This article calls for the urgent need to restore respect for Islamic scholars and highlights their vital role in preserving moral values and guidance amid a wave of modern apathy and misconception
Respect is the foundation of a harmonious society. As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “He is not of us who does not respect our elders and have mercy on our young ones.” (Tirmidhi: 1919)
In contrast, our society has normalized ridicule, disregard, and mockery. It is crucial to uphold the importance of respect, particularly for those who have devoted their lives to safeguarding our moral values and spiritual traditions.
Historically, Islamic scholars and preachers were highly respected, and often addressed with honorific titles such as “Molvi Sahib” or “Maulana”. While these terms are not rooted in Islamic terminology, they have been traditionally used in the Indian subcontinent as a mark of respect for Islamic scholars.
However, with the rise of modernity, younger generations have gradually abandoned these respectful titles, turning “Molvi Sahib” into a term of derision. Those once revered as protectors of moral principles are now frequently mocked, dismissed as old-fashioned, or outright ignored.
A recent incident exemplifies this trend. While browsing Facebook a few days ago, I came across a post by an educator from a renowned institute in the Kashmir Valley. The post read, “Yimen Molviyen cheni paye konich” (“These Molvis don’t know anything”). Surprised by the remark, I responded to the post, only to be abruptly blocked without receiving a substantial reply.
This growing disregard for religious preachers and scholars, driven by social media and a disconnect from religious values, threatens society’s moral foundation. Unlike other professionals, they are unfairly singled out for disrespect, raising the question: why are they easy targets for criticism?
The Keepers of Knowledge
Preachers are the guardians of a sacred tradition, dedicating years to mastering Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and history. Their rigorous education encompasses not only memorization but also an in-depth understanding of Islamic law, Quranic wisdom, and the Prophet’s life. As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized, “The best among you is one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it” (Bukhari 5027). Unlike other professions, Islamic scholarship exists to nurture society’s spiritual core, providing guidance and preserving moral values. Ironically, instead of respect, many scholars face unwarranted criticism and mockery.
Their role extends beyond the mosque. In Muslim history, some of the greatest social reformers, legal minds, and political thinkers were scholars of Islam. Take Shah Waliullah Dehlavi, an 18th-century Islamic scholar who worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between traditional Islamic teachings and the political realities of his time. His efforts in translating the Quran into Persian made religious knowledge more accessible, much like today’s scholars strive to adapt religious wisdom to the modern world.
The Kashmir Valley boasts a rich heritage of Islamic scholarship, with renowned scholars such as Sheikh Noorudin Alahi Rahma, Moulana Mubarki, and Anwar Shah Shopiani Alaihi Rahma making remarkable contributions to Islamic studies. Their scholarly works have not only illuminated the people of Kashmir but have also left a lasting impact on the wider Muslim world.
This legacy lives on through the dedication of esteemed scholars like Sheikh ul Hadith Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Kindi, Zahoor Ahmad Shah Almadni, Dr. Mubashir Ahsan Madni, and many others. Committed to the pursuit of Islamic knowledge, they continue to educate and guide the community through their teachings, writings, and leadership.
However, despite their valuable contributions, many contemporary Molvi Sahibs and religious scholars struggle to gain the recognition they deserve, often facing disengagement from an audience that has already deemed them irrelevant.
A Clash with Modernity
As information is available at the tap of a screen nowadays, the authority of traditional scholars is frequently questioned. Many young Muslims, armed with Google searches and YouTube clips, believe they can bypass years of scholarly learning and derive their interpretations of religion. This attitude fosters arrogance — the belief that formal Islamic education is unnecessary and that Molvi Sahibs are merely relics of an outdated past.
Moreover, mainstream media has played a significant role in distorting the image of religious scholars. In films and television, the Molvi Sahib is often depicted as either an unreasonably strict, backwards-thinking cleric or, worse, a hypocrite who preaches one thing but practices another. The actions of a few misguided individuals have been generalized to the entire scholarly class, making it easy for critics to paint all Molvi Sahibs with the same brush.
A striking example is how the West reacted to Sheikh Ahmed Deedat, a renowned Islamic scholar and orator. Despite dedicating his life to inter-faith debates and defending Islam against misconceptions, he was labelled by some as a “radical.” His deep knowledge and articulate arguments were reduced to controversy, a reflection of how easily scholarship is dismissed when it does not align with modern narratives.
But the most unfortunate criticism comes from within the Muslim community itself. In urban, Western-educated circles, referring to someone as a “Molvi Sahib” is often used mockingly, implying ignorance or an inability to adapt to modern life. This mindset is not just disrespectful — it is deeply ironic. The very individuals who claim to champion knowledge are the first to reject those who have dedicated their lives to acquiring it.
Losing moral compass
A community that loses respect for its scholars loses more than just religious knowledge — it loses its ethical foundation. When people no longer turn to Molvi Sahibs for guidance, they often turn to incomplete sources, self-proclaimed “intellectuals” with little grounding in Islamic jurisprudence. This leads to dangerous consequences, where religious rulings are taken out of context, and faith is shaped by personal convenience rather than scholarly consensus.
Consider the impact of this trend in countries like Türkiye, where rapid secularization led to a decline in traditional religious scholarship. The absence of scholars resulted in a generation with a weak grasp of Islamic principles, leading to a diluted understanding of faith. Similarly, in some Arab nations, state-controlled religious institutions have replaced independent scholars, limiting access to authentic religious discourse and leaving a vacuum filled by less credible sources.
Strike balance
The solution is not to blindly follow every Molvi Sahib without question, but to restore a sense of balance. Just as modern professionals continuously update their knowledge, Islamic scholars must also adapt to the evolving landscape of the modern world. Fortunately, many already are. Scholars like Mufti Menk, Yasir Qadhi, Yasir Fazaga, Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, Nouman Ali Khan and many more have gained global recognition precisely because they bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. They engage with youth, use contemporary language, and address real-world issues while remaining deeply rooted in classical Islamic knowledge. There are, in fact, esteemed scholars in our valley and across India who have made significant contributions to Islamic and Quranic studies. These scholars have pursued advanced degrees, including PhDs, from globally renowned universities, delving into various disciplines such as Islamic jurisprudence, Uloom Ul Ahadith, Quranic studies, language, philosophy, and mysticism.
Despite their impressive credentials and research, the youth often fail to appreciate their expertise, resorting to oversimplifications and misconceptions. This phenomenon is particularly concerning, as it disregards the scholars’ rigorous academic pursuits and reduces their contributions to simplistic stereotypes.
Final words
It is essential to recognize the value of these scholars’ work, which not only enriches our understanding of Islamic and Quranic studies but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of these disciplines. By acknowledging and respecting their expertise, we can promote a more informed and inclusive dialogue, one that celebrates the richness of Islamic scholarship and its contributions to our collective knowledge.
Respect is mutual—while Molvi Sahibs must stay relevant, communities must also appreciate their role. Encouraging dialogue between scholars and youth, integrating religious and modern education, and leveraging social media to showcase genuine scholarship are crucial steps. To counter disrespect towards religious scholars, Masjid committees must ensure only qualified individuals lead religious discourse. Restoring the dignity of these scholars is essential, as they serve as the pillars of an ethical and spiritually aware society.
Mohd Younus Bhat
yu***********@***il.com