Surau Journal of Islamic Studies
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2026): Surau Journal of Islamic Studies

Paralogism in Abul Ala Mawdudi's Khilafat wa Mulukiyat: A Critical Analysis of Taqi Usmani's Refutation

Atif Suhail Siddiqui (Institute of Islamic Education, Elgin, United States)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study critically examines the presence of paralogism in Abul Ala Mawdudi’s Khilafat wa Mulukiyat through an analysis of Taqi Usmani’s systematic refutation. While Khilafat wa Mulukiyat has significantly influenced modern Islamic political thought, its historiographical methodology remains highly contested among Sunni scholars, particularly regarding its interpretation of the early caliphate and the Companions of the Prophet. Employing a qualitative textual analysis, this study compares Mawdudi’s historical arguments with classical Islamic sources and Usmani’s methodological critique. The analysis identifies recurring forms of paralogism, including selective use of historical evidence, omission of contradictory reports, conflation of legitimate ijtihad with bid’ah, and contextual misinterpretation of key narrations concerning Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan. These argumentative patterns are contrasted with Usmani’s emphasis on source verification, the methodological principles of al-jarh wa al-ta’dil, and the ethical norms governing Islamic historiography. The study argues that the debate extends beyond historical disagreement to competing epistemological approaches for evaluating Islamic history and religious authority. It contributes to contemporary scholarship by demonstrating how methodological rigor and critical source evaluation remain essential for interpreting contested narratives within Islamic intellectual history.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

surau

Publisher

Subject

Arts Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

Surau Journal of Islamic Studies (e-ISSN 3089-7580) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published twice a year (in January and July) by MD Research Center. First published on January 9, 2025, this journal serves as a platform and forum for academicians and researchers interested in Islamic studies ...