❖ Criticism on Religious Scholars: Selling the Qur'an? ❖
During a wedding gathering, an Islamic Studies professor expressed sharp criticism of molvis, accusing them of selling the Qur'an by accepting payment for teaching and leading prayers. Citing the verse:"وَلَا تَشْتَرُوا بِآيَاتِي ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا"
"Do not sell My revelations for a small price",
he alleged that molvis contradict the very verses they preach.
✿ Comparing the Molvi and the Professor
In response, it was pointed out that the professor himself teaches Islamic subjects at a university, relying on the Qur'an and Hadith, not the Torah or Gospel. He enjoys a formal dress code, benefits, and a structured salary.
So how can a molvi teaching Qur'an in a modest setting, often with limited compensation, be accused of "selling the Qur'an", while a professor in a three-piece suit at a prestigious institution teaching the same book is absolved from the same charge?
Furthermore, if community-funded prayer leadership is deemed cheap or dishonorable, where does one draw the line between service and trade?
✦ National Interest and Molvis’ Sacrifices
The professor accused molvis of opposing national development. However, no molvi has ever opposed:➤ Healthcare systems,
➤ Infrastructure improvements, or
➤ Electricity distribution reforms.
Molvis only raise their voice when Qur'anic integrity is under threat. Their defense of Islam is rooted in principle, not personal gain.
✿ Respect and Role of Molvis in Society
The real issue lies not in their position, but in the social respect and trust they command—built upon decades of sacrifice and service. Every sector has its bad actors, but the molvi community, by and large, has always prioritized Islamic values over self-interest.✦ A Thought-Provoking Anecdote
In India, when someone derogatorily claimed that today’s molvis have become corrupt, a wise molvi responded:"No, molvis haven’t changed—rather, a few corrupt people have disguised themselves as molvis."
✔ Summary
➊ Molvis face undue criticism and are accused of monetizing the Qur'an.➋ There is clear hypocrisy in how professors and molvis are differently judged for teaching the same content.
➌ Molvis have never opposed public welfare and only object when Islamic values are endangered.
➍ Their social dignity is not accidental—it is the result of their steadfast service to Islam.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ
