Draft:Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind

Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadees Hind (Urdu:, Arabic: المركزى جمعية اهل الحديث الهند) is a religious organization within Sunni Islam that follows the Ahle Hadith movement. It originated in the Indian subcontinent during the 20th century and has since spread to various parts of the world. Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind has a significant presence within the Indian Muslim community, particularly in regions with a substantial Sunni population. It operates mosques, educational institutions, and community centers across various states in India. The organization also publishes literature and magazines to disseminate its religious teachings and promote its ideology.

The Ahle Hadith or the Salafi, popularly but contemptuously referred to as the Wahhabi, are a constituent group of Sunni Muslims. They adhere to the pristine teachings of Islam as enshrined in the Holy Quran and Sunnah (the precepts, practices and approvals of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him and reject what has not been enjoined by the Islamic Shariah. The Ahle Hadith or the Salafi believe in pristine Monotheism, turn to Allah seeking His Mercy and don't invoke Saint's blessings. They do not stick to any of the Sectarian Jurisprudence (fiqh). Although they are given due respect. Since they adhere to the pristine teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah, they have their distinct identity among Muslims.

Historical context
The Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind was founded in 1906 in undivided India by Maulana Abdul Haq Azmi. the Ahle Hadith movement originated in response to what its proponents perceived as deviations from authentic Islamic teachings within traditional Sunni Islam. Influenced by the teachings of prominent Islamic scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah and Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab, the movement sought to return to what they considered the pristine form of Islam as practiced during the time of the Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him and his companions (Sahaba)

Ahle Hadith exist with the existence of Islam. In every part of the world wherever is Muslim population. They exist in India from time Muslims came to the country. In India their estimated population is about 25-30 millions. Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith is their representative organization founded in December, 1906. It has 21 branches at state levels, more than 200 branches at district levels and forty thousand at local levels. It has thousands of its followers all over the country who are playing a great role in the development of the country. Their representation in education, industries, agriculture, politics and defense has been recognized and appreciated.

Since its inception it has been serving Islam and Muslims. No any religious and social organization of Muslim Community existed prior to this Jamaat in India.

Among those who were Ahle Hadith in India were Muhammad Bin Tughluq (1325–1351), Maulana Shams-al-Din ibn al Haweri, Mualana 'Alam al-Din (grandson of Sheikh Baha al-Din Zakariyya of Multan), Shah Wali Allah Dehlawi (1702–1763), Maulana Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Dehlavi, Shah Muhammad Ismail Shaheed, Maulana Walayat Ali Azeem Abadi, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817–1898), Nawab Muhammad Siddiq Hasan Khan (1832–1890), Shaikh Abdul Haqq Muhaddis of Banaras, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1888–1958) (Freedom fighter and first Education Minister of India) etc.

Ahle Hadith or Salafi were in the forefront to fight the British rule. Maulana Abdullah martyrdom of Andaman and Maualana Walayat Ali Sadiqpuri (Azeem Abad) were great freedom fighters from the Salafi ideological lineage. "The Wahabi (Salafi) movement gave a number of towering personalities to the nation. Shah Ismail, Syed Ahmad, Wilayat Ali, Inayat Ali, Mian Syed Nazir Hussain, Nawab Siddique Hasan Khan of Bhopal, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Mualana Sanaullah Amritsari and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. This galaxy forms the brightest chapter of our freedom struggle. The first commander of the patriot warriors of the pioneer movement was the great Wahhabi (Ahle Hadith) leader Shah Ismail Shaheed and when the movement reached its point of culmination, it was again a great Wahhabi (Ahle Hadith) leader (Abul Kalam Azad) who negotiated the transfer of power with the British." (The Salafis, P.204-205, A.Q.Naqvi, Al Kitab Int. New Delhi, 2001). The freedom fighter from Jamiat Ahle Hadith like Maulana Abdul Qayyum Rahmani is still alive.

Tawhid (oneness of God)
Ahle Hadith Salafis emphasize the absolute unity and sovereignty of Allah (God). They reject any form of shirk (associating partners with God) and emphasize the importance of maintaining pure monotheism in all aspects of belief and worship.

Adherence to the Quran and Sunnah
Ahle Hadith Salafis prioritize the Quran (the holy book of Islam) and the authentic Sunnah (traditions) of Prophet Muhammad as the primary sources of religious guidance. They advocate for a literal interpretation of these texts and reject any interpretations or practices that are not directly supported by them.

Opposition to Bid'ah (innovation)
Ahle Hadith Salafis oppose religious innovations (bid'ah) and emphasize the importance of adhering strictly to the practices and beliefs of the early Muslim community. They view bid'ah as a deviation from the authentic teachings of Islam and strive to adhere to the Sunnah in all aspects of religious life.

Rejection of Taqlid (blind imitation)
Ahle Hadith or Salafis reject the practice of blindly following religious scholars or adhering to a particular school of jurisprudence (madhab). Instead, they encourage individual Muslims to study the Quran and Sunnah independently and to derive their religious rulings directly from these sources.

Purification of beliefs and practices
Ahle Hadith Salafis advocate for the purification of Islamic beliefs and practices from any cultural, traditional, or un-Islamic influences. They strive to revive what they perceive as the pristine form of Islam practiced by the early generations of Muslims, free from innovations and deviations.

Salafi methodology
Salafis often employ a methodology known as usul al-fiqh (principles of jurisprudence) to derive religious rulings. This methodology involves rigorous analysis of the Quran, Hadith, and the practices of the early Muslim community to determine the correct understanding of Islamic teachings.

Enjoining good and forbidding evil
Ahle Hadith emphasize the importance of enjoining good and forbidding evil as a means of promoting righteousness and combating wrongdoing within the Muslim community. They believe in actively promoting virtuous deeds and discouraging sinful behavior in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Non-political Salafism
While some Salafis may engage in political activism, particularly in advocating for the implementation of Islamic law (Sharia), many Salafis prioritize individual religious practice and spiritual purification over political engagement. They may view involvement in politics as secondary to the personal quest for piety and adherence to Islamic teachings.

Activism
The organization is involved in various educational, social, and religious activities. It runs schools, colleges, and madrasas (Islamic seminaries), and it's active in publishing literature related to Islamic teachings. It also engages in missionary activities to spread its interpretation of Islam. Here are some of the activities commonly associated with Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind:


 * 1) Religious Education: The organization is actively involved in providing religious education based on the Ahle Hadith perspective. It runs schools, colleges, and madrasas (Islamic seminaries) where students are taught subjects such as Quranic studies, Hadith studies, Islamic jurisprudence, and theology.
 * 2) Seminars and Conferences: Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind organizes religious seminars, conferences, and conventions to educate Muslims about their faith and address contemporary issues facing the Muslim community. These events often feature lectures, discussions, and presentations by scholars and experts in Islamic studies.
 * 3) Publication of Literature: The organization publishes books, pamphlets, and other educational materials on various topics related to Islam, including theology, jurisprudence, Islamic history, and contemporary issues. These publications are distributed among members of the organization and the wider Muslim community.
 * 4) Religious Gatherings (Ijtimas):  Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind holds religious gatherings (ijtimas) where members come together for collective prayers, religious lectures, and spiritual upliftment. These gatherings provide an opportunity for members to strengthen their faith and bond with fellow believers.
 * 5) Missionary Work: The organization is involved in missionary activities aimed at spreading its interpretation of Islam among Muslims and non-Muslims alike. This includes outreach programs, Dawah (invitation to Islam) efforts, and distribution of Islamic literature.
 * 6) Social Welfare Initiatives: Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind participates in various social welfare initiatives aimed at serving the needs of the community. This may include providing assistance to the needy, offering humanitarian aid during disasters, and supporting educational and healthcare projects in underserved areas.
 * 7) Interfaith Dialogue: The organization may engage in interfaith dialogue initiatives to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between different religious communities. This involves participating in discussions, seminars, and events aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
 * 8) Advocacy and Political Engagement: Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind may advocate for the rights and interests of Muslims in India through political engagement and lobbying efforts. This may include addressing issues such as religious freedom, minority rights, and discrimination against Muslims.