Bangladesh Is a Hanafi Madhhab Country, You Are Anti-Madhhab: Allama Babunagari Rebukes State Minister Lincoln

Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari, Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh and Muhtamim of Nazirhat Al Jamiatul Uloom Babunagar Madrasa, told State Minister for Religious Affairs Shamim Kaiser Lincoln that Bangladesh is predominantly a Hanafi Madhhab country and urged him to follow its teachings.

During Mr. Lincoln’s surprise visit to the madrasa in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, on Saturday afternoon, Allama Babunagari said, “Bangladesh is a country of Hanafi Madhhab – and, the accusation against you is that you do not accept any Madhhab Markaz. You are against the Madhhab. The people of Bangladesh follow the Hanafi Madhhab. We all have to live our lives according to the correct ideals of the Madhhab.”

In response, Mr. Lincoln said, “Sir, I am not against religion. Rather, I am in favor of the ideals of the religion. I have come to ask for your blessings.” During the meeting, Allama Babunagari urged the government to ensure that imams and khatibs who allegedly insult or criticize the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his companions are not appointed at model mosques built through the Islamic Foundation. He also urged Mr. Lincoln to remain vigilant against what he described as the false beliefs of Maududism and handed him books written by several renowned scholars on the issue.

Mr. Lincoln’s visit came amid criticism from some religious groups over allegations that he is ‘la-Madhhab’ or opposed to the Madhhab. According to the report, he had previously tried to meet Allama Babunagari but had not received approval. He also made a surprise visit to the traditional Hathazari Madrasa. Teachers there, including the Muhtamim, reportedly said they were not aware of the purpose of his visit, and no special arrangements were made.