Ikhtilaf is when two or more Muslim parties disagree on certain matters. Disagreements happen all the time and to disagree does not mean we have to be enemies. Showing Adab (good conduct/etiquette) in a disagreement also does not mean we support or agree on a wrong position. There is a way to disagree and uphold the truth when it involves other Muslims.
One of the purposes of this website is to clarify the separation of Tablighi Jamaat from Maulana Saad’s version (aka the Nizamuddin Faction). We have provided clarifications, proofs, fatwas, authentic letters and audio testimonies from Ulemas and Senior elders, including a well-written history of Tabligh, explaining why Maulana Saad is at the centre of the current issue and why we should stick to the pre-existing Shura and the original Tabligh.
Having differences does not mean we have to be enemies. This is a simple common sense.
This article provides a simple guideline on the Adab of Ikhtilaaf with the followers of Maulana Saad
#1 Make Du’a for them.
We should make Du’a that Allah SWT gives Hidaya and opens the followers of Maulana Saad to the truth. Most of them are InshaAllah sincere in their Da’wah.
This work of Da’wa itself is very difficult. One has to sacrifice, put up with people and have a lot of Sabr. We should therefore sympathise with them for putting all their energy towards something false. How will we be answerable to Allah SWT? This should make us shed our tears in our Du’a.
“Oh Allah, please remove this Fitna! Please guide so-and-so brother to the truth!”
We all do this Work of Da’wa for our own Islah. As much as want Hidaya for ourselves, we should desire it for others as well.
لاَ يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى يُحِبَّ لأَخِيهِ مَا يُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ
Anas RA narrated that the Prophet SAW said: “None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Tirmidhi:2515)
#2 Treat them as our Muslim Brothers
We should treat Maulana Saad’s followers as our Muslim brothers and give them all the rights of a Muslim. This includes giving Salam, helping them when in need, attending funeral prayers, etc.
We should not have any negative emotions towards them. Yes, we are concerned that they are slowly destroying the work of Da’wa through confusion and disunity. However, we have to understand that it was never their intention to do so!
حَقُّ الْمُسْلِمِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ خَمْسٌ رَدُّ السَّلاَمِ، وَعِيَادَةُ الْمَرِيضِ، وَاتِّبَاعُ الْجَنَائِزِ، وَإِجَابَةُ الدَّعْوَةِ، وَتَشْمِيتُ الْعَاطِسِ
Narrated by Abu Huraira RA: The Messenger of Allah SAW said, “The rights of a Muslim on the Muslims are five: to respond to the salaam, visit the sick, to follow the funeral processions, to accept an invitation, and to reply to those who sneeze. (Bukhari:1240)
#3 Do not flame the differences
Most Tablighi Jamaat brothers are soft and have excellent Akhlak (conduct). However, society does not see the majority but only highlights the few. When it comes to the Ikhtilaf, it is unfortunate that a few brothers act with extreme rudeness and even violence. They have anger issues.
In order to avoid anger, we should:
- Understand why Maulana Saad is wrong according to the Ulema and Elders.
- Understand that the followers of Maulana Saad are just misinformed.
Above all, never flame others.
لَيْسَ الشَّدِيدُ بِالصُّرَعَةِ، إِنَّمَا الشَّدِيدُ الَّذِي يَمْلِكُ نَفْسَهُ عِنْدَ الْغَضَبِ
Narrated by Abu Huraira RA, the Messenger of Allah SAW said, “The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.” (Bukhari:6114)
Question: If they are following Baatil, should we not reprimand them?
Due to various Fatwas on their leader, it is clear that the followers of Maulana Saad are in the wrong position. Should we tell them off? The answer to this question falls under the general category of how to perform Nahi Munkar (forbidding the evil). There are many Fatwas and writings on this topic and our Sharia is very clear on this:
- When should one be vague to avoid disputes versus correcting incorrect Islamic beliefs?
- Should I say something?
In general, we should only perform Nahi Munkar within the boundaries of our authority. If we do not have the authority, the best approach is to win their hearts through Ikraam and Akhlak. This is the method of Tablighi Jamaat. Where the work is concerned, separation should still be maintained as this is where we see the wrong being propagated.
Insulting them by calling them out as wrong will only exaggerate the situation and push them towards the wrong.
#4 Stand together on matters related to the Ummah
Despite our differences, we should be ready to stand united in any efforts related to the Muslim Ummah as a whole. For example, supporting the plight of the oppressed or standing against oppression. Never doubt we are all Muslim brothers.
مثل المؤمنين في توادهم وتراحمهم وتعاطفهم، مثل الجسد إذا اشتكى منه عضو تداعى له سائر الجسد بالسهر والحمى
Numan bin Bashir RS reported, that the Messenger of Allah SAW said, “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever” (Riyadus-Saliheen:224)
#5 Be ready to call out our own brothers if they make a mistake
One of the dangers of fanatic affiliation to a group is that one will “defend” their own group member even if he sees their group member doing something wrong. Allah SWT himself has mentioned in the Quran:
۞ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُونُوا۟ قَوَّٰمِينَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ شُهَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ ٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ وَٱلْأَقْرَبِينَ ۚ إِن يَكُنْ غَنِيًّا أَوْ فَقِيرًۭا فَٱللَّهُ أَوْلَىٰ بِهِمَا ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ ٱلْهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعْدِلُوا۟ ۚ وَإِن تَلْوُۥٓا۟ أَوْ تُعْرِضُوا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرًۭا
“O you who believe, be upholders of justice – witnesses for Allah, even though against (the interest of) your selves or the parents, and the kinsmen. One may be rich or poor, Allah is better caretaker of both. So do not follow desires, lest you should swerve. If you twist or avoid (the evidence), then, Allah is all-aware of what you do.“
Souce: Quran 4:135
If we see our own team member doing something wrong and the other team doing something right, we should be ready to call out the wrong, while still maintaining the differences. We should also be ready to defend the oppressed no matter which group they are in.
#6 Do not be happy when they are weak or boastful when we are strong
We should avoid rivalry especially comparing numbers with them. This effort of Da’wa has never been about numbers. We should attribute all good and bad conditions to Allah SWT. We should never be boastful when we are strong, joyous when they are weak or if something bad happens to them.
لاَ تُظْهِرِ الشَّمَاتَةَ لأَخِيكَ فَيَرْحَمُهُ اللَّهُ وَيَبْتَلِيكَ
Wathilah bin Al-Asqa’ narrated that the Messenger of Allah SAW said, “Do not rejoice over the mishaps of your brother so that Allah has mercy on him and subjects you to trials.” (Tirmidhi:2506)
Vice versa, we should make Sabr when we are weak or not get affected when they are strong.
#7 Have good thoughts and never judge them as a whole.
We should never judge Maulana Saad’s followers as a whole. As much as possible, it is their leader who is at the centre of this. We should adopt “Husni Dzan” (good thoughts) on the followers of Maulana Saad. In reality:
- Most of them do not have access to the truth due to the circumstances they are in.
- Most of them are just following their local Markaz and not following every wrong ideology of Maulana Saad.
- Most of them are sincere and just want to do Da’wah.
We should be clear on who the main problem is, and never on the masses as a whole.
لاَ تُظْهِرِ الشَّمَاتَةَ لأَخِيكَ فَيَرْحَمُهُ اللَّهُ وَيَبْتَلِيكَ
Abu Hurairah RA narrated that the Messenger of Allah SAW said: “Beware of Zann (suspicion), for indeed Zann is the falsest of speech.”
Source: Tirmidhi:2506
#8 Do not clash with their activities
With Mashwara, we should avoid any potential conflict or clashes with their activities. For example, if they have occupied a Masjid for Jamaat or Gasht, we may consider another Masjid or conduct our activities at a different time instead.
إِنَّ السَّعِيدَ لَمَنْ جُنِّبَ الْفِتَنَ إِنَّ السَّعِيدَ لَمَنْ جُنِّبَ الْفِتَنَ إِنَّ السَّعِيدَ لَمَنْ جُنِّبَ الْفِتَنَ وَلَمَنِ ابْتُلِيَ فَصَبَرَ فَوَاهًا
Narrated Al-Miqdad ibn al-Aswad I swear by Allah, I heard the Messenger of Allah SAW say: The happy man is he who avoids dissensions: happy is the man who avoids dissensions; happy is the man who avoids dissensions: but how fine is the man who is afflicted and shows endurance.
Source: Abu Dawood:4263
#9 To avoid confrontation, peacefully separate our activities from them
The difference in the two groups of Tablighi Jamaat is at a fundamental level. How is it possible to work together when groups are taking instruction from different administrations? Conflicts are bound to arise.
To avoid such conflicts, we should peacefully separate our activities from them. This includes attending their programs, bringing them for Joula/Gasht, etc.
Reference: The Shura’s stance on navigating differences
Separation does not mean we are enemies. We should never sabotage nor directly confront them. As mentioned before, they are our Muslim brothers who are Insha Allah sincere in their Da’wa.
#10 Only talk about the Ikhtilaf with Hikmah or when asked
Unless we have direct authority or ‘Taaluq’ (strong influence) over a person, it is advised that we do not talk or discuss the Ikhtilaf unless a person asks about it.
It is best to just concentrate on the work of Da’wa.
خِيَارُكُمْ أَحَاسِنُكُمْ أَخْلاَقًا . وَلَمْ يَكُنِ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَاحِشًا وَلاَ مُتَفَحِّشًا
Abdullah bin Amr RA said, The Messenger of Allah SAW said:
“The best of you are those best in conduct. And the Prophet was not obscene, nor one who uttered obscenities.”
Souce: Tirmidhi:1975
#11 Seek to warn and not to backbite
If we have to criticize an individual amongst them, it must be within the boundaries of “Warning”, and not “Backbiting”. One of the prerequisites of “Warning” is that the level of harm done by that individual must be widely spread (See our article: “Backbiting vs Warning“) and that person is someone who people take their Deen from.
أَلاَ لاَ يَمْنَعَنَّ رَجُلاً هَيْبَةُ النَّاسِ أَنْ يَقُولَ بِحَقٍّ إِذَا عَلِمَهُ ” . قَالَ فَبَكَى أَبُو سَعِيدٍ وَقَالَ قَدْ وَاللَّهِ رَأَيْنَا أَشْيَاءَ فَهِبْنَا
It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri RA that the Messenger of Allah SAW stood up to deliver a sermon and one of the things he said was: “Indeed, fear of people should not prevent a man from speaking the truth if he knows it.” Then Abu Sa’eed wept and said: “By Allah, we have seen things that made us scared (and we did not speak up).”
Souce: Ibn Majah:4007
Final note
While staying united is a commendable act in Islam, not all unity is good. Today, we live in a time where un-Islamic ideologies are being spread under the guise of “Tolerance/Unity“.
It has been reported by Ibn Mas’ood(RA) that the Holy Prophet(SAW) said: “The decline and fall of Bani Israel started when the pious among them saw certain sins being committed by the transgressors, they forbade them from doing the same; but when the sinners did not repent, the pious because of their relationship and friendship continued to mix with them. So, when this state of affairs began to prevail, Allah caused their hearts to be accursed in the same manner.”
Source: Timidhi and Abu Dawood
As for the followers of Maulana Saad, we are united as Muslim brothers, but there is no requirement to be together in the effort. As mentioned before, how is it possible to work together when the groups are taking instructions from two separate administrations? Having differences does not mean we are enemies.
Allah SWT knows best.
After getting know and verifying all the facts I started spending my time in Jamath with Shura brothers . Unfortunately most of the brothers do not follow the Aadab of Ikhthilaf , even the site owners do not seem to follow the guidelines,(For example using terms like “henchmen”) .
Some Shura brothers are not following the guidelines set by nehej of Akabir e Thalatha , our esteemed Aakbir Moulana Ibrahim Sb and elders. Using derogatory terms as “Saadiyani” and engaging in futile talk about many theories apart from what is well documented in from Fatwas in Darul Uloom and first hand information that is available from elders ,We are not supposed to cross the line and do something of our own without any Mashura .
Today when they just walk away and even refuse to talk this is due
to the rigid approach ,using derogatory terms to belittle our own brothers who were once with us , who have spent time in Jamath with us, who were with us in one mashura who due to some reason or lack of understanding of the scheme of things are on the other side .
Maulana Ahmed Laat Sb in one of his speeches which is there in the public domain mentioned that we should respect everyone regardless of the Ikhtilaf . Maulana Ibrahim Sb mentioned “Ikhtilaf ke dauran , Akhlaq ko math bigado”.
May Allah guide me all our brothers to the right path and way that we have been shown to us by esteemed Jamhoor Ulema of the Ahle Sunnah wal Jamath.
When it comes to Tabligh we follow the usool set by our elders even in handling Ikhtilaf
Jazakallah
We did a quick check and could not find those terms used. Can you point out where such language is used? This website is written by many people and sometimes things do slip due to our weakness as human beings.
We are very sorry about this.
The whole point is that we can disagree respectfully and not be enemies.
Please continue doing the work despite the brothers behaving differently.
One of the hardest difficulties of this effort is to put up with insensitive brothers. That’s why the reward for Istiqamah in Tabligh is great.
Asslamualikum ,
Please check this page https://tablighi-jamaat.com/en/maulana-shamim-nizamuddin/
Please have your content moderated and reviewed before posting . This website is atleast the only source I rely on to get an understanding of the core issue of the split. Other sources in youtube use a very strong language and cross the redline. Our reference to issues of Fiqh is Darul Uloom the facts should be presented as is. I have met many shura brothers who are not an expert in this subject go to extremes and ultimately call the other group in entirety as “Gumrah” and Allah forbid even go to lengths to compare this Ikthilaf to Siffin which the esteemed Scholars of Ahle Sunnah wal Jamath have always told us to abstain from discussing.If I am wrong please sit with Jamath’s coming from India . Our reference is our Akabir of Tableegh and our esteemed Ulema of Darul Uloom who have set a very high standard.
Jazakallah
Waalaykumsalam, yes, found it. ‘Henchmen’ is an inappropriate word, I agree with that. I have changed it accordingly.
We are in the process of translating this website into Bangla and Malay. Some review work is being done, Alhamdulillah.
Barakallah Fiik
You raised an important point here. This is one of the reasons why we need to understand the Ikhtilaf. Not just to clarify the brothers from the Nizamuddin side, but also the Shura brother who can become extreme in their accusations like how you have described.
It is important to understand that the main issue is centred around Maulana Saad, not his followers. A lot of them are just misinformed.
Even then, still, there is nothing wrong with disagreeing, we can still respect each other as Muslim brothers, and not be enemies.
May Allah SWT keep us steadfast and make us the means to save this effort of Da’wa
Ameen
Assalamualikum Warahmathullahi Wabarkathuhu
On the “non-confrontational” approach I would like to know if this has be endorsed by elders. Does this mean Jamats from the other group will not be allowed where Shura Tarteeb is followed ? Does it mean that if in a locality or town Majority are from the other group , One cannot participate in any other activities of Tableegh? Sorry to say that this has been the major issue after the Split in 2016 and exists till date. There is has been no statement from the Esteemed elders that we just walk away or do not allow Jamaths from the other group. The other group also seems to be following the same approach. Still Fazil – e – Aamal , Sadaqat and Gasht are common there should not be any issue with this.
If we keep fighting where is this all going to end , brothers who follow the Shura Tarteeb should lead by an example rather if you see in many Masjids across India at least still no Jamaths from the other group are allowed in a Shura Majority . Why ? Do we have a concrete statement from Elders (Shiekh Ibrahim Sb , Janab Farooq Sb or anyone else) no .
Waalaykumsalam Brother,
Hope you are well. An exception cannot be made the rule. Exceptions do occur based on local Mashwara. There are few countries and rural towns who still work together (as how you have suggested). We suggest you speak to your local elders and hear what they say. Be prepared to accept their advise.
The general advise from our elders is that we should work separately when it comes to Tabligh. The elders have issued letters regarding this. See Maulana Ibrahim’s letter, and the joint elders letter. They have given the reason why they have separated from Nizamuddin.
You are coming from the angle that ‘we should work together’ since it will be beneficial for Tabligh as a whole. The elders don’t think it that way. From the letters, they mentioned that it will cause more harm to Tabligh.
The thing to emphasize here is that differences will always exist. We Muslims disagree on many things, even the most basic things like when Ramadhan starts. Differences don’t make us enemies, we are muslim brothers at the end of the day. We will stand together when we need to unite in other matters.
Assalamualikum,
Brother I am not saying “we should work together”. There are statements from the other group cannot be accepted in anyway. Coming to the core question “Is there a statement from esteemed elders that we just walk away or do not allow Jamaths from the other group?” You will not find any statement in any of the Speech’s. Is there a statement that we should disagree and fight no? Is there a statement that we call the other group by derogatory terms no? Brother I have spent time with Shura brothers for a while now , the spare time apart from Taleem and Gasht are spent in discussion on this futile talk which will not yield anything. I have attended a few Ijthema’s with elders and sorry to say that most what the elder’s say is not followed . In a recent Ijthema it was mentioned in case there is any disagreements talk in a good manner and invite for food .
“We Muslims disagree on many things, even the most basic things like when Ramadhan starts”. – This comparison is not correct. In places where there is adherence to a Madhab , there is almost 90% Compliance.
Also let me ask this if a Jamath comes from other group there are not just Sr’s in the group there are also students and young people what impression will this have as you mention “non-confrontational” approach is followed and we just walk away? Just because of this Ikthilaf we are diverting ourselves from the core purpose and the Maqsad of Tableegh.
Please do not reply on your own – back up with references from elders all the time
Jazakallah
Also coming to the ground realities , the Ikthilaf in Tableegh has run deep into families and relationship’s. There are situations where in one family one is in Shura and the other is in the other group. I guess you are not aware of the ground realities in Countries like India and Bangladesh where there is deep connection with Tableegh. End of the atleast I have come to a conclusion that in matters of Fiqh I follow Darululoom Deoband , In matters of Tableegh follow our Esteemed elders of the Shura who are in the First Level , in matters of handling Ikhthilaf also refer to our Elders.
Apologies for our misunderstanding. We understand where you are coming from now.
There is a recent letter sent on March 2022 which clarifies the Shura’s stance on sending and receiving Jamaats from other groups. Link to the letter: https://tablighi-jamaat.com/en/the-shuras-stance-sending-and-receiving-jamaats/. All Shura members signed it.
I am neither from Shura nor Saad. From my understanding there are two types of Ikhtilaf, ikhtilaf usuli (اختلاف أصولي) and ikhtilaf furu’i (اختلاف فروعي).
Isn’t this matter an Ikhtilaf Furu’i? The Saad group is not making another sect in Islam. They still go to the Masjid, follow Madhab, and in major parts have the correct Aqeeda, etc. Why expose Maulana Saad’s errors then?
It is very unfortunate to say that the Ikhtilaf between the Ulema and Maulana Saad has reached Usuli matters. See Maulana Saad’s Ideologies here. He has insulted the prophets, the Sahaba and have made serious Aqeeda mistakes. We have listed 50+ fatwas on Maulana Saad from various Instituitions as of 2025. These Darul Iftas know best.
From a Sharia point of view, anyone who claims to take a person as their leader in Deen, let alone makes Bay’ah with him, is considered to have adopted all his ‘Usuli’ level views.
However, at a personal level, we can reserve some doubt to the average Saad follower. Many are just following their local Markaz, or has been misinformed about him. We know some have even downplayed his controversial statements. This means some of them do not take it at a literal sense.
This is why it is important to expose the mistakes of Maulana Saad so that people do not follow his Ideologies blindly. This article touches the Adab of how to do so.
How can you claim this Ikhtilaf is Usuli? There are so many great scholars that support Maulana Saad. For example Mufti Nawalur Rahman (USA) and Maulana Fazlur Rahman Azmi (South Africa).
I am not trying to defend Maulana Saad, I am just trying to point out that these differences are only secondary matters of Deen (Furu’i matters).
I do not support the Ghuloo of Maulana Saad but that is his Ijtihad and according to Hadith in Bukhari Shareef he is rewarded for his opinion, even if he is wrong. Mufti Nawal and Maulana Fazlur Rahman has given approval on him. They are qualified scholars to make Ijtihad.
“When a judge (or Ulama) gives a judgment (or opinion) and strives to reach what is correct (makes ijtihad) and is right, he will have two rewards; and when he gives a judgment and strives to reach what is correct (makes ijtihad) but makes a mistake, he will have one reward.”
إذا حكم الحاكم فاجتهد ثم أصاب فله أجران، وإذا حكم فاجتهد ثم أخطأ فله أجر
Sahih al-Bukhari: Book 93, Hadith 2
Sahih Muslim: Book 30, Hadith 4261
I know you will answer that Maulana Saad’s opinion is wrong or deviated from Ahlus Sunnah, I agree with you on that. However, isn’t he still a Muslim? isn’t he just giving his best opinion as an Ulama?
OR Are you saying he is ‘out of Islam’ or ‘an innovator’? Nauzubillah!
Deoband has not said anything about him being ‘out of Islam’ or ‘an innovator’.
Since Ml Saad is not out of Islam or a ‘bidati’ or such (according to Deoband), therefore this Ikhtilaf is just a Furu’i ikhtilaf.
Please answer this. I eagerly await your reply.
Dear my respected brother. May Allah swt bless you and your family in the way toward Jannah. First of ALL, maulana saad is not a person who have authority to make ijtihad from Quran or Hadith. As confirmed by the mudir of the place where he study, he did not complete the study. I am sorry brother, but you are wrong about Maulana Saad making Ijtihad in this matter. There are few criterias which are required for someone to make an Ijtihad. The Hadith ““When a judge (or Ulama) gives a judgment (or opinion) and strives to reach what is correct (makes ijtihad) and is right, he will have two rewards; and when he gives a judgment and strives to reach what is correct (makes ijtihad) but makes a mistake, he will have one reward.”, first of All, that person must be a Mujtahid Fil mazhab or complete Mujtahid (4 Imams) ,
Mujtahid is defined as a Muslim scholar who has met certain requirements including a strong knowledge of the Quran, Sunnah, and Arabic, as well as a deep understanding of legal theory and the precedent; all of which allows them to be considered fully qualified to make an Ijtihad.
Those who are unable to, are consider as a Muqallid. They are required to follow what the Mujtahid have in the understanding of the Quran and Hadith. In this matter, based on Maulana Saad criteria’s he is consider a muqallid. He doesn’t have any authority or capability to make any Ijtihad.
On top of that, whatever Maulana Saad have said cannot be consider an Ijtihad as they are PERSONAL OPINIONS and can be seen due to a lack of understanding.
Based on what I see, you have not read yet any of Deoband fatwa and what are these all about. The Fatwas explain what caused the Ulema of Deoband and others around the world to give a fatwa against him. The Ulema have criticized the statement of Maulana Saad that insulted the Sahaba and Ulema Kiraam (please read the Deoband 2023 fatwa on this matter)
We need to understand that criticizing the prophets and Sahaba are considered the Usool of deen within Ahlu sunnah wal jamaah. This is because it is related to the Iman and belief of a Muslim towards Allah and his prophets. That is why the fatwas clearly states “…against ahlu sunnah wal jamaah”.
No Ulema have declared Maulana Saad as “out of islam” .
These Fatwas focus on criticizing the WRONG and dangerous statements of Maulana Saad. They are not criticizing hims as an individual, his personal matters or his family.
I’m sure you will understood if you read the various fatwas of on this including the Deoband 2023 fatwa.
Brother once again please read the FATWAS clearly.
Jazakallah Khair
I agree with you Maulana Saad is not qualified to make Ijtihad. However, in his defense, he did not make an Ijtihad, he was just giving a Bayan.
However, Mufti Nawaal, Maulana Fazlur Rahman and Mufti Rizwe (Grand Mufti of Sri Lanka), they are all qualified to make Ijtihad. They are all his supporters and according to their Ijtihad it is permissible to follow Maulana Saad.
I have read Deoband’s Fatwa. They did not say Maulana Saad as an ‘Ahlul Bid’ah’.
However, since these great Muftis like Mufti Rizwe has supported Maulana Saad, we can safely conclude that this Ikhtilaf is a Furu’i ikhtilaf (minor difference of opinion).
From reading your comments, we find 4 misconceptions in them:
Misconception #1: Since Saad followers are good people, therefore, this Ikhtilaf is a minor Ikhtilaf
This is the most common misconception amongst people. They think that since many Saad followers are good people (go Khurooj, go to the Masjid, Follow Madhab, etc), or they happen to know a very pious old man who follows Saad, therefore, this Ikhtilaf is a minor (furu’i) Ikhtilaf. We have replied that this Ikhtilaf is NOT with Saad followers, but between the Ulema and Saad himself. It has reached matters of Usuli. There are Aqeeda mistakes. Prophets and Sahabas have been insulted. We have collected 50+ Fatwas against Maulana Saad. Most of them has deemed him as misguided and his mistakes being ‘Out of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah’. When someone is out of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah, he is at minimum an Innovator (‘Ahlul Bid’ah). Please read Deoband’s Fatwa youself (Deoband 2023 Fatwa).
Misconception #2: If any Ulema makes a (minority) opinion, it is enough to classify the matter as a minor Ikhtilaf
This is one of the biggest Fitna today. A famous speaker with lots of followers can give any crazy opinion and people will accept it willingly. How many times have celebrity Sheikhs misused this weaknness of the Ummah? As brother SyeikhChaiwala has explained in an earlier comment, there are qualifications needed before someone can issue a Fatwa or make an Ijtihad. The Hadith from Bukhari that you quoted clearly says that it is after the Haakim/Mufti strives to make a judgement. The Ulema has explained that this is after ‘serious and sincere research’. Maulana Saad is not only unqualified, he has failed to conduct proper reasearch on his Ideology. He is known to use ‘Munkar’ hadith and his intellect to establish his ideologies as mentioned in Deoband 2023 Fatwa.
With regards to Mufti Nawaal, Maulana Fazlur Rahman and Mufti Rizwe, yes, they are qualified to give Fatwas. However, they have only mentioned about his Ameership verbally. They have not written any lengthy Fatwas defending Maulana Saad’s Ideologies.
Misconception #3: Since a handful of Ulema (Mufti Nawal, Maulana Fazlur Rahman and Mufti Rizwe) supports him, therefore this is a minor Ikhtilaf
Mufti Nawal, Maulana Fazlur Rahman and Mufti Rizwe have not said anything to counter Deoband’s Fatwa. They’re approval is more tacit/silent in nature. They’re verbal speeches only speak about his Ameership.
However, let’s say they did write a Fatwa to defend Saad. Is it correct to say, that an opinion only needs the support of a handful of Ulema to make the opinion valid? Let’s give a scenario: What if today a large music company pays 5 famous muftis, a million dollar each to issue a fatwa saying that Modern Music is halal? Would that opinion be accepted? Would that make Music a ‘difference of Opinion’? Would that make Music Halal? Definitely not! The majority opinion holds and it will be the duty of the Ulema of Haqq to warn the masses against this Fitna. This is why the Ulema are exposing Maulana Saad. His ideologies are dangerous. As workers of Tabligh we should at least dissassociate ourselves from him.
Misconception #4: Since Deoband did not label Maulana Saad as ‘Ahlul Bid’ah’, therefore this is a minor Ikhtilaf
In their 2016 Fatwa, Deoband mentioned “Maulana Muhammad Saad, due to his lack of knowledge, is deviating from the path of the majority of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama‘ah in his thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations of the Qur’an and Hadith. This is undoubtedly a path of misguidance“. There is a clear word ‘deviated from Ahlus Sunnah’ and ‘misguded’ being used here. When someone is ‘out of Ahlus Sunnah’ the minimum is that his actions are of the ‘Ahlul Bid’ah’.
Please also have a read Deoband’s last 2023 fatwa which summarizes their last stance on Maulana Saad. Deoband has clearly mentioned in their summary on page 17 “The majority of his statements were a result of his personal interpretation of Sharia texts and inaccurate interpretations of the Qur’an, Hadith and the lives of the Sahaba. It is not permissible to propagate them by any means“. This statement is a clear indication of his ‘Usuli level’ misguidance. If you read this Fatwa, you can see Deoband is exercising a lot of hikmah by not mentioning his name yet alone labelling him. Their focus is on his mistakes and they use strong words against it. This is the Adab of prestigious instituitions; unlike online discourses (example Salafi Youtubers) where name calling and labelling is often hurled.
Other Fatwas have mentioned his mistakes being ‘Out of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah’. At minimum, this makes him an ‘Ahlul Bida’ah’.
In sum, this is not a minor Ikhtilaf. This is why Adab is important in this Ikhtilaf. Distinction should be made between Saad and his average followers.
Allah SWT knows best.
My dear respected brother. May Allah swt give you the understanding in Deen and it’s requirements. Yes, Maulana Saad did not make any Fatwa Ijtihad. However, by giving a bayan (public talk) infront of a large public, his false statement are alsomade public. Since these mistakes are done publicly it is the Ulema’s duty to correct it also in the way of public statement (Fatwa). He is making dangerous statement which are shocking the Ulema Kiram including Ulema outside of Tabligh.
For many years almost no Ulema have criticized Jamaat Tabligh as we only stick our talks within the 6 points. We do not touch anything related to
– Tafsir of sirah & sahabah
– The science of fiqh
– Difference in Madhab and so on
Thats why this effort of Da’wah has been protected and supported by the Ulema even from those who do not involve themself directly with the Jamaat.
However, many wrong statements has been made repeatedly again and again for so many years in the Bayans of Maulana Saad Saheb since 2001. His errors include:
– Tafsir bir raqyi of quran dan sirat
– Fiqhs againts 4 mazhab
– Critisized of the role of ulama
– Ghuluw in giving opinion related to this effort of deen.
– Questioning the power of Allah swt in giving hidayat.
– Criticizing the Sahaba
– Downgraded the status of prophet etc Musa AS.
These matters relates to the Usul in Deen and are thus very dangerous statements (Please read the Fatwas on this)
If you are say that many Ulema are supporting Maulana Saad Sab there are few things you need to clarify here.
1- Which part of Maulana Saad sab that he/they had agreed with and supporting?
2- Are they supporting all the statements which was against the science of tauhid of ahlu sunnah wal jamaah? if yes then there is no compromise in this matter and should be strictly seem as absolute wrong even he or they are a Mufti
Yes, There is no statement of Deoband fatwa that mentioned Maulana Saad as “Ahlul Bid’ah”. Do you know why? because the Deoband are focusing on his wrong statements and not him as a person. That is the beauty and hikmah of our Ulema in making fatwa and quick to label or attack him as a person.
I believe you should know those who critisize Allah, Rasul, Prophets and Sahabah are the characters of Ahlul Bidaah. How is it that we can say this matter are involving Furu’ only?
Because of this now, the Ulema are critising the bayan of tablighs. This has never happened before in history. We and the Ulema are afraid that if this continues to happen, this effort will be seen as a cult and will face obstacles from the Ulema. Ulema and muslim institution will soon go against this effort.
If this matter of Ikhtilaf is only related to the changes of tarteeb ONLY, YES, we can agreed these matters are ONLY involving furuq (minor) matters. The new Tarteeb made by those who followed M Saad are still considered within the syariah (without considering the future impact and collateral from this new tarteeb).
But when the matters are involving the wrong and incorrect ideology, then the matter of Usul are taking place in Deen. Now it relates to a person’s Iman & Aqidatul Awwam who are talking about it (false,wrong statetement,ideology). These involve matters of Iman and kuffur. His followers unfortunately take it as a “malfuzat” and an accepted ideology. That is why it triggered the Ulema against him. They want to save the Ummah and public from following his wrong ideologies. Fatwas need too be issued so that the public do not follow his misguidance.
Thank you for the explanation Chaiwala bhai. It is very clear and I like the Sabr in your answer. I asked question to Saad people but they always don’t like questions.
As mentioned, I am not from Saad nor Shura. I just like Tabligh Jamaat and very sad this happening.
Do you know about Mufti Taqi Usmani saying this is just Ikhtilaf like Shafi Hanafi?
Dear my respected brother, it is Allah which gave us understanding and prevent us from any misguide, thus we must always pray to Allah swt for his guidance. Yes, you are right on the mufti taqi statements, regarding the mufti Taqi response on this : Mufti Taqi’s validation is on the methodology of Maulana Saad’s Tabligh Method. His reference to Hanafi Shafii differences clearly refers to the non major issues such as Muntakhab Ahadith, DTI, 5 Amaals, etc. (as per i mentioned above which relates to only ikhtilaf of furuuq (new methods /tarteeb of maulana saad follower) It does not at all vindicate Maulana Saad from his errors which are the major issues that the Darul Ulooms wrote against, including Mufti Taqi himself while writing against him mentions in his article that “there is fear that Tabligh jamaat may become another sect altogether due to these exaggerations“. This is referring solely to Maulana Saad’s speeches.
(You can read more and listen to the Audio recording here)
Please read this, the answer is here:
https://tablighi-jamaat.com/en/darul-ifta-jamia-rahmania-arabia-dhaka-on-maulana-saad/