Da'watul Haq

Da'watul Haq

August 1968 cover
Editor	Wahiduzzaman Kairanawi
Categories	Theology, Culture, Dawah, Literature, Foreign policy
Frequency	Quarterly
Publisher	Darul Uloom Deoband
Founder	Wahiduzzaman Kairanawi
First issue	January 1965
Final issue	April 1975
Country	India
Based in	Deoband
Language	Arabic

Da'watul Haq (Arabic: دعوة الحق) was a quarterly Arabic magazine published by Darul Uloom Deoband under the supervision of Muhammad Tayyib Qasmi from 1965 to 1975, subsequently replaced by Al-Da'i.^[1] Founded and developed by Wahiduzzaman Kairanawi, it became Darul Uloom Deoband's inaugural Arabic magazine,^[2] with the primary mission of acquainting Arabic-speaking regions with Darul Uloom Deoband and translating its educational content into Arabic.^[3] The magazine aimed to present Islam as a dynamic and relevant faith, addressing objections and emphasizing that the Quran and Islam serve as foundations for progress rather than impediments.^[4] It also aimed to elevate the Arabic language and literature in both India and the Arab world.^[5] Scholars like Saeed Ahmad Akbarabadi and Muhammad Salim Qasmi commenced on their literary journeys with this publication.^[6]

For nearly a century following the establishment of Darul Uloom Deoband, there was little attention given to the creation of an Arabic magazine from this institution.^[7] As global dynamics underwent transformations, the institution recognized the increasing significance of the Arabic language and literature, especially in the face of challenges prevailing in the Arab world. This paradigm shift directed the institution's focus towards promoting refined Arabic literature, countering Western influences, and developing a generation capable of contributing to contemporary Arabic literature through sophisticated articles.^[8] According to Sarwar Alam Nadwi, the impetus for establishing the magazine arose from prevailing conditions.^[8] Wahiduzzaman Kairanawi, noting that Darul Uloom Deoband prioritized religious education, such as hadith and jurisprudence, over Arabic language and literature, recognized the need for such a magazine.^[9] Its inaugural edition materialized in January 1965,^[7] starting with 64 pages and subsequently expanding to 80 pages in the first issue of the ninth volume.^[8] The editorial bore the title Afkar al-Khawatir.^[10] Priced at one rupee annually, the magazine was printed by Wazir Hasan Mir Aazam Gadh Press.^[11] Its publication spanned ten years, culminating in April 1975.^[7] In June 1976, the magazine Al-Da'i was introduced.^[7]

It covers a broad range of subjects, including religion, art, and literature.^[12] Featuring literary creations from Arab writers and intellectuals such as Mohammed al-Ghazali, Mustafa El-Rifai, and Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the magazine shares cultural news and updates about Darul Uloom Deoband.^[12] Known for its refined Arabic style, especially in the editorial Bareed al-Mahallah,^[13] the publication aims to raise awareness about Islamic practices, safeguard Islamic beliefs, promote the Arabic language and literature, and spread Islamic culture in the Indian subcontinent and the Arab world.^[14] Focusing on education, it showcases the lives and contributions of scholars at Darul Uloom Deoband and presents scientific and religious articles for Indian readers.^[15] Additionally, the magazine works to develop Arabic literary taste, encourage creativity, and uphold religious interests while promoting Islamic values globally.^[8] Sections like Nafhat al-Sunnah and Tahreer present commentary on the contemporary Islamic world, and the publication includes coverage of Darul Uloom Deoband's activities, literary pursuits in Al-Nadi Al-Adabi, and occasional articles on new publications, obituaries, and condolences.^[16] It maintains a stance of refraining from publishing advertisements.^[11]

This magazine has received acclaim from scholars across various fields. Abdur Rahman of Jawaharlal Nehru University deems it a standout among 20th-century Indian Arabic-language magazines, achieving widespread recognition.^[17] Qamruzzaman from Aligarh Muslim University highlights its role in translating intellectual ideas from Darul Uloom Deoband, extending its influence beyond its origins.^[16] Farid Uddin Ahmed, a scholar at Cotton University, acknowledges its role to showcasing the expertise of Darul Uloom Deoband scholars.^[9] Ahmed Daisy of Gauhati University sees it as an asset in Arabic journalism, promoting Islamic teachings in the Indian Subcontinent.^[10] Zikrullah Arabi from Maulana Azad National Urdu University underscores its pioneering role in developing literary taste among Muslim youth.^[18] Sarwar Alam Nadwi of Aligarh Muslim University emphasizes its significance in defending Islam and promoting literary refinement.^[12] Anees Alangadan from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala stresses the magazine's overarching goal of awakening the Islamic spirit and defending the religion against doubts and attacks, solidifying its position as a defender of Islamic teachings amidst challenges from critics.^[19]

It has received commendation from figures in the Islamic community. Muhammad Yahya al-Hashmi, the head of Jam'iyyat al-Buhuth al-'Ilmiyya in Aleppo, Syria, has acknowledged the publication for its content in deep Islamic articles.^[20] Abd al-Quddus al-Ansari, the founder of the Saudi magazine Al-Manhal, has expressed positive recognition for it.^[18] Abdul Halim al-Nadwi has highlighted the magazine's contributions to knowledge, religion, and the expression of correct beliefs, particularly benefiting the Indian Muslim community and the broader Islamic nation.^[15] Zubair Ahmad al-Farouqi has attributed the magazine for shaping a new structure in Darul Uloom Deoband and developing literary and scientific taste among students.^[15] Muhammad Isma'il al-Nadwi expressed hope for the magazine's ongoing contribution to conveying Islamic culture in India, emphasizing its impact on both subject and content.^[21]