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. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/maulana-naqi-sunni-islamic-scholar-indian-freedom-fighter/d/132975 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