Did Ahmad Raza Khan Study in Deoband?

Question

(1) A dispute has long been going on between Zayd and Bakr as to whether Mulla Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi received his elementary education and the final-year hadith course at Dar al-Ulum Deoband from the teachers of the first generation, and obtained a certificate of graduation. Zayd affirms this, while Bakr denies it. Hazrat Wala has been appointed arbiter (hakam) to issue a ruling in this dispute between Zayd’s affirmation and Bakr’s denial — which of them is correct? (2)

Answer

(1, 2) The one making a positive claim (muthbit) is required to produce a bayyina (proof); the one who denies (munkir) is not required to produce a bayyina — this is an established principle. Therefore let Zayd produce proof in support of his claim, otherwise his claim need not be accepted.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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