Dangerous beliefs and opinions of Maudoodi Sahib

Q: What was the controversy regarding Maududi saheb?

A: Maudoodi Sahib had promoted many false and dangerous beliefs and opinions. Among them are:

1. He belittled our beloved Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and other Ambiyaa (alaihimus salaam). For example, he stated regarding Nabi Moosa (alaihis salaam): "The example of Moosa (alaihis salaam) is like an impatient conqueror,"

2. He degraded the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum) in many of his writings. For example, he explains that among the reasons for the temporary defeat in Uhud was greed and the love for wealth which came about due to dealing in interest.

3. He would make tafseer of the Quraan Shareef based on his personal opinion and understanding, and not by referring to the expert explanation of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum) and other leading mufassireen. As a result, he contradicted the tafseer of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum) in many places. For example, whilst explaining the aayat: وَكُلوا وَاشرَبوا حَتّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ الخَيطُ الأَبيَضُ مِنَ الخَيطِ الأَسوَدِ مِنَ الفَجرِ (And eat and drink until the white thread [of dawn] becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]), he commented that people have become very strict with regards to the timings for sehri and iftaar, whereas the shariah has not made it such. Further, he states that this verse allows for some leniency in this regard. Hence, if a person wakes up at the time of subh saadiq, he will be allowed to eat and drink.

4. His opinion regarding the mu`jizaat of the Ambiyaa (alaihimus salaam) creates the impression that he has rejected these mu`jizaat. For example, in the Quraan Shareef Allah Ta`ala speaks of raising the Mount Toor over the Banu Israeel when they initially refused to accept the Taurah and warned them that the mountain will fall upon them if they do not pledge to follow the Taurah. Whilst explaining this, Moudoodi quotes the Bible which states that the mountain was covered in smoke because god appeared in flames. He then commented that the Banu Israeel took the pledge in such a state that they fully perceived the glory and greatness of Allah Ta`ala. Thus, he was implying that the mountain was not raised.

These are just a few of the many problems that the ulama had found in Moudoodi Sahib.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)