Al-I‘tidal by Maulana Zakariyya Kandhlawi: Ulama and Politics in 1938 Part 1

Al-I‘tidal by Maulana Zakariyya Kandhlawi: Ulama and Politics in 1938

*Introduction*

The year 1938 was a turning point in the history of British India. Political parties were becoming stronger, Muslims were worried about their future, and the atmosphere was full of tension. In this critical period, a short but impactful booklet was written by one of the greatest scholars of Deoband, Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi RA. 

The name of that booklet was *"Al-I‘tidal"*. 

The word "I‘tidal" means moderation, balance, and adopting the middle path. In "Al-I‘tidal", Maulana Zakariyya RA gave very important advice to the Ulama about how they should behave in politics. His message was not to completely stay away from politics, nor to become fully involved in it. Instead, he advised the middle way. 

Even today in 2026, the message of "Al-I‘tidal" is very relevant for scholars, students, and every Muslim who wants to understand the right role of Ulama in society.

In this article, we will discuss what "Al-I‘tidal" is, why it was written in 1938, what are its 5 main teachings, and what lesson we can take from it today.

*What is Al-I‘tidal?*

"Al-I‘tidal" is a short Arabic and Urdu booklet written by *Shaykh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi RA*. He was one of the most respected Hadith scholars of the 20th century and the author of the famous book "Fazail-e-Aamal". 

The booklet was published in *1938*. It is only a few pages long, but its impact was very deep. 

The main purpose of writing "Al-I‘tidal" was to give guidance to the Ulama during a time of political confusion. At that time, some scholars were fully involved in politics, while others were completely against it. This created division among Muslims. 

Maulana Zakariyya RA wanted to bring unity and balance. He explained that the Ulama should not be extremists in either direction. They should adopt "I‘tidal".

*Background of 1938: Why Was Al-I‘tidal Written?*

To understand "Al-I‘tidal", we must understand the situation of 1938.

1.  *Congress Rule*: In 1937, the Congress party won elections in many provinces. Muslims felt that their rights were not being protected under Congress governments.

2.  *Division Among Ulama*: Some Ulama joined political parties like Congress and Muslim League. Others said that Ulama should stay away from politics completely and only focus on Deen.

3.  *Fear of Fitna*: Maulana Zakariyya RA saw that this disagreement was creating hatred and division among Muslims. The respect of Ulama was also decreasing because of political fights.

Because of all this, he wrote "Al-I‘tidal". His goal was to stop this division and tell the Ulama what their real responsibility was.

*5 Key Teachings of Maulana Zakariyya RA in Al-I‘tidal*

Al-I‘tidal by Maulana Zakariyya Kandhlawi: Ulama and Politics in 1938*

In "Al-I‘tidal", Maulana Zakariyya RA gave 5 very important pieces of advice. These are still important today.

*1. The Main Job of Ulama is Dawah and Teaching Deen*

Maulana said that the primary responsibility of an Aalim is to teach Quran, Hadith, and to do the work of Dawah. If an Aalim becomes too busy in politics, he will not have time for his real job. The nation needs scholars who can guide them in Deen, not just in politics.

*2. Avoid Emotional Decisions in Politics*

Politics is full of emotions, slogans, and anger. Maulana warned that Ulama should not make decisions based on emotions. They should think carefully, consult, and then speak. A wrong statement from an Aalim can create big problems for the whole Muslim community.

*3. Stay Away From Sectarianism and Division*

In 1938, different groups of Ulama were fighting with each other because of politics. Maulana said this is very dangerous. The unity of Muslims is more important than any political party. Ulama should be the ones who bring people together, not the ones who divide them.

*4. Focus on Muslim Unity*

Instead of fighting for power, Ulama should focus on bringing Muslims together. They should work for the education of Muslims, for their character, and for their connection with Allah. A united Muslim community is stronger than any political party.

*5. Stay Away From Worldly Greed and Positions*

Maulana warned against doing politics for money, fame, or positions. If an Aalim enters politics for worldly benefits, he will lose his respect and also lose the barakah in his knowledge. Sincerity is the most important thing.

*The Message of Al-I‘tidal for 2026*

You might think that "Al-I‘tidal" was written in 1938, so why does it matter now? 

Because the situation is almost the same today.

Today in 2026, we see the same problems on Social Media and News:

1.  Scholars fighting with each other on YouTube and Facebook

2.  Ulama becoming spokespeople for political parties

3.  Muslims getting confused because of different opinions

4.  The respect of Ulama decreasing

The message of "Al-I‘tidal" tells us:

1.  *Be Balanced*: Do not be extreme. Do not support everything, and do not oppose everything.

2.  *Focus on Deen First*: Your YouTube channel, your Madrasa, your Dars - this is your real job.

3.  *Avoid Online Fights*: Do not abuse other scholars online. This damages Islam.

4.  *Think Before You Speak*: One tweet or one video can create fitna. Speak with wisdom.

The book teaches us that a scholar’s power is in his knowledge and character, not in political power.

*Al-I‘tidal PDF Download*

Many people ask for the original text of "Al-I‘tidal". The booklet is available in Urdu and Arabic. 

If you want the original *Al-I‘tidal PDF*, please comment below with "PDF" and I will share the link with you InshaAllah.

Reading the original text is very beneficial because you can directly understand Maulana’s words.

*Conclusion*

"Al-I‘tidal" by Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi RA is not just a booklet from 1938. It is a timeless guide for every Aalim and every Muslim. 

It teaches us balance. It teaches us that in difficult times, we should not run to extremes. We should hold on to the middle path, focus on our Deen, and work for unity.

In today’s world of noise, anger, and division, the message of "I‘tidal" is more important than ever. May Allah give us the ability to follow this advice.

May Allah have mercy on Maulana Zakariyya RA and accept his work.

*Ameen.*

*FAQ*

*Q1: Who wrote Al-I‘tidal?*  

Ans: Al-I‘tidal was written by the great Hadith scholar Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi RA.

*Q2: When was Al-I‘tidal written?*  

Ans: It was written in 1938 during the political crisis in British India.

*Q3: What is the main purpose of Al-I‘tidal?*  

Ans: The main purpose was to advise Ulama to adopt a balanced and moderate approach in politics and to avoid division.

*Q4: What does "I‘tidal" mean?*  

Ans: "I‘tidal" means moderation, balance, and the middle path.

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