Their Ulema — Page 50
[ 50 ] ‘ k n ow l e d g e’ o f t h e d i re c t ive s i s s u e d by t h e government that judges use to settle disputes among thugs. Second is the ‘knowledge’ of argumentation, by which a conceited person subdues his opponent and renders him speechless. [Not through logic but through sheer arrogance. ] Third, the rhymed and poetic oration by which a preacher tries to entice the general public. ( Kit a bul Iml a ‘An Ishk a l a til I h y a ’) It is amazing! I used to think that this depravity among Muslims was a more recent phenomenon. But, according to this reference, it had started long before. What a pity! T h i s d i s co rd i n t h e u m m a h of the Ho ly Proph e t Muhammad sa has been around for a long time. Righteous and holy ulema raised their concerns against this deterio- ration. But it seems to be destined and nothing can change it. Worthless Sermons of Maula vi s If someone has heard sermons or dars [commentary on the Holy Qur’an] from some of their mosques, then one will understand what imam Ghaz a li tried to present. Maula vi s combine, mix, and chant verses of the Holy Q u r ’ a n w i t h t h e h a d i t h o f t h e H o l y P r o p h e t Muhammad sa , stories of Y u suf Zulaikhah , the romantic epic H i r W a rith Sh a h , and even film songs. They claim that they are explaining the meanings of the Holy Qur’an a n d H a d i t h. An d w i t h t h i s n o n s e n s e , t h e m i ‘r a j