Muhammad Mujahid Syed Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Islam is the most perfect message to mankind for which we should be thankful to the Almighty Allah. Islam as a way of life can save humanity from the decadence and decline. Humanity can progress if it adopts the path shown by Allah's beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The human psychology and the history of the civilizations are an example of renewal and progress. And Islam is the most progressive religion and to progress God has shown us some principles. Many ancient religions lost their pivotal position they earlier had, due to amendments made by humans, but Islam is still leading the human race and it will continue to lead because it's not the religion of the Muslims as it's generally known but the Qur'an and the Islam is for the whole humanity. Islam believes in the peaceful coexistence and progress due to its continued emphasize on the learning and self-control and love of God and the humanity. Salim advised Muslims to refrain from “Takfeer ideology” and pointed out this fact of history that different schools of thought emerged from the progress of knowledge. He gave many examples of the early Islamic era when continued learning of the Qur'an and the Sunnah paved the way for “Ijtehad” and “Qayas,” progress and development. The difference of opinions never bothered scholars and the Ummah and in that golden era the humanity progressed under the standard of Islam. The standard-bearers of Islam and its followers had the respect of other religions because the Muslim Ulema were righteous and God-fearing. Muhammad Salim Qasimi is the great grandson of Muhammad Qasim Nanotavi, founder of Darul Uloom Deoband. Qasimi is the rector of Darul Uloom Deoband (Waqf), the vice president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, president of All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat and the permanent Member of the Fiqh Council of Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt. Qasimi is also the chairman of Imam Muhammad Qasim Al-Nanotavi Educational Foundation. He recently spoke at a special gathering of Ulema and intellectuals at the residence of Rafiq, a respected Pakistani community figure. Qasimi advised Ulema to be a model of learning, God-fearing and patience for the Ummah. He gave examples of Qasim Nanotavi, the founder of Darul Uloom Deoband and Mahmoodul Hasan in this regard. The persecution of the British colonials didn't deter these grand Ulema to spread the knowledge of Islam. The reason for their success was their sincerity. Qasimi lauded the role of All India Muslim Personal Board in uniting and leading Indian Muslims. His answer to a question regarding the reservation for Indian Muslims was that the Muslim community is already reserved for man-made calamities and the communal riots but he was optimistic that the Muslims are facing the hostile circumstances with grace and courage due to their faith in the Almighty God and Islam's golden principles. He said that his famous seminary Darul Uloom Deoband (Waqf) has the traditions of famous Madrsah Rahimiya Delhi, Lucknow and Khairabad in serving the Qur'anic and Hadith knowledge. He warned the attendee scholars that the knowledge is always famous for changing its centers. He gave many examples of Baghdad, Cordoba, Delhi and Lucknow in this regard. If the ancients centers of knowledge face decline due to their lack of respect then they can face this crisis too. The scholars should pay respect to knowledge because the Prophet(PBUH) had taught this valuable principle, he said.
