Correspondence with Maulana Abu A’la Maududi

Subsequently, when you persisted, I reluctantly agreed to respond to your core questions. However, in the meantime, certain individuals who had previously engaged in discussions with you in India advised me not to invest my time in this debate. I do not think it appropriate to detail their experiences, as that would only open the door to further unnecessary debate. Suffice it to say their accounts reassured me that my initial stance was correct. If you wish to consider this as a form of oppression on my part toward you, you are free to do so; however, in my sincere opinion, I am perhaps the least suited person to attempt to explain things to you. Therefore, my request is that you kindly accept my apology in this matter. My sincere advice remains that if, through your deep and extensive study of religion, you have reached a particular understanding, then present it confidently and invite others to consider it. Why must the start of your invitation focus on refuting or invalidating someone else’s perspective? Still, if you feel it necessary to initiate your invitation this way, I have no right to prevent you. My list of critics is already quite long, and your addition will make little difference. Humbly, Abul Ala