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**maxsobq** · 04-30-2008, 12:47 PM

I do not see how one can be fiercely independent from a source but still receive financing from it unless they do not value the financing, which is doubtful if they are accepting it.

Furthermore, Ulema in times past spoke at length about the necessity of keeping oneself independent FINANCIALLY from people so as to be able to enjoin the right and forbid the wrong upon them. The story of the Butcher and the Cat comes to mind.

Regardless, some of the most vocal supporters of the "Radical Middle Way", seem to be quite enraptured by the personalities associated with it as opposed to its work and what it has produced.

Good points.

There is no way in the world a scholar or organization can be totally independent from a government's agenda is they are receiving direct aid in form of funds from them. This is a no-brainer. The agenda of the British government on the outset, at least from the outside, is to combat terrorism which obviously is the agenda of RMW as well. There is nothing wrong with combating terrorism but it would be very naive to think that's there nothing more to this agenda (of the government). Regardless of the issue surrounding agendas, the point that Shaykh Yaqubi (see above) makes is pertinent. This has been the position of ahle haqq 'ulama for a long time. I remember reading a book about when the foundations of Darul Ulum Deoband were laid, one of the founding principles explicitly states the prohibition from accepting any government funds. The reasoning behind refraining from accepting such funds is obvious. They don't want to be influenced or play in the hands of governments. While it's not necessary that the RMW is involved in some "conspiracy", at least the awam (masses) shouldn't have to worry about led by organizations which are funded by the British government.

04-30-2008, 12:47 PM	#19
maxsobq Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 396 Senior Member	I do not see how one can be fiercely independent from a source but still receive financing from it unless they do not value the financing, which is doubtful if they are accepting it. Furthermore, Ulema in times past spoke at length about the necessity of keeping oneself independent FINANCIALLY from people so as to be able to enjoin the right and forbid the wrong upon them. The story of the Butcher and the Cat comes to mind. Regardless, some of the most vocal supporters of the "Radical Middle Way", seem to be quite enraptured by the personalities associated with it as opposed to its work and what it has produced. Good points. There is no way in the world a scholar or organization can be totally independent from a government's agenda is they are receiving direct aid in form of funds from them. This is a no-brainer. The agenda of the British government on the outset, at least from the outside, is to combat terrorism which obviously is the agenda of RMW as well. There is nothing wrong with combating terrorism but it would be very naive to think that's there nothing more to this agenda (of the government). Regardless of the issue surrounding agendas, the point that Shaykh Yaqubi (see above) makes is pertinent. This has been the position of ahle haqq 'ulama for a long time. I remember reading a book about when the foundations of Darul Ulum Deoband were laid, one of the founding principles explicitly states the prohibition from accepting any government funds. The reasoning behind refraining from accepting such funds is obvious. They don't want to be influenced or play in the hands of governments. While it's not necessary that the RMW is involved in some "conspiracy", at least the awam (masses) shouldn't have to worry about led by organizations which are funded by the British government.
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