By:
Maul. Badrul Hasan Qasmi
Hifzur Rahman
Qasmi, New Delhi
Abstract
No doubt
Founder of Deobandi Sunni ideology MuÍammad
QÉsim Al-NÉnawtawÊ is the most towering figure in the comparative
religion in Indian-subcontinent. His intellectual height with his Islamic
philosophy in comparative religion surpasses other scholars. This article
discusses the examples from the writings of Al-NÉnawtawÊ’s method of argumentation from his famous TaqrÊr DilpadhÊr (p. 1882) and ×ujjat al-IslÉm (p. 1883). These two
books are the fine example of religious dialectical and polemical discussion;
they lead readers towards a sense of neo-ÑIlm-al-KalÉm. The article in hand
serves only as an example to show that if the arguments of Al-NÉnawtawÊ on any
particular theme, scattered in various books, are compiled in modern method, it
would not only help the readers to comprehend the Islamic tenets in modern way,
but also it would produce the long-awaited Neo-ÑIlm-al-KalÉm based on QÉsmite
argumentation system supported by the contemporary scientific facts. However,
due to highly complicated nature and style of argumentation the authors of this
article do not claim full accuracy that they are able to produce the exact gist
of Al-NÉnawtawÊ’s original discourse.
Introduction
ImÉm MuÍammad QÉsim Al-NÉnawtawÊ
had adopted a unique method of argumentation to establish the basic tenets of
Islamic faith, such as: existence of Godhead, His Oneness, His attributes, the
philosophy of apostleship, the creed of hereafter and destiny, miracles and
existence of the angels. Apart
from presenting the rational arguments, he also tried to personify the pure
metaphysical facts in the live examples of day-to-day life which bring them even
closer to human logic and intellect. In short, his argumentative method
possesses extraordinary force and exclusivity which generally cannot be seen in
the discourse of other MutakallimÊn (scholastic theologians),
thus making him distinct in this branch of theology.
Looking into the arguments of NÉnawtawÊ
scattered in his various letters and booklets, we are compelled to acknowledge
the statement of MawlÉnÉ ManÉÐir AÍsan GÊlanÊ: “If a
little change is made in its structure, the best form of ÑIlm-al-KalÉm (scholastic
theology) of the contemporary world will appear there from” and
we have to agree with the opinion of ÑAllÉmah ShabbÊr AÍmad UthmÉnÊ, the expert of
QÉsmi science and
thoughts:
The
more you ponder over the writings of Al-NÉnawtawÊ,
the more you admit his God-gifted wisdom and truthfulness. It would not be unfair
if we assumed that he was so great scholar who laid the foundation stone for
the castle of the Neo ÑIlm-al-KalÉm in a unique way that will
always remain practical and of which we will always be proud.
ManÉÐir AÍsan GÊlanÊ and his teacher
ÑAllÉmah ShabbÊr AÍmad UthmÉnÊ had a keen
sense to understand the knowledge and thoughts of Al-NÉnawtawÊ. They were not
experts only in the difficult issues of logic (ManÏiq), philosophy, tasawwuf (mysticism) and the
ÑIlm-al-KalÉm, but also
eloquence and extraordinary communication skills are available in their
literatures. Moreover, they were fully
aware of doubts and misgivings put forth by the contemporary world on Islam. But
the dream of “making a little change in the NÉnawtawÊ argumentation
system and compiling the neo ÑIlm-al-KalÉm” is yet to be
realized.
Of late, there are neither ÑUlamÉ capable enough
to venture upon this task, nor people to present modern explanation of the
metaphysical facts.
Now the work plan for this task before
us is not only to make these arguments comprehensible to common masses, but
also to give them a modern scientific touch, so as to make them beneficial for
intellectuals and academic community. But detached from the books of Al-NÉnawtawÊ, this work cannot
be accomplished.
Obviously, this is only an effort by
a person whose knowledge does not explore a wide horizon. Moreover, all major works
of Al-NÉnawtawÊ too are not
available with him. However, the argumentations, which Al-NÉnawtawÊ has made on the
“existence of God” in various books like “TaqrÊr-e-DilpadhÊr”, “×ujjat-al-IslÉm”, “MubÉÍathah ShahjahanpËr”, “GuftugË-i MadhhabÊ”, “QiblÉ NumÉ” and so on, are
presented here in a logical sequence without sticking to his words. Due to
highly complicated nature of the Al-NÉnawtawÊ’s style of argumentation,
the authors of this article do not claim absolute accuracy. However, the
following are the deduction from Al-NÉnawtawÊ’s discourses.
Existence
of God
“Existence of God” is
among the topics which hold paramount importance to the world philosophers and
wise persons. Below is how Al-NÉnawtawÊ deals with this
matter.
Fist Argument:
Creatures Establish the Existence of a Creator
Community of the philosophers agree
with the fact that everything created has a creator, everything newly-originated
has a cause to originate it, everything in motion has a dynamic power behind it
and every system has an administrator. When
we happen to see a building we quickly believe, without any hesitation and much
thought, that there must be a mason who made it. It did not come into existence
on its own without any workmanship. Even the smallest building on earth did not
come into existence without craftsmanship of an artist. We
manage our time system with a wrist watch. How small and tiny it is! But we can
never assume, even for the shortest period of time, that it came into existence
without any complicated and fine mechanism. Then how was it possible for this
vast universe, the sun and the moon with their magnificent system of rising and
setting, the earth and the skies, the stars and stupendous series of galaxies to
come into existence without any creator? There must be a supreme creative power
behind their creation.
Second Argument:
Mortality of Human Existence Requires an Immortal Existence
The first and foremost fact faced by
human beings is their own existence and life. It, therefore, becomes the most
significant topic for them to pay heed and research about. Thus, when we ponder
over our existence, we conclude that it does not possess the quality of firmness
and stability. It is not eternal. Once, we have been hidden under the layer of nothingness
and the time is sure to come when we all will perish. There lived countless
people on surface of the earth, but they all left. There have been so many of
nations which reached the pinnacle of development, dignity and glory and then
vanished from the surface of the earth to leave no sign behind.
The separation of life from our persons
clearly announces that our existence is not intrinsic and essential; rather
borrowed. No creatures on earth possess intrinsic existence. There is the
Supreme Entity, self-existing and possessing life and existence in intrinsic
sense, grants it to all creatures.
The life and existence in the
creatures is like heat in the water and light on the earth. We normally observe
that the water gets hot when closer to fire by way of fire transmitting its
heat into the water, but when it is disconnected from the fire, its original coldness
comes back to it and the borrowed heat ends. The same way the earth gets illumined
by the light of the sun. But as the sun starts setting, the light of the earth
also begins to vanish gradually; until the real darkness of the earth spreads
everywhere with the nightfall. Constant observation of such phenomena leads us
to believe that neither the light is real attribute of the earth nor the heat
is the intrinsic characteristic of water rather the earth gets light from the
sun and the water gets heat from the fire.
Human life exists somewhere in
between two extremes of nothingness. It unequivocally states that existence and
life in mankind is not perpetual and original; rather temporal and borrowed as
is the case of heat in water and light on earth. Thus, when the blessing of
life stops from the Entity Who grants us existence, we suddenly die.
When this much is proved, we must
know that the link of heat ends onto the fire (in this world of cause and
effect) and the link of light ends onto the sun. We cannot say that there is
something in this world above the sun and the fire which grants light and heat
to them. Therefore, the light of the sun and the heat of the fire will be
assumed as their own intrinsic characteristic. The same way, the link of life and
existence will end to some entity that possesses it as its intrinsic attribute,
not as borrowed one. He is the Self-existing Entity Who gave us all life and
all the existing creatures in this world owe their existence to Him. The Same Entity
is called “Allah”, Rabb” and “MÉlik-al Mulk”. And as the light is not detached
from the sun and the heat is not separated from the fire, the existence is
never separated from Allah, as it is His eternal and intrinsic attribute.
The existence is as inseparable from
His Entity as evenness from the number “two”. It is not possible that the
number “two” is without evenness. The same way separation of existence from
Allah is impossible. He always was, He is and always will be. His existence is
eternal.
Third Argument:
The Changing Scenario of the Universe Establishes Existence of Allah
When we look into this world and ponder
over the situation of the creatures in it, we come to know that everything of
the world is constantly changing. Nothing in this world is stable and firm
enough to stay on one state. Everything reflects need, disgrace and
helplessness. We find humiliation, weakness
and need everywhere we look. We look into the sky, the sun and the moon and
galaxies. We find that they all are in constant motion. In this vast universe,
these great creatures and natural phenomena look like trifles. They look like straws
floating in the air. The sun, the moon and the stars they all rise and set. They
go to their determined position. They go high, come down and then they are buried
in the horizons. When the sun and moon are eclipsed, their light is faded and
they are lightless. We see the fire. It burns, bursts into flames and then it
is eventually extinguished. We see the air. It goes to the west at something,
while at the other time it goes to the east. Sometimes, it blows, at the other
time it stops. Sometimes, it turns into angry storms. Sometimes, it goes to
north and south. It seems as though it is cast away from every four sides. Same
is the case with water. It flows hither and thither with movement of the air. We
see the earth. It represents the humiliation and disgrace. It is tread under
feet. But it does not ever defend itself. People dig it. They make its surface dirty
with the urine and stool and other impurities. Every kind of dirt is buried
under its chest.
Let us see the trees and plants.
They also are not in rest. Their shoot sprouts from their seed, it grows,
stands on its stems. And suddenly it takes the shape of a thick and shady tree.
When the springs come, the earth gets beautiful and fascinating. There are
meadows everywhere. The scenario the farms and gardens fascinates the hearts. But
as soon as it is autumn, the hot air leaves them burnt. And then, a time comes
when everything turns into straws and there is dryness and wretchedness
everywhere. It is the same earth which grows different kind of plants and trees.
It is the same water which irrigates them. But they all give the flowers of
different colour and fruits of different flavor.
Let’s have a look at the living
creatures. Take the human being for instance. As far as the matter of procreation
is concerned, they all apply the same method. Yet there exits much difference
between man and man, race and race in colour, shape and characteristics. And if
we look into every characteristic, we find that no one is similar to others.
The living creatures are surrounded
by much helplessness and needs. Apart from hunger, thirst and call of nature,
there are many things like pain, anxiety, taste and anguish, sickness and
death, sexual desires which make the life distasteful. Among other living
creatures, human beings are so overwhelmed by greed and sexual desires that they
sometimes lose their wisdom and intellect and eventually lose the nobility and
superiority which he has got over other creatures.
As far as animals are concerned,
they only need to eat. They do not need to have beautiful dresses and
magnificent buildings nor do they need the high offices and positions. They do
not care for the food to be delicious or tasteless, sweet or sour. But human spirit
cannot rest in peace even for a while without these bounties.
Additionally, the greater the man is,
the higher is his compulsion. The common people do not need fellow men to
accomplish their daily needs. They fulfill their necessities themselves. But
the rich people, kings and leader are in need of servants. They cannot do their
household chores on their own. They need guards to protect them. In short,
everything of the universe is different from each other. They all are the
symbol of humiliation, disgrace and helplessness, no matter how great respectful
they are.
The sun and the moon on sky look
stupendous to us due to their light, but on earth, it is the man, the supreme
hero. Rather man has got superiority even on the sun and the moon. Thus, if the
light of the sun and the moon illuminates the earth and the sky, the light of
human wisdom illuminates the whole universe. The light of wisdom has the
ability to illuminate the eternity. If the sun light shows the shapes and body,
the light of wisdom removes curtains from the scientific facts and solve many
questions. In spite of all these nobility and superiority, everything of the world
is the symbol of disgrace and slavery. It clearly states that the whole
universe is under control of an All-Powerful Entity Who has set everything of
the earth and the sky on service just like servants. He has distributed a responsibility
for everything. Everything is busy discharging its duty. He did not leave
anything on one state, so that they should become proud and consider themselves
absolute authority. Thus, everything, by their state, bear witness of being
under control of a great and powerful king whose power knows no limits and his
greatness and kingdom is endless. Thus, after looking at the changing scenario
of the universe, denial of the existence of the Creator of the universe is indeed
great stupidity.
Fourth Argument:
The Principle of ‘Judgment on Major Opinion’
It is a rule of human life that when
any discord occurs in any matter, the opinion of the one who is wiser and more sincere
is concerned. But when the logic too gets different, the judgment is taken on
the basis of major opinion. If we apply the same logic in this matter as well,
the dispute will compulsorily be settled. The reason is that majority of mankind,
except some atheists who are very few in number, attests the existence of
Allah. Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Christians, Idol worshipers and Zoroastrians all
believe in the existence of God and consider themselves His slaves in Whose
control lies the life of all.
But how interesting is the way of
atheists that they make ‘the majority of opinion’ base while making judgment in
every academic, political and social affair, but they deny this principle in
the matter of the existence God on the account that Allah cannot be seen. The
question is that if only seeing is the base of belief in the existence of
anything, why they believe in the existence of fire behind the wall looking
after the smoke. How do they believe in the presence of the sun after looking at
sunlight in the courtyard? Looking at the foot steps on the roads and streets,
why do they believe of a passerby to pass? If all these signs can bear witness
of something, why can this vast universe, which has been made with a particular
system, not bear witness of the existence of the Creator? Is it not the open
folly of the so called intellectuals to deny the existence of God even after
having wisdom and intellect?
Conclusion
In the above
discussion, these arguments of the existence of God have been presented only
for example; the arguments on the existence of God presented by MuÍammad QÉsim Al-NÉnawtawÊ clearly
illustrate his deep knowledge and understanding of the scholastic theology. He
was indeed a great scholar of Islamic sciences. He devoted his entire life to
establish the fundamentals of DÊn through his
convincing speeches, scholarly writings and debates. He was not only a freedom
fighter who fought in the battlefield to free his country from the external
colonial power, but also a strong adherent to Islamic faith with an indomitable
sense of religious preservation who, throughout his life, struggled to defend
Islam against all internal and external attacks.
In changing
scenario of the present age, where people rely upon scientific principles and
argumentative methodology, we, the Muslims are in crying need of Neo-ÑIlm-al-KalÉm based upon and
supported by modern scientific approach. But detached from the intellectual
legacy of Al-NÉnawtawÊ, this dream
will never be realized. Thus, if the arguments of oneness of God, Prophethood
and creed of hereafter is collected from the books of Al-NÉnawtawÊ and compiled in
modern style, the Neo-ÑIlm-al-KalÉm can be founded
and the knowledge of Al-NÉnawtawÊ can be brought
closer to the mind of people. But we wonder which fortunate person will be
blessed enough to venture upon this task.
See
Al-NÉnawtawÊ’s authored books, which depict unique style of argumentation and
thus develop a new test in ÑIlm al-KalÉm, see, MuÍammad QÉsim Al-NÉnawtawÊ, IntaÎār al-Islām (1298), Qiblah
Numā, (1298), TaqrÊr DilpadhÊr (1882), ×ujjat al-IslÉm
(AH 1300), etc.
