Imran Khan’s Blunders Concerning Islamic Issues
Islamic Issues
“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.” (Holy Quran 17:36)
Introduction
Allah Almighty forbids speaking without knowledge; one should not say anything of which one has no or little confirmed knowledge. One should leave matters for the experts.
Islam demands that both in individual and collective life, one should not follow mere guess work and presumption instead of “knowledge”. This instruction covers all aspects of Islamic life, moral, legal, political, administrative and applies to science, arts and education.
It has thus saved the society from numerous evils which are produced in human life by following guesswork instead of knowledge. The Islamic moral code demands: Guard against suspicion and do not accuse any individual or group without proper investigation (Tafseer Maududi)
However Imran Khan continues to make controversial statements concerning religion without proper knowledge or investigation. Probable reason is stated by experts is due to his western upbringing and education. Some background is given below:
Blunders in Oath Ceremony
As one can see he could not even pronounce ‘Khataman Nabieen’ and other Arabic/Islamic contexts clearly, which in itself indicates a lot.
Blunder about Hazrat Jesus (Eesa) AS
Imran Khan was subject to considerable flak from his own country’s netizens after a video clip of him making controversial remarks about Jesus Christ went viral on the internet, reported Pakistan Today.
“Moses (Musa AS) got some mention but Jesus Christ (Eesa AS) has no mention in history,” he said at the inauguration ceremony of a conference in Islamabad. Again his lack of knowledge of Islamic history is quite evident here:
Virtues of Companions of the Prophet PBUH in the Holy Quran
“Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking Bounty from Allaah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Tawraat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, and becomes thick and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers, that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allaah has promised those among them who believe (i.e. all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad PBUH till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Paradise)” [Holy Qur’an : al-Fath 48:29]
“And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun and the Ansar and also those who followed them exactly {in Faith}. Allah is well- pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success” [Quran 9:100]
But the Messenger and those who believed with him strove hard and fought with their wealth and their lives. Such are they for whom are the good things, and it is they who will be successful [Quran 9-88]
Ahadith on Virtues of the Companions RA of the Prophet PBUH
The Holy Prophet PBUH advised extreme caution whilst repeating twice ‘Allah, Allah’ meaning stressing the importance of fearing Allah regarding making any wrong statements about Sahaba Kiraam RA. There are many other Ahadith regarding virtues of Sahaba in the Ahadith.
“Narrated Hazrat Abu Sa`id RA: The Prophet said, Do not abuse/speak bad about my companions for if any one of you spent gold equal to Uhud (in Allah’s Cause) it would not be equal to a Mud or even a half Mud spent by one of them.” (Sahih Bukhari 3673)
“Narrated Hazrat Imran bin Husain: Allah’s Apostle said, ‘The best of my followers are those living in my generation (i.e. my contemporaries). and then those who will follow the latter `Imran added, I do not remember whether he mentioned two or three generations after his generation, then the Prophet added, ‘There will come after you, people who will bear witness without being asked to do so, and will be treacherous and untrustworthy, and they will vow and never fulfill their vows, and fatness will appear among them.” (Sahih Bukhari 3650)
“Hazrat Umar RA reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “I enjoin you to follow my companions, then those after them and those after them. Thereafter, falsehood will spread until a man offers his oath without being asked and a witness gives testimony without being asked.” ( Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2165)
There are several other references in the Holy Quran and Ahadeeth about the vitues of the Companions RA of the Holy Prophet PBUH.
Blunders on Battles of Uhud and Badr
Battle of Badr
The battle of badr is the most miraculous of battles fought in history, a battle won on the basis of faith alone.
More than three times less in number, much more less in logistics including weaponry, horses and camels etc Muslims beat all odds to defeat the disbelievers, and that too in a devastating defeat.
They were miraculously helped by an unseen army of angels sent by Allah, as mentioned in the Holy Quran. There is no parallel in history!
(Remember) when you sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): “I will help you with a thousand of the angels Murdifin.”) Allah made it only as glad tidings, and that your hearts be at rest therewith. And there is no victory except from Allah. Verily, Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.) (Holy Quran 8: 9-10)
Political Experts Opinion
Opinion of Ulema Kiraam
Ulema Kiraam and other religious scholars from almost all sects have condemned Imran Khan’s statement and have asked him to seek forgiveness/repentance from Allah Almighty.
کسی کو نہیں چھوڑوں گا. صحابہ کرام رضی اللہ عنہم کو بھی نہیں چھوڑا ! استغفراللہ العظیم. فقط یہ بتا دیجیے کہ ہجرت کے فقط دو برس بعد لڑی جانے والی اس غزوہ کے وقت مدینے میں بسنے والے مسلمانوں کی مجموعی تعداد کیا تھی؟ کتنے صحابی اس جنگ میں شامل نہیں ہوئے تھے؟ ان صحابہ کے نام بتائیے جس نے ’ڈر کر‘ پیغمبر کو تنہا لڑنے جانے دیا؟ کمال ہے! کیا کسی کو معلوم ہے کہ حضرت عثمان رضی اللہ عنہ جنگ بدر میں شریک کیوں نہیں ہوءے تھے؟ برائے مہربانی تاریخ کو صحیح طرح پڑھا اور پیش کیا کریں اور بہت احتیاط کرنی چاہیے . جب صحابہ کرام رضی اللہ عنہم سے اس جنگ میں شرکت کے بارے میں رائے لی گئ تو ان میں سے کسی ایک بھی یہ نہیں کہا کہ: ‘فازھب انت و ربک فقاتلا انا ھھنا قاعدون !
Rebuttal/Defense
Some passionate supporters of Imran Khan have come out in his defence claiming that he was talking about munafiqeen (hypocrites) and referred to the Holy Quran Surah Anfaal (8: 5-8)
Sad fact is that even those Insafians including including Imran Khan are criticizing Sahaba Kiraam RA who themselves may not be praying and committing a lot of sins themselves. Who are they to judge the Sahaba Kiraam?
This was an opportunity provided by Imran Khan. He opened up a pandoras box and unnecessary debate and even more abuse/insult to the companions RA. Such issues should only be discussed by Ulema Kiraam and highly learned scholars or not at all or in a good way.
For those claiming it was a slip of tongue, it was clearly not; how many slips of the tounge have we seen? He was speaking clearly in his senses. He did not correct himself even until now. This is a false defence and continuation of blind following of a leader. Basic reason of his error has been mentioned in this blog
This is why Islam is against heroworship/Shaksiat parasti, for it leads to many evils including shirk. No party, no leader is an eample for us EXCEPT: For Muslims, our only yardstick, only Gold Standard, only role models, Huswa Hasana are our Prophet PBUH and his companions.
Answers to Rebuttal
The concensus among Ulema Kiraam is that AFTER consultation by the Holy Prophet PBUH, companions RA gave their views and none wished to turn back. Such lethargic views about Muslims are propagated by Jewish OR Western authors.
Tafsir Ibn Kasir
Allah said,
(As your Lord caused you to go out…) After Allah described the believers as fearing their Lord, resolving matters of dispute between themselves and obeying Allah and His Messenger , He then said here, “since you disputed about dividing war spoils and differed with each other about them, Allah took them away from you. He and His Messenger then divided them in truth and justice, thus ensuring continued benefit for all of you. Similarly, you disliked meeting the armed enemy in battle, who marched in support of their religion and to protect their caravan. You disliked fighting, so Allah decided that battle should occur and made you meet your enemy, without planning to do so on your part.’ This incident carried guidance, light, victory and triumph.
Allah said;
(Jihad is ordained for you though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.) Holy Quran (2:216)
Allah says, `He willed for you to meet the armed enemy ﴿rather than the caravan﴾ so that He makes you prevail above them and gain victory over them, making His religion apparent and Islam victorious and dominant above all religions. He has perfect knowledge of the consequences of all things, you are surrounded by His wise planning, although people only like what appears favorable to them,’
The Messenger of Allah PBUH consulted the people for advice and conveyed the news about Quraysh to them. Abu Bakr stood up and said something good, and so did `Umar. Al-Miqdad bin `Amr stood up and said, `O Allah’s Messenger! March to what Allah has commanded you, for we are with you. By Allah! We will not say to you what the Children of Israel said to Musa,
(“So go you and your Lord and fight you two, we are sitting right here”) Holy Quran (5:24). Rather, go you and Your Lord and fight, we will be fighting along with you both. By He Who has sent you with Truth! If you decide to take us to Birk-ul-Ghimad, we will fight along with you until you reach it.’ The Messenger of Allah said good words to Al-Miqdad and invoked Allah for his benefit. The Messenger of Allah PBUH again said,
(Give me your opinion, O people! wanting to hear from the Ansar. This is because the majority of the people with him then were the Ansar. When the Ansar gave the Prophet PBUH their pledge of obedience at Al-`Aqabah, they proclaimed, `O Allah’s Messenger! We are not bound by this pledge unless, and until, you arrive in our land. When you have arrived in our area, you are under our protection, and we shall protect you in the same manner we protect our children and wives.’ The Messenger of Allah feared that the Ansar might think that they are not obliged to support him except from his enemies who attack Al-Madinah, not to march with him to an enemy in other areas. When the Prophet said this, Sa`d bin Mu`adh asked him, `O Allah’s Messenger! Is it us whom you meant’ The Prophet answered in the positive. Sa`d said, `We have faith and believed in you, testified that what you brought is the truth, and gave you our pledges and promises of allegiance and obedience. Therefore, march, O Allah’s Messenger, for what Allah has commanded you. Verily, by He Who has sent you in Truth, if you decided to cross this sea (the Red Sea), we will follow you in it, and none among us would stay behind. We do not dislike that we meet our enemy tomorrow. Verily, we are patient in war, fierce in battle. May Allah make you witness what makes your eyes pleased with us. Therefore, march with us with the blessing of Allah.’ The Messenger of Allah was pleased with what Sa`d said and was encouraged by it. He proclaimed,
(March with the blessing of Allah and receive the good news. For Allah has indeed promised me one of the two camps (confiscating the caravan or defeating the Quraysh army). By Allah! It is as if I am now looking at the demise of the people (the Quraysh).)
Tafsir Mufti Taqi Usmani
Tafsir Maududi
Similar in other commentaries of the Holy Quran. Plus these verses are addressed to Mumineen, not Munafiqeen:
“It is] just as when your Lord brought you out of your home [for the battle of Badr] in truth, while indeed, a party among the believers were unwilling” (Holy Quran 8 : 5)
Blunder of Battle of Uhud
Secondly he again blasphemed that the companions RA went PLUNDERING in the battle of Uhud (they went for collecting Maal-e-Ghaneemat thinking Muslims had won the battle)
Plundering is NOT the same as collecting Maal-e-Ghaneemat. Answer to this is given here and in above video clips:
People have Protested and Resolution Put in Assembly
His other religious blunders
“Allah Ne Ghalti Se Mujhe Insan Bna Dia” Imran Khan (Allah mistakenly made me a human) استغفراللہ :
Conclusion
Finally we have to be very very cautious, careful with words we use against Sahaba Kiraam RA as strongly advised by our Holy Prophet PBUH
They were the ones who were trained by Holy Prophet PBUH, how can we expect such horrendous errors from students of the greatest teacher of all time?
One should have HUSN E ZAN (Good thinking) and for at least the companions of the Prophet PBUH and give them any benefit of doubt!
Especially when one is a head of state/public figure addressing a public audience of probably millions or more!
I end with this Hadeeth:
And Allah knows best!
Pls Also read: https://drnaumanshad.com/index.php/2019/02/09/reasons-why-my-prediction-about-pti-came-true/