Utilization of Modern Opportunities

TAQLID AND IJTIHAD This mental framework, rooted in ancient jurisprudence, became so prevalent that even modern thinkers could not escape its influence. Figures like Sayyid Jamal al-Din al-Afghani (1838-1897), Sayyid Qutb (1906-1966), Dr. Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938), and Sayyid Abu al-A‘la Maududi (1903-1979) were also caught in this mindset. This has been a key reason why the sacrifices of contemporary leaders have failed to yield significant results. The example of Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) demonstrates how a peaceful approach can be more effective than armed struggle in the modern era. Gandhi joined the Indian freedom movement in 1919. Until then, the movement was based on the principle of violence, which the British government countered with their own violent measures. Gandhi abruptly announced that the movement would henceforth adopt the principle of nonviolence instead of violence. This shift rendered the British government powerless, as they could no longer justify suppressing a non-violent movement. It is said that when Gandhi made this announcement as the leader of the freedom movement, an English collector sent a telegram to his secretariat, stating: “Kindly wire instructions on how to kill a tiger non-violently.” This vividly illustrates how non-violence rendered the British government’s violent suppression strategies ineffective.