Hazir Nazir

Understanding Hazir Nazir

We, the Ahle Sunnah Wal Jammat, believe that the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant him peace] is Haadhir and Nadhir, which simply put means that he views our actions and in this way we are presented to him. He [May Allah bless him and grant him peace] is Nadhir, since he views our actions, both good and bad.

Definition of Hadhir/Nadhir

Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan and Allama Ghulam Rasool Sa’eedi write:

Haadhir Nadhir does not mean that the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant him peace] is present. Rather, it means that the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant him peace] views the actions of his Ummah whilst he is in his grave. He can go from his grave to other places where he likes spiritually. He prays for us.

[Tawzeeh-ul-Bayaan Sharh Sahih Muslim vol 1 Chapter on Mi’raj Ja al-Haqq chapter Al Haadir-u-wannadir by Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan]

this is the conclusion belief of Tehkeek (research).. now following what will be read is a few points on how did ulema arrive at this conclusion .

Proof of Hadhir/Nadhir

Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an

"O Prophet! [May Allah bless him and grant him peace] no doubt, We have sent you as a witness, bearer of glad tiding and a Warner"

[Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 45.]

The Qur’an refers to RasoolAllah [May Allah bless him and grant him peace] as ‘Shahid’(witness) and the witness is someone who sees whilst being present. [Mufradaat, Imam Raghib, under the word Shahid]

Allah sent the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant him peace] as Shahid. It is for this reason we refer to him as metaphorically being Haadhir/Nadhir and that he is not Hadhir/Nadhir in the way that are the Angels Kiraman, Katibeen. (The Angels who are constantly present on the right and left shoulder of every human being.)

"And the Apostle is a Witness over yourselves." (Sura al-Baqarah: 144)

Commenting on this Ayah, Sayyiduna Shah Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Dehlwi (alaihir rahmah) writes: "The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is observing everybody, knows their good and bad deeds, and knows the strength of Imaan of every individual Muslim and what has hindered his spiritual progress." (Tafsir Azizi)

"And keep thy soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His face and let not thine eyes pass beyond them." (Sura Kahaf: 28)

In this verse Allah Ta'ala is asking Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) to keep a close watch on those people who seek Him.

He is asked to observe them day and night. Note that no limitation has been imposed - "observe them during your life and after you assume a veil of departure".

This is another proof that the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is watching us 24 hours a day!

"The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is closer to the Believers than their own selves". (Sura al-Ahzab: 6)

Keep all this Ayats in mind , as stated Allah did not limit life or death here . Some misguided come up with an argument that this was Valid only during life time

For the sake of Argument .. lets introspect the validity even in life time :

Even in life time .. not entire Ummat were in front of him 24X7 and even if they were alway standing in front ..

who from us can observe all of people in millions even if they are standing in front !!!!

which means what is refered to here is a Divine gifted power and not just witnessing like we do ..

From Hadis

Note one thing : we are presenting a belief and and reason from quran and hadis and not saying this is right because its fatwa from barelwi ulema .

Quran and Hadis,which is far before in time when any sects were created .. so the beliefs of sahaba raziallhutalajmaeen and dictates of prophet peace be upon him .. IS ISLAM so if they call that as BARELWI it their choice

Hafidhh Ibn Kathir writes:

Imam Qurtubi writes: The angels present the actions of the Ummah to the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant him peace] every single day. This is not correct, but the truth is that the actions of the Ummah are presented not every day but every Friday. [Tafsir Ibn Kathir Surah Al-Nisa'a under verse 41]

Hafidhh Ibn Qayyim writes:

It is true that our Prophet, [May Allah bless him and grant him peace] in his grave, is presented with the actions of his Ummah. This is from un-authenticated Ahadeeth and it is not something to be surprised by, because when our parents pass away from this world, our actions are presented to them to view. However, with our Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant him peace], he is presented with the actions of the all humans and the Jins. [Qaseedah Nounia 13 by Hafidhh Ibn Qayyim]

Hafidhh ibn Kathir writes: that;

When a parent of a muslim dies, then their children’s actions are presented to them. If the actions are good then they are happy, but if their actions are bad, then they pray to Allah TA’ALA so that He may forgive them. [Tafsir ibn Kathir under verse 105 of Surah al Taubah by Hafidhh Ibn Kathir].

t is reported by Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (radi Allahu anhuma) that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said:

"Indeed this entire world is in front of me so that I can observe everything in it. I can see everything in this world and everything that will take place till the Day of Qiyamah. I see the entire world as I see the palm of my hand".

(Mawahib-e-Ladunnia)

This Hadith Shareef substantiates the belief of the Ahle Sunnah that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Haazir and Naazir.

Hafidhh Ibn Kathir writes:

An example of this would be of the Angel Izra’eel Alaihi salaam, who at all times has the Lawh-e-Mahfooz (guarded tablet) in his sight, and it is through this he sees the whole world. He even visits every house on land and under water five times a day.

[Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Sajdah, under verse 11. Also in Tareek Ibn Kathir vol.1, Chapter on Lawh-e-Mahfooz]

Apart from his servants, Allah has even given power to Shaytaan, who sits on his throne in the sea and sees you wherever you may be.

[Surah Al-’Araaf, under verse 27]

So if Allah can bestow such powers to a Kafir then why is it so difficult to believe that He can bestow such powers to the most beloved of his creation - Our Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant him peace]?

One answer should be known

for a very common objection raised on this Subject .(Aitraaz)

And smililarly, We made you the best of all ummahs so that u can bear witness for people And this Messenger (peace be upon him) is you protector and witness

- Surah Al bakrah verse 143

So how will it be when we shall bring forth a witness from every ummah and O Beloved(peace be upon him)! we shall bring you as a protector and witness over all of them

Surah Nisa verse 41

what is said that(Aitraaz) . when we are witness inspite of us not seeing past ummat . same way prophet peace be upon him did not see but is Witness like us - Maazaallah

Answer :

These quranic verses gesture towards the incident of Qiyamat wherein the ummahs of other prophets will say to Allah "your messengers didn't propagate your commands to us" the prophets though will say they did and present the ummah of syyadina rasolallah saalhoalihiwasallam as proof .

Their testimony will then be objected , due to the final ummah not having been in the times of prophets "How do u bear the witness whilst you have not seen?"

"they will reply the Prophet(peace be upon him ) told us"

so our witness will be questioned then in Qayamat

Then testimony of Nobel Messenger (peace be upon him) wil be taken , he will testify to 2 things

1. that the prophets did propogate (tableegh)

2. and that his ummat is is worthy of baring witness

this will conclude the case and judgement will be passed in favour of the prophets

If rasool allah sallahoalihiwasallam did not witness the prorogation of previous prophets and the condition of his future ummat by sight why was his testimony not objected the ways his Ummats was ?

This proves the testimony was by eye and ummat was by being told confirming that the Holy prophet peace be upon him is Hazir and Nazir

this aligns with all the quranic ayats and hadis and does not contradict any thing