Correspondence with
Maulana Abu A’la Maududi
Now, let’s turn to Maulana Maududi. Initially, in December 1961, I tried to send him a copy of my writing, but due to a misunderstanding on the part of the bearer, it never reached him and was returned to me a few months later from Calcutta. Afterwards, on May 10, 1962 (5th of Dhul-Hijjah, 1381 AH), I sent another copy to Lahore in person. However, by coincidence, Maulana was travelling to Saudia Arabia for Hajj, so he practically received my writing on June 8, 1962. Along with my writing, I sent him the following letter:
“Please review this and inform me of your detailed response, so that I may reflect further on this issue considering your feedback.
About fifteen years ago, in 1947, I was deeply influenced by your writings, and shortly afterwards, I joined Jamaat-e-Islami Hind as a member and began working for the movement in Azamgarh. Nearly ten years passed in this manner. Then, in October 1955, I was called to Rampur to assist the local Jamaat’s department of research and publication. After coming here, I needed to study the Quran systematically to accomplish the writing tasks assigned to me, something I hadn’t had the opportunity to do earlier in my life. When I started reading the Quran anew, I found myself experiencing a fresh realisation. I felt that the Quran was not confirming my existing views. The vision of Islam I saw in the Quran appeared different from what I had encountered in Jamaat-e-Islami’s literature. This realisation plunged me into a prolonged intellectual struggle that grew more intense each day. Initially, I tried to discuss this with the responsible individuals in our Jamaat, but they could not change my perception. Finally, I decided to document my thoughts thoroughly. This is a brief account of the intellectual journey that began five years ago and culminated in this letter.
Since this document was not originally written with the intention of being sent to you, but that decision was made only later, you may find it lacking in certain areas or appearing more like an article than a letter.
However, I ask that you overlook these aspects and share your clear commentary on its main points.
I eagerly waited for Maulana Maududi’s response, expecting him, the founder of this ideological approach, to provide the most thorough critique. One day, I received an envelope in the mail with his reply.
