Correspondence with Maulana Sadruddin Islahi

Darsgah-e-Islami, Rampur, was standing there, holding an envelope out toward me. This was the very envelope I had been eagerly waiting for several months. Inside was Maulana Sadruddin’s written response, prepared in accordance with the Shura Council’s decision, along with a brief letter from the Amir, Maulana Abul Lais, which read as follows: “Maulana Sadruddin’s article is being sent for your consideration. After reading it, please let us know how much you agree with it in principle. If necessary, I will either come to Rampur myself for a personal discussion, or I may ask you to come to Delhi. May this article bring you satisfaction, and may we continue our journey together in mutual companionship.” When I opened the envelope, I saw the title of Maulana Sadruddin’s response, which read, “A Brief Analysis of Tabeer ki Ghalati (The Error of Political Islam).” I felt inclined to start reading immediately, but I remembered a promise I had made to God. I immediately stood up, put the books back on the shelves, locked the room, and went to a nearby mosque, where I performed ablution. I offered two units of prayer, then prayed with flowing tears: “O God, reveal to me whatever is the truth in Your sight. I seek refuge in You from straying