❖ The Role of the Religious Scholar and His Jurisdiction
The primary role of a Maulvi (religious scholar) is to teach religion, convey the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah, and enlighten people about religious matters.The Maulvi has always remained within the bounds of his domain and does not interfere unnecessarily in other fields.
It is precisely due to this commitment that the rulings of Islam, as transmitted through scholars, remain just as applicable today—over 1400 years later—as they were at the beginning of Islam.
❖ The Reality Behind the Objection
The question or objection: "What has the Maulvi invented?" actually falls under the category of sarcasm, because scientific invention is not the responsibility of the Maulvi.If this logic were reversed, one could similarly ask:
"Has any scientist ever written a Tafsir (exegesis) of the Qur'an, explained Hadith, or contributed to jurisprudential developments?"
Just as scientific inventions are not the responsibility of a Maulvi, the tasks of interpreting religion are not the responsibility of a scientist.
❖ Relationship Between Religion and Worldly Advancement
The role of the Maulvi is to provide religious guidance, instill spiritual awareness, and enable people to achieve inner peace, thereby helping them succeed in worldly matters as well.The Maulvi has always dutifully fulfilled his responsibilities in this regard, while the responsibility for worldly inventions lies upon those pursuing modern sciences.
❖ Muslim Scientists of the Past: A Blend of Faith and Science
◈ Khalid ibn Yazid ibn Mu'awiyah
In the past, many Muslim scientists were equally adept in both religious and scientific knowledge.A notable example is Khalid ibn Yazid ibn Mu‘awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan (رحمه الله), who was a master of Hadith, Tafsir, and other Islamic sciences, as well as skilled in medicine, chemistry, and linguistics.
Ibn Khallikan writes:
"In the era of Islam, the first person to become renowned in the field of medicine was Khalid ibn Yazid."
Al-Biruni referred to him as the first Hakim (physician-philosopher) of Islam.
Orientalist Professor Hitti called him the first scientist and philosopher of Islam.
According to Professor Brown of Cambridge University, Khalid ibn Yazid had Greek sciences translated into Arabic and, being a linguistic expert himself, supervised these translations.
◈ The Invention of “Greek Fire”
Khalid ibn Yazid conducted several scientific experiments in his laboratory. Among his notable inventions was a flammable substance known as “Greek Fire.”It was a chemical compound capable of rapidly burning fortresses and ships. The Romans referred to it as the “Muslim Dragon.”
❖ A Message for the Critics
Expect from a Maulvi only that which he is trained and educated to provide.If there is a concern regarding the lack of inventions, then it is the responsibility of experts in modern sciences to make progress in that domain.
The Maulvi has never borrowed technology from Europe; instead, he has served the religion through his own scholarly capabilities.
✔ Summary:
Criticizing religious scholars for not contributing to scientific inventions reflects a misunderstanding of their role. History presents ample examples of Muslim figures who embodied both religious devotion and scientific progress. Each domain has its own responsibilities, and expecting a Maulvi to act as an inventor is as misplaced as asking a scientist to derive religious rulings.
