Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi: a Sufi who stood for the honour of

Prophet ‫ ;ﷺ‬guarding the finality of the Prophethood ‫ﷺ‬

'Gal Sāri RasoolAllah ‫ ﷺ‬di hai'

The teachings of Sufism rests on the pillars of peaceful co-existence, mutual respect, standing
for the rights of the oppressed, resistance against oppression, love and harmony. Baba Ji was
a follower of Naqhshbandi Sufi order but has drawn inspiration from Aalahazrat Imam Ahmad
Raza Khan Fazil-e-Barelvi, his love and respect for the Imam was the reason behind the last
name ‘Rizvi’ in his name.

Some might consider him extreme in his ideas but for the majority of Sunni Sufi Barelvi
Muslims he is an Aashique-e-Rasool ‫( ﷺ‬the one who love the Messenger ‫ ﷺ‬of Allah). Many
may have misunderstood him but those who have the courage to speak the truth will do
justice and will find him a Sufi. A Sufi who came out on streets in defense of his love and to
safeguard the most beloved thing– the love and the honor of the beloved Prophet
Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬.

don’t get confused between activism and extremism

Baba Ji was a ‘blasphemy activist’! Those who have the habit of judging reality from the one-
sided lens will always find themselves confused weather he was an activist or an extremist
who stood to defend the blessed authority of Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬. Baba Ji was a true
Ashiq-e-Rasool ‫ﷺ‬, this Ishq (love) towards the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬was the reason behind his
movement against Blasphemy. His love towards the Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬is evident from his
speeches and sermons. Anyone who disrespected the authority of the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬and tried
challenging the finality of the Prophethood ‫ﷺ‬, Baba Ji stood against them with his ideas.

There hasn’t been a single occasion when Baba Ji or his followers used force or turned out
violent in their sittings and gatherings. None of the members of his regime have ever been
found guilty of violence (though framed on grounds of political hate is a different case). His
peaceful demonstrations and sittings are an evidence of his Sufi ideology that believes in
peaceful but firm dialogue against thugs. It was only his firm statements in defense of his
ideas for which he was accused of being an extremist.

Izzat Uski hogi jo RasoolAllah ‫ ﷺ‬ki Izzat ki baat karega

The west may ‘label’ him an extremist but in the eyes of justice he was an activist, a
‘blasphemy activist’ who stood for his love and respect towards the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬. An activist
who peacefully exercised his democratic right of decent, debate and dialogue to defend the
honor of his beloved Rasool ‫ﷺ‬.

The leader of the leaders: a brave heart who revived the spirit of bravery

Baba Ji always stood for justice! He was not from those men who light the stages with their
sensational sermons, he was the man of his words, he was equally active on ground. He stood
fearless for his love and respect towards the holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬Infront of the world’s greatest
political powers. Many of his ideas inspired peaceful movements against Blasphemy across
the globe. His slogans ‘Labbaik Ya RasoolAllah ‫ ’ﷺ‬and ‘Tajdaar-e-Khatm-e-Nubuwwat ‫ﷺ‬
Zindabad’ gave a new spirit to the lost motivation.

Wheelchail par baith kr saari Ummat ko uske Qadmo par khada kr diya!

(Sitting on a wheelchair he lifted the Ummah on its feet)

Many religious and community leaders across nations find inspiration from his ideas and
supported his stance against blasphemy. No civilized society would ever tolerate any
disrespect against religion and to safeguard the spirit of mutual co-existence it is important
that no one is allowed heinous remarks against any religion. Freedom is great power but
should be practiced with responsibility, the responsibility to exercise religious freedom while
respecting the sentiments of other communities. Free speech doesn’t give anyone a right to
disrespect religious or human sentiments and this was his stance in defense of the honor of
the beloved Prophet ‫ﷺ‬. He lived with these values and stood fearless when it came to exercise
and defend them on ground, for him ‘cowardness was shame’, during one of the public
gatherings he stated;

Buzdili ek sharmindagi hai, aagay bardna Izzat ha!i

Or koi banda bhi, apni buzdili ki wajha se Taqdeer se nhi bach sakta!

When caricatures of the Prophet were openly displayed and supported by the so-called
leaders in the name of liberalism and free speech, the move was condemned by the Muslim
world and was equally dealt with peaceful demonstrations across the globe and Baba Ji was
the flag bearer and epicenter of this movement against blasphemy. His peaceful
demonstrations made the leaders realize their will and encouraged them to speak against any
sort of religious disrespect and discrimination. His inspirational moves and speeches filled
hearts with the spirit of bravery and invited many to openly criticize and peacefully act against
those who disrespect the authority of Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬in the name of free speech.

For those who remain silent on these disrespects, he has a very special word for them ‘Bay-
Haya’ (Shameless), he often use to say

‘Bay’haya Banday ka koi Ilaaj nhi’

Khadim Hussain: the one who changed the political discourse of history

The dynamics of Islam in the Indian subcontinent are sectarian in nature with regional
affiliations to Barelvi, Deobandi, Wahhabi and Shia thoughts. Despite of Barelvis holding a
majority in the subcontinent, the movement has always struggled to claim its share in the
active politics, be it be India, Pakistan or Bangladesh. Though the community outnumbers in
population compared to other sects, not much involvement is seen in the political rows after
independence. During the recent years Baba Ji’s activism has given direction to this captain
less boat of Barelvi politics in the subcontinent.
Apart from all controversies, the liberal west may not accept his ideas, but no one can ignore
his contribution towards establishing a solid movement, a movement against hate, religious
and political discrimination and blasphemy. Today when we see his funeral prayer, we see
number of Khadim Hussain Rizvi at the funeral ground. Many across the world are mourning
to the loss of a great leader. He may have left this world, but his ideas will continue to live
and inspire generations.

Hum Mehman nhi Raunak-e-Mehfil thay

Muddato Yaad Rakhkhogay koi aaya tha!

He left this world fearless with dignity and honor, he is successful both in this world and
hereafter. For men like these, no match will be found ever, thy shall remain alive their ideas
will always flourish. inShā Allah!

Unhe Jaana, Unhe Maana Na Rakha Gair Se kaam

Lillahil Hamd Main Duniya Se Musalmaan Gaya

~ Aalahazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan

Maira Binte Aamir

maira.binteamir@gmail.com

Disclaimer: the writer is a west based independent non-political writer with no alliance or
political affiliations to anyone. The words and thoughts expressed are pure facts with legitimate
references; written for the purpose of learning, knowledge and fact finding.