Indian Islam is unique. It is generally cast, both by the popular media and academia, in an image that is severely totalitarian. Mahdawiyya is one among several sects within Indian Islam, which takes continuing revelation seriously. It does so without discarding the traditional belief in the finality of the Qur’an revealed through the Prophet Muhammad. It speaks, like Shi’ism and Sufism of an alternative model of the Saint and Sainthood. The Saints discourse (bayan) is believed by these to have the same level of authority as the Qur’an revealed through the Prophet. Many Muslim nations prefer religious nationalism to secular democracy. The traditional Prophetic model largely inspires their brand of nationalism. The ideas of the Saint and Sainthood are also power-laden. These provide, however, a viable alternative to the traditional Prophetic model and harbour a promise for change. It is important, therefore, that scholars study the range of saintly expressions of Islam. This book makes a contribution to this area of study.
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