Both REASON AND FAITH are needed for a successful and meaningful life, Spiritual Meditations, NewAgeIslam.com

Spiritual Meditations

Both REASON AND FAITH are needed for a successful and meaningful life

Reason and Faith – Complimentary Or Antagonistic?

Asghar Ali Engineer

Are reason and faith (imaan) antagonistic or complimentary? Depends from what perspective you look at them. The nineteenth century was century of reason and faith came to be challenged by the rationalists. Even today rationalists denounce faith as mere superstition. Qur’an, however, strikes the middle path and emphasizes importance of both – faith as well as reason.

Today this truth is dawning on us that neither faith alone nor reason by itself, can suffice. Both are needed for a successful and meaningful life. Reason alone can make us skeptical and faith alone can make us superstitious. Since rationalists were severely persecuted by the organized religion, they adopted the extreme position of denouncing the faith altogether and stressed sufficiency of reason.

Qur’an invites human beings to have faith as well as to reflect and think. While reason gives us light faith gives us deeper conviction and, it should be noted, no action is possible without deeper conviction (imaan). The synthesis of reason and faith (‘aql and imaan) can be called ‘rational faith’. As escapticism (reason without faith) can paralyze action, blind faith (faith without reason) can reduce us to unthinking zealot. And both can be harmful to the society.

Islam arose among the Meccan Arabs to begin with who were quite practicable people. The creamy layer in Mecca was indulging in trade and commerce and hence they tended to be practical in outlook unlike agriculturists who tend to be more superstitious as their life depends primarily on natural forces. Thus Arabs believed in practical rationality. They did not have much time for reflection and finer values of life and otherworldly matters. For them everything was here and now – profit, accumulation of wealth and comfortable life. It was the main purpose of life for them. They were least bothered that their way of life was causing misery to the lower classes that were immersed in superstitions.

http://newageislam.com/both-reason-and-faith-are-needed-for-a-successful-and-meaningful-life/spiritual-meditations/d/2463

Mohammad the liberator, Islamic Ideology, Islamic Ideology, NewAgeIslam.com

Islamic Ideology

Mohammad the liberator

By Asghar Ali Engineer

26 Feb, 2010

MUSLIMS everywhere celebrate the birthday of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) with great devotion and reverence. But often it is seen that the devotees do not always reflect on the message of the person whom they so venerate. Eid-i-Milad has just become a tradition rather than an occasion for deep reflection.

Muslims also refer to Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) as Muhsin-e-Insaniyyat, the benefactor of all humanity, but do we care to know in what respect he became the benefactor? In this limited space I have I will try to shed some light on the revolutionary aspects of Mohammad’s (pbuh) teachings and how Muslims should benefit from these. The Prophet of Islam was an ummi, that is he did not know how to read and write and yet he ushered in a great social and economic revolution that is as useful today as it was all those centuries ago.

We can call him a liberator of all humanity if we follow his teachings, not so much from the tangled web of Hadith but from the Quran that he brought us. The Quran indeed was his real miracle. Firstly, he emphasised the importance of knowledge. This word occurs in the Quran more than 800 times along with its various derivatives (the word jihad, so controversial today, occurs only 41 times).

Knowledge was so important to him that he required Muslims to seek knowledge even if they had to go to China, then a very distant land from Arabia. Following this teaching, Arabs who were quite averse to knowledge — especially in the written form (there were only 17 people in Makkah during the Prophet’s lifetime who could read and write) — became great precursors of various sciences and even the West immensely benefited from their findings. The West discovered the treasures of Greek knowledge through the Arabs.

http://newageislam.com/mohammad-the-liberator/islamic-ideology/d/2509

RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY AND TOLERANCE IN ISLAM, Islam and Tolerance, NewAgeIslam.com

Islam and Tolerance

RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY AND TOLERANCE IN ISLAM

Asghar Ali Engineer

(Islam and Modern Age, January 2010)

Diversity and tolerance are considered very basis of modernity as one of the modernity’s fundamental principles is individual and community rights and also, as modernity implies democratic rule, tolerance and right to pursue any ideology or religion assumes great importance. The western countries consider themselves as role models for democracy and freedom. Mr. Bush, after 9/11 attack often used to say why (read Muslims) are jealous of our democracy and freedom?

Most of us believe in this myth that west stands for freedom of conscience, democracy and liberty. And in theory it is quite correct. But is it is in practice? First of all let us ask one question did they ever consider non-whites, non-Europeans as equal and entitled to equality and liberty? The history tells us no. The white superiority was always underlying assumption and the blacks (now known as African-American) were always discriminated against. Even Jews, until Second World War, did not enjoy equal rights. They were always discriminated against and forced to live in ghettoes, apart from what Nazis did with them.

Also, until Second World War when the Western world was mono-religious and mono-cultural its tolerance for non-western religions and cultures was never tested. It is only when economic migrations began from the erstwhile colonial countries that west began to experience what they now call multi-culturalism and western society became multi-religious and multi-cultural.

http://newageislam.com/religious-diversity-and-tolerance-in-islam/islam-and-tolerance/d/2335

ISLAM – NEITHER CAPITALISM OR SOCIALISM, Islamic Ideology, NewAgeIslam.com

Islamic Ideology

ISLAM – NEITHER CAPITALISM OR SOCIALISM

Asghar Ali Engineer

A few days ago a press conference was held in Mumbai by some Muslim organizations including some Muslim theologians claiming that Islam is against capitalism and imperialism and that we would launch a campaign against both. It is indeed a crude attempt to compare or contrast modern political ideologies with Islam which originated in 7th century Arabia.

Islam has its central values like truth, justice and equality of all human beings. But these are core values of Islam which very favourably compare with modern concept of human rights, human dignity and social justice. But modern economic conditions and political ideologies have their own origin which has nothing to do with the economic conditions prevailing after Islam appears on the Arabian scene.

On my visit to Cairo a few decades ago I found a book Al-Yamin wa Al-Yasar fi’l Islam (the right and left in Islam). I found this book quite interesting as the entire discussion in the book is with reference to the then prevailing conditions and how the first four rightly guided Caliphs followed different economic policies which had deep impact on social conditions in the Islamic world.

http://newageislam.com/islam-%E2%80%93-neither-capitalism-or-socialism-/islamic-ideology/d/2367

Can Allah Be Monopolised By Any Community?, Islam and Pluralism, NewAgeIslam.com

Islam and Pluralism

Can Allah Be Monopolised By Any Community?

By Asghar Ali Engineer

Of late I have been receiving questions about the controversy these days in Malaysia about ‘Allah’ as Malay Muslims are objecting to the use of word ‘Allah’ by Catholic Christians. The Malays feel only Malay Muslims can use the word Allah and Christians cannot. The case was fought right about the High Court and the high court of Malaysia also allowed the use of word Allah by Christians. However, the Government of Malaysia suspended the Supreme Court verdict for the time being. It is not because the Government is trying to defy the orders of Highest Court but because the controversy has become politically unmanageable due to overcharged emotions.

The Roman Catholics translate the word God in their Malay language paper Herald as Allah and hence the controversy. Of late violence has erupted and a few days ago some three churches were attacked with firebombs and one was extensively damaged. The religious extremists are determined to inflict their views on others. Malaysia, like India, is a multi-religious society and bye and large it has remained peaceful except when violence had erupted in late sixties between Malays and Chinese.

But again relations between Malays and Christians or Malays and Hindus erupt or situation becomes tense. All multi-religious societies experience inter-communal or inter-religious tensions in some or more degrees. All Malays are Muslims and constitute about sixty per cent of Malaysia’s population. In Malaysia, Malays and Muslims have become synonymous. As mostly weaker sections of society embrace Islam in the hope of equality and justice, in Malaysia too, poorer sections embraced Islam and Malays till recently were poor and backward. However, now most of them are well educated and economically better off.

http://newageislam.com/can-allah-be-monopolised-by-any-community?/islam-and-pluralism/d/2388

Science, West and Islamic Origin of Science

Islam and Science

Science, West and Islamic Origin of Science

By Asghar Ali Engineer

(Islam and Modern Age, December, 2009)

Recently I came across an excellent monograph in the form of a small book Is Science Western in Origin? By Pof. C K. Raju, professor of philosophy who has written earlier a book on Time – a thick volume on philosophy of time. The later work is also of high academic standard. This monologue on origin of science is a significant contribution which tries to shatter the myth that science is western in origin.

We would throw more light on it little later but to begin with it would be quite relevant to discuss whether Islam and science go together or, as many believe Islam is against science. Of course one can say this debate about Islam and science was more relevant to 19th century when the Muslim theologians (Ulama) opposed science as against Islam. What is its relevance today? Ulama no longer oppose science and its discoveries. This is largely true but still there are several problems in this debate which need to be discussed. Also, still some western scholars believe that Islam happens to be inherently opposed to scientific progress.

Recently I came across a book Lost in the Sacred – Why the Muslim World Stood Still by Dan Diner published by Princeton and Oxford and the main theme of the book is how Islam and Muslims oppose progress. That is why it is necessary to throw light on Islam and modern science and the monograph by Prof. Raju tries to prove that science originated from India and the Arab world and the West simply imitated it and then cleverly manipulated and interpolated to show that modern science is of Greek origin.

http://newageislam.com/science,-west-and-islamic-origin-of-science-/islam-and-science/d/2183

Islamic Religious Extremism and Democracy, Islam,Terrorism and Jihad, NewAgeIslam.com

Islam,Terrorism and Jihad

Islamic Religious Extremism and Democracy

By Asghar Ali Engineer

(Secular Perspective July 1-15, 2009)

Religious extremism is very negation of religion. The extremists are unable to understand this. There is no religion which encourages hatred, anger and revenge, let alone teaches such destructive doctrines. Yet religious extremism results in all this. Hindu philosophy teaches tolerance and non-violence and treats whole humanity as a family and yet Varun Gandhi, the BJP candidate delivered highly provocative speech saying he will cut the hand which is raised against Hindus. He could be young angry man but what about top BJP leadership? They also did not denounce it and not only that turned down Election Commission request not to give ticket to him to contest election.

The acts of Hindutvawadis in Gujarat and Orissa (Kandhamal anti-Christian violence) was perpetrated as an act of revenge, anger and intolerance of other religious minorities. Hundreds died and thousands became homeless and are still continued to be hated by these extremists without any trace of repentance or guilt. Can it ever be justified by religious teachings?

The Talibans on one hand, and al-Qaida, on the other, keep on killing hundreds of people in the name of Jihad which, they proclaim, is the Islamic doctrine. Al-Qaida and Taliban are reacting to US policies and violence in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is true but their extremism is more than what US policies warranted. First thing, even if jihad be used in the sense of war (which it is not) it is certainly not an act of revenge but an act of defence.

http://newageislam.com/islamic-religious-extremism-and-democracy/islam,terrorism-and-jihad/d/1695

Nothing wrong with separate identities created by Madrasa education, says Asghar Ali Engineer, Islam and Pluralism, NewAgeIslam.com

Islam and Pluralism

Nothing wrong with separate identities created by Madrasa education, says Asghar Ali Engineer

MADRASA EDUCATION - MYTH AND REALITY

By Asghar Ali Engineer

(Secular Perspective Feb. 1-15, 2009)

Madrasas have been at the centre of controversy since 9/11 attack on New York towers. It was thought that attacks were planned by Taliban who were students of madrasas run by Muslims of Wahhabi ideology. Though as far as 9/11 attack was concerned, the madrasas in focus were from North West Frontier Province but in India too madrasas came under fire especially from those who were politically motivated and also from a section of media which took a biased view.

Most of the views about madrasas were expressed by those who hardly had any first hand knowledge of madrasa system or what is taught in these madrasas. They just presumed that since these are Islamic institution they must be teaching about jihad and war. Even responsible ministers from NDA Government in those days made such statements. What is needed is well informed and well studied opinion.

I am glad that Ms. Saral Jhingran has made such an attempt to do systematic study of madrasas system in historical perspective. The other person who has made such an attempt is Yogi Sikand. These studies are most welcome to fight uninformed prejudices even among scholars. These madrasas were set up to fulfil a religious need rather than promote enmity with any community.

http://newageislam.com/nothing-wrong-with-separate-identities-created-by-madrasa-education,-says-asghar-ali-engineer---/islam-and-pluralism/d/1166

Islam, democracy and violence, Islamic Ideology, NewAgeIslam.com

Islamic Ideology

Islam, democracy and violence

By Asghar Ali Engineer

31 December 2008

But now Indonesia is under pressure to become an Islamic state where Shariah law would be the official law and religious minorities such as Christians and Buddhists and others would become second-class citizens. Still, it seems, Indonesian people are resisting this demand and are hence keen to know the experiences of secular countries such as India. Also what is the experience of nation building in South Asia including Pakistan and Bangladesh? I was also asked to speak on the concept of human rights in Islam as in a democratic country human rights have fundamental importance. Indonesia, the largest Islamic country, is also faced with this question as minorities are coming under attack and their human rights are being violated.

Of course it is not at all correct to say that Islam is incompatible to democracy, I said in my talk. This myth is being spread by the supporters of authoritarian regimes in the Islamic world. Kings, sheikhs and military dictators are spreading such ideas, and to them it doesn’t matter if Islam gets a bad name in the process. I firmly refuted this myth and maintained Islam does not come in the way of democracy; it is dictators and monarchs who come in its way.

http://newageislam.com/islam,-democracy-and-violence---/islamic-ideology/d/1092

Should Indian Muslims form a political party of their own?, Islam and Politics, NewAgeIslam.com

Islam and Politics

Should Indian Muslims form a political party of their own?

By Asghar Ali Engineer

At the outset I must say two things: one, it is within any ones democratic rights to form such party and seek alliances with other parties already in existence; two, the situation today is very different from pre-partition days and forming any such party cannot lead to separatism. That fear is quite unwarranted and perhaps no one now raises such fear either. So much for forming a Muslim party.

Having said that one must really seriously reflect whether forming such party would at all be for good of Muslims? Unfortunately answer does not seem to be very favourable. Often on such occasions Muslim leaders tend to give example of Assam where a separate outfit was formed and won 10 seats. At the time of last U.P. elections too some Muslims had thrown up this idea-giving example of Assam but ultimately drew blank and no such party was formed.

And then situation in Assam is very different. It has 28 per cent Muslim population with several Muslim majority pockets from where it is possible for a Muslim candidate to win. Whole of India, or even Maharashtra is not Assam. Kerala is another state where a separate Muslim party exists. Kerala again is a very different kind of state with more than 20 per cent population and also 20 per cent Christian population and thus has a very balanced population and a separate party can be effective. Moreover this separate party there has existed right from the beginning.

http://newageislam.com/should-indian-muslims-form-a-political-party-of-their-own?/islam-and-politics/d/999

Making A Mockery Of Jihad, Islamic Sharia Laws, NewAgeIslam.com

Islamic Sharia Laws

Making A Mockery Of Jihad

By Asghar Ali Engineer

7 Oct 2008

There is great emphasis in the Quran on justice in all social and political matters and it uses three words for justice — ’adl, qist and hakama. These three words occur 244 times in the Quran. To seek revenge is human weakness, not strength. Thus, a devout Muslim tends to forgive like Allah who forgives his servants if they sincerely repent. Those who are waging jihad in the form of terror attacks are bent upon seeking revenge whereas a good Muslim would tend to forgive just as Allah does.

In Shariah law, jihad can be declared only by the state or those empowered by it. Terror attacks, on the other hand, are planned and executed by a few individuals unrepresentative of any state or state institution. So their attacks cannot be legitimate by any Islamic or Shariah law. That is nothing but committing murder of innocent people. Also, according to Islamic laws, in jihad no non-combatant can be attacked, much less women, children and old persons and no civilian property can be destroyed unless it is being used for military purposes or for purposes of combat.

It can be seen that the rules laid down for war by Islamic laws are no different from modern laws of warfare or the Geneva conventions. But terror attacks are a gross violation of all these Islamic rules and there is no way these attacks can be characterised as jihad. The terrorists are described by the media as jihadis. This is a gross misuse of the word as there is no word like jihadi in the Arabic language. It is in fact ‘mujahid’ and it is used in a laudatory sense — one who devotes oneself to a good cause like fighting against social evils.

http://newageislam.com/making-a-mockery-of-jihad/islamic-sharia-laws/d/858

Fatwas Can Be Changed, Islamic Ideology , NewAgeIslam.com

Islamic Ideology

Fatwas Can Be Changed

by Asghar Ali Engineer

Should fatwas issued by eminent ulama be treated as unchangeable? Or can they be changed with change of time and place? Generally shari’ah is thought to be divine and immutable and no human being can make any changes in it. In fact shari’ah laws have been developed by eminent imams like Abu Hanifa and others to meet the requirements of their time and place. Thus shari’ah can be described as sincere human approach to divine intention. It is well known that Imam Shafi’I when he shifted to Egypt, he changed his opinion of several fiqhi (jurisprudence) matters.

Recently I saw a book by Allama Yusuf Qardawi, a well known ‘alim highly respected in the Arab world. It is on the subject matter of fatwas and necessity for changes in fatwas. It has been published by a respectable institution Islamic Fiqh Academy. Yusuf Qardawi has invoked the principle of ijtihad in Islam to justify changes in tawas (Arabic plural fatawa). The Allama even maintains that the shari’ah cannot be useful for the ummah unless ijtihad (he indicates several forms of ijtihad) is exercised from time to time.

http://www.newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/asghar-ali-engineer/fatwas-can-be-changed/d/7268

RELIGION, RADICALISM AND PEACE, Islam and Pluralism, NewAgeIslam.com

Islam and Pluralism

24 Aug 2011, NewAgeIslam.Com

RELIGION, RADICALISM AND PEACE

By Asghar Ali Engineer What happened the other day in Norway has not only shocked the world but also raised some important question. Does religion stand for peace or for murder? One thing is sure after 9/11 only Islam was being blamed for violence, war and jihad. Now it is obvious that such maniacs who go on killing spree are found in all religious traditions and even in highly developed nations. It is not only ‘backward Arabs’ or ‘fanatical Islamists’ who kill but even Christians from highly developed and democratic nations who kill innocent people. http://www.newageislam.com/islam-and-pluralism/religion,-radicalism-and-peace-/d/5310