[somawaima]

From Aapbeeti (autobiography) of Hadhrat Shaykh al-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya



Much can be said on this topic, given today's political and indeed religious climate. We need to learn from those who know better that most of the time it is not a case of 'I'm right and you're wrong', but that differences are natural and can be a mercy upon the Ummah. More detail on the topic can be found in Shaykh's (rahmatuallahi 'alayh) 'Al E'tidaal'.

I recall a very interesting incident in this regard. During the time prior to Partition [the division of India into India and Pakistan] Hazrat (Maulana Husain Ahmad) Madani was a very staunch supporter of the Congress [a political party opposing the partition of India]. Everybody till today knows of his commitment to the Congress. On the opposite side, we had Maulana (Ashraf Ali) Thanwy and Maulana Zafar Ahmed, the present Sheikhul-Islam of Pakistan, who were staunch supporters of the League [a political party supporting the partition]. They were in no way any step behind Maulana Madani in their ardour. They used to attack each others' views from the mimbar, in Jalsas, pamphlets etc. The bitterness and severe nature of the fight was evident for all to see.

But as fate would have it, both Maulana Madani and Maulana Zafar Ahmed were my guests. When Maulana Zafar Ahmed visited me, he always stayed for a few days , whereas Hazrat Madani always had flying visits, sometimes lasting hours, or at times even just minutes.

Once during that era of political opposition, Hazrat Zafar Ahmed was my guest for a few days. Although he was my guest, he was residing in the Madrassa guest room.

I had gone to the Darul Talaba. A boy came to inform me that Hazrat Madani had arrived and he was at the kachaa ghar [a label given to Sheikhul Hadeeth's home due to its simplicity]. I felt as if the earth had been removed from under my feet. Even now when I think about it, I feel the apprehension and fear for what could become a tremendous outburst. Quickly, I went to the old Madrassa and told Maulana Zafar Ahmed that Maulana Madani was also around and was at home: "Hazrat will only stay for an hour or half an hour - not more. Please do not come there. After he has eaten, I will call you."

May Allah reward Maulana Zafar Ahmed Saheb well! He asked me: "Why is that so? What harm will there be due to my presence? I will come along now."

I practically begged him not to come but the more I tried to persuade him against it, the more adamant he became. He said: "Do not worry. Hazrat Madani is my Elder. If he should say anything, then I will not reply and will remain silent."

Finding him very adamant, I went to the kachaa ghar and told Maulana Madani: "Hazrat Zafar Ahmed has been here with me for a few days. He is my guest. I have asked him not to come along and that I would call him after you leave." Hazrat Madani answered: "Why? What can he steal from me and what can I steal from him?"

As this conversation was going on, Maulana Zafar Ahmed entered. When Hazrat saw him, he got up with pleasure all over his face, shook hands with him saying: "O, so Abbul Deek is also here?" (Deek means a cock. When Maulana Zafar's son, Maulana Umar Ahmed, was born, then Maulana Madani jokingly referred to Maulana Zafar Ahmed as Abbul Deek on meeting him).

Maulana Zafar Ahmed kissed Maulana Madani's hands and they began talking like friends, asking each other about their health and their families. I was still quite apprehensive, fearing an outburst and reading to myself, "Ya Rabbi Sallim" (O Lord, protect us from a calamity).

Hazrat Madani left about three quarters of an hour later and only then was I able to relax. Not a single word of politics was uttered. Maulana Zafar Ahmed said: "Bring mithai!"

I said to him: "Certainly, but Hazrat Madani is more close to me than you are. I was frightened; if Maulana Madani had uttered one threat or scolding, then what could have happened?"

Maulana answered, "But I told you from before that I would keep quiet. Even if he should attack me, I would not have said a word. I do not for a moment doubt Maulana's high position and greatness, but what can we do? We consider the support of Congress to be harmful to the interests of Muslims. For this reason we feel ourselves forced to oppose his views in newspapers, pamphlets, posters and lectures from the mimbar."

Elsewere in Aapbeti Hadhrat Shaykh al-Hadith writes: I have a great disliking for fighting over questions about which there is a difference of opinion. I look upon the differences among the 'Ulama as a mercy, as I have said in Al-E'tidaal.

While discussing another subject he writes: Maulana Mufti Kifaayatullah, the president of the Jamiatul Ulema (may Allah grant him very high rank), although I was in opposition to his politics, was very kind to me. He used to treat my views and suggestions with a lot of respect and dignity. In many religious and political questions he used to quote my views with repect although they differed from his: "Some sincere scholars of this opinion. I believe..." Such kind words were even used in his pamphlets. There are many occasions when he quoted my views respectfully although they opposed his views.

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