Saturday, May 24, 2025

Crown of Scholars, Light of Gnostics: The Life and Works of Hazrat Muhammad Miya Qadri

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 22 May 2025 This heartfelt tribute explores the spiritual legacy, scholarship, and humility of Hazrat Muhammad Miyan Qadri, a revered Barkaati Sufi saint who guided thousands with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering devotion. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Muhammad Miyan Qadri came from a noble prophetic lineage and was deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship from childhood. 2. He embodied humility, discipline, and compassion, guiding countless followers with love. 3. His bond with Aala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was one of mutual reverence. 4. He revitalised the Barkaatiyya spiritual order and upheld Sunni orthodoxy during troubled times. 5. His writings and leadership left a lasting mark on Islamic thought, faith, and reform. ---- Tomb of Hazrat Muhammad Miya Qadri ----- Introduction Among the shining stars in the spiritual firmament of the Indian subcontinent, the name of Tajul Ulama, Sirajul Urfa, Hazrat Syed Shah Aulaad-e-Rasool Barkaati alias Muhammad Miyan Qadri stands out with unparalleled lustre. A venerated spiritual mentor, learned scholar, prolific writer, and a symbol of Sunni orthodoxy, he holds an exclusive and permanent position in the history of the Barkatiyya Sufi order and the broader landscape of Indian Islam. A Dignified Lineage and Spiritual Heritage Hazrat Muhammad Miyan Qadri Marehrawi was born as Syed Shah Muhammad Aulaad-e-Rasool bin Ismail on the 23rd of Ramadan 1309 AH (21 April 1892) in Sitapur, into the dignified lineage of the Sufis of Marehra Sharif. He was the noble son of the Mujaddid (reviver) of Barkaatiyya Sufism, Hazrat Syed Shah Ismail Hasan Barkaati Marehrawi, and the maternal grandson of the great saint, Hazrat Syed Shah Abul Husain Ahmad-e-Noori alias Noori Miyan, the peer of Hazrat Mustafa Raza Khan Noori Barelvi. His ancestry directly traces to the blessed family of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Ta'aala Alayhi Wassallam) through Hazrat Zaid Ibn Ali al-Sajjad, giving him not only biological but also spiritual distinction. From a young age, he was immersed in Islamic sciences. Guided by his father Hazrat Syed Shah Ismail Hasan Barkaati Marehrawi and other eminent scholars of his time like Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdul Muqtadir Badayuni, he studied subjects like Qur'anic exegesis (tafsir), hadith, jurisprudence (Fiqh and Usul Al-Fiqh), logic (Mantiq), philosophy (Falsafa), Arabic grammar (Sarf and Nahw), and theology. His intellect was complemented by an extraordinary memory; once he read something, he hardly needed to look at it again. Scholar, Mystic, and Reformer Hazrat Muhammad Miyan Qadri was a rare blend of intellectual acumen and spiritual illumination. He was not merely a mufti or Muhaddith in the traditional sense, but a profound soul whose every step was testimony to his inner discipline, humility, and sincerity. His resemblance to his maternal grandfather, Hazrat Noori Miyan Marehrawi, was frequently observed—not only in physical characteristics but in temperament and saintly comportment. His daily life was marked by rigorous self-discipline and simplicity. He refrained from burdening others, managed his affairs personally, and remained steadfast upon the Shari‘ah. When a disciple once attempted to fan him out of respect, he gently admonished him, saying that Allah had given everyone two hands to serve themselves. He neither listened to nor entertained gossip or backbiting, and would swiftly silence such conversations in his presence. Hazrat Muhammad Miyan Qadri was a spiritual father figure to many and a source of great comfort to his disciples. He responded to the prayers and requests of his followers with immediate compassion, refusing to turn anyone away empty-handed. His humility, compassion, and unwavering adherence to the Sunnah made him not only revered but irreplaceable. A Relationship of Reverence with Imam Ahmed Raza Hazrat Muhammad Miyan Qadri enjoyed a very warm and respectful relationship with Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi, the reformer of his era. Regardless of the age difference, Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan being significantly older, their mutual respect was extraordinary. Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza would refer to him with deep titles such as "Waris al-Akabir al-Asyad bil-Istihqaq wal-Infirad," which translates to "the heir of the noble elders by right and uniqueness." Hazrat Muhammad Miyan Qadri reciprocated the reverence and often declared that Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza was more beneficial to him than several of his own teachers. He frequently asserted that his own way was merely a humble imitation of Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza’s scholarship and piety. Reviving the Spiritual Order One of Hazrat Muhammad Miyan Qadri's greatest contributions was the nurturing of the two towering spiritual mentors of the Barkaatiyya family, Hazrat Sayyidul Ulama and Hazrat Ahsan ul Ulama. Through his tireless efforts, he reinvigorated the Khanqah-e-Barkatiyya of Marehra Sharif and reinforced both the Shari‘ah and Tariqah within the household and among the masses. His leadership marked a golden period for the spiritual order, ushering in systematic reform, enhanced religious education, and the propagation of Sunni orthodoxy across India and beyond. He ensured that all members of his household were deeply grounded in Islamic sciences. His administrative acumen transformed the Khanqah into more than just a place of rituals, it became a vibrant centre of spiritual and social reform. The Guardian of Faith During Tumultuous Times The period around the Partition of India was marred by chaos, confusion, and existential crises for the Muslim community. During these turbulent times, Hazrat Muhammad Miyan Qadri emerged as a beacon of hope. He was instrumental in establishing Jama'at-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat, which became a vital platform for Sunni Muslims to protect their religious identity and institutions such as mosques, madrasas, and Khanqahs. His stance against the Shuddhi Movement (a religious conversion campaign) was unwavering. He strived to safeguard the faith of countless Muslims, guiding them away from disorientation and back to the true path of Islam. With his patronage, the pioneering publication "Ahl-e-Sunnat ki Awaaz" was launched, edited by the Sayyadayn of Marehra Sharif. This journal served as a powerful voice advocating the beliefs of Ahl-e-Sunnat, raising awareness, countering false ideologies, and rekindling love for the Ahl al-Bayt and the Awliya. Political Wisdom and Social Engagement Despite his spiritual orientation, Hazrat Muhammad Miyan Qadri did not shy away from national and communal responsibilities. During the Indian freedom struggle, he actively supported key movements like the Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement (Tark-e-Mawalat), offering guidance to Muslims on remaining steadfast in Islam amidst colonial challenges. He worked closely with groups such as Jama'at-e-Ansar-ul-Islam and Jama'at Raza-e-Mustafa, leveraging them to spread religious consciousness and ethical teachings among Muslims, many of whom were caught between political innocence and emotional zeal. His role was that of a seasoned visionary, composed, equanimous, and always grounded in spiritual principles. Literary Legacy The scholarly contribution of Hazrat Muhammad Miyan Qadri is vast and invaluable. His writings cover a broad spectrum of religious, theological, political, and literary subjects. Among his most influential works is "Al-Qawl-us-Saheeh fi Imtina’ al-Kizb al-Waqi’", a compelling refutation of the misguided belief in the possibility of divine falsehood. His works are marked by clarity, intellectual rigour, and a deep alignment with Sunni theology. His other works include: Risala Mukhtasar Dar Asbaab-e-Wajib-ul-Wujood Mabahsul Azaan Namaz Padhne Aur Padhane Ka Tarika Khayr-ul-Kalam Fi Masaailis-Salam Tafheem-ul-Masaail Saba'e Sanaabil Ka Tarjuma Tazkira Hazrat Faqeer Aalam Shaukat-e-Islam Gandhiyo'n Ka Aamaal-Nama Risala Dar Mughaal-taate Gandhviyya Tahqeeqaat-e-Sharaiyyad Dar Radd-e-Khabasat-e-Gandhviyya Haq Ki Fath-e-Mubeen Through his writings, speeches, and teachings, he enlightened a generation of Muslims about their responsibilities as followers of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alayhi Ta'aala Wassallam). His commitment to Sufism was always coupled with intellectual discernment and scholarly precision. A Life Dedicated to Service Hazrat Muhammad Miyan Qadri dedicated his life wholly to Allah, to His Prophet, and to the Ummat-e-Muslimah. Every breath of his was in service of truth, social reform, spiritual guidance, and the fortification of faith. He never desired power or recognition, yet Allah Tabaraq Wa Ta'ala granted him both in the hearts of people who encountered him. His legacy lives on in the thriving spiritual order of Barkatiyya, the books he authored, and the institutions he nurtured. He was, in every sense, Muhammad Miyan Qadri was Taj-ul-Ulana (the crown of scholars), and Sirajul Urfa (the lamp of the gnostics). May Allah elevate his status further in the company of the Prophets, the Siddiqin, the Shuhada, and the Saliheen. ----- 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/scholars-light-gnostics-hazrat-miya-qadri/d/135615 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

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