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Thursday, March 30, 2023

Religion And Politics: A Concoction No Less Than A Dynamite

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 30 March 2023 At The Same Time, The Enigmatic Silence On Hate Speech Underlines The State's Complicity. In Fact, The Ruling Political Party Is Fanning Such Incidents And Encouraging These Elements. ---- The SC rightly observed on Wednesday that the hate speech will end the moment politicians stop using religion. Such worst characters abound in the current political dispensation. A number of Maharaj and Sadhvis in politics have nothing else to do except for abusing Muslims and Christians. At the same time, the enigmatic silence on hate speech underlines the State's complicity. In fact, the ruling political party is fanning such incidents and encouraging these elements. UP banned the sale and consumption of meat for nine days because of Chaitra Navratri. Some politicians in Delhi had browbeaten the owners of meat shops. Don't Hindus eat meat? Do all Hindus refrain from non-veg during their festivals? And what about the fate of the people whose livelihood depends upon selling meat? Religion is being given too much importance in recent times. Something which should have been limited to the confines of four walls is coming out in public and creating nuisance, thanks to the new breed of vicious politicians. Agreed, politicians are always responsible for brewing religious tensions and bad-blood, but people are also to be blamed. Recently, a British professor of Psychology, Elvin Reed, opined in Indian context that when the people of a country get swayed by religious rhetoric and start acting in an overzealous manner, fanaticism and lawlessness are bound to prevail. So very true. Have a cursory look at the display pictures of most of the Hindus, even the 'educated' ones. Pictures of some deities or lines from scriptures will adorn that space. What do these people want to show is beyond any sensible person's ken. Most of the posts have religious hues. Mark Twain observed decades ago that religiously inebriated people are like sheep. They can be easily shepherded by the cunning politicians. That's happening in today's India. Religiously intoxicated people, Hindus, Muslims and others, are allowing themselves to be led by the politicians who know that religion can always be effectively used to opiate these zombies. There're much better things to do. Treat religion as something very private; as private as your innerwear. When religion and politics are mixed up, the concoction is no less than a dynamite. Don't allow these politicians to write and regulate your destiny. Use your brains. ------ A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/religion-politics-concoction-dynamite/d/129442 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

Thirty Lessons of Ramadan: Eighth Lesson on Iftar – Part 8

By Mufti Abdul Malik Misbahi, New Age Islam Translated into English by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 30 March 2023 Eighth Lesson on Iftar The fact that every good deed performed during Ramadan is multiplied by a variety of blessings and virtues is unquestionably a special blessing of the month. As an illustration, consider Sehri which is a pre-dawn meal. You have already seen the reward that is given on Sehri in the previous lesson if it is consumed with the intention of fasting. In the same vein, Iftaar, or breaking the fast is ostensibly done to relieve oneself of the discomforts of fasting. But it also contains mercy and benefits, as stated in the Sacred Hadith. The beloved Prophet (peace be upon him), says: “The people will not cease to remain upon goodness so long as they hasten to break the fast.” (Sahih Bukhari vol. 1: p. 645) The beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported as saying in another hadith: “My Ummah will not cease to be upon my Sunnah so long as they do not delay breaking their fast until the stars appear.” (Sahih Ibn Khuzaimah, p. 209) The beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) says, Allah, the Exalted, says: The one who is most beloved to me among my servants is the one who hastens to break the fast. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: ‘This Deen (Islam) will always stay dominant, for as long as people will be prompt in Iftar, because the Jews and Christians delay (breaking their fasts)." (Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. 2. P. 446) The beloved Prophet is also reported to have said, "Whoever makes provisions for the Iftaar of a fasting person, for a Ghazi (Muslim soldier), for a pilgrim, or for his family behind him, he will receive the same reward without any reduction." Virtue of Making Provisions for Iftaar When addressing the merit of providing food for the Iftaar to a person who is fasting, also make reference to the following hadith: “The person who offers Halaal food or water for Iftaar, the Angels make Dua-e-Istighfar for him throughout the entire month of Ramadan, and the Angel Jibraeel (peace be upon him) prays for forgiveness for him on the night of Qadr.” (Tabarani, Mujam al-Kabeer, Volume: 2. Page: 262) One narration states that the person who offers Iftaar (to someone) in Ramadan from Halaal earnings, then the Angels send Durood (blessings) upon him during all the nights of Ramadan, and Jibraeel shakes hands with him on the Night of Qadr. The beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) makes the following statement when describing the virtue of providing water to someone who is fasting: "Whoever offers water to a fasting person, Allah will give him water from my Hauz (pond), so that he will not be thirsty till he enters Paradise." (Sahih Ibn Khuzaimah, Volume: 3. Page: 192) What Should Be Used To Break The Fast? The beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “One of you should break his fast (make Iftaar) with dates or dried dates since it is a blessing; if you cannot obtain dates then break your fast with water because it is a purifier (cleanser).” (Tirmidhi, Vol.2, p.162) Dua Is Accepted During The Moment Of Breaking The Fast The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) says, “Indeed, the supplication of a fasting person is not rejected at the moment of breaking the fast.” (Targhib, Vol. 2, p. 35) The supplication of three persons is not rejected: (1) the fasting person at the time of breaking the fast, (2) the righteous ruler, and (3) the oppressed. After Allah the Exalted elevates their supplications above the clouds, the gates of heaven are opened for these three, at which moment Allah the Exalted says, "I swear on my honour! I'll certainly assist you, even if it takes some time.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 2, p. 349) Dua For Iftaar There are two well-known Duas (supplications) in the hadiths for breaking the fast. The following is the first Dua: اللَّھُمَّ لَکَ صُمْتُ،وَبِکَ اَمَنْتُ وَعَلٰی رِزْقِکَ أَفْطَرْت۔ O Allah! I fasted for you, and I broke the fast with sustenance provided by You. [Abu Dawud] The following is a second Dua: ذَھَبَ الظَّمَأُ، وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّہ۔ “Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is certain if Allah wills.”[Abu Dawud] When Should One Recite The Dua For Iftaar? The second Dua, as noted above, is generally agreed upon by scholars to be recited following the fast. About the first Dua, the hadiths are unclear as to whether it should be recited before or after breaking the fast. The three possible things have been indicated by a variety of terms in various hadiths. According to certain hadiths this Dua should most likely be recited prior to Iftaar, while some hadiths indicate that it should be recited in the middle of Iftaar, and still others suggest that it should be recited after Iftaari. Reciting this Dua after breaking the fast is not Sunnah, hence insisting on one saying is incorrect. Moreover, neither the person who recites this Dua before Iftaari nor the one who recites it after Iftaari should be forbidden from or criticised for doing so. In fact, some have assumed that reading this Dua is only permitted after breaking a fast because it uses past tense verbs—for example, "I broke Fast with food provided by You". Arabic grammar does not mandate it, in reality. Instead, the past tense is occasionally employed in the structure of Arabic language to describe events that are going to occur or are almost certain to occur very soon. In the words of the Iqamah, for instance, we can observe that it is said, "Qad Qamat al-Salaat," which translates as, "The establishment of Salah has begun," even if the prayer has not yet begun. But, a little time later, after reciting "Takbeer-e-Tahreema," the prayer is initiated. Following the construction of the rows and thorough preparation, the prayer will almost certainly be established; for this reason, it is stated in Iqamah that the process of the prayer has started. Similarly, reading this Dua at the time of breaking the fast is correct according to Arabic language norms when breaking the fast becomes imminent and almost certain to occur very soon and the fasting individual starts to break the fast at that time. The hadiths mentioned in this lesson affirm that the month of Ramadan is one for amassing good deeds; hence, it is essential to gather them meticulously and with great interest in order to prevent experiencing regret at the conclusion of the month. May God grant us the ability to do so during this wonderful month! Aameen (Continued) Mufti Abdul Malik Misbahi is the author of multiple books. He has also lectured and held positions such as Mufti, Shaykhul Hadith, president, founder, and director at a number of institutions, including Darul Uloom Ghousia in Hubli, Karnataka, and Darul Uoom Solemaniya Rahmaniya in Bikaner Darul Uloom Reza-e-Mustafa, Bihar, Madrasa Shah Khalid, Vanwa Libo Muslim League, Fiji (near Australia), Madina Educational Society, Rajasthan. He currently holds the positions of Mufti in the Sunni Darul Ifta in the Madina Masjid, General Secretary of the Raza Foundation, Director of the Darain Academy, Founder of the Afkar-e- Raza Institution, and Chief Editor of the Do-Maahi Raza-e-Madina (Urdu, Hindi) in Azadnagar, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Previous Articles: Thirty Lessons of Ramadan: Welcome to Ramadan and First Lesson on the Virtues of Ramadan Thirty Lessons of Ramadan: Second Lesson on the Respect of Ramadan – Part 2 Thirty Lessons Of Ramadan: Third Lesson On The Horrific Consequences Of Desecrating Ramadan – Part 3 Thirty Lessons of Ramadan: Fourth Lesson on the Fasting Of Ramadan and its Intention – Part 4 Thirty Lessons of Ramadan: Lessons Five and Six on the Rulings (Ahkaam) And Laws (Masaail) Of Taraweeh Part 5 and 6 Thirty Lessons Of Ramadan: Seventh Lesson On Sehri [Pre-Dawn Meal] Part 7 URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/lessons-ramadan-iftar-part-8/d/129441 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

Jallianwala Bagh Was A Reaction To Muslims Celebrating Ram Navami

By Saquib Salim, New Age Islam 30 March 2023 Very Few Appreciate The Fact That The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre On 13 April 1919 Was A Punishment For Hindus, Muslims And Sikhs Of Amritsar For Showing Unity During Ram Navami Celebrations On 9 April. ------- “British Police drove a stick into Gholam Jilani’s anus. Also ,he was in a most pitiable condition. I saw his urine and excreta coming out. All of us, who were outside, were told by the police that those, who did not give evidence, would be treated like that.” This was the statement recorded by Haji Shamsuddin of Amritsar in 1919 after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Can one believe that Gholam Jilani, an Imam at a local mosque, was tortured for the crime of organising a Hindu Festival, Ram Navami? Very few appreciate the fact that the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre on 13 April 1919 was a punishment for Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs of Amritsar for showing unity during Ram Navami Celebrations on 9 April. The British Government didn’t hide their fears in a report tabled in the Parliament after the massacre. The report noted, and I quote “on the 9th April the annual Ram Naumi procession was… made the scene of public fraternisation between Hindus and Muhammadan. The Commission speaks of the temper of the populace as still being in a dangerous condition; and suggests that the cause of Hindu-Muhammadan unity, otherwise laudable, can on this occasion only have been preached as meaning unity against Government…There was much public fraternisation. Hindus drinking out of vessels held by Muhammadans; for the usual cries in honour of Hindu deities, the crowd substituted shouts for Hindu-Mohammedan unity.” Hunter Committee Report also noted, and I quote “We think it clear that in Amritsar as elsewhere, efforts towards “ unity ” had been made largely and indeed frankly in a political interest…. Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew’s influence in particular was, and had consistently been, in the direction of unity ….contrary to previous practice, Ram Navami was very largely participated in by Muhammadans, and along with the usual shouts political cries were freely raised “Mahatma Gandhi ki jai,” “Hindu-Mussalman ki jai” The effect of the evidence before us is that the festival became a striking demonstration in furtherance of Hindu-Muhammadan unity — people of the different creeds drinking out of the same cups publicly and by way of a demonstration.” The Ram Navami processions across Punjab where Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs rallied together shook up the foundations of the empire. It could not risk a repeat of Ram Navami on Baisakhi Day four days later, hence Martial Law was declared and hundreds of unarmed Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs were shot dead in cold blood at Jallianwala Bagh. Indians should learn that her strength lies in unity. Our unity terrified the mighty British empire and when we were divided they ruled over us. URL: https://newageislam.com/multimedia/jallianwala-bagh-muslims-ram-navami/d/129440 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

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Burkina Faso Caught Between Jihadists and Imperialist Forces

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 29 March 2023 Burkina Faso Is The Second Worst Terror-Hit Country In The World Main Points: 1. Burkina Faso is a Muslim majority country in West Africa. 2. 65 per cent population of Burkina Faso is Muslim. 3. It has been going through a civil war since 2016. 4. Terror groups Ansarul Islam and Jamat Nusratul Islam wal Muslimeen are active in Burkina Faso. 5. These groups oppose modern education. ----- A photo taken on October 30, 2018 shows Burkinabe gendarmes sitting on their vehicle in... Copyright © africanews ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP or licensors ------ According to The Global Terrorism Index 2023, Burkina Faso is the 2nd most affected country by terrorism in the world, the first being Afghanistan. The country has witnessed terrorist violence by Islamist groups, mainly Jamat Nusrat ul Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) and Ansarul Islam. The enormity and severity of the conflict and the strength of the terrorists can be gauged from the fact that the Burkina Faso government controls 60 per cent of the land while the jihadists control 40 per cent of the land. The conflict between the Islamists affiliated to the Al Qaida in the Maghreb and the government began in 2015. This coincides with the establishment of the so-called caliphate of the ISIS in Mosul in June 2014. In 2016, a militant group named Ansarul Islam was founded by Imam Ibrahim Malam and another jihadist group Jamat Nusrat ul Islam wal Muslimeen was founded in 2017. Since then the two groups have conducted hundreds of attacks on Christians, Burkina Faso army, churches, villages and ethnic minorities. 350 people civilians and soldiers have died only last year. JNIM has been termed one of the deadliest terrorist outfits of the world in 2022. Burkina Faso had been a French colony until 1960. After its independence in 1960, it has had a turbulent history marked by military coups. The political instability was the main cause in the country's vulnerability to militancy. Burkina Faso has witnessed coups in 1966, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1987and 2022. Though the country has won independence from France, France has still a powerful presence in the political affairs of the country and a section of the population thinks that France is behind the militancy. The belief comes from the fact that President Thomas Sankara, who was president from 1982 to 1987 till his assassination was the most successful leader of Burkina Faso. He launched many progressive programmes in the country like nationwide literacy, land redistribution to peasants, railways and roadways construction, banning Female Genital Mutilation, forced marriage and polygamy. He nationalised land and mineral wealth of Burkina Faso. He was also against the financial dependence of the country on the IMF and World Bank and wanted an end to the interference of France, US, and European Union in the affairs of Burkina Faso. He wanted Burkina Faso to be economically and politically independent. This antagonised the imperialist powers and in 1987, President Blaise Campaore staged a coup against President Sankara and removed him. Blaise Campaore argued that Sankara was responsible for the deterioration of relations of Burkina Faso with France. This strengthened the belief of the people that France was behind Sankara's ouster. Campaore was perhaps the longest ruling President of Burkina Faso as he was president from 1987 to 2014. The current President of Burkina Faso is Ibrahim Traore since 2022. during the last 7 years, militancy in Burkina Faso has only grown. The militant groups affiliated with ISIS and Al Qaida have attacked not only churches but also mosques. Here is an account of major terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso since 2016: 1. In February 2016, Al Qaida in Maghreb with another jihadi outfit Al Mourabitoun attacked Splendid Hotel and Cappucino cafe bar in the capital city of Ouadougou and killed 30 people. 2. On 11 October, it attacked a mosque and killed 16 people. 3. In 2018, JNIM attacked French embassy. 4. In 2019, jihadists gunned down 12 civilians. 5. From mid-2018 to February 2019, jihadists killed 42 people. 6. From.2019, the jihadists started persecuting Christians in the country and attacked Protestant and Catholic churches and Christian processions. They killed priests and pastors along with worshippers. 7. On April 28, 2019, six people including a pastor was killed in a Protestant church in Silgadji. 8. On 12 May, six people including a priest were killed in a Catholic church by Islamists. 9. On 2 January, 2020, militants attacked villages Nagraoga and Alamaou and killed 14 people. 10. On 25 January, Silgadji was attacked again and 36 civilians died. 11. On 16 February 2020, a Protestant church in Pansi was attacked leaving 24 dead. 12. Another church was attacked a week before Pansi attack in which 5 including a pastor was dead. 13. On 4- 5 June 201, militants massacred 170 people in Solhan and Tadaryat. 14. On14 November 2021, JNIM killed 53 civilians. 15. Interestingly, in December 2021, a group of civilians stopped a convoy in Kaya department alleging that France was secretly helping jihadists. 16. In December, the Islamists killed 40 people. 17. In 2022, 350 people were killed by militants. Hundreds of civilians have also been killed by the army and special forces. Ethnic minority community Fula members are often the target of militants, Volunteers for the Defence of Homeland (VDH) amd militants. The militants also attack schools claiming that the schools carry western style indoctrination programmes On 4 June, 2020, a school bus carrying students was blown up in Tougan leaving 14 students dead. Many students left schools and thousands of schools were closed. The jihadists recruit dropped out students for militancy. According to a Human Rights Watch report: "Armed groups, notably armed Islamists increased their recruitment and use children. At least 15 children were among those detained in the high security prison. Over 300,000 children were out of school due to the closure of 2,224 schools as a result of insecurity as of May, approximately 10 per cent of the country's schools, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). During 2021, at least 30 education- related attacks by Islamist armed groups, including damaging or pillaging schools and abducting, detaining and threatening teachers were documented by Burkina,Faso 's education ministry or the Armed Conflict Location and Data ( ACLED) project." Due to the civil conflict, 1.4 million people have been internally displaced between 2016 to 2021, which is 6 per cent of the population. In this conflict, apart from the government forces, VDH ( volunteers for the Defence of Homeland) and civil militias help the government forces. The US funds training workshops and relief and humanitarian work. However, allegations of extrajudicial killings of innocent people or villagers by the forces, or arbitrary detention, torture and unlawful killings by VDH are also made. Burkina Faso's international partners including France, European Union, the United Nations and the United States readily denounce abuses by Islamist armed groups but are largely reluctant to denounce or push for investigation into those by pro- government forces. Another aspect of the conflict is that France claimed last year that 60 jihadists were 'neutralised' by Burkina Faso soldiers. It is not clear what neutralisation of jihadists means. They will be perhaps released on the basis that they were reformed and can return to the mainstream. This is how terrorists are freed to allow them to carry on their operation. The scenario in Burkina Faso presents a pattern similar to that of other regions going through terrorism. Jihadists provide imperialist forces the justification for military interference in Muslim majority countries but terrorism only grows despite their funding, training and operations. The jihadist groups attack schools, mosques, churches and kill innocent civilians. Some clerics or mullahs support the jihadists on the basis of their opposition to France or the US. Schools are branded centres of kufr (anti-Islam education). Civil militias are also created which persecute innocent civilians in the name of fighting terrorism. Some militias are created to fight the ' anti -Islamic' government. This model was experimented in Syrian civil war. The only difference is that the imperial power in the Midle East was the United States while it is France in West Africa. France removed President Sankara because he was anti-France while the US removed Saddam Hussain because he was anti-US. Jihadism has proved a useful tool for the imperialist and expansionist forces for political and military intervention in Islamic countries and extremist exegetes and ideologues among Muslims promote these terrorist and militant outfits that are used by imperialist forces for their own political interests. URL: https://newageislam.com/radical-islamism-jihad/burkina-faso-jihadists-imperialist-forces/d/129432 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

Thirty Lessons Of Ramadan: Seventh Lesson On Sehri [Pre-Dawn Meal] Part 7

By Mufti Abdul Malik Misbahi, New Age Islam Translated into English by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam Lesson 7 on Sehri No matter how frequently we express our gratitude to our Lord, it is nothing in comparison to the mercy He has granted us. Ramadan is a month filled with many blessings and values for us. He gave us the glad tidings of reward for eating Sehri and commanded us to fast in His service. What else is there if not blessings atop blessings? [Translator’s Note: When fasting (Sawm) is required, Muslims typically have a meal before the true dawn, whether it is during or outside the Islamic month of Ramadan. This meal is referred to as Sahur, Suhur, or Suhoor as well as Sahari, Sahri, or Sehri, which literally means “pre-dawn meal” or “pre-fasting meal”.] It is recorded in a noble hadith: Eat Sehri because there is a great deal of blessing in it. (Bukhari, Muslim and Tirmidhi) The Beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: The distinction between our fasting and that of the People of the Book is that we consume food at “Sehri,” but they do not.” (Muslim and Abu Dawud) It is also related that the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The major blessings are in three things: in Jama’ah (company), in eating Thareed, and in Sehri.” (Tabrani) [Note: Because the word “Jama’ah” is used in this Hadith in a comprehensive sense, we can infer that it refers to “Salaat” with “Jama’ah” as well as all the good works carried out in groups because doing so attracts the assistance of Allah. A delicious dish called “hareed” is made by cooking meat and baked bread together. The third thing mentioned in this Hadith is “Sehri”.] The beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) further said, “Eat Sehri and fortify yourself for the fast, and sleep in the afternoon (Qailula), to let you wake up in the later hours of the night (for “Ibaadah”).” (Ibn Majah, Bayhaqi) The Beginning Of Sehri Sehri was not initially a notion in Islam. A person on a fast could only take food and liquids after sunset until he fell asleep. He was no longer allowed to consume anything to eat or drink after he dozed off. Yet, Allah, the Almighty, fashioned a circumstance in order to make a concession [Rukhsah] in this case for the benefit of His servants. The following has been stated in the books of hadiths and interpretations: Hazrat Sarma bin Qays (may God be pleased with him) was a hardworking farmer. He once worked all day in his field while fasting, then came home in the evening, asked his wife for food, and went to bed by himself. When she brought him dinner, he was asleep. He refused to eat when he was awakened for eating food because it was prohibited to eat or drink after sleeping and waking up in those days. The next day he fasted. As a result, he lost strength and eventually fainted during the day. In response to his suffering, the divine command was revealed: “…And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the night [i.e., sunset].” [2:187] Taking Dates And Water In Sehri Is Sunnah Hazrat Anas bin Malik says that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say to me at the time of Sehri, “I intend to fast; therefore feed me something”, I would offer him some dates and a pot of water.” (Mishkat, Kitab al-Sawm) When Does The Time Of Sehri Start? According to the renowned Arabic lexicon “Qamoos,” the word “Sehr” refers to meals consumed in the early morning. According to Hazrat Allama Ali bin Sultan Muhammad, also known as Mulla Ali Qari, some experts contend that the time of Sehri starts from the middle of the night [until the start of the true dawn]. (Mirqat Al-Mafaatih, Sharh Mishkat al-Masaabih, vol. 4, p. 477) It is preferable to delay eating Sehri. As it is narrated in the revered Hadith on the authority of Hazrat Sayyiduna Ya’la bin Murrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Three actions are cherished by Allah, the Exalted: (1) breaking the fast early; (2) Delaying Sehri; and (3) Placing hands together during Salah (while standing).” (Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarhib, Vol. 2: p. 91, Hadith 4) What Time Does “Delay” Signify In Sehri? Delaying Sehri is Mustahabb, hence doing so will yield greater rewards. Yet, it shouldn’t be delayed so much to cause doubts about the true dawn. Now the question of how long a “delay” actually now arises in the mind. Hazrat Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan says in his “Tafseer Naimi” that it alludes to the sixth part of the night. Consequently, the question is, how can you figure out the sixth part of the night? Here is the response. The period of time between sunset and dawn is referred to as night. Take one day, for instance, when the sun set at seven in the evening and dawn broke at four. Thus, the nine-hour interval from sunset to dawn is called night. Now divide these nine hours of the night into six equal parts. The total running time is 1.5 hours for each part. As such, it will be regarded as a “delay” in Sehri if the pre-dawn meal (Sehri) is taken before dawn during the last hour and a half of the night (i.e. between 2:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.). The time for Iftar and Sehri typically varies every day. The sixth part of the night may always be determined using the stated method. If you took Sehri earlier at night and even made your intention to fast, you are still permitted to eat anything you like for the remainder of the night. You won’t need to make a new intention (niyyah) after that. (Continued) ------ Mufti Abdul Malik Misbahi is the author of multiple books. He has also lectured and held positions such as Mufti, Shaykhul Hadith, president, founder, and director at a number of institutions, including Dar Uloom Ghousia in Hubli, Karnataka, and Darul Uoom Solemaniya Rahmaniya in Bikaner Darul Uloom Reza-e-Mustafa, Bihar, Madrasa Shah Khalid, Vanwa Libo Muslim League, Fiji (near Australia), Madina Educational Society, Rajasthan. He currently holds the positions of Mufti in the Sunni Darul Ifta in the Madina Masjid, General Secretary of the Raza Foundation, Director of the Darain Academy, Founder of the Afkar-e- Raza Institution, and Chief Editor of the Do-Maahi Raza-e-Madina (Urdu, Hindi) in Azadnagar, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/lessons-ramadan-sehri-dawn-meal-part-7/d/129431 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

Sufis Were The Earliest Crusaders Against Capital Punishment

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 29 March 2023 Once Shams-e-Tabriz was returning to his monastery. He saw a large crowd of people. " What's going on," the great mystic asked." A convict will be beheaded. So, we all have gathered to see the spectacle," said one of the onlookers. The ultra-sensitive mystic fainted and when he regained consciousness, he began to cry and ask how could humans kill their fellow humans in the name of justice? Nearly a millennium has gone by and Shams' pertinent question is still valid and relevant and in the light of the Supreme Court's recent decision to look for other 'humane' alternatives to hanging, the futility of death rap becomes all the more acute. Apropos, Shams' disciple and friend, the great Rumi was also completely against executions. So were Hakim Sanai and Nizami. But it's ironical that despite all mystics condemning executions, almost all Islamic countries have still retained it and a few still behead convicts in public. This is absolute savagery and a throwback to our troglodyte past. Whether it's hanging, firing squad, lethal injection or electric chair, a civilised society has no place for such barbaric voyeurism and vicarious sadism. Moreover, death rap has never served as a deterrent to heinous crimes. Remember, justice is yet another name of retribution. What happened in India? Officially, the government records show that beginning from Nathuram Godse and N D Apte's hangings in the independent India on Nov. 15, 1949 at Ambala Central Jail to Nirbhaya's four rapists and killing on March 20, 2020, India hanged 62 convicts thus far. But the government records are silent on many hangings between 1963 to 1973. Quite a few convicts, most of them being very poor and from the marginalised stratum of the society, were executed. How many rich convicts were hanged? How many poor convicts could hire a lawyer to defend them? Two extremely poor hired killers Kartar Singh and Ujagar Singh (they were brothers), killed the wife (Vidya) of famous eye-surgeon of Delhi Dr Jain, just for 500 rupees! No lawyer came to defend them as they were very poor. Eventually, they were hanged at Tihar in Delhi. But Dr Jain and his paramour were acquitted after a few years of imprisonment because he was the personal eye-surgeon of the President of India! Isn't it a travesty of justice? In 1984, an educated Maqbool Butt was hanged for killing a bank manager in Kashmir, though his hanging was expedited by the brutal killing of the Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre in England. It was carried out to placate public rage! And when Afzal Guru was hanged in February 2013, the then Congress govt. justified it, saying that it was done to 'satisfy the collective public conscience' as if public conscience is far more important than law and judiciary! Yaqub Memon was hanged on his birthday (yes, birthday!) in July 2015 though the Govt assured him to spare his life in exchange of the vital pieces of information the he was privy to. He divulged the secrets. Yet, he was hanged at Nagpur Central Jail. It's all vendetta and vindictiveness that play a crucial role in sealing the fate of a person and leading him to the gallows. Moreover, can you rule out human errors in sentencing and executing a 'convict'? Almost all European countries abolished death rap when it went horribly wrong. Britain abolished it in 1965 when an innocent person was hanged. Australia abolished it way back in 1926 when Adelaide court hanged a person in 1922. Later his friend admitted that he perpetrated the crime for which his friend was sent to the scaffold. He went mad. Aren't we all a bit civilised? How can we justify capital punishment? Instead, sentence a person to life imprisonment without parole. It's enough to make him realise that he committed something grievous just like Dr Martin Luther King Jr's killer James Earl Ray was sentenced to 99 years of imprisonment without parole. Furthermore, (judicial) hanging could be painful. It doesn't kill instantaneously. Godse didn't die immediately when he was hanged. Dreaded killer and rapist Ranga's (of Ranga-Billa duo) body convulsed for nearly 20 minutes. It's time for all countries to do away with capital punishment. Every life is important. I may sound too utopian but ask yourself, does anyone's death, however bad he may be, makes you feel truly happy? To quote the English metaphysical poet John Donne, 'Any man's death diminishes me, because I'm involved in mankind. Therefore, never send anyone to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee....' In one of his Urdu short stories, Rajinder Singh Bedi put it succinctly, 'Maut Chahe Jiski Ho, Har Dil Mein Ek Khaalipan Ka Ahsaas Zaroor Hota Hai....... ......Whoever dies, it leaves a void in every heart. ------ A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/sufis-crusaders-capital-punishment/d/129430 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

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Why Is The Hafs Version Of The Quran Chosen As The Standard Quran?

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 28 March 2023 Hafs is the dialect and recitation of the Quran, not a version Main Points: 1. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH wanted to make it simpler for his nation to memorise and understand the Quran by employing seven dialects. 2. This question is the result of a misunderstanding of the modes and readings of the Quran. 3. It was decided to utilise Hafs since it was undoubtedly the most excellent and original dialect of the Quraishi people and the Prophet (pbuh). 4. You can see that the main disputes were over how the Quran should be interpreted and understood, not over the existence of several Quranic dialects. 5. By using seven dialects, the Prophet Muhammad PBUH hoped to make it easier for his people to memorise and comprehend the Quran. ------ This query stems from a misconception about the modes and readings of the Quran. Many people are interested in learning about Islam and the Quran, however, occasionally they are not accurate in what they learn. Hafs is the dialect and recitation of the Quran, not a version. Likewise, Warsh is a Quranic dialect and recitation rather than a version. We learn that the Quran is being recited in a number of different ways. The two most well-known versions go by the names Hafs and Warsh. There is no change in the general essence of the message between them despite minor differences in word choice, Harakat, and ayah numbers. The "Hafs" recitation is followed by more than 95% of Muslims, making it the most well-liked in the Muslim world. The Warsh recitation is followed by 3% of Muslims worldwide (mostly in North Africa), while the other 2% adhere to obscure recitations. The Tajwid Science is followed when reciting the Quran, whether it be in Hafs or Warsh. The differences are in the pronunciation of some words, like American and British English. Muslims have engaged in conflict and disagreement over Quranic interpretation throughout history. Many sects and groups have developed as a result. Yet, no Muslim or group has ever claimed to possess an alternative version of the Quran. The Quran has been in public from the beginning. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, recited it aloud. In three of the five daily congregational prayers, it was and is still being recited loudly. The entire Quran was recited during the congregational prayer Taraweeh in the month of Ramadan under the reign of the second Caliph, Hazrat Umar. If there were any differences of opinion over what to be and what not to be included in the Quran, they would have surfaced much earlier and led to a lot of discussions. However, if you read Islamic literature, you will discover that the main conflicts are over how the passages of the Quran should be understood, not over the existence of several versions and dialects of the Quran. Variations in readings and recitations are labelled as Hafs or Warsh or others as a result. Why has the Quran been revealed in so many dialects and readings? The next hadith, which asserts that diverse readings were meant to comfort the public at the time, provides this response. Hazrat Umar Bin Al-Khattab Narrated: I heard Hisham bin Hakim reciting Surat Al-Furqan during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) and I listened to his recitation and noticed that he recited in several different ways which Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) had not taught me. I was about to jump over him during his prayer, but I controlled my temper, and when he had completed his prayer, I put his upper garment around his neck and seized him by it and said, "Who taught you this Sura which I heard you reciting?" He replied, "Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) taught it to me." I said, "You have told a lie, for Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) has taught it to me in a different way from yours." So I dragged him to Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) and said (to Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him), "I heard this person reciting Surat Al-Furqan in a way which you haven't taught me!" On that Allah's Apostle said, "Release him, (O `Umar!) Recite, O Hisham!" Then he recited in the same way as I heard him reciting. Then Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "It was revealed in this way," and added, "Recite, O `Umar!" I recited it as he had taught me. Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) then said, "It was revealed in this way. This Qur'an has been revealed to be recited in seven different ways, so recite of it whichever (way) is easier for you (or read as much of it as may be easy for you). (Sahih al-Bukhari 4992) The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) commanded us to carefully abide by the orders of his companions. After giving a stringent directive to adhere to the standard copy, Hazrat Uthman dispatched knowledgeable reciters with the standard copy to remote locations. Because Muslims around the world have complied with Hazrat Uthman's order to follow the accepted Quranic dialect since his time, 95% of Muslims today recite the Hafs. Hafs was chosen because it was undoubtedly the best and original dialect of the Quraishi people and the Prophet (pbuh). The Quraishi made up the majority of the Meccans who guarded the Kaaba. Hafs was the simplest of 10 dialects spoken by Arabs in Africa, from Egypt to Iraq to Sudan, who were also well-versed in the Quraishi dialect due to Mecca's long history as a centre of pilgrimage and Allah's revelation of the Quran in seven dialects for their understanding. Once Islam became widely practised and had reached China, India, deep Africa, and non-Arab nations, there first emerged disparities in recitative styles among Iraqi reciters, as may be observed in the following hadith: Alqama reported: I met Abu Darda', and he said to me: To which country do you belong? I said: I am one of the people of Iraq. He again said: To which city? I replied: City of Kufa. He again said: Do you recite according to the recitation of 'Abdullah b. Mas'ud? I said: Yes. He said: Recite this verse (By the night when it covers) So I recited it: (By the night when it covers, and the day when it shines, and the creating of the male and the female). He laughed and said: I have heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) reciting like this. (Sahih Muslim) Narrated Ubayy bin Ka'b: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) met Jibra'il and said: 'O Jibra'il! I have been sent to an illiterate nation among whom are the elderly woman, the old man, the boy and the girl, and the man who cannot read a book at all.' He said: 'O Muhammad! Indeed the Qur'an was revealed in seven modes.'" (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2944) We may see how Prophet Muhammad PBUH wanted to make it simpler for his nation to memorise and understand the Quran by employing seven dialects until their faith became strong by analysing a number of hadiths, including the one above and other hadiths. In 650 AD, Caliph Uthman RA reaffirmed the Quran into the same standardised Quraishi dialect as Caliph Abu Bakr had done in 633 AD, when it was with Hafsa, as soon as Islam had expanded over the Middle East and entered Azerbaijan. Later on, Hazrat Caliph Uthman burnt all other dialects and pieces of manuscripts that could cause unnecessary differences. ----- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/hafs-version-quran-standard/d/129424 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

Jamiat-i-Ulema Responded To Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Before Congress

By Saquib Salim, New Age Islam 28 March 2023 Ulema Like Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani, Maulana Muhammad Daud Ghaznavi, Maulana Nur Ud-Din Bihari, Maulana Habib Ur Rahman Ludhianvi, And Others Were Jailed Before The Quit India Resolution Of Congress. --------------------- "The goal of Jamiat-e-Ulema has ever been complete independence, and it regards this as its religious, political, and moral right. And anything which stands in the way of this right is unbearable to it." This is an excerpt from the statement delivered by the Working Committee of Jamiat-i-Ulema-i-Hind in September 1939. Capt Lakshmi Sehgal with Subhash Chandra Bose during their INA days ----- The statement was published by Raj Printers in Meerut after a meeting held under the leadership of Maulana Ahmad Saeed. The meeting was convened to discuss the steps that the Jamiat should take after the Second World War had broken down in Europe. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was already campaigning for a movement against the British during the war. Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, etc. differed with him and forced Bose to resign as the President of Congress but Ulema, especially those who subscribed to the Deoband School, were in complete agreement with him. It is no coincidence that Maulana Nur ud-Din Bihari, a very prominent leader of Jamiat, was one of the founding members of Forward Bloc, a party Bose formed after resigning from Congress. Bihari was elected as its Delhi chief and was jailed in 1940, two years before the Quit India Movement of Congress. Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi’s campaign and meetings with Bose are well documented. Maulana was a prominent Deobandi Maulana. During his radio broadcasts from Germany and Japan, Bose asked Indians to gather behind certain leaders among them Mufti Kifayatullah and Jamiat got special mentions. Students at Deoband seminary ---- Nobody should be surprised to know that Jamiat-i-Ulema was one of the first large organisations in India to openly come out against the British war efforts. In September 1939, the British Government notified that all literature and propaganda material of the meeting of Jamiat should be proscribed. The British asked Indians to support their war against Germany. While the Congress was still discussing the issue, Jamiat came out with a statement asking people to oppose the British. This was exactly in line with what Netaji Subhas, Maulana Ubaidullah, and Rash Behari Bose were preaching. The banned statement which discussed the appeal of the British Government to cooperate in their war efforts read: “Keeping in view the sublime Islamic, national and moral principles at this critical juncture, the Working Committee of the Jamiat-e-Ulema-i-Hind has considered and examined this aspect of the question, namely, that if Britain has pushed her nation into the fire of the war between Germany and Poland, is it our Islamic, national or moral duty that we should advise the Indians to jump into this fire and shed their blood in support of Britain?" It further stated, "so far as action and reaction is concerned, we regret that there is no light of conviction and satisfaction in this for the Indians." Ulema questioned how it affected India if Germany was a democracy or a dictatorship. In their view, colonial oppressors of Indians were the biggest enemy and freedom was the only goal. It was pointed out that Indians were being killed for more than a century and every promise of granting freedom during the first World War was broken. Ulema said about the First World War, "By suffering all sorts of ruin and devastation during the last great war and by offering the highest sacrifices in man and money, India consolidated British Imperialism and prolonged the duration of her servitude. How can they be reassured now that support to Britain at this juncture would confer freedom on them, or the victory and consolidation of British Imperialism would (not?) become the cause of Britain's further autocracy and consolidation under the guise of democracy." Ulema appealed that in this situation, "all Indians should unitedly come to a decision on behalf of India, in keeping with their self-respect and dignity, and jointly adopt the same path; for, this is the true basis of their deliverance and freedom." Often historians overlook the fact that considerable leadership and cadre of Forward Bloc came from Jamiat-e-Ulema, they supported Netaji Subhas, Ulema of Jamiat and Ahrar started a movement when Subhas wanted and didn’t wait till August 1942. Ulema like Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani, Maulana Muhammad Daud Ghaznavi, Maulana Nur ud-Din Bihari, Maulana Habib ur Rahman Ludhianvi, and others were jailed before the Quit India Resolution of Congress. Interestingly, the Quit India Resolution was passed under the Presidentship of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who himself was a tall leader of Jamiat-e-Ulema. URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-politics/jamiat-ulema-netaji-bose-congress/d/129423 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

Thirty Lessons of Ramadan: Lessons Five and Six on the Rulings (Ahkaam) And Laws (Masaail) Of Taraweeh

By Mufti Abdul Malik Misbahi, New Age Islam Translated into English by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 28 March 2023 Lesson 5 on the Rulings (Ahkaam) and Laws (Masaail) Of Taraaweeh Law: Taraweeh is a Sunnah Muakkadah (emphasized Sunnah) for every sane and adult man and woman. It is prohibited to give it up. (Durre Mukhtar, vol. 2: p. 394) Law: Taraweeh is composed of twenty Rak’ahs. During the time of Sayyiduna Farooq-e-Azam, twenty Rak’ahs of Taraweeh were performed. (Al-Sunan Al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi, Volume: 2, Page: 299. Number: 4617) Law: The Jamaat of Taraweeh is Sunnah Muakkadah Ala Al-Kifayah (emphasized sunnah upon the community). (Hidayah: 1, p: 70) Law: The period of Taraweeh lasts from when the Isha Fard prayer is offered till the true dawn (Subh-e-Saadiq). The Taraweeh will not be regarded as valid if it is offered before the Isha prayer. (Aalamgiri, Vol.1, p.115) Law: Taraweeh may be performed even after the Isha and Witr prayers. (Durre Mukhtar, vol. 2, p. 94) Law: The qaza of Taraweeh won't be performed if the taraweeh isn't offered in the prescribed time. [Note: The Arabic word qaza denotes finishing an action after the allotted time has expired.] Law: It is preferable to perform twenty Rak’ahs of Taraweeh in pairs, performing ten Salams. (Durre Mukhtar, Volume: 2 p. 494) Law: Make a separate intention for each of the two Rak’ahs of Taraweeh. (Durre Mukhtar, Volume: 2, Page: 494) Performing Taraweeh in a seated position without an excuse is Makruh. Yet, some jurists contend that it is not valid in this case. (Durre Mukhtar, Volume: 2 p.: 499) Law: It is better to perform Taraweeh in congregation in the mosque. While doing Taraweeh in congregation at home is still permissible, the reward is not the same as performing it in a mosque. (Alamgiri, Volume: 1 p. 116) Law: Reciting and listening to the entire Book of Allah (the Quran) in Taraweeh is Sunnah Mu'akkada. (Fatawa Razviyya, vol.7, p.548) If the Taraweeh prayer is invalidated for any reason, then as much of the Holy Quran as was recited in those Rak’ahs should be repeated to ensure that the completion of the Quran is not lost. (Alamgiri, Volume: 1, Page: 118) Law: Taraweeh may be performed in various mosques as long as there is no reduction in the completion of the Qur'an. If someone doesn't remember to sit for the first two Rak’ahs of Taraweeh, they are permitted to sit for them until the third prostration (Sajdah) is performed. But, in this instance, they ought to perform the prostration of forgetfulness (sajdah Sahw) at the end. But, if he had performed the third prostration without sitting after the prostrations of the first two Rakahs, he would have had to complete the fourth Rakah. In this instance, these four Rakahs will only be counted as two Rakahs rather than four. Well, if he had performed Qa'dah (sitting position) after prostrations of the second Rakah, it would have been counted as four Rakahs. (Alamgiri, vol. 1, p. 118) Law: It would not be regarded as lawful if one did not sit after reading three Rak’ahs and the Salams. Two Rak’ahs must be performed in their place once more. (Alamgiri, Volume: 1, Page: 118) Law: There are varying accounts of how many Rak’ahs were performed after the salutation; for example, some say there were two and others say there were three. The imam's recall and account are reliable in this situation. Law: It is preferable for the reading of the Quran to be equal for each of the two Rak’ahs. Furthermore, there is no harm even if it is not done. (Alamgiri, vol.1, p.117) Law: Both the imam and the Muqtadi are required to recite the full Sana Subhanaka at the beginning of every two Rak’ahs. Along with reciting Ta'uwwuz and Tasmiyyah, the imam should also recite Durood-e-Ibrahimi and Dua following Al-Tahiyyat. (Durre Mukhtar, vol. 2, p. 498) Law: Taraweeh prayer must be offered till Ramadan is over since it is still Sunnah, even if the Holy Qur'an is completed on or before the 27th day of Ramadan. (Alamgiri, vol. 1, p. 118) Law: Some Muqtadis remain in the sitting position and stand up only when the imam bows down [in Ruku]. This is a sign of the hypocrites. (Bahar-e-Shariat, Vol. 2, p. 36) Law: In the month of Ramadan, it is preferred to offer the Witr prayer in the congregation; however, anyone who offered the Isha prayer alone should likewise offer the Witr prayer alone. (Bahar-e-Shariat, Vol. 4, p. 36) Law: There is no issue with offering Isha prayer behind one imam, Taraweeh prayer behind another imam, and Witr prayer behind a third imam. Whereas Hazrat Umar Farooq used to lead the congregational Fard and Witr prayers by himself, Sayyiduna Ubay bin Kaab used to lead the Taraweeh prayer (Alamgiri, vol. 1, p. 116) Lesson 6: On Additional Taraweeh Rulings (Ahkaam) and Laws (Masaail) Law: It is Sunnah Kifayah to offer the Taraweeh prayer in congregation at a mosque. This implies that if there isn't a congregation in the local mosque, everyone in the locality will be a sinner. (Durre Mukhtar 2/431, Alamgiri 1/116) Law: It is Makruh to manage two congregations at the same time in one mosque (for example, holding separate congregations on the first and second floors) or one after the other (establishing a second congregation after one congregation). (Khaniya 1/234) Law: If you perform three Rak'ahs but do Qa'dah after the second Rak’ah, the first two Rak'ahs are valid while the third Rak’ah is inadmissible. In this case, the verses of the Quran recited in the third Rakah of the Qur'an must be repeated again. And if you perform three Rak’ahs with one Salam and do not perform Qaadah after the second Rak’ah, then the three Rak’ahs become invalid and the Qur'an recited in them should be repeated. (Shaami 2/421) Law: All four Rak’ahs are valid if performed with a single Salam and followed by Qa'adah after the two Rak’ahs. If one prays four Rak’ahs with one Salam and does not perform the first Qa'ada, then only the last two Rak’ahs will be valid and the first two Rak’ahs will be invalid. The Qur'an recited in these two Rak’ahs will therefore be recited again. (Halabi Kabir 408) Law: If someone misses certain Rakahs of Taraweeh with the congregation, he should make up those Rakahs during the Taraweeh interval. If the missed Rakahs haven't been completed by the time Imam stands up to lead the Witr prayer, the person must first perform Witr with the Imam and then perform his missed Rak’ahs. (Durre Mukhtar 2/431) Law: There is no Shariah issue if a person offers or leads the Taraweeh prayer in one location, then moves to another location and joins the Taraweeh congregation with the goal of Nafil. (Halabi Kabir 408) Law: Reciting the Holy Qur'an while looking at the Quran during Taraweeh prayer (or in other prayers) will render the prayer invalid. (Shaami 1/623) Law: The Mufta Bihi ('the opinion on which fatwa is given on') states that the imamate of a minor in Taraweeh is likewise not permitted (Halabi Kabir 408). Law: Inadvertently, the imam may occasionally recite the Sajdah verse during Taraweeh and then, after performing Sajdah-e-Tilawat, recite Surah Al-Fatiha as soon as he stands. The prayer has no negative effects in this case. (Shami 2/32) Law: Since there is no specific Dua for Taraweeh, performing any kind of dhikr is optional. Even the Kalima Sharif can be read. The Dua of Taraweeh, which is said to be recited three times, is attributed to some jurists. سُبْحَانَ ذِی الْمُلْکِ وَالْمَلَکُوْتِ سُبْحَانَ ذِی الْعِزَّۃِ وَالْعَظَمَۃِ وَالْھَیْبَۃِ وَالْقُدْرَۃِ وَالْکِبْرِیَآءِ َوَالْجَبَرُوْتِ سُبْحَانَ الْمَلِکِ الْحَیِّ الَّذِیْ لَایَنَامُ وَلَایَمُوْتُُ سُبُّوْح قُدُّوْس رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّ الْمَلَائِکَةِ وَالرُّوحِِ اَللّٰھُمَّ اَجِرْنَا مِنَ النَّارِیَا مُجیِرُمُجیِرُیَا مُجیِرُ۔ Translation: “Exalted is the Possessor of the hidden and the manifest dominion. Exalted is the Possessor of Might, Greatness, Reverence, Power, Pride, and Majesty. Exalted is the Master, the Living, the one who neither sleeps nor dies. All-perfect, All-holy, Our Lord, and the Lord of the angels and the souls. O Allah, grant us refuge from the Hellfire. O Granter of refuge, O Granter of refuge, O Granter of refuge.” (Continued) ------ Mufti Abdul Malik Misbahi is the author of multiple books. He has also lectured and held positions such as Mufti, Shaykhul Hadith, president, founder, and director at a number of institutions, including Dar Uloom Ghousia in Hubli, Karnataka, and Darul Uoom Solemaniya Rahmaniya in Bikaner Darul Uloom Reza-e-Mustafa, Bihar, Madrasa Shah Khalid, Vanwa Libo Muslim League, Fiji (near Australia), Madina Educational Society, Rajasthan. He currently holds the positions of Mufti in the Sunni Darul Ifta in the Madina Masjid, General Secretary of the Raza Foundation, Director of the Darain Academy, Founder of the Afkar-e- Raza Institution, and Chief Editor of the Do-Maahi Raza-e-Madina (Urdu, Hindi) in Azadnagar, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Previous Articles: Thirty Lessons of Ramadan: Welcome to Ramadan and First Lesson on the Virtues of Ramadan Thirty Lessons of Ramadan: Second Lesson on the Respect of Ramadan – Part 2 Thirty Lessons Of Ramadan: Third Lesson On The Horrific Consequences Of Desecrating Ramadan – Part 3 Thirty Lessons of Ramadan: Fourth Lesson on the Fasting Of Ramadan and its Intention – Part 4 URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/lessons-ramadan-ahkaam-masaail-taraweeh-part-5/d/129422 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

Fault-Finding Is Food For The Ego

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 28 March 2023 Nukta Cheeni Ghiza-E-Ana Hai. An Urdu adage (Fault-finding is food for the ego) " Doosron Mein Khaamiyaan Dhoondhna Taqreeban Har Shakhs Ka Marghoob Shaghl Hai. " (Finding fault with others is almost every individual's favourite pastime) Dhanpat Rai, Munshi Premchand There're few things the ego delights in more, than correcting other people's mistakes. One always draws some kind of patronising pleasure when one gets an opportunity to correct someone. To correct means to show a defect. In fact, unknowingly most of us have been doing this right from the beginning of our social intercourse with people around us. What we try to pass off as our genuine concern for others is actually an unwitting act of correcting an individual. You immediately feel superior to the person you've found a fault with. "Nothing gives us more pleasure than wearing the mantle of a rectifier, " wrote CLR James in his book " The History of Cricket in the Caribbean." The ingrained habit of trying to correct someone is much more widespread than pontificating and sermonising. The overwhelming desire to correct others and point out mistakes is more acute and active than pontification. The former is obvious, whereas the latter is subtle. Correction has rudeness and crudeness in it but pontification is cloaked. "It's always much easier to find mistakes in others because the eyes which see you, cannot see themselves. Your eyes don't see its eyelashes. Nor does your officious and ever sniffing nose be aware of the unsightly hair in it, "succinctly wrote Marcel Proust. "Aap Ne Ye Nahin Kiya, Aap Ne Woh Nahin Kiya, Aap Ko Ye Nahin Aata, Woh Nahin Aata," life goes in vain in such petty corrections. While learning English at the age of sixteen, every sentence had at least 2-3 mistakes. I admit, I still make mistakes in English. One teacher in England would always correct me. Initially, I appreciated his 'genuine' concern for correcting my Iranian English, heavily influenced by Persian and Dari. But it soon began to get on my nerves. He'd correct me in the presence of all those whose mother tongue was English. Luckily, a senior teacher came to my rescue and told that 'rectifier' not to correct my awful English in public. All these people on a correction spree deliberately correct you when you're with others. This is unfair. Refrain from it. We all must curb our overwhelming proclivity to correct others. When we're all more or less flawed, none of us can dare correct anyone else. ------ A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/fault-finding-food-ego/d/129421 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

Monday, March 27, 2023

Quranic Concept Of Eco-Protection: Eco-Friendly Iftar Celebration

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 27 March 2023 Quran Has Pointed Toward Believers’ Moral And Spiritual Responsibility Towards Nature And The Protection Of Diversity. The Holy Qur’an Offers A Completely Integrated View Of The Universe, Where The Human Soul And The Environment, Mind, And Matter Are All Part Of One Living, Conscious Whole. ----------------------------------- Images + Kebabs (food.ndtv), Salad (health.US news), Fajitas (Today), Sandiches (Pinterest) ---- Believers should try to celebrate virtuous Iftar programs eco-friendly. Iftar is a pious ritual in Islam and the protection of nature and the environment is at the core of Islamic teachings. Iftar programs involving large-scale one-time-use-only plastics go against the grain of Islamic teachings which demands optimal utilization of resources. Across the world, some noteworthy movements are underway in this regard. Shedding plastics is the major step. Steel cutleries are easy replacement. Piety also includes responsibility toward the larger society. Along with reining in profligacy, reducing ecologically harmful conveniences are part of Islamic theology demanding positive social responsibility. Quranic Concept Of Eco-Protection In various places, Quran has pointed toward believers’ moral and spiritual responsibility towards nature and the protection of diversity. The Holy Qur’an offers a completely integrated view of the universe, where the human soul and the environment, mind, and matter are all part of one living, conscious whole. Therefore, it exhorts man to live a balanced, moderate and an eco-friendly life without causing any harm to nature. It says, for instance: “And do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.” (Qur’an, 2:60), and elsewhere: “And do not desire corruption in the land. Indeed, God does not like corruptors.” (Qur’an 28:77). Hadeeth also admonishes believers against the reckless destruction of nature. Prophet has emphasized many a times respect and moderate consumption of resources. Prophet has cautioned the faithful against extravagantly using water for ablution, even from the overflowing river. Islam considers man as representative of divine command and hence responsible for his actions. He is accounted for all his actions and thus admonish believers to lead conscientious life. The Prophet was keen on planting trees and exhorted his Companions, too, to do so. He said, “Whoever plants a tree and diligently looks after it until it matures and bears fruit is rewarded” (Source: Musnad). This saying is sufficient to apprise us of the eco-friendly nature of Islam. Planting a tree is a ‘Sadaqah Jariyah’ (continued charity) in Islam, for the poor and the rich alike. Whenever a human being or even an animal shelter under the shade of a tree or relishes a fruit that it produces, the planter will earn rewards, even after his or her death. Hussain Nasr’s works brought to prominence the ecological teachings of Islam in the modern time. His coherent views linking Islamic teachings with the developing literature in this regard gave to environmental protection a religious vigor. Sadly, in India, such an integrative approach is yet to develop. Eco-Friendly Models From Muslim Countries Besides academic guidance, many practical exhortations have been given by the faithful across the world. Iraq leads the example by strictly following green protocol during religious gatherings. Plastic waste used to clog the inland waterways. To save the natural health of water bodies, Green Pilgrim, an organization working for environmental protection, replaced plastics with reusable sacks and water bottles. They promote refill stations and contributions to environmental protection. Saudi Arabia has come forward with eco-friendly actions while ensuring physical safety. According to New Vision Plan by 2030, the government plans to completely develop holy sites with eco-friendly consumption. UAE leads the efforts through government coordination. Many Masjid committees in the west have taken lead to ensure eco-friendly Iftar celebrations. These efforts are motivated out of the conviction that nature and spiritual piety go hand in hand. In India, Muslim communities are yet to understand the gravity of the importance. It could be disproportionately attributed to a lack of environmental awareness in the developing nation. But according to religious literature, this is not a plausible excuse and the faithful and Muslim organizations should take up initiatives in this regard. Only then Muslim will be the community praised in Quran as an emulative community for all human hood. Malappuram District In Kerala Shows The Way A meeting of representatives of religious organizations chaired by Malappuram District Collector VR Premkumar prior to Ramadan called for making Iftar meetings environment-friendly. Use steel plates and glasses instead of plastic thermocol, paper and aluminum foil type glasses and plates for the distribution of food, beverages and tea at Iftar meetings, use paper cups instead of plastic cups for ice cream and salad distribution were some of the suggestions agreed upon. Use maximum steel cups, completely avoid flex plastic products for signs, notices and banners and use paper or fabric ones. Although many gaps are still evident in implementation, this is a praiseworthy initiative by the Muslim community toward their larger social and religious interests. ----- A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir V.P is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist. URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/eco-friendly-iftar-quran-muslims/d/129413 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

Thirty Lessons of Ramadan: Fourth Lesson on the Fasting Of Ramadan and its Intention – Part 4

By Mufti Abdul Malik Misbahi, New Age Islam Translated into English by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 27 March 2023 Fourth Lesson on The Fasting Of Ramadan And its Intention According to the accepted Shariah terminology, ‘Fasting’ refers to a Muslim's intentional practise of abstaining from eating, drinking and engaging in sexual activity, from the true dawn [Subh-e-Saadiq] until sunset, with the intention of worshipping Allah (Ibaadat). In order to fast, a female must be free from menstruation (Haidh) and post-natal bleeding (Nifaas). (Bahaar-e-Shariat) Gradations Of Fasting There are three gradations of fasting: The first is the Fasting of the common Muslims. They prevent the stomach and private parts of the body from eating, drinking and engaging in sexual activity. The second gradation of fasting is practised by the spiritually elite [Khawaas]. They protect all parts of the body from sinful acts, in addition to withholding the stomach and private parts from eating, drinking and engaging in sexual activity. Third is the fasting of the spiritually Super Elite who entirely abstain from anything that is not done for the sake of Allah, and direct their attention only towards Allah. [Al-Jauhira Al-Nayyira] The Prescribed Time for the Intention [Niyyat] The time allotted for the intention of the Ada of the Ramadan fasts, the defined vow [Nazr-E-Mu'ayyan], and the Nafil fasts starts from (i.e. after) sunset up to Dhahwa-i-Kubrā [i.e. the midday as defined by the Shariah]. If the intention is made at any point within this duration, the fast will be considered valid. As a result, if someone made the intention to fast the next day before sunset, and then entered an unconscious state, and regained consciousness after Dhahwa-i-Kubrā, their fast would not be considered valid in this instance. Yet, his fast would be considered valid if he made the intention after the sun had set. [Durr-e-Mukhtar, Raddul Muhtar] [Translator’s Note: Ada refers to the timely performance of every required act within its prescribed time] Law: Dhahwa-i-Kubrā is not the proper time for the intention, but the intention must actually be made before the Dhahwa-i-Kubrā since that is necessary. If someone made the intention at the precise instant the Sun touches the "Khattu Nisf al-Nahaar-al-Shari" [i.e. the meridian line of the location], then that fast is invalid. [General Books of Fiqh] [Translator’s Note: The time when the Sun is at its highest point at midday is referred to as Nisf al-Nahaar-al-Shari'] The Method of Knowing the Time of Nisf Al-Nahaar-Al-Shari Split into two equal halves the period of time between the actual dawn and the actual sunset on the day you are looking for Nisf al-Nahaar-al-Shari. You can use this trick to determine the time of Nisf al-Nahaar-al-Shari. As soon as the first half ends, the Nisf al-Nahaar-al-Shari time will start. Consider the true dawn and sunset for today, which are supposed to be at four and six o'clock, respectively. They are separated by fourteen hours. Divide the duration into two halves, and you will have seven hours for each half. Now, if we add seven hours to four o'clock, the time of the Nisf al-Nahaar-al-Shari starts at eleven o'clock. The important thing to remember is that after eleven o'clock, the intention of these three types of fasts can no longer be valid. (Raddul Muhthar vol. 3. p. 143) Law: The Niyyat (intention) refers to the intent of the heart. It is not a condition to mention the intention with the tongue. Nonetheless, it is Mustahab (commendable) to mention the words of the intention with the tongue. If someone makes their intention at night to observe the fast of Ramadan, they should say the following: نَوِیْتُ اَنْ اَصُوْمَ غَدًا لِلّٰہِ تَعَالیٰ مِنْ فَرِضِ رَمْضَانَ ھٰذَا Nawaytu An Asooma Ghadan Lillahi Ta’aala Min Fardi Ramadana Haadha Translation: “I have made the intention that I will observe the Mandatory Fast of this Ramadan tomorrow for Allah” The following words of intention should be used if someone makes the intention during the day: نَوِیْتُ اَنْ اَصُوْمَ ھٰذَا الْیَوْمَ لِلّٰہِ تَعَالیٰ مِنْ فَرِضِ رَمْضَانَ ھٰذَا۔ Nawaytu An Asooma Haadhal Yawma Lillahi Ta’aala Min Fardi Ramadana Haadha Translation: "I have made the intention that I shall observe the Mandatory Fast of this Ramadan today for Allah." [Raddul Muhtaar, Vol.3, p.233] Law: The Arabic words used to express the intention will be counted as the intention only when the speaker is aware of their meaning. Additionally, it should be kept in mind that any intention made by the tongue, regardless of language, will be effective, provided that the intention is also made through the heart. Law: One may also make the intention in their mother tongue. You can make your intention in Arabic or any other language, but it must be done so with sincere heartfelt intent; otherwise, the intention won't be valid if you just carelessly recite the phrases you've memorised. Absolutely, the intention is valid if you utter the memorized words of intention with your tongue and then make the intention in your heart within the allotted time. (Raddul Muhtar Vol. 3 p. 332) Law: When setting an intention during the day, it is required to make the following intention: “I am fasting since Subh-e-Saadiq [true dawn]. Hence the intention is invalid if someone says, “I am fasting as of now, and not since the true dawn (Subh-e-Saadiq),". [Al-Jauhira al-Nayyira, Vol.1, p.170] Law: For each fast of Ramadan, it is compulsory to set a new intention. If someone sets an intention on the first day of Ramadan or any other date to fast for the full month of Ramadan, such intention is only valid for that particular day and is not valid for the other days. [Al-Jauhira al-Nayyira, Volume 1, p.170] (Continued) Mufti Abdul Malik Misbahi is the author of multiple books. He has also lectured and held positions such as Mufti, Shaykhul Hadith, president, founder, and director at a number of institutions, including Dar Uloom Ghousia in Hubli, Karnataka, and Darul Uoom Solemaniya Rahmaniya in Bikaner Darul Uloom Reza-e-Mustafa, Bihar, Madrasa Shah Khalid, Vanwa Libo Muslim League, Fiji (near Australia), Madina Educational Society, Rajasthan. He currently holds the positions of Mufti in the Sunni Darul Ifta in the Madina Masjid, General Secretary of the Raza Foundation, Director of the Darain Academy, Founder of the Afkar-e- Raza Institution, and Chief Editor of the Do-Maahi Raza-e-Madina (Urdu, Hindi) in Azadnagar, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. ------ Previous Articles: Thirty Lessons of Ramadan: Welcome to Ramadan and First Lesson on the Virtues of Ramadan Thirty Lessons of Ramadan: Second Lesson on the Respect of Ramadan – Part 2 Thirty Lessons Of Ramadan: Third Lesson On The Horrific Consequences Of Desecrating Ramadan – Part 3 URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/ramadan-lesson-fasting-part-4/d/129412 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

Accept People As They Are - This Is The Kernel Of Happiness And The Essence Of Human Existence

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 27 March 2023 "Jo Dikhta Hai Woh Aksar Sach Nahin Hota Aur Jo Sach Hota Hai Woh Aksar Nahin Dikhta" (What we see is not always true and what's true is often not visible and obvious) Akhtar Orenvi (1911-1977) " When you call someone shallow, it's your shallowness that surfaces." A Turkish maxim I read this heart-touching and true anecdote in Anthony de Mello's immensely readable but out of print book, "The Prayer of the Frog." Gessen was a Buddhist monk. He was also an exceptionally talented artist. Before he started work on any painting, however, he always demanded payment in advance. And his fees were exorbitant. So he came to be known as the Greedy Monk. A geisha once sent for him to have a painting done. Gessen said, "How much will you pay me?" The girl happened to be entertaining a patron at that time. She said, " Any sum you ask for. But the painting must be done right now before me." Gessen set to work at once and when the painting was completed, he asked for the highest sum he had ever charged. As the geisha was giving him his money, she said to her patron, "This man is supposed to be a monk but all he thinks of is money. His talent is exceptional but he has a filthy, money-loving mind. How does one exhibit the canvas of a filthy-minded man like that? His work is good enough for my underclothing!" With that she flung a petticoat at him and asked him to paint a picture on it. Gessen asked the usual question before he started the work: "How much will you give me?" Oh, any sum you ask for," said the girl. Gessen named his price, painted the picture, shamelessly pocketed the money and walked away. Many years later, quite by chance, someone found out why Gessen was so greedy for money. A devastating famine often struck his home province. The rich would do nothing to help the poor. So Gessen had secret barns built in the area and had them filled with grain for such emergencies. No one knew where the grain came from or who the benefactor of the province was. Another reason why Gessen wanted money was the road leading to his village from the city many miles away. It was in such bad condition that ox-carts couldn't move on it; this caused much suffering to the aged and the infirm when they needed to get to the city. So Gessen had the road repaired. The final reason was a meditation temple which Gessen's teacher had always desired to build but could not. Gessen built this temple as a token of gratitude to his revered teacher. After the Greedy Monk had built the road, the temple and the barns, he threw away his paint and brushes, retired to the mountains to give himself to the contemplative life and never painted another canvas again. A person's conduct generally shows what the observer imagines it to show. Salman Rushdie said, " To know a person, one has to swallow the whole world." We are all too quick to form an opinion about others and we often err. World is our extension. When we call someone ugly, it's the ugliness of our personality that manifests itself. And when we call someone good, it's the inherent goodness in us that makes its presence felt. Nothing is good or bad, our thinking makes it so. A person's motives and intentions can never be felt or empathised by others on an even keel. There's a trenchantly beautiful Japanese saying, "Even a mother cannot feel the pain of the child she has given birth to." So very true. When a mother, in spite of her umbilical attachment to her child, cannot fully understand what ails her baby, how can we sniff as to what's going on in someone's mind and opine in haste? Furthermore, if we keep judging people, when will we get time to love them? So, stop judging people. Accept them as they are. This is the crux of life, gist of relationships, kernel of happiness and the very essence of human existence. ------ A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/kernel-happiness-essence-human-existence/d/129411 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

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Muslim Personal Law Is Not Divine And Can Be Reformed Or At Best Annulled

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 25 March 2023 Muslim Personal Law Is Anti-Islam And Anti- Women. Main Points: 1. Muslim Personal Law resists any reform regarding Muslim women' s rights. 2. Muslim Personal Law legitimises polygamy and arbitrary divorce. 3. Muslim Personal Law opposes inheritance rights of Muslim women in agricultural land. 4. Muslim Personal Law should be annulled like 370. ----- Representation image | Manisha Mondal | ThePrint ------ Ibn Khaldun Bharti analyses the Muslim Personal Law from an Indian perspective. He gives an historical account of the Muslim Personal Law and its contribution to the backwardness and victimisation of Muslim women of India. It legitimises polygamy and instant Talaq and opposes Muslim women 's right to inheritance in the agricultural land. It supports Muslim women's right to inheritance in the property which according to sharia is half of the man's share though Shariah does not bar women from getting an equal share. It should be taken as the issue of keeping bondwomen. The Quran did not abolish the practice of keeping bondwomen but encouraged their gradual social rehabilitation. Today no sensible Muslim insists on keeping slave women on the ground that the prophet and his companions and ordinary Muslims kept bondwomen. The society has progressed and moved forward. In the same way, Islam granted women share in ancestral property according to the standard of the period when women were denied any share because in that period, women did not even ha e the right to live. Therefore, Islam opened the way for women's equality and the responsibility of the modern day Muslims is to take the reform forward. Many Muslim countries like Malaysia have reformed their personal law to accommodate Muslim women in the society on the principle of equality envisaged in the Quran. The advocates of Muslim Personal Law also defend arbitrary divorce whereas in Bangladesh, Pakistan and other Islamic countries it is not allowed. The couple need to file an application for divorce in the family court. In India, a Muslim man is allowed to pronounce verbal instant Talaq or Talaq via email, SMS, etc or in an inebriated state, in a fit of anger or any other way. This practice was abolished only by the Supreme Court of India in 2017 and the government criminalised it through an Act in 2019. The AIMPLB opposed this move calling it interference with the Muslim Personal Law. After the Act came into force, no instant Talaq has been reported in India. When women increasingly sought Khula because instant Talaq was discouraged and criminalised, they opposed the women's right to Khula. Again, the courts intervened and saved the day for the women. The Muslim Personal Law also legitimises polygamy whereas the Quran allows it on very strict conditions which are almost impossible to fulfil. In Islamic countries where polygamy is encouraged, the society faces many social, moral, psychological and legal problems. Therefore, the author calls Muslim Personal Law Muslim Privilege Law which grants Muslim men a number of privileges while depriving women of their genuine rights enshrined in the Quran. The Uniform Civil Code is another Achilles' Heel of the defenders of the MPL. They think that the UCC will deprive them of their religious rights while the reality is that it will make them an equal citizen of India. The Muslim psyche has been prepared for the belief that Muslims should be given privileges as a separate religious community. So being equal seems to be an injustice to them. On the one hand, they cry hoarse that the UCC will not only violate the rights of the Muslims but will also violate the rights of other religious and ethnic communities of India, and on the other only they protest against it. Other communities, including Christians do not take UCC seriously because they all know that the UCC will treat all of them equally in all the religious, social and political matters. In a divergent religious, ethnic and cultural society like India, implementing a UCC will be a difficult task for the government. The successive governments have realised this but the Muslims are haunted by the ghost of the UCC and keep issuing statements protesting against it and warning the government of its ill effects. Interestingly, advocates of MPL never demand implementation of MPL in criminal cases. They do not demand hand amputation for theft or stoning for adultery or shariah prescribed punishment for adultery, food adulteration, bribery, corruption and rioting. In short, the author concludes that the Muslim Personal is not only anti-women but also anti- Islam as it violates the basic principles of Islam. Like 370, it should be annulled to place Muslim women on equal pedestal with men. ------- Reform Muslim Personal Law Now. It’s Communal, Sectarian, And Anti-Islam By Ibn Khaldun Bharati 23 March, 2023 There is nothing personal about the Muslim Personal Law. It’s communal, in both the communitarian and the sectarian sense. In fact, it’s not even Islamic, as we will see. It’s about political pragmatism over constitutional idealism, and about a community’s right at the cost of liberty, equality and justice for the female citizen. The votaries of Muslim Personal Law have never minced words about its purport. For them, it’s an issue of Identity. In essence, it’s another Article 370, whose annulment can’t wait a day longer if the Indian Muslims are to be better integrated in the national mainstream. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is opposed not because it will rob the Muslims of their religion, and make it difficult for them to lead a life of piety according to the tenets of Islam. UCC is opposed because it will make the Muslims just the same as other Indians. It will bring in a legal uniformity that will erase the ideological line of separatism from the communalised consciousness, which views India as a Federation of Religions. History From the very beginning, separatist politics and gender injustice have been intertwined like a double helix. Let’s take a brief detour into the history of The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act 1937 to illustrate this point. The story began in Punjab when a lady of the powerful Tiwana family, who was not given any share in the ancestral property as per the local custom, but claimed her rights under Sharia which sanctioned women a share, albeit half a man’s. To circumvent it, a bill was passed by the Punjab Legislative Assembly in 1931 that sanctioned the custom of primogeniture (giving succession to the first-born male child), which deprived women of any share in inheritance. During debates on the bill, several legislators complained that concessions to custom deprived Muslim women of their legal right to an inheritance as mandated under the Sharia. Hafiz Abdullah introduced the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Bill in the Central Legislative Assembly in an attempt to achieve at the Centre what his peers had failed to accomplish in Punjab. Muhammad Ali Jinnah saw the Act primarily as an opportunity to craft a unified pan-Indian Muslim agenda out of the divergent interests of Muslims in different regions. He recognised that opposition to the original bill in Punjab grew out of its threat to the region’s rural landlords. Anxious to court this powerful elite, Jinnah pointed out that, under the provisions of the Government of India Act of 1935, the new legislation could not cover agricultural land, and also introduced an amendment that excluded adoption, wills, and legacies. Thus, Section 2 of the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, reads: Application of Personal Law to Muslims—Notwithstanding any custom or usage to the contrary, in all questions (save questions relating to agricultural land) regarding intestate succession, special property of females, including personal property inherited or obtained under contract or gift or any other provision of Personal Law. marriage, dissolution of marriage, including Talaq, Ila, Zihar, Lian, Khula and Mubarat, maintenance, dower, guardianship, gifts, trusts and trust properties, and Waqfs (other than charities and charitable institutions and charitable and religious endowments) the rule of decision in cases where the parties are Muslims shall be the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat). Anti-Islam In a society where agricultural land constituted 99.5% of all property, the Muslim Personal Law totally deprived the Muslim women of whatever limited rights of inheritance they were sanctioned by Islam. Thus, the Muslim Personal Law has been anti-Islam, besides being anti-women. The Muslim Personal Law proved to be a double whammy for the Muslim women. First, they were stripped of Sharia-mandated right to inheritance; and second, it legitimised practices like polygamy and arbitrary divorce — things that were frowned upon in the local custom inherited from the Hindu past of the converts. Politics of Personal Law The 1937 Act also decided that any progress towards gender justice in the Muslim society would be vetoed as an assault on Islam and the Muslim identity. Henceforward, the basis of Muslim politics would be social regression and self-marginalisation. No wonder since the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act 1939, no legislative steps could be taken for the improvement of the condition of Muslim women till, after 80 years, and the first time since Independence, the Narendra Modi government enacted the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act 2019 to make punishable the evil practice of Triple Talaq, which had been permitted under the Muslim Personal Law till the Supreme Court outlawed it in 2017. [The Muslim Women (Protection Of Rights On Divorce) Act 1986 was meant to overturn the judgment of the Supreme Court in the Shah Bano Case, which ordered maintenance for a divorced Muslim woman.] In contrast, the Central Legislative Assembly appointed a Hindu Law Committee in 1941, which embarked on a massive project to codify religious laws. These efforts culminated after Indian Independence in the passage in 1955 and 1956 of major reforms to Hindu marriage, succession, minority status, guardianship, adoption, and maintenance. The diverging paths of legislative interventions in Muslim and Hindu personal laws in Independent India has been a result of the deleterious effect which the symbolism of Muslim Personal Law came to have in Indian political life. It perverted the nature of Indian secularism. The liberal class equated the protection of Islam and the religious identity of Muslims with the perpetuation of this law. Being the symbol of the separate religio-political identity of Muslims, this law couldn’t be touched. The Muslim Personal Law became the Muslim Privilege Law. It became a citadel for rallying the separatist forces which had gone into temporary disarray after partitioning the country. Identity became the new war cry. Secular Selfishness The liberal-secular class developed a vested interest in the Muslim Personal Law. They needed the Muslim vote to counter the challenge of Hindu nationalists. So, they granted a juridical fief to the Ulema and the suited-booted, modern-looking Muslim intellectuals who perfected the art of using the constitutional language to camouflage their communal intent. While recognising that Muslim Personal Law was not gender just, the official secularists, who had pushed the Hindu Code Bill down the throats of conservative Hindus, prevaricated on the issue of its reform. They forwarded a disingenuous reasoning: any reform should come from within the Muslim community. No reform could ever come since the Personal Law has been a political, and not a religious or social, issue. Presently, the biggest resistance to reform in the MPL is anticipated from the liberal-secular establishment. Having lost their relevance and credibility, they are counting on Muslim militancy to restore them to power. And, what better issue to stoke militancy among Muslims than the MPL? Ideological Resistance The Ulema and other Muslim narrative makers have begun to concede that MPL is not the same as Sharia, and Sharia itself is not divine, but a man-made law. They recognise the need to reform MPL to update it according to the contemporary standards of gender justice. They are aware that many Muslim countries have reformed their family laws to give women a better deal. But, they say that countries like Morocco or Malaysia could do so because they are Muslim countries; whereas India, not being a Muslim country, can’t touch the Sharia. Though, they don’t say this openly, their reasoning stems from the Darul Islam—Darul Harb binary. What they actually imply is that the parliament of a Darul Harb like India can’t legislate in the matters of Sharia. Why No Sharia In Criminal Law? If Sharia, as encapsulated in MPL, were so essential to the righteous living of Muslims, one might wonder why they wouldn’t seek the application of the Muslim criminal law for the Muslim convicts. How about stoning to death for sex outside wedlock? If they don’t, let’s understand that we are discussing politics, not religion. And, since it is good politics to seek the welfare of citizens, particularly the weaker sections — women being the weaker lot in every society — Muslim Personal Law should be reformed to pave the path for Uniform Civil Code. The question is, will the government bite the bullet? ----- Ibn Khaldun Bharati is a student of Islam, and looks at Islamic history from an Indian perspective. He tweets at @IbnKhaldunIndic. Views are personal. Editor’s Note: We know the writer well and only allow pseudonyms when we do so. (Edited by Prashant) Source: Reform Muslim Personal Law Now. It’s Communal, Sectarian, And Anti-Islam URL: https://newageislam.com/the-war-within-islam/muslim-personal-law-divine-reformed-annulled/d/129403 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

“Breaking Down Barriers: Embracing Differences for a World of Love and Friendship Between Muslims and Christians”

By Fr. Midhun J Francis and Kochukallan SJ, New Age Islam 25 March 2023 Introduction In March 2023, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue sent a message of good wishes to Muslims around the world on the occasion of the month of Ramadan and ‘Id al-Fitr 1444 H. / 2023 A.D. The message titled “Christians and Muslims: Promoters of Love and Friendship” aimed at promoting peaceful and harmonious coexistence between people of different religions, particularly Muslims and Christians. The Dicastery recognized that there are various challenges to friendly coexistence, such as extremism, radicalism, polemics, disputes, and religiously motivated violence, fuelled by a culture of hate. Therefore, the Dicastery sought to offer some thoughts to counter and overcome such a culture, enhancing instead love and friendship between Muslims and Christians. Attitudes towards Differences The Dicastery noted that it all begins with our attitudes towards each other, particularly when there are differences between us in religion, ethnicity, culture, language, or politics. Differences can be perceived as a threat, but everyone has the right to his or her specific identity with its diverse components, yet without ignoring or forgetting what we have in common. In this regard, the Dicastery quoted the Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, which states that “One is the community of all peoples, one their origin, for God made the whole human race to live over the face of the earth. One also is their final goal, God.” Negative Attitudes and Behaviours The Dicastery recognized that negative attitudes and behaviours towards those who are different from us are, unfortunately numerous, such as suspicion, fear, rivalry, discrimination, exclusion, persecution, polemics, insults, and backbiting. Social media platforms are common spaces for such harmful behaviours, perverting their role from being means for communication and friendship to being instruments for enmity and fighting. The Dicastery quoted Pope Francis, who said that “Social aggression has found unparalleled room for expansion through computers and mobile devices.” Promoting a Culture of Love and Friendship The Dicastery suggested that to prevent and counter the culture of hatred and, instead, promote a culture of love and friendship, there should be a sound education for future generations in all the spaces where they are formed: in the family, at school, in places of worship, and on social media. A world where justice, peace, fraternity, and prosperity reign is pleasing to the Almighty and brings joy, calling for our sincere and shared engagement. Conclusion In conclusion, the message aimed at promoting peaceful and harmonious coexistence between people of different religions, particularly Muslims and Christians. The message recognized that there are various challenges to friendly coexistence, such as extremism, radicalism, polemics, disputes, and religiously motivated violence, fueled by a culture of hate. Therefore, the Dicastery sought to offer some thoughts to counter and overcome such a culture, enhancing instead love and friendship between Muslims and Christians, calling for a sound education for future generations in all the spaces where they are formed. ----- Fr. Midhun J Francis Kochukallan SJ is a Jesuit priest from Kerala in, India. He is a research scholar at the Pontificia Università Gregoriana in Rome, specialising in Christian-Muslim interfaith relationships. He holds a Licentiate in Systematic Theology from JD, Pune, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies from Henry Martyn Institute, Hyderabad, and diplomas in Arabic and Urdu. He also has a Master’s degree in Philosophy from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune. He has attended a number of seminars on interfaith dialogue internationally. He works with the South Asian Jesuit Conference on Christian-Muslim relations. He also writes for a number of English and Malayalam magazines and newspapers. URL: https://newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/embracing-love-friendship-muslims-christians/d/129402 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

Global Terrorism Index: India Ranked 13th on the Impact of Terrorism While ISIS Ranked Deadliest Terror Group of the World

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 25 March 2023 Representative Image ------ CPI (Maoist) Ranked As The 12th Deadliest Terror Group In 2022. Main Points: 1. India is one of the 25 most terror- hit countries. 2. Balochistan Liberation Army of Pakistan is the fastest growing terror group in Pakistan. 3. Pakistan ranks 6th on the index. 4. Afghanistan tops the list of terror- hit countries. 5. South Asia is the most affected region. ------ Insurgency, armed resistance and terrorism are the most common phenomena in the modern world. Numerous armed groups are active in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The activities of most of them come under the definition of terrorism though the definition of terrorism is largely contested. The Global Terrorism Index 2023 has been released which provides an insight into the impact of terrorism on different countries. The GTI has been prepared by the Institute of Economics and Peace and ranks 163 countries of the world on four indicators weighted over five years. The index provides a comprehensive summary of the key global trends and patterns in terrorism since 2000. It produces an ordinal ranking of countries on the impact of terrorism. The Global Terrorism Index is based on data from the Global Terrorism Database which is collected and collated by the National Consortium and Response to Terrorism at Maryland University. According to the Index, the ISIS and its affiliates were the deadliest terror group in the world in 2022 while Afghanistan topped the list of worst terror hit countries. And South Asia was the most affected region of the world. Another regions that were most affected were Africa and Middle East. Balochistan Liberation Army was the fastest growing terror group in Pakistan. Due to a fast increase in terror incidents, the deaths increased by 120 per cent in Pakistan. The last year the terrorism related deaths were 292 while this year it is 643. In Afghanistan, the terrorism related deaths were 633. In Burkina Faso deaths due to terrorism were 1135, up from 759 in the previous year. In 2022, Afghanistan and Pakistan were among the most affected countries in 2020. The rise in terrorism related activities in the two neighbouring countries was due to the heightened activities by the TTP and BLA in Pakistan and by the ISIS in Afghanistan. After the ISIS, Al Shabab, BLA, Jamat Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimeen have been marked out as the deadliest terror groups in the world. The CPI (Maoist) has been marked out as the 12th deadliest terror group in the world. This group is based in India and is responsible for a large number of deaths in India according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal. The major countries that are most affected by terrorism are Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Somalia, Mali, Syria and Pakistan.. However, the number of deaths from terrorism globally has fallen by 9 per cent to 6701 since 2015. In South Asia, the deaths fell by 30 per cent to 1354 This fall may be ascribed to the disengagement of the NATO forces led by the United States in the Middle East since Donald Trump came to power. The occupation of the US in these countries on the pretext of fighting terrorism provided terror groups justification for terror attacks. In India, most of the terror attacks take place in Jammu and Kashmir infested by Islamist terror groups and in the western and central India infested by the Maoists. Some insurgent groups also carry out terrorist activities in the North East of India. The Global Terrorism Index, therefore, makes it clear that except CPI ( Maoist), all the major terrorist groups in the world are operated by Islamists. The TTP is another terror group that has emerged in Pakistan which has not figured in the GTI due its recent emergence. It will figure in the next GTI as it has conducted a number of deadly attacks in Pakistan in recent months, killing hundreds of people. The report flattens the claim of the Muslims that they are a peace loving community. These terrorist organisations draw inspiration and justification for violence and massacre from the exegeses and commentaries of the Quran produced by renowned hardline exegetes of the Quran from the middle ages to the modern age. Establishment of Hukumat-e-Ilahiya ( Rule of God) and Khilafat ( caliphate) have been the major premises on which they build their extremist ideology. Blasphemy is another cause of bloodshed, particularly in South Asia. In Syria, sectarian ideology was the main cause of destruction as the ISIS got the support of Sunni Ulema against the Shia regime of Bashar al Assad. In Somalia, Nigeria and Burkina Faso, opposition to modern education and establishment of Shariah rule has been the cause of bloodshed and some Muslim political leaders and clerics covertly and overtly supported these terrorist organisations. These terrorist organisations cannot survive without the ideological support of clerics and exegetes. Unless this ideological garbage is thrown to the dust bin, terrorism cannot be rooted out from the Islamic society. URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-politics/global-terrorism-index-india-isis-terror/d/129397 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