BOOK REVIEW AMEER’E SHARIAT ALLAMA BUKHARI aur UN KAY AQAID
AMEER’E SHARIAT ALLAMA BUKHARI aur UN KAY AQAID
Author : SYED ARIF AHMAD QADRI
Syed Muhammad Qasim Shah Bukhari (1910-2000), (President of
Anjuman Tableegul Islam 1960-2000) was an illustrious religious scholar,
writer, preacher, journalist, and social activist who colossally contributed to
the spread of Islam in Jammu and Kashmir. Syed Qasim Shah Bukhari wrote more
than a hundred books on various subjects of Islam. Besides translating and
interpreting Quran in Urdu and Kashmiri, he translated literary works of great
Sufi scholars cum saints like; Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (R.a), Baba Dawud Khaki,
etc. He established Hanafi Arabic College in the heart of Srinagar city. He
traveled far and wide with a vision of educating the masses. For that, he
successfully started religious seminaries and English medium schools in the
length and breadth of the valley. Under his leadership historical religious
gatherings took place in every nook and corner of the valley intended to guide
the people. His role in the valley’s anti-Qadyani movement and Tehfuz’e Khatmi
Nabuwat (aiming to protect the belief in the finality of the Prophethood of
Muhammad (pbuh) has been epoch-making. Though his religious ideology hinged on
'Hanfi Maslak and Sufi Mashrab' - i.e., having views according to the Hanafi
School of thought and teachings of Sufi saints, he did everything possible for the unity of the ummah. His religious views never led him to create disunity.
He was an alumnus Darul-Uloom Deoband, but he never affiliated himself with any
of the sub-sects like; Barelvi, Deobandi etc., and preached Islam in its true
spirit.
His moderate standpoint was always appreciated by his
contemporaries and the common masses. But as sects became more important than
religion, speaking on behalf of sects, and deriving benefits out of conflicts
& divisions normalized, concerted efforts were made to dilute his ideology.
Deobandis didn't own him and placed him in the Barelvi category. On the other
hand, Barelvis also repudiated him.
Even his students were not spared. Despite buttressing and
preaching the aqaid of Ahle-sunnah ardently for decades, they were over and
over ridiculed as 'Gulabi Wahabi'. They were vilified. A proper campaign would
be launched against them. Even today it is going on. Much to the dismay of
pacifist Muslims, a mosque was erected in opposition to the mosque where Imam
and administration would admire Bukhari. To tackle the issue, two options were
left; one, to engage in a never-ending cold war; two, to respond rationally and
with facts. A young intellectual Syed Arif Ahmad Qadri, associated with Anjuman
Tableegul Islam adopted the second option and employed his research expertise,
intellect, and pen to respond and to put all those doubts to rest, which were
created about Bukhari. He authored a much-needed book 'Ameer'e Sharait Allama
Bukhari aur un kay Aqaid' in Urdu language. As the author has evidenced Allama
Bukhari's aqeeda by highlighting and presenting Bukhari's own views, the book
is not just defensive, instead, it is an authentic documentation of Allama's
religious ideology. The author has delved deeper into the writings of Bukhari
and has deftly put forth the excerpts to answer the questions raised by
opponents.
The book is spread over 140 pages. It starts with
Introduction, wherein the author has discussed Bukhari's personality in brief.
But the mention of his spiritual guide Hazrat Shaykh Mehmood Turazi Al-Madni,
Bukhari's first meeting with him, his enrolment in Madni's Sufi order, and
declaring him successor is striking. Bukhari's leadership qualities and
scholarship has been demonstrated by citing the letter written to Bukhari by
Allama Arshid-ul-Qadri Sahb (1925-2002), a great Sunni Sufi scholar associated
with the Barelvi movement. Space has been provided to famous Kashmiri scholar;
Molana Syed Muhammad Ashraf Andrabi Sahib's viewpoint. Andrabi, Bukhari's
contemporary, endorses that Bukhari was Sunni savant who never compromised his
beliefs.
The introduction is followed by an epilogue by Molana Syed
Farid-u-Rehman Bukhari (son of Bukhari and president of Anjuman Tableegul
Islam), endorsements by Molana Said-u-Din Qadri and Molana Ghulam Ahmad
Suharwardi (veteran leaders of ATI).
Allama Bukhari's detailed radio interview in Kashmiri, which
the author has put to paper in Urdu verbatim, comprises the interesting part of
the book. It gives insight into the life, family, education, and scholarship of
Bukhari. A reader comes to know about his religious understanding, his vision,
aim, and determination to serve the people of the valley. In the interview,
Bukhari comments about his publications. He explains the purpose of translating
books like Zakhirat-ul-mulook, the need to write upon Wird-ul- Muriddeen,
Awrad-e-Fathiya, Kibriyat-e Ahmar, etc. The interview also gives a fair idea
about other aspects of Bukhari's personality.
From page number 48 onwards, Bukhari's understanding of
polytheism has been revealed. Author makes reference to Bukhari's Anfaas'e
Qudsia Fi Sharhi' Awaraadi Fathiyah to elucidate Bukhari's Tawhidic belief. The
concept of idolatry (Shrik), and innovation (Bidah) has been delineated in
light of Bukhari's writings, published in his magazine Al-aetiqaad (official
organ of ATI) - 1982.
The book focuses on the philosophy of Nur-Muhammad (SAW),
which is among the central beliefs of Ahle-sunnah. The author alludes to
Shifa-ul-Bashar'Fi Sharhi Kibriyat-e-Ahmar of Allama Bukhari to acquaint us
with Bukhari's belief.
Bukhari's opinion about Spiritual authority (Ikhtiyaar) and
reverence (Taazeem) of Muhammad (pbuh) has also been disclosed. An excerpt from
Taryaaq'e Akbar (Hawashi Kibriyat Ahmar) (work of Bukhari) has been quoted in
this regard.
Light has also been shed on the Milaad (Birthday of Prophet
pbuh) celebration. A fatwa from Bukhari’s Al-Aetiqaad (1989) has been
reproduced to make this faith evident.
Special attention has been given to topics like Concept of
Misiliyat'e Bashariyat-e-Mustafa (SAW) (Likeness of Prophet {pbuh} to Humans
and His Human nature), impeccability of Prophets (Anbiya Masoom Anil Khata),
Life of Prophets in Grave with particular reference to Life of Muhammad (pbuh) after
departure (Aqeeda Hayat'e Anbiya and Hayatan Nabi). The author has worked
meticulously. And has derived and proved these beliefs from Bukhari's writings
in Al-Aetiqaad (Jul/Aug 1988), Fazail o Ahkaam'e Eid-ul-azha, Shifa-ul-Bashar
fi Sharh'e Kibriyat Ahmar and Al-aetiqaad Dec. 1985 respectively, etc.
Particular emphasis has been placed on the verse ‘Wama uhilla
bihi ligharillah '(v-173 Surah Baqarah) to resolve uncertainty around animal
slaughtering at shrines, which is encouraged by Ahle-sunnah.
Towards the end, imitation and associating with different schools
of thought (among four schools of Ahlesunnah) (Taqleed aur Masalik ki Nisbat),
Zikr-bil-Jahr (Invoking God's name loudly) has been described with the help of
reference from Al-aetiqaad Apr 1979/1982.
The last topics of the book are Quran & Ahlebyat and
Khatima Bil Kher ki taleemat (Teachings about death in circumstances conducive
to salvation). A comprehensive account of ‘The Quran and Ahlebyat’ has been
given. And Bukhari’s views have been presented by copying his write-up from the
quarterly (15 days) Newspaper Hanfi – (15-roza Hanfi; Shaheed e Aezam number) -
3 Dec 1979.
Conclusion: The book offers much more to a reader and is
worthwhile to understand the erudite person- Syed Muhammad Qasim Shah Bukhari.
Researchers, religious and history students, and people interested in
biographies must go through the book. Critics, in particular, should try this
book before they intend to criticize Bukhari again. That will be in favour of
all.
There are typos in certain places and the author needs to be
serious in their elimination before publishing the next edition.
Writer: Zeeshan Rasool Khan is a columnist and co-author of
the book #55 Stories. He tweets @Zeeshan_rk and can be mailed to
mohdzeeshan605@gmail.com
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