Written by: Haseeb Khan
Who is a Maulvi? This question holds significant importance both socially and religiously. Does a Maulvi descend from the heavens or spring forth from the earth? He is merely a child from among us, who grows up before our very eyes and suddenly takes on the appearance of a Maulvi. Some people sanctify him and place him on the pulpit, while others mock him with sarcastic labels and make him the target of curses and reproach. To some, the Maulvi is a devil; to others, he ranks above the angels.
So what truly is a Maulvi? Is it a title, a name, an honor, or an insult? Is a Maulvi merely someone who issues religious verdicts, eats sweets, sells religion, and collects charity? The truth is, the Maulvi is a victimized figure in society, caught between the hatred of enemies and the insensitivity of his own people. People shift the burden of their own failures onto the Maulvi and absolve themselves of responsibility.
The Maulvi who sits on mats in madrasas to learn and teach religion, surviving on meager donations, and the Maulvi who travels in luxurious cars and dines lavishly—both are products of our own society. As the society is, so will be its Maulvi. If we are truthful, our Maulvi will be truthful; if we are deceitful, our Maulvi will also be deceitful.
The Maulvi is that child who, due to poverty, cannot pursue higher education, or who fails in worldly education despite having the means. This creation that recites Qaal Allah and Qaal al-Rasool is the victim of his own people’s neglect and the ridicule of outsiders. Yet, it is through these very Maulvis that religion remains alive even today. Even now, in many parts of the world, Maulvis are being killed, yet no one raises a voice for them, nor is anyone willing to help them.
A Maulvi should neither be placed on an extraordinary pedestal of sanctity nor should he be shackled with the chains of disgrace. They are part of our own nation, and we have always needed them.
O indecisive nation! Make a decision—will you accept the Maulvi or abandon him? Will you embrace the religion or forsake it?
① A Maulvi is a societal figure who reflects the behaviors of society.
② People blame Maulvis for their own failures.
③ Maulvis play a vital role in preserving the religion.
④ Societal attitudes significantly shape the personality of a Maulvi.
⑤ The nation must decide how it views the Maulvi and the religion.
❖ Who is a Maulvi?
Who is a Maulvi? This question holds significant importance both socially and religiously. Does a Maulvi descend from the heavens or spring forth from the earth? He is merely a child from among us, who grows up before our very eyes and suddenly takes on the appearance of a Maulvi. Some people sanctify him and place him on the pulpit, while others mock him with sarcastic labels and make him the target of curses and reproach. To some, the Maulvi is a devil; to others, he ranks above the angels.
❖ The Reality of a Maulvi
So what truly is a Maulvi? Is it a title, a name, an honor, or an insult? Is a Maulvi merely someone who issues religious verdicts, eats sweets, sells religion, and collects charity? The truth is, the Maulvi is a victimized figure in society, caught between the hatred of enemies and the insensitivity of his own people. People shift the burden of their own failures onto the Maulvi and absolve themselves of responsibility.
❖ The Maulvi: A Creation of Society
The Maulvi who sits on mats in madrasas to learn and teach religion, surviving on meager donations, and the Maulvi who travels in luxurious cars and dines lavishly—both are products of our own society. As the society is, so will be its Maulvi. If we are truthful, our Maulvi will be truthful; if we are deceitful, our Maulvi will also be deceitful.
❖ The Maulvi’s Sacrifice and Neglect by His Own
The Maulvi is that child who, due to poverty, cannot pursue higher education, or who fails in worldly education despite having the means. This creation that recites Qaal Allah and Qaal al-Rasool is the victim of his own people’s neglect and the ridicule of outsiders. Yet, it is through these very Maulvis that religion remains alive even today. Even now, in many parts of the world, Maulvis are being killed, yet no one raises a voice for them, nor is anyone willing to help them.
❖ The Maulvi’s Position: Neither Sanctity Nor Disgrace
A Maulvi should neither be placed on an extraordinary pedestal of sanctity nor should he be shackled with the chains of disgrace. They are part of our own nation, and we have always needed them.
❖ Message to the Nation
O indecisive nation! Make a decision—will you accept the Maulvi or abandon him? Will you embrace the religion or forsake it?
✦ Summary
① A Maulvi is a societal figure who reflects the behaviors of society.
② People blame Maulvis for their own failures.
③ Maulvis play a vital role in preserving the religion.
④ Societal attitudes significantly shape the personality of a Maulvi.
⑤ The nation must decide how it views the Maulvi and the religion.
