Tablighi cleric’s political meetings raise eyebrows
In what appears to be a direct violation of proselytising organisation Tablighi Jamaat’s principles, prominent Jamaat member Maulana Tariq Jameel recently addressed rallies and met with political figures in Karachi.
However, according to Maulana Akbar, a Karachi-based spokesperson for the Jamaat, Jameel’s activities have the organisation’s consent.
Akbar denied that Jameel’s recent meetings had left the impression that he was dabbling in politics. “Everything he does is with the consultation and approval of the Tablighi Jamaat’s shura.”
Jameel spoke at a peace rally led by clerics and also met with representatives of political parties. His itinerary included speeches in Lyari, Azizabad and Banaras Chowk.
The Tablighi Jamaat says it has no role in politics or the government.
The preacher also visited Nine Zero, the Muttahida Quami Movement’s (MQM) headquarters. According to MQM’s Wasay Jalil, “The visit was arranged by Jamia Binoria’s Mufti Mohammad Naeem as Jameel had expressed a desire to visit Nine Zero.” Jalil said the preacher did not speak about politics and kept the discussion limited to religious teachings and prayers.
According to Akbar, “Maulana Tariq Jameel was called on by Karachi’s ulema to address the situation of divisions on ethnic and nationalistic lines by using the teachings of the Holy Quran. His meetings at Nine Zero and public addresses were a part of that.”
He emphatically declared that “there were and are no plans for Maulana Tariq Jameel entering politics”.
While the Jamaat’s official stance is that Jameel is acting with its approval, the preacher has become a celebrity in his own right. As one of the Jamaat’s most prominent figures, he was responsible for bringing in former musician Junaid Jamshed and several cricketers to the Jamaat’s fold.
Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies Director Amir Rana disputes Akbar’s statement. “I believe Maulana Tariq Jameel is doing this in his individual capacity,” he told The Express Tribune. “Because he has a lot of influence on the bureaucracy as well as people like Junaid Jamshed, they try to involve Jameel in these activities.”
The Jamaat, which prefers to stay out of the public limelight, reportedly once stopped Jameel from addressing the annual congregation at Raiwind, for fear of cultivating a personality cult. Akbar said it was possible this occurred as the Jamaat’s shura – which comprises experienced elders – consults and decides on who will address the congregation. Rana said the issue of Jameel’s meetings with politicians was taken up in the past by the Jamaat’s elders, but he does not believe Jameel will try to seek a role in politics.
Akbar diplomatically praised Jameel’s gift of speech and said his recent meetings were nothing new, since Jameel’s “counsel” has been sought by several politicians, including former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shaukat Aziz, as well as former Sindh chief minister Arbab Rahim.
Tablighi Jamaat members have tried to intervene in the political process before. One notable example is the failed coup attempt in 1995 by army officers who wanted to install the caliphate system in Pakistan. Several of the plotters were members of the Jamaat.
Jameel also played a role in the campaign against the Women’s Protection Bill. Weeks after the bill was passed in 2006, he told then-president Musharraf that certain clauses contravened the Holy Quran and Sunnah. According to news reports published at the time, Musharraf decided to consult with other religious scholars after Jameel voiced his concerns.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2011.
COMMENTS (73)
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Now the democratic & secular system in Pakistan is not functional enough that they now need help from extreme religious leaders who already claimed as 100% non-political. Why don't we just come-out and accept the fact that we can't function when neutral. What kind of precedent we are setting here?
TJs are all about leaving your responsibilities, i.e. getting a job, taking care of your family, getting to know people who are different than you, and shirking them for 40 day retreats with like-minded cult followers. It is not a movement suited to the needs of the 10th century, much less the 21st. The example of blending an Islamic identity and a modern one, as expounded by the Turks, Indonesians, Malays and even the Bangladeshis, is a better example to follow.
The religious clergy has done nothing for this Ummah. Look at the Arab Spring - people have shed the shackles of the past and are looking boldly to a new era. Why can't we? Why should we keep wearing leather boots and short shalwars?
This article is giving a biased opinion regarding Tablighi Jamat. The writer failed to provide facts about the allegations against TJ. The title itself "Tablighi cleric’s political meetings raise eyebrows" is designed to mislead the general public. I dont know why when it comes to MULA or MOLVI most of our "enlightened moderates" tend to be more biased against the MOlVI instead of ever investigating the route cause of the divide in our society. Instead of looking at the cultural factors that are fuelling the fire of extremism. The violence in Karachi is not because of TALIBAN or MOLVIS it is the beginning of a turf war that is being fought on ethnic lines. Ethnicity is playing a far greater role in increasing extremism than the MOLVI. And did any one of you investigated the speeches of the Moulana before starting a new controversy!!!
@Mirza
The more the merrier.
tablighis and peace are two separate identities. look at the places they have hold, do those areas have peace? actually this body is the epitome of problems facing this country. taliban, terror and tabligh go hand in hand..the three Ts. As rehman malik rightly said why arent the raiwand or deoband congregations attacked, bcuz they are the ones doing it. their mullahs may be targeted as like other sects but all suicide bombers are deobandis. chor k ghar me chori kon karega?
@Khan I think you are a confused one, initially you say that at the time of the prophet mosques were used for preaching and these should be used now too and then you say "There are other means to spread your messages via electronic media and internet etc are just a few of them" When did this exist at prophet's time. There is nothing as forced preaching, it is either preaching or forced. The point is not that preaching is done to muslims, the point is during Prophet's time, when someone accepted islam, what did they do ? Yes, they started preaching. Dawat and Tabligh effort is for this purpose, to remind the muslims, to reawaken the muslims of what was the first thing they used to do after accepting islam.
@Usman: Why would you preach to some one who is already muslim ??? Why would you send group of people to knock at some one's door who is probably better muslim than those so called Tablighis .. besides Its not always good to be forcing people to go with them. Prophet PBUH as you said (though im not aware of any such instance) used go to people's doors because It was beginning of Islam ... there were not over 1.5 Billion muslims and besides the preaching was done to non muslims and newly converts as it was beginning of the religion and people didn't have access to gazillions of religious books. While after few years they used to have bayans in the mosques only. Also religion isn't meant to be forced upon your throat if that was the case Allah would have never created 4.5 billion non muslims ... Any one who shows interest in religion they have many other means to access it .. People were not sent to knock at Mr Wayne Parnell's door to convert him ... There are other means to spread your messages via electronic media and internet etc are just a few of them ... And we are talking about Pakistan where there are more mosques than schools almost in every single street. I am sure you wouldn't find it comfortable if a group of Christians knock on your door every Sunday and Saturday evening .. another group of Hindus preachers every Monday & Wednesday and so on. People use religion unknowingly to annoy others for no good reasons unfortunately, which in turn creates hatred towards us as a whole .. a classic example of this ignorance was when, once I saw a jeans wearing teenage girl doing namaz in a London market in the middle of a walkway ... In her mind she was just doing her duty but sure there are places of worship for a reason.
I think Moulana Tariq is right in doing whatsoever he wants. 1. He is a PAKISTANI, he will have to a play his role in the current situatiön of Karachi, which he is realy working on. But some people dont like peace in Karachi. 2. He is a free-borne Pakistani, he has the right to take part in any politics, or whatever. So dont mess around, If u can do something come forward and do something for Pakistan. people dont like peace in Karachi. 2. He is a free-borne Pakistani, he has the right to take part in any politics, or whatever. So dont mess around, If u can do something come forward and do something for Pakistan.
Danger: History has provedPower is intoxicating for anyone. It's easy to get in and very hard to get out. Humans have devised many "Heavenly" reason to hold on to it in past too. It's Nothing New for a scholar of history. Power of "Persuasion" is one of them. Why? It results in more members, bigger audience, bigger shows, and it is definitely Intoxicating & Addicting to the human leaders no mater how they explain it. Physically & Mentally a Human is not made to be an "ANGEL". He will desire what other human do only his reasons will be different. Do we care for his different reasons if the goal is same. What if a Not-So-Angel take his power to twist the reasons? It happened in pasttime and time again, don't it? Think About It!
I think no one has raised the eyebrows, neither any one has issued any statement. It is entirely home made story of Saba Imtiaz to seek some attention. Old references are so poor and ignoring and shame for manipulating such consipiracy theory. When peoples read such articles and comments of some Mummy Daddy culturists, majority annoyed and did not want to read such bogus character assassinations on the basis of hate.
has anyone even heard the talks he gave during his visit before writing their comments? we ourselves are involved in the most dogmatic,biased of discourse.Our lack of real evidence, or even an attempt to actually try to know what TJ actually said when he addressed these ppl before jumping at him, is quite pathetic. It reflects on our hypocrisy and stupidity frankly. In this entire article, the author is repeatedly citing the statements of the official spokesperson for the person for the jamaat that no TJ has nothing to do with politics, and does not intend on becoming a part of it; yet this would not have made the article prove the author's own opnion, so he forces in a weak line which expresses his own bias and unscholarly view-I dont care what he says, I still know that TJ does want to enter politics. Are u a mind reader or telepathic? it's quite a nice skill u have!
@ijlal:
The way they adopted seems commercialing our religion and just actual lesson and moto of Tabligh. At the same moment by the time Maulana get close to commercial people now expose to be commercial, thus violating the principles of Talbligh. One thing I would like add over here this Dawa responsibilty is every muslim responsibilty and the one who start this basic job/purpose of life with whatever intention ( Nayyah ) will be affected. In my opinion and learning from Tablighi Bazurgan once a person come in politics become no more religious minded, his wordly ambitious wishes start getting involved and once he achieves his desires get retired from this ultimate responsibility.
Best Regards
Shoaib
it is clearly stated in above mentioned article that maulana was there to preach and did not speak about politics and kept the discussion limited to religious teachings and prayers. even in press conference he did not speak a single word which shows that he is getting into politics. i dont understand why the hell people just see the negative side of this whole effort. people like Rehman malik should welcome any1 who are atleast making some effort to restore peace in Karachi rather fabricating rubbish statements.
@Masterming: I guess you have no idea who is M. Tariq. He has already got a lot of fame n respect all over the world. Its easy to raise finger on others but remember the remaining ones are pointed towards yourself.
Moulana saab is very respected personality I guess this article is nothing but a story of a writer's mind.
This had to happen some day. I can say by example of some of my friends that at present lot of the followers of tablighi jamat are genuinely religious and honest people. But if we see neutrally, tablighi jamat wants to preach Islam in pure form and it is a FACT that Islam is political ideology. My impression is that unlike other religions you can not separate politics and religion in Islam. So if they want to follow pure arabian Islam they have to turn political some day. I am afraid after silently gaining significantly large number of followers, someday we might suddenly find that tablighi jamat has become recruitment center for Jihad.
Well done maulana sahib. We appreciate your efforts for the peace of karachi. Tablighi jamat zindabad.
@Muhammad Hanif Awan:
I used to call them wahabis but TJ is not a million miles closer to what Salafiyat is about. Please stop listening to people and start doing your own research.
@Masterming: I'm sorry if I'm mistaken but I think if you are accusing moulana tariq jameel for being famous and money by doing this, FYI he belong to well rich family and famous more then many goofy personalities. When we learn to Think that some places and persons don't deserve our routine and ordinary comments which we are used to make about routine Places and persons ...!
@Khan: Mr khan I think you really need to clear your concept about preaching or islam. If you think preaching can only be done by being into the mosque ten what would you do where there are no mosque . And prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did used to go to people's door to help them understanding islam . Don't be too rational in imposing your own point of view to a big cause. May you be blessed with some real understanding. Regards..
@Muhammad Hanif Awan: This is called real conservation either in islam or in one's behaviour. I mean why you guys can't see the purpose rather then supporting your own defensive thinking and selective perception about TABLEEGHI JAMAAT??
dont malign religon with politics
@Nurmomad: In how many part you are divided when writing your comments ? If you want to feel what is a 'Divide', then come to Karachi. Your body will be found in a bag (bori band laash) 'Divided' into 3/4 pieces for sure ... then you will know what is divide.
mashallah maulana Tariq jameel sahab zindabad.
@malik: I never converted ... I reverted to Islam and I invite you also
Mohammad Yousuf@T R Khan: Yes that allegation will be more credible when TJ meets ANP
Islamic cleric want to come in politics or itz serious effort for peace ?
I am just asking a question to all those who are against him(Moulana Tariq Jameel) that " this is a democratic country and every one has right to express his thoughts/speeches and if Moulana Tariq Jameel or any other religious or social sector person comes ahead and start efforts to restore the peace in the city than whats wrong in it? if you want to restore peace then please come on otherwise let the other do their best."
@Sana: Like x 1000. well said!
I think every pakistani now should come up and try to diffuse this situation in a way they can. This seems to me an effort towards brining peace. I think he should also visit some people in islamabad too to convince them to do some more efforts in order to diffuse this current situation.
hahahahahaah this is the new way to earn money n get famous
Another classic example of how unconnected the bloggers (at ET) are to the main stream Pakistani society. Tableeghi Jamaat has never had any political ambitions. Now that they are trying to defuse the situation in Karachi the enlightened liberals are raising eyebrows. Instead of studio and idiotic protest rallies, the Jamaat chose to act. I wish these enlightened individuals could spend some time in the midst of the people and society.
Dear Saba Imtiaz,
The consipiracy theory you put on your article, seems to me a complete bias opinion of yours. I believe in current situation of Karachi, each and every individual have to play a role to over come the crisis that we're facing. Rather appreciating the positive efforts to dissolve the chaotic situation, you're showing you're un-justified concerns of the motive behind Maulana's act. I think the time has come for us to stop pulling each other legs and help each other to regain our lost status in this new world.
May Allah bless us all and give us wisdom to think positive... ameen!
I think that Islam is a complete code of life then what is issue if they participate in politics.
Compulsive Criticism!
Lamentably to state that If any sincere religious person tries to bring down the dust of hostility in order to tie the Muslim brother and makes realize the mainstream parties about the humanity and Islamic teachings but people get it wrong step why??? Dears this step of Maulana Tariq Jameel must be welcomed with open arms so as to restore the peace and tranquility in the state where we are divided into ethnic groups. Khalil Jabran says that: "Sympathize over that nation which is isolated into pieces and each piece asserts itself a nation"
Always be pragmatic rather than conceptional. regards,
Gulzar Kandrani.
He ain't there to restore peace, IMHO. He has some hidden agenda. We've already got a hell lot of religious nutters in the government and the army. We don't need more. Please keep the mullahs in the mosques and watch them like a hawk.
Some people are not happy in any case. Do not be afraid. They are not going to impose anything upon you. They are just talking of peace. And I know, people who do not want peace are raising eyebrows.
As the Time passes,the real Face of this so called (peaceful) JAMA'T , comes out.In fact ,they are part n parcel of WAHABI OUTFIT, n definitely SUPPORT them n will keep on this way or that way.
@Mirza: Please sometime Be Positive ...
First the Mullahs were used to divide the populace. Now they are being used to "patch them up". Do these "Ulema" have any creative reason or wit left in them?
@malik, Proselytize : To induce someone to convert to one's own religious faith. Mohammad Yousuf was not proselytized. Yes, he was impressed but not induced, there is a clear difference and this can happen via many different sources. Whom do you attribute Wayne Parnell's conversion to ?
what's wrong if somebody tries to restore peace;
@Sane:
Tableeghi Jamaat is not a proselitysing Organisation? You should have told me this before !
-- Yousuf Youhana
Tableeghi Jamaat is not a proselitysing Organisation even a person remotely associated with Tableeghi Jamaat knows this, the columnist needs to research a bit before starting propaganda
Tableeghi Jamaat's sincerity is beyond any doubt and if some of it's members with approval of Shura have tried to mend the broken hearts of Muslim brothers of Karachi, to try to bring them closer then it is commendable.......
I can assure you that Tableegh Jamaat has no intention of coming into politics as it endangers their survival in several hundred of countries where they peacefully do their job.
The writer of the article has wrongly attributed the failed army coup in 1995 on Tableeghi Jamat members as it is strongly discouraged in Tableeghi discourses not only in Pakistan but around the world.
Although I'm not a fan of Tariq Jameel and his jamaat, I do see the benefit in what he's doing. TJ is one of the few people with an equal following in both the Pakhtun and the Urdu speaking communities, so he could be a bridge to mend their differences.
ان کا جو فرض ہے وہ اہل سیاست جانیں
میرا پیغام محبت ہے جہاں تک پہنچے
“The responsibility of the politicians is their own prerogative; My message is of love; whither it reaches.”
Sincere ulema/scholars talk of love and peace and muslim brotherhood. To run governments based on discrimination any of the two things are required: hate or fear. If love and peace wins and brotherhood gets established in the society, several politicians are afraid how they will be able to run their politics business totally based on regional, lingual, and ethnical prejudice and discrimination. This fact is verified by some politicians comments after ulemas yesterday announcement of conducting peace rally.
I wish we follow this verse to eradicate all the politicians/politics and conspiracies taking place in our country/society to tear us in parts.
"And from amongst His signs, is the differences in your languages and colors" (Al Quran - Rum; 22). To hate or look down upon a majestic sign of Allah is actually nothing but KUFR. Hatred for others because of language and color is an act of disbelief.
When police, rangers, army, interior ministry, intelligence agencies, home ministry, legislation, judiciary, executive refuse to do anything to stop killings who should people turn to?
Haters gonna hate
Very, very interesting, Maulana gave speeches at Lyari, Azizabad and Banaras Chowk. What is the significance of these places ? Yes, these are the headquarters of Karachi's main political parties. How would he have given speeches without their consent. Maulana entering politics - Please be serious. Listen to what he said, he has been saying this since the past 30 years. Can't we do any thing but being pessimistic ?
I think he was there in an effort to stop the bloodshed.
come on there is no need to raise the eyebrows...are we not seeing people being killed in Karachi like animals ?? And in the middle of this law less democratic government and society, if someone is trying to mediate, we should appreciate rather then raise our eyebrows.
Rahman Malik's recent accusation of TJ is hobnobbing with terrorists seems credible.
why has pakistan been sleeping when the TJ infiltrated our cricket team and our entertainment industry? TJ influenced the cricketers because they were stars and children looked upto them.why did our media remain quiet when this was happening? our cricketers spend more time on tours doing tableegh rather than practising which is neglect of their responsibilities,they are paid to play cricket,not to do tableegh,if they want to spread radical islam they should retire from cricket and do this on their private time.
The Interior Minister of our country Mr. Rehman Malik and all agencies working under him have already pointed their fingers towards TGs activities and underground relationships with some outfits caught in anti-state activites. They all had affiliations with TG and their HQ in Raiwind.
Dear saba plz dont bring conspiracy theory here...the speeches that you are referring to have nothing to do with politics!! I would suggest that you listen to his speech first (nine zero) and then make a judgment. The only reason he paid visits to these places was to promote the concept of peace in Islam and how we as Muslims should not get carried away with ethnicities.
If his efforts do get some positive result then i think there is nothing wrong in it. Even the Jamaat would support such a cause. I guess its time that religious leaders come foward, try and use there influence and somehow get Karachi out of this mess.
JazakAllah.
Here comes another religious politicall party in Pakistan. Now we have JI, JUI and TG in addition to several others. More religion in politics is all Pakistan needs?