(1)
Zaid Abu al-Hasan Farooqui Mujaddidi, Kangah-i-Mazhariyya,
Delhi
A
renowned Theologian and great saint of Delhi Hazrat Abu al-Hasan
Zaid Farooqui Mujaddidi Al-Azhari acknowledged the unrivaled
mastery of Mawlana Ahmad Riza Khan over Jurisprudence and
other branches of learning in the following words:
"None
can deny the erudition of Mawlana Ahmad Riza Khan in the
field of Fiqh. He was, no doubt the greatest Faqih
(Jurist) of his time."
He
added:
"Kifayat
al Mufti of Mawlana Kifayat Allah (compiled and published by
Mawlana Hafiz al-Rahman Wasif, Delhi) is simply of little
value to me, as it provides no reference or citation. Hence
its validity is questionable. On the contrary the Fatawa
of Ahmad Riza are not only argumentatively convincing and
rational but are supported by authentic references. They are
of unique depth and magnitude and broaden one's horizons of
vision. They are an asset to know and remember with scores
of references. One should not however, look to that image of
Ahmad Riza, which the pseudo-scholars have envisaged. There
was no equal to him in scholarship or in the profound
knowledge of Jurisprudence among his contemporaries".
(Quoted
from a dispatch of Mawlana Muhammad Mukarram, Fatehpuri
Mosque Delhi, dated Dec. 18, 1975)
(2)
Allama Mufti Muhammad Mukarram Ahmad, Shahi Imam, Masjid
Fatehpuri, Delhi, India
In the
second half of the 19th Century a child was born at Bareilly,
India who was destined by Allah Almighty to be a versatile
scholar and a great genius of his time, to protect,
safeguard and re-establish the true spirit of basic
principles of Din-i-Islam. He is remembered as Imam
Ahmad Riza Khan.
(Weekly
Hujum,
New Delhi, Dec 1988, P.4, Col-1)
(3)
Sayyid Abu al-Hasan Ali Nadwi Nazim-i-Nadwa al-Ulamŕ,
Lucknow
He was a
believer in forbidding prostration for respect, which is
evident from his book entitled Sajud al-Tahayya etc.
This comprehensive work amply demonstrates the depth of
learning and strength of skillful logic.
He was
not only a well-read, well-informed, great scholar but also
a prolific compiler and writer. There is no parallel to his
acute insight in the Hanfi Jurisprudence. His Fatawa
(Judicial opinions) as collected in Kifl al-Faqih al-Fahim
fl Ahkam-i-Qirtas Al-Darahim is one testimony to this
effect. He had masterly knowledge of mathematics, physics,
astronomy, astrology, etc. In fact he was a man of versatile
learning.
During
his stay at Mecca and Madina (1324/1906) he wrote several
treatises and gave verdicts to some questions received from
the scholars. They were dumb struck to see his vast
knowledge on the text of books of Muslim Jurisprudence and
disputed dogmas, his rapid writing and intelligence.
(Nuzha
al-Khawatir etc. Hyderabad (A.P.) 1971, Vol. VIII, P.39)
(4)
Sayyid Abul A‘la Maudoodi, Lahore, Pakistan
I have great regard of the high standard of scholarship of Mawlana Ahmad Riza Khan. In fact he possessed in depth knowledge of religious thought. Even those who do not agree with him on many controversial issues acknowledge his scholarly talent.
(Maqalat-i-Yum-i-Riza,
Vol. I-II, P.60)
(5)
Shah Moin al-din Ahmad Nadwi, Nazim Dar al-Musannifin,
‘Azamgarh, India
Late
Mawlana Ahmad Riza Khan was a scholarly writer having vast
knowledge and vision. He had extensive study and deep
understanding of Hadith (Holy Prophet’s, Allah’s
Grace and Peace be upon him - tradition) and Jurisprudence.
His Judicial Opinions to various queries from different
scholars show unique competence and comprehensive vision of
thought, Qur‘anic insight and creative ingenuity.
His
Fatawa
(Judicial opinions) are worth reading for friend and foe
alike.
(Monthly
Ma‘arif, ‘Azamgarh, India, 1962)
(6)
Malik Ghulam Ali, Naib Amir, Jamaat-i-Islami, Pakistan
We had
been under a great misunderstanding about Ahmad Riza Khan.
After going through his various fatawa (Judicial
Opinions) and other works, I am convinced that the depth of
knowledge that he enjoys is very rare in religious scholars.
Love and
affection for the Holy Prophet (Allah’s Grace and Peace be
upon him) overflow from his pen in every line that he
writes.
(Weekly
Shahab,
Lahore, 20th Nov. 1962)
(7)
Dr. Sir Zia al-din, Vice Chancellor, Muslim University,
Aligarh, India
Was an unassuming man of pleasant manners and morals, had deep insight in mathematics although he was not formally educated by any teacher. It was an inner, divine gifted inherent knowledge. My Query pertained to a theory or knotty problems of mathematics but his manner and explanation was spontaneous as if he had already carried out a research in it. Now there is none so well-versed in India.
Such a
great scholar I think there is none. Allah has bestowed upon
him such a knowledge that is amazing. His insight in the
fields of mathematics, Euclid, algebra and timings is
astonishing. A Mathematical problem that I could not solve
despite my best efforts, this learned genius explained in a
few moments.
Muhammad
Burhan al-Haque; Ikram-i-Imam Ahmad Riza, Lahore,
1981, P.59-60
(8)
Allama Allauddin Siddiqui, Vice Chancellor, Punjab
University, Lahore
Just as
Islam is unique among religions, in the same manner Ahl-i-Sunnat
wa Jamaat is outstanding among all Muslim schools of
thought. There was a time when all fundamental religious
values were being undermined. It was in this crucial period
that Mawlana Ahmad Riza came forward and with struggle
restored their pristine glory. Allama was Imam-i-Ahle-Sunnat
in the true sense of the term. Muslims must follow his
teachings.
(Abd al
Nabi Kaukab; Maqalat-i-i-Yum-i-Riza, Vol. II. Lahore,
1968, P.17)
(9)
Prof. Karrar Hussain, Vice Chancellor, Baluchistan
University, Quetta (Baluchistan)
I am
impressed by his personality because it was he who gave a
pivotal role to the love and affection of the Holy Prophet
(Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) without which; Islam
is a body without a soul.
(Muhammad
Murid Ahmad Chishti, Khayaban-i-Yum-i-Riza, Lahore,
1982, P.85)
(10)
Dr. Jamil Jalibi, Vice Chancellor, Karachi University,
Karachi
Mawlana
Ahmad Riza Khan Bareillwi was an eminent jurist, leading
scholar, scientist, Na‘atia poet, a keen observer
of Shariah and a saint. His crowning scholarship can
be imagined by the fact that he had commanding knowledge of
about 54 branches of various sciences and humanities. He has
contributed valuable work in almost all of them. He left
behind more than a thousand treatises.
(Ma‘arif-i-Riza,
Karachi, 1986, P.87)
(11)
Prof. Dr. Manzoor al-din Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Karachi
University, Karachi
The
reality is that on reading several books on Imam Ahmad Riza,
I have come to the conclusion that through his writings and
speeches, the Fatawa (Inquisitions) and hundreds of
small and bulky treatise, he has struggled for the revival
of Islam, and as a reward he was declared as the Mujaddid
(Reformer) of his century by the Ulamŕ (Scholars of Islam)
and particularly the scholars of Mecca and Madina (the Haramayn
Sharifayn).
With
Imam Riza’s many characteristics, there is also one, that
the questioner (the man who asks for a Fatwa for a
certain affair) was answered in the same language in which
he placed his question, this practice was so much so that
the poetical questions were answered in the same poetical
order, and Arabic, Persian and the Urdu languages are
included in his well known work, Fatawa-i-Razviyya. I
have gone through many Fatawa, and some of them may
be categorised as research essays of the highest value,
wherein he has quoted one hundred and fifty sources at a
single point in support of his views.
(Imam Ahmad Riza Conference Souvenir, Karachi, 1985, P.19)
(12)
Poet of East Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal
He was a
learned scholar having qualities of keen observation and
superb intelligence. He occupied an eminent place as regards
Juristic insight.
Study of
his Fatawa (Judicial opinions) revealed his high
caliber in the relevant interpretations of fundamental laws
to the new emerging situations.
He was
an outstanding Jurist of his time in the Indo-Pak
sub-continent. It is difficult to find any other personality
so creative and wise in the fields of Islamic Jurisprudence,
in the last era of Muslim India.
(Maqalat-i-Yum-i-Riza,
Vol. III, Lahore, 1971, P.21)
(13)
Prof. Muhammad Rafiullah Siddiqui, Director of College
Education, Hyderabad Region, Hyderabad
Let the
thought of recollection minds recall the circumstances of
Muslims in 1912 when Hazrat Ahmad Riza Khan appealed to the Ummah
to control conspicuous consumption and save money to use for
productive purposes. Now everywhere the governments are
emphasising the need to austerity to solve the multifarious
economic problems. Will the men of vision not realise the
far-sightedness of the late A‘lahazrat Bareillvi. J.M.
Keynes was awarded the highest title for the same
proposition and exposition, which Mawlana Bareillvi had
disclosed at least 24 years before him. Alas! Muslims did
not pay heed to his advice.
a‘arif-i-Riza,
Karachi, 1981, P.57)
(14)
Dr. Wahid Qureshi, (formerly) Chairman, Mauqtadera Qaumi
Zuban Islamabad
Imam
Ahmad Riza’s academic conquests and insight of Fiqh
are manifested over a majority of the people of the world.
He communicated a message to the Muslims at a critical
juncture of time when there was nothing but a mess of
frustration and indigence, and the Indian Muslims were over
clouded by humiliation, ignorance and poverty.
At the
present time the entire country is passing through a
horrible crisis, and also facing both internal and external
dangers, therefore it is most essential that the Imam
Sahib’s message should be spread everywhere, a line of
action should be determined in the light of his teachings
and the guiding principles shown by him should be employed
fully in order to provide water of life to our deen (the
religious) and worldly life
(Imam Ahmad Riza Conference Souvenir, Karachi, 1987, P.24)
(15)
Prof. Dr. Abdul Wahid Halepota, Chairman, Council of Islamic
Ideology, Government of Pakistan
A‘lahazrat
Mawlana Shah Ahmad Riza Khan is that ingenious personality
of the Indo-Pak sub-continent whose academic position and
legal insight has general recognisance. His multifarious
achievements deserve that they should be spread on an
international level. His greatest deed is that he beautified
the hearts of the Muslims with the love for the Holy Prophet
(Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) through his academic
wonders, sweet speeches, and most valuable, Na'atia
Kalaam (poetry in praise of the Holy Prophet, Allah’s
Grace and Peace be upon him).
This is
the time for his accomplished works to be studied on
research lines, which will help not only in raising the
academic level of the readers, but will also create a vast
broad-mindedness in them, strengthening the ways of mutual
union and unity in the ranks and file of the Muslim Ummah.
(Imam Ahmad Riza Conference Souvenir, Karachi, 1988, P.12)
(16)
Dr. N.A. Balouch, Advisor, National Hijrah Council,
Islamabad
(1)
To
revitalize the spirit of learning and research in Pakistan,
it is necessary to seek inspiration and guidance from both
the present and the past sources of knowledge. A‘lahazrat
Fazil-i-Bareillwi Shah Imam Ahmad Riza Khan set an
example both in faith and learning for the posterity to
follow. Idara-i-Tehqeeqat-i-Imam Ahmad Riza is
rendering a great service by organizing annual conferences
to highlight the scholarly contribution of the great saint
scholar.
(2)
The
highly honored, saint, scholar Ahmad Riza Khan was one of
the greatest luminaries of the Indo-Pak. sub continent. His
contribution towards strengthening the foundation of the
faith, and advancing the cause of education and scientific
knowledge stands unexcelled in many respects. He was a great
teacher of his time and also a great leader in religious,
social and political thought. The Bareillwi Movement founded
by him contributed not only to the religious revival among
the Muslims but also to their political consciousness, which
also strengthened the Pakistan Movement.
(Imam
Ahmad Riza Conference Souvenir, Karachi, 1988, P.13)
(17)
Prof. Dr. Sayyid Jamal al-din, Director, Zakir Hussain
Institute of Islamic Studies & Jamia Milliya, New Delhi
(India)
Ahmad
Riza Khan wrote over a thousand books and pamphlets, which
influenced many. He founded a Dar-al-Ulum called Manzar-i-Islam
in 1905, which was able to draw students from different
regions in India. His views were sought on a wide variety of
social, religious and political affairs, and he provided
guidance to many including those from established Khanqahs.
Many of his disciples and Khalifas late founded Madrassas,
which soon developed into important spiritual centres. Some
took up teaching, such as Mawlana Suleman Ashraf who headed
the Theology department of the M.A.O. College, Aligarh,
while others swelled the ranks of the Pesh-Imams in
the Mosques.
(Ma’arif-i-Riza,
Vol. XI, International Edition, 1991, P.42)
(18)
Prof. Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Head of the department of
Urdu, Sindh University, Jamshoro, Sindh (Pakistan)
Allama Hazrat Ahmad Riza Khan is among the outstanding scholars. His deep learning, intelligence, vision and acumen surpassed that of great contemporary thinkers, professors, renowned scholars and orientalists. Indeed there is hardly any branch of learning that is foreign to him.
(Weekly
Ufaq,
Karachi, 22nd January 1979, P.10)
(19)
Prof. Dr. Farman Fatehpuri, Department of Urdu Karachi
University, Karachi (Pakistan)
Mawlana
Ahmad Riza Khan tops the list of the religious scholars who
composed Na‘atia poetry (Poems in praise of the
Holy Prophet, Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him). He was
born in 1856 and died in 1921. Mawlana Hali, Shibli, Amir
Minai and Akbar Allahabadi were his contemporaries. He
specialised in composing poetry of the pious life and
conduct of the Holy Prophet (Allah’s Grace and Peace be
upon him).
Mawlana
was a staunch follower of Shariah in thought and
action. His Na‘ats, Salam and Manqabat,
reflect passionate affection and heartfelt devotion. Simple,
spontaneous and refined expressions are the main
characteristics of his poetry. His Na‘ats and Salam
are commonly recited in religious congregations.
------------
Salam - 4 Lines---------
The
above-mentioned Salam and Na‘at are very
popular. His collection entitled Haddaaiqe-i-Bakhshish
is published frequently.
(Dr.
Farman Fatehpuri, Urdu ki Na‘atiyya Shairi, Lahore,
P.86)
(20)
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Hasan, Shaykh al-Adab, Islamia
University, Bahawalpur (Pakistan)
Mawlana
was a prolific writer. He wrote a large number of treatises.
It is due to the fact that his head and heart had surging
waves of knowledge, which were hard to restrain. Shaykh
Akbar (Mohiy al-din ibn-i-Arabi) once stated that he did not
write books to be recognized as an author, but if he did not
write the ever-rising flames of knowledge would have
exhausted him.
(Maqalat-i-Yum-i-Riza,
Vol. II, P.66)
(21)
Dr. Ilahi Bux Akhtar Awan, Peshawar (Pakistan)
Various
aspects of his personality are very impressive and valuable.
His real contributions in different fields are so
comprehensive and exhaustive that men of thought and vision
find it difficult to pin point the most attractive and
impressive aspect of his intellectual personality which is
so vast in every direction that sight is lost in the
wilderness.
(Dr.
Ilahi Bux Awan, Irfan-i-Riza, MS 1979, P.7)
(22)
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir Malik, Chairman, Department of
Islamic Learning, University of Karachi
After a
thorough study of many books and treatises of Imam Ahmad
Riza, I have concluded that he gives much importance to the
teacher, book, paper and school etc, in the articles allied
to education. In our present day educational system, a
teacher is no more estimated than a salaried servant, and
the book is regarded as a collection of letters and works.
From our teaching institutions, the respect for the book and
the teacher has faded away. This is why the relations
between a teacher and pupil have been reduced to nothing at
our schools, colleges and universities. Today, to ignore or
to forget the books of knowledge gifted by these teachers
has become a common practice. One sees often the pupils
dancing for pleasure on the teachers promenade and playing
with their turbans. Why is this? The answer outlayed by
Mawlana Ahmad Riza Khan Bareillvi is that our ideology of
education is lacking in high and sacred values. The Imam
Sahib says: "Keep in view the bons of your teachers. If
respect is given to the paper, the book and the Maktab
(the school), this undesirable situation can’t
happen"
(Imam
Ahmad Riza Conference Souvenir, Karachi, 1988, P.23)
(23)
Prof. Dr. Mukhtar al-din Arzu, Dean/Head of the department
of Arabic, Muslim University, Aligarh (India)
His
affection and hate was for the sake of Allah. Believers in
Allah Almighty were his friends and non-believers his
enemies.
Followers
of Allah and His last Prophet (Allah’s Grace and Peace be
upon him) were close and dear to him. He was not unkind to
his personal opponents. He was never harsh to them but he
never spared the enemies of Islam.
The
whole life of A‘lahazrat was illumined with the glorious
observance of Sunnat-i-Nabvi (Allah’s Grace and
Peace be upon him).
(Ma‘arif-i-Riza,
Karachi, 1981, P.78)
(24)
Prof. Dr. Wahid Ashraf, Baroda University, Baroda (India)
There is
no dearth of renowned personalities in the history of Islam
who made rich contributions to various fields of knowledge
through their divine gifted qualities of learning, wisdom
and insight.
Ibn-i-Sina,
Umar Khayam, Imam Razi, Imam Ghazali, Al-Beruni, Farabi and
Ibn-i-Rushd are a few rich names that shall always be
remembered with pride. Among them, someone is renowned for
philosophy and medicine; some other is famous for
mathematics, another in astrology, yet another is known for
moral philosophy. Some one is an expert in Greek thought
etc, but the most outstanding personality was born in India
and died in the present century. He was Ahmad Riza Khan
Bareillwi who enjoyed such a command in various branches of
knowledge that only experts of that special faculty can
discuss fully and successfully.
(Anwar-i-Riza,
Lahore, 1977, P.547)
(25)
Prof. Dr. Malikzada Manzoor, Lucknow University, Lucknow
(India)
Mawlana
Ahmad Riza Khan was a learned scholar, a pious man of
spiritual eminence and at the same time he was a devoted
follower of the Holy Prophet (Allah’s Grace and Peace be
upon him) with a deep sense of affection, reverence and
love.
He
accomplished an intellectual revolution among the Muslims at
large through his valuable contributions in various branches
of learning and religion. The 20th century is witness to
this effect.
(Imam
Ahmad Riza Arbab-i-Ilm-o-Danish ki Nazar Main, Allahabad,
P.127)
(26)
Prof. Dr. Salam Sandailvi, Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur
(India)
His
personality and poetry cannot be separated as both are
closely integrated. His poetry is an expression of his
personality and such cohesion of a person with his poetry is
a rare phenomenon in Urdu literature.
(Anwar-i-Riza,
P.565)
(27)
Prof. Dr. Nasim Qureshi, Department of Urdu, Muslim
University, Aligarh (India)
What a
great privilege Allah has bestowed upon A‘lahazrat in the
shape of the divine gift of Na‘atia poetry. His
immense love and affection for the Holy Prophet (Allah’s
Grace and Peace be upon him) as reflected in the Na‘atia
poetry cannot be justifiably assessed without calling him Hassan
al-Hind.
(Imam
Ahmad Riza Arbab-i-Ilm-o-Danish ki Nazar Main, P.127)
(28)
Dr. Hamid Ali Khan, Reader department of Arabic, Muslim
University, Aligarh (India)
Imam
Ahmad Riza was in fact a man of eminence in letters; He was
an energetic writer and compiler. His numerous works of high
standard reflect his capabilities. It appears that he did
the job of years in months, and that of months in hours.
This astonished even the most prolific scholarly writers.
(Imam Ahmad Riza, Arbab etc, P.118)
(29)
Prof. Dr. Iftikhar ‘Azami, Department of Urdu, Muslim
University, Aligarh (India)
It is
possible to differ with Ahmad Riza Khan’s approach or the
school of religious thought that he propagates, but no
doubt, he is a man of vast learning and sharp intellect. He
is famous as a renowned religious scholar and very little
attention has been given to his poetry work.
His
Natia
Kalaam (Hada'iq-i-Bakhshish, poetry in praise of the
Holy Prophet (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him), is so
rich and superb that he reasonably deserves a place among
top class Na‘atia poets. His command over form and
diction is excellent. His couplets are spontaneous and
devoid of unnecessary and cumbersome ornamentation. His
heart is full of devotion and love for the Holy Prophet
(Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him), and his poetry
reflects this sincere and passionate flow of affection.
(Iftikhar
‘Azami, Annughani-Haram, P.14)
(30)
Dr. Ghulam Yahya Anjum, Department of Comparative Religions,
Hamdard University, New Delhi (India)
Imam Ahmad Riza Khan is an outstanding personality among 20th century renowned scholars of Islam. Very few can claim his eminence because if anyone has some similarity with him in some particular field, he lacks significant achievement in some other field in which Imam Ahmad Riza is leading.
(Ma‘arif-i-Riza,
Karachi, 1987, P.87)
(31)
Prof. Wasim Bareillwi, Rohailkhand University, Bareilly,
U.P.(India)
Indian
poet Wasim Bareillvi speaking at a function in his honour on
Monday night emphasized the need for fresh research on Ahmad
Riza Khan Barellivi and other Muslim scholars of the
sub-continent, particularly those from Bareilly.
Eulogising
Allama Ahmad Riza Khan, Prof. Wasim said, his services as
every body knows a pioneer of a religious school, but his
achievements as a writer have not been highlighted properly
yet.
(Dawn,
Karachi, May 13, 1992)
(32)
Prof. Dr. Muhiyy al-din Alwai, Azhar University, Cairo
(Egypt)
It is an
old saying that scholarly talent and poetic exuberance
rarely combine in one person, but Ahmad Riza Khan was an
exception. His achievements contradict this diction. He was
not only an acknowledged research scholar but also a
renowned poet as well.
(Sawt
al-Sharq, Cairo, Feb 1970, P.16-17
(33)
Shaykh Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghadda, Muhammad Bin Saud
University, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)
One of
my friends was accompanying me on a journey and carried a
copy of Fatawa-i-Razwia (Judicial Opinions of
A‘lahazrat). By chance I read a Fatwa in Arabic. I
was overwhelmed by the flow of his language, the force of
the logic and relevant quotations from Sunnah and
ancient authority on the subject I was convinced, even after
a cursory glance of only one Fatwa (judicial opinion)
that this person is a great-learned scholar with deep
Juristic insight.
Imam
Ahmad Riza Arbab etc., P.194)
(34)
Prof. Abd al-Shakur Shad, Kabul University, Kabul
(Afghanistan)
The research works of Allama Ahmad Riza Khan are worth presenting. There is due need that historical and cultural societies of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran together with other such institutions keep all his writings duly catalogued in their libraries.
(Payghamat-i-Yum-i-Riza,
P.33)
(35)
Dr. Barbara D. Metcalf, Department of History, Barkley
University (America)
Ahmad
Riza Khan himself was a towering figure, revered for his
extra ordinary memory, mental agility, and intellectual
capacity, and honored as a Mujaddid and a Shaykh.
(Barbara
D Metcalf, Muslim Religious Leadership etc,
Barkley, 1974, P.35-36)
(36)
Prof. Dr. J.M.S. Baljon, Department of Islamology,
University of Leiden (Holland)
"Indeed
a great scholar" I must confess when reading his Fatwas,
I am deeply impressed by the immense 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
then is the case at present.
(Extracted
from the letter dated 21.11.1986, addressed to Prof. Dr.
Muhammad Mas‘ud Ahmad)
(37)
Prof. Dr. Hanif Akhtar Fatimi, Head of department of
Cybernetic, University of London, London (U.K.)
Imam
Ahmad Riza (1921) has given a comprehensive and fine
exposition of the Ideal Islamic System of Education. This
work provides a basis to understand legal, spiritual,
political and material aspects of social life of Islam.
My work
Islamic Concept of Education is an English resource of Imam
Riza’s work, Al-Dawla al-Makkiyya fi Madda al-Ghaybiyya.(
)
(Hanif
Akhtar Fatimi, Islamic Conception of Education,
Stockport, U.K., P.2)
(38)
Prof. Ghayath al-Din Quraishi, Department of English,
University of Newcastle (U.K)
Imam
Ahmad Riza (1856-1921) was a genius. His main interest in
life was Theology but like many other men of genius he
demonstrated his proficiency in a number of disciplines of
human knowledge. Just to name only a few areas of his
outstanding achievements, we may mention: (a) his
translation of the Holy Qur‘an into the Urdu Language Kanz
al-Iman-1911, (b) his verdicts on Islamic Law concerning
a period of fifty years Fatawa-i-Razwia published
posthumously, (c) treatises on mathematics and Muslim
identity in the British India, and (d) his immortal
collection of religious poetry Haddaiq-i-Bakhshish
-1907.
He
belonged to an illustrious family of Muslim Theologians, and
his mother tongue was Urdu. Forming part of his training as
a Muslim Jurist, he attained the highest level of
proficiency in Persian and Arabic. Since he was
linguistically precocious, he became well versed in Hindi as
well, which was spoken by a vast number of Indian people,
numerically only next to Urdu. So we are bound to say that
his linguistic skills and poetic gifts manifest themselves
through Urdu, Persian, Arabic and Hindi.
His
contributions towards the study of Juristic problems in the
light of Hanafia school of thought show such a vast learning
and acute penetrating intelligence that he deserves a place
at the top. He was a man of innovative, refined thinking and
extensive learning. Deep insight and clarity of thought are
the main qualities of his mind.
(Ma‘arif-i-Riza,
Karachi, 1983,P.93)
(39)
Justice Qadeer al-din Ahmad, Chief Justice Sindh High Court
and Governor of Sindh, Karachi (Pakistan)
His intelligence, innovative thinking, memory, knowledge and vast study is not common. It is rare.
(Presidential
address, Imam Ahmad Riza Conference, Karachi, 1982)
(40)
Justice Mufti Sayyid Shujaat Ali Qadri, Shari'at Court,
Government of Pakistan, Islamabad (Pakistan)
He was pious like Ahmad Bin Hanbal and Shaykh Abd al-Qadir Jilani. He had true acumen and insight of Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Abu Yusuf. He commanded the force of logic like Razi and Ghazali, bold enough like Mujadid Alf-i-thani and Mansoor Hallaj to proclaim the Truth. Indeed he was intolerant to non-believers, kind and sympathetic to devotees and affectionate of the Holy Prophet (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him).
(Ma'arif-i-Riza,
Karachi, 1983, P.122)
(41)
Justice Shamim Hussain Qadri, Punjab High Court, Lahore
(Pakistan)
He was a
devotee of the Holy Prophet (Allah’s Grace and Peace be
upon him) from the deepest chambers of his heart, and to
popularize this attitude is the need of the hour. Love,
affection and devotion to the Holy Prophet’s (Allah’s
Grace and Peace be upon him) personality is the only
solution to the multifarious problems of our temporal life
and a solution for the life hereafter.
(Maqalat-i-Yum-i-Riza,
Vol. II, P.18)
(42)
Justice Naeem al-din, Judge Supreme Court of Pakistan
Imam
Ahmad Riza’s grand personality, a representation of our
most esteemed ancestors, is history making, and a history
uni-central in his self.
You may
estimate his high status from the fact that he spent all his
lifetime in expressing the praise of the great and
auspicious Holy Prophet (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon
him), in defending his veneration, in delivering speeches
regarding his good conduct and in promoting and spreading
the law of Shariah which was revealed upon him for
the entire humanity for all times. His renowned name is
Muhammad (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him), the Holy
Prophet of Allah, the Almighty.
These
valuable books written by a cyclopaedic scholar like Imam
Ahmad Riza are the lamps of light in my view, which
will keep enlightened and radiant the hearts and minds of
the men of knowledge and insight for a long time.
(Imam
Ahmad Riza Conference Souvenir, Karachi, 1988,P.II)
(43)
Mawlana Kausar Niazi, Minister of Religious Affairs,
Government of Pakistan, Islamabad (Pakistan)
As you
know that I have been the student of literature, I also do
compare couplets, good or bad. I have studied the Na‘atia
Poetry of Urdu, Arabic and Persian, all three languages. I
have gone through all continuously, from the beginning to
the end. Without fear of contradiction, I say that the Na‘atia
poetry of all languages and all times is on one side and SALAM
(the salutation to the Holy Prophet, Allah’s grace an
peace be upon him) composed by Shah Ahmad Riza Mustafa
Jan-i-Rahmat Pae Lakhon Salam, on the other.
________ Salam____
(Blessed
he Mustafa, Million times, mercy for mankind)
(Mawlana
Kausar Niazi, A Versatile Personality, Karachi, 1991, P.31)
(44)
Khan Muhammad Ali Khan of Hooti, Minister of Education,
Government of Pakistan, Islamabad (Pakistan)
A'lahazrat
continued to spread the message of Islam with all the energy
at his command.
Many a
religious movement having their ideological basis in alien
thought and philosophy were being propagated among Muslims,
but A‘lahazrat was unmoved. He continued to struggle to
protect the true spirit of Islam and rejected the ideas
irrelevant to the traditional culture of Islam. He succeeded
in preserving the bright outlook of Islam that existed in
the glorious days of the Holy Prophet (Allah’s Grace and
Peace be upon him) and his pious successors.
He was a
man of deep affection, love and devotion for the Holy
Prophet (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him). He never
knocked on any other door. He saw no other light except the
light reflected by the Holy Prophet’s (Allah’s Grace and
Peace be upon him) personality. He sought nobody’s
pleasure except the benign patronage of the Holy Prophet
(Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him). He observed the
light illuminating every nook and corner. Thus he composed
his Na‘atia poetry.
The
standard that he set is a beacon light for new comers in
this field. This affection, passion and devotion will
continue to inspire people for all times to come.
Weekly Ufaq,
Karachi, 6th Feb.1980, P.30)
(45)
Niaz Fatehpuri, well known journalist and critic
Poetry
and literature are my domains in particular. I have gone
through the Natiya poetry of Ahmad Riza Khan with interest
and attention. The first impression that one gathers is his
devout love for the Holy Prophet (Allah’s Grace and Peace
be upon him). And secondly one is struck by his vastness of
knowledge, sublimity of thought simply as a foil to his love
for the Holy Prophet (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him)
in this Na‘ats. This note of individuality sounds
like poetic exaggeration to those who are unaware of his
poetic art. In fact his ideas are full of realism, Mawlana
Hasrat Mohani (a poet and freedom fighter) was also highly
appreciative of Ahmad Riza Khan. Ahmad Riza Khan was also
well versed in Arabic idioms and the art of scansion.
(Neglected
Genius of the East, Lahore, 1991, P.17)
(46)
Manzur al-Haque, famous writer and journalist of
Jamat-i-Islami, Maharashtar, India
The study of Imam’s books reveals that his versatile genius and scholarly standing is superior to the combined wisdom and learning of other Ulamŕ and scholars.
(Monthly
Hajaz-i-Jadid, New Delhi, Jan.1989, P.54)
(47)
Hakim Muhammad Said, Chairman Hamdard Foundation, Pakistan
During
the last century, the place of Mawlana Ahmad Riza Khan (may
Allah be pleased with him) is distinctively remarkable among
the creed of scholars (Tabqa-i-Ulma) and the great
personalities who appeared on the scene. The canvas of his
academic, religious and pan-Islamic (Milli) services
is very vast. Fazil Bareillvi's cyclopaedic knowledge and
skill in the condition of the Islamic Laws (fiqh) and
the faculties of religious knowledge (deeni uloom),
His unique insight represents the mind and thoughts of the
scholars of the past (Ulamŕ-i-Self) in the fields of
science and medicine, and had no distinction between the
religious and temporal branches of knowledge.
The
facts of his personality invite both the scholars of the
present age and the students of the universities, to read
and think about the problems of life and the universe. His
accomplished works are a valuable academic heritage for us,
and through a resourceful study of his life and works, we
may bring many new vistas of knowledge (science and arts)
into light.
(Imam Ahmad Riza Conference Souvenir, Karachi, 1988, P.15)
(48)
Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman, Editor Daily Jang (Urdu), Karachi,
Lahore, Rawalpindi, Quetta and London (U.K)
A‘lahazrat Imam Riza Khan possessed flamboyant characteristics. Allah the Almighty had bestowed upon him a mind powerful and apprehensive. He had completed the study of all the customary prescribed books at a tender age. A‘lahazrat had no parallel in knowledge, both religious and temporal, and he was a unique writer of countless books and treatises. Millions of people belong to his school of thought in the Indo-Pak. sub-continent.
(Imam
Ahmad Riza Conference Souvenir, Karachi, 1987, P.28)
(49)
Dr. Khalil-al-Rahman Azmi, Muslim University, Aligarh
"
Any assessment of Na‘atia poetry of Urdu cannot be
complete without mention of A‘lahazrat".
A‘lahazrat
at a Glance, Bareilly, 1992, P.151
(50)
Dr. Salam Sandelvi, Gorakhpur University. (India)
"The
poetry of A‘lahazrat is based on reality. His poetry is
his personality; his personality is his poetry".
A‘lahazrat
at a Glance, Bareilly, 1992, P.151
(51)
Allama Mushtaq Ahmad Nizami, Editor Pasban, Allahabad
(India)
"In my view, A‘lahazrat was such a verdant and incomparable bouquet on the garden of science and literature for which he can be called an embodiment of qualities and perfection."
A‘lahazrat
at a Glance, Bareilly, 1992, P.152
(52)
Dr. Sir Zia al-din, Ex Vice Chancellor, Aligarh University
(India)
"A'lahazrat deserved the Nobel Prize".
A‘lahazrat
at a Glance, Bareilly, 1992, P.152
(53)
Prof. Abdul Shakoor Shad, Kabul University, Afghanistan
"The research endowments of A‘lahazrat are such that they should find a place in full in the cultural and Islamic history of India and Pakistan".
A‘lahazrat
at a Glance, Bareilly, 1992, P.153
(54)
Padam Shri Bekal Utsahi Balrampuri, Member of Parliament
(India)
"In
case of Na‘atia poetry, my teacher is Hada‘iq-i-Bakhshish".
A‘lahazrat
at a Glance, Bareilly, 1992, P.153
(55)
Justice Ajmal Mian, Supreme Court of Pakistan
"It
was A‘lahazrat who carried out anew the stitching of
Muslims of India and made them reach the goal by determining
for them a clear modus operandi."
A‘lahazrat
at a Glance, Bareilly, 1992, P.154
(56)
Rehan-i-Millat Hazrat Rehan Riza Khan
"A‘lahazrat
is popular the world over. He is not popular by reason of
his being a Mufti, Muhaddith or Munazir. His
popularity is a sadqah of his being a slave of Holy
Prophet (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him)".
A‘lahazrat
at a Glance, Bareilly, 1992, P.154
(54)
Padam Shri Bekal Utsahi Balrampuri, Member of Parliament
(India)
"In
case of Na‘atia poetry, my teacher is Hada‘iq-i-Bakhshish".
A‘lahazrat
at a Glance, Bareilly, 1992, P.153
(55)
Justice Ajmal Mian, Supreme Court of Pakistan
"It
was A‘lahazrat who carried out anew the stitching of
Muslims of India and made them reach the goal by determining
for them a clear modus operandi."
A‘lahazrat
at a Glance, Bareilly, 1992, P.154
(56)
Rehan-i-Millat Hazrat Rehan Riza Khan
"A‘lahazrat
is popular the world over. He is not popular by reason of
his being a Mufti, Muhaddith or Munazir. His
popularity is a sadqah of his being a slave of Holy
Prophet (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him)".
A‘lahazrat
at a Glance, Bareilly, 1992, P.154