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Introduction to the Imam Ahmed Raza Academy

YEAR OF ESTABLISHMENT

The Imam Ahmed Raza Academy was established on the 5th of July 1986 (1406 A.H.) in South Africa with the sole purpose of uplifting the Muslim Ummah academically and spiritually. The chief founder and current President of the organisation is Sheikh Abdul Hadi Al-Qaadiri Barakaati, a graduate of the famous Islamic University, Darul Uloom Manzare Islam, Bareilly Shareef, India. He was also initiated into the Qaadiri Silsila by the celebrated scholar and saint, Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Moulana Sha Mustapha Raza Khan Al-Qaadiri Noori Radawi (alaihir rahmah).

OUR SPIRITUAL GUIDE

Ghousul-Waqt, Taajul Ulema Wal Arifeen, Murshid-e-Kaamil, Mufti Azam, Qutbe Alam, Sha Mustapha Raza Khan Al-Qaadiri Barkaati Noori Radawi (alaihir rahmah).

OUR MISSION IS DEDICATED TO


The Muslim Revivalist of the 14th Century, Imam-e-Ahle Sunnah, Azeemul Barkat, A'la Hadrat, Mujaddid Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaadiri Barakaati (alaihir rahmah).

WHO IS IMAM AHMED RAZA KHAN (ALAIHIR RAHMAH)?

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (alaihir rahmah), popularly known as "A'la Hadrat" in the Islamic world, was born on the 10th of Shawaal 1272 A.H. (14 June 1856) in Bareilly Shareef, India. His father, Moulana Naqi Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah), and illustrious grandfather, Moulana Rida Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah), were great Awliya and celebrated theologians recognized as such by academic circles of the entire sub-continent.

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaadiri (alaihir rahmah) received his Sanads (Certificates of Proficiency) in Fiqh, Tafseer, Usool-e-Fiqha and Sihah Sitta (Six Authentic Books of Ahadith) from the learned Ulema of his period, including learned Arab Scholars from Makkatul Mukarramah.

A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) achieved the status of a versatile scholar and obtained a high distinction in over 50 branches of learning pertaining to the Ancient Sciences, Modern Sciences, Oriental learning, Islamic Jurisprudence, Tassawuf, and numerous other branches.

On his visit to Makkatul Mukarramah and Madinatul Munawwarah, Imam Ahmed Raza Al-Qaadiri (alaihir rahmah) was treated with great dignity and was conferred the title of "Imam-e-Ahle-Sunnat" by eminent Ulema. He was also hailed as the Mujaddid "Revivalist" of the Century. Deadly opposed to fanatical extremism, he expounded the pure teachings of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah. He acted as a shield against those who wanted to assault the principles of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah.

As a devout Sufi, A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) was awarded the Ijaazah and Khilafat (Certificate of Spiritual Successorship) in the Qaadiriya Silsila (Order), as well as in 13 other branches of Sufism. His Sheikh-ut-Tareeqah (Spiritual Master) was the celebrated Grand Master, Sayyid Sha Ale-Rasool Ahmadi Al-Qaadiri Al Barkaati (alaihir rahmah) of Mahrerah Shareef, India.

As an author, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaadiri (alaihir rahmah) has left to his credit more than a

1 000 (thousand) books on 50 different subjects ranging from Tafseer, Logic, Grammar, Literature, Islamic Jurisprudence, Education, Sociology, Astronomy, Mathematics, Physics, History, Science of History, Engineering, Biographies, Philosophy, Mysticism to Persian, Arabic, Urdu and Hindi Literature.

A'la Hadrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaadiri (alaihir rahmah) left behind many students and Khulafa (Spiritual Successors) who have achieved world-wide prestige for their contributions towards Islam and some, for their exemplary missionary activities. Among them were A'la Hadrat's (alaihir rahmah) two sons, Hujjatul Islam, Moulana Sha Haamid Raza Al-Qaadiri Barkaati Noori (alaihir rahmah) and Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind, Moulana Sha Mustapha Raza Al-Qaadiri Barkaati Noori (alaihir rahmah); Muballigh-e-Islam, Moulana Abdul Aleem Siddique Al-Qaadiri (alaihir rahmah), Sadrush Sharee'ah Moulana Amjad Ali Al-Qaadiri (alaihir rahmah), Malikul Ulema Sayyid Sha Zafruddeen Behari (alaihir rahmah), Sayyidain Kareemain Abul Barkaat Sayyid Ahmed (alaihir rahmah) and Abul Hasanaat Sayyid Muhammad (alaihir rahmah), Ustaazul Ulema Moulana Sha Ahmed Mukhtaar Siddique Meerati (alaihir rahmah), Qutbe Madina Sheikh Ziauddeen Ahmed Siddique Al-Qaadiri Madani (alaihir rahmah) - to name, but a few.

A'la Hadrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (alaihir rahmah) passed away on Friday, the 25th of Safar 1340 A.H. (28 October 1921), when the Mu'azzin was calling "Hayya alal Falaah" in the Azaan of Jummah Salaah. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi Raaji'un.

All in all: Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaadiri (alaihir rahmah) was a multi-dimensional scholar, orator, teacher, author, spiritual leader and true servant of Islam. It can justifiably be said that the mission of A'la Hazrat (alaihir rahmah) has become a world-wide movement which is gaining popularity day-by-day. Insha-Allah! (Refer to "Neglected Genius of the East" by Prof. Dr. Masud Ahmed (Phd) for a more detailed life and works of this great Mujaddid of Islam)

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

To love Almighty Allah and His beloved Messenger, Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

To love those who love Almighty Allah and His beloved Messenger, Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

To hate those who hate Almighty Allah and His beloved Messenger, Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

To tread the path of the Ambiya, the Awliya, the Shuhadah, the Saaliheen and Siddiqeen (ridwanullahi Ta'ala ajma'in).

OUR AIM AND OBJECTIVES

1. To promote and propagate the teachings of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah as was practised by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam); and also followed by the Four Righteous Caliphs, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddique, Sayyiduna Umar Al Farouk, Sayyiduna Uthman Ghani, Sayyiduna Ali Al Murtadha (radi Allahu anhum); and the Four Eminent Imams, Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shaffe'e, Imam Malik, Imam Ahmad ibne Hambal (alaihir rahmah); the Awliya-Ikraam, Ghousul Azam Hadrat Sheikh Sayed Abdul Qaadir Jilaani, Sayyiduna Gareeb Nawaaz, Sayyiduna Sheikh Bahaahul Haq Nakshabandi, Sayyiduna Sheikh Khaja Shahabudeen Omar Suhrwardi (alaihir rahmah); and the various Masha'ikhs and Ulema, such as, Mujaddid-e-Deen-o-Millat, Sayyidi A'la Hadrat, Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al Qaadiri Barkaati (alaihir rahmah), Huzoor Mufti Azam, Ash Shah Moulana Mustapha Raza Khan Al Qaadiri Barkaati (alaihir rahmah).

2. To promote the Celebration of the Birthday of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the Urs Shareef of the great Awliya and Swaliheen of Islam, and such auspicious ocassions as Laylatul Qadr, Laylatul Meeraj, Laylatul Baraat, Laylatul Ashura, etc.

3. To adopt ways and means in order to improve, promote and protect the religious, moral, educational, social and cultural interests of all Muslims living within South Africa and abroad.

4. To serve as a centre of learning and teaching the basics of Islamic Faith in accordance to the Sunni path.


5. To make children and adults Huffaaz of the Holy Quran.

6. To provide such facilities and assistance as may be necessary to persons who could do useful research in Islam.


7. To formulate and implement a simplified and objective educational syllabus to suit the needs of Muslim children in South Africa.

8. To guide Muslims in Islamic affairs.


9. To maintain an Islamic book, and audio-video library.

10. To translate, compile, publish and distribute useful Islamic literature, books, magazines, brochures, periodicals, newsletters, pamphlets, etc. with special reference to the teachings of A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) and his Successors (radi Allahu anhum ajma'in).


11. To initiate schemes of general welfare for the Muslims, to serve and aid the needy and the destitute.

12. To make representations wherever and whenever necessary to authorities for the removal of disabilities that affect the Muslims and the Islamic Shariah.


13. To support any worthwhile cause undertaken by any other Sunni society, institution or body working for similar aims and objectives.

14. To follow up misrepresentations of the cause of Islam and Muslims in books, magazines and papers, and to present the same in its true spirit and perspective by means of articles, letters to the editor and other means.


15. To establish an Islamic University, College or Darul Uloom in South Africa to cater for the educational needs of Muslims.