❖ The Favor of Islam and the Responsibilities of the Maulvi
Some individuals, despite being Muslims themselves, behave as though they have done a great favor to the Maulvi by accepting Islam. They expect the Maulvi to make continuous efforts to preserve their faith and desire him to use various methods to strengthen their spiritual resolve. When asked a religious question, their demeanor is akin to a child looking for an excuse to avoid going to school.
❖ Quranic Guidance and Human Psychology
The Holy Qur'an highlights this mentality:
"يَمُنُّونَ عَلَيْكَ أَنْ أَسْلَمُوا" — They regard their acceptance of Islam as a favor unto you.
And the Prophet ﷺ is instructed:
"قُلْ لَا تَمُنُّوا عَلَيَّ إِسْلَامَكُمْ" — Say: Do not regard your Islam as a favor to me.
❖ Expectations of Flattery from the Public
These individuals are also accustomed to expecting flattery from the Maulvi and wish to be addressed in terms of high respect and honor. Otherwise, their reaction is to claim, "Maulvis have corrupted faith nowadays." To them, faith becomes an object in the hands of the Maulvi, like a pacifier that must always remain in their mouths. If their faith falters, they hold the Maulvi accountable—perhaps to lay blame on him on the Day of Judgment.
❖ Criticism of Religious Teachings
Such people expect the Maulvi not only to study religious texts on their behalf but also to endure criticism when he presents any aspect of religion to them. Some even consider the Maulvi so inferior that they freely engage in relentless critique.
❖ Public Issues and the Maulvi
At times, the role of the Maulvi becomes nothing more than a target for the psychological frustrations of the public. People come to the mosque and unburden their personal worries onto the Maulvi, eventually blaming him for the state of their faith and religious commitment.
❖ Failures in Parental Upbringing and the Blame on the Maulvi
The Maulvi is also burdened with the accountability for public failures. Parents, for instance, blame the Maulvi for the poor upbringing of their children—even though the children spend the majority of their time under the direct supervision of their parents. Holding the Maulvi solely responsible for fully reforming their children is irrational.
❖ Becoming a Target of Public Satire
Sometimes, Maulvis become the subject of public mockery and ridicule. One scholar narrated an incident in which a congregant constantly sought to find fault with the Maulvi of a particular mosque. However, the scholar responded to this criticism with wisdom, and eventually, the mosque was rid of the trouble caused by that individual.
✦ Summary
① Some people boast of having accepted Islam and expect constant flattery from the Maulvi.
② Instead of understanding religious teachings, people criticize and mock the Maulvi to deflect their own shortcomings.
③ Parents shift the responsibility of failed upbringing onto Maulvis, despite upbringing being primarily their own responsibility.
④ Some people consider the Maulvi a mere public servant and make him a frequent target of criticism.
