Maulana Naqi Ali Khan: A Great Sunni Islamic Scholar and Indian Freedom Fighter
By Sahil Razvi, New
Age Islam
19 August
2024
Maulana Naqi Ali Khan, A Revered Islamic
Scholar and Freedom Fighter, Renowned for His Profound Contributions to Islamic
Theology and Literature, He Authored Over 26 Books and Fought Against British
Colonialism. His Legacy Continues to Inspire Scholars and Believers Globally.
Main Points:
1.
He authored over 26 books on Seerah
and Sunni Hanafi Aqidah.
2.
Profoundly devoted to the Prophet
Muhammad, with a strong spiritual connection.
3.
Actively resisted British
colonialism in India.
4.
Married to Hussaini Khatoon, with
six children, including Imam Ahmad Raza Khan.
5.
Buried in Bareilly, next to his
father, Maulana Raza Ali Khan.
-----
Maulana
Naqi Ali Khan, an Indian Islamic scholar and a revered figure in the realm of
theology, jurisprudence, and Tasawwuf. Born in Bareilly, India, in 1830,
Maulana Naqi Ali Khan passed away in Dhu al-Qi'dah 1297 AH (corresponding to
1880) at the age of 51 due to dysentery. His death marks the end of an era of
profound scholarly contributions and dedicated service to the propagation of
Sunni Islam.
A Legacy of Scholarship and Devotion
Maulana
Naqi Ali Khan, often addressed by his numerous titles such as Taj-ul-Ulama,
Raees-ul-Fuzala, Hami-e-Sunnat, Mahi-e-Bidat, Baqiyat-us-Salaf, and
Hujjat-ul-Khalaf, was renowned for his deep insight into Islamic theology and
the Hanafi tradition. His prolific body of work includes over 26 books on
Seerah and Sunni Hanafi Aqidah, making him a towering figure in Islamic
literature. As a dedicated teacher, he imparted knowledge with excellence,
shaping the minds of many students and scholars within the community.
Born into a
family of scholars, Maulana Naqi Ali Khan received his education and training
under the guidance of his father, Maulana Raza Ali Khan. His upbringing
instilled in him the values of bravery, generosity, humility, and
self-sufficiency, traits that he embodied throughout his life. His commitment
to the propagation of Sunnah and the refutation of Bid'ah (innovations) earned
him respect and admiration across the Islamic world.
A Life of Devotion
Maulana
Naqi Ali Khan's devotion to the Prophet Muhammad was profound and unwavering.
During a period of illness and extreme weakness, the Prophet appeared to him in
a dream and graciously presented him with a cup of medicine. Following this
dream, Maulana Naqi Ali Khan's health miraculously improved, a testament to his
deep spiritual connection.
Contributions to Islamic Literature
Throughout
his life, Maulana Naqi Ali Khan made significant contributions to Islamic
literature, authoring numerous works that continue to be studied and revered.
His notable writings include Al-Kalam al-Awdah fi Tafsir Surah Alamnashrah,
Wasilat-un-Najat, Surur al-Qulub fi Dhikr al-Mahbub, Jawahir al-Bayan fi Asrar
al-Arkan, and many others, covering a wide range of topics from Tafsir to
Tasawwuf.
A Warrior for Independence
Beyond his scholarly
pursuits, Maulana Naqi Ali Khan was also a freedom fighter, dedicated to
resisting British colonial rule in India. His bravery was legendary, with
accounts of Lord Hastings trembling at the mere mention of his name. General
Hudson even placed a bounty on his head, though his efforts to capture the
scholar were in vain. The British, in their attempt to weaken him, once stole
horses from his estate that had been dedicated to the freedom fighters.
Personal Life and Spiritual Legacy
Maulana
Naqi Ali Khan was married to Hussaini Khatoon, the daughter of Mirza Isfandiyar
Beg, with whom he had six children, including the prominent scholar Imam Ahmad
Raza Khan. His family continued his legacy of scholarship and spiritual
leadership.
In 1877,
Maulana Naqi Ali Khan, along with his son Ahmad Raza Khan visited Marehra, Up
and became Mureed of Syed Shah Aal-e-Rasool. In the same gathering, both father
and son were granted Khilafat in all spiritual orders, further solidifying
their spiritual influence.
Death
Maulana
Naqi Ali Khan's passing has left a void in the Islamic scholarly community. He
was laid to rest next to his father, Maulana Raza Ali Khan, in Bareilly. His
legacy continues to inspire countless scholars and believers around the world.
------
'Sahil Razvi is an Author and Research scholar specialising in Sufism
and History and an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia.
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