Chapter Five

Objections on Javed Ahmed Ghamidi’s Stance

It is essential to conclude the discussion with a response to some questions and possible objections against the stance of Javed Ahmed Ghamidi, when seen in comparison with the view of the traditional scholars.

The first question concerns how Javed Ahmed Ghamidi interprets those verses of the Qur’an based on which esteemed scholars and exegetes establish that Jesus (PBUH) is alive in the heavens. If Javed Ahmed Ghamidi’s interpretation differs with theirs, then what are the details of his reasoning and argumentation?

The second question concerns the nature of Javed Ahmed Ghamidi’s disagreement with his teacher, Imam Amin Ahsan Islahi, regarding the ascension of Jesus (PBUH) while alive. What is the reason that despite agreeing on the principles of Qur’anic interpretation, the two scholars have differed between themselves on this topic?

The third question is, why Javed Ahmed Ghamidi does not include the Descent of Jesus and other similar events and information in the articles of faith?

The following topics detail the discussion on these questions:

1. The meaning of ‘innī mutawaffīka’
2. The use of ‘tawaffā’ for sleep
3. The interpretation of ‘wa rāfi‘uka ilayya’
4. ‘innī mutawaffīka’ – Amin Ahsan Islahi’s Interpretation
5. The meaning of ‘Qabla Mawtihī’ in Surah An-Nisa
6. Does the concept of the Descent of Jesus form part of the articles of faith?