A VICTORIOUS ENCOUNTER

Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari (1868–1948) was a renowned Muslim debater (munāẓir) of his time. On one occasion, he was in Delhi to participate in a public debate with a scholar from another religion. Around that time, one of Maulana Sanaullah’s critics had circulated a flyer accusing him of holding beliefs that cast doubt on his very adherence to Islam.

This flyer reached the opposing debater, who was well-versed in Arabic and Persian and familiar with the internal theological differences among Muslim scholars. He decided to use the flyer to undermine Maulana Sanaullah during the debate.

When the debate began, the opponent rose from his seat, holding the flyer, and addressed the audience:

“I came here to debate a scholar who represents Islam. But Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari cannot be considered a true Muslim. I say this with respect to him as a person. But according to this flyer—written by a member of his own community—even Muslims question his faith. So how can I accept him as a representative of Islam, let alone engage him in a debate on its principles?”

Maulana Sanaullah responded not with anger or defensiveness. Smiling calmly, he stood up and said:

“My friend is right. But all of you know that to enter Islam, all that is required is to recite the testimony of faith (shahada). So I now declare before all of you—as witnesses—that I testify:

Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa Allāh, waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu, wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan ʿabduhu wa rasūluh.

I bear witness that there is no god but God, alone without partner, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

Now there can be no doubt about my being a Muslim. Let us proceed with the debate.”

Although I do not favour the method of debates (munāẓara), the way Maulana Sanaullah chose to handle the situation was full of wisdom. Had he tried to justify his beliefs or argue against the content of the flyer, it could have led to a prolonged and fruitless dispute. The opposing debater might have succeeded in diverting attention from the real subject. But with a single wise and composed move, Maulana Sanaullah resolved the matter in less than a minute.