Shabbir Ahmad Rahmati
Three years have passed since the martyrdom of Sheikh Rahimullah Haqqani (may Allah have mercy on him), yet his scholarly legacy, intellectual clarity, and unwavering commitment to truth remain deeply embedded in the hearts and minds of thousands. He was one of the foremost scholars of contemporary Islamic thought, serving as a distinguished example in defending the faith, advancing knowledge, and confronting extremism through intellectual resistance.
Sheikh Rahimullah Haqqani (may Allah have mercy on him) was not merely a teacher, preacher, or writer. He was a visionary scholar, a man of deep insight, and a sincere analyst of the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah. He regarded knowledge as a foundational pillar of religion, and this conviction led him to speak out against movements that sought to suppress scholars and obstruct the spread of Islamic learning. As a result, ISIS persistently attempted to discredit his character, beliefs, and mission, ultimately resorting to a cowardly attack that led to his martyrdom.
The so-called defenders of Islam, the Daeshi Khawarij, are in reality a dangerous and subversive force targeting the intellectual foundations of the Ummah, its religious authorities, and its authentic scholars. They declare any scholar who opposes their extremist and violent ideology to be a disbeliever, and they have shown open hostility toward knowledge, scholarly consensus, and Islamic tradition. Their objective is to plunge the Ummah into division, violence, and ignorance.
The danger posed by ISIS ideology extends beyond physical violence. It also includes a distorted intellectual project that spreads a philosophy of terror, excommunication (takfir), and isolation under the guise of religion. This philosophy not only exacerbates divisions among Muslims but also threatens the epistemological foundations of Islamic civilization. In this context, scholars like Martyr Sheikh Rahimullah Haqqani represent the front line of intellectual resistance against such destructive ideologies.
His influence was not confined to the borders of Afghanistan. Sheikh Haqqani was a respected Islamic voice in religious circles across India, Pakistan, the Middle East, and beyond. His intellectual impact resonated in madrasas, universities, and religious gatherings. For this reason, global takfiri networks regarded him as a formidable opponent.
Today, as the Muslim world confronts both extremism and liberal deviation in the name of religion, the role of moderate scholars like Martyr Sheikh Rahimullah Haqqani is more vital than ever. They uphold balanced Islamic thought, defend foundational principles, and preserve the unity of the Ummah. If such voices are silenced, the Muslim world risks descending into ignorance and chaos. Therefore, it is essential to preserve, protect, and pass on the intellectual legacy of Sheikh Haqqani to future generations.
Through his eloquent sermons, analytical writings, and principled public positions, particularly his unambiguous condemnation of ISIS, Sheikh Haqqani sought to awaken the Ummah. He emphasized the need for a balanced understanding of Islam, highlighted the necessity of scholarly reasoning (ijtihad), and upheld the dignified role of scholars in guiding society. His stance made it clear that the light of knowledge must continue to shine in the face of ignorance.
History bears witness that this is not the first time the light of knowledge has come under attack. Followers of the ideology of Ibn Muljam have long attempted to silence the voices of the Prophet’s inheritors. Yet this light cannot be extinguished. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered a timeless warning:
“Whoever humiliates a scholar has humiliated me, and whoever humiliates me has humiliated Allah.”
The martyrdom of Sheikh Rahimullah Haqqani was a noble sacrifice for the defense of knowledge, reason, and truth. He devoted his life to the propagation of Islamic education, the rejection of extremism, and the intellectual awakening of the Muslim Ummah. Today, his martyrdom serves as a powerful reminder that we must stand with our scholars, reject violence and fanaticism, and uphold the intellectual independence of the Islamic world.
May Allah Almighty grant Martyr Sheikh Rahimullah Haqqani the highest ranks in Paradise and bless our generation with the strength and sincerity to follow in his footsteps.
