❖ The Position of Ahl al-Sunnah Scholars Regarding Javed Ahmad Ghamidi
❀ Question:
What is the stance of the scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah concerning Javed Ahmad Ghamidi?
❀ Answer by:
Fadheelat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh
Generally, people assume that Mr. Javed Ahmad Ghamidi presents a modern interpretation of Islam. However, in reality, he falls under the category of the modern-day rejecters of Hadith. He denies Hadith and Sunnah in a subtle manner, even though he outwardly claims to accept them.
✔ Deviations of Ghamidi Sahib:
◈ Altering the Definition of Sunnah:
Ghamidi has redefined the concept of Sunnah, diverging from the established definition held by Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah and the scholars of Hadith. If the foundational definition itself is changed, the claim of accepting or rejecting becomes irrelevant.
◈ Denial of Hadith and Sunnah:
Scholars have proven that Ghamidi, in essence, rejects both Hadith and Sunnah.
◈ Rejection of the Ruling on Stoning (Rajm):
He denies the prescribed punishment of stoning for adultery.
◈ Legitimizing Music:
He considers music to be permissible, contrary to the consensus of traditional scholars.
◈ Views on Modesty and Hijab:
He holds atypical views regarding women’s Hijab, differing significantly from mainstream Islamic scholarship.
◈ Denial of the Religious Significance of the Beard:
He does not consider the beard a religious obligation.
✿ Philosophical Inclination Toward Muʿtazilite Thought
Ghamidi’s intellectual framework aligns closely with that of the Muʿtazilah, rather than the balanced and orthodox path of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah.
❀ Scholarly Response
Many scholars have refuted his ideologies in detail and written comprehensive books such as:
✔ “Uṣūl-e-Islāḥī, Uṣūl-e-Ghāmidī”
✔ “Ā’īnah-ye-Ghāmdiyyat”
These books are available online and provide critical examinations of his views.
