I Cherished It but There Still Remains More to be Discussed
By T. AZEEZ LUTHFULLAH
The interview with Maulana Shafi Moonis (Radiance, 16-22 August 2009) was very interesting and thought provoking. I cherished it and enjoyed reading it. The language, the style and the narration were very apt and pleasing.
It is a delight to read Dr. Waquar Anwar’s interviews with the old vanguards of the movement. His way of extracting comments, inspiring anecdotes and gems of advice are worth praising.
This interview of Maulana Shafi Moonis is his third such interview. The answers are to the point, blunt and very guarded. You can see the typical Shafi Moonis stamp on them. Dr Waquar Anwar has tried very hard to get stuff from the Maulana. It might have been a very adventurous experience for him. The tact and skill with which he placed and phrased his questions is very impressive.
The issues raised are varied. But there still remains more to be discussed. The rendezvous with the Maulana ends suddenly. A sequel or more is needed. It should not be a onetime affair. Here is a great movement leader, a contemporary of Maulana Maudoodi, one who has seen the ups and downs of the movement! He is virtually a mine of knowledge and information. You have to dig more and more.
Having said that, I beg to differ from the views expressed regarding the issue of participation of the Jamaat in elections and political activities. To my limited knowledge, I don’t see a North-South divide here. You could find vocal supporters for the idea of forming a political party and those who oppose it throughout India. Remember, Dr. Nejatullah Siddiqi, Dr. SQR Ilyas are all from North. Dr. Nejatullah asserts to make a paradigm shift. And I guess Dr. Ilyas is for political participation of the Jamaat.
Similarly, deep down the South there are workers of the Jamaat who feel that the time is not ripe to plunge in the political field. I could not forget the day when a senior colleague of mine, a member of the Jamaat, while discussing the Jamaat’s participation in politics and the move to form a political party, commented with misty eyes, “Mujhe to lag ta hai, Jamaat mar gayee hai!”(For me it seems Jamaat is dead!). He has been an ordinary, humble worker attached with the Jamaat for many decades.
I think there is fear that the move could backfire. The fear that power would corrupt the organisation. It would be the biggest test and there is lurking fear that we may fail. Those who fear often cite the examples of two cadre based Indian organisations which have gone astray after tasting power. But, it should be borne in mind that these organisations didn’t have any lofty ideals. What we have is the goal of attaining pleasure of Allah. And this goal would save us from all kinds of pitfalls in the path of political participation.
At the same time there is a hope that this epoch-making move would give rich dividends. The Jamaat would pass the litmus test and come out with laurels, Insha Allah. The glorious stride made by our aslaaf in various fields is before us.
When they entered into printing and publishing industry, they carved out their own place in it. Markazi Maktaba Islami Publishers is the trendsetter and pioneer in the field. Madhyayam Daily has succeeded in setting great journalistic and ethical standards in Kerala. Manuda Vasantham TV programme stands unique and tall as a lighthouse for others in Tamil Nadu. The Muslim Maternity and Zanana Hospital in Hyderabad has emerged as the largest and very important women and child care centre in South India. The Aligarh based Idara-e-Tahqeeqat-e-Islami’s efforts and strides are seen with respect and awe by others in the field. The Islamiya Arabic College in Mansoora, Hassan has blossomed as a model institution.
The question is when we succeed in all other fields and stand unique, why the success story could not be repeated in the field of politics too! When we have succeeded in producing great writers, managers, doctors, engineers, teachers, etc., why can’t we produce good politicians and parliamentarians? And the country is in dire need of good and honest politicians and parliamentarians.
Of course the fear of failure is there. I think this oscillation between fear and hope should always be there. It will make us hold fast to the rope of Allah. It will strengthen the bond with Allah. There is no doubt.
I think the comment on the cadre of SIO is incomplete. I agree that “they are not properly trained and they lack dedication to serve the Islamic cause. They are more career conscious about their worldly affairs. The first team of Islamic workers joined to serve the movement without much bothering about their own well beings in this world. That attachment is waning, rather it is no more there”.
I would like to state that this statement does not depict the entire picture. The other side of the picture is that the same statement can be made regarding the present members and workers of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind too. What you see in SIO is nothing but the reflection of the Jamaat! When we read the stories and tales of our aslaaf our eyes get wet. But, where are they now? Where to find the likes of Maulana Abul Lais, Maulana Muhammad Muslim, Maulana Ziaul Huda, Maulana Syed Ahmed Urooj Qadri, etc etc.. The decline is there. Perhaps it is true that old is gold!
But, SIO is very important for the Islamic movement and it cannot be left out in the lurch. The four-point programme suggested by Dr M. Rafat in his interview with Dawat on “Islamic Movement in India in Modern Times” could be the remedy.