Jamiatul Ulama-i Ahl-i Hadith
Jamiatul Ulama-i Ahl-i Hadith - (Arabic: جمعية علماء أهل الحديث, Turkish: Cemaatü’l-Ulema-i Ehl-i Hadîs) is a Pakistani extremist right-wing political party and movement comprised of religious scholars, or ulama. It holds a distinct stance in Islamic political theology and jurisprudence.
Etymology
The term “Jamiatul Ulama-i Ahl-i Hadith” translates to “Society of the Scholars of the People of the Hadith,” reflecting its scholarly and religious foundations. In Arabic, “جماعة علماء أهل الحديث” (Jama’at ‘Ulama’ Ahl al-Hadith) mirrors its defining tenet: the devotion to hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) as a central element of Islamic law.
Beliefs and Practices
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Monotheism: The organization preaches an uncompromising form of monotheism, known as Tawhid. It rejects any practices or beliefs that could suggest shirk (associating partners with Allah), such as seeking intercession from spiritual mentors or awliya’ (saints).
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Opposition to Sufism: Jamiatul Ulama-i Ahl-i Hadith rejects the veneration of Sufi shrines and the practices associated with them, classifying such acts as polytheistic.
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Government and Politics: Unlike other Islamic organizations in Pakistan that may accept democratic frameworks, it uniquely condemns democracy as incompatible with Islamic values. Instead, it promotes rule by a single “pious ruler” (حاكم صالح) who governs according to Sharia (Islamic law).
Ideological Similarities
The movement shows ideological similarities with** the Saudi Arabian Wahhabi (Salafi) movement, being marked by:
- Strict Adherence to Hadith: Jamiatul Ulama-i Ahl-i Hadith emphasizes hadith alongside the Qur’an as primary sources of Islamic revelation and law.
- Puritanical Views: Both movements advocate for a purist interpretation of Islam, returning to the practices of the earliest Muslims.
Impact and Controversies
The impact of Jamiatul Ulama-i Ahl-i Hadith in Pakistan includes influencing various aspects of social, legal, and political life:
- Legal Influence: Advocates strict adherence to fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) derived from the Qur’an and hadith, often clashing with more moderate or Sufi interpretations.
- Social Influence: Campaigns against cultural practices it deems un-Islamic, fostering tensions with Sufi orders and other religious groups.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
For deeper understanding of this topic, consider the following books:
- “The ‘Ulama in Contemporary Islam: Custodians of Change” by Muhammad Qasim Zaman
- “Islam in Pakistan: A History” by Muhammad Qasim Zaman
- “Wahhabi Islam: From Revival and Reform to Global Jihad” by Natana J. DeLong-Bas
- “The Making of Islamic Reform: Rhetoric, Aspiration and Historicity” by Noorhaidi Hasan
- “The Evolution of Islamic Terrorism: An Overview” by John Moore.
Takeaways
- Uncompromising Monotheism: Advocates strict monotheistic practices and rejects any form of intercession by saints or spiritual mentors.
- Opposition to Democracy: Pushes for autocratic rule by a pious leader, seeing democracy as antithetical to Islam.
- Emphasis on Hadith: Highlights the role of hadith as central to Islamic revelation and law, similar to Wahhabi interpretations.
Conclusion
The Jamiatul Ulama-i Ahl-i Hadith represents a significant but controversial strand in Pakistani Islamic politics. Through its rigorous interpretation of monotheism and its firm stance on political and social issues, it influences both the theological landscape and the socio-political fabric of the region, creating a unique synthesis similar to that of the Wahhabi movement.
