Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) and the Barelvi School of Thought
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) is the founder and most prominent figure of the Barelvi movement. The aim of the Barelvi school of thought was to guide Muslims to live according to Islamic traditions, emphasizing Sufism, respect for Awliya Allah (saints), love for the Ahl al-Bayt (family of the Prophet), and the grandeur and dignity of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
The Origin of the Barelvi School of Thought
The Barelvi school of thought began with the scholarly and religious efforts of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ). Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was born in 1856 in Bareilly, India. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in knowledge and gained deep expertise in Islamic sciences. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) considered the purpose of his life to be the dissemination of the correct interpretation of the Quran and Hadith, directing Muslims towards spirituality, and providing religious guidance based on Islamic teachings.
The goal of the Barelvi school of thought was to encourage Muslims to follow the teachings of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). However, alongside this, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan also emphasized the importance of love for the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), respect for the Awliya Allah, and the Ahl al-Bayt.
Characteristics of the Barelvi School of Thought
- Love for the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم): In the Barelvi school of thought, love for the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) holds a central place. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) and his followers believe that the faith and actions of Muslims are only complete when they are immersed in the love of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم). Celebrating the Prophet’s birth (Eid Milad un-Nabi) and holding gatherings in his honor is of particular significance in the Barelvi tradition.
- Sufism and Spirituality: The Barelvi school of thought places great importance on Sufism and spirituality. It teaches love for the Awliya Allah and the path to Allah through them. They believe the miracles (karamat) of the Awliya are expressions of Allah’s pleasure, and it is permissible to seek their intercession as long as one does not worship them.
- Respect for the Awliya Allah: The Barelvi school of thought shows immense respect for the Awliya Allah (friends of Allah). They consider it permissible to visit their graves and seek their prayers. They believe that the Awliya Allah are specially blessed by Allah, and through their prayers and miracles, Muslims can find solutions to their problems. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) viewed these miracles as manifestations of Allah’s will and mercy.
- Respect for the Ahl al-Bayt: The Barelvi school of thought places significant importance on the Ahl al-Bayt, the family of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). Love for them, reverence for their status, and adopting their teachings are central tenets of the Barelvi tradition. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) wrote several books extolling the virtues of the Ahl al-Bayt and considered their love a fundamental part of Islam.
- Eid Milad un-Nabi: The celebration of the Prophet’s birthday (Eid Milad un-Nabi) holds special religious significance in the Barelvi school of thought. Barelvi Muslims believe that the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is a day of great joy, and celebrating it is a form of worship. They organize gatherings, engage in remembrance (dhikr), and offer prayers on this day.
- Faith in the Beliefs of the Imams: The Barelvi school of thought adheres to the beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah and recognizes the four Sunni schools of jurisprudence (Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali) as valid. However, the Barelvi school specifically follows the Hanafi fiqh and emphasizes it more.
- Criticism of Un-Islamic Practices: The Barelvi school of thought gives great importance to the concept of innovation (bid’ah) and considers any practice deviating from the original teachings of Islam to be an innovation. However, they make a distinction in that they do not consider practices such as celebrating the Prophet’s birthday or other gatherings for promoting the love of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as innovations.
The Barelvi School of Thought: A Theological Background
- The Continuity of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah: The Barelvi school of thought, as mentioned, follows the Hanafi school of jurisprudence of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah. It is not a new intellectual or doctrinal path but rather a continuation of the Sunni beliefs and practices established by the Companions (رضی اللہ عنہ) and the scholars who followed them. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) organized and presented this continuity in a new manner, emphasizing that Muslims should properly understand and act upon their Islamic teachings.
- Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) and Love for the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم): In the Barelvi school of thought, the belief in Tawhid and love for the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) holds central importance, which aligns with the beliefs of all Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) made this love more explicit and emphasized it to strengthen the faith of Muslims.
- Respect for the Awliya Allah: The Barelvi school of thought emphasizes respect for the Awliya Allah and belief in their miracles, but this respect never reaches the level of worship. It teaches that Muslims can seek Allah’s help through the intercession of the Awliya Allah, as they are special servants of Allah who lead their lives seeking Allah’s pleasure. This belief is in line with the core principles of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah and is based on the Quran and Hadith.
- Following Divinely Inspired Sufism: Sufism and spirituality are key aspects of the Barelvi school of thought, closely linked to the teachings and practices of the Companions. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) strengthened Sufism on Islamic foundations, emphasizing the importance of Islamic ethics and spirituality.
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) and His Scholarly Position
The works and writings of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) offer guidance for understanding and practicing the principles of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah. His goal was to help Muslims strengthen their faith and live an Islamic life, which is why his beliefs and teachings are rooted in the same principles as those taught by the Companions of the Prophet. He himself was a Hanafi Sunni, and his followers continue to adhere to this school of thought.
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) gave importance to Hanafi jurisprudence and conveyed its principles to the public.
His writings and fatwas clarify how Muslims can live according to the correct Islamic way.
Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) also issued fatwas on contemporary issues, providing solutions based on the Quran and Hadith.
What Does the Barelvi School of Thought Truly Mean?
The term “Barelvi” is derived from Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) and indicates a connection to his guidance, knowledge, and works. It does not signify a separate sect or school of thought, but rather symbolizes that this school of thought is linked to Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) and his scholarly and spiritual contributions. His followers adopted the term “Barelvi” to express their spiritual and intellectual connection to him.
Thus, the Barelvi school of thought represents the Hanafi sect of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah, and its beliefs are identical to the teachings of the Companions and the scholars who came after them. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمت اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ) only clarified and strengthened these teachings to enable Muslims to practice their faith correctly.