The Hadith on Consistency

such as Dar al-Ifta (legal verdict departments), writing and publishing, religious guidance and understanding, journalism, and more. One significant aspect of the scholars’ work is that they established a healthy tradition that continued after them, with countless people advancing this tradition over the years. In this regard, it is appropriate to say that the madrasa movement initiated by these scholars exemplifies the saying of the Prophet Muhammad: “Whenever a servant initiates a good tradition that is followed after him, he will receive a reward equal to those who follow it, without diminishing their rewards in the slightest.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1017) In this Hadith, “good tradition” refers to a healthy tradition. I believe the madrasa movement initiated by these scholars exemplifies precisely such a commendable tradition. Therefore, the rewards earned by those who have followed this tradition so far, or who will follow it in the future, will also be credited to its original pioneers. This will happen without reducing the rewards of those who act upon this tradition in any way. The Peaceful App roach In the 19th century, when the issue of Western colonialism became prominent, the initial reaction of Muslim leaders was militant in nature. They launched an armed jihad