Tablighi Jamaat and India: A Complex Relationship
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Tablighi Jamaat and India: A Complex Relationship
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Prologue
1. In the current socio-political landscape of the Indian subcontinent, the Tablighi Jamaat is a subject of curiosity, controversy, and much debate. While the organization has been active for over a century, its activities have often been shrouded in mystery, leading to questions about its real intentions and the potential consequences of its work. Despite the movement’s century-long presence, surprisingly few people, including scholars and intellectuals, have a thorough understanding of its ideology, objectives, or inner workings. Founded on the principle of religious revivalism, Tablighi Jamaat is a unique organization, dedicated to reforming Muslims’ spiritual lives and restoring their devotion to Islam. But beneath this religious mission lies a history that intertwines with India’s complex religious and political landscape.
2. This article will explore the origins, purpose, growth, and controversies surrounding the Tablighi Jamaat in India, examining both its role in fostering Islamic revivalism and its connections to broader socio-political issues, including its relationship with Hindu-Muslim relations, Indian nationalism, and even global jihadism.
Origins and Founding of Tablighi Jamaat
3. The Tablighi Jamaat was founded in 1926 by Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlawi, a devout Islamic scholar associated with the Deobandi movement, in Mewat, a region near Delhi. The early 20th century saw profound shifts in India’s socio-political fabric, with the rise of nationalist movements, growing Hindu-Muslim tensions, and the struggle for independence from British colonial rule. For Maulana Ilyas, however, the foremost concern was not politics but religion. He was deeply disturbed by what he saw as the growing Hinduization of the local Muslim population in Mewat.
4. The Muslims of Mewat, though nominally Islamic, had absorbed various Hindu practices over centuries. Many did not recite the Kalma (Islamic declaration of faith), wore clothing typical of Hindus, followed Hindu customs, and even participated in Hindu festivals. They had adopted names similar to Hindus and largely integrated into the syncretic cultural traditions of the region. In Maulana Ilyas's eyes, this blurring of religious boundaries was not merely a cultural phenomenon but a fundamental threat to Islam’s purity.
5. Dismayed by the loss of Islamic identity, Maulana Ilyas sought to reform these “half-Hindus” by re-Islamizing their lives. His movement aimed to strip away the Hindu influences that had permeated the lives of Indian Muslims and bring them back to the fold of orthodox Islam. He believed that the solution to this perceived dilution of faith lay in separating Muslims from non-Muslims and ensuring that they strictly followed Sharia law. His mission was clear: restore the religious purity of Muslims by ensuring that they abandoned all non-Islamic practices, ranging from food and dress to beliefs and language. Tablighi Jamaat became the vessel through which this transformation would be achieved.
The Core Ideology: Religious Revivalism
6. ?At its heart, Tablighi Jamaat is a religious revivalist movement that seeks to bring Muslims back to the core teachings of Islam as practiced during the time of Prophet Muhammad. The term “Tablighi” comes from the Arabic word “tabligh,” meaning “to convey” or “to preach.” As the name suggests, the movement’s primary objective is to preach Islam to Muslims themselves, urging them to return to a more devout, disciplined, and orthodox lifestyle. The group emphasizes strict adherence to Islamic rituals, such as regular prayer, fasting, modest dressing, and the observance of Islamic dietary laws (such as avoiding pork and consuming halal meat).
7. The movement’s model of proselytization involves sending groups of followers on preaching tours, known as “Jamaats,” to Muslim communities worldwide. These Jamaats typically engage in door-to-door preaching, encouraging fellow Muslims to follow the six principles of Tablighi Jamaat: Kalma (faith in the oneness of God), Salah (prayer), Ilm and Zikr (knowledge and remembrance of God), Ikram-e-Muslim (respect for fellow Muslims), Ikhlas-e-Niyat (sincerity of intention), and Dawat-o-Tabligh (inviting others to Islam).
The Founder’s Vision: Maulana Ilyas Kandhlawi
8. Maulana Ilyas Kandhlawi’s vision for Tablighi Jamaat was not merely to revive the faith of individual Muslims but to rebuild an Islamic society. He believed that only by isolating Muslims from the non-Islamic influences in their environment could they become true followers of the Prophet. As documented by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan in his book, "Tablighi Movement," Maulana Ilyas's method involved cutting off Muslims from the cultural practices of their Hindu neighbours and instilling in them a strict, monolithic Islamic identity.
9. This process of "purification" was, in essence, a mental and spiritual radicalization, designed to create a distinct and insular Muslim community. As Khan describes, once a person had undergone this spiritual training, they were considered a "new Muslim," disconnected from their roots and fully integrated into the world of Tablighi Jamaat. This approach was aimed at creating a new generation of Muslims, who were not only devout but also fiercely loyal to the principles of Sharia. These newly transformed Muslims would then go back to their villages and towns, preaching the message of Tablighi Jamaat to others, thus perpetuating the cycle of religious revival.
Growth of the Movement
10. The success of Tablighi Jamaat in Mewat encouraged Maulana Ilyas to expand his efforts to other parts of India. Over time, the movement spread beyond India’s borders, becoming a global phenomenon. Its apolitical nature allowed it to operate without interference in countries with different political systems, from secular democracies to Islamic theocracies.
11. In India, the movement received a significant boost during the Khilafat Movement (1919-1924), which sought to protect the Ottoman Caliphate and became a platform for Hindu-Muslim cooperation (albeit, misleadingly) under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership. The very basis of this movement was based on manipulation and camouflage, projecting it as anti-British movement, whereas, it had unmistakeable Islamic overtones. Gandhi’s support helped lend credence and sustain the camouflage.? Maulana Ilyas took advantage of the heightened religious consciousness among Indian Muslims during this period. As noted by Mumtaz Ahmed, Maulana Ilyas used the momentum of the Khilafat Movement to isolate Muslims from Hindu society further, reinforcing his message that Muslims must maintain a distinct religious identity.
12. After Maulana Ilyas’s death, his son Maulana Muhammad Yusuf assumed leadership of the movement. Under Maulana Yusuf’s guidance, Tablighi Jamaat expanded its operations internationally. He travelled extensively across India and to other parts of the world, promoting the Jamaat’s message. By the time of his death in 1965, Tablighi Jamaat had established a presence in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond. The movement’s global reach continues to this day, with its annual gatherings (known as Ijtemas) attracting millions of participants from across the world.
Controversies and Criticisms
13. Despite its significant growth, Tablighi Jamaat has not been without controversy. The movement’s insistence on separating Muslims from non-Islamic cultural practices has been criticized for promoting cultural isolationism and communal polarization. Many see the Jamaat’s teachings as fostering a sense of religious superiority and exclusivism that runs counter to India’s pluralistic traditions.
14. Furthermore, the Jamaat’s focus on orthodox practices and its strict interpretation of Islam have led some to accuse it of promoting regressive values. For example, the movement encourages cousin marriages, discourages women from seeking education, and promotes gender segregation. Critics argue that Tablighi Jamaat’s teachings are out of step with modernity, particularly in a country like India, where Muslims have historically participated in a rich and diverse cultural milieu.
15. Additionally, the movement’s apolitical stance has been called into question, especially in light of allegations of connections to radicalization and terrorism. Tablighi Jamaat leaders have always maintained that their focus is on peaceful religious preaching and that they have no involvement in politics or violence. However, scholars and analysts have noted that the Jamaat’s emphasis on religious purity and its strict interpretation of Islam have made it a fertile ground for radicalization.
Links to Radicalization and Global Jihadism
16. The allegations that Tablighi Jamaat is linked to radicalization and terrorist networks have been a subject of debate for decades. The movement itself does not advocate for violence or political activism, and its leaders have consistently distanced themselves from radical Islamism. However, numerous studies and government investigations have found that several individuals involved in terrorism had connections to Tablighi Jamaat.
17. After the 9/11 attacks in the United States, Tablighi Jamaat came under intense scrutiny, as it was revealed that several individuals linked to the attack had participated in the Jamaat’s preaching tours. Governments in Morocco, France, the Philippines, Uzbekistan, and even Pakistan found that the Jamaat’s activities provided a conduit for jihadist recruitment. While the organization itself , as per the official line, did not endorse violence, it appeared that the Jamaat’s extensive networks and its promotion of religious orthodoxy had created an environment in which radical elements could flourish.
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18. As Professor Barbara Metcalf argues, Tablighi Jamaat’s organizational structure and activities are modelled on early Islam, with the Amir (leader) playing a role similar to that of a military-political commander in early Islamic history. The term "Amir" itself evokes a leadership role in both spiritual and temporal realms, even though Tablighi Jamaat ostensibly refrains from political involvement. This ambiguity in its operations and structure has fuelled serious apprehension about the group's true motives. According to Metcalf, the traveling missions (Jamaats) are not just religious outreach efforts but could also be seen as patrol-like units that keep an eye on different regions, assessing the strength and religious commitment of the local Muslim populations. This perceived surveillance function of Tablighi Jamaat’s activities has drawn concerns, particularly in regions where radical Islamist networks have gained a foothold.
19. For example, in 1992-93, during the heightened communal tensions following the Babri Masjid demolition, reports emerged implicating Tablighi Jamaat members in attacks on Hindu temples across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. While the leadership denied any direct involvement, the organization’s radical offshoots or sympathizers may have engaged in violent actions, adding to the perception that Tablighi Jamaat harboured dangerous elements.
20. The Jamaat’s presence became even more controversial in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. Global security agencies, including the FBI, began to examine the movement more closely after it was revealed that several individuals connected to terror activities had once been members of Tablighi Jamaat. Although the organization remained officially apolitical and non-violent, security experts pointed to its network of mosques, Islamic schools, and preaching circuits as breeding grounds for jihadist ideologies. The Jamaat's decentralized nature, combined with its highly secretive operations, made it difficult for authorities to monitor and assess its global impact fully.
21. In France, for example, government reports linked Tablighi Jamaat to the radicalization of certain Muslim youth, noting that its emphasis on puritanical Islam could potentially lead vulnerable individuals toward more extreme interpretations of the faith. The French Interior Ministry identified the Jamaat as a “gateway” to Salafi-Jihadist groups. Similarly, in Morocco and Pakistan, security forces uncovered connections between Tablighi Jamaat preachers and individuals involved in terror plots. Although these links remain circumstantial in many cases, the persistence of such claims has kept the Jamaat under a cloud of suspicion.
The Apolitical Claim: Truth or Facade?
22. One of the most contentious aspects of Tablighi Jamaat is its insistence on being apolitical. Many observers, however, believe that this apolitical stance is more tactical than ideological. The argument is that by avoiding direct political engagement, Tablighi Jamaat is able to operate freely in countries with different political systems, from democratic India to authoritarian regimes in the Middle East. This non-political stance has allowed the Jamaat to grow in influence without facing the scrutiny that more openly political organizations like the Muslim Brotherhood or Jamaat-e-Islami have endured.
23. However, critics argue that the Jamaat’s focus on re-Islamization is inherently political, as it seeks to reshape Muslim identities and societal norms in a way that could alter the balance of power in multicultural, pluralistic societies. In India, where religious identities, sometimes intersect with political allegiances, Tablighi Jamaat’s work can have significant implications for communal relations and social harmony.
24. Maulana Ilyas’s vision of a society where Muslims are insulated from Hindu influences reflects a broader cultural separatism that, while not overtly political, can contribute to religious polarization. By encouraging Muslims to withdraw from syncretic practices and adopt a strict, uniform Islamic identity, Tablighi Jamaat inadvertently creates a cultural and social gulf between Muslims and their non-Muslim neighbours. This widening gap can exacerbate communal tensions, especially in a diverse country like India, where religious differences have historically sparked conflict.
Tablighi Jamaat in India: The Political Backdrop
25. In India, Tablighi Jamaat’s relationship with political movements and parties has been complex. While the Jamaat itself refrains from direct political activity, its ideological underpinnings have influenced various political developments in the subcontinent. During the Khilafat Movement in the early 20th century, for instance, Maulana Ilyas benefited from the surge of Muslim consciousness that swept across India. Although the Khilafat Movement was political in nature—aimed at preserving the Ottoman Caliphate—the religious fervour it generated helped Tablighi Jamaat grow its base among Indian Muslims.
26. ?However, the Jamaat’s success in India is also partly due to the support it received from political leaders, particularly those associated with the Indian National Congress. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi saw the Tablighi Jamaat as a force that could help unite Indian Muslims against British colonial rule. But this alliance came at a cost. As documented by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, the Congress, in its eagerness to secure Muslim support, failed to recognize the long-term cultural consequences of Tablighi Jamaat’s work. The Jamaat’s efforts to Islamize Indian Muslims not only led to the rejection of Hindu influences but also deepened the religious divide in the country.
27. Moreover, many of the Muslim leaders who were hailed by the Congress as “nationalist Muslims” were, in fact, deeply committed to the Islamic revivalist agenda that Tablighi Jamaat espoused. Figures like Maulana Maududi, Allama Mashriqi, and Maulana Abdul Bari opposed the Muslim League’s demand for Pakistan not because they rejected Islamic nationalism, but because they sought to establish a united India under Islamic governance. These leaders viewed the Congress’s embrace of secularism as a temporary strategy, one that could eventually lead to a more dominant position for Islam in India. In this sense, the Congress’s support for Tablighi Jamaat and other Islamic revivalist movements inadvertently contributed to the religious tensions that would later culminate in Partition.
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Epilogue: The Future of Tablighi Jamaat in India
28. The Tablighi Jamaat continues to operate in India, with its headquarters located at the Markaz Nizamuddin in Delhi. The organization’s camouflaged apolitical stance, combined with its emphasis on religious purity and revivalism, has allowed it to avoid the kinds of political controversies that have plagued other Islamic movements. However, its influence on Indian Muslims, and its role in shaping Muslim identities in the subcontinent, remains significant.
29. In the post-colonial era, Tablighi Jamaat has expanded its global reach, attracting followers from across the Muslim world. But as the group’s visibility has increased, so too have concerns about its impact on communal relations and its potential links to radicalization. Governments in India and abroad will likely continue to monitor the movement closely, especially given the ever-present threat of religious extremism.
30. Yet, the ambiguity surrounding Tablighi Jamaat’s true nature—whether it is a purely religious organization or a movement with political implications—remains unresolved. Its ability to operate under the radar, without attracting significant scrutiny, has been a key factor in its success. Whether this will continue to be the case in a world increasingly concerned with radicalization and religious extremism is uncertain. What is clear, however, is that Tablighi Jamaat’s influence in shaping the Islamic revivalist movement in India and beyond is undeniable, and its legacy, for better or worse, will continue to shape the religious and cultural landscape for years to come.
In India, where communal harmony is often fragile, the role of movements like Tablighi Jamaat in fostering religious exclusivity will remain a subject of deep interest and concern. As the nation grapples with the challenges of pluralism, nationalism, and religious identity, the work of Tablighi Jamaat will undoubtedly be a critical piece of the larger puzzle of India’s future.
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End Notes:
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