Q. Some people criticize contemporary Muslim writers and scholars, such as Abul Aala Maudoodi and Sayyid Qutb. I have seen a book full of criticism of the former, equating him with Ayatullah Khomeini in preaching the same thoughts. Unfortunately some people repeat such criticism without making sure that what they say is true. Could you please throw some light on the validity of such criticism.
S.M. Asif Ismeih, Riyadh
A. That great scholars should be criticized and be severely treated by people in different walks of life is nothing new. Let me tell you that Al-Bukhari himself was criticized by one of his contemporaries who issued orders that Al-Bukhari must never be allowed to attend his circle. It is only natural for scholars of the caliber of Maudoodi and Sayyid Qutb, who have had great influence on many young Muslims, doing a great service to Islam and Muslims, to be criticized by people in different quarters.
Both were harshly treated by politicians simply because they have shown that Islam was as much relevant in social and political life as it was in the mosque. Politicians instigated other scholars, particularly those who were happy to receive their favors, to launch attacks on them. On the other hand, some scholars were genuine in their disagreement with either writer.
This is again normal, because in Islam there are different viewpoints and methods of understanding. It is perfectly legitimate for a scholar to criticize another, provided he is sincere, aiming at explaining the truth, as he believes it, and refrains from personal or abusive attacks. When a person writes contemptuously of a scholar like Maudoodi or Sayyid Qutb, then he moves away from Islamic values.
When faced with such a situation, the best thing is to request the critic to provide evidence.
It is not right for anyone to say that this or that scholar has written such a fierce attack on Maudoodi or Qutb. The one who wrote is answerable for his writing, but anyone who repeats it without verification is accountable before God for repeating it without proper knowledge. It is absolutely untrue to say that Maudoodi had the same thoughts in common with Khomeini, because they belonged to totally different scholarly traditions. Nor is it true to claim that Maudoodi denied God’s attributes. You need only to read his commentary on the Qur’an to realize the falsehood of such a claim.
Sayyid Qutb has come for criticism more on account of how people tried to implement his ideas in a highly misguided way than for his ideas themselves. Some scholars have accused him of things which they could not substantiate. His book, “In the Shade of the Qur’an” has done a great service, bringing out the meaning of the Qur’an in a highly powerful and easy to understand language, always moving away from controversy in order to help readers understand the Qur’an, pure and simple.
To the reader personally I have one point to say: the permission you have asked for is granted.
