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Letters to the Editor
Ill-conceived notion
Sir, - Mr. Bernard Haykel's views (Dec. 1) are based on misconception and appear self- contradictory. As a member of this sect, I feel that his classification of Salafism into official and radical belongs to that genre of logic which seems to legitimise branding of the whole community as radical due to the deeds of one person or outfit. His views about the origin of Salafism and the outlook of Ibn Taymiyya are not convincing. ``Majmu-o-Fatawa Ibn Taymiyya'' - the collection of the latter's writings in 37 volumes - is witness to his sober and cautious approach in dealing with issues.
The historicity of Mr. Haykel's statement that Ibn Taymiyya advocated war against the Mongols, who were already Muslims, needs to be proved. It was imperial interests that motivated the Ottoman sultan to order the Egyptian army to invade the infant Saudi state. It had nothing to do with religion.
Arshad Amanullah,
New Delhi
Sir, - Mr. Haykel says Salafis were against polytheism. All major religions were originally against polytheism. If one studies the Ten Commandments, one will agree that Christianity and Judaism were originally monotheistic. Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Sree Narayana Guru of Kerala realised that Hinduism was originally monotheistic. Nevertheless, a significant difference in the case of Islam is that it is the only religion which really practises monotheism.
Mr. Haykel says Salafis professed the religion of the Prophet as it had been in the first three centuries. What were the Prophet's teachings on war (jehad) ? The Prophet advocated defence against aggression; not aggression. He always warned his followers against fighting or wounding innocent people, women, children and priests.
Saleem Paramban, Malappuram, Kerala
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