By New Age Islam Staff Writer

1 November 2023

The Question Is Whether Evolving a Unified Muslim Leadership in India, Despite Theological Differences Among Barelvis, Deobandis, Salafis, And Shias, Etc Is Possible. If Theological Differences Are Set Aside, Their Unity Can Be Achieved At The National Level To Address Growing Muslim Issues. For Instance, Since Muslims And Non-Muslims Worked Together In Spite Of Religious Differences To Free India From British Enslavement, Why Can't The Issues That The Muslim Community Faces Be Resolved By Forging Unity Among All Muslim Sects Despite Theological Differences?  Nonetheless, What to Recommend And How To Make This Practical Have Been Covered In Dr. Khawaja Iftikhar's Weekly Column In Largest Circulated Urdu Daily Inqilab.

Main Points:

(1)         The Muslim community in India is experiencing a decline due to a lack of strong leadership, which can be addressed to promote development.

(2)         Dr. Khawaja Iftikhar advocates for national unity by addressing shared religious and political issues, despite the prevailing sectarian divide among Muslims.

(3)         The guidelines propose a representative leadership system, a central structure at district, state, and federal levels, and a national consultative council for community representation.

(4)         Every theological group of Muslims should establish a rotating central leadership structure, ensuring peaceful transitions and direct inclusion of reliable units, with each unit receiving leadership transfers after a predetermined time.

-----

Leadership has always been appreciated in all cultures and eras, and its effectiveness is primarily based on three factors: the consciousness of the followers, the existence of a shared ideal, and the strengths of the leadership. The outcome of conscious, committed, and disciplined followers is growth and advancement. An analysis of the current situation surrounding the Muslim community in India, which is in decline, is necessary for planning and comprehensive transformation. The primary problem, as recognised by all Islamic theological schools, is the absence of strong Muslim leadership. The Muslim community may overcome its current condition of decline and progress towards development by attending to these issues.

However, the primary hindrance that appears to be impeding it is the separation of Muslims along sectarian lines. Although it appears difficult for ideological disagreements to unite people, national unity can be achieved by addressing common religious and political issues. Recently, Dr. Khawaja Iftikhar provided some suggestions on how to make it workable. The English translation of his Urdu piece can be seen here.

-----

The First Step for Muslim Leadership Is Correcting Your Ranks

By Dr. Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmed

27 October 2023

I have been writing for the daily Urdu newspaper "Inquilab" for numerous months. I have expressed my opinions in a variety of national and social situations through my writings, and thousands of individuals who know me well agree with me on these points as well as those who have a few traditional differences with me that may be well-founded. Disagreement makes any democratic process stronger overall. We all have the right to express our opinions to the public while adhering to the Constitution. I consider myself to be a man of dialogue, and I have no problem having a conversation. But there is no point in repeating yourself!

I have discussed my opinions on leadership on multiple occasions. First off, everything that is genuinely in my intention is precious, cherished, and a treasure. By writing this, I do not mean to criticise, denigrate, or place blame on anyone.

Religious Leadership

Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama'at, often known as Barelvi in the Indian subcontinent, makes up the majority of the Muslim community. No one has become more well-known or credible in all circles despite the large number of organisations and figures present. Nonetheless, there is agreement that Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Faazile Barelvi (may God bless him and grant him peace) is the imam, major figure, and authentic source of interpreting and explaining Shariah, thank God. Although Barelvi, Kichhawcha, Maarahra, Mubarakpur, and Calicut are regarded as major hubs for Ahlus Sunnah, they lack a centralised structure and administration. South India has a little better situation.

The second major sect is known traditionally as Deobandi, although in practice it is also Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaat. Although the leadership and institutions are rather solid, centralization is regrettably fragmented in this place as well. There are two sections of Jamiat-e-Ulama. Although Darul Uloom is split into two sections as well, the group's greater adherents are theologically linked to Darul Uloom and its teachings. Thank God, there is a nationwide network of welfare organisations, madrassas, and mosques! Both Nadwatul Ulama Lucknow and Farangi Mahal Lucknow are part of Sunnis. With Deoband, there isn't a fundamental difference; nevertheless, there can be a preference difference, which makes sense.

The Shiites make up the third category, and their size is noteworthy on a national scale.  Here, the group's situation is marginally better and there is not a deep split or dispute about who should be in charge. Salafi and Ahl al-Hadith circles are similar in this regard.  The group’s appearance is also very pleasing there.  Fourth, there are many different types of Muslim monasteries, each with its own unique system and set of rules.

Jamaat-e-Islami is a national party that is a highly organised movement within the Muslim community, much like the Jamiat.  This is an intelligent community with a useful discussion forum. This group works on topics that are both present and future, and their writing, compiling, and lobbying all contribute to the advancement of religion.  In comparison, the following are more well-known: Ashrafia Mubarakpur, Jamaat-e-Islami, Darul Uloom Deoband, Markaz Saqafatus Sunniyah Calicut, and Nadwatul Ulama.

In terms of mosques, the centrality and credibility of the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid in Delhi has always been unmatched. In terms of accessibility and reach from the general population to the elite in both formal and informal contexts, this mosque continues to retain a unique position to this day. Mosque imams across the country honour the late Maulana Jameel Ahmad Ilyasi's struggle for the right of imams to be recognised.

The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board is a voluntary Muslim organisation with its own mandate and influence among other national organisations. All the theological schools and denominations are represented. However, Nadwatul Ulama and its leadership are at the core of everything. Although there are several names that might be utilised, I don't see much unity here. It's interesting to note that there are all-India groups on every street.

Great personalities are working in the legal and educational fields nowadays, and they are all esteemed and useful. It is important to remember that everyone involved in an educational institution—from those who design and oversee it to those who provide support, from instructors to students—are part of the educational system. In this case, all Islamic madrasas, along with their administrators, instructors, and students, are included. These are the training facilities where the essential task of generational breeding is done.

We have a wealth of political expertise at the state level. As an illustration of direct involvement in power, consider the Indian Union Muslim League and the Indian National League in Kerala. Nothing can be questioned about it. The exceptional work in every industry in Kerala speaks for itself. However, intriguing names like Ibrahim Sulaiman Seth and Ghulam Mahmood Banat Wala are no longer present.

The second is Majlis Ittehad al-Muslimeen, which is headed by Asaduddin Owaisi, a scholar with a broad perspective on both domestic and global concerns. He is adept at defending his positions with conviction and reason, as well as in debating trends and arguments. He is currently the sole Muslim politician in Telangana state with sway over his own constituency. Additionally, he is making an effort across the nation. This is an additional Kerala-like example.

Badruddin Ajmal Sahib comes in third place with his All India United Democratic Front regional political party in Assam, which has sway over a number of significant Assamese constituencies. Many of its candidates are elected in the assembly, but in terms of outcomes, it currently faces very challenging practical issues. It is the third-biggest Muslim organisation. In Uttar Pradesh, the Peace Party is making an attempt. Additionally, the Ittehad Millat Council and the Welfare Party of India exist, but neither has played a significant part in the election. Although there are many other sincere leaders in the Lok Sabha, their track record in terms of debates and legislation is unsatisfactory. In this day of wisdom and illumination, competence is more important than facial portrayal.

Recommendations

I think we should start where there are possibilities and work our way up to outcomes.

(1)      Every theological school [Maslak] ought to set up a central leadership structure at their own level that is, in theory, rotating and requires the preservation of the internal order of peaceful transition following a predetermined amount of time. Every reliable unit that now exists within the Maslak should be directly included in it, and it should be made sure that each unit receives leadership transfers after a predetermined amount of time. The establishment of central and state leadership in the village, town, and district must be its logical result.

(2) Following that, every significant social and national unit should come together under the aforementioned guidelines and establish a representative leadership system inside it. This will inevitably result in a representative central leadership structure at the district, state, and federal levels.

(3) Apply the same procedure to welfare, trade and industry, health, and legal establishments as well as education.

(4) To ensure that the entire community feels represented and participates in the consultation process, recognises its obligations, and carries them out, the three main Muslim political parties should form a national consultative council with the aforementioned representatives.

The elite and general public should not be included in the conspiracy hypothesis that charges the parties and their leadership of being agents of either the A or B party. Which circle is devoid of opportunism and conscience these days? The nature of politics is taking what is offered. Prioritise the advantage of the person you are speaking with over your own. Finding their place in the advantages enjoyed by both the majority and the minority has taught everyone this lesson. However, you are still creating and upholding animosities—and for nothing!

Finally, it should be noted that in politics, there are no enemies or friends. Tomorrow's adversary is today's ally, and today's adversary is tomorrow's rival. This is the political tenet. Engage in national politics and recognise your place in it. If you follow these principles, you won't be harming yourself or dividing yourself further.

------

Translated from Urdu Article:  The First Step for Muslim Leadership Is Correcting Your Ranks لائحہ عمل : پہلا مرحلہ اپنی صفوں کی درستگی

 

URl:   https://newageislam.com/islam-sectarianism/unified-post-sectarian-muslim-leadership-india/d/131023

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