Defending the Faith: Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi’s Husamul Haramain and Its Impact on Islam

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 20 August 2024 Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi's Husamul Haramain (1906) Defends Sunni Orthodoxy, Critiques Rival Movements, And Influences South Asian Islamic Thought. Main Points: 1. Aala Hazrat'sHusamul Haramain (1906) defends traditional Sunni orthodoxy against reformist movements. 2. The treatise critiques Deobandi scholars for perceived heretical views. 3. It condemns the Ahmadiyya movement's challenge to the Finality of Prophethood. 4. It opposes the Ahl-e Hadith movement's strict adherence to Hadith. 5. Husamul Haramain solidified Barelvi beliefs and influenced Islamic scholarship and practice in South Asia. ---- Book published in 1906 by Sahibzada Syed Muhammad Hasan Jilani in translated into Urdu language from the Arabic. ----- Introduction In the early 20th century, the religious landscape of British India was marked by intense theological disputes among Muslim scholars. One of the most significant and influential figures in these debates was Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi popularly known as Aala Hazrat (1856-1921), the founder of the Barelvi movement. Barelvi’s Husamul Haramain or Husam al-Harmain Ala Munhir Kufr WalMayn ("The Sword of the Two Holy Mosques to the Throats of Non-Believers"), published in 1906, played a pivotal role in asserting and defending traditional Sunni orthodoxy against what he perceived as deviations from true Islam. This article examines the significance of Husamul Haramain from the Barelvi perspective, exploring its theological arguments, the broader implications for Sunni orthodoxy, and its impact on Islamic scholarship and practice. The Barelvi Movement and Its Objectives The Barelvi movement, founded by Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, emerged as a response to the growing influence of reformist and heterodox movements within Islam. Barelvi's primary aim was to safeguard and uphold traditional Sunni practices, including the veneration of the Prophet Muhammad and the observance of established Islamic rituals. His teachings emphasized the importance of maintaining orthodoxy in the face of perceived threats from movements that he considered to be deviations from true Islam. The Genesis of Husamul Haramain In 1905, during a pilgrimage to the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina, Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi prepared a draft entitled al-Motamad al-Mustanad ("The Reliable Proofs"). This document, which later evolved into Husamul Haramain, was crafted to address what Barelvi saw as serious doctrinal errors and heretical beliefs propagated by the founders of the Deobandi, Ahl-e Hadith, and Ahmadiyya movements. Khan’s treatise was based on a consensus of scholarly opinions from thirty-three Islamic scholars who shared his concerns about the doctrinal purity of these movements. Published in 1918 by Nizami Press, Badaun (urdu language) ----- Critique of Deobandi Scholar In Husamul Haramain, Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi accused prominent Deobandi scholars, including Muhammad Qasim Nanautavi, Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, and Ashraf Ali Thanwi, of heresy. Barelvi’s critique was grounded in the belief that their writings contained blasphemous interpretations that undermined core Islamic doctrines. For instance, he argued that the Deobandi scholars’ positions on certain theological issues, such as the status of the Prophet Muhammad and the permissibility of various practices, deviated from established Sunni beliefs. Rejection of the Ahmadiyya Movement Barelvi’s condemnation of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiyani, the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement also known as Qadiyaniyat, was a central feature of Husamul Haramain. He criticized Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiyani for his claims regarding the Finality of Prophethood, which Khan deemed a fundamental tenet of Islam. According to Khan, the Ahmadiyya movement's challenge to this doctrine constituted a grave breach of Islamic faith, necessitating a strong response from traditional Sunni scholars. Husamul Haramain in Arabic ----- Opposition to Ahl-e Hadith The Ahl-e Hadith movement, which sought to return to the practices of the early Muslim community and reject later innovations, was also a target of Barelvi’s critique. Khan viewed this movement’s emphasis on a strict adherence to Hadith and rejection of traditional practices, such as the celebration of the Prophet’s birth, as contrary to Sunni orthodoxy. Establishing Orthodoxy Barelvi’s Husamul Haramain played a crucial role in defining and reinforcing Sunni orthodoxy within the Barelvi movement. By condemning rival movements and asserting the correctness of Barelvi beliefs, Barelvi sought to preserve traditional Islamic practices and protect them from what he viewed as doctrinal threats. The treatise was widely disseminated and translated into multiple languages, which facilitated its influence across different regions and communities. Institutional Endorsement and Influence The pledge of allegiance to Husamul Haramain became a requirement at educational institutions such as Al-Jamiatul Ashrafia Mubarakpur, reflecting its authoritative status within the Barelvi tradition. This institutional endorsement helped solidify Khan’s teachings and ensured their continued influence within the Barelvi community and beyond. Broader Implications for Islamic Scholarship Barelvi's work contributed to a broader discourse on Islamic orthodoxy. The debates initiated by Husamul Haramain underscored the tensions between traditional Sunni practices and emerging reformist movements, shaping the trajectory of Islamic scholarship and practice in South Asia. Conclusion Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi’s Husamul Haramain represents a significant effort to defend and uphold traditional Sunni orthodoxy against perceived deviations and innovations. From the Barelvi perspective, the treatise is a cornerstone of their theological stance, reinforcing the importance of maintaining established Islamic practices and doctrines. The impact of Khan’s work extends beyond his time, influencing contemporary discussions on Islamic orthodoxy and sectarian identity. Through Husamul Haramain, Khan left a lasting legacy in the landscape of South Asian Islam, highlighting the enduring significance of theological debates and the defence of traditional practices. ----- Syed Amjad Hussain is a Bihar-based Author and research scholar on Sufism. He is affiliated with the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal. URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-society/faith-raza-barelvi-husamul-haramain-impact/d/132991 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