Question:
Answer:
It is correct that when one writes or says something it should be such that an incorrect perception is not created nor the wrong meaning taken. It should not become a means of one being criticised. Shah Ismail Shaheed Dehlawi (R.A.A.) was a great Aalim and also a Waliullah. There was a great love and respect for Allah Ta’ala, Hazrat Muhammad Mustapha (S.A.W.) and other Sha’aair-e-Islam (icons of Islam) in his heart. He is free from those accusations levelled against him. We only think good of him. I think that we should not continue debating on this issue. It is better to concentrate on those texts of Hazrat Dehlawi’s which are clear and easily understood. We should not dispute with regards to those texts which are unclear. We will not be questioned on the Day of Qiyaamah whether Shah Ismail Shaheed (R.A.A.) was a Kaafir or not. But if we brand him as a Kaafir then we would definitely be asked the reason for us branding him as a Kaafir. We will also be asked why did we not seek clarification from the author on those points that were unclear and why did we not try to interpret the author’s writings correctly because one of the most fundamental laws of Fiqh is that if there is the possibility that a person’s speech or writing contains 99% of Kufr and only 1% of Islam then too that person will not be branded as a Kaafir and will be understood to be a Muslim.
We should practice on the guidance given to us by Umar bin Abdul Aziz (R.A.A.) when he advised those who questioned him regarding the Sahabah Kiraam (R.A.) and their disputes that: “Tilka Ummatun Qad Khalat. Lahaa Maa Kasabat wa Lakum Maa Kasabtum.” (That is the nation that has passed. For it is what it has earned and for you is what you have earned.)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
19 July 2005
12 Jumaadul Ukhraa 1426