A Word to My Companions

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION It stands to reason that if someone feels this way about a body of literature, they are obligated to express this feeling to the best of their ability. Seeing Islam compromised and remaining silent is unacceptable for a person of faith. Many people have aligned themselves with this literature, moulded their minds according to it, and are exerting their best efforts to expand and propagate it. Naturally, they, too, fall within the scope of this critique. However, I am completely clear on this matter: my real criticism is not directed at the individuals of Jamaat-e-Islami or its organizational structure but a specific body of literature. In this context, I am publishing certain correspondence, which may cause further resentment. However, doing so is necessary to clearly show readers that I did not arrive at a unilateral decision while sitting in isolation. Rather, after extensive consultation with those directly involved in the matter, I reached the conclusion that publishing this book was the only option left to me. If I did not publish this account, no one could truly understand whether the weight of the argument lies on my side or with those I addressed. This correspondence affirms that I am justified in my belief that ‘the religion has been compromised,’ and it reinforces my decision that publishing this work is the right course of action.