An Open Letter to Respected Hassan Nisar
❖ Placing the Blame on the Clergy
Respected Hassan Nisar Sahib,
In your writings and speeches, you frequently place the blame for the decline of the Muslim world on religious scholars (the Maulvis). In particular, you often cite the fatwa of the Shaykh al-Islam of Turkey regarding the printing press, portraying it as a major hindrance to progress. However, it is necessary to clarify that the incident did not occur in the manner you describe.
❖ The Fatwa of Shaykh al-Islam on the Printing Press
During the 16th century, a question was presented before the Shaykh al-Islam of Turkey regarding the permissibility of printing the Qur’an using a mechanical press.
◈ At that time, the handwritten transcription of the Qur’an was regarded as a form of worship, with great emphasis placed on the calligraphy of ritually pure scribes.
◈ The Shaykh al-Islam deemed mechanical printing of the Qur’an as disrespectful and thus did not permit the printing press for this purpose.
◈ This was an internal decision of the Ottoman Empire, and the rest of the Muslim world was not bound by it.
❖ Other Muslim Rulers and the Printing Press
If the decision in Turkey was influenced by a “cleric,” then what prevented a secular ruler like Akbar in India from adopting the printing press?
✔ Akbar had both power and autonomy, yet he did not import a printing press.
✔ Had he taken this step, perhaps Newton would be working under Birbal today instead of the other way around.
✔ Hence, to attribute the delay in technological adoption solely to religious scholars is unfair and historically incomplete.
❖ Criticism for the Sake of Criticism or Constructive Discourse?
Mentioning past mistakes repeatedly and using them for sarcastic taunts reflects an unreasonable attitude.
Just as you would not appreciate being criticized for your earlier views over and over again, similarly, constantly targeting the predecessors of the Ummah does not represent a healthy mindset.
✔ People and nations evolve over time.
✔ If a misunderstanding occurred in the past or a fatwa was mistaken, then it is better to understand it constructively and move forward.
❖ The Problem of Overgeneralization
It is unjust to impose the fault of one individual or event upon an entire community or group.
✔ Just as the actions of General Niazi cannot define the entire army,
✔ Likewise, the decision of one Shaykh al-Islam should not be forced upon the entire Muslim Ummah.
❖ Your Role and Influence
You have consistently used your intellectual stature for criticism, but have you ever proposed any solutions?
✔ You made emphatic statements in favor of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf,
✔ But did you play any practical role in shaping its constitution or manifesto?
❖ The Current Situation and Your Responsibility
Today, global knowledge is accessible with a single click.
High-value books can be acquired at low cost from Urdu Bazaar, yet our youth are not drawn towards modern sciences.
✦ Is this also because of some Maulvi or the teachings of Sahih al-Bukhari?
✦ Or is the real problem our failure to redirect attention to more pertinent causes?
❖ Intellectualism or Mere Sarcasm?
Criticism is easy; it is the solution that reflects true intellectualism.
If sharp remarks alone were a measure of success, then why not accept a comedian like Azizi as the savior of the nation?
❖ Suggestion for Constructive Criticism
If your intention is truly to guide the nation, then your criticism must be constructive and balanced.
✔ Selective criticism, which targets only specific groups or individuals, creates doubt and division.
✔ For national reform, your approach must be impartial, solution-oriented, and dignified.
