THE SWORD OF RAZA SHAYKH ZIA UL MUSTAFA MUHADITH-E-KABEER

THE SWORD OF RAZA SHAYKH ZIA UL MUSTAFA MUHADITH-E-KABEER Compiled through the blessing of Ghaus-ul-Waqt Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind By a humble servant of ALLAH Muhammad Afthab Cassim Al-Qaadiri Razvi Noori Published FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION by Imam Mustafa Raza Research Centre Overport, Durban, South Africa

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of this publication may be produced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical photocopying or otherwise without the prior permission of the Copyright Owner. The Publishers Imam Mustafa Raza Research Centre P.O. Box 70140, Overport, 4067 Durban, South Africa Visit our Offices at: 28 Clayton Road, Overport, Durban Tel/Fax: 031 2081045 Email: noori@noori.org Website: www.noori.org Office Hours Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm (Closed on Friday) Saturday: 9:30am to 1:30pm CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS A NOBLE CAUSE: Our Banking Details are as follows for those brothers and sisters who wish to contribute towards our work NAME: IMAM MUSTAFA RAZA RESEARCH CENTRE BANK: NEDBANK ACCOUNT NO: 2034044606 BRANCH: SYDENHAM CODE: 103409 SPONSOR THE PRINTING OF A BOOK Contact us if you wish to sponsor the printing of a book for the Esaale Sawaab of the marhooms in your family. Sponsor the printing of a book and send the sawaab to your marhoom family members. This is Sawaab-e-Jaariyah and a means of educating the Ummat. Knowledge is Power! 2

Compiler s Note All praise is due to Almighty Allah, Durood and Salaams in Abundance upon the Most Beloved of Allah s Creation Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa. Peace and Blessings upon His Noble Family, Distinguished Companions, and upon the Learned and Righteous Ulama of Deen, who are the Representatives of the Ambia, and upon all those who follow them with true sincerity and devotion. Just a few days ago, Ashraf Bhai Osman who is currently residing in Dubai called me up, and mentioned that the team of Ziaulmustafa.com have requested that I should prepare a few pages on the life and works of Mumtaz-ul-Fuqaha Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer. This request he presented on behalf of Maulana Riyaz-ul-Mustafa. I humbly mentioned to Ashraf Bhai that due to the lack of time and immense commitments it is very difficult for me to prepare too lengthy an article, but I gave my word that I would attempt to write a few pages as an introduction to this blessed personality whom I regard as one of my mentors in life. The following day I made this humble attempt using information I already had in my possession, which included a few short articles and many incidents which I personally had knowledge of in regards to the life and works of Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer. I personally hold Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer in very high esteem and regard him amongst the Chosen Servants of Allah. I have noticed his love for Murshidi Huzoor Taajush Shariah Allama Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Qaadiri Azhari, and I have noticed the love and Respect that Huzoor Taajush Shariah in-turn has for 3

Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer. I have always believed and said publicly as well; that Huzoor Aala Hazrat left behind many blessed personalities, but two of those whom he left behind and appointed as the Islamic Chief Justices for the Muslim System in India, were Ghaus-ul-Waqt Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind and Huzoor Sadrush Shariah. I have always felt that these two personalities have in-turn left behind for the same reason and for the same purpose, Huzoor Taajush Shariah and Huzoor Muhadithe-Kabeer. In brief, I commenced writing a few pages discussing the life of Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer and found myself going through many pages very swiftly by the Grace of Allah and Blessing of the Beloved Rasool, and before I knew it this book was prepared in a short space of a few hours daily for five days. This I regard as the blessing of my Grand Masha ikh and the proof of the acceptance of Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer in the Court of Allah and His Beloved Rasool. In preparing this document I have extracted much of the information from a manuscript in Urdu on the life of Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer which was prepared a few years ago by one of Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer s students, namely Mufti Abul Hassan Al Qaadiri, who is currently serving as a Mufti at Darul Uloom Amjadia in Ghosi. I must point out that even a book of this many pages which initially was meant to be only a short essay, cannot do justice to the personality and services of Huzoor Muhadith-e- Kabeer. 4

I pray that this humble effort is accepted in the Court of Allah, and is a means of benefit for those who read it. I pray that this book serves as a means for my spiritual elevation in this world and as a means for my salvation in the hereafter. I pray through the Wasila of Huzoor-e-Akram that Allah affords me the opportunity to remain always in the service of His Deen and in the service of these Great Personalities who serve this Deen with total sincerity and dedication. I pray that Allah Almighty grants Huzoor Taajush Shariah and Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer i.e. the The Shaykhain of this Era good health and long life. Aameen. I would like to thank all those who have assisted in making this publication a success, especially those who spent lengthy hours proofing and making valuable suggestions to improve this document. My special thanks to Brother Irshaad Ridawi or Netherlands, for designing the beautiful cover and proofing; to Brother Shakeel Ahmed Razvi Amjadi of Preston (UK) for his tireless efforts in setting and proofing; Brother Tahir Raza Razvi of Colombo (Sri Lanka); Brother Luqmaan Aslam Aziz Razvi of Blantyre (Malawi); Shaykh Omar of Durban (South Africa) and not forgetting my wife for her efforts in proofing this document on her her Murshid. Special Thanks to Haji Cassim Goolam Rasool, Haji Mahomed Amod and Brother Zaheer Hoosain and Brother Zainul Abideen Hoosen Razvi. I pray through the Wasila of the Beloved Rasool that Allah rewards them all with the best of rewards. Aameen Sag-e-MUFTI-E-AZAM Muhammad Afthab Cassim Al-Qaadiri Razvi Noori 5

سم االله الرحم ن الرحيم MUMTAZUL FUQAHA, SULTAAN-UL- ASAATIZA, HUZOOR MUHADITH-E- KABEER, HAZRAT ALLAMA ZIA UL MUSTAFA QAADIRI AMJADI [Allah preserve him] His Blessed Birth Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer was born on the 2 nd of Shawwal Al- Mukarram in the year 1354, coinciding with 27 October 1935 or 1936 at the blessed home of Sadrush Shariah Allama Amjadi Ali Qaadiri Razvi. Hazrat was born on a Sunday in a town called Ghosi, which also well-known as Madinatul Ulama (The city of Ulama). His Blessed Name At birth he was blessed with the name Mohammed Waahid Ali (alias) Zia ul Mustafa Qaadiri, but is well known by his alias today. 6

A Few Of His Distinguished Titles He is so versed and proficient in Fiqh (Jurisprudence) that he has been blessed with the title "Mumtaz-ul-Fuqaha" which means "The Distinctive one amongst the Jurists". Below are some of the titles bestowed upon him over the years: Sultaan-ul-Asaatiza Ra ees-ul Asaatiza Katheer-ul-Talaamiza Mumtaz-ul-Fuqaha Ustaaz-ul-Ulama Taaj As Soofia Tarjumaan-e-Maslak-e-Raza Naa ib-e-sadrush Shariah Raazi-e-Zamaa Ghazaali-e-Jahaa Taajedaar-e-Ahle Sunnat, Rahbar-e-Shariat Peer-e-Tareeqat Naashir-e-Sunnat Qaami-e-Bid at Mufak kir-e-islam 7

Naa ib-e-rasool-e-anaam Qaazi-e-Islam Ra ees-ul-munaazireen Ajwad-ul-Mutak kalimeen Imam-ul-Mudar riseen Mumtaz-ul-Muhaditheen Muhadith-e-Kabeer Ameer ul Mo mineen fil Hadith Naa ib Qaazi ul Quz zat fil Hind etc. None of these titles are self-proclaimed titles, but they are titles bestowed upon him by some of the greatest Ulama of the time. Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer has been blessed with these titles as he is truly deserving of them. With the exception of the titles mentioned above, Allama Saaheb Qibla (as he is affectionately known to most of his students and followers) has been blessed with many more titles. 8

His Blessed Features Height: Medium height, which makes clear the embodiment of excellence and auspiciousness. Complexion: a brown (wheaten) colour, going towards ochre. The radiance in his complexion is manifest and instantly recognizable. Head: Round, a treasure of philosophical reflection and a profoundly intelligent mind, and the axis of the turban. Forehead: Broad and magnanimous, reflecting the splendour of good fortune. Eye Lashes: Black, thick and a wonderful illustration of elegance and handsomeness. Eyes: Fittingly large, as if adorned with Surma. A stunning set, filled with attractiveness, modesty and bashfulness, yet portraying a deep silence, like the vast open sea. Nose: moderately long, but slightly raised. Cheek: Soft and full, but neither too plump nor completely flat. Lips: Petite and thin, and an image of exquisiteness, always adorned with a smile Face: Round, but slightly elongated and luminous, glowing with the light of the Holy Prophet s love. 9

Beard: Lengthened according to the Sunnat (i.e. a full beard), a stunning blend of black and white strands of hair. Not too thick. Moustache: Thin, in accordance with the Sunnat. Chest: A broad treasure chest, full of knowledge, virtue and wisdom. Hands: physically long, signifying the signs of beneficence and generosity Stomach: Flat, in line with the chest. Waist: suitable as it should be. Palms: Broad and ample. Shoulders: Sturdy and level Body: Lean, Well built and Light His Blessed Attire Turban (Amaama): Made from light fabric. Colours vary. Most common colour being Badaami (Almond coloured). Topi: Made from white cotton material, known as a Do Pal li Topi Kurta: Made from cotton fabric, style known as kalidaar, long and white. Jubbah (Long Buttoned Coat): Depending on the weather, either for summer or winter. These are made from either thin or thick fabric. Colours vary. 10

Sherwani: Vary in colours. Made from thick fabric Pajaama (Trouser): wide, made from white cotton fabric. Handkerchief and shawl: Keeps this with him to wipe his face and beard With the above mentioned distinctiveness, and with a stick of guidance in his hand; he is wholeheartedly engaged in spreading his rays of knowledge, by truly representing the Maslak (Our true Creed), and by guiding the nation, and educating his students, and by striving for the protection of the Sunni society on an international level. His Excellence Mumtaz-ul-Fuqaha, Sultaan-ul-Asaatiza, Huzoor Muhadith-e- Kabeer Hazrat Allama Zia ul Mustafa Qaadiri Amjadi Qibla is amongst those learned and great Ulama, who possess great and wonderful qualities. He is also well recognised for his Teaching, Oration, Writing, Eloquent Presentations, and manner of Da wah, debating and numerous other qualities. His intellect and knowledge is so vast that when he delivers any discourse or presents any discussion, one cannot realise whether he has explained it from his intellect or after such intense research, for which there is usually not much time. After his discussion on such topics, if one goes through the authentic books, one will find that whatever he has mentioned is in accordance with all the authentic and reliable sources of knowledge. 11

As for the condition of his alert sense of mind, it can be found that after lengthy journeys and after not sleeping for days on end, if one queries any law of Shariat with him, he immediately presents an answer without showing any signs of being tired or troubled after days of not sleeping. He has been blessed with knowledge of more than 60 thousand Hadith of the Holy Prophet. His Beloved Homeland Ghosi The birthplace and homeland of Mumtaz-ul-Fuqaha Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer is a place called Qasba Ghosi (i.e. the town of Ghosi). This is in the Uttar Pardesh Province (Northern Province of India), which falls within jurisdiction of the district Mau, which is in the Awad Region. For centuries, Ghosi has been a cradle for Ulama, Faadils, illustrious Aarifs, Pious personalities, Writers, Orators, Poets, Awliyah, Sufis, Spiritual Grandmasters and people of great splendour. Ghosi has always been blessed with the presence of illustrious Ulama. Some of the famous and blessed Ulama and Shuyukh who hailed from Madinatul Ulama since the 13 th Century Hijri are being quoted below: Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Hussain Uthmani Hazrat Maulana Ahmed bin Zia ud deen Hazrat Maulana Mufti Qaadi Habeeb ullah Hazrat Maulana Shaykh Ata ullah 12

Hazrat Shaykh Ghulam Naqshbandi Ghoswi Hazrat Maulana Khayrud deen Saaheb Hazrat Maulana Khuda Bakhsh Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Jamalud deen Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Siddique Hazrat Maulana Nazeer Ahmed Barkaati (Khalifa Huzoor Waaris-ul-Akaabir was Saalikeen Hazrat Abul Hussain Ahmed-e-Noori Mia Qaadiri Barkaati Marehrawi) Wali-e-Kaamil Hazrat Maulana Ya qoob Ghoswi Shaykh-ul-Ulama Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Jilani Khair-ul-Azkiya Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Yazdani Hazrat Maulana Qaari Muhammad Uthman (Author Misbahut Tajweed) Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Shams-ul-Huda (Son of Sadrush Shariah) Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Yahya (son of Sadrush Shariah) Hazrat Maulana Ata ul Mustafa (son of Sadrush Shariah) Hazrat Allama Abdul Mustafa Azhari (son of Sadrush Shariah) Hazrat Maulana Abdus Sat tar Amjadi Hazrat Maulana Abdul Mustafa Aazmi 13

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Shareef-ul-Haq Amjadi Hazrat Maulana Mufti Thana ul Mustafa (son of Sadrush Shariah) It is the blessing of Huzoor Sadrush Shariah that today Ghosi is known as Assembly of Ulama, which is not Madinah, but it is definitely Madinatul Ulama. In other words, it is through the efforts of this great personality that Ghosi is giving birth to scores of Representatives of the Ambia. There is hardly a single Institute of the Ahl-e-Sunnat in India today that does not boast a few students who have connection to Ghosi. Following In the Footsteps of His Blessed Father: Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer Hazrat Allama Zia ul Mustafa Qaadiri has followed sincerely in the footsteps of his blessed father. In this era, he is blessed with the virtue of having thousands of students across the world who are serving the Ahl-e-Sunnat. Illustrious Family Lineage Zia ul Mustafa Qaadiri, son of Faqih-e-Azam Sadrush Shariah Allama Mohammed Amjadi Ali Aazmi, son of Maulana Hakeem Jamalud deen, son of Maulana Khuda Bakhsh, son of Maulana Khayrud deen (Alaihimur rahmatu war Ridwaan) 14

An Exalted Family Mumtaz-ul-Fuqaha Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer hails from a family of great and blessed personalities. His ancestors were blessed and pious personalities and even the descendants of this blessed family were well-known as the Family of Maulana Khayrud deen. Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer s ancestors, i.e. the Family of Maulana Khayrud deen arrived in Ghosi towards the latter part of the Mogul era and settled in Muhalla Kareemud deen-pur. This family was blessed with a distinct excellence over other families in Ghosi, due to the special blessings upon them. Distinct Nature Of This Family 1. One of the first distinct qualities of Huzoor Muhadith-e- Kabeer s family is that continuously for twelve (12) generations the succession of Aalims and Faadils has continued in it. When Huzoor Sadrush Shariah s eldest son Hakeem Shamsul-Huda was born, he said, If this son of mine becomes an Aalim, then it would mean for ten generations continuously there have been Ulama in our family. Alhamdulillah, not only was Hazrat Maulana Shaykh Hakeem Shams-ul-Huda an Aalim, but his son Hazrat Maulana Qamr-ul-Huda was also an Aalim and his son Maulana Naseem Amjadi is also an Aalim, and with the exception of them, the other sons of Huzoor Sadrush Shariah are Aalims, and their children too Ulama, so this 15

succession of Ulama has thus continued today, for 12 Generations. 2. The blessing of this Khandaan (blessed family) did not only spread in India, but its fragrance spread to many other parts of the world, like Africa, America, Europe etc. The world has been blessed by the services of Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer s family, through the works of its illustrious personalities, such as; Huzoor Sadrush Shariah in the form of Bahaar-e-Shariat; Ra ees-ul-mufassireen Hazrat Allama Abdul Mustafa Azhari in the form of Jamia Amjadia Pakistan; Sultan-ul-Asaatiza Mumtaz-ul-Fuqaha Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer, in the form of students who are serving the Maslak throughout the Globe; Shareh Bukhari Mufti Sharif ul Haq Amjadi in the form of his Fatawa and annotation of the Bukhari. 3. The amount of Ulama, Fudala, Fuqaha and Asaatiza that are present in this family currently, can rarely be found altogether in one single family. Some of the names of those Ulama presently in this family are as follows: Muhadith-e-Kabeer Allama Zia ul Mustafa Qaadiri Imam-u-Qura Qaari Raza-ul-Mustafa Qaadiri Hazrat Allama Mufti Baha-ul-Mustafa Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Fida-ul-Mustafa Qaadiri Amjadi Hazrat Maulana Ala ul Mustafa Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Mufti Ata ul Mustafa Qaadiri 16

Hazrat Maulana Mufti Jamal Mustafa Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Abu Yusuf Qaadiri Azhari Hazrat Maulana Faizaan-ul-Mustafa Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Irfan-ul-Mustafa Qaadiri Amjadi Hazrat Maulana Raihaan-ul-Mustafa Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Noor-ul-Ulaa Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Wafa-ul-Mustafa Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Mufti Mahmud Akhtar Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Mufti Maqsud Akhtar Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Nawaid Akhtar Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Ubaid Akhtar Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Qamr-ul-Huda Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Naseem Ahmed Amjadi Hazrat Maulana Fazl Mu een Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Noorani Qaadiri Hazrat Maulana Ahmed Raza Qaadiri Maulana Hafiz Faheem Ahmed Qaadiri Maulana Dr Muhibul Haq Qaadiri Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq Qaadiri Maulana Wahid-ul-Haq Qaadiri 17

A Brief Family Chart It seems only appropriate at this time, to present the brief family chart of Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer s Ancestors and their descendants, so one better understands the excellence of this Family: Hazrat Maulana Khayrud deen 1. Maulana Khuda Bakhsh o o Mualana Hakeem Jamalud deen Maulana Yaar Muhammad 2. Janaab Mianji (Passed away at childhood) 3. Janaab La l Muhammad o Janaab Thana ullah Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Jamalud deen Saaheb 1. Hakeem Muhammad Ali 2. Hakeem Ahmed Ali 3. Sadrush Shariah Hakeem Muhammad Amjadi Ali Maulana Yaar Muhammad 1. Mualana Muhammad Siddique 18

Janaab Thana ullah 1. Janaab Abdus Samad Hakeem Ahmed Ali 1. Hakeem Ghulam Mustafa 2. Hakeem Ghulam Muhiyud deen 3. Munshi Noorul Hassan 4. Janaab Sharfud deen 5. Maulana Hakeem Fakhrud deen Qaadiri 6. Janaab Qamrud deen Sadrush Shariah Hakeem Muhamamad Amjad Ali Aazmi 1. Hakeem Shams-ul-Huda 2. Maulana Muhammad Yahya 3. Allama Abdul Mustafa Azhari 4. Maulana Ata ul Mustafa Aazmi 5. Maulana Qaari Raza-ul-Mustafa 6. Muhadith-e-Kabeer Hazrat Allama Zia ul Mustafa 7. Muhammad (marhoom) 8. Hazrat Maulana Mufti Baha-ul-Mustafa Qaadiri 9. Maulana Thana ul Mustafa Qaadiri 10. Hazrat Maulana Fida-ul-Mustafa Qaadiri 19

11. Muhtarama Azizah Khatun 12. Aalima Sa eeda Khatun 13. Aalima A isha Khatun Saaheba Hakeem Shamsul Huda 1. Maulana Qamr-ul-Huda Aazmi o Maulana Naseem Amjadi Maulana Muhammad Yahya 1. Qaari Saajid Ali Aazmi Allama Abdul Mustafa Azhari 1. Noor-ul-Mustafa 2. Anwaar-ul-Mustafa 3. Asrar-ul-Mustafa 4. Intisaar-ul-Mustafa 5. Ansar-ul-Mustafa 6. Absaar-ul-Mustafa 7. Izhaar-ul-Mustafa 8. Umm-e-Salma 9. Umm-ul-Fadl 10. Faatima 20

Maulana Qaari Raza-Ul-Mustafa 1. Mustafa Anwar 2. Haafiz Mustafa Sarwar Huzoor Muhadith-E-Kabeer Allama Zia Ul Mustafa Qaadiri 1. Hazrat Maulana Ala ul Mustafa Qaadiri 2. Maulana Mufti Ata ul Mustafa Qaadiri Amjadi 3. Maulana Mufti Jamal Mustafa Qaadiri 4. Riyaz-ul-Mustafa (Marhoom) 5. Maulana Abu Yusuf Qaadiri Azhari 6. Aalima Kaneez A isha Saaheba 7. Aalima Sa eeda Khatun Saaheba 8. Aalima Faatima MUFTI ATA UL MUSTAFA AMJADI 1. Zubair 2. Muhammad 3. Maulana Riyaz-ul-Mustafa Mufti Jamaal Mustafa Qaadiri 1. Abu Hurairah 2. Hafiz Abu Sa ad 3. Abu Hamzah 4. Abu Sa eed 21

5. Sumayya Amjadi 6. Aalima Hanifa Amjadi Aalima Kaneez A isha Saaheba (Wife Of Maulana Shaahid Raza Qaadiri) 1. Haamid Raza 2. Shaa iq Raza Allama Mufti Baha-Ul-Mustafa Qaadiri 1. Janaab Abul Ulaa 2. Maulana Noor-ul-Ulaa 3. Janaab Shams-ul-Ulaa 4. Ummul Wara 5. Ummul Ulaa Maulana Mufti Thana ul Mustafa Amjadi 1. Maulvi Safa-ul-Mustafa Amjadi 2. Mufti Wafa-ul-Mustafa Amjadi 3. Janaab Bilal-ul-Mustafa Amjadi 4. Seema Amjadi Maulana Fida-Ul-Mustafa Qaadiri 1. Maulana Faizaan-ul-Mustafa Qaadiri 2. Maulana Irfan-ul-Mustafa Azhari 3. Maulana Raihaan-ul-Mustafa Qaadiri 22

4. Has saan-ul-mustafa Qaadiri 5. Aalima Rubeena Amjadi 6. Aalima Shabeena Amjadi 7. Aalima Sufiyah Amjadi 8. Aalima Umm-e-Sulaim Amjadi 9. Aalima Umm-e-Rumaan Amjadi 10. Aalima Umm-ul-Khayr Amjadi Aalima Sa eeda Khatun (Wife Of Maulana Abdush Shakur Aazmi) 1. Janaab Na eem Akhtar Saaheb 2. Muhtarama Anjum Afsha 3. Mufti Mahmud Akhtar Saaheb 4. Janaab Sa eed Akhtar Saaheb Janaab Na eem Akhtar Saaheb 1. Qudsiya Parween 2. Saleem Akhtar 3. Nadeem Akhtar 4. Aalima Shireen Ambar 5. Zaree(n) Khatun 23

Muhtarama Anjum Afsha (Wife Of Hafiz Muhammad Kaleem Saaheb) 1. Aalima Gohar Afsha (Seema) 2. Maulana Hafiz Faheem Ahmed Qaadiri 3. Aalima Shagufta Qaadiri 4. Aalima Saba Qaadiri 5. Aalima Nuzhat Zaiba Qaadiri 6. Maariya Naaz Qaadiri 7. Tan eem Ahmed Qaadiri Maulana Mufti Mahmud Akhtar Qaadiri 1. Aalima Farhana Khatun Qaadiri 2. Maulana Hafiz Mufti Maqsud Akhtar Qaadiri Janaab Sa eed Akhtar Saaheb 1. Maulana Nawaid Akhtar Qaadiri 2. Janaab Raihaan Akhtar Qaadiri 3. Maulana Ubaid Akhtar Qaadiri 4. Maulana Hafiz Adnan Akhtar 5. Farhaan Akhtar 6. Juwairyah Faatima 24

Muhtarama A isha Khatun Saaheba (Wife Of Allama Ghulam Rab bani Fa iq Aazmi) 1. Muhtarama Anees Faatima 2. Janaab Fazl Mu een 3. Aalima Umm-e-Salma 4. Aalima Thameena Amjadi 5. Maulana Noorani Muhtarama Anees Faatima (Wife Janaab Rizwaan Ahmed Saaheb) 1. Daanish Raza 2. Aalima Nigaar Faatima 3. Raashida Faatima 4. Qais Raza 5. Umair Raza Maulana Fazl Mu een Saaheb 1. Owais Raza 2. Hassan Raza 3. Hussain Raza Hazrat Maulana Shaykh Muhammad Siddique 1. Shaykh-ul-Ulama Ghulam Jilani 25

2. Maulana Ghulam Rab bani Fa iq Aazmi Shaykh-Ul-Ulama Hazrat Allama Ghulam Jilani 1. Ghulam Nu mani 2. Zainul Aabideen 3. Maulana Ghulam Rab bani Fa iq Aazmi Janaab Abdus Samad (Marhum) Shareh Bukhari Mufti Muhammad Shariful Haq Amjadi 1. Habeeb-ul-Haq Marhoom 2. Dr Muhib-ul-Haq 3. Muti ul Haq Marhoom 4. Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq 5. Zaheer-ul-Haq 6. Faatima Tal at With the exception of these distinct qualities of the blessed family of Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer, they are also well-known and reputed for other services to Deen-e-Mustafa including the establishment and the formation of three very important, distinguished and blessed Institutes and Centres of Learning in Ghosi, namely; Madrassa Shams-ul-Uloom Tayyibatul Ulama Jamia Amjadia Razvia Kuliyatul Banaat Al Amjadia (Girls Institute) 26

The above mentioned chart has been presented so that we may better understand the knowledge and greatness of this Khandaan and their generations of services to the Ahl-e-Sunnat Wa Jama at. This will thus allow us to better honour, respect and value Mumtaz-ul-Fuqaha Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer. Huzoor Muhadith-E-Kabeer s Parents Before proceeding any further, I think it is of utmost importance to briefly discuss the parents of Huzoor Muhadithe-Kabeer, so that the readers better understand the background and blessed upbringing of this blessed personality. Both the parents of Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer were blessed personalities and came from a line of knowledgeable ancestors. They were both blessed with being born into pious and Allah Fearing Households, which instilled in them the love for Allah and His Rasool. When one examines the lives of the beloved parents of Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer, one will better understand the manner in which he was nurtured by his beloved mother and trained by his beloved father. There is no doubt that pious parents bear pious and blessed children. Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer is proof of this. 27

His Blessed Father, Huzoor Sadrush Shariah Faqih-e-Azam Hind, Sadrush Shariah Allama Qadi Muhammad Amjad Ali was amongst one of the most prominent and illustrious personalities of India. Huzoor Sadrush Shariah, Badrut Tariqat Hazrat Allama Shah Amjad Ali Aazmi the son of Hakim Jamaalud deen, son of Maulana Khuda Bakhsh, son of Moulana Khairud deen was born at a place known as Karimud deen, which is situated in the district of Ghosi, in the well known town of Azamgarh in India. His father and grandfather were both renowned scholars in Religious theology and expert specialists in Unani medicine. When his grandfather, Hazrat Maulana Khuda Bakhsh went to perform Hajj, he received the permission for the recitation of Dala il al-khayrat in Madinatul Munawwarah from the Shaykh Ad Dalaa il. He was also a great Saahib-e-Karaamat. He received his elementary education from his grandfather, thereafter studying under the watchful eye of his elder brother Maulana Muhammad Siddique. After completion of his elementary studies, he was enrolled for higher education at the Madrassa Hanafiya in Jaunpur. This was a very famous and reputable Islamic University in that time. There, he studied under the guidance of a very reputable and distinguished Aalim-e-Deen of the time, Jaami Ma qulat wa Manqulat, Hazrat Allama Maulana Hidayatullah Khan Rampuri Jaunpuri, who passed away in 1326/1908. 28

Maulana Hidayatullah Khan was the student of the personality, who was known for first inspiring the Movement for Independence in India, namely; The Imamul Falsafa, Mujahid-e-Jalil, Hazrat Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khayrabadi. After observing his immense wisdom and acumen, Ustaazul Asaatiza Allama Hidayatullah Khan, counted him amongst his most reputable students, which can be better understood from the words of Allama Sayed Sulaiman Ashraf Bihari (Professor of the Religious Faculty at Aligarh Muslim University): Hazrat Ustaazul Asaatiza was kind and attentive towards all his students, but he would place his special attention over three of his students. He used to say; I wish to take whatever is in my heart and pass it on to these three students. (The 3 students being mentioned were; Maulana Muhammad Siddique, Maulana Amjad Ali and Maulana Sulaiman Ashraf). It is for this very reason that once his beloved teacher said as followed regarding him: I managed to find one (truly worthy) student and that too, in my old age. After graduating and acquiring his degree, he was immediately engaged as the Principal of Madrassa Ahl-e-Sunnat, which was one of the most respected Madrassas in Patna, Bihar. The excellence and repute of this Madrassa can be understood from the fact that before the arrival of Huzoor Sadrush Shariah 29

illustrious personalities like the distinguished student of Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khayrabadi, Allama Maulana Abdul Aziz Mantaqi and Hafizul Hadith Huzoor Muhadith-e-Surti held the positions of Shaykh-ul-Hadith at this Madrassa. The first book that he was asked to teach whilst at the Madrassa was The Hidaya Volume 2. He explained the issues presented therein proficiently and clearly, to such an extent that the Ulama and all those present there were astonished. The Manager of the Institute, Qazi Abdul Waheed awarded him the responsibility of handling all the Educational Affairs of the Madrassa. After the passing away of Qazi Abdul Waheed, he did not remain there for too long. He then journeyed to Lucknow, where he studied Ilm-ut-Tibb for two years. After completion of this course, he returned home and commenced serving the people by starting a clinic. His clinic began to progress successfully. When Huzoor Muhadith-e-Surti heard that Sadrush Shariah had started practicing and had opened a clinic for this purpose, he became very sad. At this time, The Faqih of Faqihs of the Century, The Imam amongst Imams, the Great Reviver of Islam, A la Hazrat Imam Ahl-e-Sunnat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan required the services of a teacher at the Darul-Uloom Manzar-e-Islam. Sadrush Shariah then left his clinic and proceeded to Bareilly. At Bareilly, he first served as a teacher. When Huzoor Sadrush Shariah intended to visit Bareilly Shareef, from Pilliphit, 30

Huzoor Muhadith-e-Surti wrote a letter to A la Hazrat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan asking him to inspire him to continue in the field of Ilm-e-Deen. Within a few months, Mujaddid-e-Deen-o-Millat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan arranged for Sadrush Shariah to reside permanently in Bareilly Shareef. He was entrusted with many responsibilities by Imam Ahmed Raza Khan. Important affairs such as, The Educational Affairs of Madrassa Manzar-e-Islam, The management of Anjuman Ahl-e-Sunnat, The management of the printing press, arrangement of manuscripts, proofing of books that were being prepared for publishing, issuing Fatawa and dispatching important postage were entrusted to him. Due to his potential and his devotion and sincerity, Imam Ahmed Raza looked at him with great respect, and due to this, he had immense trust and faith in him. After approximately fifteen years, he journeyed to Ajmer Shareef in 1343/1924 to take up the position as Principal at Darul Uloom Mu eenia Uthmania. He remained there until 1350 and quenched the thirst of those who came in search of knowledge. The most intelligent and bright students travelled from all corners of the country to humble themselves before him, quenching their thirst for true knowledge and wisdom. Shaykh-ul-Ulama Allama Ghulam Jilani Ghoswi writes: The standard of education at Darul Uloom Mu eenia excelled to such a high level, that it became famous all over. Students 31

journeyed from the Northern Provinces, Bihar and Hyderabad etc. to acquire knowledge from him, after hearing of his manner of teaching. Those who lived in Ajmer Shareef say that never before did they see such an atmosphere and environment of learning which they saw in his era. The Roving Ambassador of Islam Allama Abdul Aleem Siddiqi Meerati presented the contents to a syllabus which he prepared, for correction and setting to Huzoor Sadrush Shariah. Whilst delivering a discourse at the Annual Jalsa of Madrassa Haafizia Sa eedia, Maulana Habeebur Rahman Sherwani paid tributes to the Allama Amjadi Ali as a person and as a professional with these words: There are only four or five teachers in the continent that I regard as completely proficient and appointed on merit, and Maulana Amjad Ali is amongst them. The fact that students are becoming Faazils at his hands and acquiring certificates of merit is clear evidence of his proficiency. He is not just a Maulvi by name. When there was the need to appoint a Principal for Darul Uloom Manzar-e-Islam, students were prepared and sent over to him for lessons. Huzoor Hujjatul Islam Maulana Haamid Raza Khan observed his manner of teaching from a distance. After he had observed him teaching, he returned and said as follows: 32

When Maulana Amjad Ali was answering the students, it seemed like a vast sea that in which waves (of knowledge) were rising. It is the blessing of the teaching of Huzoor Sadrush Shariah that those who are his students directly or indirectly can be found throughout the globe today, propagating Islam. There is probably not a single Madrassa or Darul Uloom in the Indo-Pak sub-continent that does not have at least one teacher that has not attained his blessings. Huzoor Sadrush Shariah passed from this physical world whilst on his journey towards Hajj in 1367 Hijri coinciding 1948. He intended to make this journey together with Ghaus-ul-Waqt Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind, but this was to be the last journey of his physical life in this world. On arriving in Bombay, Huzoor Sadrush Shariah became severely ill, and in this illness, he journeyed into the hereafter on the 2 nd of Zil Qaddah 1367 Hijri coinciding 7 th December 1948. Madine Ka Musaafir Hind Se Pohoncha Madine me Qadam Rakhne ki Nawbat bhi, Na Aayi Thee Safine me Huzoor Sadrush Shariah blessed his beloved son, Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer from a very young age. After reading the above in regards to Huzoor Sadrush Shariah then for those like my humble self who know Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer well, 33

and who have seen him, spent time with him and travelled with him, they will know that undoubtedly he is the living example of his beloved father in every way. He is the walking example of the life of Huzoor Sadrush Shariah. His Blessed Mother Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer s blessed mother Muhtarama Haajra Saaheba was also a very blessed and pious personality, who groomed her children with love, instilling in them the Fear for Allah, Love for Rasoolullah, closeness to the Awliyah and zest for knowledge of Deen. Her father Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdul Lateef Rasheedi was a renowned, great Aalim and Faadil. Her grandfather Hazrat Maulana Azeemud deen Saaheb was also a reputed scholar of high stature. In other words, she too hailed from a family of knowledgeable personalities, and undoubtedly the fragrance for the love of knowledge had rubbed onto her as well. She acquired her education under the guidance and watchful eye of her beloved father Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdul Lateef Rasheedi. Alhamdulillah, she was then blessed with marrying one of the most blessed and illustrious personalities and Faqihs of the era, namely; Huzoor Sadrush Shariah Allama Muhammad Amjad Ali Aazmi, so this in-turn caused her knowledge and wisdom to increase by many folds, making her one of the most blessed and 34

knowledgeable woman of the time. Her studies, her knowledge and her powerful memory made her amongst the great Aalimas and Faadilas. She had an amazing memory and had memorised thousands of laws of Shariah. Two great personalities whose names are inscribed in the list of Scholars of the Era and whose knowledge and services are well known all over, namely; Faizul-Aarifeen Hazrat Allama Ghulam Aasi Piya Hassani Abul Ulai and Ra ees-ul-qalam Hazrat Allama Arshad-ul-Qaadiri were her brothers. Virtue and blessedness were her wonderful qualities. She was adorned with the qualities that every Muslim woman should possess. She was a prime example of a pious woman of Islam. She was also set an example of being punctual in Namaaz and Fasting; she was generous by nature and always patient, even in testing times. She taught how to be kind to relatives and those near and dear. She was forgiving, kind hearted and dedicated. She trained and nurtured her children as Islam commands a mother to. She paid special attention to the Religious Education of her children and grandchildren, she taught her sons and daughters, and later even her grandsons, the recitation of Qur an with Tajweed, and even the basic Arabic and Persian books. In doing so, she presented them to the Muslim world as future leaders and Great Scholars of Deen. 35

Her following children and grandchildren were blessed with acquiring their basic knowledge from under her care and supervision: Muhadith-e-Kabeer Allama Zia ul Mustafa Qaadiri Ustaazi Hazrat Mufti Baha ul Mustafa Qaadiri Hazrat Mufti Thana ul Mustafa Qaadiri Hazrat Allama Fida ul Mustafa Qaadiri Muhtarama Sa eeda Khatoon Muhtarama A isha Khatoon Saheba Mufti Mahmood Akhtar Qaadiri Mufti Ala ul Mustafa Qaadiri Mufti Ata ul Mustafa Qaadiri Mufti Jamaal Mustafa Qaadiri Maulana Faizaan-ul-Mustafa Qaadiri Maulana Abu Yusuf Qaadiri Azhari Maulana Irfan-ul-Mustafa Azhari Maulana Rehan-ul-Mustafa Qaadiri With the exception of the above mentioned personalities, all the children of the Qaadiri Manzil Household (i.e. family of Sadrush Shariah) who became Aalims and Aalimas and Faadils and Faadilas during her lifetime were blessed with acquiring knowledge from her. 36

Kuliyatul Banaat Al Amjadia: This was her brainchild and a dream come true. Hazrat Haajra noticed and observed the need of the time. She realised that much attention was being given to the education of males and institutes for males were flourishing, but she saw that the girls of the Sunni Fraternity were in a pitiful state and in disarray. She noticed that they were not being educated systematically and there was no real arrangement for their studies. She noticed that ignorance with regards to even basic Islamic information was becoming widespread in girls, and even their Imaan and Aqida was been easily targeted and thus had become weakened, due to lack of basic education. The Honourable Lady therefore ordered the Light of her Eyes Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer Allama Zia ul Mustafa to establish an Institute for the Education of girls, and in doing so she blessed him with her Duas, thereby making it a formula for success. Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer thus went all out to fulfil this command of his beloved mother, and in 1981 the Insitute under the name Kuliyatul Banaat Al Amjadia became a reality. It gave hope to the daughters of the Ahl-e-Sunnat and thus commenced the sequence of knowledge for the daughters of the Ahl-e-Sunnat. This institute is serving today the Ummah in a beautiful manner, empowering our daughters with the gift of Knowledge 37

of Deen, making them propagators of True Islam wherever they go. To date thousands of girls have qualified at this institute carrying with them the lamp of guidance to hundreds of thousands of mothers and sisters. Sad Demise: The Mother of the Era, This Noble and Blessed Mother of the Ahl-e-Sunnat passed from this world on the 29 th of Rajab 1415 coinciding 1 st January 1995. She is resting towards the right of the footside of the Mazaar of Huzoor Sadrush Shariah. Allah keep her holy grave illuminated always! Aameen His Early Education He attained his basic knowledge under the watchful eye of his beloved father, Huzoor Sadrush Shariah. Even during this tender age, the brightness of wisdom, intellect, and understanding, discussing and debating could be found in his blessed personality. The reality of this, even Huzoor Muhadithe-Kabeer himself acknowledges as a blessing upon him. He says, Once whilst I was being taught Surah Feel in Am ma Paara (Last Chapter of the Quran), I asked whether Ababeel (swallows) referred to the same ones which we see and I asked about what Sij jeel was. Huzoor Sadrush Shariah explained this to Muhadith-e- Kabeer and then Muhadith-e-Kabeer asked, Are these the same 38

swallows which bombarded the elephants and destroyed them? On hearing this Huzoor Sadrush Shariah was very pleased and said, Insha Allah, This son of mine will be a very great Aalim in the future. This was the level of Hazrat s understanding and knowledge, when he was just learning how to recite the Am ma Paara. At this tender age, not only was he just trying to understand the alphabets and learn how to read the Quran, but his mind was focusing on the words and verses of the Quran and trying to understand the incidents in the Quran. The condition of his courage was that at this young age, he was respectfully asking such a question to a learned and great Giant of Islam like Huzoor Sadrush Shariah. He was querying from such a great teacher about whether the Ababeel were not the same ones that we see flying and about the meaning of the word Sij jeel, whereas usually children who are that young never think about what the word means or which incident it refers to. Actually they even find difficulty in paying attention to the proper tajweed of how to pronounce the alphabets, let alone them trying to understand the meanings of words they read. Subhaan Allah! Even after being given an answer by Huzoor Sadrush Shariah the young Muhadith-e-Kabeer s thirst to learn did not end. He still furthered queried about whether 39

these were the same swallows that had bombarded and destroyed the elephants. I am assuming that possibly he had heard something about the destruction of Abraha s army from his beloved mother, when he was much younger, but the intellect and excellent memory he possessed immediately directed his mind to the incident of Abraha and the destruction of his elephant army, the moment he was being taught how to read Surah Feel. This alone shows his wisdom, powerful memory and intellect, even as a child. Today, most people don t even remember things that have to do with their daily lives. So many things people read in their prime and yet after a week or so, it becomes difficult for them to remember whether they dreamt it or read it. Here, the memory and intellect and more so the interest and zest for knowledge in the young Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer can be seen. Also, the beautiful words of Huzoor Sadrush Shariah that, Insha Allah, This son of mine will be a very great Aalim in the future. This incident not only shows the power of his memory and his intellectual genius, but also proves that he had been blessed with studying under the guidance of his beloved father, Huzoor Sadrush Shariah. Before leaving on his second Hajj, Huzoor Sadrush Shariah sent him to Nagpur to study under the 40

watchful eye of Faiz ul Aarifeen Allama Ghulam Aasi. Here he studied the basic Arabic books under his care. Then, in Shawwal 1369 Hijri, he enrolled at Jamia Ashrafiyah (Mubarakpur) under the special care of Muhadith-e- Muradabadi Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat Allama Shah Abdul Aziz Mubarakpuri. Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat chose him as one of his blessed students and gave him very special attention, teaching him and instructing him with complete attention. He studied numerous books personally under the hand of Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat. After Graduating in 1377 Hijri, Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat did not stop teaching him. He taught him privately away from everyone else and blessed him with exclusive special attention. Whilst studying at Jamia Ashrafiyah, his amazing intellect and wit was prominent even amongst his fellow classmates. He always attained the best position in class compared to all his classmates. This was because of his wit and intelligence and his desire to strive to attain knowledge. Even his teachers acknowledged his intellectual capacity. Hazrat Allama Sayyid Shah Abdul Haq Saaheb once asked Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat, What is our young man (referring to young Muhadith-e-Kabeer) studying? Huzoor Haafiz-e- Millat ecstatically proclaimed, 41

The amount of pleasure I get from teaching these special sciences of knowledge to him (Allama Zia ul Mustafa), I would not get in teaching a hundred other students. It must be also noted that the kind of teacher who has a special zest for teaching finds it difficult to teach in a crowd of too many students and he is never excited by huge crowds around him, but when he finds a student with such powerful mental and intellectual abilities, then he finds great pleasure in training and teaching such a student, even though it may be for a short space of time. Those who have true inner sight will better be able to understand the deep secret when Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat said, The amount of pleasure I get from teaching these special sciences of knowledge to him (Allama Zia ul Mustafa), I would not get in teaching a hundred other students. In other words, the intelligence and effort that Muhadith-e- Kabeer showed in his studies was more than that which a hundred students put together would be able to show. Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat would often be heard saying, Whatever I have attained from Huzoor Sadrush Shariah, I have given all of it to Zia ul Mustafa 42

Continuation of Studies Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer was still in the process of his basic education when Huzoor Sadrush Shariah had to go out of town for a while, so Hazrat s uncle Hakeem Ahmed Ali took over his studies for that time. He first asked, what book are you learning? The young Muhadith e Kabeer replied by saying that he was studying the second book of Urdu. He then queried if he had already studied the first book of Urdu and Muhadith e Kabeer mentioned that he had not. He said, So then, why are you studying the second book? The young Muhadith e Kabeer said, Abba Jee (My dear father) commanded me to. On hearing this, he said, If Maulana Saaheb said so, then it is fine. He then commenced studying this book and in a few short days, he completed it. This alone shows the acumen and intelligence of Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer at such a young and tender age. He has been blessed with such acumen, that even at this age and for the remainder of his studies, there was no need for him to follow the actual sequence of books in the course. If he read the basic books, there was no need for him to follow up with the next book as he would be able to read the ones thereafter without any difficulty. It is for this reason that after completing the second book of Urdu, there was no need for him to read the third and fourth books as is recommended, but he was immediately put into the basic Persian books, as he had become 43

so fluent in reading the Urdu just by reading Book Two, that he was now ready to commence Persian. Muhadith-E-Kabeer In The Care Of Huzoor Faiz- Ul-Aarifeen In Nagpur After this time, Huzoor Sadrush Shariah became engrossed in preparing for his second Journey to Hajj. He thus requested Hazrat Allama Ghulam Aasi Piya to take Huzoor Muhadith e Kabeer with him, and take charge of his education. Faiz-ul- Aarifeen was the elder brother of Ra ees-ul-qalam, Qaa id-e- Ahl-e-Sunnat Hazrat Allama Arshad-ul-Qaadiri, and the maternal uncle (maamu) of Huzoor Muhadith Kabeer. He was a mountain of knowledge and a Master in Syntax and all other fields of Islamic learning. During this time, Faiz-ul-Aarifeen was serving as the Shaykh-ul-Hadith at Mufti Abdur Rasheed s Jaamia in Nagpur, which was called Jaamia Arabia. On this order of Sadrush Shariah Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer accompanied Faiz-ul-Aarifeen to Nagpur. Huzoor Faiz-ul-Aarifeen intended to teach him Muniyatul Musalla, but since Muhadith-e-Kabeer had not studied any book which taught the manner of reading the actual Arabic text (without the punctuation signs), Faiz-ul-Aarifeen who was noted for his proficiency in teaching this, instructed Huzoor 44

Muhadith e Kabeer for about two hours teaching him how to recognise where and how the signs need to be placed. He then taught him 4 to 5 pages of Muniyatul Musalla over a period of time and by the time he had studied about 5 pages of the book, Huzoor Muhadith e Kabeer became so well versed with the rules of Arabic Grammar and the laws with regards to the Arabic syntax that he understood the complexities of the syntax and could now read the Arabic text without any problem. He had committed to memory all the necessary rules and could also apply it proficiently. In this regard Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer personally states: He (Faiz-ul-Aarifeen) taught me 4 or 5 pages of Muniyatul Musalla, and he introduced me to all the principles of Nahw and Sarf, After this I never found the need to ask anyone in regards to the principles of Nahw and Sarf When he now began reading the text with fluency by himself, then as per his acumen and Allah given intelligence, he would complete many pages of Muniyatul Musalla, and thus soon completed this entire book. Immediately after this, he moved on to the famous Hidaayat-un-Nahw and Kaafiyah. He thus attained proficiency and master in the fields of Sarf and Nahw under the supervision of Faiz-ul-Aarifeen. Huzoor Muhadith e Kabeer personally says, Whatever I have acquired in the field of Sarf and Nahw, I have acquired this 45

through the teaching and blessings of my beloved elder uncle Hazrat Faiz-ul-Aarifeen. Muhadith-E-Kabeer In The Care Of Huzoor Haafiz- E-Millat Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer remained in the care of his Uncle Allama Ghulam Aasi for two years, where he mastered his basic education. He was now well versed with the principles of Nahw and Sarf and was proficient in reading the actual Arabic text. After this, and on recognising his high levels of thinking, understanding, and his zest for knowledge at such a young age, his uncle Qaa id-e-millat Ra ees-ul-qalam Munazir-e-Azam Allama Arshad-ul-Qaadiri decided that the young Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer should be sent to further his studies and to excel in this Science under the guidance of the blessed student of Huzoor Sadrush Shariah and the personality who was well-renowned for his indept knowledge and his piety and virtue, and that was none other than Muhadith Mubarakpuri, Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat Allama Shah Abdul Azeez He then requested his beloved sister to send Huzoor Muhadithe-Kabeer to Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat so that he may be instructed by this great and blessed personality. The request was accepted by his respected sister and in Shawwal 1369 Hijri coinciding 1950; he presented himself at Daul Uloom Ahl-e- Sunnat Ashrafiyah Misbah ul Uloom. 46

Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat was a Possessor of great knowledge and virtue. He was adorned with piety and the rays of guidance emanated from him. The moment the Wali, Huzoor Haafiz-e- Millat placed his sight on the young Muhadith-e-Kabeer, his spiritual sight saw on the forehead of the newcomer the future position that he would hold. He already recognised the greatness and the future excellence of this young child. He noticed the zest and the love for knowledge flowing through the heart of Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer. He noticed his intelligence, his virtue, his excellence and the signs of him becoming a great personality himself in the future. On noticing all this, Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat immediately cradled the young Muhadith-e-Kabeer into the world of knowledge and wisdom. He blessed him with even more generosity as the young Muhadith-e-Kabeer was the beloved son and the light of the eyes of his Holy Murshid, Huzoor Sadrush Shariah. From here on, Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer only excelled in knowledge, understanding, wisdom and piety. He spent his entire study life under the care of Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat and those appointed by him to assist in grooming the young personality to one day himself become Muhadith-e-Kabeer, Mumtazul Fuqaha and Sultaanul Asaatiza. As a student, Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer spent most of his time sincerely being educated, and at the same time, showed great respect and honour for his Teacher, Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat. 47

Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer loves and honours Huzoor Haafiz-e- Millat dearly. If this topic has to be discussed, I assume that this will be a book by itself. We will end the discussion on Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer s education here, as the detailed explanation in this regard cannot be completed in this short document. I (Afthab Cassim) have noticed on numerous occasions the tears and wetness of the eyes of Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer when he discusses his Ustaaz Huzoor Haafiz-e-Millat Nowadays, we find students who don t even know how to truly respect and honour their Teachers and Spiritual Masters. We should learn from the love that Huzoor Muhadith-e-Kabeer possesses for his Beloved Teacher. 48