Muridin & Khulafa of Ali Husayn
Qudwat al Awliya, Mahbub al Rabbani Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Shaykh al Mashaikh Allama Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani Kichochavi is regarded as the Reviver of the grand Silsila of Quadriya Chishtiya Ashrafiya. It is estimated that not less than 23 Lakh (230,000) people entered the noble tariqah at his blessed hands and tread the path of guidance and salvation. Such large numbers of Muridin is unheard off of any other Sufi Scholar after the blessed personality of Qutb al Hind Ataa’ al Rasul Sayyid Moyinuddin Chishti Ajmeri in Islamic history, a brief list of his illustrious Muridin is enough to establish this fact. Qudwat al Awliya left an array of more than 1300 Khulafa to guide and lead his beloved Muridin! A list of 436 Khulafa is available with the details of names, titles, place where these great Scholars received Khilafa from Qudwat al Awliya. We shall in the following lines present a short list of those great Ahl us Sunnal wal Jamah scholars who became Murids of Qudwat al Awliya and at a later date received Khilafa from him in the blessed Quadriya Chishtiya Ashrafiya tariqah.
The following is the list of those great scholars and spiritual personalities who were both Qudwat al Ulama’s Muridin & his Khalifas in Ashrafiya tariqah:
Among others who were not Qudwat al Awliya’s Muridin but received Khilafah in the Ashrafiya tariqah are:
Sadr al Afazil Qudwat al Ulama Nayim-Allah Jalali
Imam Sayyid Muhammad Nayimuddin Quadri Ashrafi
Muhaddith Muradabadi
Birth
Sadr al Afazil, Ashraf al Muhaqqiqin, Imam al Mufassirin, Umdat al Muhaddithin, Qudwat al Ulama, Fakr al Imsal, the peerless and meticulous master of ‘Ilm ul Kalam’, the Imam of Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah - Sayyid Muhammad Nayimuddin Quadri Ashrafi bin Allama Sayyid Moyinuddin ‘Nuzhat’ Quadri Razvi was born on 21st Safar al Muzaffar 1300 A.H / 1st January 1883 C.E in Muradabad, India. His chronological name is ‘Ghulam Mustafa (1300)’. His forefathers were the inhabitants of ‘Mash'had’, present day Iran who during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, migrated to India.
Islamic Education
His education started at the age of four years with the ‘Bismillah ceremony’ and the memorisation of the Holy Qur'an which he completed at the age of eight years. He then embarked on learning Urdu and Persian under the tutelage of his father who was a famous literary figure. He then completed ‘Dars al Nizami’ till ‘Mulla Hasan’ and ‘Tibb’ under Allama Hakeem Shah Fazl Ahmad Amrohi at his school. He further studied and completed ‘Fiqh’ and ‘Hadith’ under the great scholar Allama Shah Gul Muhammad Quadri Kabuli at his ‘Madrasa e Imdadiya’, Muradabad and graduated in the year 1320 A.H/ 1900 C.E.
Baiyah and Khilafah
Sadr al Afazil at the advice of the great Sufi Allama Shahji Shayr Miyan Pilibhiti took ‘Baiyah’ {Allegiance} at the hands of his teacher – Allama Shah Gul Muhammad Quadri in the noble Quadriya Tariqah and was soon awarded Khilafah. When Allama Shah Gul Muhammad Quadri met the grand Quadri Chishti Shaykh - Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi Jilani Kichochavi, he became so much influenced by his spirituality and piety that he at once asked him to accept Sadr al Afazil as his ‘Murid’ and then upon the advice and instance of his first ‘Murshid’, Sadr al Afazil took ‘Baiyah’ in the grand Quadriya Chishtiya Ashrafiya tariqah! Sadr ul Afazil was awarded Khilafah in the Ashrafiya tariqah by Shabiha Ghawth al A’zam and became one of the most important and major ‘Shaykhs’ of the Quadriya Ashrafiya silsila. Shabiha Ghawth al A’zam also awarded his beloved ‘Murid’- Sadr al Afazil the title of ‘Nayim-Allah Jalali’.
Sadr al Afazil penned a very beautiful ‘Manqabat’ {Eulogy} regarding his ‘Murshid’ while he was doing the ‘Tawaf’ of the ‘Kaba’ on his visit to Makkah. This ‘Manqabat’ can be found in the collection of his poetry ‘Riyaz e Nayim’.
Sadr al Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Ashrafi declares:
“Raaz e Wahdat Khuley Nayimuddin
Ashrafi ka Ye fayz Tujh per hai!”
Sadr al Afazil in a ‘Qasida’ written in honour and merits of his ‘Murshid’ - Shabiha Ghawth al Azam during the ‘Tawaf’ of the ‘Kaba’ exclaims:
“Shadd Qibla Dalam Chun ba Kaba Tawaf Raa
Pur-Nur Kar Daaz-Rukh Roshan Mataaf Raa
Ay Mahr Jalwah Chun Rukh Mahr Ma Habkaz
Warna Khajl Nasheen ke Chay Hajat Guzaaf Raa
Afshana e Gul Az La’al wa Zaan e Gul Basaa’tey
Bakhsheed e Nur Ayi’na e Kooh e Qaaf Raa”
Such was the love and respect of Sadr al Afazil of his beloved Pir wa Murshid! May Allah grant us the same love and respect of the Ashrafi Sa’adat and Shaykh al Islam Sayyid Muhammad Madani Ashrafi al Jilani – the great maternal grandson of Shabiha Ghawth al Azam. Ameen!
Another writing of Sadr al Afazil which expresses his great love and attachment with his Pir wa Murshid was his editorial which he authored at the demise of Alim al Rabbani Sultan al Wayizin Allama Sayyid Ahmad Ashraf Ashrafi al Jilani – the son and successor of his Pir wa Murshid.
Sadr al Afazil wrote in his monthly magazine ‘Al Sawad al Azam’ under the title “Saneyha Hoo Hosh Ruba’ as follows:
“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 ”
Sadr al Afazil loved Kichocha Muqaddasa very much. This love and attachment with can be judged from the etiquettes which he used to display while visiting it. It is famously narrated that he used to frequently visit Kichocha Muqaddasa and walk bare-foot in respect of this blessed place! During the ‘Caretaker-ship’ of Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani, a special room was reserved specially for Sadr al Afazil adjacent to the ‘Mazar’ of Qudwat al Kubra Makhdum Sultan Sayyid Ashraf Jahangir Simnani. Sadr al Afazil used to rest and complete his ‘Wazaif’ in this room only. The ‘Fayz’ of Makhdum Sayyid Ashraf Jahangir and Makhdum Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi on Sadr al Afazil is evident from the scholarly and spiritual exploits of this great Ashrafi scholar.
Sadr al Afazil used to initiate people in the Ashrafiya silsila; therefore, many of his students became his ‘Murids’ and used to identify themselves as ‘Nayimi’. Thus, Sadr al Afazil is also the founder of a sub-silsila of Ashrafiya tariqah known as ‘Ashrafiya Nayimiya’.
Some of his famous and great ‘Muridin’ & ‘Khulafa’ in the Ashrafiya Nayimiya tariqah are:
Etc......
An important point to note is that, his students and those graduating from ‘Jamiya Nayimiya’, Muradabad or other ‘Madrasas’ founded by his students in Pakistan also suffix ‘Nayimi’ to their names, therefore, it is not necessary that they belong to the ‘Ashrafiya Nayimiya’ tariqah.
Sadr al Afazil also received Khilafah from Mujaddid al Azam Imam al Akbar Ahmad Raza Khan Quadri Bareilvi in the giant Quadriya Barkatiya tariqah for his contribution to Islam and Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah in the Indian sub-continent. The title ‘Sadr al Afazil’ was also bestowed upon him by Imam Ahmad Raza himself and it became so famous among the Ahl us Sunnah that it over-shadowed his actual name. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan also praised him lavishly in a poem which he penned on the qualities and praises of his notable and important ‘Khulafa’. This poem is known as ‘Al Istimdad’. Imam al Akbar Ahmad Raza Khan states:
“Merey Nayimuddin ko Ne’mat
Iss sey Balaa me Samatey ye Hain!”
Foundation of Jamiya Nayimiya, Muradabad
Sadr al Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Ashrafi felt the extreme necessity of a Madrasa in North central India which can carter the religious needs of Muslims as at that there were very few ‘Madaris’ and fewer more with excellent faculties. Therefore, He founded a Madrasa in 1328 A.H and named it ‘Madrasa Ahle Sunnat’. This Madrasa was founded and progressed under the Patronage of the Ashrafi Sa’adat of Kichocha Muqaddasa. Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Qudwat al Awliya Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani was its first Patron.
In 1352 A.H, in memory of its great founder this ‘Madrasa’ was renamed ‘Jamiya Nayimiya’. Among the giant Sunni Scholars who are the Alumni of this great Madrasa are:
To this date Jamiya Nayimiya is one of the great Sunni Jamiya’s of India which is under the Spiritual Patronage of Ashrafi Sa’adat.
Sadr al Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Ashrafi & Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Bareilvi
Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was a great advocate of ‘Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah’ and his endeavours in refuting astray sects is well known and documented. Among them is the matter of ‘Ilm ul Ghayb’ of the Beloved Rasul-Allah which was a highly debatable belief in those times and is still is. An article of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was published in a newspaper upon which a Wahhabi scholar tried to refute it in a subsequent edition of the newspaper. When Sadr al Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Quadri Ashrafi Muradabadi read this article, he at once started to pen its detail reply and refutation. This article of Sadr al Afazil was also published in the same newspaper. A friend of Ala Hazrat showed him this article of Sadr al Afazil. Ala Hazrat was amused and astonished at the style of writing and refutation of this ‘unknown’ scholar and the great amount of knowledge it radiated. He at once asked: ‘Who is this young man?’ His friend replied: ‘A young scholar from Muradabad.’ Imam Ahmad Raza Khan said: ‘Invite him. I want to meet him!’ His friend arranged for Sadr al Afazil’s meeting with Ala Hazrat.
When the invitation reached Sadr al Afazil, he sought the guidance and permission of his ‘Murshid’ – Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi Jilani. Shabiha Ghawth al Azam was well acquainted with Imam Ahmad Raza Khan and had intimate relationship with him. He at once granted permission to Sadr al Afazil to visit Ala Hazrat at Bareily. Thus, started the everlasting scholarly bond between Imam Ahmad Raza Khan and Sadr al Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Quadri Ashrafi Muradabadi!
Hujjat al Islam Mufti Hamid Raza Khan Quadri Bareilvi, Mufti al Azam Hind Mufti Mustafa Raza Khan Quadri Nuri Bareilvi, Malik al Ulama Mufti Sayyid Zafaruddin Quadri Razvi Bihari, Sadr al Shariyah Mufti Amjad Ali Quadri Razvi A’zami – the great scholarly luminaries of Ahl us Sunnah had great regard and respect for Sadr al Afazil as is evident from numerous incident which shall be documented later on in a separate article.
Political Exploits of Sadr al Afazil
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was the second great scholar after Mujjajid Alf Thani who favoured the two nation theory. The Imam’s political views and ideology was crystal clear and found great support from the Sunni and Sufi scholars of the sub-continent for it was based on the Quran and Sunnah of the Beloved Rasul-Allah.
Of the greatest advocates of these views of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan were the grand scholars of Ashrafiya tariqah:
Sadr al Afazil in his political movements had very intimate relationships with numerous other elite Sunni scholars such as Sayyid al Muhaddithin Sayyid Didar Ali Shah Naqshbandi Alwari, Fakhr al Muhaddithin Pir Jamaat Ali Shah Naqshbandi, Shaykh al Islam Pir Sayyid Mehr Ali Shah Chishti Imdadi Golravi and others who shared a common goal of Indian Independence and struggle for Pakistan.
These noble scholars together in the spiritual guidance and patron-ship of Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Qudwat al Awliya Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani organised the first major conference and summit of Sunni and Sufi scholars of the Indian subcontinent in 1918 C.E. Then followed the Sunni movement across the Indian sub-continent resulting in the second major conference which was attended by the elite scholars of Ahl us Sunnah. This gathering came to be known as the ‘Banaras Sunni Conference’ of 1946 C.E. And it was during this conference the ‘Declaration’ of ‘Pakistan’ was made. More than 500 Sufi Mashaikh, 7,000 Sunni Scholars and 2,00,000 people had gathered under the leadership of Shabiha Ghawth al A’zam Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani Kichochavi, Sadr al Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Ashrafi Muradabadi, Sayyid al Muhaddithin Pir Sayyid Jamat Ali Shah Naqshbandi, and Muhaddith al A’zam Sayyid Muhammad Ashrafi al Jilani Kichochavi at this Conference!
The speeches of Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi, Sadr al Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Ashrafi Muradabadi and Muhaddith al Azam Sayyid Muhammad Ashrafi al Jilani Kichochavi at this Conference are regarded as the greatest speeches of all time. These speeches are in Print and need to be translated, not due to political reasons but due to the need of the hour to highlight the great Oratory and Linguistic calibre of these giants. This Conference was the epitome of Sunni Unity of the Sub-continent!
Another interesting fact is that after Pakistan gained Independence, Sadr al Afazil was invited to Pakistan and was requested by the government of Pakistan and especially by Mohammed Ali Jinnah to write the Islamic Constitution of Pakistan. Sadr al Afazil returned back to his beloved homeland to complete this great and important task, but unfortunately could not accomplish it due to his untimely demise at Muradabad in 1948 C.E. Such was our Sadr al Afazil! Such was his great scholarly acumen and political expertise that governments requested him to write constitutions!
Among Political giants who repented at his hands for the false speeches and dialogues which they made at Conferences included:
He debated the famous Indian scholar – Mawlana Abul Kalam Azad on numerous occasions on his political and religious views and statements. The details of these Scholarly confrontations and debates will be Insha-Allah presented in a separate article.
Sadr al Afazil Ashrafi versus the Arya Samaj
The Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj and the ‘Shuddhi Movement’ proved to be Hardline Hindu outfits and movements whose major aim was re-convert Muslims back to Hinduism. Their attacks on Muslims were numerous ranging from Intellectual objections on the Quran and Sunnah to the social and economic aspects of Islam. These organisations were not violent, but were very passive and refined in their attacks on Islam through academic and intellectual forums. One of the greatest contributions of Sadr al Afazil was to seal their objections through organising debates and authoring books in refutation of Arya Samaj and their objections. The most famous book which attacked Islam was ‘Satya Prakash’ authored by a leading figure of the Arya Samaj movement. Sadr al Afazil refuted this book at length in a series of articles, books and speeches which was later on compiled by his illustrious student – Najm al Ulama Mufti Sayyid Ghulam Moyinuddin Nayimi Ashrafi Muradabadi under the name of ‘Ahqaq e Haq’. Unfortunately most of the other research articles and excellent speeches were lost and could not be saved for future generations to benefit from them.
Another great student of Sadr al Afazil – Ashraf al Mufassirin Hakim al Ummah Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Ashrafi Nayimi also answered numerous such objections and allegations on Islam and Muslims in his great Tafsir entitled ‘Ashraf al Tafasir’, commonly known as ‘Tafsir al Nayimi’.
Among the Hindu Pandits with whom Sadr al Afazil Debated and defeated are:
An article will be shortly penned on the Contributions of Ashrafiya tariqah in refutation of Arya Samaj and the Shuddhi movement, including Debates of Sadr al Afazil in which he defeated the Pandits of Arya Samaj in their own methodology!
Launching of a monthly Magazine – ‘Al Sawad al Azam’
In 1343 A.H /1924 C.E, Sadr al Afazil launched a monthly magazine under the name of ‘Al Sawad al Azam’ from Muradabad, India. This magazine acted as the mouth piece of Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah in the Indian Sub-continent for numerous years.
Bibliography of Sadr ul Afazil’s Works
Students of Sadr al Afazil
Among the great scholars who studied under Sadr al Afazil and are his renowned students are:
Children of Sadr al Afazil
Sadr al Afazil married in 1322 A.H and had four sons and four daughters.
Demise of Sadr al Afazil Nayim-Allah Jalali
Sadr al Afazil became ill after his visit to Pakistan in 1948 C.E. He passed away on Friday, the 18th of Dhil Hijjah 1367 A.H / 13th October 1948 C.E at Muradabad, India. His demise orphaned the world of Islam and Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah. The Funeral prayer was led by his beloved student and companion of many years – Taj al Ulama Allama Mufti Muhammad Umar Nayimi Ashrafi and he was laid to rest in the vicinity of his great Madrasa – ‘Jamiya Nayimiya’ adjacent to the Masjid. May Allah Sanctify his noble Soul and Grant him Jannah and May Allah Grant us his companionship in ‘Akhirah’. Amin!
Compiled and Edited by
Basharath Ali Siddiqui Ashrafi
Ashrafiya Islamic Foundation,
Hyderabad, India.
Sayyid Didar Ali Shah Razvi Naqshbandi
{1273-1354 A.H / 1856-1935 C.E}
Sayyid ul Muhaddithin Abu Muhammad Sayyid Muhammad Didar Ali Shah bin Sayyid Najaf Ali Razvi was born in 1273 A.H/ 1856 CE in Alwar, India.
His genealogy reaches to the great Imam Sayyid Musa Raza, his ancestors migrated from Mashad and settled in Alwar, India. Therefore, they are known as Razvi. He completed elementary Arabic Etymology and Grammar in Alwar itself under Shaykh Qamaruddin and completed other Islamic works and Hadith in Delhi under Shaykh Karamatullah Khan. Sayyid ul Muhaddithin studied Fiqh and Mantiq under the great scholar Shaykh Irshad Husayn Naqshbandi Quadri Rampuri. He acquired Sanad of Hadith from Shaykh Ahmad Ali Muhaddith Saharanpuri and Shaykh Shah Fazl ur Rahman Naqshbandi Ganj Muradabadi.
It is very important to mention that Shaykh ul Islam Pir Sayyid Mehr Ali Shah Chishti Golravi and Shaykh ul Muhaddithin Wasi Ahmad Muhaddithin Surati were his classmates.
Baiyah and Khilafa
He was the Murid [Disciple] and Khalifa of Shaykh Fazl ur Rahman Ganj Muradabadi in the Naqshbandiya tariqa. He also received Khilafa from Shaykh ul Mashaikh Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi Kichochavi in the Quadriya Munawwariya and Quadriya Chistiya Ashrafiya tariqa. Both his sons were also Murids and Khalifas of Shaykh ul Mashaikh Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi in the Ashrafiya tariqa. Sayyid ul Muhaddithin also received Khilafa from Mujaddid al Azam Imam al Akbar Ahmad Raza Khan Quadri Barelvi in the Quadriya Barkatiya tariqa.
Imam al Akbar Ahmad Raza Khan and Sayyid ul Muhaddithin
Sayyid ul Muhaddithin Sayyid Didar Ali Shah and Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Quadri Muradabadi were very close friends. Once, Sadr ul Afazil mentioned Imam al Akbar Ahmad Raza Khan’s name and advised Sayyid ul Muhaddithin to visit and meet him.
Sayyid ul Muhaddithin said: “Brother, I am somewhat reluctant [shy], he belongs to a Pathan [Khan] family and I have heard that he is strict in nature”.
But Sadr ul Afazil due to his Friendly relations persuaded him and took him to Bareily. When they [Sayyid ul Muhaddithin and Imam al Akbar] met,
Sayyid ul Muhaddithin asked: “Sir [Huzur], how is your health”.
Imam al Akbar replied: “Brother, why do you ask, Pathan is my intrinsic caste, I am strict in Nature”!
On seeing this lofty spiritual condition and excellence of Imam al Akbar’s Kashf and Karama, tears began to flow from Sayyid ul Muhaddithin’s eyes and he bowed his head before Imam al Akbar with extreme respect and love. In this way an unbreakable bond between the two grew.
Imam al Akbar Ahmad Raza Khan gave Sayyid ul Muhaddithin Sayyid Didar Ali Shah and his great son Mufti al A’zam Sayyid Abul Barakat Ahmad Quadri Ashrafi all the Asanid and Ijazas which he possessed in the books of Fiqh and Hadith and also bestowed upon both father and son Ijazas in the Wazaif and Khilafa in the Quadriya Barkatiya tariqa.
Scholarly Career
Sayyid ul Muhaddithin after completing his studies taught for one year at Madrasa Ishat ul Ulum, Rampur. In 1325 A.H / 1907 C.E, he founded a Madrasa in Alwar and named it Quwat ul Islam. After some time he migrated to Lahore and taught at Jamiya Nu’maniya for sometime.
In 1335 A.H / 1917 C.E on the advice of Shaykh Irshad Husayn Rampuri left for Agra and became the Khatib and Mufti of Shahi Jama Masjid, Agra.
In 1343 A.H /1922 C.E he returned to Lahore and served as Khatib at Masjid Wazir Khan and used to give lectures in Tafsir, Hadith and Fiqh.
In 1340A.H / 1925 C.E he founded Markazi Anjuman Hizb ul Ahnaf and laid the foundation for Dar ul Ulum Hizb ul Ahnaf .
He was blessed with two great sons.
1.> Shaykh Sayyid Abul Hasanat Razvi Quadri Ashrafi , President of Jamiyat ul Ulama, Pakistan. (Murid & Khalifa of Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi Kichochavi and also Khalifa of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan)
2.> Mufti al A’zam Pakistan Shaykh Sayyid Abul Barakat Ahmad Quadri Ashrafi, Shaykh ul Hadith, Dar ul Ulum Hizb ul Ahnaf, Lahore, Pakistan.(Murid & Khalifa of Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi Kichochavi)
Among his great students are:-
1. Faqih al A'zam Shaykh Abul Khayr Muhammad Nurullah Ashrafi Nayimi, Rector Dar ul Ulum Hanafiya Faridiya, Basirpur.
2. Shaykh Ruknuddin Alwari Naqshbandi.
3. Shaykh Mufti ul A’zam Pakistan Abdul Qayyum Quadri Hazarvi, the former Shaykh ul Hadith of Jamiya Nizamiya Razviya, Lahore.
Bibliography
1> Tafsir Mizan ul Adyan : Tafsir of Surah al Fatiha. Sayyid ul Muhaddithin used to give lecture on the Tafsir of Surah Al Fatiha while he was the Khatib of Masjid Wazir Khan, Lahore. This tafsir was completed in one year.
2> Hidayat ul Laghvi dar Radd ul Rawafiz: Refutation of Shias [Rawafiz]
3> Rasul ul Kalam.
4> Tahqiq ul Masail : Collection of letters and booklets exchanged between Sayyid ul Muhaddithin and the Wahhabi Supreme Scholar Mawlvi Rashid Ahmad Gangohi. Sayyid ul Muhaddithin refuted and quizzed Shaykh Rashid Ahmad on some Aqidah and Fiqh matters upon which the latter erred.
5> Hidayat ul Tariq.
6> Suluk al Quadriya.
7> Alamat ul Wahhabiya: This book is on the characteristic features and signs of the Wahhabiya sect.
8> Fazail e Ramazan.
9> Fazail e Sha’ban.
10> Al Istighatha min Awliya Allah ayn al Istighatha min Allah: This Book is on the proofs of Wasilah [intermediation] and Istighatha [Seeking Help] through the Awliya of Allah.
11> Diwan Didar Ali [Persian]
12> Diwan Didar Ali [Urdu]
The above two books are the poetic compilation of Sayyid ul Muhaddithin.
The Imam and Sayyid of Muhaddithin passed away in 1354 A.H/1935 CE at Lahore and was buried near Jama Masjid, Delhi Darwaza, Lahore, Pakistan.
Translated & Compiled by
Basharath Siddiqui Ashrafi
Ashrafiya Islamic Foundation
Hyderabad, India.
Mufti al A’zam Kanpur
Mufti Muhammad Rifaqat Husayn Ashrafi
[1316-1403 A.H/1897-1983 C.E]
Amin al Shariah, Mufti al A’zam Kanpur Mufti Muhammad Rifaqat Husayn Quadri Chishti Ashrafi Hanafi bin Shaykh Abdur Razzakh Quadri was born in 1316 A.H / 1897 C.E at Islamabad [Bhawanipur], Muzaffarpur, India.
His genealogy leads back to a great Wali [Friend] of Allah Sayyid Makhdum Shah Jalaluddin Chishti whose biographical details can be read in the history book ‘Asarat Phulwari’. Sayyid Makhdum Jalaluddin was the Murid and Khalifah of Khwaja Muhammad Usman Haruni, the Pir or Shaykh of Shaykh Sultan ul Hind Khwaja Pir Shahabuddin and Makhdum ul Mulk Shaykh Sharafuddin Yahya Muniri.
Islamic Education
Amin al Shariah’s father first sent him to Madrasa Ahmadiya, Muzaffarpur but later he came to know that it belonged to the Wahhabiya La Madhabiya sect. So, he was then admitted to Madrasa Aziziya, here he studied under Shaykh Shah Habib ur Rahman Bihari, Shaykh Mufti Abdul Mateen and Shaykh Abdul Ghani.
In 1345 A.H he traveled to Kanpur and joined Madrasa Hanafiya. On the advice of Shaykh Sayyid Muhammad Tahir Ashraf Kichochavi, he went to Ajmer and studied in Madarasa Moiniya Usmania under Sadr ush Shariah Mufti Muhammad Amjad Ali Quadri Razvi A’zami, Shaykh Abdul Hai Afghani and Shaykh Mufti Imtiaz Ahmad Ambethvi.
Baiyah and Khilafah
He gave the pledge of Allegiance [Baiyah] to Shabiha Ghawth al A’zam Shaykh ul Mashaikh Sayyid Shah Ali Husayn Chishti Ashrafi Kichochavi in the Quadriya Chishtiya Ashrafiya tariqa and also received the Khilafa in the same tariqa from him.
Amin al Shariah was also the Khalifa of Hujjat ul Islam Hamid Raza Khan Quadri Barkati Bareilvi, Sadr ush Shariah Mufti Muhammad Amjad Ali Quadri Razvi A’zami and Qutb ul Madinah Muhammad Ziyaddin Ahmad Quadri Razvi Madani in the Quadriya Barkatiya tariqa.
Academic Contribution
In 1352 A.H He accompanied Sadr ush Shariah to Bareily and taught at Madrasa Mazhar al Islam for one year, after which he went to Jayis, Rae Bariely and taught at Madrasa Muhammadiya. Here in this city he defeated the Shais in numerous debates.
After one year he was appointed as the Khatib of Jama Masjid Sultanpur, he was again invited to Jayis by its inhabitants.
In 1369 A.H he was appointed as the principle of Madrasa Ahsan ul Madaris, Kanpur and in 1372 A.H the scholars of Kanpur declared Amin al Shariah as the Mufti al A’zam of Kanpur.
During the same period he visited Makkah al Mukarramah and Madinah al Munawwarah for Hajj and Ziyarah, where he offered Salah separately as the Imam of two mosques belonged to the Wahhabiya, due to this faithful act he was asked to present reasons before the Wahhabi scholars of the Haramayn. Amin al Shaariah declared the truth and defeated them in a debate on the Aqaid of Ahl us Sunnah.
In Madinah al Munawwarah Amin al Shariah met Qutb ul Madina Mufti Ziyauddin Ahmad Quadri Madani and received the Khalifa in the Quadriya Barkatiya tariqa.
In 1975 C.E he visited Iraq and in 1379 A.H he was selected as the Shaykh ul Hadith and Principal of Dar ul Salam Shah Alam, Ahmadabad. After which he returned to Kanpur and taught at Madrasa Miskiniya and later he was selected and appointed as the custodian and principal of Madrasa Ahsan ul Madaris, Kanpur.
Bibliography of Amin al Shariah’s books
1. Tafsir Surah al Baqarah: This Tafsir was published by the monthly magazine Mahnama Taiba in parts.
2. Qadiyani Kazzab: In refutation of the false claimant of prophet hood of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiyani.
3. Tariqa al Hanafiya.
4. Ilyasi Jamat: This book is in refutation of Tablighi Jamat, the working hand of the Wahhabiya Deobandiya in the subcontinent.
5. Awraton ki Namaz.
6. Fatawa Rifaqatiya: The two volumes of this Fatawa are still unpublished.
Amin al Shariah was also affiliated with numerous welfare and religious movements of India.
1. He was the Deputy President of Jamat Raza e Mustafa Hind, Bareily.
2. He was first appointed as the Chief Rector, then Deputy President and finally the Area President of “Kul Hind Tabliqh e Sirat” movement. This movement was founded by Mujahid al Millah Habib ur Rahman Quadri Ashrafi Orisavi.
3. He was also the Patron in chief of “All India Sunni Jamiat ul Ulama”
4. He was also the President of “All India Sunni Tablighi Jamat” which was formed by Khatib al Mashriq Mushtaq Ahmad Nizami Quadri Razvi Ashrafi.
5. He was also the Chairman of Idarah e Shariya, Patna, Bihar.
Among his Famous students are :
1. Shaykh Sayyid Nayim Ashraf Ashrafi Jilani, the Sajjadah Nashin [custodian] of Jayis, Rae Bareily.
2. Shaykh Hakeem Basharath Husayn of Madrasa Siraj ul Ulum, Sultanpur.
3. Shaykh Prof Hakeem Ahmad, Lecturer of Tibbiya College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.
4. Shaykh Saeed Ahmad, the former Rector of Madrasa Ahsan ul Madaris, Kanpur.
5. Shaykh Sayyid Shah Muhammad Akbar the Sajjadah Nashin [custodian] of Astana e Aliya Muhammadiya, Phuphand Sharif Utawa.
6. Shaykh Sahibzadah Sayyid Zul Hasan Chishti Ashrafi Kichochavi.
Demise
Amin al Shaariah passed away in 1403 A.H /1983 CE and was buried in Kanpur. The Funeral prayer was led by his eldest son Shaykh Mahmud Quadri Ashrafi, the Author of 'Tazkirah Ulama e Ahl us Sunnah Hind'.
Compiled and Edited by
Basharath Ali Siddiqui Ashrafi
Ashrafiya Islamic Foundation,
Hyderabad, India.
Hafiz al Millat
Mufti Shah Abdul Aziz Ashrafi Muhaddith Mubarakpuri
Ustad ul Ulama, Jalalat ul Ilm, Hafiz al Millat Mufti Shah Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Quadri Ashrafi Mubarakpuri was born in Bhojpur, a town near the famous city of Muradabad, India in 1314 A.H/1894 C.E. His father Shaykh Hafiz Ghulam Nur bin Mulla Abdur Raheem was an excellent and renowned Hafiz of the area.
Hafiz al Millat memorized the Holy Quran at a very young age under the tutorship of his father and studied Persian and Arabic under local scholars. Hafiz al Millat was appointed an Imam of a local Mosque. Five years passed since then, but Love for Islamic Education increased in him tremendously and took him to ‘Jamiya Nayimiya’ where he studied under the renowned Islamic Scholar Sayyid ul Ulama Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Quadri Ashrafi Muradabadi (1300-1367 A.H / 1883-1948 C.E), Ajmal ul Ulama Shaykh Ajmal Quadri Razvi Nayimi Sambhali, Shaykh Muhammad Yunus Ashrafi Nayimi. After studying here Hafiz al Millat went to ‘Jamiya Moyiniya’ at Ajmer where he studied under Umdat ul Fuqaha Sadr ush Shariah Mufti Muhammad Amjad Ali Quadri Razvi A’zami (1296-1367 A.H / 1878-1948 C.E) and others.
In Ajmer, during his stay Hafiz al Millat gave Baiyah (Pledge of Allegiance) to Shaykh ul Mashaikh Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Sayyid Ali Husayn Quadri Chishti Ashrafi Kichochavi (1266-1355 A.H / 1849-1936 C.E) in the great Quadriya Ashrafiya tariqa and received Khilafah in the same tariqa from Shaykh ul Mashaikh. Hafiz al Millat also received Khilafah in the Quadriya Barkatiya Razviya tariqa from Sadr us Shariah.
Hafiz al Millat was asked by Sadr us Shariah to go and teach at Madrasa Ashrafiya Misbah ul Ulum at Mubarakpur, U.P which Hafiz al Millat did and transformed this small Madrasa into a World renowned Islamic University in 1392 A.H / 1972 C.E.
Hafiz al Millat passed away in 1396 A.H / 1976 C.E in Mubarakpur and was buried in the Premises of Jamiya Ashrafiya.
Among Hafiz al Millat’s books are Al Misbah ul Jadeed, Al Azab ush Shadeed, Ma’rif ul Quran, Firqa un Najiya, Anba’ ul Ghayb, Al Deobandiya, Fatawa Aziziya (2 Volumes) and Irshad ul Quran.
Among his famous students are:
i. Shaykh Hafiz Abdur Rauf Quadri Balyavi,
ii. Nayib Mufti al A’zam Hind Mufti Sharif ul Haq Quadri Amjadi,
iii. Shaykh Mufti Zafar Ali Nu’mani Quadri (Founder of Jamiya Amjadiya, Karachi),
iv. Bahr ul Ulum Mufti Abdul Mannan Quadri Razvi A’zami,
v. Qayid al Ahlus Sunnah Shaykh Arshad ul Quadri,
vi. Shaykh ul Islam Sayyid Muhammad Madani Quadri Ashrafi Jilani Kichochavi,
vii. Ashraf ul Ulama Sayyid Hamid Ashraf Quadri Ashrafi (Founder Dar ul Ulum Muhammadiya, Mumbai),
viii. Muhaddith al Kabeer Shaykh Mufti Ziya ul Mustafa Quadri Razvi Amjadi A’zami (Founder of Jamiya Amjadiya, Mubarakpur),
ix. Shaykh Sayyid Mujtaba Ashraf Quadri Ashrafi,
x. his son Shaykh Abdul Hafeez Quadri Azizi (Present Rector of Jamiya Ashrafiya, Mubarakpur, India),
xi. Shaykh Allama Badr ul Quadri Misbahi (the Hague, Holland),
xii. Shaykh Qamar uz Zaman Quadri Misbahi (World Islamic Mission, London),
xiii. Sadr ul Ulama Shaykh Muhammad Ahmad Quadri Misbahi (Present Principal of Jamiya Ashrafiya, Mubarakpur, India) etc.
Compiled by
Basharath Siddiqui Ashrafi
Ashrafiya Islamic Foundation,
Hyderabad, India.
MUFTI AHMAD YAAR KHAN ASHRAFI NAYIMI
(1324-1391 A.H / 1906-1971 C.E)
The famous Mufassir, genius Faqih and erudite Muhaddith of the Indian subcontinent Hakeem ul Ummat Ashraf ul Mufassirin Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Nayimi Ashrafi Quadri Hanafi Badayuni bin Shaykh Muhammad Yaar Khan Badayuni was born in 1324 A.H / 1906 C.E at Awjhani, near the North Indian city of Badayun. His father Mawlana Yaar Khan was the Murid (disciple) of Shaykh ul Mashaikh Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi Quadri Chishti Kichochavi (1266-1355 A.H / 1849-1936 C.E).
Education
Hakim ul Ummat acquired basic Persian and Arabic learning under his father and then joined Madrasa Shams ul Ulum, Badayun in 1916 C.E and continued learning here till 1919 C.E. During these same years he visited Bareily to meet Imam ul Huda Ahmad Raza Khan Quadri Muhaddith Bareilvi. Mufti Ahmad Yaar himself narrates the incident as follows “My age at that time was somewhere between 10-12 years and I was staying at Badayun. During those days 27th Rajab was approaching and at Ala’ Hazrat’s place (in Bareily) the preparations for ‘Mairaj un Nabi’ were at its height. Ala’ Hazrat used to order special arrangements under his supervision for this ceremony. Due to his busy engagements and tight schedule, it was difficult to meet him, but somehow we were fortunate enough in seeing him in one of the gatherings”.
Regarding his educational experiences he says, “I studied under Deobandi scholars for quite some time and under their influence I began to think that excellence and greatness in (Islamic) Research can only be found in this particular group...But I met Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Muradabadi and he gave me a monologue of Ala’ Hazrat titled ‘Ataya ul Qadeer fi Hukm ul Tasvir’ for reading.. and my fascination for its content found no bonds and limits. When I further carefully studied this book I began to think about the author and was captivated by his Scholarly Expertise and Timely Insight... The Truth is that this book completely changed my Psychological and Doctrinal world and brought a revolution in it.”
Hakeem ul Ummat joined Madrasa Islamiya in 1920 or so but when he came to know about its affiliation with the Wahhabiya school Dar ul Ulum Deoband, he left the Madrasa and migrated to join Jamiya Nayimiya, Muradabad.
Jamiya Nayimiya was the largest Ahl us Sunnah Madrasa in Northern India; it had the distinction of having some of the greatest scholars of Ahl us Sunnah in its faculties. Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Ashrafi Muradabadi (1300-1367 A.H / 1883-1948 C.E) taught him for some time but he soon became busy with the National affairs of Indian Muslims, therefore he sent for Shaykh Mushtaq Ahmad Kanpuri Naqshbandi Quadri (d.1360 A.H / 1941 C.E), the son of Shaykh Ahmad Hasan Kanpuri (d.1322 A.H / 1903 C.E), the Khalifa of Shaykh ul Mashaikh Haji Imdadullah Chishti Muhajir Makki (1223-1318 A.H / 1817-1899 C.E) to teach at Jamiya Nayimiya.
Sadr ul Ulama Mushtaq Ahmad Kanpuri shifted to Merut. Hakeem ul Ummat with the permission of Sadr ul Afazil also went to Merut to complete his studies under his teacher at Merut. In 1344 A.H / 1925 C.E, Hakeem ul Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan finished his studies and Sadr ul Afazil tied a Turban at a Convocation Ceremony in Merut.
Baiyah and Khilafah
Hakeem ul Ummat took Baiyah at the hands of Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Muradabadi in the Quadriya Chistiya Ashrafiya tariqah and also received Khilafah in the same tariqahs from Sadr ul Afazil and Shabiha Ghawth al A’zam Shaykh ul Mashaikh Makhdum ul Awliya Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi Jilani Kichochavi who is famously known as Ala’ Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan.
His Services at various Islamic Universities and Students
Hakeem ul Ummat taught and gave Fatawa at Jamiya Nayimiya until he was sent to Madrasa Miskiniyawhere he taught for 9 years. Shaykh ul Mashaikh Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi invited him to teach atMadrasa Ashrafiya, Kichocha where he served for 3 years and received Khilafah in the Ashrafiya tariqah. It was here that Hakeem ul Ummat began to have close relationship with Shaykh ul Mashaikh Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi that the respected Shaykh made a Will at the time of his demise that Hakeem ul Ummat should also take part in his Funeral bath.
Mufti al A’zam Pakistan Sayyid Abul Barakat Ahmad Quadri Ashrafi (d.1397 A.H / 1978 C.E) invited Hakeem ul Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Ashrafi Nayimi to teach at Dar ul Ulum Khuddam ul Sufiya, Gujrat and then Jamiya Anjuman Khuddam ul Rasul, Gujrat and he served both the Madrasas for 13 and 10 years respectfully. Six years before his demise he began teaching at Jamiya Ghawthiya Nayimiya, Gujrat. In all Hakeem ul Ummat gave lessons in Fiqh, Hadith and Tafsir for 46 years raising and guiding some of the finest scholars of Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah. Hakeem ul Ummat indirectly raised more students with his outstanding books than perhaps any scholar in recent times, his works continue to benefit even the most proficient scholars and not to mention hundreds of common people who discover new beams of salvation, textual proofs in support of Ahl us Sunnah which save them from the Heretical sects and make them firmly adhere to the Path and Aqidah of Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah. Among his students are::::::
1.. Imam Ahl us Sunnah Sarkar e Kalan Sayyid Mukhtar Ashraf Ashrafi Jilani Kichochavi.
2.. Shaykh Mufti Muhammad Husayn Nayimi Ashrafi, Lahore.
3.. Shaykh Aley Hasan Ashrafi Nayimi Sambhali, Muradabad.
4.. Shaykh Sahibzadah Mufti Mukhtar Ahmad Khan Nayimi Ashrafi, elder son of Hakeem ul Ummat.
5.. Shaykh Sahibzadah Mufti Ikhtidar Ahmad Khan Nayimi Ashrafi, younger son of Hakeem ul Ummat and author of the famous Fatawa compendium ‘Fatawa Nayimiya’ or ‘Al Ataya ul Ahmadiya fi Fatawa ul Nayimiya’ in 5 Volumes.
6.. Shaykh Abdul Karim Nayimi, Bangladesh.
7.. Shaykh Abdul Qadeer Nayimi, Chittong, Bangladesh.
8.. Shaykh Mufti Qazi Abdul Nabi Kawkab Nayimi.
9.. Shaykh ul Quran wal Hadith Mufti Ghulam Ali Okarvi Ashrafi Nayimi.
10.Shaykh Liyaqat Husayn Nayimi, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
11.Shaykh Muhammad Idris Nayimi, Mauritius.
and many others.
Demise
Hakeem ul Ummat Mufti Ahamd Yaar Khan passed away in Gujarat on 3rd Ramadhan ul Mubarak 1391 A.H / 1971 C.E. Mufti al A’zam Pakistan Abul Barakat Sayyid Ahmad Quadri Ashrafi led the Funeral prayer (Namaz al Janazah) and he was buried in a room where he gave Dars al Quran for many years.
Bibliography of his works
1.. Tafsir al Nayimi al Ma’ruf ‘ASHRAF ul TAFASIR’ : This is the Magnum opus work of Hakeem ul Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Nayimi Badayuni in Urdu and largest ever from the pen of a Scholar from the Indian subcontinent. The Tafsir was started in 1363 A.H / 1943 C.E and the Exegation of first 10 parts of the Glorious Quran was completed in 10 Volumes of approximately spanning 900-1000 pages each! He continued with the Tafsir of 11th part until he had completed the Tafsir of Verse # 62 of Surah Yunus (10) in which Allah Almighty says >> “Listen carefully! No doubt, there is no fear nor any grief upon the Friends of Allah (Awliya Allah)”. Hakeem ul Ummat lived for some days after completing the Tafsir of the above mentioned Ayah and passed away leaving the Tafsir work incomplete.
Tafsir al Nayimi is classed among the highest category of Tafsirs, defined by scholars as ‘Tafsir bil Riwayah’ (Exegesis by Transmission). The Translation of Quranic verses in Tafsir al Nayimi is taken from Imam ul Huda Ahmad Raza Khan Muhaddith’s Urdu translation of Quran titled ‘Kanz ul Iman’. Hakeem ul Ummat writes that this Tafsir is primarily based upon the following sources and reference Tafasirs such as Tafsir Ruh ul Bayan (Arabic) by Shaykh Ismail Haqqi bin Mustafa Hanafi (d.1137 A.H), Tafsir al Kabir (Arabic) by Imam Fakhruddin Razi Shafai (d.606 A.H / 1210 C.E), Tafsir al Azizi (Persian) by Imam ul Muhaddithin Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Hanafi Dehlavi (1159-1239 A.H / 1748-1823 C.E), Tafsir Madarik al Tanzil (Arabic) by Imam Abdullah bin Ahmad Nasafi Hanafi (d.710 A.H / 1302 C.E), Tafsir Muhyuddin Ibn al Arabi (Arabic/Tasawwuf) by Shaykh al Akbar Muhyuddin Ibn al Arabi Shafai Andulusi (d.638 A.H / 1240 C.E) and Tafsir Khazayin ul Irfan (Urdu) by Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Quadri Ashrafi Hanafi Muradabadi (1300-1367 A.H / 1883-1948 C.E).
Hakeem ul Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Nayimi starts the Tafsir by explaining the differences between T’awil (Interpretation or explanation by Reasoning), Tafsir (Exegetion) and Tahrif (Textual Manipulation). He also explains the differences between a Mawlvi or Mawlana and a Sufi.
The Tafsir has some unique qualities such as:
1.> The relation of the Ayah explained and interpreted with that of the previous Ayah is discussed in detail.
2.> The ‘Shan al Nuzul’ or ‘Asbab ul Nuzul’ (The Reasons for Revelation) of Ayahs are explained in simple and easy style.
3.> The Tafsir is explained and interpreted both at length and in depth and also in a concise manner so that it may benefit both the groups i.e the ones wanting a detail interpretation and the ones who require a short and concise Tafsir.
4.> The Tafsir also includes Sufi exegetion so that people may derive the right meaning from a given Ayah of the Holy Quran.
5.> The Ayah which are related with Fiqh and Ahkam are interpreted extensively and the Shariah Laws derived from such verses are explained in a easy and precise manner according to Fiqh al Hanafi.
6.> The Tafsir is based upon the Matrudi Aqidah of Ahlus Sunnah and contains answers and refutations of almost all the major Heretical Sects of Islam such as the Muta’zilah, Rawafiz, Khawarij, Ismailiya, Mahdaviya, the modern day Khawarij i.e the Wahhabiya and its sub sects like the La Madhabiya (Ahe Hadith), Ishaqiya, Deobandiya, Nadwiya, Naychariya, Ahle Quran and most importantly the Ahmadiya or Qadiyaniya sect. The Tafsir also contains refutations and answers to the false allegations on Islam by Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Communism and the Arya Samajamong the Hindu fundamentalists. The Arya Samaj wrote a book ‘Satya Prakash’ forwarding Hinduismas the greatest religion and attacking Islam in the 14th chapter of the book. Hakeem ul Ummat wrote excellent answers to the allegations and their misunderstandings of Sacred Islamic Law {‘Shariyah’}.
Shaykh Mufti Ikhtidar Ahmad Khan Quadri Nayimi, the younger son of Hakeem ul Ummat has until now completed the Tafsir till the 18th part of the Quran according to the format and principles laid down by his erudite father. We pray to Allah Almighty with the Wasilah of His Beloved Prophet Muhammad that he grant Mufti Ikhtidar Khan enough strength and high spirits to complete the Tafsir as soon as possible and May Allah, the Most High protect him.
2.. Nayim al Bari fi Sharh Sahih al Bukhari: The commentary of the famous Hadith book Sahih al Bukhari of Imam Muhammad bin Ismail Bukhari (194-256 A.H) in Arabic language. This is still unpublished.
3.. Mirat ul Manajih fi Sharh Mishkat ul Masabih: The commentary and annotation of the famous Hadith manual Mishkat ul Masabih of Imam Walyuddin Muhammad bin Abdullah Khatib Tibrizi (d.740 A.H) in Urdu. This Sharh is in 8 Volumes and is available in the market. It first appeared in 1378 A.H / 1958 C.E. The commentary is full of extraordinary, excellent and extensive notes on Aqidah, Fiqh al Hanafi, Tasawwuf, Fazail and Biographies of Sahaba, Tabayin, Taba Tabayin and detail discussion on Asma ur Rijal and the status of each Hadith as Sahih, Hasan, Zaeef, Mutawatir, Ahad, Mursal excetra. Its chronological name is ‘Zul Mirat’.
4.. Nur ul Irfan Tafsir Kanz ul Iman: Another Tafsir work of Hakeem ul Ummat on the lines ofTafsir Khazayin ul Irfan by Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Ashrafi Muradabadi and is published in the Marginalia of Imam ul Akbar Ahmad Raza Khan’s Urdu translation of Quran ‘Kanz ul Iman’.
5.. Jaa’al Haq wa Zahak al Batil: The title of this book was extracted from the Quranic verse of Surah al Bani Israel (17), Verse # 81 which proclaims >>”And say,’ The Truth has come and Falsehood has vanished’. Undoubtedly Falsehood is certain to vanish”.
Jaa’ al Haq is one of the most famous books of Ahl us Sunnah in the subcontinent. It was commenced on Monday, 3rd Ramadan in 1361 A.H / 1941 C.E and was unbelievingly in 3 months that to on Monday. Masha’ Allah! The book was started and completed on the day of the Beloved Rasul Allah’s Milad. The book contains superb proofs in support of Ahl us Sunnah, their Doctrine and Practices. Hakeem ul Ummat brings about the most authentic and irrefutable answers to the commonly raised questions of the Wahhabiya and Deobandiya. He at first gives ample proof and evidence from the Holy Quran, The authentic Hadith and the Ijma of the Salaf on a particular Aqidah {Doctrine} or Practice and then goes on to refute and answer the questions of the Wahhabiya in a simple and authorative way. This book is the summation and abridgement of most of the books of the Imams of Ahl us Sunnah written in the past on the definitive proofs of Ahl us Sunnah’s Aqidah and Practice.
Jaa’ al Haq was written in two parts spanning 688 pages. The first part deals with the matters of Aqidah and the second part deals with the Practices of Ahl us Sunnah and particularly the Hanafiya. The Wahhabiya frequently raise the problem of 20 Rakah of Taravih, Triple Talaq (Divorce), Rafyadayn in Salah, Loud Zikr and Collective Supplication (Dua) at the end of Salah among many other practices which are practiced by the Ahl us Sunnah in general and particularly by the Hanafiya in the subcontinent.
Jaa’ al Haq also includes three epistles added later on namely ‘Qahr al Kibriya bar Munkirin Asmat un Ambiya’, ‘Lama’t ul Masabih ala Raka’at ul Taravih’, ‘Salasi ul Adallah fi Hukm ul Talaq ul Salasah’.
6. Ilm ul Mirath: It is Hakeem ul Ummat’s first authorative book which he authored in 1352 A.H / 1932 C.E.
7. Shan al Habib ur Rahman min Ayat ul Quran: The Tafsir (Exegetion) of those Quranic Ayah which contain the Eulogy and Praise of the Beloved Muhammad, the Final Messenger of Allah. Written in 1361 A.H spanning 450 pages this book was extended in 1363 A.H with a special chapter on Awliya and Shuhada.
8. Islami Zindagi: An excellent work on the customs and traditions prevalent in the Indian subcontinent in the light of Quran and Sunnah. In this work Hakeem ul Ummat tries to uproot many common and strange customs prevailing in the society which have no base in Islam and the Sunnah of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad. This book was completed in 1363 A.H.
9. Saltanat ul Mustafa: This book was written in 1362 A.H spanning 80 pages on the style of Jaa’ al Haq.
10. Ilm ul Quran li Tarjamat ul Furqan: A magnificent book on the ethics and principles of Quranic translation and correction of some of the most careless translations of the Holy Quran in Urdu promoted by the various sects of Islam. It was written in 1371 A.H spanning 200 pages.
11. Risalah ul Nur: An excellent research book on the Beloved Prophet being Nur (Light), written in 1375 A.H spanning 70 pages. It contains detail documentation from the well known and widely accepted authorities from the Imams of Salaf apart from Quranic Ayah and the noble authentic Prophetic Hadiths in support of the Sunni Aqidah regarding the Beloved Muhammad being Nur.
12. Rahmat ul Khuda ba Wasilat ul Awliya: An excellent book on the proofs of Wasilah through the Beloved Rasul Allah and Awliya Allah which was written on the style of Jaa’ al Ha.
13. Mawayiz ul Nayimiya: This book is in 3 parts spanning 500 pages containing essays and sermons on many topics.
14. Nayee’ Taqrirayn: Another excellent collection of Sermons by Hakeem ul Ummat in 150 pages.
15. Dars ul Quran: The Tafsir of some of the important and famous Ayahs of the Holy Quran spanning 250 pages.
16. Al Kalam ul Maqbul fi Taharah Nasab ir Rasul: An excellent monologue on the issue that the descendents of the Beloved Muhammad should be respected and hold special position among the Muslims in Merits and Superiority.
17. Asrar ul Ahkam bi Anwar ul Quran: An excellent book containing 299 Questions and Answers on various topics of Islam which are often raised by Non-Muslims and other astray sects.
18. Amir Mu’awiya: An excellent book containing irrefutable answers to the Shite’s (Rawafiz) and 'Tafziliya's criticism of Amir Muawiya and his tenure as Khalifah.
19. Safar Namah Iran,Iraq,Sham wa Hijaz: Details of his travels and Ziyarah through the blessed lands of Iran, Iraq and the Haramayn i.e. Makkah al Mukarrama and Madinah al Munawwarah.
20. Safar Namah Hijaz: Hakeem ul Ummat’s travelogue of Hijaz al Muqaddus.
21. Fatawa Nayimiya: This collection of his Fatawa has been published recently in one slim volume by Maktaba Jame Noor, New Delhi,India.
22. Diwan us Salik: Collection his poetry and eulogies in praise of Allah Almighty , the Beloved Muhammad and Awliya Allah.
Biography Translated and Edited by
Basharath Ali Siddiqui Quadri Ashrafi
19th Ramadan 1427 A.H.
12th October 2006 C.E, Thursday.
Ashrafiya Islamic Foundation,
Hyderabad, India.
Sources: Shaykh Sadr ul Ulama Muhammd Ahmad Quadri Misbahi’s Biographical note on Hakeem ul Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Nayimi at the end of 1st Volume of ‘Mirat ul Manajih fi Sharh Mishkat ul Masabih’, published by Idara Istiqamat, Kanpur, India. Another excellent and detail biography is by Shaykh Qazi Abdul Nabi Kawkab Nayimi titled ‘Hayat e Salik’ upon which all the other biographies are based.
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Najm al Ulama
Allama Mufti Sayyid Ghulam Moyinuddin Nayimi Ashrafi Muradabadi
Birth of a Star
The Grand Translator of Classical Islamic texts in the Indian sub-continent, the versatile Scholar of Ahl us Sunnah, the Star of Sunni Scholars, Mufti Ghulam Moyinuddin Nayimi Ashrafi was born on 10th Rabi us Sani 1342 A.H/ 23rd December 1923 C.E at ‘Mohalla Shahri Sarai’, Muradabad, India to Allama Sayyid Sabirullah Shah Chishti Sabri Ashrafi Nayimi.
Islamic Education
Najm al Ulama began his Islamic education under his noble father, and then afterwards in 1932 C.E, he joined the famous Islamic university of North India, ‘Jamiya Nayimiya’. Here he began studying under scholars like Sadr al Afazil Fakhr al Imsal Allama Mufti Sayyid Nayimuddin Quadri Ashrafi Muradabadi and ‘Sani e Sadr ul Afazil’ Taj al Ulama Allama Mufti Muhammad Umar Nayimi Ashrafi. He began studying Medicine simultaneously and in 1943 C.E graduated with a certificate of ‘Al Hakeem al Fazil’ from the famous ‘Wahhajiya College’, Lukhnow. In 1945 C.E, he graduated with distinction in Islamic Sciences from ‘Jamiya Nayimiya’ upon which Sadr al Afazil tied the turban of certification.
Sadr al Afazil Ashrafi & Najm al Ulama Ashrafi
Sadr al Afazil used to keep Najm al Ulama very dear due to his piety and scholarship. In 1940 C.E, when Sadr al Afazil decided to re-publish his magnum-opus Tafsir ‘Khazayin al Irfan’, he deputed Najm al Ulama with the important work of proof-reading of the manuscript. In 1941 C.E, when Sadr al Afazil became seriously ill and the doctors could not treat him, he instructed his deputy Taj al Ulama Allama Mufti Umar Nayimi Ashrafi and his son Allama Sayyid Zafaruddin Quadri Ashrafi saying: “The Printing of ‘Khazayin al Irfan’ has not been completed yet, the responsibility of Proof-reading should be given to ‘Shahji’ and Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Ashrafi of Gujrat should be called to assist him; so that they both could accomplish the task of re-publishing it.”
Sadr al Afazil’s love for Najm al Ulama can be judged from this incident also that when Sadr al Afazil was nearing his demise, his head was on the blessed laps of Najm al Ulama and Sadr al Afazil, ordered him saying: “Ask everyone to leave the room, except you no one should be near me.” Every one, even the sons of Sadr al Afazil left the room. When after sometime, Sadr al Afazil passed away, he became the executioner of Sadr al Afazil’s will and called his relatives and other sons to India.
Baiyah & Khilafah
Najm al Ulama Mufti Sayyid Ghulam Moyinuddin Nayimi Ashrafi was the Murid of Sadr al Afazil in the Grand Quadriya Chishtiya Ashrafiya tariqah of the Indian Sub-continent.
His Contribution to Indian Freedom Movement
In 1945 C.E, he participated with full valor in the ‘All India Sunni Conference’ along with Sadr al Afazil and other Ashrafi and Sunni giants. In 1946 C.E, he participated in the ‘Banaras Sunni Conference’ in which 500 Sufi Mashaikh, 7,000 Sunni Scholars and 2,00,000 people had gathered under the leadership of Shabiha Ghawth al A’zam Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani Kichochavi, Sadr al Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Quadri Ashrafi Muradabadi, Sayyid al Muhaddithin Pir Sayyid Jamat Ali Shah Naqshbandi, and Muhaddith al A’zam Sayyid Muhammad Ashrafi al Jilani Kichochavi.
Migration to Pakistan
Najm al Ulama migrated to Lahore, Pakistan in 1950 C.E where he became an active member of ‘Jamiyat ul Ulama Pakistan’ and was appointed as its Deputy Organizer under the leadership of Allama Mufti Sayyid Abul Hasanat Muhammad Quadri Ashrafi Nayimi. He was also the editor of the ‘Jamiyat’ weekly mouthpiece ‘Haft Rozah Jamiyat’ from the year 1956-57. Later, he began publishing a monthly ‘Sawad al A’zam’ from ‘Mochi Darwaza’, Lahore in the memory of his teacher and Murshid Sadr al Afazil. After his demise, his younger brother Allama Sayyid Ghulam Qutbuddin Nayimi Ashrafi used to publish it.
Bibliography of Najm al Ulama’s Books
Najm al Ulama left behind no less than 45 scholarly books and translations for the benefit of Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah. He translated some of the most important Islamic books from Arabic into Urdu. A Brief list is as follows:
Demise of the Star
Najm al Ulama Mufti Sayyid Ghulam Moyinuddin Nayimi Ashrafi passed away on 14th August 1973 C.E at Lahore. His funeral prayer was led by Allama Mufti Ayjaz Wali Khan Quadri Razvi Bareilvi and Najm al Ulama was laid to rest near the grave of the great Sufi Scholar and Khalifa of Shabiha Ghawth al Azam Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi al Jilani – Hazrat Allama Ghulam Muhammad Tarannum Ashrafi Amritsari. This graveyard is known as ‘Miyani’ graveyard in Lahore.
MUFTI AHMAD YAAR KHAN ASHRAFI NAYIMI
(1324-1391 A.H / 1906-1971 C.E)
The famous Mufassir, genius Faqih and erudite Muhaddith of the Indian subcontinent Hakeem ul Ummat Ashraf ul Mufassirin Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Nayimi Ashrafi Quadri Hanafi Badayuni bin Shaykh Muhammad Yaar Khan Badayuni was born in 1324 A.H / 1906 C.E at Awjhani, near the North Indian city of Badayun. His father Mawlana Yaar Khan was the Murid (disciple) of Shaykh ul Mashaikh Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi Quadri Chishti Kichochavi (1266-1355 A.H / 1849-1936 C.E).
Education
Hakim ul Ummat acquired basic Persian and Arabic learning under his father and then joined Madrasa Shams ul Ulum, Badayun in 1916 C.E and continued learning here till 1919 C.E. During these same years he visited Bareily to meet Imam ul Huda Ahmad Raza Khan Quadri Muhaddith Bareilvi. Mufti Ahmad Yaar himself narrates the incident as follows “My age at that time was somewhere between 10-12 years and I was staying at Badayun. During those days 27th Rajab was approaching and at Ala’ Hazrat’s place (in Bareily) the preparations for ‘Mairaj un Nabi’ were at its height. Ala’ Hazrat used to order special arrangements under his supervision for this ceremony. Due to his busy engagements and tight schedule, it was difficult to meet him, but somehow we were fortunate enough in seeing him in one of the gatherings”.
Regarding his educational experiences he says, “I studied under Deobandi scholars for quite some time and under their influence I began to think that excellence and greatness in (Islamic) Research can only be found in this particular group...But I met Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Muradabadi and he gave me a monologue of Ala’ Hazrat titled ‘Ataya ul Qadeer fi Hukm ul Tasvir’ for reading.. and my fascination for its content found no bonds and limits. When I further carefully studied this book I began to think about the author and was captivated by his Scholarly Expertise and Timely Insight... The Truth is that this book completely changed my Psychological and Doctrinal world and brought a revolution in it.”
Hakeem ul Ummat joined Madrasa Islamiya in 1920 or so but when he came to know about its affiliation with the Wahhabiya school Dar ul Ulum Deoband, he left the Madrasa and migrated to join Jamiya Nayimiya, Muradabad.
Jamiya Nayimiya was the largest Ahl us Sunnah Madrasa in Northern India; it had the distinction of having some of the greatest scholars of Ahl us Sunnah in its faculties. Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Ashrafi Muradabadi (1300-1367 A.H / 1883-1948 C.E) taught him for some time but he soon became busy with the National affairs of Indian Muslims, therefore he sent for Shaykh Mushtaq Ahmad Kanpuri Naqshbandi Quadri (d.1360 A.H / 1941 C.E), the son of Shaykh Ahmad Hasan Kanpuri (d.1322 A.H / 1903 C.E), the Khalifa of Shaykh ul Mashaikh Haji Imdadullah Chishti Muhajir Makki (1223-1318 A.H / 1817-1899 C.E) to teach at Jamiya Nayimiya.
Sadr ul Ulama Mushtaq Ahmad Kanpuri shifted to Merut. Hakeem ul Ummat with the permission of Sadr ul Afazil also went to Merut to complete his studies under his teacher at Merut. In 1344 A.H / 1925 C.E, Hakeem ul Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan finished his studies and Sadr ul Afazil tied a Turban at a Convocation Ceremony in Merut.
Baiyah and Khilafah
Hakeem ul Ummat took Baiyah at the hands of Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Muradabadi in the Quadriya Chistiya Ashrafiya tariqah and also received Khilafah in the same tariqahs from Sadr ul Afazil and Shabiha Ghawth al A’zam Shaykh ul Mashaikh Makhdum ul Awliya Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi Jilani Kichochavi who is famously known as Ala’ Hazrat Ashrafi Miyan.
His Services at various Islamic Universities and Students
Hakeem ul Ummat taught and gave Fatawa at Jamiya Nayimiya until he was sent to Madrasa Miskiniyawhere he taught for 9 years. Shaykh ul Mashaikh Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi invited him to teach atMadrasa Ashrafiya, Kichocha where he served for 3 years and received Khilafah in the Ashrafiya tariqah. It was here that Hakeem ul Ummat began to have close relationship with Shaykh ul Mashaikh Sayyid Ali Husayn Ashrafi that the respected Shaykh made a Will at the time of his demise that Hakeem ul Ummat should also take part in his Funeral bath.
Mufti al A’zam Pakistan Sayyid Abul Barakat Ahmad Quadri Ashrafi (d.1397 A.H / 1978 C.E) invited Hakeem ul Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Ashrafi Nayimi to teach at Dar ul Ulum Khuddam ul Sufiya, Gujrat and then Jamiya Anjuman Khuddam ul Rasul, Gujrat and he served both the Madrasas for 13 and 10 years respectfully. Six years before his demise he began teaching at Jamiya Ghawthiya Nayimiya, Gujrat. In all Hakeem ul Ummat gave lessons in Fiqh, Hadith and Tafsir for 46 years raising and guiding some of the finest scholars of Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah. Hakeem ul Ummat indirectly raised more students with his outstanding books than perhaps any scholar in recent times, his works continue to benefit even the most proficient scholars and not to mention hundreds of common people who discover new beams of salvation, textual proofs in support of Ahl us Sunnah which save them from the Heretical sects and make them firmly adhere to the Path and Aqidah of Ahl us Sunnah wal Jamah. Among his students are::::::
1.. Imam Ahl us Sunnah Sarkar e Kalan Sayyid Mukhtar Ashraf Ashrafi Jilani Kichochavi.
2.. Shaykh Mufti Muhammad Husayn Nayimi Ashrafi, Lahore.
3.. Shaykh Aley Hasan Ashrafi Nayimi Sambhali, Muradabad.
4.. Shaykh Sahibzadah Mufti Mukhtar Ahmad Khan Nayimi Ashrafi, elder son of Hakeem ul Ummat.
5.. Shaykh Sahibzadah Mufti Ikhtidar Ahmad Khan Nayimi Ashrafi, younger son of Hakeem ul Ummat and author of the famous Fatawa compendium ‘Fatawa Nayimiya’ or ‘Al Ataya ul Ahmadiya fi Fatawa ul Nayimiya’ in 5 Volumes.
6.. Shaykh Abdul Karim Nayimi, Bangladesh.
7.. Shaykh Abdul Qadeer Nayimi, Chittong, Bangladesh.
8.. Shaykh Mufti Qazi Abdul Nabi Kawkab Nayimi.
9.. Shaykh ul Quran wal Hadith Mufti Ghulam Ali Okarvi Ashrafi Nayimi.
10.Shaykh Liyaqat Husayn Nayimi, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
11.Shaykh Muhammad Idris Nayimi, Mauritius.
and many others.
Demise
Hakeem ul Ummat Mufti Ahamd Yaar Khan passed away in Gujarat on 3rd Ramadhan ul Mubarak 1391 A.H / 1971 C.E. Mufti al A’zam Pakistan Abul Barakat Sayyid Ahmad Quadri Ashrafi led the Funeral prayer (Namaz al Janazah) and he was buried in a room where he gave Dars al Quran for many years.
Bibliography of his works
1.. Tafsir al Nayimi al Ma’ruf ‘ASHRAF ul TAFASIR’ : This is the Magnum opus work of Hakeem ul Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Nayimi Badayuni in Urdu and largest ever from the pen of a Scholar from the Indian subcontinent. The Tafsir was started in 1363 A.H / 1943 C.E and the Exegation of first 10 parts of the Glorious Quran was completed in 10 Volumes of approximately spanning 900-1000 pages each! He continued with the Tafsir of 11th part until he had completed the Tafsir of Verse # 62 of Surah Yunus (10) in which Allah Almighty says >> “Listen carefully! No doubt, there is no fear nor any grief upon the Friends of Allah (Awliya Allah)”. Hakeem ul Ummat lived for some days after completing the Tafsir of the above mentioned Ayah and passed away leaving the Tafsir work incomplete.
Tafsir al Nayimi is classed among the highest category of Tafsirs, defined by scholars as ‘Tafsir bil Riwayah’ (Exegesis by Transmission). The Translation of Quranic verses in Tafsir al Nayimi is taken from Imam ul Huda Ahmad Raza Khan Muhaddith’s Urdu translation of Quran titled ‘Kanz ul Iman’. Hakeem ul Ummat writes that this Tafsir is primarily based upon the following sources and reference Tafasirs such as Tafsir Ruh ul Bayan (Arabic) by Shaykh Ismail Haqqi bin Mustafa Hanafi (d.1137 A.H), Tafsir al Kabir (Arabic) by Imam Fakhruddin Razi Shafai (d.606 A.H / 1210 C.E), Tafsir al Azizi (Persian) by Imam ul Muhaddithin Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Hanafi Dehlavi (1159-1239 A.H / 1748-1823 C.E), Tafsir Madarik al Tanzil (Arabic) by Imam Abdullah bin Ahmad Nasafi Hanafi (d.710 A.H / 1302 C.E), Tafsir Muhyuddin Ibn al Arabi (Arabic/Tasawwuf) by Shaykh al Akbar Muhyuddin Ibn al Arabi Shafai Andulusi (d.638 A.H / 1240 C.E) and Tafsir Khazayin ul Irfan (Urdu) by Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Quadri Ashrafi Hanafi Muradabadi (1300-1367 A.H / 1883-1948 C.E).
Hakeem ul Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Nayimi starts the Tafsir by explaining the differences between T’awil (Interpretation or explanation by Reasoning), Tafsir (Exegetion) and Tahrif (Textual Manipulation). He also explains the differences between a Mawlvi or Mawlana and a Sufi.
The Tafsir has some unique qualities such as:
1.> The relation of the Ayah explained and interpreted with that of the previous Ayah is discussed in detail.
2.> The ‘Shan al Nuzul’ or ‘Asbab ul Nuzul’ (The Reasons for Revelation) of Ayahs are explained in simple and easy style.
3.> The Tafsir is explained and interpreted both at length and in depth and also in a concise manner so that it may benefit both the groups i.e the ones wanting a detail interpretation and the ones who require a short and concise Tafsir.
4.> The Tafsir also includes Sufi exegetion so that people may derive the right meaning from a given Ayah of the Holy Quran.
5.> The Ayah which are related with Fiqh and Ahkam are interpreted extensively and the Shariah Laws derived from such verses are explained in a easy and precise manner according to Fiqh al Hanafi.
6.> The Tafsir is based upon the Matrudi Aqidah of Ahlus Sunnah and contains answers and refutations of almost all the major Heretical Sects of Islam such as the Muta’zilah, Rawafiz, Khawarij, Ismailiya, Mahdaviya, the modern day Khawarij i.e the Wahhabiya and its sub sects like the La Madhabiya (Ahe Hadith), Ishaqiya, Deobandiya, Nadwiya, Naychariya, Ahle Quran and most importantly the Ahmadiya or Qadiyaniya sect. The Tafsir also contains refutations and answers to the false allegations on Islam by Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Communism and the Arya Samajamong the Hindu fundamentalists. The Arya Samaj wrote a book ‘Satya Prakash’ forwarding Hinduismas the greatest religion and attacking Islam in the 14th chapter of the book. Hakeem ul Ummat wrote excellent answers to the allegations and their misunderstandings of Sacred Islamic Law {‘Shariyah’}.
Shaykh Mufti Ikhtidar Ahmad Khan Quadri Nayimi, the younger son of Hakeem ul Ummat has until now completed the Tafsir till the 18th part of the Quran according to the format and principles laid down by his erudite father. We pray to Allah Almighty with the Wasilah of His Beloved Prophet Muhammad that he grant Mufti Ikhtidar Khan enough strength and high spirits to complete the Tafsir as soon as possible and May Allah, the Most High protect him.
2.. Nayim al Bari fi Sharh Sahih al Bukhari: The commentary of the famous Hadith book Sahih al Bukhari of Imam Muhammad bin Ismail Bukhari (194-256 A.H) in Arabic language. This is still unpublished.
3.. Mirat ul Manajih fi Sharh Mishkat ul Masabih: The commentary and annotation of the famous Hadith manual Mishkat ul Masabih of Imam Walyuddin Muhammad bin Abdullah Khatib Tibrizi (d.740 A.H) in Urdu. This Sharh is in 8 Volumes and is available in the market. It first appeared in 1378 A.H / 1958 C.E. The commentary is full of extraordinary, excellent and extensive notes on Aqidah, Fiqh al Hanafi, Tasawwuf, Fazail and Biographies of Sahaba, Tabayin, Taba Tabayin and detail discussion on Asma ur Rijal and the status of each Hadith as Sahih, Hasan, Zaeef, Mutawatir, Ahad, Mursal excetra. Its chronological name is ‘Zul Mirat’.
4.. Nur ul Irfan Tafsir Kanz ul Iman: Another Tafsir work of Hakeem ul Ummat on the lines ofTafsir Khazayin ul Irfan by Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Ashrafi Muradabadi and is published in the Marginalia of Imam ul Akbar Ahmad Raza Khan’s Urdu translation of Quran ‘Kanz ul Iman’.
5.. Jaa’al Haq wa Zahak al Batil: The title of this book was extracted from the Quranic verse of Surah al Bani Israel (17), Verse # 81 which proclaims >>”And say,’ The Truth has come and Falsehood has vanished’. Undoubtedly Falsehood is certain to vanish”.
Jaa’ al Haq is one of the most famous books of Ahl us Sunnah in the subcontinent. It was commenced on Monday, 3rd Ramadan in 1361 A.H / 1941 C.E and was unbelievingly in 3 months that to on Monday. Masha’ Allah! The book was started and completed on the day of the Beloved Rasul Allah’s Milad. The book contains superb proofs in support of Ahl us Sunnah, their Doctrine and Practices. Hakeem ul Ummat brings about the most authentic and irrefutable answers to the commonly raised questions of the Wahhabiya and Deobandiya. He at first gives ample proof and evidence from the Holy Quran, The authentic Hadith and the Ijma of the Salaf on a particular Aqidah {Doctrine} or Practice and then goes on to refute and answer the questions of the Wahhabiya in a simple and authorative way. This book is the summation and abridgement of most of the books of the Imams of Ahl us Sunnah written in the past on the definitive proofs of Ahl us Sunnah’s Aqidah and Practice.
Jaa’ al Haq was written in two parts spanning 688 pages. The first part deals with the matters of Aqidah and the second part deals with the Practices of Ahl us Sunnah and particularly the Hanafiya. The Wahhabiya frequently raise the problem of 20 Rakah of Taravih, Triple Talaq (Divorce), Rafyadayn in Salah, Loud Zikr and Collective Supplication (Dua) at the end of Salah among many other practices which are practiced by the Ahl us Sunnah in general and particularly by the Hanafiya in the subcontinent.
Jaa’ al Haq also includes three epistles added later on namely ‘Qahr al Kibriya bar Munkirin Asmat un Ambiya’, ‘Lama’t ul Masabih ala Raka’at ul Taravih’, ‘Salasi ul Adallah fi Hukm ul Talaq ul Salasah’.
6. Ilm ul Mirath: It is Hakeem ul Ummat’s first authorative book which he authored in 1352 A.H / 1932 C.E.
7. Shan al Habib ur Rahman min Ayat ul Quran: The Tafsir (Exegetion) of those Quranic Ayah which contain the Eulogy and Praise of the Beloved Muhammad, the Final Messenger of Allah. Written in 1361 A.H spanning 450 pages this book was extended in 1363 A.H with a special chapter on Awliya and Shuhada.
8. Islami Zindagi: An excellent work on the customs and traditions prevalent in the Indian subcontinent in the light of Quran and Sunnah. In this work Hakeem ul Ummat tries to uproot many common and strange customs prevailing in the society which have no base in Islam and the Sunnah of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad. This book was completed in 1363 A.H.
9. Saltanat ul Mustafa: This book was written in 1362 A.H spanning 80 pages on the style of Jaa’ al Haq.
10. Ilm ul Quran li Tarjamat ul Furqan: A magnificent book on the ethics and principles of Quranic translation and correction of some of the most careless translations of the Holy Quran in Urdu promoted by the various sects of Islam. It was written in 1371 A.H spanning 200 pages.
11. Risalah ul Nur: An excellent research book on the Beloved Prophet being Nur (Light), written in 1375 A.H spanning 70 pages. It contains detail documentation from the well known and widely accepted authorities from the Imams of Salaf apart from Quranic Ayah and the noble authentic Prophetic Hadiths in support of the Sunni Aqidah regarding the Beloved Muhammad being Nur.
12. Rahmat ul Khuda ba Wasilat ul Awliya: An excellent book on the proofs of Wasilah through the Beloved Rasul Allah and Awliya Allah which was written on the style of Jaa’ al Ha.
13. Mawayiz ul Nayimiya: This book is in 3 parts spanning 500 pages containing essays and sermons on many topics.
14. Nayee’ Taqrirayn: Another excellent collection of Sermons by Hakeem ul Ummat in 150 pages.
15. Dars ul Quran: The Tafsir of some of the important and famous Ayahs of the Holy Quran spanning 250 pages.
16. Al Kalam ul Maqbul fi Taharah Nasab ir Rasul: An excellent monologue on the issue that the descendents of the Beloved Muhammad should be respected and hold special position among the Muslims in Merits and Superiority.
17. Asrar ul Ahkam bi Anwar ul Quran: An excellent book containing 299 Questions and Answers on various topics of Islam which are often raised by Non-Muslims and other astray sects.
18. Amir Mu’awiya: An excellent book containing irrefutable answers to the Shite’s (Rawafiz) and 'Tafziliya's criticism of Amir Muawiya and his tenure as Khalifah.
19. Safar Namah Iran,Iraq,Sham wa Hijaz: Details of his travels and Ziyarah through the blessed lands of Iran, Iraq and the Haramayn i.e. Makkah al Mukarrama and Madinah al Munawwarah.
20. Safar Namah Hijaz: Hakeem ul Ummat’s travelogue of Hijaz al Muqaddus.
21. Fatawa Nayimiya: This collection of his Fatawa has been published recently in one slim volume by Maktaba Jame Noor, New Delhi,India.
22. Diwan us Salik: Collection his poetry and eulogies in praise of Allah Almighty , the Beloved Muhammad and Awliya Allah.
Biography Translated and Edited by
Basharath Ali Siddiqui Quadri Ashrafi
19th Ramadan 1427 A.H.
12th October 2006 C.E, Thursday.
Ashrafiya Islamic Foundation,
Hyderabad, India.
Sources: Shaykh Sadr ul Ulama Muhammd Ahmad Quadri Misbahi’s Biographical note on Hakeem ul Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Nayimi at the end of 1st Volume of ‘Mirat ul Manajih fi Sharh Mishkat ul Masabih’, published by Idara Istiqamat, Kanpur, India. Another excellent and detail biography is by Shaykh Qazi Abdul Nabi Kawkab Nayimi titled ‘Hayat e Salik’ upon which all the other biographies are based.
Habib ul Ulama
Mufti Muhammad Habibullah Ashrafi Nayimi
Bhagalpuri
[13361395A.H/1917-1975C.E]
Umdat ul Muhaqqiqin, Shaykh ul Hadith Mufti Muhammad Habibullah Chishti Ashrafi Nayimi bin Shaykh Nur Muhammad was born in 1336A.H /1917 C.E at Bhagalpur, Bihar.
Habib ul Ulama belonged to a family of scholars, his elder brother Shaykh Abdul Jabbar Nayimi Ashrafi [1908-1992], his another brother Shaykh Muhammad Usman Ashrafi, his maternal uncle Shaykh Rahmat Ali, his Paternal Cousins Shaykh Mufti Muhammad Shahjahan Quadri Razvi [b.1924] and Shaykh Hafiz were all famous Scholars of India.
Islamic Education
Habib ul Ulama learnt Urdu under Shaykh Liyaqat Husayn Quadri and completed the recitation of the Holy Quran under the Imam of Jami Masjid Fatehpur Shaykh Hafiz Abdul Wahid and under his elder brother Shaykh Abdul Jabbar Nayimi Ashrafi.
He joined Madrasa Ashrafiya Nizamiya, Fatehpur in 1928 C.E, which was inaugurated by Shaykh Arif ul Rabbani Sayyid Ahmad Ashrafi Quadri Chishti Ashrafi Jilani [d.1347 A.H]
Here he got an opportunity to study under Ustad ul Ulama Azim Baksh bin Mawla Baksh [1888-1944 C.E] Whom Habib ul Ulama used to respect and love dearly.
Habib ul Ulama joined Jamiya Nayimiya, Muradabad in 1356A.H/ 1938C.E and studied Sharh al Jami to the last of the Sihah Sittah here under the following scholars.
Habib ul Ulama studied Mishkat ul Masabih and Tafsir ul Jalalayn under Ustad ul Asatizah Mufti Muhammad Yunus Nayimi Ashrafi and Mukhtasar ul Ma’ani and Husami under Imam ul Ma’qulat Wasi Ahmad Sahsarami.
‘Sahih al Muslim’ , ‘Sunan al Tirmidhi’, ‘Sunan Abu Dawud’ , ‘Sunan Ibn Majah’ and ‘Sunan Nisai’ under Taj ul Ulama Mufti Umar Nayimi Ashrafi.
Sahih al Bukhari, Tafsir al Baizawi, Qazi Mubarak, Hamdulla, Sadra, Shams ul Bazagha, Sharh ul Aqayid, Khayali etc under Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Muradabadi
In 1360 A.H/ 1940 C.E, Habib ul Ulama graduated from Jamiya Nayimiya and was awarded the Sanad and Ijazah in a convocation ceremony which was attended by the following great scholars.
Soon after graduating, he started teaching Hadith and Fiqh in Jamiya Nayimiya itself.
Among his classmates while studying at Jamiya Nayimiya were.
1. Ziya ul Ummah Pir Muhammad Karam Shah Quadri Chishti Nayimi Azhari, Founder Dar ul Ulum Ghawthiya, Sargodha.
2. Ustad ul Ulama Mufti Muhammad Husayn Nayimi Ashrafi, founder of Jamiya Nayimiya, Lahore.
3. Shaykh Riyaz ul Hasan Sambhali.
4. Shaykh Qari Muniruddin Nayimi.
He had intimate and close relations and friendship with.
In 1951 C.E, when Taj ul Ulama Mufti Muhammad Umar Nayimi migrated to Pakistan, Habib ul Ulama succeeded him as the Shaykh ul Hadith and grand Mufti of Jamiya Nayimiya.
In 1954 C.E, Habib ul Ulama was appointed the Sadr Mudarris [Principal] of Jamiya Nayimiya when a new committee was formed under Mufti al A’zam Imam Mustafa Raza Khan Quadri Bareilvi and Muhaddith al A’zam Muhammad Quadri Chishti Ashrafi Kichochavi.
Baiyah and Khilafah
Habib ul Ulama was the Disciple [Murid] of Sarkar e Kalan Mufti Sayyid Mukhtar Ashraf Chishti Ashrafi Jilani Kichochavi and had Khilafah in the same tariqa from him.
Seminars and Conferences
1. Habib ul Ulama attended the Banaras Sunni Conferences, 1946, along with Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Muradabadi.
2. He so took, part in the ‘Awqaf Conference’ in 1960 C.E on the request of Qayid al Ahl us Sunnah Rayis ul Qalam Ghulam Rashid Arshad ul Quadri [1925-2002]. Rayis ul Qalam told Habib ul Ulama that as we go from Bareily towards the capital of India, New Delhi, Jamiya Nayimiya, Muradabad is the Last Fort of Ahl us Sunnah, therefore it should be part of the delegation of Ahl us Sunnah scholars at the ‘Awqaf Conference’, at this view of Rayis ul Qalam, he readily accepted and asked Rayis ul Qalam to prepare for the conference as he would be bringing some students of Jamiya Nayimiya along with him.
3. Habib ul Ulama also took part in the Kanpur Sunni Conference and Siwan Conference.
Habib ul Fatawa
A compendium of 719 Fatwa of Habib ul Ulama has been published recently in One Volume by Faruqia Book Depot, New Delhi.
Habib ul Ulama under took the responsibility of Ifta of Jamiya Nayimiya after the following great scholars (i) Mufti Abdul Jalil Nayimi Razvi [1934-1989C.E], (ii)Mufti Abdul Jalil Nayimi Ashrafi- Shaykh ul Hadith, Jamiya Sufiya, Kichocha Sharif, Faizabad, (iii) Mufti Muhammad Ayyub Khan Nayimi Razvi, Sadr ul Mudarrisin, Jamiya Nayimiya.
Students
There are no less than 50 great Students of his who are presently spread in the Indian Subcontinent serving Islam. Shaykh Izhar Ashraf Ashrafi Jilani Kichochavi and Ghazi al Millah Sayyid Muhammad Hashmi Miyan Ashrafi Kichochavi are also his students.
Among others, his sons
(i) Mufakkir ul Islam Shaykh Shahid Raza Nayimi Ashrafi, [London], (ii) Shaykh Dr. Rashid Ziya Ashrafi, (iii) Shaykh Farukh Ashrafi, (iv) Shaykh Ashraf Ziya Ashrafi, (v) Shaykh Hafiz Ma’rif Raza Ashrafi are also famous scholars.
Demise
Habib ul Ulama passed away in 1395 A.H / 1975 C.E at the age of 58 years. The Funeral prayer was led by Shaykh al A’zam Sayyid Izhar Ashraf Ashrafi Kichochavi
His Respect for Contemporary Scholars
Habib ul Ulama used to celebrate Urs al Nayimi with great enthusiasm, he used to frequently visit the Mazar [Shrine] of his teacher and Mentor Sadr ul Afazil Sayyid Nayimuddin Muradabadi. Habib ul Ulama used to love and respect even the children of Sadr ul Afazil’s family.
He used to visit Urs al Razvi at Bareily each year with a group of students. He didn’t leave these visits even in times of serious illnesses. Once Habib ul Ulama accompanied Mufti Muhammad Ayyub Khan Nayimi Razvi to Bareily to see Mufti al A’zam who was seriously ill and doctors advised him take complete bed rest. Habib ul Ulama stood beside the bed holding the Hand of Mufti al A’zam for a very long time, making Dua [praying] for his health.
Similarly Habib ul Ulama used to take and kiss the hands of Sayyid ul Ulama Barkati Marhervi , Sadr ul Ulama Meruthi and Mujahid al Millah Mufti Habib ur Rahman Quadri Razvi.
Habib ul Ulama was famous for his lectures on Sahih al Bukhari, Aqayid al Nasafi, and Siraji. While teaching Kitab ul Iman of Sahih al Bukhari and Aqayid al Nasafi he used to read out ‘Subhan us Subuh’ of Imam al Akbar Ahmad Raza Khan and explain the position of Ahl us Sunnah on ‘Imkan ul Kizb’ on part of Allah Almighty and the position of Wahhabiya Deobandiya regarding this Aqidah.
Compiled and Edited by
Basharath Ali Siddiqui Ashrafi
Ashrafiya Islamic Foundation
Hyderabad, India.
Source: Extracted from ‘Habib ul Fatawa’.