The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : On Mawdudi

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Saturday, Mar 07, 2009
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On Mawdudi

The article “Mumbai, Mawdudi and the Indian Mujahideen” (March 5) has rightly pointed out that the rise of the Indian Mujahideen cannot be brushed off easily. The outfit has grown from the insecurity of Muslims amid increased communalisation and polarisation, post-Babri Masjid. It is also the result of their grievances against the state which has failed to protect them and provide them justice.

Gorvika Rao,

New Delhi

The author, it seems, is only partially acquainted with Maulana Mawdudi. The translation of Jihad-fi-Sabilillah is ‘Jihad in the way of Allah,’ not ‘Jihad in Islam.’ There are enough arguments in Mawdudi’s work to prove that many things said about him are not true. Mawdudi was against violent revolution. In his speech Islami Hukoomat Kaise Qaaim Hoti Hai? in Aligarh, he emphasised the importance of public opinion and mass conscience, clearing the cloud of misconception and misunderstanding on Islam and Muslims. He urged Muslims to adopt peaceful measures that would ultimately lead to a peaceful Islamic revolution.

Khan Yasir,

New Delhi

The article attempts to link terrorism to Mawdudi’s thoughts. It is undeniable that the central theme of Mawdudian thought was that Islam is the only solution for all the miseries and that it alone could take the mankind out of the shackles of the corrupt world order. We can criticise Mawdudi for his opposition to modernity and for his contemptuous disapproval of other world views. But connecting him to terrorism is unfair.

M.B. Zaman,

Malappuram

Jihad-fi-Sabilillah published in every language has been read by millions of people but nobody considered it a motivation to kill people or indulge in terror.

A.T.M. Anwar,

Hyderabad

The article rightly says Mawdudi issued a call to “alter the social order of the entire world and rebuild it in conformity with its own [Islamic] tenets and ideals.” Every ideology and philosophy makes similar appeals. A democratic society should have enough space to accommodate different voices.

Ghaus Sultan,

Aligarh

What Mawdudi wrote about was the ideological jihad, not the jihad that involves killing innocent people.

One can understand this by reading the books the Maulana has written and from the works being done by the Jamaate-Islami Hind which he founded.

U. Shameel,

Mysore

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