Khalifa-e-Aala Hazrat Hazrat Shah Mehmood Jaan Qadri: Architect of the Revered Dome of Bareilly Sharif Dargah

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 31 July 2025 Hazrat Maulana Mufti Shah Mehmood Jaan Khan Qadri, a devoted khalifa of Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, quietly shaped Sunni Barelvi history, most notably by designing and constructing the iconic Gumbad–leaving behind a spiritual and architectural legacy unmatched. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Shah Mehmood Jaan Qadri was a senior khalifa of Ala Hazrat Barelvi and a key figure in the Sunni Barelvi movement. 2. He hailed from Peshawar but made Bareilly his spiritual base. 3. He led the construction of Ala Hazrat’s Gumbad, funding and supervising it entirely. 4. A celebrated scholar, his writings and fatwas continue to guide generations. 5. His legacy lives on through his contributions to Islamic scholarship and the preservation of Ala Hazrat’s memory. ----- Introduction Amidst the kaleidoscopic tapestry of Indian Sufism and Islamic scholarship, there are some whose names are less heard of, but immensely powerful in influence. One such monumental figure was Hazrat Allama Shah Mufti Mehmood Jaan Khan Qadri Razvi, fondly recalled as Khalifa-e-Aala Hazrat, a highly venerated disciple of Aala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi. A paragon of both pen and piety, his work for the preservation and dissemination of Sunni orthodoxy in terms of architectural insight, scholarly acumen, and spiritual purity continues to be inscribed in the pages of Barelvi history. A Heritage Based on Ilm and Imaan Born in 1835 to Hazrat Hafiz Ghulam Rasool, a renowned Aalim whose students came from Kabul, Samarqand and Kandahar under his guidance— Hazrat Mehmood Jaan grew up in an environment steeped in divine knowledge and spiritual rigour. His initial studies were deeply rooted in Quranic teachings, Hadith, Fiqh, and logic, which he would go on to master and apply with brilliance to the cause of the Ahl-e-Sunnat wal Jamaat. Following considerable recognition as a teacher and scholar in his hometown of Peshawar, he migrated to Jamjodhpur in the state of Gujarat. This modest but spiritually vibrant town would become the stage for his lifetime of service, where he served as the Imam and Khateeb of the Jama Masjid Jamjodhpur for over 80 years, never accepting a salary. The Spiritual Bond with Aala Hazrat Barelvi Despite his scholarly standing, Hazrat Mehmood Jaan continued to search for a worthy spiritual mentor. When he eventually met Aala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi in Bareilly, it was a profound convergence of souls. Imam Ahmad Raza himself granted him Khilafat and addressed him as Haami-e-Sunnat (Defender of the Prophetic Way) and Maahi-e-Fitan (One who cuts off mischief). In a time of theological ambiguity and growing sectarian tensions, Hazrat Mehmood Jaan Khan stood as a beacon of clarity and conviction. Though spiritually authorised to become a Murshid (spiritual guide), Hazrat Mehmood Jaan never pursued that role for himself. When seekers approached him, he would always direct them towards Aala Hazrat—epitimising the humility and unwavering devotion that defined his nature. Architectural Legacy: Construction of the Gumbad of Ala Hazrat’s Dargah Perhaps one of the most inspiring yet lesser-known aspects of Hazrat Mehmood Jaan’s legacy is the design of the Dargah of Aala Hazrat at Bareilly Sharif. Using nothing more than burnt matchsticks on a sheet of plain paper, he created a vision that came to be celebrated for its spiritual symbolism as well as its architectural elegance. The design, evocative of the dome of Masjid-e-Nabawi with its refined black-and-white aesthetic, was endorsed by Aala Hazrat and numerous eminent Ulama. Hazrat Mehmood Jaan did not merely imagine it, he donated ₹10,000 (an enormous amount at the time) and remained in Bareilly until the dome was completed. This Gumbad today is among the most recognisable Islamic landmarks in India, a tribute to his devotion to his Pir and his sense of sacred beauty. Literary Excellence: A Pen Wielded in Defence of the Deen A prolific writer, Hazrat Mehmood Jaan was among the earliest to compose a poetic biography of Aala Hazrat titled Zikr-e-Raza. The book captures not only the spiritual grandeur of Aala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan but also the deep and abiding love the author bore for his master. Another of his celebrated works, Eezah-e-Sunnat, was written in response to emerging heretical factions and served as a doctrinal beacon for Sunni Muslims across the subcontinent. The book was endorsed by 63 leading scholars of the time, including Aala Hazrat himself, who praised its topicality, precision, and scholarly integrity. In addition, Hazrat Mehmood Jaan Khan personally funded the publication of Sunni journals and distributed them himself door-to-door in Jamjodhpur, ensuring that even the humblest homes received the message of true Islam. Miracles and Piety: A Life Woven with Barakah Hazrat Mehmood Jaan was not only a scholar and architect—he was a man of miracles and profound spiritual perception. One of the most widely cited incidents is his exorcism of a possessed individual, where, after reciting sacred verses and physically subduing the afflicted person, he brought the jinn under control. In another account, a child suffering from German measles was miraculously cured following his supplication—an event witnessed and affirmed by both doctors and scholars. Every day, he would recite Surah al-Quraysh and blow over his household food and commercial goods—a practice he believed brought tremendous Barakah (blessing). Personal Life and Longevity Hazrat Mehmood Jaan married three times and was blessed with sixteen children. Remarkably, his youngest child was born when he was nearly 100 years old. Among his children, Ghulam Ahmad Raza Khan was granted Khilafat by Aala Hazrat himself, marking the continuation of spiritual succession within the family. Even after crossing a century in age, Hazrat Mehmood Jaan remained active in his service to the community. His life was centred around Salah, teaching, writing, and guiding the public. He shunned fame, prestige, and wealth—his only concern was the propagation of the Sunnah and the defence of truth. Last Years and Passing Hazrat Allama Mufti Mehmood Jaan Khan Qadri departed this world on 3rd Safar al-Muzaffar 1370 AH, corresponding to 14 November 1950 CE, at the remarkable age of approximately 118. His passing was a tremendous loss to the Sunni community, particularly in Gujarat, where he had become a deeply respected figure. His mazar (shrine) in Jamjodhpur has since become a place of visitation, and thousands continue to draw spiritual benefit from his life and legacy. Legacy Beyond Time In the sacred heritage of Sufi saints and Islamic scholars, few have so seamlessly combined erudition, spirituality, architectural genius, and boundless humility as Hazrat Allama Shah Mehmood Jaan Qadri. His life serves as a reminder that the most enduring legacies are not necessarily the loudest ones, they are found in silent service, in structures crafted with devotion, in books written away from the limelight, and in prayers whispered in solitude. As a Khalifa of Aala Hazrat, he was not merely a disciple but a living embodiment of that illustrious legacy. Through the dome he designed, the works he penned, the family he nurtured, and the shrine he now rests in—his story continues to shine. The Sunni Community and Jamjodhpur Sharif will never forget him, not just as a scholar or saint–but as a lover, a loyalist, and a legend. ---- Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is the author of 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', a research book based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/khalifa-aala-hazrat-jaan-qadri-architect-dome-dargah/d/136360 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism