In order to divert attention from the real issue, the Qadianis or Ahmadis often say that these scholars who issue fatwas of Kuf’r on us also issue similar fatwas on each other therefore their fatwas are not credible. However this is like saying that because some doctors have misdiagnosed their patients therefore all the doctors of the world are now untrustworthy and even the established facts of medical science are now irrelevant.
Recently a booklet has been published by the Qadianis entitled “Hum Ghar Ahmadiyon kay peechay Namaz Kion Nahin Padhtay” in which the differences of opinions amongst the various sects of Muslims (in which they have ascribed Kuf’r to each other) have been presented in an absurd and exaggerated manner. Firstly, it can be said regarding some of these fatwas (with full responsibility) that they have been wrongly ascribed to their authors. Secondly, even though a lot of effort has been put into this booklet and all such “controversial” material has been collected, a total of only five such fatwas are presented the rest are statements which were unfortunately written or said during times of heated exchange. The tone of these statements is indeed harsh but they cannot be declared fatwas. Thirdly, even the fatwas don’t represent the unanimous opinion of a particular sect, i.e. the whole of the sect is not united on these fatwas. On the contrary the balanced minded scholars of all sects have always resisted extremism and haste in this manner. Thus to present the idea that the whole sect is unanimous in issuing these fatwas is absurd, rather there has always been a tiny minority (in each sect) which issue these fatwas; versus the majority of the scholars have not only always attempted to limit these differences but also frowned upon these fatwas. Thus when a common problem which affects all Muslims arises these scholars all sit together to try to resolve it and the fatwas don’t interfere in their united effort to try to resolve common issues.
These sects which are being propagated as being divergent throughout the world are the same ones which united during 1951 to establish the foundations of the constitution of Pakistan. And then again in 1953 when the issue of Islamic amendments to the aforementioned constitution was raised they proposed the amendments from a united platform, and then again in 1953 they adopted a united resolution against the Qadianis. Against the propaganda of 1972 when it was alleged that they cannot even present a united definition of a Muslim these sects defied all odds and tore apart the propaganda machine with their united effort. Thus when a problem arises which affects all Muslims nothing stops them from getting together, but has anyone ever seen an invitation towards Qadianis in any of these united sessions? The following are borne out of above-mentioned examples:
- Firstly, the fatwas of Kuf’r are from individuals and don’t represent a unanimous opinion.
- Secondly even amongst the different sects the majority have always attempted to limit the differences and not let it get to the stage of Takfeer.
- Thirdly, they are united upon the founding beliefs of Islam which define the lines of demarcation between Islam and Kuf’r.
Would it be logical not to declare anyone an apostate just because some extremists have hastened in ascribing apostasy, even though all of these sects unanimously declare someone an apostate? Would it be logical to declare the whole of medical profession untrustworthy just because some doctors have “individually” made errors? Even the best amongst the doctors make mistakes. The best amongst the judges make mistakes. Should we lock up all the courts of the world? The best amongst the engineers make mistakes, but who in their right mind would suggest that the task of overseeing construction should now be handed over to the “gravediggers”? If some of the scholars individually have made mistakes then how could it mean that the decisions of Islam should now be based upon Qadiani interpretations instead of the Qur’an and the Sunnah?
Allama Iqbal (poet of the east and the Architect of Pakistan) rightly said while demanding that the Qadiyanis be declared a separate religious minority:
“The differences of opinions of various Muslim sects have no bearing on their basic beliefs upon which they are all united, even though they may issue fatwas of apostasy on each other.”
(Harf-e-Iqbal: pg127)