The Marginalized Role of the Barelvi Sunni Community in the Muslim Personal Law Board: An Analytical Study vs. Meditating the Spirit

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 26 December 2024 The Muslim Personal Law Board: A Platform for Unity or Division? An unknown individual, likely from the Sunni-Sufi Barelvi community, recently shared an article via a WhatsApp group, concealing their identity. After reading it, I found myself reflecting on its content, as it seemed to offer important insights into the challenges faced by the community, particularly regarding their role in the Muslim Personal Law Board and broader socio-religious issues. You may be wondering why there is a need to delve into sectarian issues at a time when Muslims face numerous challenges at the grassroots level. Personally, I see no issue in addressing these matters because I believe that as long as the spiritual essence is missing in our Muslim culture, our religion fails to truly represent Islam, and instead, it becomes a mere reflection of our own ego and greed. Spiritual individuals often attribute the removal of this spirit to the rise of Wahhabism, which they claim has undermined the foundational principles of Tasawwuf (Sufism). This, in their view, led to the emergence of the Deobandi movement in India, which reportedly spread across the country, particularly through the Tablighi Jamaat, and turned many Muslims into followers of the Deobandi school of thought. While I have no personal attachment to sectarian rhetoric, I firmly believe that when our Islam loses its intrinsic spirit, we lose the true essence of Islam itself. The spirit matters, and it can only come as a blessing from God Almighty, not because someone or others have captured or controlled the places of shrines or Mazars. The true essence of spirituality is not tied to the physical control of sacred spaces, but rather to a deep, personal connection with the Divine, which transcends material ownership or authority. ----- With this in mind, I decided to translate the article into English and publish it on NewAgeIslam.com, with the hope that it will reach a wider audience. I also hope that this translation will generate constructive feedback and thoughtful comments from readers, fostering a healthy and open discussion on these important issues. I welcome both agreement and disagreement with the points raised in the article, as I believe that such dialogue is crucial for a deeper understanding of the challenges we face. Furthermore, the question remains: Can we, through this debate, rediscover the spirit that fosters peace and harmony—an essence that stems from a deep, developed relationship between God Almighty and His servants, which in turn can spread peace and harmony throughout society? This is a question worth pondering as we continue our journey towards understanding the true spirit of Islam. ----- An Analytical Study of the Muslim Personal Law Board: A Reflection on the Role of the Barelvi Sunni Community By Anonymous Translated from Urdu by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam The Muslim Personal Law Board (MPLB) has been a crucial institution in India's Muslim social and religious landscape. However, its complex history, its evolution, and the changing role of different factions within the Muslim community have often raised important questions about leadership, representation, and the protection of Muslim rights. One such community that has played a significant yet often marginalized role in this process is the Barelvi Sunni community, which represents the majority of Indian Muslims. This article aims to analyse the Barelvi Sunni community's involvement in the Muslim Personal Law Board, their historical contributions, struggles for religious identity, and the political dynamics that shape their participation in Muslim socio-religious institutions. The Barelvi Sunni Community and Its Religious Identity The Barelvi Sunni community is one of the largest religious groups in India, and it follows the traditions of the Sunni orthodoxy, adhering to the beliefs and practices that have been in place for over 1,400 years. Despite being associated with various sects and schools of thought, the Barelvi community maintains a strong identity rooted in the principles and practices of the Ahl-e-Sunnat wal Jamaat, the mainstream Sunni sect. Their faith and practices are not only doctrinal but also deeply ingrained in their day-to-day lives, where religious leaders, Sufi shrines, and religious rituals play a central role. The Barelvi community's identity is closely tied to its unwavering belief in the importance of spiritual leadership. Religious leaders and Sufi shrines form the cornerstone of their faith. These institutions, such as Khanqahs (Sufi lodges) and Mazars (shrines of saints), are not merely places of worship but are seen as centres of spiritual guidance and moral fortitude. The emotional and spiritual connection that Barelvi Muslims have with these institutions is unparalleled, and it distinguishes them from other sects within Islam in India. Faith, Sacrifice, and Historical Struggles The history of the Barelvi community in India is one marked by resilience, sacrifice, and steadfastness in the face of challenges. During British colonial rule, Barelvi scholars and ordinary Muslims played a pivotal role in resisting colonial powers, most notably through the Khilafat Movement and the broader struggle for Indian independence. Under the leadership of figures like Aala Hazrat Maulana Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi, the Barelvi community not only preserved its religious identity but also led active resistance against British imperialism. The role of Barelvi scholars and their community in the protection of Islamic traditions, especially in the context of the colonial state, cannot be overstated. The protection of personal laws, particularly the Islamic family laws, was one of the significant aspects of this resistance. Even today, the Barelvi community continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and readiness to fight for the protection of their religious rights. Whether it is in defending places of worship or protecting religious practices, the community has time and again displayed an unwavering commitment to preserving their faith and practices. The Muslim Personal Law Board and Sunni Leadership The formation of the Muslim Personal Law Board was a significant step in the protection of Muslim personal laws, especially regarding marriage, inheritance, and other civil matters. The board was envisioned as a collective body that could represent the interests of Muslims in India, especially in the face of growing threats to Islamic personal laws. Initially, Sunni scholars played an instrumental role in the creation of the Board, but over time, concerns have emerged regarding the marginalization of Sunni leadership, particularly the Barelvi faction, from key positions within the organization. The issue of representation within the Muslim Personal Law Board has been a long-standing concern for the Barelvi community. While Sunni scholars were central to the board's formation, there has been a perception that Barelvi leadership has been side-lined in favour of other factions within the broader Sunni community. The lack of transparency and merit-based appointments to leadership positions within the board is a significant point of contention. This has raised critical questions about the governance of the Board and the genuine representation of Barelvi Muslims within it. The Role of Sunni Leadership in Key Legal Struggles One of the key moments when Sunni leadership played a significant role in the preservation of Muslim personal laws was during the Shah Bano case in the 1980s. In this case, the intervention of Sunni scholars, including those from the Barelvi tradition, was pivotal in forcing the Indian government to respect the Islamic provision of maintenance for divorced women. It was through collective efforts that the Muslim community succeeded in preserving their rights under Islamic law, especially when political pressures were high. However, in more recent times, there has been a noticeable shift in the dynamics of leadership within the Muslim Personal Law Board. When challenges to the Muslim community's religious rights arise, such as those posed by the Shariat Application Act or the restriction of the powers of the Waqf Board, Sunni leaders, particularly from the Barelvi community, are often called upon to take a stand. Unfortunately, once the immediate crisis passes, these same leaders are often pushed to the margins again, with their voices being side-lined in favour of more politically aligned factions. Sacrifices of the Sunni Barelvi Community One of the distinguishing features of the Barelvi community is their readiness to make personal sacrifices for their faith. Historically, whenever there have been attacks on Sunni mosques or Sufi shrines, it has been the Barelvi Muslims who have been at the forefront of the struggle to protect these institutions. They have not hesitated to offer their lives and livelihoods to safeguard their faith. In recent years, several incidents have highlighted the continued commitment of the Barelvi community to protect their religious institutions. Whether it is defending a mosque from encroachment or standing up against the destruction of a historic shrine, the community has remained resolute in its defence of Islamic values. Even in situations where their actions have led to personal sacrifice, the Barelvi people have displayed courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. This steadfastness in the face of challenges continues to be a hallmark of the community. Contrasting Attitudes of Other Factions In contrast to the Barelvi community's active involvement and sacrifice, other factions within the Muslim community have often displayed more passive or conciliatory approaches to defending their religious rights. When their mosques or religious symbols were attacked, many other sects either chose to negotiate with the authorities or gave up their claims without much resistance. The case of the historic mosque in Mehrauli, which was demolished despite legal objections, serves as a poignant example of this passive approach. This contrast in responses often frustrates the Barelvi community, as they see their own sacrifices being exploited by others who have not shown similar resolve. The Need for Reform within the Muslim Personal Law Board Given the marginalization of the Barelvi Sunni community within the Muslim Personal Law Board, there is an urgent need for reforms in the way leadership is selected and represented. It is crucial that the Board adopt a more transparent, merit-based approach to leadership appointments. Furthermore, there must be an effort to ensure that all factions within the Sunni community, including the Barelvi, have equal representation in the decision-making processes of the Board. For the Muslim Personal Law Board to remain relevant and effective in the defence of Muslim rights, it must not only represent the political elite but also involve grassroots leaders who understand the struggles of ordinary Muslims. This inclusivity will ensure that the community's interests are genuinely served and that religious rights are preserved in the face of growing political and social pressures. Conclusion The Barelvi Sunni community has played a pivotal role in the defence of Muslim personal laws and religious rights in India. However, their contributions have often been overshadowed by the political machinations and factionalism within the broader Muslim community. To ensure that their sacrifices are not in vain, it is crucial that reforms are introduced to ensure fair representation and leadership within the Muslim Personal Law Board. Only by doing so can the Board effectively protect the interests of Muslims in India and preserve the integrity of Muslim personal laws for future generations. The Barelvi community’s unwavering commitment to their faith and their readiness to make sacrifices for it, even at great personal cost, is a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual integrity and religious resilience in an increasingly challenging socio-political environment. The time has come for the Muslim Personal Law Board to fully recognize and respect the contributions of this community, ensuring that their voices are heard in the ongoing struggle to protect Muslim rights in India. ---- A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently contributing valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics. Through his regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects, including but not limited to deradicalisation strategies, the promotion of moderation within Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital mission of combating Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the urgent need to challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and scholarly discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses in-depth discussions on human rights principles, the significance of safeguarding religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic mysticism. 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