TOPIn the name of Allah, Rahman [The Beneficient] Rahim [The Merciful]
Imam Ahmad Raza was a versatile scholar of Islamic Learning and was a saint of high caliber who was born in Bareilly (UP), India on the 10th of Shawal, 1272 AH [14TH June 1856], just a few months before the start of War of Independence in 1857.
His father Muhammad Naqi Ali Khan and grandfather Muhammad Raza Ali Khan were also reputed men of learning of their age. They also participated in the War of Independence during 1857. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was brought up, taught and trained by these learned persons who were master in almost every rational and traditional branches of knowledge with specialization in Islamic Jurisprudence and Tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallah-o-Alaih-e-Wasallam).
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was conferred for his meritorious learning as Mufti at the tender age of 13 years 10 months and 5 days. A savant, an omniscient of his caliber is difficult to match. One is surprised and left only to praise Almighty Alllah when one learns that Alahazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan had completed his academic curriculum when he was just 13 years and some months.
He himself admitted and declared that he was authority in 59 different subjects of Islamic learning including modern subjects like Mathematics, Algebra, Physics, Chemistry, Astrology, Geography, etc. He countered and referred to these subjects in the notation made in the certificate of authority [Sanad-ul-Al-ijazah] issued to learned people of Makkah. Latest research has shown that he had command over 70 different subjects of his time and has written down at least on book/booklet for each of such subjects. He wrote and compiled more than 1000 small and voluminous books. A great part of which are still unpublished.
Idara-e-Tahqeeqat-e-Imam Ahmad Raza was established in Karachi in 1980 by its late President Syed Reyasat Ali Qadiri under the valuable guidance of Pro. Dr. Muhammad Masud Ahmed, a renowned research scholar, Allama Shams Bareilvi, a famous writer and teacher of Islamic Learning for the sole objective of publishing his books and compilation on modern pattern, its conversion into Arabic, English and other foreign and domestic languages to facilitate research programs on his genius personality, his works and achievements on national and international levels.
The publication, "The Fundamental Faith", English version of Imam Ahmad Raza’s book "Eatequad-ul-Ahbab Fil Jamil wal-Mustafa wal-Al-Ashab" [written in 1298 AH] is one step towards the achievement of our above objectives.
Imam Ahmad Raza in this book has described 10 fundamental faiths, which are the core and foundation of every Muslim’s belief, and faith. He has given the name to these basic as that 10 Doctrines of Faith in the following chronological order:
In the First Doctrine he has described precisely but illustriously the characteristics of Almighty Allah.
In the Second Doctrine he has explained the most exalted and elevated position of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Sallallah-o-Alaih-e-Wasallam) as the last Messenger and Prophet of Almighty Allah.
In the Third Doctrine he points out that the next rank to the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Sallallah-o-Alaih-e-Wasallam) are the family of revered prophets and messengers who preceded him.
The Fourth Doctrine explains what should be our belief regarding the blessed and favored Angels like Hazrat Jibraeel Alaihis-Salaam [Gabriel], Hazrat Mikaeel Alaihis-Salaam [Michael], Hazrat Israfil Alaihis-Salaam and Hazrat Izrail Alaihis-Salam.
The Fifth Doctrine is related to the belief regarding the position of the Holy Companions (Radi Allah-o-Anhum) of the Chief of the Chief of the Prophets (Sallallah-o-Alaih-e-Wasallam) and his most respected family members and Household (Radi Allah-o-Anhum).
The Sixth Doctrine pertains to the position of the most pious 10 companions of the Holy Prophet (Sallallah-o-Alaih-e-Wasallam).
In the Seventh Doctrine, Imam Ahmad Raza has elaborated that as a Muslim one should not abuse any companions or family members of the Holy Prophet (Sallallah-o-Alaih-e-Wasallam) on the basis of their personal differences of opinion. They are all near and dear to the Holy Prophet (Sallallah-o-Alaih-e-Wasallam) and one should keep this in mind when discussing about these pious persons.
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan has explained in his Eighth Doctrine, the concept of Imamat and Khilafat [succession to the Holy Prophet (Sallallah-o-Alaih-e-Wasallam)] and the pre-condition for a spiritual and political leadership in Islam with a special reference to Hazrat Abu Baqr Siddiqui (Radi Allah-o-Anho).
Under the Ninth Doctrine he has summed up the basic tenets of Islamic Faith, which are derived from the expressed Verses of the Holy Quran and Sunnah [Nasus].
Lastly, in the Tenth Doctrine, he has explained that Shariah and Tariqah [Revealed Law and its Observance] are not two different or opposite Paths. As a matter of fact Shariah is the main stream. The principles of Tariqah cannot be observed without the knowledge of Shariah.
In a nutshell Imam Ahmad Raza in this book has provided 10 Fundamental Faiths for the guidance of the common Muslim, the observance of which will keep him afloat on the right Path [the path of Shariah], which is, indeed, the path of those on whom Almighty Allah has bestowed his blessings.
The book originally in Urdu, was published for the first time from Idara-e-Ishaat-e-Tasneefat-e-Raza Bareily in 1978. A revised and simplified edition along with explanatory notes of Mufti Muhammad Khalil Khan Qadiri Barkati was published by M/s. Farid Book Stall, Urdu Bazaar [Lahore] in 1981.
The book has been transformed into English by Alhaj Muhammad Moazzam Ali M.Sc [Alig], B.Com. FICA ABTI [London]. We congratulate him on the performance of this important task. He has done a great service to the cause of Islam by translating the versions of this illustrious book into English language and thus has provided opportunity for English speaking Muslims to study the contents to mend their faith accordingly.
The translator and the Idara-e-Tahqeeqat-e-Imam Ahmad Raza has taken all precautions that the true spirit and sense of the original text are not misconceived or mutilated, but as the preposition goes, ‘to err is human’, some mistakes might have been committed inadvertently for which we apologize. Idara shall accept full responsibility for any such mistakes and omissions while the author of the book shall be deemed relieved of the same.
We shall be, however, obliged if any one pointing out such omissions comes forward with suggestions for further improvements to be accommodated in revised editions whenever it is published. We are once again thankful to all those who extended cooperation in one way or the other in the publication of this valuable book and have given suggestions for a better presentation.
Wajahat Rasool Qadiri
President
Idara-e-Tahqeeqat-e-Imaam Ahmad Raza
25, 2nd Floor,
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