An audio statement was recently shared online. It appears to be a conversation between Maulana Saad, Mufti Taqi Usmani and Mufti Rizvi (a well-known Mufti and Maulana Saad supporter from Sri Lanka). The conversation reportedly took place in Madina Munawwarah during Umrah. Here’s the audio:
Some claim from this audio that Maulana Saad has been proven right and is on Haq (based on Mufti Taqi’s comparing the disagreement to Hanafi and Shafii differences).
Full Audio Translation
Mufti Taqi:
The Prophet Muhammad SAW, all these restrictions, laws, and veils are being done with knowledge of work and its effects. By Allah’s grace and mercy, they are completely clear and visible. With Allah’s mercy, there is devotion. The point is that they are being done with correct knowledge. There are some mistakes that need to be fixed, and we will fix them with an open heart. This sincere work becomes great for Allah. If someone points out something, consider them your helper, not your opponent. Understand that this is religion.
We say all over the world, Alhamdulillah, that Allah has taken this work from us. Allah has not taken it from any other group. It’s a big task. I often say that the fire in the chest of His Holiness (Prophet Muhammad SAW), peace be upon him, which has spread, was not for fame or recognition. It wasn’t for position or status. It was purely for Allah alone. As long as that passion remains, Insha’Allah, the community will continue to grow. But if there’s a decrease in sincerity or corruption in the organization, damage will occur. I say this everywhere now.
There are now two types in the community. There are two issues. Accept this fact. I say this to them and to you attendees as well. There are two issues. Some people want to use this issue and are spreading it. But don’t stop the work. Don’t consider one side as completely right and the other as completely wrong. Stay away from fighting and arguing. Stay away from conflicts. Why are fights happening in England? Fights are happening in mosques. How will the light (of Hidaya) come? How will blessings come? End the fighting. If someone is doing it one way, let them do it that way. If someone is doing it another way, let them do it that way. They are doing it for Allah.
Now, avoid two things: suspicion and bad language. I warn both sides about this. Avoid suspicion and bad language. If something needs correction, sit down and talk about it. Keep working, then Insha’Allah, with Allah’s mercy, this fire in the chest of Hazrat Maulana Ilyas Kandhlawi will not go out. If it goes out, it will be because of our actions. May Allah protect us. Alhamdulillah, it is Hazrat’s sincerity that you understand. Our statements are working because of the blessings of Hazrat’s sincerity. It’s not happening because of any one person. It’s happening because of Hazrat’s sincerity. So maintain it and understand that the work is being done for Allah.
If someone insults you, don’t insult them back. The Prophet was once insulted when someone said to him, “O you, upon your neck…” [an Arabic phrase]. Today, if someone insults a scholar or preacher by saying, “You are foolish, you are a liar,” he will reply, “You are a liar, your father is a liar.” This is wrong. How did the Prophet answer? He answered softly, “O my people, my father was not a magician…” [Arabic phrase]. If we follow this approach, Insha’Allah, doors will open, and this division will end. Allah will bless it, Insha’Allah. Understand that two schools of thought have emerged. Like Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali – four have emerged, right? Two schools of thought have emerged, understand?
Speaker (Unknown):
Understood.
Mufti Taqi:
Two schools of thought have emerged. When someone asks me, consider both as your schools of thought. If you are connected to one school, stick to it. If you are Hanafi, stay Hanafi.
Speaker (Unknown):
If you are Shafi’i, then be Shafi’i. This matter has been settled. Before this, in the assembly you had said, Masha’Allah, it is said in the instructions, in the Fajr statements as well, there is no statement of religion like this, there is much adherence to this. We send off groups saying that even if someone throws your bedding from the mosque, you should go to another mosque. You don’t need to enter the same mosque to work. Work with love and Allah will open ways. Allah will take the work. These are the daily instructions Hazrat gives, especially to the scholars.
Speaker (Unknown):
It’s strange, I remembered a story. We were in Bangladesh some years ago. There was a fight there at that time. We had to leave the field and go to the (Kakrail) Markaz. There, I was called. They still wanted Maulana Saad to give the speech at the gathering. They called me twice. I said it was not possible. Instead we politely asked Maulvi Ibrahim Sahib to go and give a speech instead. In that situation, I said what’s the worry at this time? We told Maulvi Ibrahim Sahib twice to go and give the speech, let the Ijtema happen, a gathering has come. Don’t record this statement of mine, stop the recording.
Our Analysis
- First, we want to highlight the final remark which needs to be emphasized. It is a lie. There was no reconciliation with Maulana Ibrahim. What’s telling is that he then asked to stop the recording from that point (clearly knowing that what would follow would be untrue).
- In the early part of the speech, Mufti Taqi clearly admits that mistakes are being made (See highlighted portion).
- Mufti Taqi’s view on this matter matches our assessment. We have never claimed that the followers of Maulana Saad are deviants. We have always said that those who have Ikhlas, do have Ikhlas. They are just misinformed or trapped in their circumstances (See Adaab of Ikhtilaf). The issue as shown by various Fatwas and elders’ statements is only about Maulana Saad, not his followers.
- This discussion took place in Madinah in front of Maulana Saad and Mufti Rizwe. Both are respected figures. It is human nature to avoid conflict and speak kindly in front of others. How can anyone expect Mufti Taqi to directly confront Maulana Saad about being wrong in front of him, especially during an Umrah trip?
- Mufti Taqi’s comments are about Maulana Saad’s Tabligh Method. His reference to Hanafi and Shafii differences clearly refers to minor issues such as Muntakhab Ahadith, DTI, 5 Amaals, etc. It does not clear Maulana Saad from his major errors that the Darul Ulooms wrote against. Even Mufti Taqi himself, when writing against him, said that “there is fear that Tabligh jamaat may become another sect altogether due to these exaggerations“. This refers specifically to Maulana Saad’s speeches.
Summary
Nowhere did Mufti Taqi Usmani say that Maulana Saad is on Haqq. His reference to Hanafi and Shafii differences relates to the method of Tabligh (DTI vs 2.5 hours, etc).
