The visionary steps of Hazrat Syed Ahmad Shah Sirikoti (may Allah have mercy on him) to spread religious education based on Sunni ideology

Maulana Muhammad Abdul Mannan

There is no alternative to the establishment and propagation of any ideology, except for an independent and proper educational institution and a well-thought-out educational system. For this reason, this tradition has been going on since the beginning of the history of the emergence and development of civilization on earth. The system of gathering knowledge from the great sages born on earth, preserving and propagating it has been going on since that beginning. In the history of ancient times, it is seen that although the sages and philosophers did not establish schools and educational institutions according to the current rules, their disciples and knowledge-hungry students gathered knowledge from them and preserved and propagated it. Such activities are evident in the case of Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, etc. of the pre-Islamic era.
The companions, disciples and followers of the Prophets and Messengers, the source of accurate knowledge and education and the infallible teachers of the most beneficial civilization, culture and tradition, have cultivated the world by receiving the knowledge, education and training of the ideals of the respected Prophets and Messengers of their respective eras. After them, the last and greatest Prophet and Messenger, the World Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), brought the best religion, ideals and way of life. He presented the Holy Quran, his pure Hadith Sharif and his own wonderful ideals and character beauty to the world until the Day of Judgment. He not only directly taught, trained and implemented all of these; but also made permanent arrangements for their proper education. He has emphasized and encouraged the regular study and practice of the Quran, Sunnah, Ijma’, Qiyas, etc., and has also established a permanent model or rule for this.
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) provided accommodation and food for the ‘Ashab-e-Soffa’ near his holy house and directly educated and trained them. He sent his companions to new Muslim-populated areas or cities as his direct teachers and trainers. In this way, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Holy Prophet himself and almost every one of his companions were individually a complete institution. This tradition continued even during the era of the ‘A’is and the Tabi’i Tabi’een. Then the Imams of Tafsir-Hadith and Fiqh turned their respective locations or residences into educational centers.
Needless to say, countless scholars have been educated and trained under their direct teachings. Later, this educational system gradually improved. The biographies of Imam-e-A’zam and Imams of Sihah Sittar bear irrefutable evidence in this regard. Throughout the ages, Muslim rulers and Islamic scholars have established educational institutions and research centers according to the needs of education and research. The ‘Darul Hikmah’ of Baghdad during the historical Abbasid period, the ‘Madrasa-e-Nizamia’ of Sultan Nizamul Mulk, and the madrasa run by Huzoor Ghaus-e-Pak Hazrat Barpir (may Allah be pleased with him) etc. are particularly noteworthy in this regard.
This trend continued later on. Residential and non-residential multi-religious educational institutions began to be established in the Islamic world. Educational institutions with rich subject-based departments and classifications, and even in the modern era, the excellence of the university-level religious educational institution Qa’im’s line has also been achieved. At an important stage in history, the world-famous Al-Azhar University in Egypt was established, and later, in imitation of it, religious universities were established in other countries of the world. Moreover, starting from small-scale religious madrasas, innumerable madrasas of higher Aliya (Kamil) level were established through government and private initiatives. Who does not know that they are managed in various ways. As a result, religious education and training in the name of Islam has been continuous so far. This is a matter of great happiness. However, in this case, I think a detailed discussion is necessary in the context of the current situation. ‘Islam’ is the chosen religion of Allah Himself. The ‘holy’ skillful hands of His main representative and friend, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), have perfected this religion and have made it permanent until the Day of Judgment. Therefore, the true followers of the true outline of this religion have been and will be blessed and successful. And those who deviate from this outline may want to enlighten the mind in the name of following Islam, or they may use this name to gain worldly success and so-called benefits. This is said because our ancestor and master, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), has warned us that the Children of Israel had previously divided into 72 sects. His Ummah will be divided into 73 sects. Among them, all (72 sects) except for the one ‘Ahl al-Sunnah wal Jama’at’ are the people of Hell. [Tirmidhi Shareef]

This prophecy of the Prophet of Islam has been proven to be true to the letter. It is also noteworthy that among those 72 false sects, the first to emerge was the ‘infamous Kharijite sect’, whose followers are the ‘Wahhabi’ sect founded by Ibn Taymiyyah and Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Najdi. This Wahhabi sect includes the Ahle Hadith, Deobandi, Nadwi and the Hifazati sect of our country. The second false sect of Islam is the Rafidi-Shia sect. Moreover, the infamous Qadiani sect emerged after receiving a fatwa in support of the Deobandi. Another false sect of Islam is the Mu’tazila sect. And by combining these false sects, Mr. Maududi established Jamaat-e-Islami, of which the ‘Student Camp’ etc. are a part. In the light of the situation, it seems that the mainstream of Islam, ‘Ahle Sunnat wal Jama’at’, has remained steadfast in its glory despite various setbacks and adversities. On the other hand, many groups of those seventy-two sects have disappeared. Nevertheless, some of the above-mentioned ‘erroneous groups’ (Kharijite-Wahhabis, Ahl al-Hadith, Qaumi-Hefajati and Shia, Qadiani and Maududi Jama’ati and Shibir, etc.) are roaming the world in various ways and are making mischief to engulf the Sunni world. And the other forces opposing Islam are prevailing in non-Islamic ways. It is also noteworthy here that, on the one hand, the followers of Sunni ideology have continued this arrangement for the education and training of Sunni ideology in personal and institutional ways, while the non-Sunni and non-Islamic communities have also continued their education and training. Therefore, it is time for a comparative discussion and for Sunni Muslims to take appropriate measures.
Independent educational institutions of Qadiani and Shia communities are not seen in Bangladesh. They educate and train their children in their respective doctrines in their residences or places of worship. This is because they have no opportunity to openly teach and spread their false doctrines in this country, where the majority is Sunni. Of course, they are definitely earning a couple of bucks by hiding their identity in other ways and establishing educational institutions in a modern style. It is also necessary to investigate whether they are trying to spread their doctrines effectively through this; just as Christian missionary schools and colleges are doing. There are two communities left: Wahhabis and Maududi ideologues. Maududi ideologues have established themselves politically in this country and have established a large number of educational institutions under different names. Their strategy is – on the one hand, to establish independent institutions based on their ideology and provide education and training in it according to the false ideology of Maududi, on the other hand, in the name of politics, they establish student camps in almost all educational institutions and appoint pro-Jamaat teachers through tactics or pressure to propagate Maududi’s ideology. In this way, their evil behavior and position are being observed in almost all lower-level institutions, starting from the country’s Aliya Madrasas and universities. It can be assumed that this has been possible due to the carelessness and indifference of the pro-independence political groups and Sunni Alim-Ulama and Pir Mashaikh general public in the country; the nation is now suffering the evil results of which, on the one hand, the government itself is struggling to suppress their terrorism, on the other hand, many in the opposition political front are trying to use their position as a tool for political gain.
The remaining Wahhabi community. This ideology and sect have arrived in this country under the cover of complete religious alkhella and blatant piety. However, due to the fact that they have established their position in this way, they have now become politically vocal in establishing their ideology. This sect, hiding their erroneous Kharijite-Wahhabi creed, has adopted various plans to silently carry out the Kharijite-Wahhabi revolution by covering their mouths with the name of ‘Islam’ and their bodies with the cover of ‘Islamic alkhella’ (the historical great errant Dhul Khwaysarah-marked robe or the elder brother’s kurta and the younger brother’s pyjama and the temple-marked cap). Relevantly, even though a few conscious Sunni Ulama and Pir-Mashaykhs in some parts of the country have challenged them, they have gradually moved forward with determination. They have been able to carve out their sinister place in the simple-hearted Muslim society solely by the words of Islam on their lips and the ‘unusual’ clothing bearing the name of Islam. If Allama Ghazi Sher-e-Bangla Azizul Haq Alqaderi of Chittagong, Allama Abid Shah Mujaddidi Alayhima Rahmah outside Chittagong had bravely confronted them with face-to-face debates from every district and corner of Bangladesh and had been defeated and undermined in a timely manner through the necessary writings, and if innumerable Pir-Mashaikhs and Sahih Tariqat Silsila and Sahih Sunni Aqeedah who are kindly present in all regions of the country like Hazratul Allama Syed Ahmed Shah Sirikoti Alayhima Rahmah from Chittagong and established a large number of madrasas to produce the required number of skilled Sunni scholars, the situation of Wahhabis and their evil consequences would not have been seen in the country today.
It is worth noting that the tradition of establishing complete Sunni religious institutions (Madrasa) along with the Sahih Silsila for the sole purpose of establishing Sunni ideology in this country is mainly limited to Hazratul Allama Syed Ahmad Shah Sirikoti and his worthy successors and disciples. Of course, although only a handful of Sunni personalities came forward to establish Madrasas in Chittagong and outside Chittagong following his path, it would not be an exaggeration to say that they were insignificant in terms of number, quality and purpose in confronting the Wahhabis-Mawdudiists.
It is said that in the Indo-Pak subcontinent, the propagation of Wahhabi doctrine began after it was imported from Saudi Arabia. The widespread propagation of this doctrine continued mainly through the establishment of Deoband Madrasa, Saharanpur Madrasa, Nadwatul Ulama (research and publishing institution) and Tablighi Jamaat in India. This was connected to the movement of quasi-Sunni and masked Wahhabi Pirs who had received the caliphate of Syed Ahmad Barlvi. Many Wahhabi mullahs and clerics in this country, having received education and initiation from Deoband etc. madrasas, tried to establish madrasas in different areas. As a result of their continuous efforts and uninterrupted propaganda, several large-scale Wahhabi madrasas were first established in Chittagong. After that, this tradition spread rapidly in other areas. Now thousands of Wahhabi-Qaumi madrasas have been established all over the country. The number of Wahhabis being produced from these every year and what contribution (!) they will make to the country and the nation in the future can only be estimated from the recent gathering and procession at Shapla Chattar, the previous series of bomb blasts and the rise of militant organizations led by Bangla Bhai, Mufti Hannan, etc. Just as the Jamaat has made many young people against the interests of religion and the country over a long period of time, similarly, it is time to think about the terrible consequences that the countless Wahhabi-Qaumi successors who are being produced at a continuous pace by receiving education according to the foreign curriculum (according to the Deobandi syllabus) and receiving initiation according to non-Sunni doctrines of Wahhabi-Qaumi madrasas will create for this country in the near future and to take necessary steps. In order to expose these false sects and make the future generations of the country good citizens, truly religious, honest, capable and patriotic citizens, there is no alternative to giving proper patronage to Sunni institutions and establishing a sufficient number of Sunni religious institutions wherever there are Qaumi and Maududi sect institutions. Moreover, it is necessary to be careful and courageous in ensuring that these Sunni institutions are free from the intrusion and evil plots of non-Sunni communities. If the government takes initiatives in this regard and if a large number of Pir Sahibs, shrine authorities and financially sound Sunni individuals of the country come forward for this, it is not impossible for the light of hope to shine. If such auspicious initiative is taken, it is inevitable to get special help from Allah. Allah Almighty has promised in the Holy Quran to help such initiatives and to smooth their path. There is evidence of this in countless Hadiths. Reality is also a burning witness to this.
It is also noteworthy that in order to make the future generations of this country like them, the Wahhabis are establishing so-called ‘Noorani system’ madrasas, cadet madrasas and kindergarten schools in every region like a frog’s umbrella. And they are attracting the Muslim common people in various ways. They are also stealing people’s money by establishing these institutions in a very financially profitable way. Therefore, it is necessary to create public awareness in this regard. And there is the regular propaganda of the Tablighi Jamaat and the so-called Bishwa Ijtima (large Wahhabi conference). It is also the demand of the hour to take steps to stop this evil activity of confronting the holy Hajj of Islam. Moreover, the establishment of the most expensive media, television channels, and through them, the evil propaganda of Wahhabi and Maududi doctrines is also going on. They are not lagging behind in the print media either. We must think about the evil consequences of these.
In view of all these circumstances, the timeless wisdom and invaluable contribution of Shahanshah Sirikot Hazrat Syed Ahmad Shah Sirikoti Alaihir Rahmah in establishing Sunni Madrasas in this country is undeniable. Sixty/seventy years ago, he was able to realize with his extraordinary timeless wisdom that one of the most invaluable ways to permanently and successfully confront all kinds of falsehood in this country and indeed in the entire Sunni world is to establish complete Sunni Madrasas. From which skilled Sunni scholars will be produced, who will perform the sincere service of the religion.
It is worth mentioning that Shahanshah Sirikot Alaihir Rahmah was able to infer the state of faith in this country from the audacity of the Wahhabis to ridicule the Wahhabis for not reciting Durood Shareef after reciting the divine command to recite ‘Darudd and Salam’ at a Milad-Mahfil organized at Sheikherkhil in Banshkhali, Chittagong. Therefore, he immediately took appropriate measures to give a befitting reply to these insolent people.
He laid the foundation stone of ‘Jameyah Ahmadiyya Sunnia Alia’ in Chittagong in 1954. And he has determined the nature of education and initiation – it will be conducted according to the ‘Maslak’ of A’la Hazrat Imam Ahmad Reza Barlawi Alayhir Rahmah. Because, the model of irrefutable education of Sunnism is A’la Hazrat and his exquisite writings. Therefore, the sapling sown by the blessed hands of Ale Rasool Hazrat Syed Ahmad Shah Sirikoti Rahmatullahi Alayhir has today turned into a huge mahiruh. And he has become a shining model in this regard. Today, as a result of the proper implementation of his sincere instructions and guidance, ‘Jameyah’ is the largest religious-Sunni educational institution in Asia. Following him, his most worthy successor, Huzur Qebla Syed Muhammad Tayyab Shah Alayihir Rahmah, established ‘Jameya Qaderia Tayyabiya Alia Madrasa’ in the heart of the capital Dhaka. After that, the Anjuman established by him and the devoted followers of his true and correct Silsila have established more than a hundred more religious Sunni educational institutions and countless Khanqah Sharifs in the country. This Anjuman and Silsila’s extensive activities are being conducted under the direct patronage of his worthy successor, the present Huzur Qebla Allama Syed Muhammad Taher Shah Sahib Muddazilluhul Ali. The ‘Gausia Committee Bangladesh’ established by Huzur Qebla Hazratul Allama Tayyab Shah Alayihir Rahmah is providing unique services to Sunnism. Under the blessed guidance of his worthy successor, Hazratul Allama Saber Shah Maddazilluhul Ali, this Gausia Committee is rapidly moving towards the peak of progress. The monthly ‘Tarjuman’ established by Huzoor Qibla Tayyab Shah Alayhir Rahmah is playing the role of the mouthpiece of the entire Sunni society. As a result of his divine power and prayers, skilled writers and organizers are being produced, who are providing many other necessary services and arrangements for Sunnism. Under the guidance of Huzoor Qibla, today the entire Sunni society is enriched with pure translations and interpretations of the Quran, pure translations and explanations of Hadith Sharif, necessary books of Fiqh, necessary books of Durood Sharif and Sufism, and timely publications. In the organizational world of Sunni Islam, Huzoor Qibla and his devoted and capable disciples are performing their duties with devotion. This association has established Sunni Women’s Madrasa to enrich the women’s society of the country with the knowledge of the correct ideals of Islam.
By the infinite mercy of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and by the blessings of the good eye of the beloved Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the good eye of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the Jamia Women’s Madrasa has also been elevated to the level of perfection.
In short, if Shahanshah Sirikot and his worthy successors and devoted followers had not taken constructive and far-reaching steps for the Sunni Muslims of this country, then perhaps the history of Sunni Islam would have been written differently today; perhaps an unexpected and sad chapter would have been written in the pages of its history. On the other hand, if each of the other Sunni Pir-Mashaikhs, Ulama and leaders had established Sunni Madrasahs, even if only one by one, along with the work of the Silsila of Tariqah, like them, with sincerity, then a suitable alternative to the existing invalid ones would have been created. In contrast to the Kharijite Madrasahs, they could have played a role in propagating the ideals of Ahl al-Sunnat wal Jamaat. Yet, time has not completely run out. Even though ‘right’ is ‘false’, it will still be removed. There is no doubt about it. Moreover, the respected concerned need to make more efforts in implementing the instructions and objectives of Huzoor Qibla in a timely manner. If measures are taken to improve and modernize the quality of education in Sunni Madrasahs and to increase the courage, devotion and skills of Sunni scholars, the prosperity of Sunni society will increase further. It is time for all the Sunni madrasas in the country to think whether Sunni education is about to disappear due to various conspiracies. It is also necessary to consider whether these Sunni madrasas are soon becoming a safe place for ‘cuckoos to lay eggs in crows’ nests’. Therefore, Sunni madrasas should prioritize the objective aspect of education rather than the economic aspect. Because, whatever education is given in the madrasas of the Wahhabi-Jamaat community, they give more importance to the issue of indoctrinating students in their ideology. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to whether Sunni ideologists are coming out of Sunni madrasas at the same rate as their ideologists are coming out of the educational institutions of the apostates. Because, if the number of Sunni scholars increases, not only the Sunni society will benefit, but the entire nation will benefit. May Allah grant us tawfeeq! Amen.