Question
Madrasah Miftahul Khair in Umzinto, KZN is having a Hifz jalsah. Among the guest speaker, the name of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee has been advertised. The title of QUTBUL IRSHAAD has been attributed to him. Is this title valid? Is it befitting? This is the first time we are witnessing the attribution of such a lofty title to an Aalim who in relation of the Akaabir Ulama such as Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi, Hadhrat Maulana Nanotwi, Hadhrat Maulana Masihullah, Hadhrat Maulana Yusuf Binnuri, Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi (Rahmatullah alayhim) and many other Akaabir Ulama/Auliya, is obviously a non-entity regardless of his seniority in the current South African context? Please comment.
Answer
Yes, there is an imperative need to comment when ghulu’ is perpetrated. It is correct that none of the Akaabir Ulama/Auliya whom you have enumerated had been awarded the title Qutbul Irshaad. This is something new which has been innovated by junior molvis, and the motivation is conspicuously riya/kibr.
The venerable Mufti Salejee was supposed to have objected to the mockery. We are sure that he does not believe that he is Qutbul Irshaad. Regarding the Ulama who crave for publicity, name and fame, Hadhrat Maulana Qaasim Nanotwi (Rahmatullah alayh) said:
“Leave the ignoramuses (of the masses), know with certitude that nowadays, if not all, then at least most of the Ulama are jaahil. In fact some Ulama are greater jaahils than the juhala (among the masses). They wander around delivering lectures whilst they are bereft of any semblance of Knowledge.”
Hadhrat Nanotwi (Rahmatullah alayh) was truly greater than even a Qutubul Irshaad. He was a veritable Mujtahid, but his title was merely Molvi/Maulana.
In Barzakh, the Malaaikah will sarcastically ask the buzrug on whom his ignorant mureedeen had lauded high-sounding titles and accolades:
“Were you indeed so?”
Thus, the excessive prai
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