Ashrafiya Islamic Foundation

Biography Coming Soon

Biography Coming Soon

Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Mahbub al Rabbani Qudwat al Awliya

Shaykh al Mashaikh 
Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani

al Ma’ruf

‘Ala Hazrat Ashrafi Miya'

Birth of Ali Husayn

Qudwat al Awliya, Shabiha Ghawth al Azam, Shams al Arifin, Mahbub al Rabbani, Makhdum al Awliya, Qutb al Zaman, Sayyid Abu Ahmad Ali Husayn Ashrafi was born at the dawn of Monday, 22nd Rabi al Akhir 1266 A.H / 1846 C.E in the blessed land of ‘Ruhabad’, now known as ‘Kichocha’ Muqadassa.

Soon after his noble birth, his father Hazrat Haji Sayyid Sa’adat Ali Ashrafi bathed him and as per the tradition of the great Ashrafi Sa’daat a pen was placed in the hands of the newborn Sayyid, then it was dipped in an inkpot, and by his father’s support, the word ‘Allah’ was written. Then his father gave him honey mixed with Zamzam, which he tasted and then the blessed ‘Kohl’ (surma) from the noble shrine of Makhdum Sultan Sayyid Ashraf Jahangir Simnani was placed on his eyes.

Ala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan’s genealogy reaches Mahbub al Subhani wa Samdani Ghawth al Azam Muhyuddin Sayyid Abdul Quadir Jilani Baghdadi through 24 ancestors. Ala Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan is from the family of Sayyid Shah Hasan Ashrafi, the elder son of Makhdum al Afaq, Nur al Ayn, Sayyid Abdur Razzakh Jilani Ashrafi, therefore his noble family is known as ‘Sarkar al Kalan’ or ‘Badi Sarkar’ and sometimes ‘Hasaniya Sa’daat’ of Kichocha.

Education of Ali Husayn

When Qudwat al Awliya was 4 years, 4 months, and 4 days old, Shaykh Mawlana Gul Muhammad Khalilabadi performed the BismAllah ceremony.

Among his other teachers are:

1. Mawlana Amanat Ali Kichochavi under whom he learnt and studied Persian.
2. Mawlana Salamat Ali Gorakhpuri under whom he studied Islamic studies.
3. Mawlana Qadir Baksh Kichochavi under he completed various branches of Islamic sciences at the age of 16 years.

Baiyah & Khilafah of Ali Husayn

In 1282 A.H, at the age of 16 years, Qudwat al Awliya gave the pledge of allegiance {‘Baiyah’} to his elder brother Imam al Urafa, Haji al Haramayn Ashraf al Mashaikh Pir Sayyid Abu Muhammad Ashraf Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani in the noble ‘Quadriya Chishtiya Ashrafiya’ tariqah. He was soon awarded ‘Ijaazah’ and ‘Khilafah’ in the tariqah at this young age.

He also took ‘Khilafah’ and ‘Ijaazah’ from the following great spiritual personalities:

1. Sayyid Imaaduddin Ashraf Ashrafi Kichochavi gave him ‘Ijaazah’ in ‘Shaghal Wajudiya’ and other special ‘Wazaif’.
2. Hazrat Shah Raaj Soondhi of Gudgaon gave him the ‘Khilafah’ and ‘Ijaazah’ in Quadriya and Zahidiya tariqah. He also received permission in ‘Sultan al Azkar’, ‘Shaghal Mahmudah’, and other special ‘Asghaal’.
3. Amir al Mashaikh Shah Muhammad Amir Quadri Kabuli gave him the ‘Khilafah’ and ‘Ijaazah’ of Quadriya Munawwariya tariqah at Balya, western Uttar Pradesh, India.

The Quadriya Munawwariya is the shortest tariqah of Tasawwuf with just 4 spiritual personalities till Ghawth al Azam Muhyuddin Abdul Quadir Jilani Baghdadi. The Spiritual chain is as follows:

Ala Hazrat Ali Husayn Ashrafi Miyan

>>

Amir al Mashaikh Shah Muhammad Amir Quadri Kabuli

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Mulla Akhwand Rampuri

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Hazrat Munawwar Quadri Allahabadi (whose age was 550 years!)

>>

Hazrat Shah Dawla Quadri

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Ghawth al Azam Mahbub al Subhani Muhyuddin Sayyid Abdul Quadir Jilani Baghdadi

vi. Allama Sayyid Shah Muhammad Hasan Ghazipuri gave him the ‘Khilafah’ and ‘Ijaazah’ in ‘Ashrafiya Owaysiya’ tariqah. This tariqah is known as ‘Owaysiya’ due to the fact that Mahbub al Yazdani Makdum al Awliya Sultan Sayyid Ashraf Jahangir Simnani had ‘Khilafah’ directly from Khayr al Tabayin Sayyiduna Oways al Qarni.

vii. Hazrat Hakim Sayyid Nawazish Rasul, the ‘Sajjadah’ of Baythu Sharif (Gaya, Bihar) gave him ‘Khilafah’ and ‘Ijaazah’ in ‘Dua e Hirz Yamani’, ‘Shaghal Jahr Isbat wa Nafi’, ‘Tariqah Raah e Qalbi’ like ‘Ganjina Adi’ya’ and other ‘Wazaifs’.

viii. Hazrat Sayyid Sa’adat Ali Muhaqqiqi who was from the children of Hazrat Sayyid Ahmad Muhaqqiqi – the Khalifa of Hazrat Shaykh Muhammad Ghawth Ahmad Shattari Gwaliori gave him the ‘Khilafah’ and ‘Ijaazah’ in ‘Hirz Yamani through the ‘Shattariya’ link.

ix. Hazrat Mawlana Abdul Qadeer Sayyid Aali Quadri Baghdadi gave him 'Ijazah' in the 'Hirz Yamani' through the Quadriya link in the year 1294 A.H during his first visit for Hajj.

x. Hazrat Mawlana Aziz Bakhsh whose Quadriya chain was through the Mashaikh and Awliya of Sudan gave him 'Ijazah' in 'Hirz Yamani', 'Dua e Sayfi' in the year 1329 A.H at Makkah al Mukarrama. Qudwat al Kubra completed the 'Wazaif' under his guidance in the 'Hateem' of Kaaba in one week, upon which the grand Shaykh awarded him 'Ijazah'.

xi. Hazrat Shah Maqbul Ahmad who was known as 'Akhwandji' of Delhi awarded Qudwat al Awliya 'Ijazah' in 'Hirz Yamani'. Among the Mashaikh of Quadriya tariqah, Hazrat Akhwandji had the great privelage that Sayyiduna Ghawth al Azam Abdul Quadir Jilani used to command him as to whom should be given 'Khilafah' and who should be rejected. Therefore, Hazrat Akhwandji used to give 'Khilafah' and 'Ijazah' only to those who were accepted by Ghawth al Azam are worthy heirs of his legacy in the Quadriya tariqah. When Qudwat al Awliya seeked 'Ijazah' from Hazrat Akhwandji, he said: "I do not give 'Khilafah' and 'Ijazah' with out the permit and command of Ghawth al Azam!" Qudwat al Awliya requested Ghawth al Azam through spiritual realms to grant him 'Khilafah' and 'Ijazah', and went to Hazrat Akhwandji the very next day. Hazrat Akhwandji said: "'Janab', regarding you <Sayyiduna> Ghawth e Paak said: "He is my son, give him whatever 'A'maal' and 'Awraad' he is seeking from you!"

xii. Khatim al Akabir Hazrat Mawlana Allama Sayyid Shah Aaaley Rasul Husayni Zaydi Quadri Barkari Marharwi, the grand Shaykh and Sajjadah Nashin of Khanqah e Barkatiya, Marharwa gave him 'Khilafah' and 'Ijazah' in 'Hirz Yamani' and all the other 'A'maal', 'Awraad' and 'Wazaif' which he possessed. Qudwat al Awliya Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani came to be known as 'Khatim al Khulafa' of Hazrat Aaley Rasul Miyan Barkati. It must be known to our readers that Khatim al Akabir Sayyid Aaley Rasul Barkati was the Pir wa Murshid of Mujaddid al Azam Imam al Akbar Ahmad Raza Khan Quadri Barkati Bareilvi! We shall provide details as to how Khatim al Akabir Sayyid Aaley Rasul granted and awarded Qudwat al Awliya with his 'Khilafa' and 'Ijazah' under another chapter. Insha-Allah.

xiii. Shaykh al Mashaikh Allama Haji Imdadullah Faruqi Chishti Sabri Muhajir Makki, who was one of the great spiritual and scholarly personalities of the Indian sub-continent and a Staunch Sunni Anti Wahhabi Shaykh granted Qudwat al Awliya Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani the 'Ijazah' and 'Khilafah' in 'Qasida Burdah', 'Hizb al Bahr', 'Hizb al Azam', 'Dalail al Khayrat' and other spiritual and scholarly 'Fuyuz wa Barakat'. Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki is the Murshid of giant Indian Sunni scholars like 'Ala Hazrat Pir Mehr Ali Shah Chishti Golravi, Imam Mufti Anwarullah Faruqi Chishti Hyderabadi (the founder of Jamiya Nizamiya, Hyderabad), Allama Mufti Abdul Sami Baydil Rampuri, etc. 

A section of Deonandi grand scholars like Mawlvi Qasim Nanotvi, Mawlvi Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi, Mawliv Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri, and Mawlvi Ashraf Ali Thanvi are also the 'Murids' of Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki and but became astray and deviated from the path of their Pir!

xiv. Hazrat Shaykh Allama Abul Ahya Muhammad Nayim Farangi Mahali, one of the last Sunni giants of 'Madrasa Farangi Mahal', Lukhnow granted the elder brother and Pir wa Murshid of Qudwat al Awliya - Hazrath Sayyid Ashraf Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani 'Ijazah' and 'Khilafa' in 'Dalail al Khayrat'. Qudwat al Awliya received this blessed 'Sanad' from his elder brother.

xv. Allama Mawlana Sayyid Shah Abdul Ghani Baythvi also granted Qudwat al Awliya 'Ijazah' in 'Dalail al Khayrat'.

xvi. Allama Sayyid Muhammad Rizwan Madani also bestowed Qudwat al Awliya with the 'Ijazah' in 'Dalail al Khayrat'.

Among the Awliya and Mashaikh of his age, Qudwat al Awliya had the most number of 'Khilafah' and 'Ijazah' in almost all the major tariqahs of the world. 

According to one report the grand Naqshbandi Shaykh of his time in the Indian Sub-continent - Hazrat Allama Fazl al Rahman Naqshabndi Ganj-Muradabadi also bestowed Qudwat al Awliya with his 'Khilafa' and 'Ijazah'. According to another report he also had 'Khilafah' and 'Ijazah' in the Warsiya tariqah from its founder - Sufi ba Safa Sarkar Sayyid Waris Ali Shah Chishti!

It is a known fact that most of the Sufi Mashaikh of his time took pride in giving and mentioning Qudwat al Awliya among their Khulafa, and seeked his blessings by awarding him 'Khilafah' and 'Ijazah'. This was for numerous reasons:

• Because he was from the Ahl al Bayt.
  
• Because he was from the family of Ghawth al Azam.
• Because he was the Scion of Ashrafi tariqah and reviver of Makhdum Ashraf Jahangir's scholarly and spiritual legacy.
• Because he was Shabiha Ghawth al Azam, that is, he resembeled Ghawth al Azam. This was acknowledged by Ala Hazrat Taj al  Fuhul Imam Abdul Quadir Usmani Quadri Badayuni, Imam al Akbar Ahmad Raza Khan Quadri, Hujjat al Islam Mufti Hamid Raza Khan Quadri Bareilvi, and thousands of other Awliya and Ulama. 
• Because he himself was a great Scholar of Islam and Tasawwuf in particular.

This why Qudwat al Awliya is known as 'Majma al Bahrayn', that is the Combination of Two Oceans of Knowledge - Shariyah & Tariqah.

Sultan al Wayizin Alim al Rabbani Makhdum al Ulama

Mawlana Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani

Birth of Mawlana

Alim al Rabbani Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf was born on 4th of Shawwal 1286 A.H / 1869 C.E at Kichocha Muqaddasa. His father Mahbub al Rabbani Shabiha Ghawth al Samdani Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani was great Sufi Scholars of India.

Education of Mawlana

The ‘Bismillah’ ceremony of the Mawlana was performed by the great Muhaddith – Allama Aley Ahmad Phulwari who had the distinction of teaching the noble Hadith in the Prophet’s Masjid in Madinah al Munawwarah for over 40 years. Incidentally, the great Muhaddith was with Mahbub al Rabbani at his blessed house for 40 day spiritual seclusion. Thus, Mawlana Ahmad Ashraf started his first lesson under such a great and spiritual personality, the effects of which became evident in his later days when he was awarded the ‘Dastar e Fazilat’ (Certificate of Honour) by the Beloved RasulAllah ~sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam~ in his dream.

Alim al Rabbani studied under the tutelage of his illustrious father – Mahbub al Rabbani Sayyid Ali Husayn in his early days. He also studied under Mawlana Moyinuddin Abul Khayr Manikpuri and Ustaz al Zaman Allama Muhammad Lutfullah Aligarhi.

His graduation ceremony was never held, for he was blessed with the ‘Dastar e Fazilat’ from the Beloved Prophet himself in his dream.

It seems that the Prophet ~sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam~ had himself arranged that Alim al Rabbani’s should begin his education at the hands of a Madani Muhaddith – Allama Aley Ahmad’s (by sending him to Kichocha Muqaddasa) and should finish it at the blessed and noble hands of the Beloved Prophet ~sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam~!

Baiyah & Khilafa

Alim al Rabbani Ahmad Ashraf became the Murid of his father in his ancestral Silsila of Quadriya Chishtiya Ashrafiya and received ‘Khilafa’ soon. Among others, he received Khilafa from Mujaddid al Azam Imam al Akbar Ahmad Raza Khan Quadri Barkati Bareilvi in the blessed Quadriya Barkatiya tariqah.

Imam al Akbar & Alim al Rabbani

Alim al Rabbani was a great Scholar whose speeches captivated the minds of millions due to its serenity, softness, beauty and the knowledge it radiated. Among the admirers of his Oratory skills was the grand Mujaddid of India – Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Quadri who used to listen to the speeches of Alim al Rabbani standing! This act of Imam Ahmad Raza shows the respect, reverence which he had this noble Sayyid and for the Knowledge he had. The Imam praised Alim al Rabbani lavishly in his book ‘Al Istimdad’ which contains tribute to his illustrious Khulafa and supplications for them.

Alim al Rabbani was one of the staunchest supporters of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan. He endorsed ‘Hussam al Haramayn’ of Imam Ahmad Raza on the ‘Kufr’ of 4 Deobandi scholars and Mirza Qadiyani. Alim al Rabbani along with Sadr al Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Ashrafi Muradabadi, Hujjat al Islam Mufti Hamid Raza Khan Quadri and Sadr al Shariyah Mufit Amjad Ali Quadri Razvi A’zami represented the Ahl al Sunnah in numerous debates which were held with the Wahhabiya and Deobandiya.

Marriage of Mawlana

Mawlana Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf married the daughter of his paternal uncle Shaykh al Mashaikh Sayyid Shah Ashraf Husayn Ashrafi in1309 A.H. The Nikah ceremony was performed by the great Sunni scholar - Ustad al Ulama Mawlana Muhammad Luftullah Aligarhi. Mawlana Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf had three daughters (one of the Daughters was married to Muhaddith al Azam and is the mother of Shaykh al Islam & Ghazi al Millah) and one son – Makhdum al Mashaikh Sayyid Mukhtar Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani (the Pir wa Murshid of Shaykh al Islam, Ghazi al Millah and over 50 Ashrafi Mashaikh!).

Successor-ship

Mawlana Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf was the designated Successor of his illustrious father - Shabiha Ghawth al A’zam Shaykh al Mashaikh Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani. His father nominated him in 1327 A.H / 1910 C.E for this coveted and extremely important position. He remained and fulfilled the huge responsibilities with great acumen and spiritual insight. He led the Ashrafi Sa’dat and their Muridin in all the major religious, social, political movements of Muslims. But, with his untimely demise in 1347 A.H, the Sunni world was left orphaned.

Some Major Khulafa

1. Makhdum al Millah Muhaddith al A'zam Sayyid Muhammad Ashrafi al Jilani.
2. Ashraf al Asfiya Allama Sayyid Mustafa Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani.
3. Shaykh al Mashaikh Allama Sayyid Muhyuddin Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani, also known as ‘Achhey Miyan’.

Demise of Mawlana

Alim al Rabbani Mawlana Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani passed away after performing his Isha Salah on 15th Rabi al Thani in 1347 A.H / 1930 C.E. His Funeral prayer was led by his father Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani and was attended by thousands of Scholars and Muridin from across the Indian Subcontinent.

Among those who paid glowing tributes to this luminary of Ahl al Sunnah was his close friend – Sadr al Afazil Fakhr al Imsal Sayyid Nayimuddin Quadri Ashrafi Muradabadi who wrote as follows in his Editorial of Mahnama ‘Sawad al Azam’, Muradabad:

“<Title> “Saneyha Hoo Hosh Ruba’:

“Aj Hind ka chappa chappa Andh wa Alam ka Tufaan Khayz Samandar bana hua hai jis mein Ranj wa Gham ki Amwaaj ka Talaatam sabr wa Qarar ki Kashti ko Sambhalney nahi deta. Dunya e Islam Jardaab me Ghoytey khaa rahi hai aur har Dil iss Gham mein Ranjeedah hai.

Hazrat Quwat al Islam, Shawkat e Deen, Salaasa e Khandaan e Nabuwat, Naqqadah Dooman e Ghawsiyat e Alam, Adeem al Adeem, Khateeb Faqeed al Maseel, Jami’ Kamalat e Soori wa Ma’nawi, Majma e Bahrayn e Zahiri wa Batini, Payshwa e Millat, Hadi e Tariqat, Hami e Deen, Nasir e Shara’ Mateen, Hazrat Sarapa e Barkat Mawlana al Haaj al Mawlvi Shah Abul Mahmud Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf Sahib Ashrafi Kichochavi Quddis Sirrahul Azeez ney 9 Rooz ki Alaalat ke baad 14th Rabi al Akhir 1347 Hijri ko baad Maghrib iss Daar e Fani se Rihlat Farmai. انا الله و انا اليه راجعون ”

Compiled and Edited by

Basharath Ali Siddiqui Ashrafi

Ashrafiya Islamic Foundation,

Hyderabad, India.

Biography Coming Soon

Muhaddith al A’zam Makhdum al Millat

Sayyid Muhammad Muhaddith Ashrafi Jilani Kichochavi

{1311 – 1381 A.H / 1894 – 1961 C.E}

Muhaddith al A’zam, Makhdum al Millat, Siraj ul Hind, Rayis ul Mufassirin, Imam ul Manazirin Sayyid Muhammad Muhaddith Ashrafi Jilani bin Rayis ul Hukama Sayyid Nazar Ashraf Ashrafi Jilani was born on the 15th of Dhil Qadah, Wednesday in the year 1311 A.H/ 1894 C.E at Jais, Rae Bareily in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

His father was a renowned Sufi and Persian poet and an excellent Physician whose authority was well known and respected among the elite of his field.

His Teachers

Muhaddith al A’zam had the privilege of studying under the five great Sunni Hadith stalwarts of India such as Shaykh Lutfullah Aligarhi, who prefixed the word ‘Allama’ before the name of Muhaddith al A’zam in the ‘Sanad’ {Certificate of Graduation}, Shaykh ul Muhaddithin Wasi Ahmad Muhaddith Naqshbandi Surati, Bahr ul Ulum Mufti Abdul Bari Farangi Mahali, Mujaddid al A’zam Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Muhaddith Quadri Bareilvi and Shaykh Muti’y ur Rasul Muhammad Abdul Muqtadar Usmani Quadri Badayuni.

The Title of Muhaddith al A’zam

It was the peerless Muhaddith and teacher of Muhaddith al A’zam Shaykh Muti’y ur Rasul Badayuni who gave the title of ‘Muhaddith al A’zam’ to him at the young age of 17 years at Badayun along with a special ‘Sanad’ of Hadith which indicates Muhaddith al A’zam’s extraordinary Knowledge and calibre. It is also important to note that it was the same Shaykh Muti’y ur Rasul Badayuni who gave and addressed Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Quadri as the ‘Mujaddid’ {Reviver} of 14th Islamic century.

Baiyah & Khilafah

Muhaddith al A’zam became the Murid {Disciple} of his noble uncle – Alim ar Rabbani Arif ul Haqqani Wayiz al Lasani Sultan ul Manazirin Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf Ashrafi Jilani ibn Shaykh ul Mashaik Shabiha Ghawth al A’zam Ala Hazrat Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi Miyan  in the Quadriya Chishtiya Ashrafiya tariqah and received Khilafah from him.  He also had Khilafah in the Quadriya Barkatiya Razviya tariqah from Imam al Akbar Ahmad Raza Khan Quadri Bareilvi.

Among his close aides were Imam Ahl us Sunnah Sarkar e Kalan Sayyid Mukhtar Ashraf Ashrafi Jilani Kichochavi, Imam Ahl us Sunnah Mufti al A’zam Mufti Mustafa Raza Khan Quadri Bareilvi, Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Ashrafi Muradabadi, Manazir al A’zam Mufti Hashmat Ali Khan Quadri Razvi, Taj ul Ulama Mufti Umar Nayimi Ashrafi, Shaykh ul Hadith Abdul Mustafa Naqshbandi A’zami, Mujahid al Millat Sayyid Habib ur Rahman Quadri Ashrafi Orisavi, Peer Jamat Ali Shah Muhaddith Naqshbandi Alipuri, Peer Sayyid Didar Ali Shah Muhaddith Naqshbandi Alwari, Malik ul Ulama Sayyid Zafaruddin Muhaddith Quadri Razvi Bihari, Sadr ush Shariyah Mufti Amjad Ali Quadri Razvi A’zami, Imam Ahl us Sunnah Sayyid Ahmad Saeed Kazmi Chishti Sabri, Hafiz al Millat Mufti Abdul Aziz Quadri Ashrafi Muhaddith Mubarakpuri, and Qayid al Ahl us Sunnah Abdul Hamid Quadri Badayuni, etc.

Religious & Social Activities

Muhaddith al A’zam established a School of Hadith under the leadership of Hadrat Allama Sayyid Muhammad Mir Sahib in Delhi in 1330 A.H at the age of 19 years. He also started the publication of  ‘Mahnama Ashrafi’, a monthly Islamic magzine from Kichocha Muqaddasa in 1339 A.H/ 1922 C.E in which he comprehensively refuted the heretical and astray sects of Wahhabiya, Deobandiya, Qadiyaniya and other deviant and blasphemous groups.

Muhaddith al A’zam presided over and governed several Institutions of Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah like ‘All India Sunni Conference’ at Banaras, ‘Jamat Raza e Mustafa’ of Bareily which was founded by Imam Ahmad Raza Quadri Bareilvi, ‘All India Jamiat e Ulema e Hind’ and ‘Al Jamiya al Ashrafiya’ at Mubarakpur. He also presided over the functioning of ‘Dar ul Ulum Ashrafiya’ at Behraich, ‘Dar ul Ulum Faruqiyah’ at Banaras and countless other such Islamic Madrasas.

Islamic & Spiritual Services

Muhaddith al A’zam travelled extensively throughout the Indian subcontinent debating the Wahhabiya and guiding the Muslim Masses towards Religious and economical up-liftment. His contributions to the rise of Muslims and Ahl us Sunnah in political sphere can not be neglected and sacrifices for Independence of India can not be suppressed. Muhaddith al A’zam along with Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Ashrafi Muradabadi and his students steered the Muslims out of the great political and religious turmoil after 1920’s. His religious travels took him to almost all the states and districts of the subcontinent during which he used to be continuously awake for 2-3 days at stretch, such was the burden of Muslim affairs on him! Muhaddith al A’zam never ceased to travel until his last breath, just before his demise he was on a religious tour of the southern states of India. This meant travelling almost 11 months a year. Only in the holy month Ramazan and the last few days of Muharram, he used to stay at his house in Kichocha i.e. during the Annnual Gathering (Urs) ceremony of his ancestors.

It has been widely reported that during these travels and journeys he encountered many Non -Muslims. Such was the personality and piety of Muhaddith al A’zam that more than 5,000 unbelievers embraced Islam and millions of Muslims became his disciples.

Students & Khulafa

Muhaddith al A’zam left numerous spiritual and scholarly students among whom are: 

(1.) Imam ul Ma’qulat wal Manqulat Mufti Sulayman Ashrafi Bhagalpuri, former teacher at Jamiya al Ashrafiya, Mubarakpur. 

(2.) Shaykh Allama Mufti Afzaluddin Ashrafi. 

(3.) Shaykh Allama Sayyid Fakhar Allahabadi. 

(4.) Shaykh ul Mashaikh Sayyid Nayim Ashraf Ashrafi Jilani Jaisi, present Custodian of Khanqah al Ashrafiya Ahmadiya, Jais, U.P. 

(5.) Mahbub ul Ulama Mufti Muhammad Mahbub Ashrafi Mubarakpuri, former teacher at Jamiya Ashrafiya, Mubarakpur. 

(6.) Rayis ul Muhaqqiqin Shaykh ul Islam wal Muslimin Sayyid Muhammad Madani Ashrafi Jilani Kichochavi, Successor and Custodian of Dargah Muhaddith al A’zam.

Allama Mufti Shams ul Haq A’zami and Ashfaq ul Ulama Mufti al A’zam Rajasthan Mufti Ashfaq Husayn Nayimi are also Khulafa of Muhaddith al A’zam in the Quadriya Chishtiya Ashrafiya tariqah. 

According to one report Malik ul Ulama Sayyid Zafaruddin Muhaddith Quadri Razvi Bihari also took Khilafa of the Quadriya Chishtiya Ashrafiya tariqah from Muhaddith al A'zam.

Bibliography of Muhaddith al A’zam’s Books

Muhaddith al A’zam authored more than 100 books and booklets. The majority of them are in refutation of the Wahhabiya – Deobandiya. In-fact, he conducted more than three major debates with the Deobandiya, the details of which will be presented in another article..Insha-Allah!

Of his books, the most important and famous is the Urdu Translation of the Holy Quran ‘Ma’arif ul Quran’ which was highly praised by Mujaddid al A’zam Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Quadri Bareilvi. Most of his books are now extinct except a few that are in modern print and the rest are in manuscript form.

(1.) ‘Ma’rif ul Quran’: An excellent Translation of the Holy Quran. In print. 

(2.) Tafsir al Ashrafi: Muhaddith al A’zam after completing the Translation of the Holy Quran had started the Tafsir and completed only 3 parts of the Holy Quran until his demise. The Tafsir of the first part of the Holy Quran has been published while the remaining two parts are now extinct. 

(3.) Taqwa ul Qulub; 

(4.) Qahar Qahhaar Baro e Nahanjar; 

(5.) Hayat Ghawth al A’lam: Biography of Makhdum Ashraf Jahangir Simnani. In Print. 

(6.) Tahqiq ul Taqlid; 

(7.) Rudaad e Munazarah Kicchocha Sharif;

(8.) Nawk e Teer; 

(9.) Khuda ki Rahmat; 

(10.) Maqsad al Abrar; 

(11.) Sawanih Ghawth al A’zam; 

(12.) Milad e Ashrafi; 

(13.) Fitnah e Azeem aur Uska Dafeeyah; 

(14.) Sirat al Khulafa; 

(15.) Kitab us Salat; 

(16.) Fatawa al Ashrafiya {2 Volumes}; 

(17.) Munafiqin e Islam ka Agaz aur Irtaqa; 

(18.) At Tahqiq ul Bari’y fi Huquq ish Shari’y; This book is on the Legislative Authority & Powers of the Beloved RasulAllah. It was translated by me with extensive notes and Hadith referencing and was published on the 49th Urs of Muhaddith al A'zam Hind by Ashrafiya Islamic Foundation, Hyderabad.

(19.) Atmam e Hujjat Bar Jand Munkir e Nabuwat; 

(20.) Kama Qala Aqulu fi Radd Ahl il Zalal wal Jahal; 

(21.) Farsh par Arsh; Compendium of Eulogies in Praise of the Beloved Rasul Allah. In Print. 

(22.) Basarat ul Ayn fi An Waqt ul Asr Ba’ad ul Mislayn; 

(23.) Al Ijazah bil Dua’ Ba’ad Salat ul Janazah; 

(23.) Dafi’ ul Istisfa’ an Jawaz ud Dua Ba’ad Salat ul Janazah bin Ijma’ or Ahsan ut Tahqiqat fi Jawaz ud Dua’ Ba’ad lil Amwat; 

(24.) Marqumat Be Misal; 

(25.) Shaykh ul Alam; 

(26.) Peeran e Peer;  

(27.) Sultan ul Mashaikh; 

(28.) Sultan ul Arifin; 

(29.) Al Fatwa ala Jawaz ut Takbir bil Jahr fi Eid ul Fitr wa Eid uz Zuha; 

(30.) Haqqa ke Binaae LaIlaha Ast Husayn 

(31.) Mukalma Juma’ (Rudad Manazarah Banaras);  

(32.) Wasaya Shareef Imam al A’zam; 

(33.) Eid e Mairaj; 

(34.) Jazirat ul Arab wa Arya Nariya; 

(35.) Mu’zam ul Abwab fi Bayan Tariq uz Ziyarat wa Isaal us Sawab.

Marriage & Children

Muhaddith al A’zam married at the age of 22 years in 1915 C.E the grand-daughter of ‘A’la Hadrat Ashrafi Miyan; that means the daughter of Sultan al Wayizin Alim ar Rabbani Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf Ashrafi Jilani who was also his maternal uncle and spiritual guide (Murshid).

Muhaddith al A’zam was blessed with 6 sons and 2 daughters viz: Sayyid Muhammad Makki Miyan (passed way at the age of 12 years), Sayyid Muhamid Ashraf ‘Majzub al Ilahi’, Sayyid Hasan Musanna Anwar Miyan, Sayyid Hasanna Miyan (passed away at the age of 5 years), Janashin  Muhaddith al A’zam Rayis ul Muhaqqiqin Shaykh ul Islam wal Muslimin Sayyid Muhammad Madani Miyan, Ghazi al Millat Khatib al A’zam Sayyid Muhammad Hashmi Miyan, Sayyidah Iqbal Banu and Sayyidah Sultana Khatun.

Hajj & Ziyarah

During his lifetime, Muhaddith al A’zam was blessed with visiting Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah for Hajj and Ziyarah 5 times. 

Demise

Muhaddith al A’zam was on the religious tour of Gujrat and other southern states of India when he suddenly fell ill and had to travel back to the northern city of Lukhnow for treatment. This was on the 10th November 1961 and Muhaddith al A’zam stayed at Lukhnow for 44 days to recover from his illness. But, the illness proved fatal and the Giant Sunni Scholar left for Heavenly abode on Monday, 25th December 1961 C.E at 12.30 pm corresponding to 16th Rajab 1381 A.H. Shaykh ul Islam Sayyid Muhammad Madani Ashrafi was very young at that time and was pursuing his Islamic education at Jamiya al Ashrafiya, Mubarakpur.

The Funeral Prayer of Muhaddith al A’zam was led by his cousin and brother in law - Imam ul Ahl us Sunnah Shaykh ul Mashaikh Sarkar e Kalan Sayyid Mukhtar Ashraf Ashrafi Jilani Kichochavi. Thousands of Scholars and Muslims had gathered from all over the subcontinent to attend the last rites. Muhaddith al A’zam was buried in Kichocha Muqaddasa where a huge dome was later constructed over his grave by his successor Shaykh ul Islam wal Muslimin Sayyid Muhammad Madani Ashrafi Jilani.

Shaykh ul Islam is the present custodian of the Shrine of Muhaddith al A'zam and has been continuously conducting the annual gathering ceremony (Urs) for the last 49 years on 16th Rajab of every lunar year.

Muhaddith al A’zam was a staunch lover of the Beloved Rasul-Allah~sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam~ as can be judged from his books and compendium of poetry ‘Farsh pe Arsh’. His status in the court of Allah Almighty and the Beloved Rasul-Allah ~sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam~ can also be judged from many incidents and his numerous Karamahs (Marvels).

The Beloved Rasul Allah ~sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam~   blessed Muhaddith al A'zam with his divine 'Ziyarah' 5 times and Muhaddith al A'zam saw him in the state of wakefulness with his naked eyes! This is actually a rare occurrence even for celebrated Awliya-Allah!

It is a fact that Muhaddith al A’zam along with Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Quadri Ashrafi Muradabadi and Hakim ul Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Quadri Ashrafi Badayuni are among the few scholars of Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah whose contributions to Islam have been neglected to a large extent in the Indian sub-continent. It is sad to express that even their books have not been published with due care and they are still counted among the literary and scholarly treasures in libraries. It is our responsibility to bring out these hidden treasures out of oblivion, print them according to modern methods, translate them into modern and international languages and distribute them among the book-starving Ahl us Sunnah masses.

Note: This Biography has been compiled from 'Hayat Muhaddith al A'zam' by Shaykh Zakir Husayn Ashrafi Raj-Mahali, published by Al Ashraf Academy, Raj-Mahal, India. Another Doctoral Thesis was prepared on "The Life, Works & Poetry of Muhaddith al A'zam" by Shaykh Allama Muhammad Farhat Ali Siddiqui Ashrafi, the Khalifa of Rayis ul Muhaqqiqn Shaykh ul Islam wal Muslimin Sayyid Muhammad Madani Ashrafi Jilani Kichochavi and was submitted to the Osmania University, Hyderabad. Dr Farhath Ali Siddiqui Ashrafi was awarded 'Doctorate' last year based upon this thesis. This Phd Thesis also has the distinction of being the First Authorative work on Muhaddith al A'zam or any of the other great Mashaikh of Khanwada e Ashrafiya in India.

Translated & Compiled by

Basharath Ali Siddiqui Hanafi Ashrafi,

Ashrafiya Islamic Foundation,

Hyderabad, India.

Biography Coming Soon

Ashraf al Asfiya, Sayyid Mustafa Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani was the second son of Mahbub al Yazdani Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Shaykh al Mashaikh Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani Kichochavi. He was born on 17th Dhil Qadah 1311 A.H at Kichocha Muqaddasa and began his spiritual and religious education at 'Madrasa Ashrafiya', Kichocha. He later joined the famous Islamic University, 'Madrasa Farangi Mahal', Luckhnow and studied under Shaykh al Ulama Mufti Abdul Bari Farangi Mahali.

He became the Murid of his illustrious father Shabiha Ghawth al Azam and received Khilafa in all the leading tariqahs. Ashraf al Asfiya passed away on 17th Rabi al Awwal 1391 A.H at Kichocha and was buried near the blessed graves of his great ancestors. He left behind two giants of scholarship and spirituality in the form of his sons:

i. Ashraf al Awliya Sayyid Mujtaba Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani, the founder of the largest Ahl us Sunnah Madrasa in West Bengal, India named as 'Jamiya al Alaaiya al Ashrafiya', Malda, West Bengal, India. (and father of the present rector Makhdum al Ulama Sayyid Jalaluddin Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani).

ii. Ashraf al Ulama Sayyid Hamid Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani, the founder of the largest Ahl us Sunnah Madrasa in Mumbai, 'Jamiya Muhammadiya' (father of present rector of the Jamiya Muhammadiya - Sayyid Nizam Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani)

Ghazi al Dawran Sayyid Muzaffar Husayn Ashrafi was the son of Sayyid Ashraf Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani, the elder brother and Pir wa Murshid of Shaykh al Mashaikh Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Ala Hazrat Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani. Ghazi al Dawran was born in his ancestral village - Kichocha Muqaddasa. He started his religious learning at 'Madrasa Ashrafiya', Kichocha after completion of basics of Arabic, Persian and Urdu went to 'Jamiya Nayimiya', Muradabad to study under the great Murid and Khalifa of Ala Hazrat Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi Miyan - Sadr al Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Ashrafi Muradabadi. Ghazi al Dawran was one of the beloved students of Sadr al Afazil due to his noble lineage and sprituality. Ghazi al Dawran was a fearless orator and debator of Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah and was instrumental in defeating the Wahhabiya & Deobandiya movement in India. He was the 'Nazim' of 'Tahrik Raza e Mustafa' of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan and 'Sunni Tablighi Jamat' until his demise.

He also represented the Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah and the Muslims of India as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Muradabad at the political level for a long time. He left behind his son - Sayyid Zafar Masud Ashrafi al Jilani Kichochavi to carry on his legacy.

Ashraf al Ulama 

Sayyid Hamid Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani

[1349 - 1425 A.H / 1930 - 2004 C.E]

Ashraf ul Ulama Mufti Sayyid Hamid Ashraf Quadri Chishti Ashrafi Kichochavi was born in 1349 A.H / 1930 C.E in Kichocha, Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India. His Father was Ashraf al Asfiya Qudwat al Awliya Sayyid Mustafa Ashraf Ashrafi, the younger son of Ala' Hazarat Shaykh ul Mashaikh Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Sayyid Ali Husayn Quadri Ashrafi al Jilani (1266 -1355 A.H).

His father Sayyid Mustafa Ashraf (1311- 1391 A.H) was the Murid and Khalifa of his father Shah Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi in Quadriya Chishtiya Ashrafiya tariqa. Sayyid Mustafa Ashraf had two sons:

i. Ashraf al Awliya Sayyid Mujtaba Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani (d.1418 A.H / 1998 C.E)

ii. Ashraf al Ulama Sayyid Hamid Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani.

Islamic Education

Ashraf al Ulama and his elder brother went to the great Ahl us Sunnah Islamic University, Dar ul Ulum Ashrafiya Misbah ul Ulum, Mubarakpur, Azamgarh to study under Hafiz al Millah Mufti Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Quadri Ashrafi Amjadi Mubarakpuri in 1365 A.H /1946 A.H. He graduated from Madrasa Ashrafiya in 1371 A.H/ 1952 C.E and was awarded the Sanad [Cerftificate of Distinction].

Baiyah and Khilafah

Ashraf al Ulama became the Murid [Disciple] of his grandfather Ala' Hazrat Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi Mian in the Quadriya Chishtiya Ashrafiya tariqa and received the Khilafah from his father Shaykh Sayyid Mustafa Ashraf Quadri Ashrafi.

Teaching Career

Hafiz al Millah sent him to Madarasa Hamidiya, Banaras to teach, the Sadr ul Mudarrisin of this institution at that time was Shams ul Ulama Sayyid Shamsuddin Ahmad Ja'fari Quadri Razvi Jaunpuri [1402 A.H /1981 C.E]

After a year Hafiz al Millah called him back and asked to teach at Jamiya Ashrafiya. Ashraf al Ulama taught at Jamiya al Ashrafiya, Mubarakpur  for 16 years, he was expert in teaching Mishkat al Masabih and Dars al Nizami.

Among his students who studied under him at Jamiya Ashrafiya include:

(i) Shaykh ul Islam Sayyid Muhammad Madani Mian Quadri Ashrafi Kichochavi.

(ii) Shaykh Sayyid Izhar Ashraf Ashrafi Kichochavi.

(iii) Shaykh Sayyid Kumayl Ashraf Ashrafi Kichochavi.

(iv) Shaykh Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf Ashrafi.

(v) Shaykh Sayyid Maqsud Ashraf Ashrafi Jaiysi.

(vi) Shaykh ul Hadith Mufti Muhammad Abdul Shukur Quadri Razvi, the present Shaykh ul Hadith of Jamiya Ashrafiya.

(vii) Ustad ul Ulama Muhammad Ahmad Misbahi, the present Sadr ul Mudarrisin of Jamiya Ashrafiya.

(viii) Muballigh al Islam Shaykh Qamar uz Zaman Quadri Razvi Misbahi, World Islamic Mission, England.

(ix) Ray is ul Qalam Shaykh Yasin Akhtar Quadri Razvi Misbahi.

(x) Shaykh Sayyid Muhammad Jilani Ashrafi Mian Kichochavi, Founder of Jamiya Sufiya, Kichocha, Faizabad.

(xi) Shaykh ul Hukuma Dr Fazl ur Rahman Sharar Misbahi.

(xii) Shaykh ul Ulama Muhammad Idris Bistavi.

etc.............

Dar ul Ulum Muhammadiya, Mumbai

Hafiz al Millah sent Ashraf al Ulama to Mumbai as the Imam and Khatib of Masjid al Zakariyya, Mumbai. In 1388 A.H /1968 C.E he founded Dar ul Muhammadiya, one of the largest Madrasa of Ahl us Sunnah in Mumbai. He served as its Sadr ul Mudarrisin, Shaykh ul Hadith and Rector until his demise.

Ashraf al Ulama Sayyid Hamid Ashraf, the teacher of over 700 great scholars passed away in 1425 A.H/ 2004 C.E in Mumbai.

Compiled and Edited by

Basharath Siddiqui Ashrafi

Ashrafiya Islamic  Foundation

Hyderabad, India.

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