The Role of Tablighi Jamâ’’at (Society of Preachers) in the Expansion of Deobandi Mindset

Abstract

The present study investigates the role of Tablighi Jamâ’at (society of preachers) in expanding the Deobandi Mindset. The study uses a descriptive-analytical method based on library research. The investigations indicated that although the Deobandi scholars have somewhat succeeded in the education of Indian Muslim elites in the middle of Deobandi’s intellectual life, they failed in reviving the spirit of faith amongst the Muslims and could not accomplish their objective of restoring the authority of Hanafi Islam. Based thereon, some individuals educated in Deobandi’s house of science (Dar Al-Olûm) decided to step on a corrective path to revitalize Islam. Elyâs Akhtar started his preaching-corrective movement to promote the Deobandi mindset, the promulgation of which, as viewed by Mohammad Elyâs, needed taking the path of a correctional movement. It had to be a movement capable of telegraphing the mission of Deobandi science house’s sheikhs to the most distant places around the globe. Mohammad Elyâs Kandehlavi did not believe in the educating of the elites in line with his sheikhs’ movement, and, establishing a mobile school, he endeavored to spread Deobandi teachings to all the Muslim social classes.