Draft:Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind

Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind

مرکزی جمیعت اہلِ حدیث ہند
Abbreviation	MJAH
Predecessor	All India Ahle Hadees Conference
Founders	Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari
Type	Religious organization, Non-Profit Organization
Headquarters	Ahle Hadith Manzil, Jama Masjid, Delhi
Region served	India
Official languages	Urdu and English
Ameer	Maulana Asghar Ali Mahdi Salafi
Publication	Tarjuman (Urdu journal) The Simple Truth (English journal) Islah-e Samaj (Hindi journal)
Affiliations	Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith Pakistan Ahle Hadith Andolon Bangladesh Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith UK Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith Canada
Website	www.ahlehadees.org

Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadees Hind (Urdu:مرکزی جمیعت اہلِ حدیث ہند, Arabic: المركزى جمعية اهل الحديث الهند) is a religious organization within Sunni Islam that follows the Ahle Hadith movement. Established in the Indian subcontinent in the 20th century, it has expanded its influence to various parts of the world. The organization has a notable presence within the Indian Muslim community, particularly in regions with significant Sunni populations. It operates mosques, educational institutions, and community centers across multiple states in India and publishes literature and magazines to disseminate its religious teachings and promote its ideology.

The Ahle Hadith, also known as Salafi, represent a group within Sunni Islam that emphasizes adherence to the fundamental teachings of Islam as outlined in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah (the practices and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). This group seeks to reject practices not explicitly mandated by Islamic law. Ahle Hadith followers advocate for a strict monotheism, seeking direct communion with Allah without invoking the blessings of saints. They do not adhere to any specific sectarian jurisprudence (fiqh), although they respect the various schools of thought within Islam. Their commitment to the foundational teachings of the Quran and Sunnah helps define their distinct identity within the broader Muslim community.

Historical context

The Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind was founded in December 1906 in undivided India by Maulana Abdul Haq Azmi. The Ahle Hadith movement emerged as a response to perceived deviations from authentic Islamic teachings within traditional Sunni Islam. Influenced by scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah and Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab, the movement aimed to return to what its proponents viewed as the original form of Islam practiced during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions (Sahaba).

Ahle Hadith communities have existed wherever there is a Muslim population, including in India since the arrival of Islam. The estimated population of Ahle Hadith in India ranges from 25 to 30 million. The Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith serves as their representative organization, comprising 21 branches at the state level, over 200 at the district level, and approximately 40,000 at the local level. The organization plays a significant role in various sectors, including education, industry, agriculture, politics, and defense, and has been recognized for its contributions to the country's development.

Since its inception, the Jamiat has been dedicated to serving Islam and the Muslim community. Prior to its establishment, no other religious or social organization specifically representing the Ahle Hadith existed in India.

Notable historical figures associated with the Ahle Hadith movement in India include Muhammad Bin Tughluq, Maulana Shams-al-Din ibn al Haweri, Shah Wali Allah Dehlawi, Maulana Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Dehlavi, Shah Muhammad Ismail Shaheed, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, among others.

The Ahle Hadith have been active in the struggle against British colonial rule. Figures such as Maulana Abdullah and Maulana Walayat Ali Sadiqpuri are remembered as significant freedom fighters. The movement produced many influential leaders who contributed to the Indian freedom struggle, with figures like Shah Ismail and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad playing critical roles in negotiating the transfer of power from the British. The legacy of the Jamiat Ahle Hadith continues today, with contemporary figures like Maulana Abdul Qayyum Rahmani still active in promoting its ideals.

Beliefs and principles

Tawhid (Oneness of God) Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind emphasizes the absolute unity and sovereignty of Allah (God), rejecting any form of shirk (associating partners with God) and highlighting the importance of maintaining pure monotheism in all aspects of belief and worship.

Adherence to the Quran and Sunnah The organization prioritizes the Quran and the authentic Sunnah (traditions) of Prophet Muhammad as the primary sources of religious guidance, advocating for a literal interpretation of these texts and rejecting any interpretations or practices not directly supported by them.

Opposition to Bid'ah (Innovation) Jamiat Ahle Hadith opposes religious innovations (bid'ah) and emphasizes strict adherence to the practices and beliefs of the early Muslim community, viewing bid'ah as a deviation from authentic Islamic teachings.

Rejection of Taqlid (Blind Imitation) Members of Jamiat Ahle Hadith reject the practice of blindly following religious scholars or specific schools of jurisprudence (madhab), encouraging individual Muslims to study the Quran and Sunnah independently to derive their religious rulings.

Purification of Beliefs and Practices The organization advocates for the purification of Islamic beliefs and practices from cultural, traditional, or un-Islamic influences, striving to revive what they see as the pristine form of Islam practiced by the early generations of Muslims.

Salafi Methodology Jamiat Ahle Hadith employs a methodology known as usul al-fiqh (principles of jurisprudence) to derive religious rulings, involving rigorous analysis of the Quran, Hadith, and the practices of the early Muslim community.

Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil Members emphasize the importance of enjoining good and forbidding evil as a means of promoting righteousness and combating wrongdoing within the Muslim community, actively promoting virtuous deeds and discouraging sinful behavior in line with Islamic teachings.

Non-Political Focus While some members may engage in political activism, particularly in advocating for the implementation of Islamic law (Sharia), many prioritize individual religious practice and spiritual purification over political involvement, viewing it as secondary to the personal quest for piety and adherence to Islamic teachings.

Through these beliefs, Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind aims to uphold what they consider the core tenets of Islam, fostering a community grounded in authentic religious principles.

Practices

Like other Islamic reform movements, the Ahle Hadith exhibit distinct common features and beliefs. Members are often identified by their characteristic untrimmed beards, serving as a visual marker of their affiliation. In terms of ritual practices ('Ibadah), the Ahl-i Hadith differ notably from the predominant Hanafi madh'hab in South Asia. For instance, during congregational prayers, men position their hands above the navel, raise them to shoulder level before bowing, and audibly say "Ameen" after the prayer leader. The Ahl-i Hadith advocate for a return to foundational principles, seeking to revive the original simplicity and purity of faith and practice. They oppose the integration of foreign customs and beliefs that have influenced Muslim societies, as well as foreign philosophical thoughts and Sufi mystical concepts such as Ma'rifat.

Distinguishing themselves from the Wahhabi movement, which adheres to the Hanbali legal school, Ahle Hadith followers do not align themselves with any single madh'hab. Breaking away from dominant Hanafi and Sufi traditions, they emphasize fraternity and equality among Muslims. Their principles include permitting women to pray in mosques, delivering Friday sermons in local languages to both rural and urban audiences, facilitating accessible divorce procedures for women, rejecting triple Talaq, and allowing marriage contracts across different social classes. Additional key themes include promoting a pious and disciplined lifestyle through hard work and achieving Ihsan (spiritual perfection) through virtuous actions. While the movement has gained traction among affluent urban classes, it also holds significant influence in rural areas.

According to Professor Abdul Ali, former Chairman and Director of the Department of Islamic Studies at Aligarh Muslim University:

"The Ahl-i Hadith movement was inspired by the thought of Shah Wali Allah of Delhi, who, in the eighteenth century, emphasized the study of Hadith and challenged the principle of taqlid (imitation) in legal matters, advocating for ijtihad (independent reasoning) and asserting the primacy of Hadith over juristic rulings. This trend in Shah Wali Allah's thought laid the foundation for the Ahl-i Hadith movement, which emerged in India in the nineteenth century. Unlike Wahhabism, which drew inspiration from Muhammad bin 'Abd al-Wahhab of Najd, the Ahl-i Hadith movement found its roots in the ideas of Shah Waliullah. Nevertheless, both movements share elements of religious purification in their rejection of taqlid and innovation."

Activism

The organization is involved in various educational, social, and religious activities. It runs schools, colleges, and madrasas (Islamic seminaries), and it's active in publishing literature related to Islamic teachings. It also engages in missionary activities to spread its interpretation of Islam. Here are some of the activities commonly associated with Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind:

1. Religious Education: The organization is actively involved in providing religious education based on the Ahle Hadith perspective. It runs schools, colleges, and madrasas (Islamic seminaries) where students are taught subjects such as Quranic studies, Hadith studies, Islamic jurisprudence, and theology.
2. Seminars and Conferences: Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind organizes religious seminars, conferences, and conventions to educate Muslims about their faith and address contemporary issues facing the Muslim community. These events often feature lectures, discussions, and presentations by scholars and experts in Islamic studies.
3. Publication of Literature: The organization publishes books, pamphlets, and other educational materials on various topics related to Islam, including theology, jurisprudence, Islamic history, and contemporary issues. These publications are distributed among members of the organization and the wider Muslim community.
4. Religious Gatherings (Ijtimas):Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind holds religious gatherings (ijtimas) where members come together for collective prayers, religious lectures, and spiritual upliftment. These gatherings provide an opportunity for members to strengthen their faith and bond with fellow believers.
5. Missionary Work: The organization is involved in missionary activities aimed at spreading its interpretation of Islam among Muslims and non-Muslims alike. This includes outreach programs, Dawah (invitation to Islam) efforts, and distribution of Islamic literature.
6. Social Welfare Initiatives: Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind participates in various social welfare initiatives aimed at serving the needs of the community. This may include providing assistance to the needy, offering humanitarian aid during disasters, and supporting educational and healthcare projects in underserved areas.
7. Interfaith Dialogue: The organization may engage in interfaith dialogue initiatives to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between different religious communities. This involves participating in discussions, seminars, and events aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
8. Advocacy and Political Engagement: Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind may advocate for the rights and interests of Muslims in India through political engagement and lobbying efforts. This may include addressing issues such as religious freedom, minority rights, and discrimination against Muslims.