Ahl-e-Hadees, Deobandi, and Barelvi Maslaks:

Understanding Their Origins and Differences

Islam, like many major religions, is diverse, with different interpretations and schools of thought that guide how its followers practice their faith. In South Asia, three significant maslaks (paths) have shaped the religious landscape: Ahl-e-Hadees, Deobandi, and Barelvi. While all of these groups share the same foundational beliefs in Islam, they differ in how they approach Islamic teachings, customs, and religious practices.

What Are Maslaks?

A maslak is a way or approach to understanding and practicing Islam. Different maslaks may emphasize certain aspects of the religion more than others or interpret specific religious texts differently. However, they all agree on the core principles of Islam: belief in one God (Allah), the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH), and following the teachings of the Quran and Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, PBUH).

1. The Ahl-e-Hadees Maslak

Who are the Ahl-e-Hadees?

The Ahl-e-Hadees maslak focuses on following the Quran and Hadith as the primary sources of Islamic guidance. The name itself means “People of Hadith.” They believe in interpreting Islam directly from the scriptures—the Quran and the Hadith—without relying heavily on the schools of Islamic law (like Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, or Hanbali).

Origins of Ahl-e-Hadees

The Ahl-e-Hadees maslak became more prominent in South Asia in the 19th century, during British rule. It was influenced by reform movements that wanted to go back to the basics of Islam, like the Salafi movement in the Arab world. The Ahl-e-Hadees scholars believed that Muslims should rely on the direct teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) rather than later interpretations or traditions that had developed over time.

Key Beliefs and Practices

• Scriptural Focus: Ahl-e-Hadees emphasize the importance of following only what is clearly mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. They avoid practices not explicitly mentioned in these sources, considering them as innovations (bid’ah).
• Rejecting Traditional Schools of Law: Unlike other maslaks, the Ahl-e-Hadees do not strictly follow any one of the four schools of Sunni Islamic law. They prefer a more direct interpretation of Islamic texts.
• Minimalism in Practices: Ahl-e-Hadees are cautious about adding rituals or customs that were not part of early Islamic practice. For example, they avoid celebrating the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid) and visiting saints’ shrines, considering these practices unnecessary innovations.

2. The Deobandi Maslak

Who are the Deobandis?

The Deobandi maslak emerged in South Asia in the late 19th century, with the establishment of the Darul Uloom Deoband in 1866, a religious seminary in the town of Deoband (now in Uttar Pradesh, India). The Deobandi scholars sought to revive and purify Islam, promoting a strict adherence to Sharia (Islamic law) and discouraging customs and traditions that they felt had no basis in Islamic scripture.

Origins of the Deobandi Maslak

The Deobandi movement arose during British rule in India, as a reaction to both the political situation and the growing influence of Western ideas and local customs that Deobandi scholars saw as diluting the Islamic faith. They emphasized a return to orthodox Islam, grounded in the Quran, Hadith, and the teachings of earlier Islamic scholars like Imam Abu Hanifa, whose school of thought (Hanafi Fiqh) they primarily follow.

Key Beliefs and Practices

• Strict Adherence to Islamic Law: Deobandis believe in following the Quran and Hadith closely, with particular emphasis on Hanafi Fiqh. They are careful about avoiding any practices they view as bid’ah (innovations), which they feel could lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah).
• Limited Sufism: While Deobandis do not reject Sufism (Islamic mysticism) outright, they only support practices that align strictly with Islamic law. They discourage visiting shrines or seeking blessings from saints, which they view as potential forms of shirk.
• Focus on Education: Deobandis have built a strong network of madrassas (Islamic schools) in South Asia, focusing on teaching traditional Islamic knowledge and reforming Muslim communities through education.

3. The Barelvi Maslak

Who are the Barelvis?

The Barelvi maslak was founded by Imam Ahmed Raza Khan in the late 19th century, in the town of Bareilly (now in Uttar Pradesh, India). Barelvis emphasize the love and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and believe in preserving the Sufi traditions that had developed over centuries in South Asia. They are known for their devotion to the Prophet (PBUH) and their veneration of saints.

Origins of the Barelvi Maslak

The Barelvi maslak emerged around the same time as the Deobandi movement, but as a response to what its followers saw as the rigidness and puritanical approach of the Deobandis. he Barelvi maslak also emerged in the 19th century, but it took a different approach. Named after the city of Bareilly (also in Uttar Pradesh, India), this movement was led by Imam Ahmed Raza Khan. Barelvis sought to defend traditional South Asian Islamic practices that included elements of Sufi mysticism and cultural customs.

Key Beliefs and Practices

• Devotion to the Prophet (PBUH): Barelvis place a deep emphasis on showing love and spiritual reverence for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They believe in celebrating his birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) and honoring him in a special way.
• Veneration of Saints: Barelvis strongly support Sufi practices, such as visiting the shrines of saints and seeking their intercession. They believe that saints, as close friends of Allah, can help believers in their spiritual journey.
• Incorporating Cultural Practices: Barelvis are open to traditional South Asian cultural practices as long as they don’t contradict Islamic teachings. They embrace customs like Urs (celebrating the death anniversary of saints), which Deobandis and Ahl-e-Hadees typically avoid.

Similarities among Ahl-e-Hadees, Deobandi, and Barelvi Maslaks

While they differ in their approaches to certain religious practices, it’s important to remember that both Deobandis and Barelvis follow the same core Islamic beliefs. They

• Value the Quran and Hadith as the primary sources of guidance for their religious lives.
• Believe in one God (Allah) and the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH).
• Following the five pillar of Islam
• Commitment of Islamic Morals and Ethics
• Rejection of Secularism in Religious Matter
• Concern for the Ummah

Key Differences among Ahl-e-Hadees, Deobandi, and Barelvi Maslaks

1. Role of Saints and Sufism

• Ahl-e-Hadees: Reject practices involving the veneration of saints and Sufi rituals.
• Deobandi: Accept limited Sufi practices but discourage excessive focus on saints.
• Barelvi: Fully embrace Sufism and the veneration of saints as a key part of their faith.

2. Celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid)

• Ahl-e-Hadees: Consider this an innovation and do not celebrate it.
• Deobandi: Also avoid celebrating Mawlid, viewing it as an unnecessary addition to Islamic practice.
• Barelvi: Actively celebrate Mawlid as a way to express their deep love for the Prophet (PBUH).

3. Following Schools of Law

• Ahl-e-Hadees: Do not follow any specific school of law (like Hanafi) and rely solely on the Quran and Hadith.
• Deobandi: Follow the Hanafi school of Islamic law, with strict adherence to Sharia.
• Barelvi: Also follow Hanafi law but with a focus on integrating local customs and traditions.

Here’s a simple comparison in following table.

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Conclusion: Unity in Diversity

While the Ahl-e-Hadees, Deobandi, and Barelvi maslaks differ in how they interpret and practice certain aspects of Islam, they are all part of the broader Sunni Muslim community. These differences reflect the rich diversity within Islam, where different communities find their own ways to express their devotion to God and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

At their core, all three maslaks share the same foundational beliefs in the oneness of God and the importance of following the Quran and Hadith. The variations in practice reflect different interpretations and responses to cultural, social, and historical contexts, but they all aim to guide Muslims in living a life that is pleasing to Allah.

Author: Syed Haseeb