The Consequences of Ignoring Criticism

TAQLID AND IJTIHAD Shaheed Barelvi’s army and travelled with them. The group camped at a location called Charsadda (now in Pakistan). Upon reaching there, Maulana Mir Mahboob Ali had a disagreement with Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi. Maulana Mir Mahboob Ali documented this disagreement in his Arabic book, Tareekh-ul-Aimma fi Khulafa-ul-Ummah, which is preserved in the library of Jamia Hamdard (Tughlaqabad), Delhi. According to this account, Maulana Mir Mahboob Ali had a private meeting with Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi at Charsadda. During their discussion, he asked Syed Ahmed on what basis he had decided to launch a jihad against the Sikhs. Syed Ahmed replied that his decision was based on divine inspiration and dreams. Maulana Mir Mahboob Ali responded that such decisions could not be made solely on the basis of dreams and visions. He cited the Quranic verse: “And their affairs are conducted by mutual consultation among themselves” (42:38). He emphasized that the Prophet Muhammad always made decisions regarding jihad through consultation. Therefore, Syed Ahmed should consult others and carefully investigate the situation before taking any action. However, Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi rejected Maulana Mir Mahboob Ali’s advice. He argued that such criticism was undermining his mission and insisted that Maulana’s obedience should be as unwavering as the mountain in front of them. As a result, Maulana Mir Mahboob Ali chose