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Mohammad Shaikh (born October 6, 1952, Karachi, Pakistan) is the founder and chairman of the International Islamic Propagation Center (IIPC), established in 1985. He is known for his lectures on Islamic teachings, particularly his series titled "What the Quran Says About...", which focuses on Quranic interpretations of various topics. He has gained both international recognition and criticism for his work. He was ranked 4th most influential Muslim in the world in a public poll by Reuters in 2009[1]
Early Life and Education
editMohammad Shaikh was born in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1952. He received his early Islamic education under the guidance of his father, followed by formal studies at Islamia College, Karachi. His spiritual education continued under the mentorship of Maulana Hafiz Qari Abdul Haq at Alfalah Masjid. Between 1973 and 1983, Shaikh worked in the commercial merchant navy, an experience that allowed him to travel extensively and engage with scholars from various religious backgrounds.
Career and Association with Ahmed Deedat
editIn 1988, Shaikh was selected by Ahmed Deedat, a renowned South African scholar of comparative religion, to attend a course on comparative religious studies organized by the Islamic Propagation Center International (IPCI) in Durban, South Africa. This experience shaped his approach to Islamic propagation, which focuses on direct Quranic teachings.
After his training, Shaikh started delivering public lectures and producing the lecture series "What the Quran Says About...". This series compiles Quranic verses related to specific topics and compares them to religious scriptures such as the Bible. The lectures are presented in both English and Urdu and have gained international recognition, attracting both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences.
Shaikh founded the International Islamic Propagation Center (IIPC) in Karachi in 1985, and later expanded the organization's reach internationally, including establishing a branch in Canada.
Assassination attempt
editIn 2005, Mohammad Shaikh survived an assassination attempt in Karachi. Armed gunmen attacked the IIPC office and fired at Shaikh from close range. He was severely injured and underwent emergency surgery to save his life . Despite the attack, Shaikh continued his propagation efforts, giving lectures both in person and online after his recovery.
Criticism
editShaikh’s interpretations of the Quran have drawn criticism from conservative Islamic scholars and groups. Critics argue that his non-sectarian approach and focus on direct Quranic teachings, without reliance on traditional jurisprudence or sectarianism, challenge established Islamic doctrine.
Some scholars have expressed concern that his interpretations deviate from mainstream Islamic thought. However, Shaikh remains steadfast in his methodology, arguing that his work is rooted in a direct reading of the Quran and meant to transcend sectarian divides
Legacy and Influence
editMohammad Shaikh's work has garnered a significant following worldwide, with lectures distributed widely via the internet. His emphasis on Quranic teachings as the central guiding text for Muslims has made him a prominent figure in the field of Islamic propagation. Shaikh was recognized in the 500 Most Influential Muslims list for three consecutive years, from 2010 to 2012[2], in the "Preachers & Spiritual Guides" category
Debate Between Muhammad Shaikh and Baqi:[3][4]
The debate between Muhammad Shaikh, a contemporary Islamic scholar, and Baqi, centered around differing interpretations of Islamic teachings, particularly the Quran. Held in a public forum, the discussion highlighted contrasting methodologies in approaching religious texts—Shaikh advocating for a direct and literal understanding of the Quran, while Baqi emphasized the importance of traditional scholarship and contextual analysis. The debate gained significant attention, amassing millions of views online, reflecting its resonance within the Muslim community and the broader discourse on Islamic interpretation. It served as a platform for exploring the dynamics between modern and classical Islamic thought, inviting further discussions on the relevance of traditional scholarship in contemporary times.
References
edit- Yahoo: The Epitome of Knowledge
- 2010 500 Most Influential Muslim (Page 93)[1]
- 2012 500 Most Influential Muslim[2]
- 2011 500 Most Influential Muslim[5]
- Shaikh, Muhammad. "Debate with Baqi.".[3][4]
- ^ a b Lumbard, Joseph (2019). THE 500 MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSLIMS (PDF) (2nd ed.). Jordan: The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. p. 93.
- ^ a b Schleifer, Abdullah (2011). The world’s 500 Most Influential Muslims 2011 (PDF) (2nd ed.). The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. p. 134.
- ^ a b MUHAMMAD SHAIKH (2020-09-03). Debate: Muhammad Shaikh vs Mufti Abdul Baqi (Urdu). Retrieved 2024-10-02 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b Naeem Adam Khan (2017-11-13). Full Video. MOHAMMAD SHAIKH And Mufti Abdul Baqi Jamea Banauri Town. Retrieved 2024-10-02 – via YouTube.
- ^ Schleifer, Abdallah. The 500 Most Influential Muslims 2011 (PDF) (1st ed.). Jordan: The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. p. 117.