Jamshoro; June/July 2021: The Sindh University posed a multi-choice question in its question paper for entry test for M.Phil. on June 28, 2021. The question was about the author of a set of Quranic exegesis: “Tafseerat-e-Ahmadiyya is written by? (A) Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani (B) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (C) Ghulam Ahmad Pervez (D) Mulla Jewan”.
The answer to the above question was (D) Mulla Jewan. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, although arguably the greatest scholar of his time in exegesis-writing and interpretation of the Holy Quran did not write these volumes. However, this did not desist the mulla raising a hue and cry; they objected to even including the name of the Ahmadiyya Founder in the list of four likely answers.
Over this non-issue, a great deal of dust was raised in the social and electronic media. Some from the daily press printed the protests and negative comments. TLP (of April countrywide-riots fame), known for its extremist conduct led the campaign.
TV channel 92 News held a discussion on this ‘outrage’ in a show wherein Mufti Zubair offered the opinion that even to recognize Qadianis as exegesis-writers was an affront to the Sharia and Law; this violation of the constitution deserves immediate notice, he said.
Mulla Hamid Raza, Chair of the Sunni Ittehad Council stated that posing such questions in our universities amounted to introducing Qadianiat to students. He urged that Sindh Government and Higher Education Commission take serious action against those guilty of this faux pas. He demanded even a judicial enquiry.
Mufti Qasim Fakhri, a TLP member of the Sindh Assembly moved a Resolution in the house that demanded wholesome action against the ‘culprits’. The resolution was not carried.
It is for consideration of the sensible members of the civil society if such an attitude to research and inquiry in our universities will lead us to enlightenment or push us in the dark alleys of religious bigotry.
