Correspondence with Maulana Jalil Ahsan Nadwi

DISCUSSION AND CORRESPONDENCE 2. You mentioned that, after reading my “lengthy article,” you would ask questions, seek explanations, and discuss arguments. I was entirely open to this; however, when someone explicitly presents an issue, and the other responds with conditions as above, any reasonable person would expect questions relevant to the arguments provided or criticisms clarifying any flaws in the conclusions. When your questionnaire arrived, however, I found it contained mere general questions, with no clear connection, positive or negative, to the main issue. When I pointed out that this correspondence style was irrelevant and inappropriate, I received your letter dated September 16, which seems to imply that you are wholly willing to guide me correctly, but I am unwilling to understand. 3. In your letter to Abdul Hai Sahib, you mentioned that I had “disrespected” you, which is entirely false. Regarding the letter you referred to, I am confident that any third person reading it would not agree with your assessment. On the other hand, the tone of your sarcasm and disdain is such that, if I were to cite its excerpts here, this letter would overflow. Reflect on these sentences of yours: “After all, why have you become so impatient? Is impatience the primary attribute of a ‘true believer’?” (Letter dated July 25, 1962)