COMMENCEMENT OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION 

During A'la Hadrat's (alaihir rahmah) "Bismillah Kwaani" or "Commencement of Islamic Education" a very strange incident occurred. 

His respected teacher asked him to read the Tasmiyah, and then told him to read "Alif, Baa, Taa, . . . ." A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) began reading the "Alif, Baa, Taa, ..." until he came to the word "Laam Alif" at which point A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) became silent. When his teacher asked him once more to read "Laam Alif", he remained silent. The teacher instructed him, "Say, 'Laam Alif'". Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah), then replied, "I have already read them earlier on. What need is there for me to repeat it?" 

Hadrat Allama Raza Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah), who was witnessing this incident, said, "Son! Listen to what your Ustaad is saying." Upon further reflection, Hadrat Allama Raza Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah), realised the reason for the objection of the young A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah). It was because the teacher was teaching A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) the lesson on single alphabets. A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) felt that how was it possible that a complete word like "Laam Alif" should be found in such a lesson that only dealt with single alphabets! 

Hadrat Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah) knew that it was a very delicate matter that could not be understood by a child. Nevertheless, he explained, "Son! It is true that which you are thinking of. But the 'Alif' which you had earlier read, in reality, is 'Hamza' and this which you are reciting now is 'Alif'. 'Alif' is always 'Sakin' and one cannot commence with an alphabet which is 'Sakin'. Therefore, it is for this reason that the alphabet 'Laam' is brought before the 'Alif'." 

When A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) heard this answer, he replied, "If that be the case, then any other alphabet could be joined to the 'Alif'. Why the 'Laam'?" Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah), out of sheer happiness and excitement, embraced A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) and made Dua for him. He then explained the answer to A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) in the following brilliant manner: "In looking at them they both appear to be very much alike, since they are both empty. Even when writing them together they look very much alike. When it comes to their qualities then 'Laam' is the heart of 'Alif' and 'Alif' is the heart of 'Laam'." 

Hadrat Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah) was in reality opening the doors and the treasures of knowledge and spiritual insight to A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah). 

A'LA HADRAT (alaihir rahmah) WAS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD WHEN HE COMPLETED THE RECITATION OF THE HOLY QURAN. DUE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY INTELLIGENCE BESTOWED UPON HIM BY ALMIGHTY ALLAH, A'LA HADRAT (alaihir rahmah) COMPLETED HIS ISLAMIC EDUCATION AT THE VERY YOUNG AGE OF 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AND 5 DAYS. A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) states that, "I completed my religious education during the middle of the month of Shabaan in the year 1286 A.H. I was 13 years, 10 months and 5 days old at that time. It was also at this time that Salaah became Fard upon me and I began to have great interest in the Laws of Shariah". (Al Ijaazatur Radawiyya) 

A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) gained his basic knowledge at home. He later continued his studies under the guidance of certain noted teachers. He studied under his father, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah). He completed his primary education by Janab Mirza Ghulam Qader Baig, by whom he studied the book, "Mizaane Munsha'ab." A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) also studied under the guidance of the following luminous personalities : 

1. Hadrat Mawlana Abdul Ali Rampuri (alaihir rahmah),
2. Hadrat Allama Syed Shah Abul Hassan Ahmed Noori (alaihir rahmah),
3. Sheikh-e-Tariqah, Hadrat Allama Shah Ale Rasool Mahrahrewi (alaihir rahmah),
4. Sheikh Ahmed bin Zain-e-Dahlaan Makki (alaihir rahmah),
5. Sheikh Abdur Rahman Makki (alaihir rahmah), and
6. Sheikh Hussain bin Salih Makki (alaihir rahmah) 

A'LA HADRAT'S FIRST FATAWA 

In a letter sent to his illustrious Khalifa, Malakul Ulema, Hadrat Mawlana Zafaruddeen Bihaari, A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) wrote, "With the Grace of Almighty Allah, this servant wrote his first Fatawah at the age of 13. It is also at this age that I completed my religious education and gained a certificate of proficiency in this field. On this day, a question was put forward to me as to whether milk, if reaching the belly of a child, would prove fosterage or not? I replied that even if milk reached the child's belly, either through the nose or mouth, fosterage would be proven, therefore, making it Haraam upon the child to marry this women". (Al Malfooz, Part I, pg. 12) 

His father was so amazed and delighted by this in-depth reply that he assigned the young A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) the task of issuing Fatawahs (Islamic Verdicts). For many years, thereafter, A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) carried this very important duty with absolute dignity and responsibility. 

A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) began answering hundreds of Fatawas daily. He received them in all languages - Arabic, Urdu, Persian, English and many other languages. 

Professor Dr J.M.S. Baljon, Department of Islamology, University of Leiden (Holland), when commenting about A'la Hadrat's (alaihir rahmah) answers to religious enquiries, said: "Indeed, a great scholar I must confess. When reading his Fatawas, I am deeply impressed by the immensely wide reading he demonstrates in his argumentations. Above it, his views appear much more balanced than I expected. You are completely right; he deserves to be better known and more appreciated in the West than is the case at present." 

HIS MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN 

In the year 1291 A.H. (1874), A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) married Sayyidah Irshaad Begum (radi Allahu anha) who was the beloved daughter of Sheikh Fadhl Hussain Sahib. He was 18 years old at the time of his Nikah. 

Almighty Allah blessed A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) with 7 beautiful children - 2 sons and 5 daughters. Both his sons became eminent Islamic Scholars and great Awliyah Allah. A'la Hadrat's (alaihir rahmah) eldest son, Hujjatul Islam, Hadrat Allama Mawlana Muhammad Haamid Raza Khan Noori Barakaati (alaihir rahmah) was very much efficient in Arabic and various other religious sciences. His features resembled his illustrious father. Hujjatul Islam (alaihir rahmah) left this mundane world on the 17th of Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1362 A.H., while in the state of Salaah. His Mazaar Shareef (Blessed Tomb) is in Bareilly Shareef, India. 

Ghousul Waqt, Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Ash Shah Imam Mustapha Raza Khan Noori Barakaati (alaihir rahmah), the younger son of A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) studied primarily under the guidance of his elder brother. He also received education at the blessed feet of his father and earned himself a certificate of proficiency in religious sciences. Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (alaihir rahmah) has approximately ten millions Mureeds (Disciples) around the world. He is also regarded as a Mujaddid (Reviver) of Islam of the 15th Century. He left this mundane world on the eve of the 14th of Muharram 1402 A.H. (1981). His Mazaar Shareef is also in Bareilly Shareef. 

INCIDENTS POINTING TO HIS IMMENSE KNOWLEDGE 

Speaking about A'la Hadrat's (alaihir rahmah) immense knowledge, Dr Sayyid Muhammad Abdullah, Chairman: Department of Encyclopedia of Islam, University of Punjab, Lahore (Pakistan) said: "The scholar is said to be the mind and spokesman of the nation, especially that scholar who derives inspiration, throught and vision form the Holy Quran, and the Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), traditions, a narration of divine knowledge, and exponent of divine scheme. He is the voice of the Creator, a benefactor of mankind. It is not an over statement of exaggeration, but acceptance of truth to say that Ahmad Raza is such a scholar. 

"He, indeed, is a renowned scholar, great philosopher, eminent Jurist, man of vision, interpreter of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet's (peace be upon him) traditions, and a spell binding orator." 

A few days after the Nikah of A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah), a certain person came to Bareilly Shareef. He presented a Fatawa of Mawlana Irshaad Hussain Mujaddidi (alaihir rahmah) to Hadrat Allama Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah) for an answer. The Fatawa bore the signatures of many Ulema. 

Hadrat Allama Naqi Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah), instructed the messenger with the following words: "Go into the room. Moulvi Sahib is there. He will answer your question." The messenger entered the room and only saw A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) sitting there. He returned to Hadrat Allama Naqi Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah) and said, "There is no Moulvi Sahib there. All I see in the room is a young lad." Hadrat Allama Naqi Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah) told the messenger: "Give the Mas'ala to him and he will answer it." The messenger went to A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) and handed him the Fatawa. He studied it and realised that the answer on the Fatawa of Mawlana Irshaad Hussain (alaihir rahmah) was incorrect. A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) wrote the correct answer to the Fatawa and respectfully presented it to his father. His father verified his (alaihir rahmah) answer as being correct. 

The very same Fatawa was then taken to the Governor of Rampur. After studying the Fatawa of A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah), the Governor requested the presence of Mawlana Irshaad Hussain Sahib (alaihir rahmah). When the said Mawlana appeared before the Governor, the Fatawa was shown to him. Mufti Irshaad Hussain Sahib (alaihir rahmah) humbly acknowledged that his Fatawa was incorrect and that the Fatawa from Bareilly Shareef was the correct answer. The Governor of Rampur then said, "If the Fatawa of Bareilly is correct, then how is it that all the other Ulema verified and endorsed your Fatawa?" Mawlana Irshaad Hussain (alaihir rahmah) replied, "THEY ENDORSED MY FATAWA BECAUSE I AM PROMINENT, BUT THE TRUE FATAWA IS THE ONE WRITTEN BY THE MUFTI OF BAREILLY." 

When the Governor learnt that Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (alaihir rahmah) was only 20 old, he immediately had the great yearning to meet him. It so happened that A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) once visited Rampur. The Governor went and met A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah). The Governor was overwhelmed and as a mark of respect offered him a silver chair to sit on. A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) refused to sit on the silver chair saying that the use of silver furniture is Haraam. Feeling ashamed, the Governor requested A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) to sit on the bed. 

While conversing with A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah), the Governor commented that since he was so brilliant at such a young age, that A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) should study a few books in Logistics under the supervision of Moulvi Abdul Haq Kheyrabaadi. 

Coincidently, Moulvi Abdul Haq Kheyrabaadi arrived. They were both introduced to one another. After getting acquainted, he questioned Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) concerning the books that he had studied in the field of Logistics. A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) told the Moulvi that he had studied the Kitaab, "Kazi Mubaarak." Moulvi Abdul Haq Kheyrabaadi did not believe A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) because he felt that he was too young to study "Kazi Mubaarak". He then, very sarcastically, asked, "Have you studied 'Tahzeeb'?" A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) also answered in a very sarcastic manner by saying, "Is 'Tahzeeb' taught after 'Kazi Mubaarak' at your institution?" 

After listening to the answers of A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah), he began questioning him about his qualifications. A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) said that he preferred teaching, engaging in Fatawa work and writing books. He further asked A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) concernin his field of expertise. A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) replied by saying that HE SPECIALISED IN ANY FIELD THAT WAS NECESSARY AT ANY GIVEN TIME, AND THIS INCLUDED DEBATING THE WAHABIS. 

When Moulvi Abdul Haq heared this reply from A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah), he remarked, "That crazy person from Badayoun is also in this fanaticism." (He was referring to Mawlana Abdul Qaadir radi allahu anhu). On hearing this, Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) became offended and said, "Your father, Mawlana Fadhl-e-Haq Kheyrabaadi (alaihir rahmah), was the first person to debate the Wahabis, and he was the one responsible for writing a book against Isma'il Delhwi. He called this book 'Al Fatawa Fi Butali Taghwa'." 

Mawlana Abdul Haq Kheyrabbadi then said, "If, in my presence, you answer me in this way, then it will be impossible for me to teach you." A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) replied by saying, "I have already decided not to study under you, since for me to study under you will be an insult to the Ulema-e- Ahle Sunnah". 

Mawlana Mufti Mazharullah said: "Once, I enquired from A'la Hadrat about the holy sacrifice offered by Muslims. He, in his reply, described innumerable kinds of sheep which was a matter of surprise for me. I kept his letter with me. It so happened that Mawlana Kifaayatullah came to see me and by chance he saw the letter. He was astounded and said, 'No doubt his learning and knowledge knows no boundaries'."

BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE STUDIED BY AT HIS FATHER'S FEET

A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) became proficient in the following branches of knowledge at the feet of his father: 

TAFSEER OF THE HOLY QURANTAFSEER OF AHADITH
PRINCIPLES OF AHADITH (USOOL-E-HADITH)
ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE (ALL FOUR SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT)
PRINCIPLES OF JURISPRUDENCE (USOOL-E-FIQH)
DIALECTICS
QURANIC COMMENTARY
PRINCIPLES OF BELIEF
PRINCIPLES OF DEBATE
ARABIC SYNTAX
PRINCIPLES OF RHETORIC
LANGUAGE USAGE OF METAPHORS
SCIENCE DEALING WITH RHETORIC
LOGIC
DEBATES
PHILOSOPHY AND POLITICS
RHETORIC DEVICES
PHYSICS
MATHEMATICS
PHYSICAL ENGINEERING 

In the book, "Al Ijaazatul Mutay'yanah", on page 22, A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) has said the following in connection with the above mentioned 20 branches of knowledge. He says, "I LEARNT THESE TWENTY BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE, PERSONALLY AT THE FEET OF MY FATHER". 

OTHER BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE ATTAINED FROM VARIOUS ULEMA 

He learnt QURANIC RECITATION, CORRECT RECITATION WITH TAJWEED, MYSTICISM, MYSTICAL INITIATION, ISLAMIC ETHICS, NAMES OF NARRATORS OF AHADITH, BIOGRAPHY OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALAL LAAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM), ISLAMIC HISTORY, IN-DEPTH STUDY OF ARABIC AND LITERATURE. 

A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) states: "THESE TEN BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE, I ACHIEVED AT THE FEET OF THE FOLLOWING TEACHERS: SHAH ALE RASOOL MAHRAHREWI, MAWLANA NAQI ALI KHAN, SHEIKH AHMED BIN ZAIN DAHLAAN MAKKI, SHEIKH ABDUR RAHMAN MAKKI, SHEIKH HUSSAIN BIN SALEH MAKKI, SHAH ABUL HASSAN AHMED NOORI (ALAIHIMUR RAHMAH)." 

BRANCHES OF KNOWLEDGE ATTAINED WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF ANY TEACHER 

A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) learnt ARITHMETIC, ALGEBRA, THE TWELVE BRANCHES OF MATHEMATICS, MODERN ASTRONOMY, SCIENCE OF INHERITANCE, SCIENCE OF PROSODY, ASTROLOGY, SCIENCE OF HISTORY, PROSE IN HINDI, PROSE IS PERSIAN, IN-DEPTH STUDY OF ARABIC AND IN-DEPTH STUDY OF PLAIN PERSIAN WRITING. 

When A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) was questioned about his amazing capabilities in solving intricate and confusing Mathematical theories, and as to who his mentor was, he replied, "I DID NOT HAVE A TEACHER IN THIS FIELD. WHATEVER YOU SEE, I ACHIEVED WITHIN THE FOUR WALLS OF MY ROOM. THIS IS INDEED THROUGH THE GRACE OF SAYYIDUNA RASOOLULAH (SALAL LAAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM)." (Al Mizaan, pg. 342) 

The above are merely a few branches of knowledge in which A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) reached such great heights of proficiency that he was considered to be the inventor of that branch of knowledge! An example of this is to found in his book, "Ar Raudal Baheej fi Adaabut Takhreej", dealing with the Principles of Chronomatic Recording of Ahadith. 

Commenting on this, the famous Historian, Mawlana Rahmaan Ali, (M.P. Madya Pradesh) states, "If there are no books to be found on the subject of Chronomatic Recording of Ahadith, then A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) can be considered to be the very inventor of this branch of knowledge". (Tazkerah Ulema-e-Hind, pg. 17)