​The Momentum of the Islamic Movement

(An Interview of Maulana Maududi by the Daily Al-Alam, Morocco; Published in Monthly Tarjuman-ul-Quran in Dec 1969)

Introduction

The *Daily Al-Alam* is one of the most popular and widely circulated newspapers among Arabic press in Morocco. It is published by the Moroccan Istiqlal Party. During Maulana Maududi's visit to Morocco, a journalist from this newspaper conducted an interview with him. Below, we present their questions along with Maulana's responses.
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From the questions posed by *Al-Alam*, readers can gauge that there is a dedicated group of Allah’s servants fulfilling the duty of the Islamic movement in every corner of the world. The interest Moroccan scholars have in Pakistan's Islamic movement can be understood from these questions, which were previously published in the last issue of *Tarjuman-ul-Quran*. With this current interview included in this issue, readers will gain insights into the intellectual inclinations and thought patterns of Morocco's youth and those involved in the political sphere.

The current status of the dawah of Islam across the globe

Question: You are considered one of the most distinguished Islamic leaders and callers in the world at this point in time. In your opinion, what is the current state of the Islamic dawah, and how do you perceive its future?

Answer: At present, the Islamic dawah is facing a similar situation across almost all Muslim countries. Colonialism and imperialism, through their direct or indirect influence, have given rise to a group that is intellectually and ideologically detached from Islam. Their habits, lifestyle, and interactions are vastly different from those of other Muslims, making them seem like strangers within their own communities.
During the colonial era, this group either held key positions in government and civil service or became leaders of the Muslim community during the independence movements. When the colonizers left, it was this very group that inherited the reins of power across the Muslim world. While they may legally be considered part of the Muslim community, their feelings, thoughts, and way of life are starkly different.

Their thinking is so constrained that even if they attempt to look beyond capitalism—the system handed down to them by the imperialists—they can only conceive of socialism as an alternative. This is because their education and habits, shaped by a colonial mindset, have limited them to choosing between these two schools of thought.

On the contrary, ordinary Muslims and their religious leaders sought freedom and supported the freedom movements primarily to re-establish the Islamic system from which the imperialists had deprived them. After independence, they naturally hoped for this restoration. Unfortunately, this has not occurred, leading to widespread discontent across the Muslim world. This dissatisfaction, stemming from a lack of progress, is growing stronger. The common people are aligned with those advocating for the implementation of the Islamic system, while the reins of government remain in the hands of those who oppose it.

If a fair voting process had been established as a means to resolve these issues instead of relying on guns and bullets, matters could have been peacefully settled. Unfortunately, decisions are being made based on money, influence, and power rather than the people's votes. As a result, ordinary citizens have become mere spectators of the revolutions unfolding in the world stage.

This situation has rendered the Arab nations helpless in the face of Israel, and it has also weakened the governments in non-Arab Muslim countries. The future hinges on whether democracy can be genuinely implemented in the Muslim countries or not. In other words, will the people of Muslim countries be able to determine their own future with freedom and fairness, or will so-called revolutionary dictators continue to dictate their fate without regard for the people's will?

If the former occurs, the future will be very bright, in sha Allah. However, if the latter prevails, Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon. No one knows what destruction may befall these nations, and it is entirely possible that they could lose their independence once again.

Development of callers for the dawah of Islam

Question: What resources and approaches should be adopted to develop effective and dedicated workers and callers (duwat) for the Islamic movement?

Answer: [Maulana pointed out the following three lines of action for tarbiyyah]:

• The first and foremost matter is that anyone working for the cause of Islamic dawah must clearly understand the reality and true nature of this dawah. 
• Secondly, after gaining this knowledge, they should wholeheartedly and sincerely accept the methodology, principles, and fundamentals of the dawah.
• The third point is that they must fulfill all the conditions prerequisite for the success of any movement. This includes unity among ranks, disciplined efforts, wisdom, deep reflection to advance the dawah, understanding situational and environmental factors, and continuous striving, among other factors.

Efforts and contributions of Jamaat-e-Islami:

Question: How many stages has Jamaat-e-Islami completed so far in terms of dawah, and what initiatives has it taken both inside Pakistan and abroad?

Answer: We began by spreading our ideology and thoughts widely. After a few years of effort, we found that there were enough individuals who understood this dawah and considered our call to be true. We then organized these individuals into a disciplined structure and guided them through stages of tarbiyyah (training and development).

As the members matured in their skills for dawah, we focused our efforts in four broad areas:

1. Refinement of Thought and Ideas: Promoting clarity and purity in our ideological foundations.
2. Finding and Developing Righteous Individuals: Identifying virtuous individuals, making them a part of the organizational structure and providing them opportunities for their development (tarbiyyah).
3. Reform of Society: Reforming society and its values.
4. Reform of the Government: Reforming the governmental system and striving to establish an Islamic system.

Additionally, we have made efforts to translate our literature into various languages. Many books have already been published in Turkish, Persian, Arabic, and English, and their impact, alhamdulillah, is spreading among speakers of these languages.

On the governmental reform front, we have achieved recognition of Islam as the foundation for the Constitution of Pakistan, making it impossible for any government to disregard this principle and foundation. We are now striving for independent, free, and transparent elections to initiate the process of transferring governance to those who wish to manage state affairs according to Islam and also possess the capability to do so.

Crux of Jamaat’s literature 

Question: What steps has the Jamaat taken to elaborate the Islamic system?

Answer: The answer to this question has already been provided above. Through our literature, we have clarified what the detailed structure of the Islamic system of governance is and how it addresses all the major issues of society, including economic, social, educational, and other significant matters.

Stance on Al-Aqsa:

Question: The people of Pakistan have indeed expressed their anger and disappointment over the fire incident at Masjid Al-Aqsa. However, could you explain what practical steps you have taken to support the Palestinian mujahideen?

Answer: At this moment, the people of Pakistan are striving to correct the misconception that the issue of Palestine is solely an Arab concern. This misunderstanding has persisted in the past and needs to be addressed. It should be recognized as an Islamic problem that affects all Muslims.
In this context, all Muslim governments around the world, including the government of Pakistan, should prepare for jihad in support of Palestine. If this objective is achieved, I assure you that the people of Pakistan will not hesitate to sacrifice their wealth and lives for this cause.

Stance on birth-control:

Question: You have written a book on the topic of birth control. Are you still opposed to the issue of birth control from an Islamic perspective? Can you provide further evidence in your book?

Answer: I maintain the same views on this matter as I expressed in my book. I have not felt the need to change any of it as yet. However, I am currently working to acquire additional material on this topic. Insha’Allah, when the opportunity arises to reorganize the book, we will include this new content. Since the publication of the book, many new proofs and evidences have emerged that strengthen the points highlighted within it.

​Your latest research endeavour:

Question: Despite your busy schedule and involvement in many activities, you are providing a great service by writing highly beneficial books. These works have significantly contributed to promoting the correct understanding of Islamic thought and answering the associated questions. Could you kindly share with us your most recent publication and the book you are currently working on?

Answer: I thank Allah SWT for the kind words you said regarding my books. I am grateful to Allah SWT for giving me the opportunity to serve Islam in some capacity. May Allah SWT accept these efforts. 
My most recent book in Urdu is Khilafat-o-Malookiyat, and currently, I am working on my tafseer, Tafheem-ul-Quran. At the moment, I am writing the tafseer of Surah Tahreem from the 28th Juzz.
In Arabic, several of my books have recently been published in Beirut and Kuwait. These works are translations of my previously published books in Urdu. This includes Majmua Maqalat, Muqadimah Tafheem-ul-Quran, The Role of Students in Crafting the Future, and others.