Jamiatul Ulama-i Islam (JUI)
Introduction
The Jamiatul Ulama-i Islam (JUI) is a significant Islamic organization in Pakistan. Its foundation is rooted in the Deoband movement of pre-partition India and the Jamiatul Ulama-i-Hind. The JUI originally opposed British imperialism and supported the Indian National Congress while resisting the Muslim League’s campaign for an independent Pakistan. However, following Pakistan’s emergence as an independent nation in 1947, the JUI had limited political influence.
History
Etymology
- Jamiatul Ulama-i Islam: Derived from Arabic, where “Jamia” means assembly, “Ulama” denotes scholars, and “Islam” refers to the religion of Islam. In Turkish, “İslam Âlimleri Cemiyeti” also translates to the ‘Society of Muslim Scholars’.
Origins and Influence
The JUI’s origins lie in the response to colonial rule and socio-religious reform initiated by the Deoband movement, which began in the late 19th century in India. Following India’s partition, prominent Islamic figures like Mawlana Mufti Mahmud revived the organization to resist policies perceived as modernizing and secular, specifically those implemented by President Ayub Khan.
Ideology and Activities
Traditional Stance
The JUI is known for its uncompromising stance on the implementation of Sharia (Islamic law) and is characterized by a strong adherence to traditional Islamic teachings. This is reflective of its Deoband roots, which emphasize a puritanical interpretation of Islam aiming to cleanse Muslim practices from innovations (bida‘).
Political Engagement
Post-1947, the JUI became politically active under various leaderships. Mawlana Mufti Mahmud, a key figure in the revival, opposed modernization and Westernized reforms by subsequent Pakistani regimes, advocating for an Islamic socio-political system.
Factionalism
Currently, the JUI is divided into two main factions:
- JUI-F: Led by Mawlana Fazlur Rahman.
- JUI-S: Led, until his assassination in 2018, by Sami-ul-Haq.
Each faction pursues slightly differing political and ideological agendas but generally agrees on the broad goal of implementing Sharia comprehensively in Pakistan.
Influence and Education
The JUI controls the largest number of madrasas (Islamic seminaries) in Pakistan, which have a substantial influence on shaping the religious and socio-political thoughts of their students. The network of these madrasas is often associated with the rise of the Taliban’s interpretation of Islam in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Notable Contributions
Political and Social Impact
- With its extensive network of madrasas, the JUI has played a crucial role in political mobilization on Islamic issues.
- The organization has consistently impacted national politics, pushing for pro-Islamic policies and against secularization.
Further Readings
For those interested in in-depth exploration and analysis, the following books are recommended:
- “Islamic Fundamentalism in Pakistan: The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam” by Kalim Bahadur.
- “The Taliban Phenomenon: Afghanistan 1994-1997” by Kamal Matinuddin.
- “The Ulama in Contemporary Islam: Custodians of Change” by Muhammad Qasim Zaman.
Takeaways
- The JUI has evolved from a colonial-era resistance group to a significant political force in Pakistan.
- It embodies a strong commitment to Deobandi Islamic principles and actively seeks to influence national policy.
- The organization’s large madrasa network significantly impacts Islamist movements in the region.
Conclusion
Jamiatul Ulama-i Islam stands as a significant player within Pakistan’s religious and political landscape. Its historical roots, ideological stance, and educational networks have significantly shaped not only political discourse but also the Islamic cultural framework in Pakistan and beyond.
