Unveiling the Tablighi Jamaat: An Analysis of its Ideology and Practices

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam The Tablighi Jamaat, Though Presented As A Reformist Movement, Hides Underlying Contradictions Within Its Teachings. By Examining The Works Of Its Founders, The Article Critiques The Movement's Ideology, Its Ties To Deobandi Figures, And Controversial Views On Islamic Practices And Reverence For The Prophet. Main Points: 1. The movement's founders, including Maulana Ilyas and Maulana Yusuf, are linked to controversial figures in Islam. 2. The group’s teachings conflict with mainstream Sunni beliefs, particularly regarding reverence for the Prophet Muhammad. 3. The Jamaat’s methods of propagation raise concerns about its true intentions. 4. The movement’s controversial texts challenge traditional Islamic views on the Prophet and religious practices. ----- You must have often observed in mosques, whether in cities or villages, that as soon as the Imam concludes the prayer with "Salaam," some individuals stand up and say to the congregation, "Brothers! Please stay for a while after the prayer so that we can sit together and talk about Allah and His Messenger." After this, someone reads from a book of the Tablighi Jamaat, and then efforts are made to encourage Muslims to pay attention to their faith. This entire activity is associated with Tablighi Jamaat, which has gained popularity as a reformist movement. Initially, the objectives presented by this Jamaat were such that they seemed acceptable to everyone. These included promoting the recitation of the "Kalima" (Islamic creed), remembrance of Allah, gathering Muslims in mosques to discuss matters of faith, encouraging them to be regular in prayers, and spreading the spirit of religious propagation among Muslims. Clearly, no one can disagree with such noble goals. However, as the saying goes, "Things are not always as they seem." A closer look at the books authored by the leaders of the Tablighi Jamaat and their methods of thinking and practice reveals several significant flaws. Can anyone deceive others by openly declaring, "Come, I am going to deceive you"? No, a deceiver first wins over people with compassion and kindness, and then deceives them. Has anyone ever administered poison by saying, "Here, take this poison and enjoy eternal sleep"? No, poison is always hidden in something sweet before being administered. Similarly, when a hunter wants to trap a bird, he imitates the bird’s call. Though the hunter is a human being, he becomes a "bird" to achieve his goal. It is famously said that the tusks of an elephant are different for display and chewing. Likewise, some individuals have a different agenda in their minds while presenting a different story outwardly. A person aiming to create a new sect in Islam cannot openly announce, "Come, Muslims! I am starting a new sect in Islam. Please support me." Instead, he will outwardly oppose sectarianism while covertly establishing a new one. Similarly, would an enemy country’s spy come and tell us, "I am here to spy on you"? Certainly not! He will pretend to be one of us and then harm us. Would deniers of the Prophet’s traditions (Hadith) declare their denial while trying to win over Muslims? Of course not! Does any merchant advertise their goods by declaring, "My products are of inferior quality"? Certainly not! They always present their merchandise as the best. These everyday experiences demonstrate that if any Jamaat or individual speaks pleasant words and expresses noble intentions outwardly, it doesn’t mean we should join them without proper inquiry and understanding. Instead, we must carefully examine whether they are a guide in disguise or a looter in the attire of a leader. As a poet aptly said: “Libaase Khizr Mein Yaan Sainkron Rahzan Bhi Phirte Hain Agar Jeene Ki Khwahish Hai Toh Kuch Pehchaan Paida Kar.” "In the guise of Khizr, many looters roam here! If you wish to survive, develop some discernment!" Now let us examine the true essence of Tablighi Jamaat in the light of their books. The best way to understand any movement or ideology is to study the works of its founders and prominent leaders. The founder of Tablighi Jamaat is Maulana Ilyas. Apart from him, Maulana Yusuf, Maulana Zakaria, and Maulana Manzoor Nomani are considered the prominent pillars of the Jamaat. Other influential figures include Maulana Ismail Dehlvi, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi, Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, and Maulana Qasim Nanotvi. These individuals are revered by the Tablighi Jamaat. Maulana Ilyas himself writes: "Hazrat Thanvi (Ashraf Ali Thanvi) has done a tremendous service. My heart desires that his teachings be combined with my method of propagation so that his teachings can become widespread." (Malfoozat Maulana Ilyas) In another place, Maulana Ilyas writes: "Hazrat Gangohi (Rashid Ahmad Gangohi) was the reformer (Mujaddid) and spiritual guide (Qutb-e-Irshad) of his time." (Malfoozat-e-Ilyas) Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi writes: "Maulana Ismail Dehlvi’s book Taqwiyatul Iman is essential in every household; it is an Islamic obligation." (Fatawa Rashidia) As for Maulana Qasim Nanotwi, it suffices to say that he was the founder of Darul Uloom Deoband, the institution from where the campaign to diminish the love for the Prophet (peace be upon him) among Indian Muslims began. These are the prominent figures of the Tablighi Jamaat. While some might deny considering these personalities as role models, such denial is futile. This is because, first of all, Maulana Ilyas, the founder of the Tablighi Jamaat, has openly acknowledged these individuals as his inspirations. Furthermore, the books of these figures are sold openly at stalls outside the central gatherings of Tablighi Jamaat. Before presenting the actual teachings of these leaders, another point must be clarified. If you ask a Sunni Muslim about their revered figures, they will immediately list personalities like Hazrat Imam Hussain, Hazrat Imam Hasan, Imam Abu Hanifa, Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam, Hazrat Khwaja Ajmeri, Hazrat Mujaddid Alf Sani, and Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Barelvi (may Allah be pleased with them all). However, followers of the Tablighi Jamaat hesitate to name their leaders because their books are filled with blasphemous statements against the Prophet (peace be upon him). Such hesitation reflects the divergence in their perspective and fate. Now, let us delve into the teachings of the leaders of Tablighi Jamaat based on their books. Teachings of Maulana Ismail Dehlvi "Focusing on the Prophet (peace be upon him) during prayer is worse than being engrossed in thoughts about one’s donkey or ox." (Sirat-e-Mustaqeem) "Every creation, whether big or small, is more humiliated before Allah than even a cobbler." (Taqwiyatul Iman) "The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘I too will die and mix with the earth.’" (Taqwiyatul Iman) "Those named Muhammad or Ali own nothing." (Taqwiyatul Iman) "The reverence for the Prophet (peace be upon him) should be akin to that of an elder brother because he too is human." (Taqwiyatul Iman) "Traveling solely to visit the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) shrine is an act of shirk (polytheism)." (Taqwiyatul Iman) "Revere Prophets like ordinary humans and even reduce that reverence." (Taqwiyatul Iman) Teachings of Maulana Qasim Nanotwi "The distinction of Prophets among their followers lies only in knowledge. As for actions, sometimes their followers surpass them." (Tahzeer-un-Nas) "To the common people, the Prophet (peace be upon him) is the ‘Seal of Prophets’ because he is the last in chronological order. But for the enlightened, this notion does not hold." (Tahzeer-un-Nas) ----- A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/unveiling-tablighi-jamaat-ideology-practices/d/134170 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