started observing fasts of Ramadan at age 7 — refused food despite heat saying 'Allah Almighty is watching me'

In 1279 AH / 1862 CE

Wrote a magnificent answer on the rulings of inheritance at age 8, and also studied Hidayat-un-Nahw and wrote its commentary in Arabic

In Shawwal Al-Mukarram 1280 AH / 1863 CE

1286 AH

Completed all traditional Islamic disciplines at age 13 years, 10 months, and 4 days under his father's guidance

On the very same day (14th Sha'ban 1286 AH), wrote his first Fatwa on 'Hurmat-e-Riza'at' (milk kinship). His father found it correct and authorized him to issue Fatawa. He continued writing Fatawa until his demise. Note: 10 years' worth of compiled Fatawa were not found — those after 10 years were gathered as Fatawa Razawiyyah

Solved a complex mathematical problem that Dr Ziyauddin, Vice Chancellor of Aligarh University, planned to take to Germany

Provided the solution instantly. The impressed professor grew a beard and became regular in Salah and fasting

Memorised the entire Quran in just 30 days — one part per day from Wudu of Isha to Jama'at of Isha

Did so after hearing people write 'Haafiz' as his title — said he did not want their words to prove false

Performed first Hajj at the age of 23

Presented 'Qaseedataan Raai'ataan' at the 'Urs of Maulana Shah Fazl-e-Rasool Qaadiri Badayuni (rahimahullah) at age 27 years and 5 months

In 1300 AH. Two poems each with 313 couplets, holding similitude to the people of Badr

Performed second Hajj at the age of 51 — beheld the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in wakefulness at Madinah

Led Hanafi scholars in religious discussions in Madinah. After reciting Salat-o-Salam at the sacred tomb through the night, was blessed with beholding the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) with open eyes

Visited Jabalpur for one month, three years before his demise, upon continuous insistence of people

Guided feuding families towards reconciliation. Said to two quarrelling brothers: 'Whoever is first from you two in resolving this issue will be the first to advance towards Paradise.' His words had an immediate effect — they forgot their conflicts and embraced each other

Authored approximately 1,000 books and penned millions of Islamic rulings (1286-1340 AH)

Wrote on over 50 disciplines in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu. His Fatawa Razawiyyah spans 30 volumes, approximately 22,000 pages, and 6,847 question-answer pairs

Foreknew the year of his own passing from Surah Ad-Dahr (Ayah 15) via Ilm-e-Abjad — gave news four months and twenty-two days before his demise

The Ayah contains 1340 numerals according to Ilm-e-Abjad, and he passed away in 1340 AH. He made his son Maulana Hamid Raza Khan (rahimahullah) his successor and instructed him to lead his funeral Salah

  • Maintained congregational prayer with exceptional diligence from early years — offered five daily prayers in the Masjid with Takbeer-e-Aula from childhood

    book-brief-biography-imam-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • His first fast demonstrated mature understanding — refused food despite heat, stating 'Allah Almighty is watching me'. Started observing Ramadan fasting at age 7

    book-brief-biography-imam-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Never stretched his legs in the direction of Baghdad out of respect for Ghaus-e-Azam (rahimahullah) — from the age of six, after learning the direction of the blessed city

    book-brief-biography-imam-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Walked so softly in piety that the sound of his footsteps could not be heard

    book-brief-biography-imam-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • At sleeping, placed his thumb on his index finger forming the word 'Allah', and slept on his right side with body positioned to form the word 'Muhammad'
  • Sat in reverential posture like that of Salah throughout Milad gatherings — would deliver speeches from the Mimber for four to five hours continuously in the same posture, sitting on his knees as one does when reciting Al-Tahiyyaat. He would only stand to recite Salat and Salaam
  • For a period of 40 to 45 days, he did not eat or drink anything except for one sip of water per 24 hours — yet there was no change in his routine of writing, compiling, issuing legal verdicts, going to the Masjid for congregational Salah, advising others, and meeting visitors, and neither did any signs of weakness appear

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Performed Qurbani (sacrifice) every year on behalf of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and distributed its meat and skin to noble Sayyids. Also performed a sacrifice on behalf of his father and gave its meat and hide in charity

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Gave double the portion to Sayyids when distributing anything, out of love and reverence for the lineage of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Never commenced any morning except with the name of Allah, and never finished a day's writing except with Salat upon the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). His very last writing, moments before his demise on 25 Safar Al-Muzaffar 1340 AH, also ended with Salat upon the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Longed deeply to pass away in Madinah — wrote to Maulana Irfan Bisalpuri (rahimahullah): 'The time of death is near, and I long to die in Madinah in a state of belief (Iman) and be buried in the blessed cemetery of Baqee' with goodness'

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Was truly and completely absorbed in the remembrance of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) — would often remain sorrowful due to separation from the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and sigh deeply in anguish

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • The train miracle — whilst travelling from Pilibhit to Bareilly, the train halted at Nawab Ganj station. He began Maghrib Salah. Despite the guard waving the green flag and the line being clear, the train remained stationary until he completed all three Fard Rak'at and performed Salam. Those who prayed behind him involuntarily exclaimed SubhanAllah

    book-brief-biography-imam-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • Extraordinary memory — when scholars brought a supposedly 'new' question to Dar-ul-Ifta, he immediately cited the exact page number, volume, and line of the answer in multiple classical texts (Fath-ul-Qadeer, Rad-dul-Muhtar, Hindiyyah, Khayriyyah). Not a single dot differed from what he stated

    book-brief-biography-imam-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • During a river journey to Jabalpur, he invited fellow travellers to proclaim the Kalimah and make the surrounding mountains witnesses — narrating the story of a man whose seven stones became seven mountains that blocked the seven gates of Hell and testified to his recitation of the Kalimah. Upon hearing this, all on board began reciting the Kalimah aloud, and its sound echoed through the mountains

    booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

Maulana Shah Naqi Ali Khan (rahimahullah)Father and primary educator — completed all traditional Islamic disciplines under his guidance
Maulana Raza Ali Khan (rahimahullah)Grandfather — also an erudite scholar who oversaw his early education
Shah Aal-e-Rasool Marahrawi (rahimahullah)Spiritual mentor
Sayyid Shah Abul Hassan Ahmad Noori (rahimahullah)Spiritual guide
Multiple Meccan scholarsIslamic certifications — including certificates from scholars in Makkah during his first Hajj
📖
Kanzul Iman

Urdu Quran translation — considered 'the best among all current Urdu translations'. Commentary Khaza'in-ul-Irfan by Maulana Sayyid Na'eemuddin Muradabadi (rahimahullah) and Noor-ul-Irfan by Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan (rahimahullah). By August 2020, approximately 200,000 copies had been printed by Dawat-e-Islami alone

📖
Fatawa Razaviyya

30-volume collection containing 6,847 question-answer pairs across approximately 22,000 pages and 206 booklets. Written from 1286-1340 AH. Considered by Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat as unmatched in the Urdu language

📖
Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish

Celebrated collection of Na'at (poetry in praise of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)) — contains approximately 2,781 couplets. A masterpiece of devotional literature. Arabic translation published as 'Safwa-tul-Madeeh'. By August 2020, approximately 113,361 copies had been printed

📖
Qaseedataan Raai'ataan

Famous Arabic poetic work in two poems, each with 313 couplets — holding similitude to the people of Badr. Presented at age 27 years and 5 months on the occasion of the 'Urs of Maulana Shah Fazl-e-Rasool Qaadiri Badayuni (rahimahullah) in 1300 AH. Inferences from Quran, Hadees and Arabic proverbs used throughout

📖
Kiflu'l-Faqih-il-Fahim fi Ahkam-i Qirtasi'd-Darahim

Written in response to 12 questions about paper currency posed by Shaykh Abdullah Meer Daad Bin Ahmad Abul Khayr (rahimahullah). Completed in just over a day. Praised immensely by the scholars of Makkah Mukarramah. Printed by numerous publishers and in 2005 from Beirut, Lebanon. Also included in Karachi University's MA syllabus

📖
Subhan-us-Subbuh an Ayb-i Kadhib-in Maqbuh

Condemning those who attributed lies to Allah — described as a death blow to the opponents' standpoint

📖
Al-Mu'tamad al-Mustanad

Key doctrinal work submitted to scholars in Makkah during his Hajj

📖
Husam-ul-Haramain

Signed by 33 scholars of Makkah and Madinah in endorsement of his positions on key doctrinal matters

father

Maulana Shah Naqi Ali Khan (rahimahullah) — completed all Islamic disciplines under his guidance

grandfather

Maulana Raza Ali Khan (rahimahullah) — named him Ahmad Raza

son1

Hujjah-tul-Islam Maulana Hamid Raza Khan (rahimahullah) — appointed as spiritual successor, led his funeral Salah

son2

Mufti-e-Azam Hind Maulana Mustafa Raza Khan (rahimahullah) — also a spiritual successor

naming_practice

Named all of his sons and nephews 'Muhammad' out of love for the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

location

Jasoli neighbourhood, Bareilly Shareef, India

sources

book-brief-biography-imam-raza, booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza

Date

Friday, 25th Safar ul Muzaffar, 1340 AH (28 October 1921 CE)

If someone splits my heart into two parts, he will see 'La Ilaha Illallah' engraved on one part and 'Muhammadur Rasoolullah' on the other

book-brief-biography-imam-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

I tried to utter as the teacher did but I felt as if I did not have control over my tongue — Allah protected his recitation from error even as a child

book-brief-biography-imam-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

I am a beggar of the court of the Benevolent Rasool. A piece of bread is not my religion — I will not flatter the worldly rulers

book-brief-biography-imam-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

Do you brothers have any religious disagreement? No. You both are brothers in the same spiritual order; your blood relation may cut off, but if your reverence to Islam, the Sunnah and the elders of the spiritual chain (silsilah) is still there, then this relation cannot come to an end. Whoever is first from you two in resolving this issue will be the first to advance towards Paradise

booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

I declare that if the wealthy people do not gift the Sayyids from their pure wealth, it is a loss for them. Remember the time when the eyes will not find any shelter except in the honourable ancestor of these noble people. A part of your wealth — which will soon be left behind when you enter your graves — should be spent on the blessed and pure progeny of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) so that on the Day of Judgement, you are blessed with the great rewards and bounties of the generous, noble, compassionate and merciful Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

It is my practice to perform a sacrifice every year on behalf of my father and give its meat and hide in charity. I also offer one sacrifice on behalf of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and distribute its meat and skin to the noble Sayyids

booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

The time of death is near, and I long to die in Madinah in a state of belief (Iman) and be buried in the blessed cemetery of Baqee' with goodness

booklet-eminence-imam-ahmad-raza — Maktaba tul Madina

  • 🌟Hadrat Ala Hazrat (rahimahullah) finished reading the entire Quran when he was only 4 and a half years old!
  • 🌟He gave a big speech about the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) when he was only 6 years old!
  • 🌟He was an expert in more than 50 different subjects — that's more than most universities teach!
  • 🌟He wrote about 1,000 books — imagine how many pages that is!
  • 🌟His Quran translation 'Kanzul Iman' is still read by millions of people around the world today!
  • 🌟He could set his watch perfectly just by looking at the sun or the stars — without any digital gadgets!
  • 🌟He named every single one of his sons and nephews 'Muhammad' because of his great love for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)!
Sources: Dawat-e-Islami / Maktaba tul Madina | Last updated: 2026-03-01
Share:WhatsAppX

Related Events(4)