CHILDHOOD

IMAM AHMED RAZA'S BIRTH

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (alaihir rahmah) was born on a Monday, the 10th of Shawaal 1272 A.H. (14th June 1856), at the time of Zohar Salaah in a place called Jasoli, which is in the city of Bareilly Shareef, India.

A few days before the birth of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (alaihir rahmah), his father, Allama Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah), had a wonderful dream. He immediately disclosed this dream to his father, Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah), who interpreted this dream by saying: "This is a sign that you are going to be the father of a child, a boy, who will grow up to be pious and knowledgable. His name will gain prominence from East to West."

This was the good news that was given to Allama Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah) concerning the birth of none other than the "emerald from amongst the Treasures of Almighty Allah", the "sweet-scented rose from the fragrant garden of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)", Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (alaihir rahmah).

The date of birth of A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) was extracted by himself from the Holy Quran. "These are they in whose hearts Allah has inscribed faith and helped them with a spirit from Himself." (58:2)

HIS NAME

The name that was given to him at birth was the beautiful name of "Mohammed." The name corresponding to that year of his birth was "Al Mukhtaar." His grandfather, a great Scholar of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah, Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (alaihir rahmah), also gave the young child the beautiful name of "Ahmed Raza." It was by this name that he was famously known. Much later in his life, A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) added the title "Abdul Mustafa" to his name signifying his great love and respect for Sayyiduna Rasulullah (salal laahu alaihi wasallam).

The Grand Mufti of Makkatul Mukarramah, Sheikh Hussain bin Saleh Makki (alaihir rahmah), also gave him the title of "Zia'udeen Ahmed."

ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY HISTORY

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaderi, was the son of Allama Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan, who was the son of Allama Mawlana Raza Ali Khan, who was son of Allama Mawlana Mohammed Kaazim Ali Khan, who was the son of Allama Mawlana Shah Mohammed Azam Khan, who was the son of Allama Mawlana Sa'adat Yaar Khan, who was the son of Allama Mawlana Sa'eedullah Khan (radi Allahu anhum ajma'in).

The great forefathers of A'la Hadrat (alaihir rahmah) migrated from Qandhar (Kabul) during the Mogul rule and settled in Lahore. Allama Mawlana Sa'eedullah Khan, the first forefather