Faith Is Fatalistic; Therefore Fatal

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 29 November 2024 The erudite writer V A Mohamad Ashrof tries to say in his piece that god and religion are hardwired into human brains and he quotes from the Quran and Bible to buttress his point. When we look at how the brain works, it looks like the brain is able to very easily engage in religious and spiritual practices, ideas and experiences. All the brain scan studies that we've done, show that there are multiple parts of the brain that seem to get involved. The brain is easily capable of having these experiences. (Representative Photo from the Files) ------ Now exactly how that ability got into the brain is a much more complex question, both philosophical and scientific. Scientists might say it was through millions of years of evolution,...

Gaps In Rape Laws In Africa Are Enabling Perpetrators To Avoid Punishment

By Tara Carey for New Age Islam 29 November 2024 Across Africa, rape is one of the most common crimes. New research reveals how inadequate criminalization of rape, weak legal implementation, rape myths, and victim-blaming are just some of the barriers to justice that survivors face. These obstacles prevent many cases from reaching court, with even fewer resulting in convictions, allowing the majority of perpetrators to go unpunished. This leaves survivors vulnerable without access to justice and support services they urgently need. Representative Photo from Files ------- These are some of the stark conclusions in ‘Barriers to Justice: ‘Barriers to Justice: Rape in Africa, Law, Practice and Access to Justice,’ a new report by Equality Now that examines rape laws and their enforcement...

A Reflection on Islamic Teachings about the Elevated Status of Mothers and the Consequences of Disobedience

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 29 November 2024 The Sacred Duty of Honouring Parents: A Call for Reverence and Respect Main Points: 1. Mothers endure countless sacrifices for their children, often putting their own needs aside for their well-being. 2. The Quran and Hadith stress the importance of treating parents, especially mothers, with kindness and respect, elevating their status above all others. 3. Disrespecting or mistreating parents, particularly mothers, leads to severe consequences, including the risk of not entering Paradise. 4. Even when parents are wronged, they pray for their children's well-being, highlighting the power of forgiveness and the path to redemption through honouring them. ---- A mother is a wise and great woman, like a storm in the lives...

Baba Zain-ud-Din Wali: Illuminating Kashmir’s Spiritual Path

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 28 November 2024 Hazrat Zain-Ud-Din Wali, A Revered Saint Of Kashmir's Reshi Movement, Embraced Spirituality Under Nund Reshi's Guidance. Known For Miracles, Meditation, And Generosity, His Shrine At Ashmuqam Remains A Symbol Of His Enduring Legacy. Torch Processions During Urs Celebrate His Life, Spreading Messages Of Hope, Unity, And Spiritual Enlightenment Main Points: 1. Early Life and Conversion: Born Zai Singh in Kishtwar, he embraced Islam under Nund Reshi, joining the Reshi movement. 2. Meditation and Miracles: His spiritual journey included deep meditation and miraculous deeds, like reviving a lamb. 3. Ashmuqam Shrine: His shrine, featuring unique relics, is a spiritual center with mysterious burial legends. 4. Reshi Ideals: Promoted...

Israel and the ICC Arrest Warrants

By Aftab Alam, New Age Islam 29 November 2024 On November 21, Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) formally issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from October 8, 2023, until May 20, 2024- the period between the start of the war in Gaza and when the ICC’s prosecutor made a request for the warrants of arrest. An arrest warrant was also issued for Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, whom Israel claims it killed in August. The ICC chief prosecutor had also sought warrants for two other senior Hamas figures Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh but withdrew his request after they were killed in the conflict. The PTC rejected legal...

Kunwar Mohinder Singh Bedi's Poetic Love for the Prophet: His Na'at as a Call to Humanity

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 29 November 2024 Kunwar Mohinder Singh Bedi, Known As Sahar, Was A Poet Whose Works Emphasized Love, Unity, And Religious Harmony. His Naat In Praise Of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) And His Poetry Promoting Peace And Human Connection Continue To Inspire Across Cultural And Religious Divides Main Points: 1. Sahar’s poetry promotes unity, love, and spiritual awakening, transcending religious and national boundaries. 2. His Naat in praise of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad highlights his deep devotion and reverence. 3. Sahar advocated for human connection and peace, condemning division and hatred. 4. His works include themes of religious harmony and empathy. 5. Sahar’s legacy continues to inspire global audiences, promoting universal values...

Defining Belief and Disbelief (in Islam): The Importance of Recognising Belief as Subjective and Complex Landscape

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 28 November 2024 "there is not one objective definition of what constitutes true belief (Īmān), nor is there an objective definition of what constitutes its opposite: unbelief (kufr) or related concepts such as apostasy (Ridda, Irtidād), masked infidelity (Zandaqa), vilification or blasphemy (Sabb), religious deviance or atheism (Ilḥād), or reprehensible innovation (Bid’a), for all depend on the viewpoint of the beholder. Moreover, the prevailing social and political circumstances can affect the perception of what are acceptable convictions and practices and what are not. Camilla Adang, "THE ACCUSATIONS OF UNBELIEF,;A DIACHRONIC PERSPECTIVE ON TAKFIR, p.6 In the contemporary Islamic discoursesurrounding faith and scepticism, the concepts of belief (Īmān)...

Sambhal Bleeds: A Historic ‘Jama Masjid’ at the Crossroads of Conspiracy and Chaos

By Ghulam Mustafa Naeemi, Tr. New Age Islam 28 November 2024 A Historic Mosque Becomes the Epicentre of Violence amid Rising Communal Tensions Main Point: 1. This Article Raises Critical Questions Not Only From The Muslim Community But Also From Peace-Loving Hindus Concerned About The Escalating Violence And The Handling Of The Situation. Even Some Traditionally Biased Individuals, Like Rajat Sharma From India TV, Have Questioned The Haste With Which The Sambhal Police And District Judge Acted, Emphasizing The Lack Of Proper Deliberation Given The Historical Importance Of The Shahi Jama Masjid. Despite These Concerns, The Dominant Narrative Has Been Shaped By Anti-Muslim Sentiments, With Extremist Voices Drowning Out Calls For Justice And Peace. The Media, Particularly Those Sympathetic...

Faith Cannot Justify Immoral Actions

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 28 November 2024 This pertains to Mr Hasan Mahmud's write up, " Religion against Religion - Its Fatal Impact On Human Life." Though his accent is on sectarian contradictions, it also underlines the futility of faith. Call it my idee fixe, but let me reiterate that when there'll be so many conflicting opinions, rules and verdicts within the framework of a faith and when a 'religious person' (a Hindu seer) has the gall to demand the disfranchisement of Muslims, shouldn't sane people question the very validity and utility of all religions? In these polarised times when countries are fighting over religions and lands, faith is not a virtue, but a vice that prevents us from thinking critically and questioning our beliefs. Faith often acts as a barrier to critical...

The Innate Inclination-Cognitive Psychology and Quranic and Biblical Perspectives on Theistic Belief

By V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam 28 November 2024 This interdisciplinary study delves into the natural disposition towards theism in human nature, synthesizing insights from cognitive psychology, Quranic epistemology, and biblical hermeneutics. The convergence of these fields reveals a profound alignment: belief in a creator is an inherent aspect of human consciousness, rooted in our nature as beings created in the image of God. This phenomenon is observed universally across cultures and societies, underscoring the timeless and enduring nature of belief. By integrating scientific and spiritual perspectives, this study reaffirms the centrality of faith in the human experience, illuminating the intricate relationship between human nature, cognition, and the divine. The question of...

The Suharwardy Order: Foundations of Sufism in Kashmir

By V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam 28 November 2024 This interdisciplinary study delves into the natural disposition towards theism in human nature, synthesizing insights from cognitive psychology, Quranic epistemology, and biblical hermeneutics. The convergence of these fields reveals a profound alignment: belief in a creator is an inherent aspect of human consciousness, rooted in our nature as beings created in the image of God. This phenomenon is observed universally across cultures and societies, underscoring the timeless and enduring nature of belief. By integrating scientific and spiritual perspectives, this study reaffirms the centrality of faith in the human experience, illuminating the intricate relationship between human nature, cognition, and the divine. The question of...