Fatwa #48609 February 2002United States of America
I have observed that the people of Tablighi Jamaat regard Maulanas Thanwi, Zakariya and Ilyas r.a. as next to Rasulullah and the Sahaba. Who are these individuals and why are they regarded this way?
Question
With due respect to these Ulamas, I don?t understand why their names are mentioned in majority of the Bayaans, Taleems, etc. and their?s seem to be the only books read, or as it appears, allowed to be read.
Answer
These were illustrious Ulama of the last century who played leading roles in
the development and enhancements of Islamic spirit amongst the masses of
India. They have also authored a number of books on diverse topics. One of
the books authored by Shaykh Zakariyya (RA) is Fadhaail-e-Aamaal. Extensive
use of this Kitaab is made by members of the Tabligh Jamaat in their Taleemi
programmes. This is why they quote him so frequently in their Bayaans.
Moulana Ilyaas Saheb is quoted so frequently simply because he was the
founder (or rather the reformer) of the Tablighi movement. These Ulama quote
from the Qur'aan and Hadith or they commentate on the Qur'aan and Hadith.
Hence, when people quote them, they are actually quoting a commentary of Qur
'aan and Hadith.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
CHECKED AND APPROVED CORRECT: Mufti Ebrahim Desai