The Mad Mamluks EP 229: Ashraf Ali Thanwi and the Indian Deobandis - Wednesday Night RoundTable
Mar 25, 2021
Explore the life of Ashraf Ali Thanwi and the significance of his work, Beheshti Zewar, as the hosts delve into its controversial guidance on intimacy. They debate the appropriateness of labeling historical practices with modern standards and share personal experiences that distanced one host from Deobandi institutions. The discussion includes the dark side of halala houses and even black magic. Mystical claims, jinn practices, and the implications of substance use on spirituality round out this thought-provoking conversation.
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Beheshti Zewar: Practical Manual With Problematic Rulings
- Ashraf Ali Thanwi's Beheshti Zewar mixes practical household guidance with contested fiqh rulings and lacks extensive evidentiary citation.
- The hosts caution that manuals for laypeople can include problematic opinions and should be used alongside modern, evidence-based resources.
Why Extreme Cases Appear In Fiqh Manuals
- Traditional fiqh texts include extreme hypothetical cases (bestiality, minors) to cover all legal scenarios, not to endorse them.
- Sheikh Amir explains these inclusions are technical clarifications, not encouragements of forbidden acts.
Personal Break With Parts Of Deobandi Practice
- Sheikh Amir recounts personal disillusionment with aspects of the Deobandi movement after witnessing practices he found troubling in India.
- He cites halala houses, use of jinns, and perceived hypocrisy as pivotal reasons he distanced himself.
