The Qur’anic Concept of Wasatiyah (Moderation): The Role of Ghulam Azam towards Reforming of a Moderate and Balanced Society in Bangladesh

Wasatiyah as a multi-dimensional concept is scholarly attributed as a “justly balanced path or balanced approach” of Islam. In the context of contemporary Islamic thought, Wasatiyah is the counterweight of religious extremism and liberalism. Many liberal Muslim intellectuals and non-Muslim scholars tend to link terrorism and extremism to the existing Islamic movements globally. However, leaders of moderate Islamic movement never approve of a global Jihad or terrorism. This study aims at investigating the relevance of the concept of Wasatiyah in Bangladesh, and the role of Ghulam Azam- a legendary Islamic thinker in South-Asian Muslim communities and guru of a contemporary leading Islamic movement in Bangladesh. He is also the most misunderstood Islamic thinker and political leader of 20th century in Bangladesh politics who represents a comprehensive example of a Muslim group in trying to address the prevailing socio-cultural and politico-economic problems which Muslim nations face. Nevertheless, Ghulam Azam’s contribution towards reforming of a moderate and balanced society in Bangladesh has lessened his paramount bequest afterwards his inflammatory role in 1971 liberation war. This research first examines Wasatiyah from the divine sources - the Qur’an and Sunnah based on the interpretation of early and contemporary scholars’ views. This paper also deals with the contribution of Ghulam Azam in Islamic da’wah and upholding Wasatiyah model regardless of his provocative fashion in Bangladesh politics. It then revisits his education, involvement in politics, controversial view in 1971, and scholarly contribution towards reforming of a moderate and balanced society in Bangladesh. This study is a conceptual analysis, which analyzing the data gathered from textual, contextual and comparative review.