loveProphet
24-01-2007, 01:51 PM
:salam:
Mind you, all of what i mention in the quotes(apart from the last one by Sheikh ul Islam Ashraf Ali Thanvi(RH)) are from famous and renown Arab scholars. Enjoy.
Sheikh GF Haddad mentioned:
As for Imam Ahmad Rida Khan and his works, whoever does not recognize their worth as one of the treasures of this Umma is a blasted nincompoop who should wear a dunce cap until he learns.
See:
http://www.livingislam.org/fiqhi/sp1-gfh_e.html
I recently came accross this tribute from middle eastern scholers regarding Imam Rida Khan. Some very powerful statments. Here is just one of them
In the name of Allah Al Rahman Al-Raheem
From: Al-Habib Umar bin Muhammad bin Salim bin Hafidh
Praise be to Allah, the one who brings forth in the Ummah, for the
support of the Truth and the establishment of the proof, leaders
guiding by his command, defending with patience and certitude,
emulating the Seal of the prophets, our Liege-Lord the Noblest, the
Chosen one, the Select, Muhammad the son of Abdullah, the Beloved of
the Lord of all the worlds, O Allah send your peace and blessings and
bestow honour upon him, upon his pure family, his noble companions and
those who follow them upon sincerity until the day of judgement.
And from amongst those leaders whom the Merciful has brought forth in
his mercy to his slaves is the Shaykh, the Gnostic, vast in knowledge
and cognisance, firmly versed in the realities the Shaykh, Muhammad
Ahmad Ridha Khan (rahmatullah alayh). Author of many works and
abundant spiritual overflowing, and indeed Allah spread out for him
and by him the message of guidance and hoisted the banners of
salvation from enticement away from the Sunnah of the Master of the
messengers (Sal Allahu alayhi wa salam) and the guidance of the
righteous predecessors (as salaf as-sâlihîn). And we looked into many
of his works, beneficial, helpful, illuminating and enlightening and
the commendations (taqarîz) of the leaders of the Haramayn (the two
noble sanctuaries, Makkatul Mukarrama and Madinatul Munawwara) and the
groups of gnostic scholars, and rightly-guided guides. So may Allah
bless him (Shaykh Ahmad Ridha rahmatullah Alayh) in his works,
illuminate the lands with his radiant lights, and give success to
those who associate with him, to gather the believers and unite the
people of religion and make us and them from amongst the elect of the
righteous, the sincere, and may Allah elevate his status (Shaykh Ahmad
Ridha Khan rahmatullah alayh) and requit him with good and unite us
with him in the highest of Paradises in good and well being.
(Al-Habib As-Shaykh As-Sayyid) Umar bin Muhammad bin Salim bin Hafizh
ibn As-Shaykh abi Bakr bin Salim (hafizahullah)
Dar al Mustafa, Tarim, Hadhramawt, Al-Yaman
Translated from the original Arabic preface to
"Al Fadhl al Mawhibi fi m'ana idha saha al-hadith fa huwa madhabi" (1313AH)
Al Madinatul Ilmiyyah, Publication and Distribution, Karachi,
Pakistan. Ramadhan 2002 (1423AH)
In the name of Allah Al Rahman Al-Raheem
Al-Allama Al-Kabir As-Shaykh Ahmad Ridha Khan (alayhi ar-rahma)
By the pen of the distinguished spiritual guide and teacher, the esteemed:
As-Shaykh As-Sayyid Yusuf Hashim Al-Rifa'i (hafizahullah).
Born in 1272 A.H. (1856 C.E.), (Shaykh Ahmad Ridha Khan (rahmatullah alay)), indeed from an early age he occupied himself in the study of the sacred sciences, distinguishing himself until he became capable of issuing fatawa (formal legal opinions) at an early age. (13 years 10 months 5 days, on the 15th Sh'aban 1286 A.H. (1864 C.E.) 'Rasa'il Ridhwiyya' Vol 2 pg 301/315 Maktaba Hamidiyya Lahore 1988), since he was raised in a noble religious environment, indeed his father (Allama Naqi Ali Khan (rahmatullah alayh)) and his grandfather (Allama Ridha Ali Khan (rahmatullah alayh)) were from amongst the ranks of the most eminent ulama and ascetics.
Religious services:
After completing his familiarisation with the various sacred sciences and receiving the cloak of succession and deputyship (khirqat ul khilafa) in the Qadiri tariqa, in particular, alongside the Naqshbandi, Chistiyy and Suharwardi tariqas the Shaykh (rahmatullah alayh) occupied himself with teaching, issuing legal rules, writing, delivering sermons, spiritual instruction and reformation of the Muslim Ummah.
His many precious works:
The Shaykh authored approximately 1,000 works in the various different religious sciences and other fields in Arabic, Urdu and Farsi, most of them published, and to Allah is all praise. Possessing tremendous genius, lively minded, swift in writing, the knowledge and cognizance came to him continuously from the help of Allah and the blessings of His Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) and there is much that bears testimony to that, and any who peruses his numerous, beneficial works perceives that.
His character:
The Shaykh (rahmatullah alayh) was of outstanding character and distinguished morals. He loved for the sake of Allah and became angry for the sake of Allah. The Shaykh had an intense sense of honour in all what concerned Allah (jalla jalaluhu) and His Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa salam)
His love for the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam)
The Shaykh (rahmatullah alayh) was a great lover of our Liege-Lord Al Mustafa (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam). To the extent that due to his intense love and following of the noble Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) he named himself the slave of the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) (Abd ul Mustafa) and he would conclude his sittings of zhikr with the famous qasida he composed on the praise, extolling, eulogy and declaration of the station of the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) with the opening verses: ' A hundred thousand salawat and salams upon you O Messenger of Allah (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) O Soul of the Mercy of Allah to mankind)
The Shaykh's connection to Tasawuff:
As we have mentioned the Shaykh (rahmatullah alayh) took his spiritual path from the eminent Gnostic scholars of his time, who saw him worthy and deserving of succession (khilafa), instruction and purification after they passed onto the next world. And indeed he performed this duty admirably, and he would zealously protect the shari'ah and tariqa together and rejected separation between them and he would say: ' Verily the shariah is the foundation and tariqa is a branch. The shari'ah is a source head and the tariqa is an ocean bursting forth from this spring. It is not possible to arrive to Allah except by suluk upon the shar'iah and who proceeded on a way other than the way of the shari'ah is destroyed and strays from the way of truth".
This method of the shaykh clarifies the lies, the deceit, falsehood and slander of his opponents who contradicted the saying of Allah (t'ala): 'O you who believe! If a Fasiq (liar - evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done.' (Surah Al Hujurat (42) Verse 6). Indeed most definitely he was a lover of the Master Al Mustafa (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) with a complete love and a complete following of the Shar'iah al Mustafawiyyah upon Him (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) be the best of salawat and salam.
His Jihad:
At the time of Indian Revolution, in 1857 C.E., the Shaykh (radhiyAllahu anhu) issued a legal ruling prohibiting association, mutual relations and friendship with the English colonialist disbelievers. He gave fatwa that friendship was absolutely haram with every mushrik whether it be a compliant non-Muslim or one's own children or father or brother or close relative.
His piety and scrupulousness:
The Shaykh (rahmatullah alayh) was diligent on the 5 prayers with congregation, God fearing and scrupulous, remembering Allah in all his states. Indeed he visited the two holy sanctuaries in 1295 A.H. (1878 C.E.) to carry out the obligation of Hajj and visitation of the grave of his beloved Al-Mustafa (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) and indeed seized the opportunity and gathered with the gnostic scholars and the muhadithin in those blessed lands and mutually exchanged with them ijazat in the Shar'iah Sciences and in suluk and tasawuff. He then returned to the two holy sanctuaries again for Hajj and Ziyara and realisation of benefits, spiritual and knowledge based.
His status and rank:
Many consider the Shaykh (rahmatullah alayh) the reviver of the age (Mujaddid Al-Asr) to the Muslim Ummah and in particular in the land of Hind where he became known as the reviver of the ummah (Mujaddid al Ummah), confirming the statement of the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam): 'Verily Allah sends for this Ummah at the head of every century, one who revives for it it's Deen'. And verily the great majority (As-Sawad Al A'zam) from Ahl as Sunnah in the Indian subcontinent (comprising Pakistan, India and Bangladesh) consider him to this day their Imam and Spiritual Guide and constantly repeat his sincere, delightful qas'aid and eulogies to the Master, the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) in their sittings, celebrations, in particular their celebration of the birth of the Noble Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam). And the Shaykh did not travel onto Allah from this world until he had fulfilled his exalted mission in the renewal of the religion and awakening of the soul and sense of honour for Islam and for the Messenger (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) in the hearts and minds of the Muslims.
May Allah have mercy on him, a wide mercy and establish him in his spacious paradise and benefit the Muslims with his knowledge and his sincere, ample spiritual overflowing, Amin.
And may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Liege Lord Muhammad and upon his family and companions
As-Shaykh As-Sayyid Yusuf Hashim Al-Rifa'i (rahmatullah alayh).
8th Dhul Hijjah 1409 A.H. 11 July 1989 C.E. (Kuwait).
Translated from the original Arabic:
Pg 5-8 "Al Khutut Ar-Ra'isiyyah lil Iqtisad al Islami"
By Al-Imam Al-Mujaddid Ahmad Ridha Khan (rahmatullah alayh) (1272 AH - 1340 AH)
Published by Idarat tahqeeq Imam Ahmad Ridha (rahmatullah alayh) Karachi.
Abul Ula Maudoodi:
"I have great respect in my heart for the knowledge and status of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi u anhu). He has great foresight over the knowledge of Deen and even his opposition are forced to accept this fact."
Sheikh ul Islam Ashraf Ali Thanwi(RA):
"I have great respect in my heart for Ahmed Raza Khan (radi u anhu). He calls us Kaafirs, but he says this only on the basis for his love for the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and not out of any other reason."
Taken from www.deenport.com
Can see more about the Imam at:
http://www.sunnah.org/articles/Imam_raza_ahmed_khan.htm
:ws:
Mind you, all of what i mention in the quotes(apart from the last one by Sheikh ul Islam Ashraf Ali Thanvi(RH)) are from famous and renown Arab scholars. Enjoy.
Sheikh GF Haddad mentioned:
As for Imam Ahmad Rida Khan and his works, whoever does not recognize their worth as one of the treasures of this Umma is a blasted nincompoop who should wear a dunce cap until he learns.
See:
http://www.livingislam.org/fiqhi/sp1-gfh_e.html
I recently came accross this tribute from middle eastern scholers regarding Imam Rida Khan. Some very powerful statments. Here is just one of them
In the name of Allah Al Rahman Al-Raheem
From: Al-Habib Umar bin Muhammad bin Salim bin Hafidh
Praise be to Allah, the one who brings forth in the Ummah, for the
support of the Truth and the establishment of the proof, leaders
guiding by his command, defending with patience and certitude,
emulating the Seal of the prophets, our Liege-Lord the Noblest, the
Chosen one, the Select, Muhammad the son of Abdullah, the Beloved of
the Lord of all the worlds, O Allah send your peace and blessings and
bestow honour upon him, upon his pure family, his noble companions and
those who follow them upon sincerity until the day of judgement.
And from amongst those leaders whom the Merciful has brought forth in
his mercy to his slaves is the Shaykh, the Gnostic, vast in knowledge
and cognisance, firmly versed in the realities the Shaykh, Muhammad
Ahmad Ridha Khan (rahmatullah alayh). Author of many works and
abundant spiritual overflowing, and indeed Allah spread out for him
and by him the message of guidance and hoisted the banners of
salvation from enticement away from the Sunnah of the Master of the
messengers (Sal Allahu alayhi wa salam) and the guidance of the
righteous predecessors (as salaf as-sâlihîn). And we looked into many
of his works, beneficial, helpful, illuminating and enlightening and
the commendations (taqarîz) of the leaders of the Haramayn (the two
noble sanctuaries, Makkatul Mukarrama and Madinatul Munawwara) and the
groups of gnostic scholars, and rightly-guided guides. So may Allah
bless him (Shaykh Ahmad Ridha rahmatullah Alayh) in his works,
illuminate the lands with his radiant lights, and give success to
those who associate with him, to gather the believers and unite the
people of religion and make us and them from amongst the elect of the
righteous, the sincere, and may Allah elevate his status (Shaykh Ahmad
Ridha Khan rahmatullah alayh) and requit him with good and unite us
with him in the highest of Paradises in good and well being.
(Al-Habib As-Shaykh As-Sayyid) Umar bin Muhammad bin Salim bin Hafizh
ibn As-Shaykh abi Bakr bin Salim (hafizahullah)
Dar al Mustafa, Tarim, Hadhramawt, Al-Yaman
Translated from the original Arabic preface to
"Al Fadhl al Mawhibi fi m'ana idha saha al-hadith fa huwa madhabi" (1313AH)
Al Madinatul Ilmiyyah, Publication and Distribution, Karachi,
Pakistan. Ramadhan 2002 (1423AH)
In the name of Allah Al Rahman Al-Raheem
Al-Allama Al-Kabir As-Shaykh Ahmad Ridha Khan (alayhi ar-rahma)
By the pen of the distinguished spiritual guide and teacher, the esteemed:
As-Shaykh As-Sayyid Yusuf Hashim Al-Rifa'i (hafizahullah).
Born in 1272 A.H. (1856 C.E.), (Shaykh Ahmad Ridha Khan (rahmatullah alay)), indeed from an early age he occupied himself in the study of the sacred sciences, distinguishing himself until he became capable of issuing fatawa (formal legal opinions) at an early age. (13 years 10 months 5 days, on the 15th Sh'aban 1286 A.H. (1864 C.E.) 'Rasa'il Ridhwiyya' Vol 2 pg 301/315 Maktaba Hamidiyya Lahore 1988), since he was raised in a noble religious environment, indeed his father (Allama Naqi Ali Khan (rahmatullah alayh)) and his grandfather (Allama Ridha Ali Khan (rahmatullah alayh)) were from amongst the ranks of the most eminent ulama and ascetics.
Religious services:
After completing his familiarisation with the various sacred sciences and receiving the cloak of succession and deputyship (khirqat ul khilafa) in the Qadiri tariqa, in particular, alongside the Naqshbandi, Chistiyy and Suharwardi tariqas the Shaykh (rahmatullah alayh) occupied himself with teaching, issuing legal rules, writing, delivering sermons, spiritual instruction and reformation of the Muslim Ummah.
His many precious works:
The Shaykh authored approximately 1,000 works in the various different religious sciences and other fields in Arabic, Urdu and Farsi, most of them published, and to Allah is all praise. Possessing tremendous genius, lively minded, swift in writing, the knowledge and cognizance came to him continuously from the help of Allah and the blessings of His Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) and there is much that bears testimony to that, and any who peruses his numerous, beneficial works perceives that.
His character:
The Shaykh (rahmatullah alayh) was of outstanding character and distinguished morals. He loved for the sake of Allah and became angry for the sake of Allah. The Shaykh had an intense sense of honour in all what concerned Allah (jalla jalaluhu) and His Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa salam)
His love for the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam)
The Shaykh (rahmatullah alayh) was a great lover of our Liege-Lord Al Mustafa (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam). To the extent that due to his intense love and following of the noble Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) he named himself the slave of the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) (Abd ul Mustafa) and he would conclude his sittings of zhikr with the famous qasida he composed on the praise, extolling, eulogy and declaration of the station of the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) with the opening verses: ' A hundred thousand salawat and salams upon you O Messenger of Allah (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) O Soul of the Mercy of Allah to mankind)
The Shaykh's connection to Tasawuff:
As we have mentioned the Shaykh (rahmatullah alayh) took his spiritual path from the eminent Gnostic scholars of his time, who saw him worthy and deserving of succession (khilafa), instruction and purification after they passed onto the next world. And indeed he performed this duty admirably, and he would zealously protect the shari'ah and tariqa together and rejected separation between them and he would say: ' Verily the shariah is the foundation and tariqa is a branch. The shari'ah is a source head and the tariqa is an ocean bursting forth from this spring. It is not possible to arrive to Allah except by suluk upon the shar'iah and who proceeded on a way other than the way of the shari'ah is destroyed and strays from the way of truth".
This method of the shaykh clarifies the lies, the deceit, falsehood and slander of his opponents who contradicted the saying of Allah (t'ala): 'O you who believe! If a Fasiq (liar - evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done.' (Surah Al Hujurat (42) Verse 6). Indeed most definitely he was a lover of the Master Al Mustafa (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) with a complete love and a complete following of the Shar'iah al Mustafawiyyah upon Him (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) be the best of salawat and salam.
His Jihad:
At the time of Indian Revolution, in 1857 C.E., the Shaykh (radhiyAllahu anhu) issued a legal ruling prohibiting association, mutual relations and friendship with the English colonialist disbelievers. He gave fatwa that friendship was absolutely haram with every mushrik whether it be a compliant non-Muslim or one's own children or father or brother or close relative.
His piety and scrupulousness:
The Shaykh (rahmatullah alayh) was diligent on the 5 prayers with congregation, God fearing and scrupulous, remembering Allah in all his states. Indeed he visited the two holy sanctuaries in 1295 A.H. (1878 C.E.) to carry out the obligation of Hajj and visitation of the grave of his beloved Al-Mustafa (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) and indeed seized the opportunity and gathered with the gnostic scholars and the muhadithin in those blessed lands and mutually exchanged with them ijazat in the Shar'iah Sciences and in suluk and tasawuff. He then returned to the two holy sanctuaries again for Hajj and Ziyara and realisation of benefits, spiritual and knowledge based.
His status and rank:
Many consider the Shaykh (rahmatullah alayh) the reviver of the age (Mujaddid Al-Asr) to the Muslim Ummah and in particular in the land of Hind where he became known as the reviver of the ummah (Mujaddid al Ummah), confirming the statement of the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam): 'Verily Allah sends for this Ummah at the head of every century, one who revives for it it's Deen'. And verily the great majority (As-Sawad Al A'zam) from Ahl as Sunnah in the Indian subcontinent (comprising Pakistan, India and Bangladesh) consider him to this day their Imam and Spiritual Guide and constantly repeat his sincere, delightful qas'aid and eulogies to the Master, the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) in their sittings, celebrations, in particular their celebration of the birth of the Noble Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam). And the Shaykh did not travel onto Allah from this world until he had fulfilled his exalted mission in the renewal of the religion and awakening of the soul and sense of honour for Islam and for the Messenger (SalAllahu alayhi wa salam) in the hearts and minds of the Muslims.
May Allah have mercy on him, a wide mercy and establish him in his spacious paradise and benefit the Muslims with his knowledge and his sincere, ample spiritual overflowing, Amin.
And may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Liege Lord Muhammad and upon his family and companions
As-Shaykh As-Sayyid Yusuf Hashim Al-Rifa'i (rahmatullah alayh).
8th Dhul Hijjah 1409 A.H. 11 July 1989 C.E. (Kuwait).
Translated from the original Arabic:
Pg 5-8 "Al Khutut Ar-Ra'isiyyah lil Iqtisad al Islami"
By Al-Imam Al-Mujaddid Ahmad Ridha Khan (rahmatullah alayh) (1272 AH - 1340 AH)
Published by Idarat tahqeeq Imam Ahmad Ridha (rahmatullah alayh) Karachi.
Abul Ula Maudoodi:
"I have great respect in my heart for the knowledge and status of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi u anhu). He has great foresight over the knowledge of Deen and even his opposition are forced to accept this fact."
Sheikh ul Islam Ashraf Ali Thanwi(RA):
"I have great respect in my heart for Ahmed Raza Khan (radi u anhu). He calls us Kaafirs, but he says this only on the basis for his love for the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and not out of any other reason."
Taken from www.deenport.com
Can see more about the Imam at:
http://www.sunnah.org/articles/Imam_raza_ahmed_khan.htm
:ws: