Question:
Please do answer the following question in a clear cut manner: Were Shah Ismail Dehlawi & H. Rashid Ahmed Gangohi were the first experts of Islam who used the word Imkaan-e-Kizb? Was this type of word like Imkaan-e-Kizb use before in any other language or shape or from by any other scholar? The reason for asking is that some people like G.F. Haddad, etc… are saying that even if Shah Ismail Shaheed and Qutab-e-Alam Rashid Ahmed Gangohi never meant any disrespect or harm like their accuser accuse them of, but they say that they were the first experts of Islam who used the word Imkaan-e-Kizb and this word was never used by any scholar before in any language. Also, they claim that those who don’t except or chose to ignore this fact are nothing but apologetics? Is this correct and how much of is it true? I know this will require some research and time so please do take your blessed time when answering this question whenever you can?
Answer:
Hazrat Shah Ismail Dehlawi and Moulana Rashid Ahmed Gangohi were not the first experts of Islam to use the term Imkan-e-Kithb. They did not use this term in their books, rather it is found in a Fatwa of Moulana Gangohi (R.H.) which states, “Whoever maintains the belief or utters that Allah tells lies is undoubtedly a Kaafir and against the Qur’an, Hadith and Ijma’ (consensus) of the Ummah. He is not a believer.” (Fataawaa Rashidiyyah, Page 207)
Moulana Ahmed Radhaa Khan Barelwi and Moulana Abdus Saami’ Rampuri of India falsely accused Moulana Gangohi by openly writing that, “Rashid Ahmed Gangohi claims that Allah is capable of speaking lies” (May Allah Forbid). Thereafter, Moulana Rashid Saheb and his Followers responded to these accusations and cleared the Mas’ala.
The Ulamaa of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah have always maintained the belief that Allah is Qadir to pass any decision; He is free to act as He pleases, He is not subjected to any power and He is capable of forgiving the Kuffaar if He wishes. The Mu’tazilah objected and claimed that the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah believe that Allah is capable of telling lies, as Allah Has stated in the Qur’an that He will never forgive the Mushrik. In response, the Ulamaa of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah stated that Allah has the ability of forgiving them; however He will not go against His word, the Qur’an.
This discussion is found in the books of Ilm-e-Kalaam, such as Sharhul Mawaaqif by Allamah Jurjaani (R.H.) 816 A.H, Musallam Usoobat by Qadhi Muhibbullah 1119 A.H, Aqaaid-e-Jalaali 908 A.H, Musaayarah by Allamah Ibnul Hammaam 861A.H and Books of Imam Raazi 606 A.H.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
22 July 2005
15 Jumaadul Ukhraa 1426