Pakistan: Imran Khan Promised A Return To Riyasat-e-Madina, So Why Should He Oppose The TLP Demand For Strong Action Against French Government's Islamophobia?

By Arshad Alam, New Age Islam 30 October 2021 Pakistan: The TLP on the March Again Main Points: 1. The TLP is marching again to pressurize the Pakistan government to sever its ties with France and expel its envoy. 2. The Pakistan government is dithering in taking a firm stance which is further aggravating the situation. 3. Imran Khan promised a return to Riyasat e Madina; so why should he now opposed the TLP when they are placing a similar demand? ----- The Tehreek e Labaik Pakistan (TLP) is on the move again. They are demanding again that Pakistan sever its ties with France, and expels its envoy from the country. The TLP has argued that the government in refusing to accede to their demands is refusing to act against those who had blasphemed the prophet of Islam. It should be recalled that the French newspaper Charlie Hebdo published a series of cartoons lampooning the Islamic desire of martyrdom which many Muslims across the world found deeply offensive. For the TLP, a party which made blasphemy its core issue, this was an opportunity to showcase its strength. They besieged important cities and the capital after which the Pakistani establishment was forced to negotiate with them and accept most of their demands. However, after few months, the same establishment proscribed the TLP as a terrorist organization which gave much relief to those who wanted to contain the blackmail of this Ulama led party. The same confusion within the Pakistan establishment can be seen even now. One of its ministers says that it is willing to talk with the protestors while the others have refused to engage with them alleging that the TLP is being funded by India. This loss of face and eventual surrender of the Pakistan government has been long in the making and primarily caused by its flirtation with political Islam. Through a series of pronouncement and policy measures, the Imran Khan government promised the people a return to the prophetic times when supposedly equality, justice and welfare were the cornerstone of the state. One doesn’t really know how true is this assertion as most of these concepts were simply foreign to the pre-modern mind. Justice with the Islamic law, for example, was and continues to be, retributive rather than restorative as is the case in modern law. Similarly, Muslims like Imran Khan make the mistake of equating charity with welfarism which is patently absurd. Modern welfarism starts with a nation state devoted to protecting the rights and dignity of individual citizens, something which was in short supply in medieval countries, either Muslim or Christian. Imran Khan promised the people of Pakistan that he will bring back the Riyasat e Madina, the proto-Islamic state established by the Prophet in which supposedly all the needs of the people were taken care of. He harped on this idea again and again and even went further than Zia ul Haque in fashioning himself as a devout believer. But the very fact that he had to take recourse to Islam meant that there was something fundamentally wrong elsewhere. The economy continued to be in deep distress and the Chinese grip was making itself strongly felt in areas of strategic agreement. The aid economy, on which Pakistan establishment had been dependent on so many years was simply withering away as the strategic interests of the United States shifted away from Afghanistan. Pakistan was in shambles and possibly the only way to keep the hope alive was to make newer appeals to Islam. Imran Khan, Pakistan Prime Minister ------- Just look at the new education policy unveiled by the Imran Khan government. It ostensibly seeks to unify Pakistan’s education by proposing a single national curriculum. However, as critics like Pervez Hoodbhoy have pointed out, it is nothing but a political gimmick. The stark differences between private and government schools will remain thus negating any uniformity that the government is promising. The only beneficiary of this policy would be the Mullahs who would be empowered through local textbook committees to ward off any ‘evil and anti-Islamic’ content from the curriculum. They will also benefit from a much larger religious education content within the textbooks. The anti-Islamic content can be anything: from Darwin’s evolution to the ridiculous argument that all women must be shown fully covered in these textbooks. These Mullahs, who have no sense of what science or liberal education entails, will now sit on judgment over how such textbooks should be written and how they should be taught. This would have been a scandal in any sane country; but in Pakistan this has been enabled by the government itself. ((File Photo: Representational) ------ One doesn’t really know whether people really believe in the promises of Imran Khan. But it is the habit of Muslims that whenever Islam is brought into the picture, they become silent and stop asking questions. Something similar happened in Pakistan; Imran Khan was never questioned how he proposed to bring his heavenly vision down to earth. But he did raise the expectation of the country, especially in relation to adopting religious ways of life. In a way, the TLP movement is trying to pressurize the government to make good on its own promise. After all, it was the government which presented the prophet as the model for the whole of humanity. So, when the TLP asks why is it that the government is silent over the issue of blasphemy, then probably they are asking the right question. When the TLP protestors are demanding that Pakistan should be governed by Sharia laws as during the times of the prophet, what wrong is it committing in placing these demands? If the government itself says that it is committed to revive the Riyasat e Madina, then why is it hesitant to cut off ties with all countries who ridiculed the prophet? In many ways therefore, it is the government of Pakistan which has engendered this movement. The government cannot now turn back and accuse the TLP protestors of taking the country hostage or acting at the behest of India. If you make Islam as the master political narrative, then why should you stop anyone from demanding the same? ---- Arshad Alam is a NewAgeIslam.com columnist. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/radical-islamism-jihad/pakistan-riyasat-e-madina-france-islamophobia-/d/125674 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

Islamophobia Watch: Nityananda Singh Of Saheb Ganj, Bihar, India Blasphemes Against The Quran And The Holy Prophet Of Islam

There Is A Lesson In This Incident For Muslims And An Occasion To Introspect Main Points: 1. Nityanand Singh said Quran taught Muslims to regard Hindus, Christians and Jews as their enemies. 2. He blasphemed against God, prophet and the Quran. 3. Muslims should spread the true teachings of the Quran to dispel false ideas about the Quran from the minds of non-Muslims. ---- By New Age Islam Staff Writer 30 October 2021 An Islamophobe named Nityanand Singh of Saheb Ganj Bihar of India has been arrested for making sacrilegious statements against the Quran and the Holy Prophet of Islam pbuh on social media. Muslims of the town complained about the blasphemous post and the local police promptly arrested the accused and booked him under cybercrime preventing communal conflagration after it gripped Bangladesh and then Tripura. According to the news published in Rashtriya Sahara Urdu daily, dated 30th October. Nityananda Singh called the holy prophet pbuh an illiterate person using a slang word for him. He also said that Quran taught Muslims to have sex with daughters-in-law, sisters and daughters and that it taught Muslims to regard polytheists, Jews and Christians as their enemies. Saheb Ganj Town police deserve kudos for their swift action to prevent any communal conflagration as a fall out of the blasphemous post. Nityananad Singh’s comment should be seen as a result of the growing Islamophobia in India and the world. However, there is a lesson for the Muslims in this incident and there is a need for them to introspect. Muslims have not only abandoned Quran culture in their society but also have circulated the idea that non-Muslims should not be given an opportunity to study the Quran and learn about its messages. Not only that Muslims themselves are ignorant about the true messages and teachings of the Quran, but they have also forgotten their duty towards non-Muslims. Nityanand Singh made the remarks due to his ignorance of the teachings of the Quran. He repeated what Islamophobes around the world propagate about Islam and the Quran. According to the report, Nityanand Singh said that the Quran teaches Muslims to consider polytheists, Jews, and Christians as their enemies. This is farthest from the truth because the Quran does not tell Muslims to treat polytheists, Jews and Christians as their enemies but in fact, asks them to treat them with love and affection. The Quran calls Jews and Christians the People of the Book and asks Muslims to treat them with love and affection if they do not turn hostile to them. The Quran calls the People of the Book Muslims because they too believe in one God and the Day of Judgment. The Quran says that only a section of the People of the Book are among the disbelievers because they have deviant beliefs but those among them who believe in one God and believe in the Day of Judgment and do good deeds will be rewarded in the Hereafter. About the polytheists, the Quran advises Muslims to not to cause them trouble and inconvenience and should not resort to violence against them without provocation. The Muslims are asked to convey the message of the Quran to them in a peaceful manner and avoid any confrontation with them. The Quran does not preach Muslims to hate polytheists but to convey to them the message of Unity of God to them in a peaceful manner. But it is a fact that Muslims are taught that Jews, Christians and polytheists are the enemies of Muslims and so Muslims should not have any friendly relationship with them. Muslim preachers often call the People of the Book collectively Kafirs (atheists) and Mushriks (polytheists) against the stand of the Quran. When a non-Muslim alleges Muslims of considering non-Muslims their enemies, the exclusivist Muslims run for cover and are at a loss for words. It's time Muslims started rectifying their mistakes and spread the true teachings of the Quran which envisages a peaceful society where all the followers of all religions can live peacefully. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/muslims-islamophobia/blaspheme-quran-prophet-islamophobia-nityanand/d/125677 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

The Dilemma Of The Secular Parties And The Non-Muslim Minority In Bangladesh

New Age Islam Staff Writer 30 October 2021 The recent communal riots across Bangladesh after Durga Puja were a well-planned conspiracy by the Islamists of Bangladesh who have been baying for the blood of Sheikh Hasina who toppled their government and put an end to an era of communal violence and terrorist activities. The desecration of the Quran was committed by a Muslim and the video of the incident too was circulated by a Muslim. It was not the first time that communal riots against the Hindus of Bangladesh were staged on the occasion of Durga Puja, the major festival of Bengalis of the subcontinent. In 2001, anti-Hindu riots had been unleashed after the BNP-Jamaat coalition won the elections. That the communal violence against the minority Hindus this year also broke out on the occasion of Durga Puja in Bangladesh points to the same modus operandi and its perpetrators. The BNP-Jamaat combine considers Hindus the vote bank of the Awami League and so they think that as long as the Hindus remain in Bangladesh, the Awami League led by Shaikh Hasina will rule the country as the Hindus tilt the balance in favour of Awami League in at least 50 constituencies. The recent riots point out the rise in strength of Hefazat and other religious parties backed by the BNP in the country and some of the blame goes to Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina who has succumbed to some of the demands of the Islamists under political pressure. Secondly, as happens in a democracy, many Hefazat and Jamaat elements have entered Awami League owing to its success and have been working for them. That’s why Sheikh Hasina expelled some of her party leaders for being involved in the riots. Pak-backed Islamists have caused violence and staged violent protests a number of times to unsettle Shaikh Hasina’s government and the anti-Hindu riots is one of them. Since Shaikh Hasina government has maintained good relations with India, an anti-Hindu image of Bangladesh government will have a bad impact on their relationship. Shaikh Hasina is the target of the Islamists for protecting and safeguarding the rights and lives of the Hindus and the Hindus are the target of the Islamists for supporting the Awami League government in elections. In the following article, Pinak Ranjan Chakraborty sums up the dilemma of the secular parties and of the minorities in Bangladesh. ---- The March Of Bigotry In Bangladesh By Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty 29th October 2021 The orgy of communal violence unleashed against Bangladeshi Hindus during the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja has evoked outrage and concern all around. The violence was triggered by social media, which carried a picture of the Quran lying at the feet of a Durga idol in Cumilla. This went viral and agent provocateurs exhorted Muslims to rise and avenge this blasphemous act. Police have arrested the person who placed the Quran and also the one who made the picture viral. Both are Muslims, which exposes the lie that Hindus have committed blasphemy. The rioters chose Durga Puja, the most important religious festival among Bengalis on both sides of the border, to cause maximum hurt to the Hindu community. The police were caught napping initially, though it sprang into action belatedly to control the situation. Paramilitary forces have been deployed and large sections of the population have come out in support and solidarity with their fellow Hindu citizens. Hindus are soft targets and rarely fight back, making them easy prey for Muslim mobs. Angry Hindu leaders have blamed the police for apathy. Pogroms against Hindus in East Pakistan occurred regularly under state patronage. Insecurity induced by communal violence forced Hindus to migrate to India. This was repeated before and during the 1971 war. Grabbing Hindu-owned properties and land was and remains a major factor in Bangladesh, where violence against the community has occurred intermittently during the 50 per cent of the population in 1947, the Hindu population has dwindled to less than 9 per cent in Bangladesh today. (Express Illustration: Amit Bandre) ----- In 2001, Bangladesh witnessed large-scale communal violence before Durga Puja, when the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)–Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) coalition won the election. The BNP-JeI cadres had unleashed similar violence against the Hindu community. Anti-Awami League (AL) parties view the Hindu community as a vote bank for the AL because of its commitment or at the least lip service to secular values. The Hindu vote is large enough to tip the balance in at least 50 seats. PM Sheikh Hasina, when in power, gives space to Hindus in her administration and tries to be inclusive. Hence, the BNP-JeI opposition and other anti-AL right-wing and Islamist parties, with their communal outlook, believe that reduction in the Hindu population gives them an electoral advantage. Around 90 per cent of Bangladeshis are Muslims and they are largely moderate and tolerant. Bangladesh's 1972 Constitution was a secular one, till secularism was expunged by the military dictator Gen Ziaur Rahman. The military dictator who succeeded him, Gen Muhammad Ershad, introduced Islam as the state religion in the Constitution. For them, Islamic nationalism was a fundamental aspect of national identity. Both joined hands with Islamist parties to further their political ambitions. PM Hasina has reintroduced secularism back into the Constitution but Islam as the state religion remains. Muslim bigots have thrown down the gauntlet and challenged PM Hasina. She will surely pick up the gauntlet, given her steely determination. While reassuring the Hindu community in her message on the occasion of Durga Puja, she has warned that she will hunt down the perpetrators. Hindu leaders in Bangladesh have consistently alleged that some AL leaders are involved in uprooting Hindus and grabbing their properties. During the current violence, the same allegations have surfaced again. The agent provocateur in the Rangpur violence turned out to be from the youth wing of AL. They are taking advantage of the AL to insulate themselves against their anti-Hindu activities. The thin veneer of secularism in Bangladesh is invariably trumped by these factors. Who are the conspirators and what is the significance of the timing? Suspicion for planning the violence has focussed on the JeI. Blasphemy has been weaponised by fanatic Islamist organisations in Pakistan for quite some time. In Bangladesh, the Islamists have learnt fast to emulate their Pakistani counterparts. They have demanded a blasphemy law, apart from transforming Bangladesh into an Islamic state ruled as per the Sharia. JeI is notorious for collaborating with the Pakistani army in committing genocide in 1971 and is widely regarded as Pakistan's proxy. JeI has been thirsting for revenge ever since the war crimes tribunals, set up by PM Hasina, convicted its leaders and executed them for war crimes in 1971. The UK-based IT cell of the JeI, Basherkella (bamboo fortress), has been spewing anti-Hindu and anti-India propaganda for some time, giving traction to the view that the violence was planned in advance. To balance the crackdown on JeI and decisive action on ISIS-inspired terrorist groups, PM Hasina has periodically engaged with Islamist groups, the latest being the Hefazat. PM Hasina conceded several of their demands like the removal of some statues from public display, expunging content from school textbooks written by Hindus and even recognising degrees granted by Hefazet-controlled madrassahs. Emboldened by such gestures, Hefazat cadres started breaking statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, PM Hasina's father. This led to arrests and a crackdown on Hefazat leaders. The Islami Andolan has long campaigned for an Islamic state that follows Sharia. It openly called PM Hasina a "slave of India" and demanded that for every Bangladeshi killed on the border, at least 1,000 Indians should be killed. India's ties with Bangladesh, under the stewardship of PM Hasina, has delivered positive outcomes across a wide range of sectors. One key objective of the Islamists is to undermine bilateral ties with India and undermine the unstinted support that all Indian governments have extended to PM Hasina. This objective fits in with Pakistan's anti-Indian goals. Mindful of the growing strategic nature of bilateral ties, India has reacted cautiously. Indian and Bangladeshi Hindu leaders are indignant at India's muted reaction. Across the Cumilla border in Tripura, Muslims and mosques have been attacked and there is apprehension that such acts may proliferate in Assam. Tripura's population is largely made up of refugees from Cumilla and they retain cross-border family ties. The road to competitive communalism is a cul-de-sac. PM Hasina has obliquely hinted that anti-Muslim incidents in India encourage Islamists to exact revenge on Hindus in Bangladesh. The bigots, however, do not need excuses to further their jihadi agenda of expelling "kafirs" to create their promised Islamic utopia and embarrass PM Hasina's government. Meanwhile, everyone hopes that the culprits will be punished. India must prepare for more Hindu refugees to cross over and seek rehabilitation in the nation. This will render the case for the Citizenship Amendment Act, currently in limbo, more relevant and urgent. ---- Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty is a former ambassador and Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs and Visiting Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, Delhi. Source: The Indian Express URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/secular-parties-non-muslim-minority-bangladesh/d/125673 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

Prophet Mohammad Promoted Rights of Workers and Labourers till the Last Moment of His Life

By Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani 30 October 2021 Rights of Labourers and Workers in Islam Main Points 1. Treat the Workers as your brothers. 2. The workers should not be subject to mental, physical, or practical hardships, but rather should be treated nicely. 3. Visiting the employees when they are unwell is inspired by the saying of the Prophet peace be upon him. 4. We should look after our workers’ needs in addition to their fixed salary and continually inquire about their circumstances. 5. The Prophet said at the time of his death, “take care of prayers and servants”. ----- How should employers behave with their employees? “They are your brothers,” the Prophet (peace be upon him) remarked in this regard (Raddul Muhtaar: 3/380). That is, rather than treating the workers as rulers, you should approach them as brothers. These qualities of Hazrat Shoaib (peace be upon him) as an employer are described in the Qur'an: “He said, "Indeed, I wish to wed you one of these, my two daughters, on [the condition] that you serve me for eight years; but if you complete ten, it will be [as a favor] from you. And I do not wish to put you in difficulty. You will find me, if Allah wills, from among the righteous.” (28:27) This means that the employer should treat the employee in such a way that he is not subjected to any mental, physical, or practical hardships, but rather is treated nicely. In the life of the Holy Prophet, we see a real example of this. He has issued numerous directions to the masters and employers to respect and entertain their employees and servants. As a result, Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet said: “When your servant brings your food to you if you do not ask him to join you, then at least ask him to take one or two handfuls, for he has suffered from its heat (while cooking it) and has taken pains to cook it nicely.” (Sahih Bukhari: 5460) The Holy Prophet's instructions not only educate about financial good behaviour, but also about treating servants and employees with respect. The Prophet used to visit the funerals of the servants and labourers, demonstrating his respect and reverence for them. This was set up in such a way that when for a few days he didn't see a black woman who used to sweep the mosque, he inquired about her. He was informed that she had passed away. “Why didn't you tell me?” he said [to his companions]. He was displeased with this incident, as though her case was disregarded. Then he went on to say, “Tell me about her grave.” The grave was mentioned to him. He then went to her grave and said a funeral prayer for her. (Sahih al-Bukhari 458) One of the practices of good manners was that if the servants or labourers became unwell, he would visit them, and there was no distinction between Muslims and non-Muslims. There is a well-known incident about a Jewish youngster among his servants. He went to see him when he became ill. (Sahih Bukhari) One of the aspects of being kind to the labourers and workers was that he would occasionally pay them a visit. For them, the delight of this visit was comparable to Eid. Hazrat Anas narrates that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) paid us a visit. My mother, I, and my maternal aunt 'Umme Haram' were present at the moment. Despite the fact that it was not prayer time, the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed us to rise and conduct Nafl prayer behind him. As a result, he led the prayer and prayed for everyone in the family for well-being in this world and in the afterlife. My mother also requested that the Prophet pray for his little servant [Hazrat Anas]. So he prayed for everything wonderful to happen to me and then said, "O Allah!" Bless him with more wealth and children.” We know from the Prophet’s actions that we should look after our workers’ needs in addition to their fixed salary and continually inquire about their circumstances. According to a member of the Banu Makhzoom tribe, the Holy Prophet had a servant (peace be upon him). He used to ask him, “Do you have any need?” (Musnad Ahmad). The Prophet allowed the workers to seek any things they wished. I was spending the night with him [the Prophet pbuh], stated Rabi'ah ibn Ka'b Aslami. I provided him with water for ablution and other needs. He told me to go after whatever I wanted. I sought what I wanted from him. Then he told me to "prostrate frequently" (Sahih Muslim), which means to pray as much as possible. People sometimes don't think twice about blaming their employees and subordinates and don't even give them an opportunity to defend themselves. The Prophet was outraged by this and directed that the situation be handled with forgiveness and mercy. It is narrated on the authority of Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar that a man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and stated, “I have a servant who makes mistakes and excesses. Is it possible for me to beat him?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) remained silent. He asked the same question a second and third time. According to some other narrations, he said, “How many times shall I pardon [my servant]?”. The Prophet said, “Seventy times a day” (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi). Obviously, it isn't meant here to be a maximum of seventy. The idea is to achieve a diversity of forgiveness. The Holy Prophet himself had a tradition of never raising his hand against any of his servants or his wife. (Sahih Muslim on Hazrat Ayesha's authority) Hazrat Anas, the Holy Prophet's special servant who came to his service at an early age, relates that when the Holy Prophet sent me for a need, I answered, "I will not go," even though I knew in my heart that I would go since the Prophet (peace be upon him) had instructed me. So I strolled out until I came upon a group of children playing in the bazaar. From behind, I noticed the Holy Prophet grabbing my neck. He was smiling. He exclaimed, “O Anas! Did you follow my instructions?” I replied, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah. I'm leaving.” (Sahih Muslim on the authority of Hazrat Anas) The Prophet would be in excruciating anguish if someone beat his slave or worker. Hazrat Abu Masood narrates that “while I was whipping my slave, I heard a voice behind me, but I was so enraged that I couldn't understand it. I recognised the caller as Allah’s Messenger when he approached. “Abu Masood!” the Prophet exclaimed. Know. Abu Masood! Understand. I then threw down my whip with my hand. He then exclaimed, "Abu Masood!" You should be aware that Allah Almighty has more authority over you than you do over this slave. Hazrat Abu Masood narrates, “I said: After today, I would never whip any slave.” He also said, “O Allah's Messenger!” For Allah's delight, this slave is free. The Prophet said, “You would have been enveloped in the fire of Hell if you hadn't done so”. (Sahih Muslim) Hazrat Ayesha narrates that a man approached the Messenger of Allah and sat in front of him, saying, "O Messenger of Allah! Some of my slaves deceive me, betray me, and disobey me. I curse and beat them as well. So, what is your opinion about my attitude towards them?” The Prophet said, "You will be held accountable for their treachery, disobedience, and lying, as well as your punishment of them. You will have neither reward nor punishment if both are based on justice. You will be rewarded if your punishment is less in comparison to their mistakes, and you will be avenged if the punishment is raised by mistake”. The man left the place and started crying. Finally he said: “I think it is better to separate them now. I call you as a witness and say that they are all free.” (Tirmidhi, on the authority of Hazrat Aisha) Slavery abuse was frowned upon by Muslims as a result of the Prophet's education. In his statement, the Prophet (peace be upon him) also stated that there should be no scorn for the slave and no overabundance of regard for the owner. When this command is given to slaves, the ordinary servants and workers too deserve the same respect. Prior to Islam, the slave addressed his master as "Lord" and the master addressed his slave as "Abd" (slave). The Prophet guided the people and said, “You are all Allah's servants.” (Sahih Bukhari on the authority of Abu Hurairah) In today's vernacular, the slave can address his master as 'master' or 'Sir.' Similarly, the master can say to his slave, "O child," "O young man," and so on. The Prophet's concern for the working or labour class can be gauged by the fact that as his breath began to suffocate at the time of his death, he provided this final advice: "take care of prayers and slaves.” (Sunan Ibn Majah on the authority of Hazrat Anas) ----- (Translated from Urdu by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam) Urdu Article: The Prophet (Pbuh) Promoted Workers' Rights to the Last Moment of His Life آپؐ آخری وقت تک ان کے حقوق کی تلقین فرماتے رہے URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-human-rights/prophet-mohammad-rights-worker/d/125679 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

Why Is There Still A Gender Gap In Muslim Education? Modern Education Vital For Women Along With Religious Education

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 30 October 2021 Why Is There Still Backwardness When Islam Places Such A High Value On The Acquisition Of Knowledge For Both Men And Women? Main Points 1. Some people believe that a woman's genuine freedom is to be free of the veil, and that putting women in the veil is oppression and a violation of human rights. 2. The other side claims that women's status is limited to being confined to their homes, where they are unable to engage in anything other than domestic labour. 3. The need for education is an indispensable necessity, because ignorance is the root of all evils and knowledge is the source of all perfections. 4. Acquiring knowledge is the duty of every Muslim man and woman, according to a Hadith. 5. Modern education, in addition to religious education, is vital for women. ..... Some people believe that a woman's genuine freedom is to be free of the veil, and that putting women in the veil is oppression and a violation of human rights. The other side claims that women's status is limited to being confined to their homes, where they are unable to engage in anything other than domestic labour. They believe it is wrong to educate or train them in the same way that men are educated. They believe that a woman who is uneducated is better. They believe that women do not have the right to read and write, nor do they have the ability to gain education and build a better future. Gender disparities, in their opinion, suggest that a male has a privileged position and is thus entitled to all noteworthy deeds, but women do not. Both sides go the extreme route in their approaches. But Islam encourages moderation between the two factions, considering them equal in status, respect, dignity and moral treatment. It does not prohibit women from wearing veils or from attaining education. Islam recognises women's gender sensitivity and permits them to do whatever they want in this world or in the afterlife, subject to certain conditions. The need for education is an indispensable necessity, because ignorance is the root of all evils and knowledge is the source of all perfections. Knowledge is necessary and the first step of perfection is knowledge, and there is no discrimination between men and women in obedience to God Almighty and other Islamic affairs. Both men and women share responsibility for what they have done and haven't done. As a result, knowledge is important for both men and women. That is why Allah Almighty has commanded the mothers of believers in the Holy Qur'an: “And remember what is recited in your houses of the verses of Allah and wisdom. Indeed, Allah is ever Subtle and Acquainted [with all things].” (33:34) The Prophet's (peace be upon him) wives are urged in this verse to recall their exceptional blessings in living in homes where the Quranic verses were revealed. The passages of the Quran are referred to as God's signs, while the Prophet's Sunnah is referred to as Wisdom. According to the Mufassirin (Quran commentators), this verse is meant to encourage the Prophet's wives to memorise the Quran and his sayings. In light of this Quranic passage, it is apparent that Allah instructed the Prophet's wives to acquire the knowledge and teachings described in the Qur'an and Hadith, as well as to preserve what they had learned. At the same time, it is well known that they were given this mandate to obey the Islamic commands, because good deeds cannot be imagined without understanding. It is also self-evident that, just as the great mothers of the believers were required to follow the Islamic precepts, so are the women of the ummah. As a result of this "common cause," this Qur'anic mandate will apply to all women of the ummah in the same way that it did to believers’ mothers. The only way to develop on this globe and in the afterlife is via education. Through education, one generation passes on its cultural heritage to the next. To do this, each society establishes institutions based on its cultural demands, and each institution strives to meet the nation's and country's expectations. Education allows the preceding generation to pass on not only its own experiences and information, but also the experiences and knowledge of the entire human race, allowing them to compete in the race of life with nations all over the world. The religion of Islam places every emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge. The importance and virtue of acquiring knowledge directly or indirectly has been mentioned in about five hundred places in the Holy Qur'an. Then this religion requires education for women as well as men. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon all Muslims. (Sahih Bukhari) “Acquiring knowledge is the duty of every Muslim man and woman.” The Holy Prophet has been instructed in the Qur'an to make this supplication: “O my Lord! Increase my knowledge” (Surah Taha: 1). The religion of Islam emphasises the attainment of knowledge above everything else. The importance and goodness of learning information, whether directly or indirectly, is addressed in the Holy Quran in over 500 times. Then this religion necessitates education for both men and women. All Muslims must seek knowledge, according to the Prophet (peace be upon him). “It is the obligation of every Muslim man and woman to acquire knowledge,” says Sahih Bukhari. In the Qur'an, the Holy Prophet is advised to offer the following supplication: “O My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (20:114). The Prophet (peace be upon him) once described knowledge and wisdom as the “lost wisdom” of the believers. He made special arrangements for men’s education as well as women’s education and training. The Prophet (peace be upon him) set aside one day for women’s education and training. The wives of the believers used to teach other Muslim ladies by learning the words of religion from the Prophet (peace be upon him). As a result, religious education continued to reach out to women on a regular basis. Unfortunately, in the past, women were denied the right to unrestricted access to information due to a lack of understanding of Islamic teachings and societal practises. As a result, education has been denied to them from generation to generation. Even if they were taught the religion at home, it would not be of such high standard that they would understand the genuine essence of Islam and pass it on to the next generation. In reality, education is the adornment that enables a woman to be aware of her place in society and to develop herself and her community. Unfortunately, some people still hold a negative attitude toward women's education. They believe that only boys should be educated in order to find work. This is a field where only guys should participate. Women were born to work in the kitchen, and that is where their lives begin and end. This viewpoint is incorrect. Women are also human beings. Women, like all other human beings, are taught to live by the light of knowledge. There are countless examples of significant revolutions in Islamic history that have resulted from the daring and intelligence of women. A wise person rightly said that that the mother's lap is the child's first school. What a child learns from this school has a profound effect on his future life. It is very important for the mother to be educated for the best training of the child. In the opinion of thinkers: "The education of a man is the education of an individual, while the education of a woman is the education of a family.” Religion occupies a unique position in human life. Both men and women must be aware of the fundamental teachings of religion as well as crucial issues. Religion is the successful method through which man can make his life successful and prosperous in this world and in the afterlife. Religious teachings and issues are well-known to an educated lady. She can better educate her children based on religious values while also helping to improve the country and the nation. However, an illiterate lady who is unfamiliar with religious teachings will be unable to adequately educate her children. A new era has begun as a result of science and technology. The entire world has come together to form a global community. Only the nation or country that is at the cutting edge of knowledge and technology will be able to rule in the future. A country will never develop if half of its people are backward, such as women. As a result, in addition to religious education, modern education and awareness of global issues are vital for women. The world today is changing at a breakneck pace. As a result, only a well-educated woman will be able to adapt to this new environment. A well-educated lady can readily pass on her morals to her children. She is more capable of expressing herself. A well-educated lady can make a greater contribution to the country's progress. She is conscious of her social and familial obligations. It is not necessary for a woman to read and write only to become a doctor, engineer, or pilot. A woman can better fulfil her responsibilities at home with knowledge. She will be able to better fulfil her responsibilities as a mother, sister, daughter, and wife as a result of her education. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/gender-gap-muslim-education-/d/125672 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

Now Mullahs Say Quran Should Not Be Given To Non-Muslims to Study, Earlier They Opposed Muslims Studying Quran on Their Own

Mullahs Claim Only They Can Understand And Explain Quran, Though Its Verses Directly Addressed And Were Meant To Be Understood By The Illiterate Arab Bedouins Of Seventh Century CE. Also, Quran Was Revealed To An Unlettered Prophet Mohammad Who Understood Its Message And Propagated To The Masses. Main Points: 1. A sections of Mullahs in UP are circulating the idea that Muslims should not be given the Quran. 2. The Quran is not read or taught in the religious gatherings and mosques of Muslims these days. 3. Other secondary books on Islam are read and circulated. 4. Books spreading sectarian beliefs are circulated by mullahs. ----- New Age Islam Staff Writer 29 October 2021 In the Urdu daily Rashtriya dated 27th October, 2021, a letter of one Hafiz Abdul Hai of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India has been published. Here is a translation of the letter before we discuss its contents. “We see that most of our Muslim brethren are averse to the study of the Quran and ignorant of its teachings. In their religious gatherings and mosques, other books are taught and read very regularly but there is no stress on reading translation and exegesis of the Quran there. Leave aside taking its message to the non-Muslims, they themselves consider it wrong to benefit from it. God knows how the idea that the Quran should not be given to non-Muslims for study has taken place when there is no restrictions on the use of all the other bounties given by God like the Sun, the Moon, air, rain, vegetation and animals. These bounties are for all and all the people benefit from them. Then why should there be a restriction on benefiting from the greatest bounty of God, the Quran. Who has got the right to deprive other people from the message which was revealed for the entre humanity?” The writer of the letter laments the fact that the Muslims have abandoned the Quran and instead read and teach all other secondary books in their mosques and in their religious gatherings. The Quran which is the fundamental and primary source of Islamic laws contains the guiding principles for the Muslims. Therefore, the Quran should be taught regularly to the Muslims and they should be made aware of the teachings of the Quran. But to the contrary, the Muslims have put the Quran literally on the shelf and read and teach the secondary books like the books based on interpretations of the Quran and on the views of Islamic scholars subscribing to one or the other sect of the Muslims. The second and more important point that the letter writer has raised is that a section of mullahs are of the view that the Quran should not be given to non-Muslims so that they cannot benefit from the teachings of the Quran. The letter points out a very unfortunate trend among Muslims. It is obvious that a section of narrow-minded and ignorant Mullahs are spreading this un-Quranic view that non-Muslims should not be given an opportunity to study the Quran. Who are these Mullahs? They should be identified and brought in the light so that the Muslims should know about the black sheep among the Muslims. The Quran is for the entire humanity till the Day of Judgment because no more prophet or divine book will be sent to the world till the Day of Judgment. In the Quran, God addresses the people as O mankind on a number of occasions. This means that the Quran is not restricted to Muslims but has been revealed for the entire mankind. Already Muslims are discouraged to read the Quran directly and the argument that is given by them is that if Muslims read the Quran on their own they may be misled. This belief has been circulated with the motive that Muslims should remain dependent on the mullahs for guidance on religious and social issues. If the Muslims start reading and understanding the Quran on their own, they will learn about the real teachings of the Quran and will become aware of the true spirit of Islam. The sectarian beliefs do not have any basis on the Quran but the sectarian mullahs spread the sectarian beliefs with much force which the ignorant Muslims, particularly, the Muslim youth adopt out of ignorance as they are not aware of the stance of the Quran on sectarianism. The Quran condemns those creating schism and groups within Islam and warns Muslims of severe punishment in the world and Hereafter. God asks Muslims to read and ponder on the verses of the Quran: Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Or are there locks upon their hearts? (Muhammad: 24) We have surely varied ˹the signs˺ in this Quran so perhaps they may be mindful, but it only drives them farther away. (Al Isra: 41) And We have truly set forth every ˹kind of˺ lesson for humanity in this Quran, yet most people persist in disbelief (Al Isra: 89) One wonders why Muslims do not study and ponder over the Quran for guidance and wisdom. God has put gems of wisdom in the Quran and has presented every kind of lessons for humanity in it. Still, people do not heed to God’s advice and ignore the Quran. The religious scholars or Ulema should take note of this unhealthy and un-Islamic trend and seriously try to dispel this disbelief about the Quran and launch a campaign to make the Muslims aware of the true teachings of the Quran. A campaign for self-study of the holy Quran should be launched by Islamic organizations and NGOs so that false beliefs that have found place among the Muslims can be removed. All the evils and ill-practices that have become common in the Muslim society are due the ignorance of the general Muslims of the teachings of the Quran. Our ulema while debating the Quran, only discuss the issue of Daral Harb and Darul Amn. This has created the impression among the Muslims and non-Muslims that the Quran speaks only of war and violence. The Quran consists of 114 surahs or chapters containing more than 700 pages and deals with all the social, political and moral issues of the society. Muslims should be aware of the true teachings of the Quran so that sectarian mullahs cannot mislead general Muslims any longer. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/mullahs-studying-quran-non-muslims/d/125666 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

Instead of Inapplicable War-Related Ahadith, Time to Focus on Ahadith of Peace and Morality Applicable Today

Ahadith of Peace, Human Rights and Good Manners Are Universal and Applicable In All Contexts Main Points 1. Everyone should be aware that certain passages in the Qur'an and Hadith are only applicable to war situations. 2. We are in desperate need of moral and human precepts of the Quran and Sunnah. 3. Putting things right between people is more excellent in degree than fasting, prayer, and almsgiving 4. He is not one of us [Muslim Ummah] who does not have mercy upon our young, nor knows the honour of our elders 5. Richness does not lie in the abundance of (worldly) goods but richness is the richness of the soul (heart, self) 6. Islam placed a high value on land cultivation, better animal treatment, and specific concern for the preservation of water, plants, and birds. ..... By New Age Islam Staff Writer 28 October 2021 In a country, environment, and law that guarantee peace, security, and tolerance today, some people are busy quoting war-related verses of the Quran and Ahadith, which is a tremendous tragedy. This is being done not only by radical Muslim groups but also by a segment of non-Muslims who have been misled by extremist ideologies and consequently distrust peace-loving Muslims too. Even peace-loving Muslims are being accused of terrorism, and some people, despite knowing the facts, are striving to display their inner enmity by accusing Muslims of terrorism. Everyone should be aware that certain passages in the Qur'an and Hadith are only applicable to war situations. When the situation is peaceful and secure, or there is a peace treaty in effect, the rules applicable to war situations are not enforced. Every educated person understands that when a country is at war with another country, the norms of the time are different, and when the same countries are at peace with each other, the situation is different. Even knowing this, what should be done if someone forcefully portrays a lie as truth and truth as a lie? Silence, in my opinion, is preferable. In this write-up, we will discuss the magnificent hadiths that serve as a guide for us in our century and country. Another tragedy is that we have neglected to follow the moral and human precepts of the Qur'an and Sunnah. We are in desperate need of such great teachings. The following are some of the hadiths that must be enlightened in one's heart and mind, and these lessons must be passed down from generation to generation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “He is not one of us who does not have mercy upon our young, nor knows the honour of our elders.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1920) The Quran and Hadith are very clear about how one should treat and respect one's elders. According to one hadith, a crowd of listeners gathered around the Prophet Muhammad failed to make place for an elderly man to approach him. The Prophet noted this shortcoming and said, “Whoever fails to honour our elders is not one of us”. According to another hadith, assisting the elderly is the same as serving Allah. In fact, mistreating or showing disrespect to elders might result in being refused admittance to paradise, according to the Quran, which instructs eleven times to be nice to elderly parents in particular. According to a hadith mentioned in Sahih Bukhari, seven persons will attain the divine shade on the Day when there will be no other shade: 1) a just ruler, 2) a youth who worships Allah sincerely from childhood, 3) a man whose heart is attached to the mosques, that is who performs compulsory prayers in the mosque in the congregation, 4) any two-person who love each other only for the sake of Allah and they meet and part only for His sake, 5) a man who refuses the call of a charming woman for illicit intercourse with her and says: I am afraid of Allah, 6) a man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left-hand does not know what his right hand has given, and 7) a person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes are then flooded with tears. (Sahih al-Bukhari 660) According to the narration of Sahl ibn al-Hanzaliyyah, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came upon an emaciated camel and said: “Fear Allah regarding these dumb animals. Ride them when they are in good condition and feed them when they are in good condition.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 2548) The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “There are two blessings in which many people incur loss. (They are) health and leisure (i.e. free time for doing good)”. (Riyad as-Salihin 97) The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “Every good deed is charity”. (Sahih Muslim 1005, Grade: Sahih) In another narration, the Prophet said: Every good deed is charity. It is a good act to greet your brother with a smile and to pour whatever remains from your bucket into your brother's vessel. (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 1970, Grade: Sahih) As stated in the hadith above, charity is not limited to giving away money; rather, it encompasses all good deeds. As a sign of gratitude for Allah's gifts, Muslims are expected to donate charity from their riches, time, and effort. Allah has blessed us with health, riches, time, and energy, and we must return the favour by serving others. According to a hadith, the companions once complained to the Prophet that the wealthy had received all of the rewards because of their ability to give in charity. The Prophet, on the other hand, informed them that even the poorest of Muslims might earn huge rewards by doing good deeds like thanking Allah and lawfully following lawful manner. (See the hadith in Sahih Muslim 1006, Grade: Sahih) The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “O people! Indeed, Allah is pure; He only accepts pure” (Sahih Muslim, 1015) According to Imam Nawawi [Sharh Muslim lil Nawavi, vol. 7, p. 100], the Arabic term ‘Tayyib’ mentioned in the hadith implies purity, but when ascribed to Allah, it signifies “He is free of all flaws.” This Hadith constitutes one of the most fundamental principles in Islam. As a result, we have been commanded to respect the pure things that Allah Almighty cherishes. The Lord, who is devoid of all flaws, adores that which is equally devoid of flaws. The beliefs that are free of polytheism (Shirk), disbelief (Kufr) and heresy are approved by Allah Almighty. In His court, the activities of the creation that are free of showing-off are accepted. He prefers our clothing that is devoid of filth. He loves a heart that is free of inner impurities like jealously, arrogance, hatred, and malice. In other words, Allah's affection for every stage of life is conditional on ‘purity’. Even the magnificent Quran declares that “Allah [Almighty] loves pure people.” (9:108) Ibn 'Umar reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "The believer who mixes with people and endures their injury is better than the person who does not mix with people nor endure their injury." (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 388) Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) had said, “Richness does not lie in the abundance of (worldly) goods but richness is the richness of the soul (heart, self).” (Sahih Muslim 1051) Hazrat Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Look at those who are lower than you (financially) but do not look at those who are higher than you, lest you belittle the favours Allah conferred upon you.” (Kitab al-Jami, Book 16, Hadith 1482/ Sunan Ibn Majah 4142/ Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2513/ Sahih Muslim 2963) The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “There is no gift that a father gives his child more virtuous than good manners.” (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1952). Though this hadith is considered weak due to its chain of narration, it is applicable in the virtues (Fazail). It has been stated on several occasions that the Prophet placed a high value on land cultivation, better animal treatment, and specific concern for the preservation of water, plants, and birds. According to a hadith, “Whoever brings the dead land to life; that is, whoever cultivates wasteland, he will get reward therein. (Mishkat al-Masabih) Abu Huraira reported, The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “You shall not enter Paradise so long as you do not affirm belief (in all those things which are the articles of faith) and you will not believe as long as you do not love one another. Should I not direct you to a thing which, if you do, will foster love amongst you: (i. e.) give currency to (the practice of paying salutation to one another by saying) As-Salamu Alaikum.” (Sahih Muslim: Book 1, Hadith 101) Ibn Abbas reported: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbor to his side goes hungry.” (Al-Sunan al-Kubrá 19049) Wages are an earned right, not a charity. The Prophet (peace be upon him) had said, “Pay the worker his dues before his perspiration has dried up”. It emphasizes the early disbursement of all dues to the worker upon completion of his or her obligations, and it addresses the rightful dues of those in others' employment. How difficult is it to comprehend, and how many of us who claim to be good Muslims follow such edicts? Ibn ‘Abbas reported God’s messenger as saying, “One faqih (learned man) has more power over the devil than a thousand devout men.” Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it. (Mishkat al-Masabih 217) Abu Darda' narrated that The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Shall I not inform you of something more excellent in degree than fasting, prayer, and almsgiving (Sadaqah)? The people replied: Yes, Prophet of Allah! He said: It is putting things right between people, spoiling them is the shaver (destructive).” (Sunan Abi Dawud 4919) “Allah does not have pity on a person who does not have mercy on human beings,” the Prophet (peace be upon him) remarked, according to Hazrat Jarir bin Abdullah. (Sahih Muslim and Sahih Bukhari) “The Messenger of Allah said to me: 'Have Taqwa of Allah wherever you are, and follow a bad deed with a good deed to wipe it out, and treat people with decent behaviour," Abu Dharr remarked. [Jami at-Tirmidhi: Hadith 93, Book 27] According to Abu Ad-Dardah, Allah's Messenger said: "On the Day of Judgment, nothing weighs more heavily on the believer's Scale than good character [towards all human beings]...” [Jami at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 108, Book 27] Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and God Almighty will have mercy upon you.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Book 27, Hadith 30] Abdullah Ibn Masood narrates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “You will never be a believer unless you have mercy.” The narrator said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Every one of us has mercy, so he replied, "It does not imply the kindness and compassion that any one of you has for the person close to him, rather it contains the common mercy that should be for all human beings”. [Recorded by Tabarani] These are only a few samples. Aside from this, there are hundreds of Ahadith that teach us about peace, human rights and good manners. These Ahadith are universal and applicable in all contexts and we must focus on them as much as we can. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/ahadith-peace-morality-war-/d/125659 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

The Holy Quran Grants the People of the Book Religious Rights and Asks Muslims to Engage With Them in a Dialogue to Resolve Issues

By S. Arshad, New Age Islam 28 October 2021 The Quran Not Only Confirms the Messages Contained In the Earlier Divine Books, but Also Updates Them Main Points: 1. The Quran is not hostile to the People of the Book collectively. 2. The Quran allows the People of the Book to lead their lives according to their own scriptures. 3. Muslims are advised to engage with the People of the Book in dialogue. 4. The Quran envisages a society in which people of all the religions live peacefully. 5. There is no community or nation on earth that has not received a Prophet and no Prophet who has not received a book. ----- The holy Quran is the last of the divine books revealed to the prophets by God. The Psalms, The Torah, The Bible and the Quran are the other four known holy books revealed by God, among many others around the world not fully recognised by or known to Muslims. The Quran is the last divine book which is a reminder of messages contained in earlier books. According to Quran there is no community or nation on earth that has not received a Prophet and no Prophet who has not received a book. According to a Hadith narration there have been 1, 24,000 prophets sent to all corners of the planet. That’s why the Quran is also called Zikr (reminder). The Quran not only confirms the messages contained in the earlier divine books but also corrects the deviations in the belief of the followers of the People of the Book. Quran considers the followers of the People of the Book members of the same family of Monotheistic religions and so has a pragmatic approach while mentioning and dealing with the People of the Book. The Quran is not hostile to the People of the Book collectively but only chides those among the People of the Book who have gone astray and have deviated from the right path. It appreciates those members of the People of the Book who are upright and believe in God and the Day of Judgment, do good and abstain from evil, pay zakat and offer prayers. Again from the verses of the Quran, it becomes evident that Allah grants the rights of the People of the Book in a pluralist society. Christians and Jews can live peacefully with their own personal laws as long as they commit mischief. ” Say, ˹O Prophet, ˺ “O People of the Book! You have nothing to stand on unless you observe the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to you from your Lord.”(Al Ma’idah: 68) The Quran mentions the wrong practices and sins the Jews committed but at the same time, it acknowledges the fact that all the Jews are not sinful or wrongdoers. A section of them are upright and have faith. “We forbade the Jews certain foods that had been lawful to them for their wrongdoing, and for hindering many from the Way of Allah taking interest despite its prohibition, and consuming people’s wealth unjustly. We have prepared for the disbelievers among them a painful punishment. But those of them well-grounded in knowledge, the faithful ˹who˺ believe in what has been revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ and what was revealed before you—˹especially˺ those who establish prayer—and those who pay alms-tax and believe in Allah and the Last Day, to these ˹people˺ We will grant a great reward”.(Al Nisa:160-162). The above quoted verses make it clear that the Quran does not consider the whole community of Jews or any other religious group disbelievers. Only the disbelievers among them will be given a painful punishment. But the faithful among them who pay Zakat, offer prayers and have firm belief in the Oneness of God and the Last Day will be rewarded in the Hereafter. Other verses of the Quran confirm that not all of the Jews are rebellious. A section of them are faithful in the eye of God. “Had the People of the Book believed, it would have been better for them. Some of them are faithful, but most are rebellious”. (Aal-e-Imran: 110) “Yet they are not all alike: there are some among the People of the Book who are upright, who recite Allah’s revelations throughout the night, prostrating ˹in prayerThey believe in Allah and the Last Day, encourage good and forbid evil, and race with one another in doing good. They are ˹truly˺ among the righteous”.( Aal-e-Imran:113-114) The Quran clearly remarks that all the People of the Book are not alike and that a section of them are upright. So bracketing the whole community of the People of the Book as disbelievers is not according to the principle of the Quran. “Indeed, there are some among the People of the Book who truly believe in Allah and what has been revealed to you ˹believers˺ and what was revealed to them” (Aal-e-Imran: 199). The Quran rejects the doctrine of Trinity which even a section of the Christians believe in and this doctrine was the cause of rift among the Christians in the Middle Ages causing bloodshed among the Christian community. The Quran says that many Christians believe in the Unity of God, offer prayers and believe in the Day of Judgment. “O People of the Book! Do not go to extremes regarding your faith; say nothing about Allah except the truth.1 The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of Allah and the fulfilment of His Word through Mary and a spirit ˹created by a command˺ from Him.2 So believe in Allah and His messengers and do not say, “Trinity.” Stop!—for your own good. Allah is only One God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son! To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And Allah is sufficient as a Trustee of Affairs. Therefore, the Quran advises Muslims not to have confrontation with Christians and the Jews on some issue of difference and advises them to engage with the People of the Book in dialogue concentrating on the points of agreement, ignoring the points of difference. “Do not argue with the People of the Book but gracefully, except with those of them who act wrongfully. And say, “We believe in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to you. Our God and your God is ˹only˺ One. And to Him we ˹fully˺ submit.”(Al Ankabut: 46) It is clear from the verses quoted above that the Quran has a tolerant approach towards the People of the Book, corrects their religious deviations and advises Muslims to grant the People of the Book their religious rights in their state where the People of the Book are in a minority. The Muslims are advised to deal with the People of the Book peacefully. The whole community should not be considered disbelievers as not all members of a community are wrong. Even many members of the Muslim community have deviant practices. Therefore, the Quran envisages a society where the followers of the Quran and the followers of the Torah, the Gospel and other scriptures will live peacefully, where every religion will enjoy their religious rights and will be allowed to lead their communal life according to their own scriptures. ----- S. Arshad is a columnist with NewAgeIslam.com. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/religious-rights-muslims-dialogue-quran-book/d/125660 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

Islam Is A Modern Religion and So Muslims Should Abandon Tribal Mentality and Develop A Cosmopolitan Outlook towards Other Religions

By S. Arshad, New Age Islam 27 October 2021 Muslims in the Modern Age Should Develop a Modern Attitude Compatible with the Contemporary Society Main Points: 1. Islam does not approve of violence in the name of spreading God’s message. 2. Islam was revealed for the modern, scientific society. 3. Muslims should develop a universal and multicultural attitude towards other faiths. 4. Muslims should reshape their attitude towards conversion and proselytisation. ----- Islam is a modern revealed religion with a clear book and its prophet pbuh has been declared the last and final prophet by the Quran. Since no prophet of God will come after Hadhrat Muhammad pbuh, the responsibility of spreading the message of the Quran has been entrusted with its followers who are called Muslims. But for spreading the message of the Quran – the unity of God, observance of Huququl Ibad (human rights of people) and fulfilling the duty of Amr bil Maruf and Nahi Anal Munkar (enjoining good and warning against evil). The followers of Islam will only give glad tidings to those who do good deeds and warn people against evil deeds. The Quran openly says that if God had wanted all the people to be on one faith, no one would be a denier. He made tribes, nations and different faiths to test the obedience and patience of His devotees. The Quran also says that the followers of Islam should not force their faith on the followers of other faiths. The holy prophet pbuh has been described by the Quran as Basheer (giver of glad tidings) and Nazeer (warner against evil deeds). Therefore, the followers of Islam will also act only as such and will not use force to impose their faith on others. The Quran also envisages a society where people will worship the same Supreme Self in different ways as it clearly says that God gave every nation its own way of worship and Shariah. And so it does not want the demolition of the places of worship of followers of different religions. More importantly, the Quran says that God repels a group of people when they want to demolish the place of worship of a particular religion. If God had not done so, mosques, and churches, synagogues, monasteries and temples would not have existed as the powerful nations would have demolished them. “Had Allah not repelled the aggression of some people by means of others, destruction would have surely claimed monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques in which Allah’s name is often mentioned”. (Al Hajj: 40) The above quoted verse clearly outlines the social and religious outlook of Muslims in all times to come. The famous verse in this regard is as follows: There is no compulsion in religion (Al Kafirun) Even for those who do not belong to the People of the Book and belong to the community of idol worshippers, the Quran says that Muslims should not act as their guardian or manager to dictate to them what to do and what not to. But if Allah had willed, they would not have associated. And We have not appointed you over them as a guardian, nor are you a manager over them. (Al Anam: 107) The Muslims have been advised to spread the word of wisdom among the people and leave their actions to them. All this point to the modern outlook of the Quran. The Quran was revealed at the advent of the middle ages when scientific developments had been taking very fast. Political and social developments demanded that Muslims should abandon tribal behavior and deal with the issues of social and political importance from a scientific point of view. The Quran mentions scientific facts very frequently and also enjoins on the Muslims to develop a scientific outlook and a community with scientific outlook will not live the life of a tribe, of savages and keep engaged themselves in wars and plundering. Islam envisages an urban society with a sophisticated culture where lines are drawn for every individual and for every community so that they cannot encroach on the rights and purview of others. All the issues of social and political and communal importance are to be resolved and sorted out peacefully with the involvement of all the parties. Warfare and bloodshed is the last thing the Quran approves of. One important issue that is debated among the Islamic intellectuals of today is that of religious conversion. In a multicultural and multireligious society that we live in today, campaign for conversion is seen as an attempt to change the religious demography of an area and an indirect religious warfare. This causes bad blood among the members of different religious communities. When we study the verses of the Quran on the issue, we come across the verses that ask Muslims to simply deliver the message of the Quran to the non-believers and then let them go. The Quran does not ask Muslims to forcibly convert people into Islam. On the contrary, this practice is strongly criticized by the Quran when it says: “But if Allah had willed, they would not have associated. And We have not appointed you over them as a guardian, nor are you a manager over them”. (Al Anam: 107) The modern age is an age of enlightenment and modern scientific developments have changed the outlook of the people towards religion. People look at the concept of God from modern scientific perspective. They do not look at God as the people in the seventh century looked at Him. They practice religion to attain spiritual solace and spiritual happiness and they practice religion according to their own understanding. They convert to other religions solely on their own understanding as literature on all the religions is abundantly available. Therefore, Muslims of the modern age should develop a new outlook towards religion and towards the followers of different faiths. Modern political conditions require Muslims to have a modern attitude towards the work of Dawah and the issue of Conversion. They should act only as a warner and educator and as a worker for the better of the whole society, not for the Muslims alone. Religion should be a facilitator and a means for spiritual development as all the religions aim for the spiritual development of the people. No religion preaches violence and forcible conversion. Islam aims to build a society on noble ideals and principles. It does not want to build a society based on coercion, force and bloodshed. It stresses on quality, not quantity. Therefore, Muslims in the modern age should develop a modern attitude compatible with the contemporary society without violating the fundamental spirit of Islam. ----- S. Arshad is a columnist with NewAgeIslam.com. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/tribal-mentality-muslims-cosmopolitan-religions/d/125651 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

Whistleblowing Is a Form of Goodness, Righteousness, Justice and Truth, That Emanates from God's Command to Enjoin Good and Forbid Wrong (Amr Bil-Maroof wa Nahi an al-Munkar)

By Arman Neyazi, New Age Islam 27 October 2021 Islam Revolves around Ethics That Guide People to Amr-Bil-Maroof and Commands to Be Careful of Nahi an al-Munkar Main Points: 1. Islamic essence lies in its ethical teachings 2. Islamically speaking those who hesitate to take the righteous path of justice and brotherhood are not true followers of Islam. 3. Muslims should bring truth to the public domain to safeguard the interests of society. 4. Muslims are needed to follow ‘Islamic ethics’ and fight for the social safety of the whole world. 5. Being a saviour of fellow human beings is a divine quality and this positive attitude of a person is called whistleblowing in modern terminology. ---------- Allah, the Most Gracious and All-Knowing says in the Holy Quran: “God does not love corruption”. (A-Baqara, 205) "...God loves those who are just.” (Al-Mumtahana -8) Islamic essence lies in its ethical teachings. Islam revolves around ethics that guide people to Amr Bil Maroof and commands them to be careful of Nahi an al-Munkar. Islamic trait of Amr Bil Maroof is one of the most positive traits that guide humanity on the path of goodness (Khair), righteousness (Birr), justice (Adl) and truth and right (Haqq). Humankind is blessed with belief in righteousness and justice towards fellow beings by instinct. Islamically speaking those who hesitate to take the righteous path of justice and brotherhood are not true followers of Islam for they do not adhere to what Prophet Muhammad (SAW) says, "I was sent to complete the set of ethics". Whistleblowing - Safety of Human Justice and Islamic Ethics The world of Islam must understand that Islam is not a community-based religion. It is a light of guidance for the worlds, just as Prophet Muhammad Pbuh has been sent as ‘mercy to the worlds’ not only for the Muslims. Therefore, Muslims are needed to follow ‘Islamic ethics’ and fight for the social safety of the whole world. Responsibilities of being a Muslim does not end with reading Namaz, reciting of Holy Quran and observing fast (Roza), as Allah the Exalted says in the Holy Quran, Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, (Al-Baqarah: 177) - Sahih International. It, therefore, is one of the primary duties of the followers of Islam to bring truth in the public domain to safeguard the interests of the society. Muslims are exhorted to take the path of goodness, truth and justice for establishing the Islamic essence of humane ethics. For the people with humane ethics, Allah the Exalted has great rewards. The Holy Quran says: As for those who believe, and do good deeds, they are the people of Paradise - there they will live forever. (Al-Baqarah: 82) The characteristics of goodness, justice and honesty that teaches us to act in favour of our fellow beings to save them from social harm is, in modern terminology, called whistleblowing. Muslims are supposed to be brand ambassadors of truth and justice. They must know that concealing the truth and facts that are, in any way, causing harm to the human beings or even a single soul is one of the biggest sins (Gunah) as it is a betrayal of the trust that society in any manner whatsoever has kept on him. Holy Quran in the following verse is clear about the betrayal of trust: He knows that which deceives the eyes and what the breasts conceal. (Ghafir - 19) O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know (the consequence) (Al-Anfal - 27) By birth, a human being is a social animal and because of this, it is in his instinct to protect his fellow beings from every kind of tribulation to the best of his ability. One of the ways of safeguarding the interest of society is to bring to their notice everything that may be harmful to them, in the coming times. It is not a tough job for human beings as it is embedded in their instinct to guard fellow beings from the coming dangers. Being a saviour of fellow human beings is a divine quality. This positive attitude of a person is called whistleblowing in modern terminology. This is a humane quality that needs much wisdom and spiritual leaning towards humanity along with faith in Allah’s mercy if and when any untoward thing happens in the due course of treading the righteous path of Amr-Bil-Maroof. Letting the world know the evil deeds of the evil forces that are up against humanitarianism, is of divine value and brings divine rewards. Whistleblowing- a Significant Contribution to the Welfare of the Society Corrupts are very powerful. No doubt. But humane ethics are more powerful than any corrupt mind. Corrupt do not have the sagacity of facing the humane ethos embedded in truth, justice and honesty. And this is where even in the face of power, they are defeated. Whistleblowing needs to be encouraged through spiritual leaning towards human beings' responsibility to humanity. Most of us keep ourselves and our families above our divine responsibilities of being caring people towards the society they live in. It is a sign of weak faith and trust in God, the All-Caring and the Most Compassionate. Allah the Exalted says in the Holy Quran: Let there be a group among you who call ˹others˺ to goodness, encourage what is good, and forbid what is evil—it is they who will be successful. (Ali 'Imran: 104) O you who believe! Stand out firmly for God, as witnesses to fair dealing - (Al Ma’idah: 9) O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to God ... and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily God is well acquainted with all that ye do. (Al Nisa’:135) Whistleblowing and Prophetic Traditions Prophet Muhammad Pbuh’s life is an example of goodness and forbiddance from wrongdoing. He (SAW). Characteristic of goodness and forbiddance from wrongdoing is the purpose of ‘whistleblowing’ and both these practices are part of Amr bil Ma’ruf and al-Nahi al-Munkar. Prophet Muhammad Pbuh’s life is based on Amr bil Ma’ruf and al-Nahi al-Munkar. Consider the following traditions from his life. "I was sent to complete the set of ethics". - Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Abi Saiydil Khudri (RA), I heard the prophet of Allah (SAW) saying: "He who saw Munkar (wrongdoing) amongst you should prevent it with his hand, if unable to, then with his mouth (i.e. whistleblowing), if unable to, then (dislike it) in his heart and that is the least of faith." "Discussions are confidential (not subject to disclosure) except in three places: "Shedding unlawful blood, Unlawful cohabitation and Unlawful accumulation of wealth". Jabir (R.A) Narrated - Abu Dawud) The aim behind ‘whistleblowing’ is to establish 'enjoining goodness and forbidding wrongdoing'. Whistleblowing should be followed by the Muslims as a part of their Islamic ethics. Prophet Muhammad Pbuh encourages his Ummah for whistleblowing and mentions it as a voluntary obligation in the public interest (Maslaha مصلحة‎). Consider the following tradition: Zaid bin Khalid reported that the Prophet said: “Shall I not tell you who is the best of witnesses? The one who brings his testimony before he is asked for it, or tells his testimony before he is asked for it.” And Allah Knows the Best. ----- Arman Neyazi is a columnist with NewAgeIslam.com. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/whistleblowing-amr-bil-maroof-nahi-munkar/d/125650 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

Political Ambitions Turn Sufis into Militants As Is Evident From the Behaviour of the Sufi Groups and Individuals of Middle East and Indian Subcontinent

By S. Arshad, New Age Islam 26 October 2021 Mumtaz Qadri and Abbasi Siddiquee Are the Modern Face of Militant Sufism Main Points: 1. Sufis are known for tolerance, peace and harmony 2. In 21st century, Islamic nationalism had impact on Sufism 3. During 2003 and 2006, some Sufi militant organizations came into being. 4. Naqshbandi Army of Iraq was a Sufi militant organization during 2003-2006 ---- Mumtaz Qadri ----- Sufis are known for their tolerant and pluralist behaviour all over the world. They preach peace, non-violence, tolerance, peaceful co-existence. They have an all-embracing outlook towards the society. Religion to them is a means for attaining spiritual enlightenment. They renounce the worldly luxuries and are immersed in the remembrance of God through their waking hours. Even during sleep, their heart remains awake. Contrary to the common belief, the Sufis of the middle ages did not spend all their life in monasteries though they spend most of their time in Zikr (remembrance). They wandered across continents in quest of knowledge and only after acquiring sufficient knowledge of Islam, they settled in some city and preached religion. Since in those days religious schools or centres of education were few and far between, the Sufis travelled long distances in search of a murshid who would satiate their hunger for knowledge and thirst for spiritual enlightenment. Almost all of the Sufis travelled the initial part of their life in quest of a murshid-e-kamil (a perfect teacher) and for centres of religious education. For example, the famous Sufi, Hussayn bin Mansur Hallaj who was killed for proclaiming that he was the Truth and that Ma fi jubbati illallah (God is in my cloak) was born in Fars but travelled to Basra, Makkah and India for gaining knowledge and for performing mandatory religious rituals. The greatest Indian Sufi, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti who is also known as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz also travelled far and wide for education and spiritual attainment. He was born in Sistan (a region spread from Iran and Afghanistan) and travelled to Bukhara and Samarkand to study Islam and travelled to Iraq, Lahore and Delhi before finally settling in Ajmer. Another Sufi Bahram Bukhari Saqqa who was a earlier a commander in the army of the Mughal Emperor Humayun also travelled to Iran, Iraq, Najd, Makkah, Madina after leaving Humayun’s army and then came back to India. He lived in Agra and then travelled to Bengal and died in Bardhhaman. He assumed the title Saqqa (water-carrier) because he would carry a water sack on his shoulder and offer water to the thirsty. He was free of worldly desires and had devoted his life for preaching Deen and offer water to the thirsty. Yet another Sufi of the subcontinent Ali Hujweri was born in Ghazni but lived in Iraq before settling in Lahore. The great Indian Sufi Khawaja Nizamuddin Aulia was born ini Badyaun in India but travelled to Pak Pattan in Pakistan to acquire spiritual training from Baba Farid. He then came back to India and settled in Delhi. All these Sufis preached love, tolerance, service to mankind and promoted harmony in the society. They brought the people of different religions and cultures together and contributed to the formation of the multicultural secular fabric of India. These Sufis practiced the injunctions of the Quran ‘Seeru Fil Ardh” (travel in the land) for expanding their intellectual horizons, for preaching peaceful message of Islam and for acquiring religious and spiritual education. After spending a great part of their life in acquiring knowledge and spiritual insight, they settled in their monasteries and served the common people. Abbas Siddiqui later released a video on Facebook and demanded strict punishment to those who attacked Durga Puja Pandals in Bangladesh. (File photo) ---- In the 21th century, the Sufis and their monasteries became the target of militant and extremist ideological sects within Islam because they thought Sufis and their monasteries and Dargahs promoted un-Islamic beliefs and shirk (setting up partners with God). The militant and extremist groups attacked the Dargahs and those Muslims visiting the Dargahs. However, under the influence of politics and Islamic nationalism in the 20th and 21st century, Sufism also underwent ideological changes. Political ambitions made seats of Sufism centres of political manipulation. Islamic nationalism also influenced Sufism and some violent Sufi sects came into being under political influence. Rafid Fadhil Ali in his article Sufi Insurgent Groups in Iraq writes that a number of Sufi militant groups had came into existence during anti-US insurgency in Iraq between 2003 and 2006. Some of the Sufi militant groups are: The Sufi Squadron of Sheikh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (2005) Katibat al-Sheikh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilanin Al-Jihadia (The Jihadi Battalion of Sheikh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani) (August 2006.) Jaysh Rijal al-Tariqa al-Naqshbandia (the Men of the Army of al-Naqshbandia Order” (JRTN) (2006,) All these Sufi militant groups had come into existence with the purpose of fighting the US occupation and at some occasions they also fought along with Al Qaida. Fadhil Ali writes: “After the fall of the Baathist regime in April 2003 and the development of a large-scale Sunni insurgency, none of the leading Sufi groups called for violence during the first years of the occupation. Sufis watched the insurgency being dominated by their historical opponents, the Salafis. Militant groups affiliated to al-Qaeda have attacked Sufis and their sacred places—including the demolition of tombs of Sufi saints—but on one remarkable occasion Sufis and Salafis fought together in the battles for Fallujah in 2004. The insurgents were under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah al-Janabi, who is an adherent of a minor Sufi order called al-Nabhania. Al-Janabi was the head of the Mujahideen Shura Council, which controlled the Sunni city until December 2004. The Council was an umbrella organization of Salafi, Sufi and Baathi groups.” The JRTN or the Naqshbandi Army aimed at re-establishing the Baath government. Therefore, it is evident that some Sufi sects of Iraq got involved in political process of the country and thus justified violence. Fadhil Ali further writes: “On the same day as the hanging of Saddam Hussein on December 30, 2006, Jaysh Rijal al-Tariqa al-Naqshbandia (the Men of the Army of al-Naqshbandia Order” (JRTN) announced their formation. The JRTN is clearly the most organized of the three aforementioned groups. In a sign typical of Baathist and Arab nationalism—but one that contradicts the pan-ethnic nature of Sufism—the main page of the JRTN’s website is headed by a map of the Arab homeland of 22 countries stretching from the Middle East to North Africa. The terminology used on the website also indicates that the JRTN is a Baathist-dominated organization that reflects a growing trend within the party towards Islamism since the early 1990s.” This provided the US with the opportunity to malign Sufism on which the anti-militancy Muslim masses took pride and used Sufism as a shield against Islam. The US tried to paint the entire Sufi arena black and started campaigning against Sufism describing it a new threat to the world. In a news report in web magazine npr, US Brigadier General Craig Nixon had been quoted as saying: "There's clearly a different ideology between al-Qaida and Jaysh al-Naqshbandi," said Nixon. "We've seen some local-level tactical commingling of the pipe-swingers, if you will, but the Jaysh al-Naqshbandi is clearly a nationalist element with a view to go back to the former Baath leadership." According to the report, “The group was founded by an ex-Iraqi army non-commissioned officer named Abdurahman Naqshbandi, who hails from the Lake Hamrin area of northeastern Diyala province — now one of the few pockets in Iraq where the insurgency has resisted U.S. and Iraqi control. Solid information about the group is elusive, but Brig. Gen. Craig Nixon says it started with a call for jihad against America in 2003.” Though these Sufi militant groups are not heard of now, which gives relief to the lovers of Sufism but in India and Pakistan we see some fringe Sufi elements who show aggression and violent behaviour which is anathema to the teachings of great Sufis of Islam. For example, a self-proclaimed Sufi of the Qadiriya order, Mumtaz Qadri killed a politician for demanding repeal of the blasphemy laws of Pakistan. He was sentenced to death by the court of law and his grave has been turned into a revered place. Thus his Dargah has become a symbol of aggressive Sufism. In India, a self-proclaimed Sufi of Bengal, Abbas Siddiquee issues hate speeches against the majority community now and then. He recently said he would slit the throat of those who desecrate the Quran. He is the Pirzada of the Dargah of a Sufi saint at Furfura Sharif. The corruption of Sufis has come as fallout of politicization of Sufi centres. These centres serve as power bases for the politically ambitious Sufis who want to climb the power ladder with the help of their status as Sufis. This trend of aggressive Sufism will not augur well for the Muslims of the subcontinent and will also tarnish the image of Islam in the world. Therefore, such ambitious, imprudent and opportunistic Sufis should not be allowed to sit in the Dargahs of Sufis. ---- References: 1. Sufi Insurgent Groups in Iraq Publication: Terrorism Monitor Volume: 6 Issue: 2 By: Rafid Fadhil Ali January 25, 2008 09:58 PM Age: 14 years 2. U.S. Sees New Threat In Iraq From Sufi Sect https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105507397 ----- S. Arshad is a columnist with NewAgeIslam.com. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/sufi-middle-east-indian-militants-political/d/125647 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

Reviewing Urdu Book by Rashid Shaz, La Yamoot: An Autobiography That Is the Introspective Story of an Entire Generation of Muslims, Focusing On the Subversive Role of Muslim Leadership

By Dr. Mohammad Ghitreef, New Age Islam 26 October 2021 Muslims Are Facing A War Of Survival In This Country, But The Poor And Helpless Lot Is Not Aware Of How To Cope With This Challenge Main Points: 1. There is no single identity called Hindu based on ideological, religious, ethnic, and social homogeneity. 2. Partition divided Muslims numerically, as they stood divided into three parts namely Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. 3. For Shaz, minority status is a problematic one psychologically. ----- La Yamoot: (لايموت) An Autobiography (Story of Enslaved Muslims in Free India?) Writer: Rashid Shaz Pages: 428 Rs 450.00 Publisher: Milli Publications Milli Times Building Abul Fazal Enclave Jamia Nagar New Delhi-25 ---- Recently, I have read an otherwise voluminous work by the well-known historian Ram Chandra Guha: India after Gandhi. By the way, the book is very informative, but it was also shocking to see that the author spent only 10 pages out of nearly 1200 pages of the book on Muslims of India. And it is also in a reference to the minority issue. I wonder that Muslims are being treated just a non-entity in this country, is not a matter of surprise! Just a few days ago, Dr. Rashid Shaz gave me his autobiography La Yamoot in Urdu. La Yamoot is an Arabic phrase meaning who he is not dying. Shaz's prose is so eloquent, effective, lucid, and flowing that one cannot help except to read the book in one go, so the 428 pages I did read in three days, and this is with my other engagements. La Yamoot is autobiographical narration, but it is the story of an entire generation. Reading this story from the events of independence to 1990, step by step, I realized that Muslims are facing a war of survival in this country, but the poor and helpless lot is not aware of how to cope with this challenge. Though there are also some indications of the situations through which Muslims of the world were going during this period, the focus was on Indian Muslims. The beautiful prose narrative takes the reader from the so-called “independence’’ to the talismanic house just before the demolition of the Babri Masjid. From this book came the answer to my questions struck in my mind from reading Ram Guha’s history of modern India. Are the extremists Hindus or liberals, all have been trying to marginalize Muslims and so they are supposedly for them like non-existent? This is a new narrative built upon both extremist and liberal Hindu’s belief that Muslims have taken their share in this country. There has been a campaign to destroy all traces of the Islamic era. The demolition of the Babri Masjid and the expulsion of Urdu are mere some token chapters of that narrative. So in this autobiography ‘’ La Yamoot’’ Rashid enacted all his best writing capabilities and a rare kind of imagination, making the walls, the trees, the village, the city, the school, and finally his Alma matter AMU participate in telling the story, and to speak loud and clear. The story is told by unique characters reincarnated for this purpose, the most visionary and inspiring one among them was the father (Abbaji) a village elder, an Alim, and an Islamic preacher who guides the storyteller on every step. When I was reading his story the first thought occurred to me, it was my story the story of my generation the story of every Muslim youth born in the country after ‘Independence’. Beginning from his childhood in his native village, wherein he used to live very near to nature, to his migration to Darbhanga city, where he stayed many years with his extended family (six brothers and parents) learned in school then attended college and finally set his foot in Aligarh his destination where he settled in and lives now with his wife and two sons. Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh became Rashid’s alma mater. He did his master's and Ph.D. there and after a short stay in Delhi, where he established Milli Times International and edited it for one decade, and other institutions, he came back to Aligarh and became a professor at Bridge Academy AMU Aligarh. The author as an alumnus of Aligarh and in this rather moving story has revived Aligarh of his time and gave vent to his teachers, students' gatherings, and to their conversations and their feelings. It is not just a story of the author's days, but a lament of the past, an invitation to accountability for the present, and perhaps a way out for the future. Shaz is a unique author and thinker. Through his academic works he seems to follow in the footsteps of Abul Kalam Azad a stalwart of the freedom movement and a great Muslim genius yet in his last two travelogues namely ‘Lastumpokh’ and ‘Kodra” he, in my opinion, has invented a new style of writing. This genre is very telling, sweeping, sublime and of course, catching one. Now in the first volume of his autobiography the author spanned the story from 1947 to 1990 of his life full of ventures, academic activities, and his multipurpose travels abroad. In between, he also tried to explain what went wrong with the Muslims of India especially after partition. In the political arena advised by their remaining leaders like Abul Kalam Azad and Hussein Ahmad Madni, Muslims have decided to follow blindly and unquestioningly the Congress party. That they will not have their political leadership and they reiterated this lesson to voting in Congress in the country continuously till 1992 when Babri Masjid was demolished by Hindutva goons, emboldened by the Congress governments. Babri is a sanguine chapter in the history of free India. And then more than thousands crushing, orchestrated communal riots, nay pogroms. in which state machinery, police, and communal goons have been killing innocent Muslims with free hands beginning from Nile in Assam, to Raurkela, to Bhagalpur in Bihar, to Moradabad Idgah, to Hashimpura and Malyana brutal killing of 50 Muslim youths by PAC and throwing their corpses in Hundan river in Meerut UP. The heinous act was criminally supervised by the then UP chief minister veer Bahadur in connivance with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. And prior to that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s role was also very dubious towards Muslims, who was eulogized as Durga by no other than Atal Behari Bajpai when she had successfully divided Pakistan into two in 1971. This book seeks to raise questions in front of the new generation of Muslims regarding the bloody anti-Muslim riots in Assam's Neely, Bihar's Bhagalpur, UP's Moradabad, and Meerut. Constitution of India, secularism, so-called secular parties, so-called and alleged community leadership (bearded and beardless), and also some ‘honourable’ personalities are put in the cage. What has happened to the Muslims in this country? What has Congress and other secular parties done to them? It puts all these agonizing questions in front of the reader with great clarity. On some sarcastic phrases loud laughter came out of the mouth while reading, and again there was intense sadness, anxiety, and worry too on occasions. This autobiography questions the subversive role of Muslim leadership from two angles. One is that plaid by Babri Masjid action committee’s illogical and provocative statements and announcements. Once S Shahabuddin a former diplomat and ex-MP and one of the Muslim intellectuals and committed leaders gave a call to boycott the republic day celebration. This appeal hasn’t gone down well in the majority community and it impacted badly on Muslim’s image in their eyes, the author observes.(see page:320) The great rally at Boat Club which was called by Muslim leaders, and traveling from Aligarh by a passenger train, Rashid very hardly reached the destination of this rally, as he recalls, in which how Shahi imam Abdullah Bukhari and some other leaders were backbiting and throwing aspersions at each other. Later on Abdullah Bukhari’s son, Ahmad Bukhari issued a statement to form Adam Sena to protect the lives and properties of Muslims, yet his ambitious and politically motivated plan remained only on paper, while in reaction to that move, the firebrand Maratha cartoonist Bal Thackeray formed Shiv Sena a semi-militant outfit in Mumbai and Maharashtra which is now a formidable political Hindutva organization that proudly participate in Babri Masjid demolition and which was the main culprit of heinous Mumbai anti-Muslim riots, took place there in the aftermath of Babri demolition in 1992, and is a major political player in the politics of Maharashtra now. Secondly, the author wonders and rightly questions the wisdom of Maulana Ali Mian Nadwi, chief of AIMPLB, the great Arabic writer India ever produced, to whom Shaz once was very near and dear, yet he opined that Ali Mian very timidly gave in to the illogical insisting of Babri Masjid Action Committees to continue the conflict and pampering to be an All-India issue, which the Maulana was in his private talks to his privy not agree with.(page:252) And moreover how he was along with other Muslim leaders disillusioned and deceived by the Congress leaders and more so by the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was very shrewdly playing a double game. For, on one hand, he appeased Muslims on Shah Bano case, in which the Muslim side brazenly stood against the quranic verdict as this reviewer sees, allowing Shila Niyas (laying the foundation stone) at the site of Babri Masjid and opening its door for Darshan (view of the Deity) on the other. It might be a balancing act but what about the brutal killing of 48 Muslim youths in Hashimpura Malyana Meerut by PAC personnel via Veer Bahadur the then notorious UP chief minister and some other incidents? Which are sufficient examples to make Rajiv Gandhi the main perpetrator of these crimes. (See Pages: 326-291) On the partition of the country, though the author did not deal it in a detailed way, yet what one can infer from his comments is that the plan of partition was a flawed one. Since Aligarh was a hub of Muslim League’s mobilizing activities, he refers to one of his professors saying: “By achieving Pakistan we have solved the half of the problem, now it is on the coming generation to endeavour to solve the half remaining.” The author’s observation is that Muslim League was the party of Muslim landlords, government officers, and feudal-minded elite, so they have to have a fiefdom safeguarding their interests in the name of saving Islam and for that matter they got Pakistan. The partition, to him, did not solve any problem, nay it entangled the problem more than ever. Because now Indian Muslims have been bearing the burden of partition, as they are blamed constantly by Hindus, secular and right-wingers alike, for the crime they did not commit. Moreover, the partition had divided Muslims numerically, as they stood divided into three parts namely Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. (See page: 271) Eventually, this partition weakened them more because in Democracy numbers are counted and they have greater value. One more point the author focused on is the ‘Muslim minority status’ dilemma. For Shaz, minority status is a problematic one psychologically. Since in the country the ruling class Brahminical class is only 15%.And so-called Hindus are not a monolith nation. They are bitterly divided in casts and sub casts and creeds and sub creeds. There is no single identity called Hindu based on ideological, religious, ethnic, and social homogeneity. Therefore they could easily be described as an amalgamation of nations of different identities, not a single nation. But the ruling class, to safeguard its interests forever, very adroitly and successfully convinced these separate ethnic, linguistic, and cultural groups and subgroups that they better be identified themselves as a broad cultural and national identity; the Hindu! (P: 211-277) I think this point should be taken by researchers seriously and should be widely debated. The second volume is eagerly awaited. This is not a formal review of the book, it is an immediate impression after the first reading. I hope to write a more detailed review later when the second volume is available. ---- Dr. Mohammad Ghitreef is a Research Associate with Centre for Promotion of Educational and Cultural Advancement of Muslims of India AMU Aligarh URL: https://www.newageislam.com/books-documents/muslims-leadership-la-yamoot-urdu-shaz/d/125646 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism