مولانا وحید الدین خان کامسلم مفکرین و علماء پر نقد: ایک تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Maulānā Waḥīduddīn Khān's Criticism of Muslim Thinkers and ‘Ulamā’: An Analytical Study

Abstract

Maulānaā Waḥīduddīn Khān (1925–2021) emerged as a prominent Islamic scholar of the 20th century, initially influenced by the intellectual paradigm of Maulana Abul A‘la Maududi. However, over time, he diverged sharply from Maududi’s ideological trajectory and became a persistent critic of his thought until his death. Throughout his career, Maulana Khan produced a substantial corpus of religious literature that reflects his evolving theological and intellectual positions. After distancing himself from Maududi, he briefly affiliated with the Tablighi Jamaat, followed by a short-lived association with Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, before ultimately adopting an independent path of religious engagement. In his later writings, Maulana Khan often positioned himself in contrast to both contemporary and classical scholars, presenting his interpretations as distinct and, at times, singularly authoritative. This study critically examines Maulānaā Khān’s polemical discourse, particularly
his critiques of other religious figures, to better understand the epistemological and hermeneutical foundations of his religious thought. The focus remains on his ideological positions rather than personal polemics, offering an analysis of how his critiques served to construct and legitimize his own interpretive framework within modern Islamic discourse.