Unmasking Toxic Religiosity: Recognizing its Connection to Toxic Masculinity

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 28 March 2024 Toxic masculinity has gained significant attention in recent years, shedding light on harmful social norms and expectations placed on men. However, it is crucial to recognize that toxic masculinity is not an isolated phenomenon but often intertwined with toxic religiosity and patriarchy. Toxic religiosity perpetuates harmful beliefs and practices, reinforcing traditional gender roles and exacerbating the negative effects of toxic masculinity within religious contexts. By acknowledging and addressing the connection between toxic masculinity and toxic religiosity, we can foster healthier religious environments and promote gender equality. Toxic religiosity refers to the use of religion to justify and perpetuate harmful behaviors, attitudes,...

A Season Of Sycophants; Beware of Them

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 28 March 2024 Sardi Ho, Garmi Ho, Sookha Pade, Barsaat Ho Ya Ho Kadi Dhoop Chamche Woh Keede Hain Jo Har Mausam Mein Rahte Hain Zinda Latif Banarasi (Whether it's winter, summer, drought, rains or scalding heat/ Sycophants are the insects who survive in all seasons) Now when the General elections are on the anvil, sycophants, like the frogs in monsoon, are croaking and extolling their leaders and masters 24X7. They have elevated our 'dynamic' PM to the level of god/s and a world leader! Though outright cringeworthy, sycophants with their sycophancy have existed in all ages and eras. "Sycophancy is embedded in human nature. But only the inferior of us indulge in it for some kind of footing," observed Edmund Burke. While preparing the first formal dictionary...

Interfaith Dialogue and Quranic Interpretation for Harmony in India

By Dr Uzma Khatoon, New Age Islam 27 March 2024 Introduction This article delves into the importance of interreligious dialogue in Islam, examining the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the practices of early Muslim leaders like Umar. It underscores Islam’s advocacy for dialogue, justice, and religious freedom to foster peaceful coexistence among diverse faiths. Through a comprehensive analysis, it aims to identify root causes of conflicts and propose reconciliation strategies. Interfaith harmony offers hope in today’s tumultuous world, promoting acceptance and peace, especially in diverse nations like India. Embracing diversity and nuanced Quranic interpretation can lead to a more inclusive society based on mutual understanding. ----- Islam's Interfaith Approach The term "dialogue" originates...

Moscow Terror Attack: ISIS, Anglo-Saxons, Or Ukraine?

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 27 March 2024 Whatever The Hidden Forces Behind ISIS, Muslims—Especially Scholars And Intellectuals—Must Repeatedly Refute Its Misleading Claims About Their Islamic Roots And Condemn Acts Of Terrorism. Main Points: 1. ISIS claimed responsibility for the Moscow terrorist attack, condemned by Western and Arabian countries. 2. Russian officials, including Dmitry Medvedev and Alexander Nazarov, are sceptical and suspect the West's involvement. 3. Ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called ISIS' statement fake and said: ISIS is not responsible for this terrorist attack. 4. Al-Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, head of Al-Azhar University, argues that ISIS is a Zionist front organization and a criminal organization within the Islamic faith. 5....

Neurologically Born Agains Are The New Hopes For Mankind

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 27 March 2024 “Religion is the most powerful entity on earth. A phenomenon that has conscripted millions to give or sacrifice their lives without so much as a minuscule query about their chosen beliefs or particular ideology. And today thousands of years on despite the huge advent, discovery and the advance of science forensic or otherwise, millions are still prepared and equipped to fall or kill in the name of their God, their Holy Scriptures, their messengers, their prophets and their faith’.” ― Cal Sarwar So very true! While interacting with an ex-Muslim friend from Riyadh, who's now comfortably settled in Adelaide, Australia, he told me the same thing when he was a staunch believer and defended his faith (read, Islam) tooth and nail. He felt that it was...

South Asian Muslims Lose Their Heads Over Anti-Blasphemy Beliefs: Does Islam Permit Them To Take Law Into Their Hands Over Actual Or Imaginary Acts Of Blasphemy?

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 26 March 2024 Blasphemy Law Misuse Should Be Addressed Globally With a Unified Solution to Prevent Injustice Main Points: 1. In March 2022, three seminary students killed a madrassa teacher in Anjumabad, Pakistan, after a relative had a dream that the teacher committed blasphemy. 2. The slogan "Gustakh-e-Nabi Ki Aik Saza Sar Tan Se Juda" is often used in religious gatherings and programs against blasphemy cases. 3. The question remains: who bears the leading responsibility for the misuse of blasphemy? 4. Blasphemy is a serious issue, causing riots and damaging social or national atmospheres. 5. Islam forbids Muslims from inciting anyone’s religious sentiment or abusing anyone’s religion, as it aims to prevent disorder and corruption. 6....

Taliban's Relegation Of Women To Home Violates Islamic Principles Of Equality And Women Empowerment

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 26 March 2024 1.4 Million Girls Of Afghanistan Were Barred From Schools For Third Consecutive Year Main Points: 1. Taliban has banned women's education beyond sixth grade. 2. Many girls have become depressed and suicidal. 3. They barred women from working in international NGOs. 1. 4.Taliban banned women boutiques and beauty salons. 4. The women have been barred from working in government and private organisations. ------ (File Photo) ----- For the third consecutive year, the Taliban have barred girls of Afghanistan from attending schools and universities. They have banned girls' education from seventh grade.1.4 million Afghan girls have been forced to abandon their studies due to the tribal mentality of Taliban's highest leadership....

'Soft Plagiarism': Why Do We Often Fail To Acknowledge?

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 26 March 2024 Mujhe Meri Hi Ghazal Logon Ne Sunai Aur Mujhi Se Meri Rai Bhi Maangi! Shaadaab Malsiyani (My own Ghazal was recited by others / They even sought my opinion / feedback on it!) ------ A few days ago, a dear friend of mine sent a forward on my WhatsApp account. One 'erudite' gentleman sent a snippet. When I checked, it was written by me! He shortened a recent piece of mine that appeared in TOI and circulated it among his friends without mentioning the author's name! This deliberate lack of acknowledgement saddened me as I don't get upset or angry anymore when someone forwards my article/s without mentioning my name. This is 'soft plagiarism'. When you don't acknowledge the creator or the source, you've a lurking desire to pass it off as your...

ISIS Bloodbath In Moscow Again Reminds Muslims Of Their Wrong Understanding Of Terrorist Organisations

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 23 March 2024 115 People Were Killed By The ISIS In Its Attack On A Concert Hall In Moscow Main Points: 1. The ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack. 2. A music concert was held in the Crocus City Hall of Moscow. 3. Five ISIS terrorists stormed the concert hall and opened indiscriminate firing. 4. More than one 145 persons were reported injured. ------ Russian law enforcement officers stand guard near the burning Crocus City Hall concert venue following a shooting incident outside Moscow [Maxim Shemetov/Reuters] ----- The Moscow attack by the ISIS came at a time when some important developments have taken place both in Russia and in the Middle East. Putin won the Presidential election and strengthened his grip over power and Ukraine,...

From Pakistan To Nigeria Mob Violence To Protect The Honour Of The Prophet Defames Islam

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 23 March 2024 Two Female Madrasa Students Sentenced To Death And The Third To Life Imprisonment For Killing Their Teacher For Blasphemy In Pakistan. Main Points: 1. The three students studied in Jamia Islamia Falahul Binat in Dera Ismail Khan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan. 2. The madrasa teacher Safoora Bibi was accused of insulting the prophet. 3. Blasphemy killings have become rampant in Pakistan. 4. Nigeria and Bangladesh are also the countries where blasphemy killings are common. 5. Extremist clerics in these countries are responsible for mob violence over the accusations of blasphemy. ----- Photo: The Dawn, Pakistan ---- A district court in Pakistan has sentenced two female madrasa students to death and the third to life...

The Theory Of Evolution And Creation Are Poles Asunder

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 23 March 2024 (7:172) When thy Lord drew forth from the Children of Adam - from their loins - their descendants, and made them testify concerning themselves, (saying): "Am I not your Lord (who cherishes and sustains you)?"- They said: "Yea! We do testify!" (This), lest ye should say on the Day of Judgment: "Of this we were never mindful": The above verse is metaphorically saying that belief in Allah as the Sustainer is genetically transmitted through the sperm of the father. Because of such self-glorifying verses and their equally over the moon interpretations, more and more Muslims are leaving Islam and introducing themselves as ex-Muslims. The very tone of this verse is so worldly and condescending. The ordinary people in this world talk like this, "You're...

Pausing And Pondering While Reading Ehsan Danish

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 22 March 2024 "Qalam Bhi Hai, Aur Hai Syahi Bhi Soch Mein Magar Woh Gahrai Nahin" Ehsan Danish (Pen is there with ink as well/ But the thinking lacks profundity) This couplet explains the famous adage that ' poets and writers are born, not made.' You can have all the wherewithal to become a poet or a writer but if your thoughts are not so profound, you fail in your mission. I'm told, famous Hindi writer and editor Dharamvir Bharati, who edited the very popular Hindi magazine 'Dharmyug,' used to write this couplet of Danish on the submissions that failed to appeal to him. He'd then return the unpublished contributions to the contributors with a note of regret. Kuchh Log Jo Savaar Hain Kaaghaz Ki Naav Par Tohmat Taraashte Hain Hava Ke Dabaav Par Ehsan...

Rethinking Hijab and ‘Awra of Women: Embracing Flexibility and Contextual Realities and Rejecting Patriarchy and Traditionalism

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 21 March 2024 While The Majority Of Classical Jurists Considered A Woman's Entire Body, Except For The Hands And Face, As ‘Awra , Others Held Valid Minority Opinions That Restricted It To Parts Below The Elbow Or Knee. Additionally, Slave Girls Were Exempted From Certain Clothing Requirements, Such As Head Covering During Prayer, Based On A Consensus. ------ For references to this article in addition to hyperlinks in the main text below please click here. The concepts of hijab and ‘Awra which pertain to head covering and the parts of the body that should be concealed, have long been subjects of intense debate in Islamic jurisprudence. It is crucial, however, to recognize that the early rulings on these matters were heavily influenced by the social and...

Lessons To Be Learnt From The Phenomenon Of Ex-Muslims

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 21 March 2024 The write up on the phenomenon of Ex-Muslims should serve as an eye-opener to all practising Muslims and a fodder for thought for all those facing the Hamletian dilemma of whether to leave Islam or not. What was unheard-of until 2000, is a reality in the new millennium. I've many ex-Muslim and educated Muslim friends in all parts of the world. Those who left Islam are critical of its obscurantism and extreme intolerance. But even those, who're still in the fold of Islam, have also begun to ask questions regarding Islam's status as a 'revealed' faith and the authenticity as well as divinity of Quranic verses. This is a good and encouraging development. In the last two decades, Islam has witnessed extreme adherence and also complete severance. Islam's...

Manipulation of Qur'anic Verses in Extremist Islamist Discourse: A Critical Analysis of Sword Verses - Part One

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 20 March 2024 Militant Islamist Ideologues And Propagandists Seek To Supplement Their Message With References To The Holy Book Of Islam, Framing The Narrative In A Religious Setting And Adding Perceived Religious Purpose And Legitimacy To The Prescribed Campaign Of Jihadist Militancy Main Points: 1. Militant Islamists maintain a rhetorical commitment to Salafist principles, emphasizing the foundational importance of Islamic scripture – the Qur'an and Hadith – and advocating for their literal interpretation and implementation 2. Militant interpretation often fails to capture the true essence of the Qur'anic verses and the context in which they were revealed ----- Modern militant Islamism, often labelled as 'jihadi-Salafism', diverges from...