Imam Ahmad Raza himself was primarily an alim (scholar of Islamic theology and jurisprudence, on whom rests the interpretation of sharia), specifically a mufti whose opinion was frequently sought on a wide range of issues, and was Pir to a small number of disciples. He founded the Silsila Rizwiyyah, and in November 1925 appointed and ensured its continuity by appointing his eldest son, Hazrat Hamid Raza Khan (may Allah be pleased with him), as his sajjada-nishan and the ceremony took place on the last day of the annual Urs of Sayyid Shah Ale Rasul (may Allah be pleased with him).
Imam Ahmad Raza (may Allah be pleased with him) placed his robe (khirqa), received from his Pir Sayyid Shah Ale Rasul (may Allah be pleased with him) on Hazrat Hamid Raza's (may Allah be pleased with him) shoulders, and his own turban (imama) on his head, before reading the authority (sanad) of the sajjada-nishan in Arabic and Urdu. After his death his disciples and followers affirmed their allegiance to Hazrat Hamid Raza Khan (may Allah be pleased with him) as their sajjada-nishan ['the one seated on a prayer carpet'; official successor to a Saint].
Hazrat Maulana Ibrahim Khushtar Siddiqui Qadiri Razvi related that Hazrat Hujjatul Islam came to this world when Imam Ahmed Raza (may Allah be pleased with him) was only 20 years old. However, though very young he had already acquired much knowledge and wisdom. The son was named Muhammad and was commonly called by the name Hamid Raza. By the age of 19 Hamid Raza became a fully-fledged theologian who could propagate in three languages, namely, Urdu, Arabic and Persian, the message of peace and love as expounded by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). Theologians of high repute would honor him.
Hazrat Hujjatul Islam (may Allah be pleased with him) was a most handsome man and his appearance was striking and pleasing to look at him. Those who have seen Maulana Ryhan Raza Khan, eldest son of Maulana Ibrahim Raza Khan, may get an idea of how attractive Hujjatul Islam was.
Hazrat Maulana Khushtar pointed out that all praise is due to Allah who has bestowed His favors on the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the righteous, and He is pleased when the latter are being lauded. If we, therefore, act accordingly, everything would finally redound to our own credit.
Mein ne mana ke Hamid goonegar he
Masihat kaysh he aur khatakaar he
Mere Maula magar he moojrim se lataknatoo
I admit that Hamid is a sinful man.
He is a man base and bad-tempered
But my Lord you are all graceful
And Your mercy is inviting the prisoner not to lose hope.
The above quoted four lines clearly indicate that Hujjatul Islam Maulana Shah Muhammad Hamid Raza Khan was, despite all his grandeur, a most humble man. It would be most unfortunate, therefore, if, with our little knowledge, we start strutting on the surface of the earth. We should on the contrary, destroy our selfish ego, our ‘I-nesses’, if we do really want to taste everlasting freedom and bliss.
Hazrat Maulana Khushtar has written an Urdu book entitled 'Tazkira-e-Jameel', a highly inspiring and instructive biography of Hujjatul Islam. May Allah bless us with an English translation of the book?
