Imam Ahmed Raza was a scholar who reached great heights in many different spheres of knowledge resulting in the writing of over 1000 articles, treaties, commentaries and short notes which are unique in their material compilation and whose precedence is difficult to be traced out in the recent past of Islamic History yet the number of critiques. Versifications letters discourses etc are countless.

Imam Ahmed s/o Allama Naqi Ali Khan was born in Bareilly (U.P India) on 14th June 1856. He received his early education from his father and various other teachers and completed his academic qualification at the age of 13years 10 month and 5 days. At this age he issued the very first Fatwa under the supervision of his father. After the death of his father he took the responsibility of Mufti as a lifetime vocation. He had been announcing Fatwa for more than 50 year without fear and dread of the authorities. He never charged fee for announcing Fatawa. He did every thing for the sake of Allah and his beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Imam Ahmed Raza wrote critical commentaries on more than 100 different faculties of knowledge. Amongst his writings is more than worthy which has been compiled in 12 volumes has approximately 1000 pages and Fatwas are not just Islamic decrees but a comprehensive work of research. He had a vigorous command in Hanafi Jurisprudence. Because of deep Minutia of Jurisprudence, he is the name of the century.

Imam Ahmed Raza was a true poet, I really find no words to say about his logical composition known as His love for the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) his power of imagination his vigorous vocabulary, his selection of words, use of similes and metaphors rhythmic couplets, Photographic and his lovely expression is matchless other than poetry Imam Ahmed Raza has tremendous authority over Arabic, Persian and Urdu Prose. He was also an Arabic and Persian Calligrapher.

Asceticism and altruism were the hall mark of Imam Ahmed Raza. He was authority on Islamic Mysticism as lord of Lories and above all a true paramour of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan accompanied his father in 1878 to Haramain to perform Hajj. The first Hajj was important because by performing it Imam Ahmed Raza fulfilled one of fundamental duties of a Muslim additionally. While in the Haramain Ala Hazart obtained certificates( Sanads) in several fields of knowledge Hadis  Fiqh, Usul-e-Fiqh, and Tafsir-from two well known Muftis ( Juis Consults) named, mufti Syed Ahmed Dahlan (d 1886) and mufti Abdul-Rahman Siraj.

The immediate result of his approximately three month stay in Mecca and Madina was that Ahmed Raza was able to establish close relations with a number of leading scholars in the Haramain.

In Short, Imam Ahmed Raza was proclaimed the Mujaddid (Renewed) of the 14th Hijri Century and was confirmed that Imam Ahmed Raza was a leader of Sunnis world-wide not merely in India.

Imam Ahmed Raza Struggled against Bidat (Unlaw ful Practice in Islam) in his Fatwas, treatises and speeches he strove for the resurgence of Islam and it is for these attempts the Ulema of Arabia and Indo Pak said that he was the revivalist of his century.
Imam Ahmed Raza possessed all the qualities of a good statesman. He was very aware about the hidden intentions of Hindus that is why he gave the concept of two nation theory. He enlightened treatise on politics of the Muslim Nation and guided the politicians.

His whole life was devoted to this mission and in these efforts he had to pass away from the world in 1921.

By: Dr. Muhammad Maalik