Jamaat-e-Islami Hind is one of the notable religious, socio-economic organisations of the country. Since re-establishment after the Partition of the country in 1948, it has been working on all fronts to establish a value-based and just society. Radiance elicited views on JIH’s democratic functioning and its services to the Millat and the country from community leaders, scholars and journalists.
Maulana Mohammed Fazlurrahim Mujaddidi
Speaking with Radiance, Maulana Mohammed Fazlurrahim Mujaddidi, General Secretary of All India Muslim Personal Board and Rector of JameaTulHidaya, Jaipur, said that following Independence, JIH is regarded as one of the religious and socio-economic organisations that has contributed significantly to the Millat’s rebuilding during that turbulent time. JIH’s goal is “Iqamat-e-Deen” but it began to function in a structured manner for the country’s social, economic, and educational advancement; its effects are particularly noticeable in South India.
Similarly, the Jamaat’s endeavours should be seen with the appreciation that they have worked hard to draw the young, well-educated class to religion. In a similar manner, religious and organisational prejudice has never dominated the Jamaat with regard to milli and collective objectives. In other milli organisations, it has consistently attempted to foster unity and consensus on shared concerns and issues. The characteristic of the Jamaat is also commendable that it has been working internally and externally in a democratic manner and has been adding new blood to its leadership ranks.
Dr KhutbM Uddin Abu Shuja
Dr Khutb M Uddin Abu Shuja,MDPhD, Chicago, USA, said:
I came to know Jamaat-e-Islami when I was 16 years old when we had subscribed to the monthly Al-HasnatUrdu magazine. This was an easy read monthly with religious as well as character-building articles. Later on, in one of the Seerahof Prophet Muhammad ﷺcompetitions I was given a book of Seerah,titled Hayat-e-Tayyaba as 1st prize. This is a small book which explains the difficulties and challenges in the Prophet’s life. This book highlights the extraordinary courage and vision of the Prophet when all the odds were against him.This book definitely changed my life and I have read that book several hundreds of times and I still carry that book all the time. This was written by Abdul Saleem Abdul Hai sahab,a member of Jamaat-e-Islami. This is a very Inspirational book indeed. This book gave me so much courage and confidence that I thought I could do anything and succeed as the Prophet had succeeded.
Over the years I have attended several meetings of Jamaat. I found Jamaat to be an organisation which is focused on education and character-building. It instils selflessness and sacrifice in the individuals. The beauty about this organisation is that it is all inclusive and non-denominational. All the Muslim denominations and maslaks are included, respected and welcomed. This organisation emphasises education, health, social services and community welfare. They arrange medical camps, food distribution centres, emergency shelters and services. They provide services irrespective of the caste, creed or religion.
Jamaat has played a significant role in interfaith dialogue and coordination. Jamaat always tries to serve the underprivileged and marginalised segments of the society. The Jamaat also conducts workshops, seminars and conferences to educate the community about social/psychological challenges and how to navigate through them.
The Jamaat participates in all the national and regional activities to promote harmony, peace and integrity. Its role in youths and the younger generation is very positive and admirable as it discourages drugs, alcohol, gambling, smoking, social media addiction, etc., thus contributing to building a healthy and vibrant India.
The leadership of this organisation is phenomenal, it has no hierarchical hegemonyor political manoeuvring. The selection of leadership is fair and transparent based on merit and dedication. All in all, I see this organisation as a superb National asset and wish all the best and brightest in coming years. Any nation’s true assets are the character of the people and Jamaat is working towards this goal which is highly commendable.
Asad Mirza
Asad Mirza, senior journalist, author and commentator on issues related to the Indian Muslims, said:
Perhaps Jamaat-e Islami Hind is the only Muslim organisation, which represents the Indian Muslims at an all-India level. It operates based on its core fundamental principles and apart from politics as separate wings like youth, women, education to serve all sections of the society. It has a well-structured organisational and leadership setup on democratic principles, right from the district to the national level, where all members are elected unanimously, instead of them being nominated by hierarchy, which is a norm with most of the Muslim organisations in India.
Its leader is guided by the Majlis-e-Shoora and other departmental heads to function in a completely democratic system. Based on this fact you’ll find most of the educated and professional Muslims being its members or associated with the Jamaat, as it fulfils the criteria of being a democratic and functional organisation which has a principled stand on every issue related to the Indian Muslims.
Quamar Ashraf
Media analyst Quamar Ashraf opines that Jamaat-e-Islami Hind stands out among the Muslim organisations for its commitment to the Islamic principle of shoora, or consultation. This principle, rooted in the Quranic verse “amruhumshoorabaynahum” (their affairs are based on consultation among them), ensures smooth functioning within the organisation. In fact, this principle is deeply embedded in the organisation’s structure and practices. From the selection of the Ameer (head) to local leadership, decisions are made through a democratic process, fostering transparency and participatory decision-making throughout the organisation.
Very few ‘Islamic’ organisations in India embrace democratic principles, mostly do not implement the Quran’s teachings on democracy, particularly regarding the election of governing officials, often resulting in dynastic leadership.
The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s leaders, elected through a democratic process, demonstrate a clear understanding of their role as representatives, rather than rulers. They do not view their positions as personal fiefdoms; instead, they operate and behave democratically. The organisation’s Delhi headquarters reflects this approach – leaders are often seen walking alone, without the entourage of ‘yesmen’. They are accessible to common people. This accessibility and democratic spirit attract well-meaning people to align with and work alongside the organisation. This stands in stark contrast to many other ‘Islamic’ organisations in the country, where leaders often behave like kings, surrounded by numerous followers. In my experience observing the organisation, I have seen at least three presidents as well as other high-ranking people interacting with others in a humble and approachable manner, embodying the spirit of commonality rather than authority.