After the weekly lesson on the Qur’an and Hadith, Javed Ahmed Ghamidi was asked how unity is possible among religious groups and various schools of thought. The summary of his discussion in response to this question is as follows.
This issue has never been clear to me as to why there is a need to bring together people with different perspectives on one platform. The work of inviting to religion should undoubtedly be undertaken by the people of knowledge. There will naturally be some differences in the interpretation of religion among scholars. Religion has not imposed any restrictions on these intellectual differences. Such scholarly disagreement also existed among the Companions of the Prophet. Therefore, every thinker should present their viewpoint with evidence, and an ordinary person should accept or reject it based on that evidence. For this reason, I do not perceive any necessity for unity of any kind in the endeavors of understanding religion. As soon as you attempt to enforce such unity, you will fall prey to avoidance of truth and hypocritical attitudes. In contrast, the fundamental responsibility in conveying the message of truth is to bear true testimony to it and present it clearly and unambiguously.
For this reason, in my view, there is no need for any consensus on this matter. Instead, there is a need to adopt an attitude of tolerance toward different religious opinions. Hence, we should ensure that differences in opinion do not become grounds for personal enmity and hostility, and we should not erect walls of sectarianism based on these differences.
As far as unity and consensus are concerned, they should be aimed at solving national and political issues. If different groups or parties agree on a few points in these matters, then it is a positive development.
[June 2007]
–––– افکارِ غامدی135 ––––
Invitation to Religion or Invitation to the Understanding of the Scholar
After the weekly Qur’an and Hadith lecture, Javed Ahmed Ghamidi was asked this question: “Our preaching generally is based on the understanding we derive from your thoughts, and obviously, your thoughts are based on your own understanding. In this situation, how can our preaching become the invitation to Islam?” The summary of Javed Ahmed Ghamidi’s response to this question is as follows.
The invitation should always be towards religion. However, the task of presenting the invitation to religion can only be undertaken by individuals of knowledge. It requires a significant period of time for a person to develop the ability to understand religion within themselves. Only after developing this ability can a person serve in teaching and imparting the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Those who possess knowledge and provide guidance regarding religion inevitably hold their own perspective. They have also established certain principles for deriving religious understanding. It is this general trust in their work that associates you with them.
Every knowledgeable person, when presenting their viewpoint, will provide arguments for it. If you are satisfied with those arguments, then accept them, and if you are not convinced, then do not accept them.
As far as the invitation to religion is concerned, it is the act of conveying the Qur’an and Sunnah to the people. In every circumstance, these should serve as the foundation of the invitation. If you make any other matter besides the Qur’an and Sunnah the subject of the invitation, it will merely lead to sectarian divisions.
However, there is no harm in introducing people to the writings or speeches of the scholars you trust or from whom you seek guidance. This can serve the purpose of allowing others to acquire the understanding of a particular viewpoint that you have gained.