Hijab versus Saffron Shawls Row in Karnataka: Mischief Galore

By Bilal Ahmad Paray, New Age Islam 9 February 2022 Motive behind World Hijab Day Was To Encourage Women Irrespective Of Her Religious Background to Wear and Experience the Purdah Main Points: 1. 'Hijab' is derived from the Arabic word 'Hajub' which means to refrain someone from accessing something. 2. Islam teaches that a woman is a creature of Lord that needs to be kept hide from strange men. 3. Islamic veiling takes many forms, and there is no absolute set of rules for how women should dress. ----- February 1st is observed as World Hijab Day founded by New Yorker Nazma Khan in 2013. The motive behind this movement was to encourage women irrespective of her religious background to wear and experience the Purdah. Literally in Persian the word ' Purdah ' means “curtain, veil or attire “which is a long, voluminous robe worn over other clothing by many Muslim women. The word 'Hijab' is derived from the Arabic root word 'Hajub' (حَجْبٌ) which means to refrain someone from accessing something. A question arises here in the reader's mind; why it is so important for a women folk only? To answer this, Islam teaches its followers that actually woman is a woman that means it is a creature of Lord that needs to be kept hide from strange men. And on the other side, it is an Islamic symbol which is mandatory for a women to wear Hijab since 4 Al - Hijri of the Islamic calendar. It covers from the neck to the feet, covering even the wearer's shoes from view, with sleeves extending to the wrists. The purdah or hijab is a dress code, traditionally black in colour, and is usually worn with a light. The wearing of purdah or Abaya defines women in the region as a symbol of religious integrity and national identity. Today the Hijab is not only hot debated issue on local level but on international platforms too. The recent row raised in the Karnataka state. Since end of December last year, students in Karnataka protesting against their schoolmates wearing hijab started coming to a college in Udupi wearing saffron scarves. The hijab-versus-saffron scarves issue then spread to some other institutions in other parts of the state such as Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Hassan, Chikkaballapura, Mandya, Kalaburagi, Bagalkote, Belagavi and Vijayapura. This burning matter was pending before the Hon'ble High Court of Karnataka. This Court on Tuesday appealed to the students and people to maintain peace and tranquillity as the hijab row escalated in parts of the state. After hearing the petitions filed by some students studying in the Government Pre-University College for Girls in the coastal town of Udupi. This petition sought a declaration from the Court that they have a "fundamental right to practice essential religious practices, including wearing of Hijab as per Islamic faith, on the college premises." The single bench of Justice S. Dixit observed that this Court has full faith in the wisdom and virtue of public at large and hopes that the same would be put to practice in the premises." However Justice S. Dixit also observed that only some mischievous people were keeping the issue burning. Advocate D. Kamat appearing for the petitioner-students wanted hijab to be permitted. Muskan stood her ground as she was heckled by a large group of slogan-shouting young men wearing saffron scarves at a Karnataka college. ---- In one of its viral video, there was crowd chased and raising slogans of "Jai Sri Ram" versus "Allah-hu-Akbar" a chanting counter slogan by Muskan Khan on the premises of PES College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Mandya district that raised concerns all over the state. However the college authorities have supported and protected her. However, in the last twenty years, a new trend has emerged through different fashion houses and mischievous groups. This new trend has challenged the traditional Abaya in its popularity, the religious and national identities symbolized by the Abaya's traditional form. There are two chapters in the Holy Qur'an that refer to female veiling. In Chapter No. 33, (Al-Ahzab) under verse No. 33 “The Joint Forces,” reads, “When you ask ( the Prophet's ) wives for something, do so from behind a screen: this is purer for your hearts and for theirs.” Later in the same chapter, it says under verse No. 73 “O Prophet! Tell your wives, our daughters, and women believers to make their outer garments hang low over them so as to be recognized and not insulted”. The verse 53 of the above chapter is ambiguous in its applicability to veiling; the word translated as “screen” from the original Arabic is “hijab,” which is interpreted historically as a literal screen or curtain between different parts of a house. This screen was present to give the Prophet's wives privacy from the many believers who came to the Prophet Muhammad's house for prayers five times a day. However, many jurists do interpret it as a literal veil, as the word is colloquially used today. While as in verse No. 73 of the above said chapter is more useful when it comes to creating veiling requirements: women are asked to “make their outer garments hang low over them,” which is often interpreted as a requirement for baggy clothes or cloaks. In chapter No. 24 "Al-Noor" ( The Light ) it explains about the veil as , “And tell believing women that they should lower their glances, guard their private parts, and not display their charms beyond what ( it is acceptable ) to reveal; they should let their headscarves fall to cover their necklines and not reveal their charms except ....” (Al Qur'an). This verse provides the greatest justification for veiling in Islam; it describes proper modest behaviour and mentions the wearing of headscarves. Many Muslims agree that these verses exhort women to wear loose clothing that covers much of their bodies. However, Islamic veiling takes many forms, and there is no absolute set of rules for how women should dress, nor is there a single garment that is objectively “better” or “more Islamic” than all others. The three rules that are set around it are dressing with righteousness (Al- Qur'an; 7: 26), covering up of the bosoms with Khimar (24: 31) and lengthening of the garments (33: 59). According to one of the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, related in Book of Abu Da'ud's collection, after the above verses were revealed, “women walked to dawn prayers looking like crows,” which some scholars cited as the reason women should wear black Abayas. However, the many proponents of the Abaya-as-fashion feel that, since the garment is generally “all covering” just like the judicial Abaya, there is no harm in embellishing the garment itself. The Abaya-as-fashion “privileges the concept of fashion over piety” and disrupts the function of the veil. Mischievous elements has changed not only the face of the Abaya, but also its essence. Currently Abayas look more like dresses than hijabs (i.e., veils). Nowadays, some Abayas actually reveal the female figure rather than conceal it. Some of them are even designed to look like dresses. Saffron Shawl Vs Hijab Row Ends in Karnataka College/ Photo: This News ----- There are many examples in support of Hijab as well as against it throughout the world. In USA, the most westernised country, Raffia Arshad was appointed as a first hijab-wearing judge. Need of an hour is that all the Islamic jurists and religious organisations come forward to generate awareness of Hijab in light of the primary and secondary sources (Qur'an and Hadith) of Islam. And to review the contemporary Abaya as per the standard of Islamic judicial or Shari'ah with simple in design and colour. It is also necessary to resolve the said burning issue amicably with inter-faith dialogue, so that mischievous elements and new fashion trends can be curbed once for all. ----- Bilal Ahmed Pare is a regular columnist for New Age Islam. He is from Tral in the southern part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. He has a Masters in Islamic Studies from the University of Kashmir. URL: New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

The Role of the U.S. in War on Terror Has Always Been Doubtful

The US military presence in any terror-hit region only prolongs and exacerbates the conflict 1. Recent jailbreak in Syria by the ISIS inmates was the sign of growing influence of IS in the region. 2. Killing of Laden or ousting of IS from Mosul did not mean elimination of terrorism. 3. Even after destroying large parts of Syria and Iraq, the US cannot claim to have eliminated IS and Al Qaeda. 4. Millions of people were displaced and had to migrate to other countries despite five years of war against ISIS. New Age Islam Edit Desk Praveen Swami’s analysis of the situation in Iraq and Syria post withdrawal of US troops is true to the ground. Now gradually the US game in Iraq and Syria is becoming clearer. Recently, the ISIS attack on a jail in Syria and escape of hundreds of hardcore IS terrorists is an indication that the IS is regrouping in the region while the US has its two thousand plus troops still stationed there. It has also been observed that the presence of the US army, one of the most powerful and sophisticated armies of the world only gives rise to terrorism and the terrorist groups only get stronger in place of losing strength. In 2014, the Iraqi army while advancing towards Mosul, had intriguingly escaped leaving tanks and other weapons which were seized by the IS. Soon, ISIS captured power in Mosul and a caliphate was established. The Arab Spring was hijacked by ISIS with the covert help of the US so that Bashar al Asad government could be toppled to hit Iran’s political ambitions in the region and to harm Russia’s trade and economic ties with Syria. Saudi Intelligence Minister Bandar Bin Sultan had admitted before Putin that the terrorist groups fighting in Syria were patronized by Saudi Arabia and it is known to all that the US was an ally of Saudi Arabia during the civil war in Syria. A long civil war ensued causing millions of lives and displacement of Syrians and Iraqis and mass migration to European countries. The rise of the ISIS again after their exit from the region raises many questions on the real intent of the US and its commitment towards elimination of terrorism. It is only a recent example of the US encouraging militant Islamic groups that it helped Taliban come to power in Afghanistan after destroying Afghanistan in the name of fighting Taliban and terrorism. Islamic State leader’s death being cast as a milestone against terrorism. Truth is muddier Celebrating ISIS leader’s death in US raid as big victory ignores past experience. PRAVEEN SWAMI 6 February, 2022 An ISIS convoy (Representational image) | Twitter/@Intlatm ------- Prisoner M060108 — dark-skinned, his captors recorded, 218.5cm, 101kg — was driven past the wire soon after New Year’s Day in 2008, into the dust-blown prison camp at Umm Qasr, Iraq. In coming weeks, declassified interrogation records show, M060108 betrayed his comrades in al-Qaeda, one after one. Exactly why, the documents do not record; otherprisoners were beaten with rifle-butts, sexually humiliated, pepper-sprayed, left hog-tied under the blazing sun. For a few seconds last week, United States Special Forces caught sight of that prisoner again, before the self-described caliph of the Islamic State blew himself up with his family. Like the killing of Osama bin Laden in 2011, or that of the Islamic State’s (IS) first caliph, Ibrahim Awad al-Badri, in 2019, the killing of Amir Muhammad Abdul-Rahman—also known as Abu Ibrahim al-Hashmi—is being cast as a critical milestone in the fight against terrorism. The truth is muddier. Even as former US president Donald Trump bragged of the “100 percent” defeat of the caliphate in 2019, the IS was regrouping under Abdul-Rahman in Iraq and Syria, and expanding across Africa and Asia. In recent weeks, the terrorist group has staged sophisticated attacks in its Iraq-Syria heartlands. IS-inspired movements have flowered in two continents. The destruction of Iraqi despot Saddam Husain’s regime in 2003 was heralded as the beginning of a new age of democracy and peace in the Middle East. Instead, a long, grinding insurgency ensued—the consequence of the destruction of State institutions, religious and ethnic conflicts, poverty and foreign occupation. How American ultra-violence bred jihadism Like so many other armies, the US and its key ally, the UK, responded to barbarism with barbarism. Following a 2005 bombing in the Iraqi town of Haditha, US and British troops were alleged to have killed dozens in cold blood. Fallujah was levelled, then levelled again, as American and British soldiers fought to recapture it from insurgents. In 2009 alone, 33 separate allegations of torture and sexual abuse were brought against British troops. “It is well that war is so terrible,” General Robert Lee had said in December 1867, as he surveyed the carnage on the battlefields of Fredericksburg, “otherwise we would grow too fond of it”. President George Bush, though, didn’t flinch. Al-Qaeda—drawing legitimacy from nationalist rage against atrocities, as well as Sunni fears of being marginalized by Iraq’s Shi’a majority—grew larger than it had ever been before 9/11, powered by the storm-winds of violence. The rise of the caliph The most authoritative biography of Abdul-Rahman, written by journalist Feras Kilani, tells us that the to-be caliph was born in 1976 to a cleric in Mosul, the youngest of his father’s seven children by two wives. Abdul-Rahman finished eighteen months of mandatory military service in Saddam Husain’s army, before completing a masters’ degree in Islamic theology. From 2003, as anarchy spread across Iraq, Abdal-Rahman seems to have drifted towards the Ansar ul-Islam, which soon after merged itself into al-Qaeda. Later, after the death of the key al-Qaeda commander, Jordanian Ahmad Fadeel al-Nazal, Abdal-Rahman followed the rank-and-file into the IS. In 2007, Abdal-Rahman’s interrogation records show, he took charge of running religious-courts in Mosul, ruling among other things on kidnappings and ransoms. Taken prisoner from his home in 2008 by Kurdish Peshmerga militia, Abdal-Rahman ended up in prison alongside other key figures in the IS. Following Camp Bucca’s closure in 2009, its alumni would go on to become the backbone of the IS. Little about Abdul-Rahman’s life is documented thereafter. For a while, he was given charge of establishing an institute for training religious judges and clergy at the al-Imam al-Adham College in Mosul. He is alleged, in some accounts, to have provided religious legitimacy for the killing of Yazidis, and the capture of Yazidi women as slaves, after Sinjar fell in 2014. Extremism, it should have been clear, flourished in conditions where government and social structures were destroyed by violence. Washington, though, wasn’t listening. The Arab Spring Turns Arab Summer From 2010, mass protests erupted against authoritarian regimes across the Middle East, in what came to be known as the Arab Spring. The United States threw its weight behind one key uprising, in Syria, hoping to depose arch-enemy Bashar al-Asad’s regime, and to contain Iranian influence in the region. Like the European revolutions of 1848, from which the Arab Spring got its name, the uprisings had very different outcomes in each country. In Syria, jihadists—the best organised force—won. The seeds of this disaster were, ironically, in part laid by Bashar al-Asad himself. Fighting youth anger brought on by his liberal economic reforms—which created growth, but not jobs—al-Asad moved to accommodate the Islamist political vanguard, the Muslim Brotherhood, and allowed Iraqi jihadists safe havens. For its part, the US enabled the rise of the IS through benign neglect, seeing it as a tool to use against Iran’s influence in Iraq, and an instrument to bring down the Syrian regime. Even though some semblance of order has been won back, large swathes of Syria and Iraq remain outside of meaningful State control. The IS still has an estimated 10,000 fighters, and controls significant territory. Its example has inspired jihadists across Asia and Africa. Last year, the United Nations recorded that Islamic State violence is up across Africa, spilling from northern Mali into the country’s central region, as well as Niger and Burkina Faso. In oil-rich Mozambique, jihadists successfully stormed the town of Palma; the 14-year war against al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia has made no discernible progress towards stabilising the country. Nigeria, similarly, has had little success in fighting Boko Haram, a jihadist group which has claimed thousands of lives in terrorist attacks since 2002. The insurgency has expanded into Niger and northern Cameroon. Tiring of these endless wars, western governments are withdrawing from the chaos they sparked off after 9/11. Last year, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his intention to wind down Operation Barkhane, his country’s small-scale edition of the 9/11 war in Afghanistan. No one knows for certain how long the 2,500 US troops deployed in Iraq, or 900 in Syria, will stay. Like Afghanistan, those countries might well implode—sending shock waves through a region critical to India’s energy security. Few Indians—just 66, by one estimate—fought with the IS, but some among them are known to have received advanced training, and conducted suicide attacks in Afghanistan. Should communal tensions in India engender large-scale violence in the future, Islamic State’s conceivable recruitment will rise, with grave consequences. There’s no lesson in Abdul-Rahman’s story barring the one mothers teach little children: Don’t play with matches. The fires lit by America’s Iraq war will likely rage on for many years more. The author tweets @praveenswami. Views are personal.(Edited by Anurag Chaubey) URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamterrorism-jihad/role-u-s-war-terror-doubtful/d/126327 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

Ukraine Situation Has Brought Focus Back On America's 'Military-Industrial Complex' Prophesized by President Dwight Eisenhower in His Farewell Speech on Jan. 17, 1961

America is provoking war in Ukraine 1. Ukraine has a cultural and linguistic affinity with Russia. 2. Russia has said it did not intend to attack Ukraine. 3. Russia said the American reports of an impending Russian attack were a lie. 4. Russia wants to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO for its own security. 5. If Ukraine joins NATO, it will force Ukraine to wage war against Russia to recapture Crimea. New Age Islam Edit Desk An Ukrainian serviceman attends in a dugout on the frontline with the Russia-backed separatists near Avdiivka, Donetsk region, on February 2, 2022. PHOTO BY AFP CONTRIBUTOR#AFP /AFP via Getty Images --------- Mr Tarek Fateh’s analysis of the cold-war situation between Ukraine and Russia is only a reminder of the war-mongering of the US for making money by selling arms to the otherwise peace-loving nations. The war hysteria created by the US and NATO has pushed the two bordering nations to the brink of war. Ukraine and Russia may have some political disputes but both are trying to solve them peacefully but the US has been crying hoarse over the alleged concentration of Russian troops on its borders whereas the fact is that the Russian troops have been stationed on the border for a long time. This is not new so far as the US policy is concerned. The US was behind civil wars in many countries and behind wars between Iraq and Iran in the 80s. It used the same war hysteria and creating mutual fear and threat perception between the two bordering countries it is using in Ukraine-Russia tension. It has been selling arms and security equipment to the Arab countries by instilling fear of Iran among them though they don’t need them. It sold arms and ammunition worth billions of dollars to Pakistan by creating fear of India among the Pakistanis. The US is creating panic in Ukraine by insisting that Russia may invade Ukraine any day whereas Russia has made it clear that it has no plans to attack Ukraine and termed the US warning of an impending Russian attack a lie. To make Ukrainians believe in an impending Russian attack it has used the Russian attack and annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula Crimea but that was a different context. The real reason for American interference in Ukraine is that it wants Ukraine to join NATO so that it can play extend its political and economic influence in the region and prevent Russia’s growing influence in the region. Russia knows that as soon as Ukraine joins NATO, the US will provoke Ukraine to wage a war to reclaim and recapture Crimea and thus stir a war between Ukraine and Russia. To avoid that situation, Russia Putin has categorically said that it was mandatory for Russia to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO at any cost. Putin also accused the US of pumping weapons into Ukraine and demanded that NATO should pull its troops out of Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Putin is also worried about NATO’s military activity in Eastern Europe. Putin is also said to be of the view that Ukraine and Russia are one nation and is incensed at NATO’s attempt to set Ukrainians against Russia so that Russia’s interests can be harmed by the US and NATO. By airing the rumour that Russia was piling up weapons on the borders, NATO has started sending additional troops and weapons to Ukraine thus building up the possibility of war between the two countries. NATO countries are trying to establish military training centres in Ukraine. This would further give to military bases in the country that will give further strength to NATO countries in Ukraine even if Ukraine does not join NATO. In short, the history of the U.S. is replete with such military machinations against peace-loving nations to sell their weapons and expand their military industry. They have also provoked wars between nations who had disputes but those disputes could have been resolved diplomatically. America Is Provoking War in Ukraine By Tarek Fateh Trust the United States to create conditions for a war when none exists. Despite Ukraine insisting that it did not face an invasion by Russia, America insists that Moscow intends to do just that. It seems, after getting a bloody nose in Afghanistan after betraying U.S. allies by helping the Taliban take over Kabul. President Joe Biden needs a war to win in a theatre of his choosing where the terrain is not as harsh as Kandahar and where G.I. Joe could party on his days off duty. And then there is the business of America buying military hardware from its armament industry to keep them manufacturing armaments that enhance their bottom line and feed the stock markets. Perhaps that is the nature of America today, a “Military-Industrial Complex” prophesized by President Dwight Eisenhower in his farewell speech on Jan. 17, 1961. In a speech that lasted less than ten minutes, the celebrated hero of the American people, during and after the Second and after the Second World War raised the alarm warning Americans not to let the U.S. Government beckon to the call of the defence industry. He told a national radio audience: “A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment… [W]e have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions... This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience …. Yet we must comprehend its grave implications … In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will present.” Last years would see the American Military-Industrial Complex pushing the U.S. into wars as far apart as Vietnam and Iraq with invasions of Grenada and Cuba bringing the world to the edge of catastrophe. It did not matter whether it was JFK or LBJ, Bush Senior or Junior, proxies such as Turkey and Pakistan, Arab monarchies and African dictators, toppling Mosaddegh in Iran, eliminating Patrice Lumumba of Congo or Salvador Allende in Chile …. U.S. multinational corporations, worked hand-in-hand with the CIA while the Military-Industrial complex held any developing nation trying to get on their feet after centuries of European colonial rule. The latest U.S. venture is to edge Ukraine against Russia. Seems the simpletons in D.C. just don’t have a clue about either Crimea, its history and why in 1954 Moscow handed the peninsula from the Russian Republic to the Ukrainian Republic, considering both were part of one country. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky is currently urging the US, NATO, and other world nations to not overstate the probability of Russian invasions and explained how this can lead to destabilizing Kiev’s economy. As CNN described it: “Speaking to foreign reporters, Zelensky said he explained in phone calls to world leaders like US President Joe Biden and France’s Emmanuel Macron that thought the threat from the Kremlin is “imminent and constant,” Ukrainians have “learned to live” with it since Moscow invaded in 2014.” While the US and NATO keep hammering the news that Russia has deployed over 100,000 troops on its border with Ukraine, they fail to mention the fact that according to Zelensky, the Russians have had such troop concentration for a long time and that this is nothing new. “They [US and NATO] are saying tomorrow is the war. This means panic,” Zelensky said. This column is my cry in the wind. War may fatten the pockets of the people Eisenhower warned us about, but look at Afghanistan America. ... Courtesy: New Delhi Times e-paper, 7-13 February 2022 == URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-west/america-ukraine-situation-military-industrial-complex/d/126318 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

Planting Trees in Islam and Science: With a Special Focus on A Forgotten Tree Called ‘Bremji Kul’ in an article By Mr. Iqbal Ahmad

A Forgotten Tree Brejmi Kul and Its Spiritual Links By New Age Islam Staff Writer Main Points · The value of tree planting has been demonstrated in both Islam and science, as mentioned by Mr. Iqbal Ahmed. · Bremji Kul, a magnificent ancient tree of Kashmir has been mostly associated with Sufi saints, who used to meditate under its shade. · Herbalists say that Bremji Kul has medical importance as well; they say that the fruit of this tree is sweet and edible, and can be eaten raw, or cooked. · The Prophet [peace be upon him] emphasises the value of tree planting, declaring that it is a means of obtaining the reward of charitable giving. · The essay of Mr. Iqbal Ahamd is unquestionably engaging and instructive for readers, and the author deserves praise for it. ... It's terrible we aren't taking the necessary steps to save the world. The government has frequently warned that deforestation and the loss of greenery on the earth is one of the leading causes of pollution, but it persists. Greenery is diminishing as new cities are created. Forests are being destroyed at an alarming rate. Trees clean the air and absorb hazardous airborne particles and gaseous pollutants, and air pollution density can be reduced greatly if green trees are not cut down and new trees are planted, according to science. The value of tree planting has also been underlined in Islam, although we rarely pay heed to it. In the Prophet's hadiths, the Prophet emphasises the importance of tree planting. “The Messenger of Allah said: ‘It is a charitable offering when a Muslim plants a tree or grows crops and the birds, humans, or cattle eat from it,” Hadrat Anas b. Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) says. [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2195, 2:817; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1553, 3:1189] According to Hazrat Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah (may Allah be pleased with him): “Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: ‘When a Muslim plants a tree and something is eaten of it, then it is a charity from him; anything which is stolen from it is also charity from him and what beasts feed on it is also a charitable donation. And the food that the birds eat is also a charitable donation to him. As a result, any losses will be included in charitable donations (since they help humans, animals, and birds).” In another tradition, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “That will be the charitable donation until the Day of Resurrection.” [Sahih Muslim, 3:1188 Hadith 1552] The value of trees can be seen in the fact that chopping trees is prohibited in Islam even during times of war and conflict. Said b. al-Musayyab (may Allah be pleased with him) recounted to Imam Bayhaqi that Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) would constantly tell the Islamic army as he deployed it for Jihad, “Do not drown or burn date-palm trees. Do not cut down a fruit-bearing tree. Do not demolish a church. And do not kill any children or old people or women….” [Narrated by Al-Bayhaqi in al-Sunan Al Kubra 9:85 Hadith 17904] Around fourteen hundred years ago, Islam emphasised the necessity and usefulness of tree planting, and the importance of tree planting was later shown by scientific experiments and observations. In other words, the value of tree planting has been demonstrated in both Islam and science, as mentioned by Mr. Iqbal Ahmed in the following article. However, the author devotes special emphasis to the historical and spiritual significance of the Bremji Kul tree, demonstrating how closely it has been linked to Sufi saints. The author references Sufis in this article as noting that Sufis used to practise acts of prayer and meditation under trees like Bremji Kul, emphasising the significance of such trees. Although the practise of putting trees on the graves of Sufis and even in village common graveyards is centuries old, the author has underlined its significance in the special context of Kashmir. This essay is unquestionably engaging and instructive for readers, and the author deserves praise for it. By New Age Islam Staff Writer ... Bremji Kul: A Forgotten Tree Mostly Associated With Sufi Saints, Who Used To Meditate Under Its Shade By Iqbal Ahmad "This tree does not grow so tall, and while growing it takes an umbrella shape and gives a cool shade."Author ------- Bremji Kul, a magnificent ancient tree of Kashmir has almost been extinguished from its traditional habitats, and its traces are rarely seen in Kashmir now. This tree has been available in few varieties, and was mostly grown in graveyards, and also adjacent to Sufi tombs. It has a slow, yet certain growth. This tree does not grow so tall, and while growing it takes an umbrella shape and gives a cool shade. Its characteristic feature is that its wood and roots are so soft and cool that in ancient times it was preferred to be planted in graveyards with the belief that its shade and roots would help in providing a cool and peaceful environment to the coffins buried in the graves. This tree was hardly grown anywhere except adjacent to the tombs of Sufi saints and Muslim graveyards. Why this tree was not so commonly grown at other places. Peerzada Mohammad Shabir, a Sufi priest, has got a view; he says that ‘during the ancient period several kinds of trees like Bremji and Chinar were not planted for commercial purpose, but for attaining spiritual deeds. Such trees were highly revered by Kashmiris and they would hardly cut them for the purpose of firewood or any other commercial purpose. The Sufi priest says that the Bremji tree has been the most revered tree, this tree has been mostly associated with Sufi saints, who used to meditate under the shade of this tree. In fact, you will find this tree standing mostly in the old places associated with any Sufi saint or his tomb. Maulana Noorud Din, another Sufi scholar, says that planting green trees in the graveyards is one of the Sunnah (traditions) of Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon Him). He said the Syed missionaries who arrived here in the 14th century AD to spread the message of Islam while following the traditions of the Prophet planted green and cool trees in their graveyards. The tradition was later on adopted by disciples as well, who not only meditated under the green trees but also planted these trees in their respective graveyards. While elaborating his point of view Maulana says that there is a Hadith documented in Muslim scripts which states that once Prophet Mohammad (May peace be upon Him) was travelling with his friends. He (SAW) reached a graveyard, where he observed a man in the grave in severe pain and distress. The Prophet (SAW) asked for a few green branches of palm trees that were made available to Him. Prophet planted the branches over the grave and later in his brief address to his companions said; since the man in this grave was in pain and distress and these green branches would provide him certain relief. Later on, this became the Muslim tradition, which also reached Kashmir. However, as no palm trees were grown here as such the Sufi missionaries’ preferred the Bremji tree which carried its distinctive feature of being cool and soft. In fact, few specimens of this tree are still seen in olden Mazar's (graveyards) of the valley. The historical graveyards of Malkha, Mazari Qalan, Mazari Salateen and other olden graveyards of Kashmir exhibit a few rare and age-old magnificent Bremji trees. One of the European travellers, Sir Walter R Lawrence in his monumental book The Valley of Kashmir has also provided a description of this rare tree. He writes that the Bremji is usually found in graveyards and in the vicinity of shrines, where it sometimes grows to a magnificent tree. Interestingly he has measured one such tree at Andrahama Lolab, which has measured at 5ft from the ground, a circumference of 9 feet 3 inches. He also speaks of it as a soft and cool tree. Bremji, scientifically known as ‘Celtis australis’, is learnt to grow more common in cooler climates. Its bark is smooth and grey, almost elephantine. The alternate leaves are narrow and sharp-toothed, rugose above and tomentose below, 5–15 cm long and dark grey/green throughout the year, fading to a pale yellow before falling in autumn. The apetalous wind-pollinated flowers, the fruit is small, dark-purple berry-like drupe, 1 cm wide, hanging in short clusters, and is extremely popular with birds. Scientists say that the plant prefers light well-drained (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, including those nutritionally poor; it can tolerate drought but not shade. They further say that the Mediterranean climate is especially suitable for the plant. Interestingly, the scientist’s view is no such different from Sufi’s experiences they say it is often planted as an ornamental as it is resistant to air pollution, and is long-living. This may be the other reason why it has been preferred in graveyards. Herbalists say that this tree has medical importance as well; they say that the fruit of this tree is sweet and edible, and can be eaten raw, or cooked. The leaves and fruit are astringent, lenitive and stomachic. Decoction of both leaves and fruit is used in the treatment of amenorrhoea, heavy menstrual and inter-menstrual bleeding and colic. The decoction can also be used as an astringent for the mucous membranes in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and peptic ulcers. Indeed, this kind of tree has been very useful in terms of its spiritual and scientific merits, but unfortunately has almost been forgotten; it is hardly now grown anywhere in this land of Rishis and Sufis. The standing evidence of this tree is fast vanishing from the old and historic graveyards. Since the tradition of planting trees for attaining spiritual favours has almost declined, and planting of trees has turned now into a commercial business, so only such varieties of trees grown in different nurseries have got commercial value. In fact, Kashmir nurseries and plant growers have also turned indifferent to this kind of tree. They do not prefer such plants in their respective nurseries. “We deal only with commercial plants and grow only those plants which are in demand in the market,’ said the proprietor of one of the nurseries in Kashmir. He further said that ‘we grow different kinds of fruit and popular plants as these are being planted in heavy numbers in Kashmiri orchards and vacant lands’. The plant growers and the government agencies involved in plantation drive should not forget the traditional trees altogether but shall also provide certain space to local plants in their farms, and nurseries. Though carrying such a cultural, scientific and environmental importance this tree has altogether been neglected here. Although thousands of plants of various kinds of trees are every year planted on the vacant lands of the Kashmir valley, not a single plant of any traditional tree of Kashmir is being planted anywhere, which is grave negligence on part of agencies involved in social forestry. ... Courtesy: Greater Kashmir ... URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/planting-trees-islam-science-bremji-kul/d/126317 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

Syncretic India: The Twitter Handle That Strengthens Our Belief in the Secular Values and Cultural Diversity of India

Despite rising xenophobia and social crisis, Indians still keep secularism and cultural diversity close to their hearts 1. Indians still have a strong belief in secularism and religious tolerance. 2. Rabindranath Tagore had echoed the Quran when he said that India’s religious and cultural diversity was planned by God. 3. Many Muslims celebrate Hindu festivals and many Hindus fast during the Ramadhan. 4. Western thinkers have expressed surprise over India’s unity in diversity. ------------ New Age Islam Edit Desk 6 February 2022 At a time when religious hatred and xenophobia have caused the social crisis not only in India but around the world, and various communal organisations spread religious and communal hatred, a Twitter handle spreading the idea of Syncretic India and receiving over one hundred thousand visits and retweets surprises many. This hints that though we have been made to believe that secular values are fast receding in the country, the reality is not so much disappointing or grim. People in the country still cherish the moments of solidarity and communal harmony and feel that India can never lose its communal harmony and secular fabric no matter how much the communal forces strive to secure their nefarious goal. This week a Twitter handle #Syncretic India trended with over one thousand tweets stressing and strengthening the idea of Syncretic India and showing through various quotes, happenings, heart touching images and representation of cultural and religious diversity and religious tolerance for a couple of days. That was really refreshing and heart touching. People mentioned incidents where the members of a particular community performed the last rites of the deceased of another religious community. This aspect of syncretic India came into prominence during the height of the pandemic and lockdown when the relatives of several Hindu deceased could not reach the dead due to lockdown restrictions and their Muslim neighbours took up the responsibility of cremations with correct Hindu religious rituals in a number of cases. Another aspect of syncretic India was shown in the fact that in India copies of the Hindu epic Ramayana written in Urdu are still preserved and adored by Hindus. Many Hindu women and men fast during the holy month of Ramzan while many Muslim men and women wear a bindi, take an active part in Hindu festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi. In Kumartuli of Kolkata, many Muslim artisans make images of Durga, Saraswati, Kali and other deities. Secularism is so deeply etched in the psyche of Indians through the aeons that irrespective of political ideology, political leaders like Atal Behari Vajpayee, Narendra Modi along with Pranab Mukherjee and Mahatma Gandhi accept the fact that India cannot exist without secularism. News of Muslim boys dying while saving a Hindu girl or a Hindu boy providing shade to a Muslim boy offering namaz by spreading his saffron robe or Muslim youth providing fruits and refreshes to Hindu pilgrims during a Hindu festival strengthens our resolve to keep India’s secularism alive amid crisis. The great poet and philosopher of India, Rabindranath Tagore goes on to say that India’s secularism was according to the plan of God because if he had willed he would have made India a country of one religion and one culture. Some of the tweets, quotes, images and representations are being reproduced here for our readers. 1. Ramayan in Persian! Our Secular heritage. Let’s not lose our secularism #SyncreticIndia 2. Secularism in in the blood of Indians. We support equality. #SyncreticIndia 3. Our country is divided into religion, cast, creed, colour, language but we together with a thought that we are one, firstly we are citizen of our country. #SyncreticIndia 4. Secularism is not just a word; it is a matter of faith for us Indians! #SyncreticIndia 5. Western dictionaries define secularism as absence of religion but Indian secularism does not mean religiousness. It means profusion of religions. #SyncreticIndia 6. If #India is not a secular nation then India is not India at all. #SyncreticIndia 7. #India is a vibrant nation whose strength lies in its commitment to equal rights & speech, religious freedoms that enrich lives of all citizens. India is not only the world's largest democracy; it is also a secular, pluralistic society. ~ Henry Paulson (Author) #SyncreticIndia 8. Buddha is the crown jewel of India which accepts all ways of worship of all religions. This quality of Hinduism in India was a product of many great spiritual masters chief among them was Buddha. And this is what sustains secular character of India. ~ PM #Modi #SyncreticIndia 9. In Western lands there is a distinct division between the religious and the secular life. This distinction has never found its place in the life of the people of India. There, all of life is included in the word 'religion.' ~ Virchand Gandhi #SyncreticIndia 10. Almost every Indian has a loving Muslim/Christian/Sikh/Buddhist friend/neighbour who has stood by them during troubled hours. Secularism is in our blood. #SyncreticIndia 11. As per the findings of Pew Research Centre, Indians feel they have religious freedom, see respecting all religions as a core value. This is India. #SyncreticIndia 12. Many Sikh (29%), Christian (22%) & Muslim (18%) women in India say they wear a bindi even though bindi has Hindu origins. (Pew Research Centre data) This proves that #India is truly secular and Indian secularism is the fusion of religions rather than separation. #SyncreticIndia 13. In India, 77% Muslims, 77% Hindu and 54% Christians in India believe in karma. (Pew Research Centre data) This proves that #Indians are truly secular and Indian secularism is the fusion of religions rather than separation. #SyncreticIndia 14. India is truly a secular nation and believers of all religions and atheists have a place in this country. #SyncreticIndia 15. India is a country in which every great religion finds a home. ~Annie Besant #SyncreticIndia 16. In the West, #secularism implies pinpricking religious fraud and arrogance, but in India secularists are the most eloquent defenders of myth and theocracy. #SyncreticIndia 17. Indian secularism is the fusion of different religious beliefs, not their separation. #SyncreticIndia 18. A beautiful quote by former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji on Indian secularism #SyncreticIndia 19. Gandhi Ji beautifully explains nuances of secularism, which Indian constitution represents. #SyncreticIndia 20. We are one #SyncreticIndia 21. Unity in Diversity is India’s strength. There is simplicity in every Indian. There is unity in every corner of India, This is our strength. #SyncreticIndia 22. Unity in Diversity. #SyncreticIndia 23. "Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization." #SyncreticIndia 24. #SyncreticIndia 25. "In diversity there is beauty and there is strength." #SyncreticIndia 26. "Our cultural strength has always been derived from our diversity of understanding and experience." #SyncreticIndia 27. "Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. “#SyncreticIndia 28. #SySyncreticIndia 29. A grand synthesis of cultures, religions and languages of the people belonging to different castes and communities has upheld its unity and cohesiveness despite multiple foreign invasions. #SyncreticIndia 30. "We must embrace our differences, even celebrate our diversity. We must glory in the fact that God created each of us as unique human beings. God created us different, but God did not create us for separation." #SyncreticIndia 33. I bow my head in front of shrines because I love my religion & it doesn’t allow insulting any other religion. Religion only tells that if you join your palms it is called worship and if you open it is called Dua. #SyncreticIndia 34. My tribute towards #SyncreticIndia 35. This is really India! And not everything else you hear! #SyncreticIndia 36. Meet Razia who brings in Home Ganpati bappa since she was a child. #SyncreticIndia 37. Still Somewhere Humanity is there!! #SyncreticIndia 38. Somewhere in India, a Temple shares wall with a Mosque! #SyncreticIndia 39. This is the beauty of our #SyncreticIndia 40. A Hindu Sanyasi speaking high about Sikhs & a Sikh Guru speaking high about Hindus. This is the beauty of India. Sikh Namadari community welcomed Mata Peetadipati Sri Sri Shankara Bharati Mahaswamiji to their spiritual headquarters Shri Bahini Sahib in Ludhiana #syncreticIndia 41. isIt is the beauty of #India. External forces are trying desperately to divide us, to break us. But let’s show the world what India is made of. #SyncreticIndia 42. बुराई किसी धर्म पर नहीं होती बुराई तो कुछ इंसान में होती है #SyncreticIndia 43. आज मुझे फिर इस बात का गुमान हो, मस्जिद में भजन मंदिरों में अज़ान हो, खून का रंग फिर एक जैसा हो, तुम मनाओ दिवाली मेरे घर रमजान हो। #SyncreticIndia 44. अब ना मैं हूं ना बाकी है जमाने मेरे l फिर भी मशहूर है शहरों में फसाने मेरे l जिंदगी है तो नए जख्म भी लग जाएंगे l अब भी बाकी है कई दोस्त पुराने मेरे l #SyncreticIndia 45. We are Indians, first and last. Spread your wings and embrace the love of your nation. Happy Republic Day! #SyncreticIndia 46. यही है हमारी संस्कृति, आपसी भाईचारे की आइए सब मिल कर अब मंदिर और मस्जिद के झगड़ो को खत्म करें और साथ मिलकर आपसी सहयोग से अपना और देश का भविष्य बनाएं। मेरा तो बस एक ही है अरमान तिरंगे के नीचे हो सारा हिंदुस्तान #SyncreticIndia 47. Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization. #SyncreticIndia 48. Muslim artisans create Durga puja tableaux is a symbol of love, respect for each other’s culture and traditions. #SyncreticIndia https://youtu.be/b1YIM3gbbDI 49. Muslim bands perform for Hindu Kumbh mela represent one belief in that almighty whom we address by different names. #SyncreticIndia https://youtu.be/yTiLfxlZnak 50. India is known for unity in its diversity and Shiva temple in Assam cared for by Muslim represent the same. #SyncreticIndia https://youtu.be/NEANHq2aFPk 51. Hindu Muslim Unity: Why my Hindu grandfather fasted for Ramadan #SyncreticIndia https://youtu.be/9Ng5ExNaOCs 52. Pune: Masjid and Mandir side by side signify Hindu muslim unity. #SyncreticIndia https://youtu.be/3dDhA7hyxeo 53. Muslim girls chant Sanskrit hymns #SyncreticIndia https://t.co/xIIY5XVa53 54. “If we live in our oneness-heart, we will feel the essence of all religions which is the love of God. Forgiveness, compassion, tolerance, brotherhood and the feeling of oneness are the signs of a true religion.” #SyncreticIndia 55. “As different streams, having their sources in different places, all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.” #SyncreticIndia 56. Before becoming a Hindu, a Muslim, a Christian or a Sikh let’s become a human first. #SyncreticIndia 57. An 18th century painting depicting Lord Krishna sighting the Eid moon and pointing it to MUSLIM women and men #SyncreticIndia 58. Architecturally medieval Jali / Latticed screen painted with green & embedded with Saffron & Red thread knots of faith sighted somewhere at Dargah of #Pirankalyar #SyncreticIndia 59. This is the true face of India. Here, every Indian has a caring friend from other religions #SyncreticIndia 60. The Muslim neighbourhood in North Kashmir’s Bandipora helped perform the last rites of an elderly Kashmiri Pandit woman #SyncreticIndia 61. These things can be witnessed only in India #SyncreticIndia 62. Meet Mr. Anil Kumar Chauhan, an artist who had transcended boundaries by painting verses in 100 Hyderabad mosques. #SyncreticIndia 63. In Uttar Pradesh Muslim woman breaks her fast to donate blood to Hindu patient. Humanity is the identity of our country. #SyncreticIndia 64. Lord Krishna is showing Eid moon to Muslims. A Rajasthan artwork. It clearly depicts how deeply rooted Secularism we have in India. #SyncreticIndia 65. Image speaks a thousand words. #SyncreticIndia 66. A goodwill gesture by muslim boatmen by making floating pathway by means of boats for hindu devotees towards popular hindu temple at Jhelum sind river junction #SyncreticIndia 67. These kinds of news makes us feel proud to be Indian! Indians proved their unity in diversity #SyncreticIndia 68. இந்திய மதச்சார்பின்மை என்பது வெவ்வேறு மத நம்பிக்கைகளின் இணைப்பே தவிர, அவற்றின் பிரிவினை அல்ல #SyncreticIndia 69. மத சார்பின்மை என்றால் என்ன என்று நீங்கள் இந்தியாவை பார்த்துதான் கற்று கொள்ள வேண்டும். சகோதரத்துவம் என்பது இந்தியர்களின் இரத்தத்தில் உள்ளது #SyncreticIndia 70. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was the best example of #SyncreticIndia. https://www.hindustantimes.com/columns/farewell-citizen-kalam-he-symbolised-a-syncretic-india/story-OmXJtrbNWiHfZ6BXiaJTfP.html 71. This happens only in India. #SyncreticIndia. 72. This is India which our heroes dreamt of. The living example of Unity in Diversity. #SyncreticIndia 73. Hindus and Muslims greeting each other on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi and Moharram. #SyncreticIndia 74. Ancient Buddhist temple at Bakariya Kund - an example of syncretic culture in Varanasi. #SyncreticIndia 75. “Adopting a secular approach, treating all spiritual traditions with respect, has been an exemplary Indian tradition,” His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. #SyncreticIndia These are only some of the images and pictures of the Syncretic India we have built and protected for centuries. It is home to thousands of religious and cultural groups. We hope that this syncretism and cultural and religious diversity will prosper and become richer with time and will remain an example of peaceful coexistence for the entire world. == URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/syncretic-india-twitter-handle-diversity-india/d/126310 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

I am Wajahat Farooq Bhat, Once a Stone-Pelter, I Now Work for a Better Future for Kashmir’s Youth

By Wajahat Farooq Bhat February 05, 2022 How I Overcame Views That Led To Militancy And Secessionism While Hoping For A Brighter Future For Kashmir Main Points · People who live in complex territories like Kashmir evolve with each new reality that emerges day after day. · I am a survivor of a period when the majority of young people are susceptible to ideas that promote militancy and secessionism. · The only ideas that could strike me those days were terror, violence and Azadi. The driver of our imagination happened to be Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban. · In the first few months of 2020, our focus shifted to de-radicalisation and we spread our wings to South Kashmir, particularly Pulwama. ... Hundreds of young people have joined us to take the caravan forward, writes Wajahat Farooq Bhat. Photo Twitter/@jkSYSF ---------- People living in complex territories like Kashmir change with every reality, unfolding day in and day out. I can say those who survive the political ambiguity come to learn about the reality. Political ambiguity, I believe, is the period of stress we occasionally experience in Kashmir; it renders thousands dead, and only a handful of people could live to disclose the reality. It is the time when the majority of young people become prey to ideas that potentially advocate militancy and secessionism. I am a survivor of such a stressful period. I am Wajahat Farooq Bhat, born in a middle-class family in Sheen, Baramulla an area not immune to the infection caused by violence. I graduated from Degree College in Baramulla. Our parents live in a distorted reality; they believe that sending their children outside Jammu and Kashmir may put their lives in trouble; this is a cardinal lie, factually incorrect. As per data, hundreds and thousands of young people choose colleges outside their home state to grab opportunities; they make it to national and international institutions to work in distinguished capacities. But here, most of my classmates joined the local Government Degree College and I followed them, and completed my three-year BA course, with political science as the main discipline. Then, I chose to pursue Masters in Political 0cience. In Baramulla, like in other places in the Valley, Fridays are days to contest the claim of India on Kashmir and ardently raise slogans in favour of Pakistan, considered a sympathiser of Kashmir. A section of disgruntled Kashmiri youth thinks Pakistan may help them force the Indian Army to vacate the land. Therefore, Fridays witness stone-throwing and anti-India drama, a display of vengeance. I had been part of this cohort for a long time. The only ideas that could strike me those days were terror, violence and Azadi. The driver of our imagination happened to be Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban. In our area, all those involved in violent, business-like stone hurling, maintaining proximity with militants and confronting state forces on road would get public attention. Occasionally, the acts of violence would help us feel heroic — no matter who gets hurt or dies on the spot. In 2014, elections were around the corner and political parties were rallying for votes. In the middle of the election season, I along with other co-believers confronted the police vehicles transporting policemen for deployment, for law and order in the town. I threw multiple rounds of stone at them that could have broken the windows of Casspir, the giant vehicle. In the evening, many people sent me appreciation texts; most locals hugged me for the act and discussed me in secret groups. The lack of alternatives and opportunities had made me so rugged that I was struck by the ideas of martyrdom and radical thoughts. In 2015, I joined the NCC in college, a certificate course that people often join to be eligible for reservation in-state job recruitments. Over time, I went to Nagrota military base with other NCC mates, where aspirants attend classes and do some physical drills along the lines of those performed by police and Army personnel. I met people from other states and it proved to be a fruitful interaction. As usual, I argued with people over the unjustified presence of Indian armed forces. People on the other side were patient, they would listen — they gave me enough space to express myself. Their behaviour got me thinking. I left the military base with a fresh perspective. The journey of change started. In 2017, at Showkat Ali Stadium, during a sports festival, I met SSP Imtiyaz Hussain Mir, known for his bravery and hard work. I exchanged ideas with him and I realised he is an officer with whom I can interact freely. In 2018, I founded "Save Youth Save Future (SYSF) Foundation, with barely any support. I began to dream of a better future for the young. I sensed that young people are always told stories of death; I thought I must change their perception. I, therefore, consulted people whom I considered knowledgeable, for ideas. I got some depressing comments and ample positive responses. On February 28, 2018, in a collaborative move, we organised a programme 'The Young Kashmir: The Dialogue Within'. Unexpectedly, the event got a huge response with 400 people participating in it. We had invited people from civil, military and police bureaucracy. A plethora of issues was discussed, grievances were registered and ideas for future course of action were noted by all the administrators present at the event. Hence, the wide gap between people and administration was reduced. In the middle of 2018, in the summer to be precise, our Foundation started a cricket tournament. Along with other achievements, the SYSF Foundation managed to build a representative character. I was assisted in the process by many fellow stone hurlers. In another move, we made a list of local heroes who have made immense contributions in different areas like sports, academics, music etc. For the finale of the North Kashmir cricket championship tournament, a few officials invited as guests assured the youngsters that more tournaments would be held in the future. ... As things moved on, those who believe in violence served me death threats for opening new doors, other than those leading to violence. The online blog 'Kashmir Fight', now known for issuing a list of people to be assassinated in the future, issued threats to me. It was on the directions of the blog that Shujaat Bukhari was assassinated. My natural reaction was frustration and fear. I rushed to the SSP office, briefed SSP Imtiyaz Hussain Mir about the threats. He calmed me down and reassured me no one can kill me if I am not destined to die. The news about threats to my life spread like wildfire, my friends boycotted me, and they feared they could become collateral damage in an attack. In the meantime, I came across Brigadier Girish Kalia. While interacting with him, I got the feeling of talking to a teacher/mentor. I also met Captain Ankur and Major Sushil, my phone calls would matter to them. In 2019, the Foundation in collaboration with locals in Kupwara organised an event on the theme 'Discuss Issues of Kashmir and not the Kashmir Issue: What Next'. In the aftermath of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, our Foundation resumed business in November 2019, with a new zeal. The first event was Youth Parliament; it was an open interaction between young people and the people in the system. During the interaction, people discussed ideas and some conspiracy theories spread by the political bosses were also squashed. In the first few months of 2020, our focus shifted to de-radicalisation and we spread our wings to South Kashmir, particularly Pulwama. In 2020, our Foundation gained international character; we were assigned a project by the European Union (EU) to study the trends in radicalisation among young people and how to ensure de-radicalisation. We have a target of 69 workshops on de-radicalisation, with the EU. We have completed 24 workshops so far. In all these workshops, we have been coordinating with former stone hurlers and political rioters. The outcome of these efforts is that we have evolved from a group to a community. Hundreds of young people have joined us to take the caravan forward. I took my volunteers to JNU for a cultural exchange programme where 120 youngsters from the Valley participated. There, they developed friends, contacts and bonds. The interaction exposed them to reality outside Kashmir. The volunteers were called messengers of peace. In 2020, we included women in our Foundation and formed a women's wing. Young women now discuss issues and challenges they face in society. An outreach effort was launched through sporting events. After some time, women's KPL (Kashmir Premier League) was kicked off; women from all districts took part. In 2021, an event was conducted to laud women achievers in society. With time, the scope of activities broadened. In 2021, we carried out loss-and-gain exercises to check how violence has destroyed our social ethos and how Kashmiriyat and Sufism have suffered. We are coordinating with maulvis, imams and Sufi peers to help us revive what we have lost in the backdrop of militancy and separatism. Moreover, our team is active on all social media platforms. In all districts, we have a cluster of offices and 40 office-bearers working to achieve our dynamic objectives. We are collaborating with many organisations, along with EU officials, to determine further courses of action. ... Wajahat Farooq Bhat is Chairman of, the Save Youth Save Future Foundation. He is based in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the stand of this publication. ... Courtesy: Chattan, Srinagar URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/wajahat-farooq-bhat-kashmir-youth/d/126307 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

Understanding Syncretic Islam of Kerala from a historical perspective

By Mubashir Vattaparamban, New Age Islam Even Trivial Concession To Religious Communalism Will Wreak Innumerable Havoc Across Kerala • Islam in Kerala has played an indelible role in shaping its economic and social history. • In Kerala, the history of Islam is intrinsically blended with religious harmony and syncretic culture. • Many mosques of Kerala were built with the financial support of Hindu rulers. • Counter radicalization is alarmingly gripping Muslims in the State. …. South Indian Islam is perennially different in contents and practices from its North Indian counterpart. The preaching of Islam by Sufi missionaries and the eclectic nature of social exchanges from the advent of Islam renders South Indian Islam to stand apart from North Indian experiences of Islam which is rather politically mobilized. While North India suffered violent and rash departure from history when Partition forced demographic and religious changes, the South was fortunate to remain shielded from this disaster. Islam in Kerala has played an indelible role in shaping its economic and social history. Islam in Kerala could be geographically located into two; hybrid Muslim Arab settlements in the Malabar region and labour migrant Muslims into Deep South to cash on volatile fortunes after Portuguese forces inaugurated imperial colonialism. But, as noticed by Francis Robinson, both segments of Muslims in the State share identical history and practices with minor regional adaptations. According to Caroline Osella, Islam in Kerala fits into ‘Glocalized Islam’, where sacred universalistic religious practices are integrated into social practices of society and thus new religion serves as continuity without inviting a backlash from other communities. This cultural integration enables delicate intercommunity amity to be revived. Proselytization is done with minimal alterations to cultural and social identities and hence facilitating smooth transaction of society. In North India, Islam more or less served as subservient to the political aspirations of rulers. Political extrapolation of religion often caused ruptures in the society, causing deep antagonism among the people. The fact that religion was a shot in the arm for the medieval rulers without much personal loyalty is glossed over in modern India. When judgments are passed about the Past in the present, it amounts to missing the trees for the forest. But in Kerala, Islam was less associated with political assertion. In the long Kerala Muslim history, only one major Muslim kingdom could rule. And the sole Muslim dynasty itself was the successors of Muslim converts. Throughout history, the Arakkal dynasty followed matriarchy, something antithetical to popular Islam. Islam thrived under Hindu rulers and continued to be a consummate vibrant factor in Kerala. In Kerala, the history of Islam is intrinsically blended with religious harmony and syncretic culture. Hindu population eagerly warmed to the egalitarian precepts of religion. Trade relations nourished the harmonious growth of Islam. “The growth of Islam in Kerala owed much courtesy to the tolerant populace of the time,” says Mujeeb Jaihoon, author of historical fiction about the Mappila community. As a traveller and historian, Mujeeb Jaihoon has documented vividly poignant instances of religious tolerance which helped prosper Islam in Kerala. His book ‘The Cool Breeze From Hind’ is an unputdownable dossier of mutual interactions. While Islam was dreaded as an imperial power in North India, in Kerala the local Hindu rulers persuaded their subjects to convert to Islam, says the author. Zamorins of Kozhikode prevailed upon coast-dwelling people to convert to Islam to supply human resources for the naval fleet fighting Portuguese savages. Many mosques of Kerala were built with the financial support of Hindu rulers. When the missionaries of Malik Dinar band set afoot in Kerala, Chera rulers benevolently donated land and tax-free estate for mosques. Out of the first ten Masjids in Kerala, at least six were constructed with the largesse of the Hindu rulers. “That is why, when North Indian politics is mired ankle-deep in the slugfest of Muslim desecration of temples, Kerala enjoys immunity from temple politics”, proudly boasts Mujeeb Jaihoon. Nevertheless, he is anxious about the quick infection of the communal epidemic in the State too. Besides, the author acknowledges the fact Muslim heroes are revered by the Hindus. The eponymous martyred Kunchali Marakkarand, Kerala Robin Hood Kayamkulam Kochunni is held in high esteem by all. Still, before Hindu devotees proceed to Sabarimala, they venerate Vavaru Swamy, the Muslim confidant of the presiding deity Ayyappan. Darghas have teemed with people across the religious divides seeking temporal largesse. The author highlights the multicultural nature of Nerchas (Uroos) to drive home the importance of cultural assimilation. But the famed religious collaboration is increasingly under peril both from Hindu and Muslim communal forces. The idyllic serenity of religious harmony in the State could be shredded into severe wounds and yawning mistrust lest the State fails to repel the forces of disintegration reminds the author with a pinch of foreboding. Counter radicalization is alarmingly gripping Muslims in the State. Cultural assimilations are denigrated as unlawful accretions in the religion and demand urgent dismissal of such elements and return to sombre monolithic Islam, preached by Salafism. The time is the exceedingly demanding revitalization of the past legacies of cultural exchange. As once Hindus protected Muslim interests, nowadays Muslims are morally bound to sustain delicate religious pluralism. Even trivial concessions to religious communalism will wreak innumerable havoc across the State. ... Mubashir Vattaparamban is a student of Journalism at Indian Institute of Mass Communication, JNU, Delhi ------------ URL: 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

2021, the Repression Year for the Iraqi Kurdistan Journalists

Masrour Barzani, the Nightmare of Journalists By Diary Marif, New Age Islam Main Points · Masrour Barzani’s brutality and hearthstone against his critics, remind people of the miserable days of Saddam Hussein’s era. · Both KDP and PUK used many strategies to silence the journalists, authors and protestors who raised voices against corruption and injustice. · This article discusses only Masrour Barzani’s power to silence journalists. · Masrour Barzani promised to build a strong Kurdistan, carry out reform, and bring all parties to work together but he did the opposite on the ground. · They have to change their brutal strategies otherwise they will have the same fate as Saddam Hussein. .... Since he was sworn as prime minister, the rate of crime and violation against journalists and activists has increased significantly, such as threatening, harassment, arbitrary detaining, torturing, and sentencing behind the bar. His brutality and hearthstone against his critics, remind people of the miserable days of Saddam Hussein’s era. It's been more than 30 years since Iraqi Kurdistan has been run by the two major parties: the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) of Masoud Barzani (1946-?) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) of former Iraqi president Jalal Talabani (1933-2017). Both parties used many strategies to silence the journalists, authors, and protesters who raised voices against corruption and injustice. The leaders of the parties are brutal and harsh with journalists and activists. They arrested, tortured, and even killed journalists. Among both the KDP and PUK, the Talabanis and Barzanis have more power than other leaders and control their parties by using security forces to protect their families interests, especially the eldest sons of Jalal Talabani and Masoud Barzani, Bavel Talabani and Masrour Barzani. In this piece, I will discuss only Masrour Barzani’s power to silence journalists because he has held the highest KRG position, his party has more power than other Kurdistan parties, and he has a bad reputation for terrorizing Journalists. Masrour Barzani became the prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in July 2019. He promised to build a strong Kurdistan, carry out reform, and bring all parties and all people to work together. Words are cheaper than actions, given that he did the opposite on the ground. He neither did reform nor brought all people together; instead, he put the KRG on the cliff and faced several dire crises in all aspects. He used repression tools and spread fear against his critics, especially towards journalists, activists, and those who raised voices against corruption and inequality. I should mention that the prime minister is not responsible for all crises in Iraqi Kurdistan and did not crackdown on freedom of speech alone as I mentioned above. It has been for more than 30 years, the Kurdish authorities have been involved in corruption, brutalities, and nepotism. However, during Mr. Barzani's power, everything is worse than before because he does not listen to anyone, sees himself above the laws, and doesn't know how to negotiate with his opposite direction. As a result of his authoritarian action, he became a Journalist nightmare and people were disappointed by any change. He has a black chapter of hurting and punishing journalists severely which started many years ago, but one of the most brutal cases he is accused of was the assassination of the young journalist Sardasht Othman who was kidnapped in the Iraqi Kurdistan capital of Erbil and killed in the vicinity of the Iraqi city of Mosul in 2010. Osman was a young journalist who criticized corruption, family rule and nepotism, in several pieces, specifically criticizing the Barzanis. In one of his articles, “I am in Love with Barzani’s Daughter” Osman sarcastically wished to be the son-in-Law of Masrour Barzani, in order to be rich, protected, and have a better lifestyle. The Barzanis thought Osman broke their taboo. Many believe that the current prime minister observed and ordered the process of murdering Osman. Up to now, Mr. Barzani ordered his men to threaten, arrest, and torture journalists and his family’s critics. During his current tenure as prime minister, His Parastine (KDP intelligence agencies) team arrested journalists for writing a comment on social media. They discarded officers who did not vote for their party during the last Iraqi elections. They cracked down the protests. Many journalists and writers fled from Kurdistan to Europe or North America. Another reason he is a journalist’s nightmare is that he was raised in a conservative tribe’s family who cannot accept criticism like his father, Masoud Barzani, who never accepted criticism when he was the president (2005-2017). Masrour Barzani came to power through a robust intelligence background. He was head of KDP intelligence services and before he became PM, he was head of the intelligence of KRG. During exactly 20 years, people nicknamed him after the atrocity son of dictators and authoritarians like Uday Saddam Hussien, Sief-al Islam Gaddafi- son of former Libyan president Muammar Gaddafi and so on. Therefore people did not expect him too much. When he became PM, he allocated most of his cabinet ministers and senior officers who have intelligence backgrounds. Thus, his government does not like journalists and freedom of speech. He ordered all arresting critics, torturing and killing anyone who was against his party and family. Although many people hoped for Mr. Barzani’s reform, he arrested and put around 80 journalists and activists behind the bars in Dohuk province when they demonstrated to stop corruption and demand better public services in 2020. Despite there was a wide range of serious concern and condemnation at national and international levels constantly and demanded to release the victims without any condition, he neglected his all and ordered the Erbil Criminal Court to sentence three journalists: Sherwan Sherwani, Ayaz Karim, and Kohdar Zebari and two activists Mulla Shivan Saeed, and Hariwan Issa for six years in February 2021. All observers throughout the World were shocked by the savage prime minister's decision. He accused the journalists and activists of spying on KRG seniors putting their life at risk, gathering information and passing it to foreign countries such as the USA and Germany. After his repression attitude towards journalists led the foreign observers who had called Iraqi Kurdistan, the beacon of democracy in the Middle East, to rethink and change their minds about it. Besides the shameful actions of Mr. Barzani against the jailed journalists and activists, according to the Metro Center for Jousnalists’s Rights and Advocacy, 353 violations were committed against 250 journalists and media outlets under Mr. Barzani’s regime in 2021. By and large, day by day, the gap between the ordinary people and the prime minister increased obviously. He doesn't try to change the lives of people for the better and does not allow people to talk freely and express their sorrow. He also uses several horrific strategies to silence his critics: social issues. I think he needs to learn the lesson that the most brutal world leaders and presidents could not stop demonstrations, freedom of speech, and journalism, in contrast, they paid the price. I also cannot do it. I'm sure, the Iraqi Kurdish people, especially journalists, will not give up on Masrour Barzani and his father’s evil desires but they have to change their brutal strategies otherwise they will have the same fate as Saddam Hussein. ... Diary Marif is a Kurdish political and non-fiction writer. Marif has an MA in History from Pune University, India. His writing has appeared in the Awene weekly, Lvin, KNN TV, and other media outlets. ----------- URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/2021-repression-iraqi-kurdistan-journalists/d/126295 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

Treating the Disease of Selfishness in Islam

Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 03 Feb 2022 Respect and Value Others to Avoid Falling Into The Selfishness Trap Highlights 1. Selfishness is a disease that drives a man to the verge of disaster, causing him to destroy both his world and his afterlife. 2. When a person's mind is firmly convinced that he is superior to others, he becomes a victim of selfishness and arrogance, despising, and hating others. 3. The Quran gives the warning to recall your reality and avoid falling into the trap of selfishness. 4. Responding to people's needs and treating them with kindness are examples of behaviour that help people avoid becoming selfish. ... Allah Almighty put the human soul to the test by giving it a tendency for selfishness. Unless someone lives by the moral standards of the Qur'an and tames his earthly desires, this feeling will come to govern his entire moral framework. This type of person is more preoccupied with themselves than with others. He is continually seeking the best, finest, and most faultless of everything for himself. He merely wants material possessions and children, as well as a happy life for his own family. In the face of difficulty, he will urge everyone around him to risk and solve any problem for him, even if it means sacrificing their own interests. He's worried about protecting his own whims and interests, as well as his own ease and pleasure. Selfishness is a disease that drives a man to the verge of disaster, causing him to destroy both his world and his afterlife. Man becomes content with his nafs when he is selfish, and as a result of his satisfaction with himself, he develops many flaws and ailments. A person usually becomes selfish as a result of his activities. He believes that his willpower is involved in carrying out this activity. That is to say, he attributes all positive things to himself, which is simply ignorance. He forgets that not even a single leaf of a tree can be moved without Allah's will in this cosmos. We rely on Allah so much that we can't even breathe without His permission. A person can be affected by selfishness because of his attractiveness, strength, intellect, and intelligence. When a person's mind is firmly convinced that he is better than others, that he is superior, he becomes a victim of selfishness and becomes arrogant, despising, and hating others. Such a person is mentally unsatisfied and quickly descends into depression. If viewed from a worldly perspective, selfishness causes a person to see others as inferior to himself and himself as superior to others. Selfishness in religious things has much more severe consequences. Not only does such a person believe himself to be superior to others, but he also becomes a hypocrite. He begins to credit himself with all of his good fortunes. The drawback is that man, fooled by his own desires, forgets his misdeeds and conducts acts of worship as though he is doing Allah a favour. He then forgets Allah's blessings, which include the power of worship that Allah has bestowed upon him. Allah says in the Quran, “Those who avoid the cardinal sins and lewdness, except that they approached it and refrained; indeed your Lord’s mercy is limitless; He knows you very well – since He has created you from clay, and when you were foetuses in your mothers’ wombs; therefore do not, on your own, claim yourselves to be clean; He well knows who are pious.” (53:52) This verse advises you to praise and thank Allah instead of thinking of yourself as virtuous and pious if you accomplish anything good. There's also a warning to recall your reality and avoid falling into the trap of selfishness to the point of despising others. Believers should be aware that Allah can see the true reality of their lives and the lives of others. Islam cultivates a love of Allah, which is the only way to break the habit of selfishness and acquire characteristics such as compassion, mercy, kindness, helpfulness, and selflessness, which are at the heart of Quranic moral principles. People who fear and love Allah are able to surrender to Him, see the best in everything, and have compassion. Allah displays His love for believers who have a selfless attitude and look after others in the following verses. “They fulfil their pledges and fear a day the evil of which is widespread. And out of His love, they give food to the needy, the orphan and the prisoner. They say to them, “We give you food, only for the sake of Allah – we do not seek any reward or thanks from you.”Indeed we fear from our Lord a day which is extremely bitter, most severe.” So Allah saved them from the evil of that day, and gave them freshness and joy, and gave them Paradise and silk clothes, as a reward for their patience.” (The Quran, 76:7-12) Of course, this may need people to give up things they enjoy or sacrifice their personal comfort. The ethical ideals of the Qur'an confer moral attributes on Muslims who aim to safeguard and watch over the poor by providing alms, helping individuals in need by cancelling debts and spending their wealth on Allah's cause rather than acquiring and hoarding them. Responding to people's needs and treating them with kindness are examples of behaviour that help people avoid becoming selfish. Cruelty and selfishness can be eradicated by empathising with others, showing kindness to those in need, and treating others with respect and love. The following verses demonstrate that the reward for good behaviour is found in Allah's presence: “Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives and to orphans and the very poor, and to neighbours who are related to you and neighbours who are not related to you, and to companions and travellers and your slaves. Allah does not love anyone vain or boastful.” (Qur’an, 4:36) The egotistical individual becomes consumed with self-praise. He views his opinion to be definitive due to selfishness, and he does not seek counsel from others. To put it another way, selfishness is a terrible disease that has resulted in several disasters and calamities. We should all keep our egos in control. If any sort of selfishness is discovered, we should seek treatment from a reformer as soon as practicable, because sorrow will be invaluable on the Day of Judgment. We should strive for self-improvement today and work hard because every soul will have to face death at some point. The teachings of Islam encourage us to be modest and unselfish toward others, and this is the most reliable way to bring harmony to society. Obviously, a person who practises humility and modesty will not contract the disease of selfishness. Unwanted remarks and nonsense will have no effect on him. Similarly, a person who values others, respects others, and takes care of others will naturally be free of the disease of selfishness, and good deeds will follow. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/treating-selfishness-islam/d/126294 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

The Verses of Jihad in Quran Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context, and Background – Concluding Part 16

By Badruddoja Razvi Misbahi, New Age Islam (Translated from Urdu by Newageislam.com) 2 February 2022 Explaining Verses 5:14 Out Of 26 Verses Presented By Wasim Rizvi In Supreme Court Main Points Discussed In Part 16 1. The verse 5:14 describes that the Christians, like Jews, entered into a covenant with Allah that they would believe in Allah and His Messenger. 2. But, like the Jews, the Christians disregarded the covenant made with Allah Almighty and pursued their own desires. 3. This resulted in “enmity and hatred among them”, which alludes to factionalism or sectarianism within the Christian community or to hatred between the Jews and Christians. 4. Breaking or failing to comply with a covenant between states is seen as the worst crime, leading to economic blockade and war, in today’s world. 5. One should understand 5:14 in the same context, believing that the Quran is Allah's book, which cannot be distorted. ... “And from those who say, "We are Christians" We took their covenant, but they forgot a portion of that of which they were reminded. So We caused among them animosity and hatred until the Day of Resurrection, and Allah will soon inform them of what they were doing.” (Surah Al-Maidah, 5:14) In this verse, after describing the Jews’ breach of covenant and ugly characteristics, Allah Almighty describes the evil deeds and actions of the Christians, as well as their disgusting characteristics. The Jews had promised Allah [the Blessed and Exalted] that they would believe in Allah, His Prophets and Messengers and execute His commands, but they had broken that promise. They not only rejected but also slaughtered many prophets who came after Moses [peace be upon them]. The praises and traits of the Holy Prophet [peace be upon him] were described in the Torah, but they twisted these words of Torah. They were commanded to believe in the last prophet when he was sent, according to the Torah, but they disbelieved him. They not only disbelieved but also disseminated a labyrinth of clandestine intrigues against the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). In verse 14 of Surah Al-Maidah, Allah Almighty says that the Christians, like Israelites/Jews, entered into a covenant with Allah that they would believe in Allah and His Messenger and would not avoid doing good deeds. One of the interpretative statements is that Allah Almighty promised them in the Gospel that they would believe in the last Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]. But, like the Jews, they disregarded this covenant and pursued their own desires. This resulted in “enmity and hatred among them”, which alludes to factionalism or sectarianism within the Christian community or to hatred between the Jews and Christians. That is, Allah created enmity within the Christian community till the Day of Resurrection or hatred between the Jews and the Christians. This resulted in “animosity and hatred among them,” a reference to sectarianism or factionalism within the Christian community, or to hatred between Jews and Christians. That is, Allah created animosity inside the Christian community, or hatred between Jews and Christians, until the Day of Resurrection. And at the end of the verse, Allah Almighty made a strong promise to them and said, “and Allah will soon inform them of what they were doing”. That is, ‘we will punish them severely for violating this covenant and for forgetting the advice.’ And Allah has pointed out in the beginning of the verse [And from those who say, "We are Christians"] that they will happily call themselves Christians (Ansarullah) which has nothing to do with reality. Because if these people had been truthful in their claim, they would have remained steadfast in obedience to Allah Almighty and obedience to His commands and would not forget the covenant made with Him, but they disregarded this pact. In today's world, we can see that breaking the covenant and abrogating or failing to comply with a treaty between states is seen as the worst crime, leading to economic blockade and war. Similarly, when a state-citizen agreement isn't carried out, the issue of law and order arises, and the dominant side seeks to eliminate the defeated, which might result in imprisonment and death. In the same context, one should read and understand Surah Al-Maidah verse 14 and the verses before it, believing that the Quran is Allah's book and His words, which cannot be altered, distorted, or adulterated, and that this holy Book is the book of guidance and well-being for people till the end of time. [Concluded] [Author’s Note: The process of understanding the prescribed 26 verses of Jihad and non-Jihad has been accomplished by the grace of Almighty, with the release of the concluding part (16) of the series. It is recommended that these episodes be revised and published in book form in the three major languages spoken in the country: Urdu, Hindi, and English so that a great number of people can benefit. It should be made clear to the brothers of the country [India] that the Qur'an is a messenger of peace and order, not a preacher of hatred and fear.] ... Maulana Badruddoja Razvi Misbahi, Principal of Madrasa Arabia Ashrafia Zia-ul-Uloom Khairabad, District Mau, UP (India) is a Sufi-minded, well-mannered, classical Islamic scholar, an expert teacher, an excellent writer, a good poet and orator. He has authored numerous books, some of which are as follows: 1) Fazilat-e-Ramazan, 2) Zad-ul-Haramain, 3) Mukhzin-e-Tib, 4) Tauzeehat-e-Ahsan, the commentary on the well-known logical book “Mulla Hasan” 5) Muhazarat fi Halle Qutbi Tasawwurat, 6) Tahzib al-Faraid commentary on “Sharh al-Aqaid”, 7) Atayib al-Tahani fi Halle Mukhtasar al-Ma’ani, 8) Commentary on Sahih Muslim Other Parts Of The Articles: The Verses of Jihad: Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 1 The Verses of Jihad: Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 2 The Verses of Jihad: Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 3 The Verses of Jihad- Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 4 The Verses of Jihad in The Quran - Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background - Part 5 The Verses of Jihad in The Quran - Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background - Part 6 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 7 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 8 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 9 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 10 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 11 The Verses Of Jihad In Quran: Meaning, Reason Of Revelation, Context, And Background - Part 12 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context, and Background - Part 13 The Verses Of Jihad In Quran: Meaning, Reason Of Revelation, Context, And Background - Part 14 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context, and Background - Part 15 URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/verses-jihad-quran-revelation-concluding-part-16/d/126287 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

Hijab, Muslim Women and the Question of Choice

By Arshad Alam, New Age Islam 2 February 2022 Many Muslim Women Reject The Hijab As An Imposition Of Antediluvian Religious Morality Main Points: 1. Through the World Hijab Day, the veil is being promoted as a question of choice and freedom. 2. The event has support of various Islamist organizations. 3. Secular reasons in favour of the hijab are now being adduced which are all bogus. 4. The prime reason for the adoption of the veil is religious as it is commanded in the scriptures. 5. And the scriptures do not mention the veil in relation to freedom or choice. 6. It is good that such events are now being resisted by Muslim women themselves. ------ February the 1st is promoted as the World Hijab Day by groups of Muslim women. Initially, the location of such women was in a couple of western countries but now the ‘movement’ has acquired a global momentum with women from the Muslim south also participating enthusiastically in the event. For diasporic women, the impulse seemed to be to normalize the hijab within western countries. They argued that women’s bodies should not be policed: that wherein there was a lot of pressure on European and American women to look and dress in a ‘particular way’ but then this desire to conform to the male gaze was never being questioned as an imposition. So, if women were free to choose the bikini, they should also be free to don the veil. The veil, therefore, got promoted as a question of exercising choice over Muslim women’s bodies. The numbers that were advocating for the veil was a miniscule fraction of Muslim women living in the west. Most ignored the calls or were indifferent to it. But the matter did not rest there. Today the event draws thousands of Muslim women advocating the use of veil by positing it as choice and freedom. But that’s not all; the event now extends to non-Muslim women too with Muslims inviting them to experience the ‘freedom’ that comes along with the veil. Today the event cannot be said to be a quaint little affair which earlier invoked a quaint curiosity but is now fed by multiple Islamic and Islamist organizations across the globe who want to promote the “Muslim way of life”. And they think that the best possible way to showcase this particular way of life is through the veil. Like any right-wing movement, Islamism also targets women’s bodies and movements to promulgate their vision of society. There are a number of reasons which are adduced in favour of the veil. All of them are bogus and do not stand to scrutiny. It is said that the veil lends respect and honor to women by marking them off as someone to be “protected”. On certain Arabic channels, it is not unusual for men to compare unveiled women to naked “pieces of meat”. Veiled women are compared to “precious fruits” while unveiled women are those who have no “value”. But as we can notice, this conversation, which mostly excludes female voices, is basically about a particular fantasy of Muslim men rather than about protecting women. Women are desirable only to the extent that they remain the absolute sexual property of men; therefore only “they” should see the women according to their desire. What escapes the minds of these gentlemen that the way in which they are looking at women is itself problematic. Women do not need to be covered up in order to respected and honoured. For that to happen, she just needs to be treated as a fellow and equal human being. It is not the veil which gives women honour; rather those societies which enforce the veil or burqa also happen to be the most regressive countries. Another argument that is given in favour of the veil is that it protects women from unwanted male attention and hence is a deterrent against sexual violence. This kind of reasoning again puts the blame on the victim. Rather than reforming men, it in fact argues that women invite violence on themselves by being unveiled. Moreover, there is no evidence to prove that in societies which enforce the veil or the burqa, there are negligible instances of violence against women. In fact, the obverse may be true. Violence is so endemic in such places that women lack the courage to report such instances otherwise they themselves become the object of ridicule and harassment. Such arguments in defence of the veil therefore lack any substance. Instead of saying clearly and expressly that veil is a commandment of the Islamic religion, Muslims are trying to find secular reasons to justify it. But it just doesn’t convince anyone. That the veil is commanded in the Quran can be gleaned from the following verse: “And tell the believing women that they should lower their glances, guard their private parts and not display their charms beyond what is acceptable to reveal; they should let their headscarves fall to cover their necklines and not reveal their charms except to their husband, father, husband’s father, son, husband’s son, slaves, male attendants who have no sexual desire or children unaware of a women’s nudity; they must not stamp feet to draw attention to any hidden charm.” (Q 24:31) It is clear from the above verse that women are expected to be “modest” in Islam and the prescribed way for doing so is to put on the veil. What is also apparent from the verse and many of the hadiths is that women are considered as the source of male temptation; that it is they who through their charm entice Muslim men. And according to the writers of the scriptures, the best way to curb such temptation was to cover up women. What is the fault of Ashraf Ali Thanwi when he advises Muslim women in his Beheshti Zewar to talk in hushed tone so that their voices are not heard by unrelated men and become a cause of temptation! For this is what the standard Islamic tradition thinks of women: as someone without any individuality and agency whose sole purpose is to please men and procreate. The very fact that Islamic jurisprudence considers the testimony of two women as equal to one man proves that the religion treats them as deficient and inferior to men. Coming from such a theological context, the argument that hijab is freedom and choice does not seem convincing at all. Moreover, all such women and allied organizations never argue that Muslims should also have the freedom and choice not to wear the veil. There is all round silence from such groups when the veil is forced by Islamic regimes in Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran and Aceh. It is heartening that Muslim women are themselves resisting such characterization of the veil and rejecting it as a fabric of oppression and imposition. In contrast to the ‘World Hijab Day’, we now also have ‘No Hijab Day’ which highlights how this piece of garment has become synonymous with the docility and sexualisation of Muslim women. It is very convenient for Muslim women located in the west to fetishize and celebrate the hijab; but a very different story in the global south where hijab and purdah have become synonymous with masculine Islamist violence. ----- A regular columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Arshad Alam is a writer and researcher on Islam and Muslims in South Asia. URL: 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

What is the Significance of Ilm al-Tazkiyyah, Science of Self-Purification in Islam?

Self-Purification Is An Outstanding Achievement For Which God Almighty Has Honoured And Awarded His Slaves Highlights 1. One of the five tasks of the Prophethood specified by Allah Almighty is self-purification. 2. The Sufi purification focuses on reducing the lowly desires of the Nafs, breaking its rule over the body and replacing it with the dominion of the spirit. 3. Islam advocates moderation in all states and acts and forbids exaggeration in any form. 4. When one does not damage anyone, is never offended by anyone, and always puts the Lord's joy above everything else, this is a sign of good self-purification. ... By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 1 February 2022 (Photo: Seeds of Guidance) ----- One of the five tasks of the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) specified by Allah Almighty is self-purification. Self-purification in the spiritual context of Islam means removing the natural dominance of evil in the human soul and purifying it from the pollutions and impurities of sins that hinder spiritual growth. Self-purification is the process of overcoming all of these wicked desires both externally and inside. God Almighty says in the Quran, “Just as We have sent among you a messenger from yourselves reciting to you Our verses and purifying you and teaching you the Book and wisdom and teaching you that which you did not know.” (2:151) Commenting on the verse above, the commentators of the Quran have explained that the reciting of Qur'anic verses and the teaching of the Qur'an, as well as the teaching of wisdom and the mysteries of the cosmos, are topics related to the outer norms and acts of Sharia, whereas the cleansing of the soul is tied to the inward spiritual training. Self-purification is the word to denote this spiritual training that reforms men both outwardly and inwardly. In the verse above, the divine words “teaching you that which you did not know” indicate that there are some mysteries and secrets beyond the outward teachings and knowledge of the Qur'an. Ilmu Ladunni, Ilmul Marifat, and Ilmul Haqiqat are the names of these teachings. The Quranic phrase ‘Wa Allamnaahu Min Ladunna Ilman’ (Urdu, Ilme Ladunni) refers to knowledge that comes directly from Allah into the hearts of the Prophets and saints. lmul Marifat is mystical intuitive knowledge of spiritual truth gained via ecstatic experiences in accordance with the texts of the Quran and Sunnah. Ilm-ul-Haqiqat literally translates to “Truth Knowledge.” So these were the mysterious disciplines that no one had ever heard of before. But it was also Prophethood's responsibility to reveal these spiritual sciences and cognitions to truth mystics. Ilmu Ladunni and Ilmul Haqiqat are two terms used in the Qur'an to express the spiritual understanding that allows a person to gain knowledge and understanding of his Lord. “Wa Allamnaahu Min Ladunna Ilman,” says Almighty Allah, “to whom We had bestowed knowledge [of inspiration and mysteries originating] from Ourselves.” (18:65). Ilmu Ladunni and Ilmul Haqiqat are the names given to this knowledge. God Almighty says, “He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself” (87:14). He Almighty also says, “He has succeeded who purifies it, And he has failed who instils it [with corruption].” (91:9-10) Self-purification is an outstanding achievement for which God Almighty has honoured and awarded His slaves. A successful self-purification process increases a believer's faith by purifying him of unbelief, ignorance, evil ideas, erroneous convictions, and immorality. This process culminates in the installation of positive religious and moral traits in the Nafs [a believing soul], such as sound belief, knowledge, gnosis, wisdom, and spirituality. The Sufi purification focuses on reducing the lowly desires of the Nafs, breaking its rule over the body and replacing it with the dominion of the spirit. This can only happen via abstinence practises that develop the willpower against the lower self, which entails strong self-discipline in the areas of food, sleep, and speech. Sufism offers the means for training the soul through three interwoven concepts: Qillatu't-Taam (little food), Qillatu'l-Manam (little sleep), and Qillatu'l-Kalam (little speech). These commandments are the first stages in gaining spiritual power over the Nafs. It is also important to remember that a wayfarer should not overdo the application of these guidelines. Because the Almighty has entrusted us with our bodies, we must remember the importance of treating them with respect. To put it another way, while purifying the lower self, a servant should avoid excess in any direction. He should not overdo spiritual activities in the name of ultimate self-control, because Islam advocates moderation in all states and acts and forbids exaggeration in any form. Furthermore, religion does neither need nor allow for the complete abolition of the self. Instead, a believer must purify himself by taming and training his will so that it obeys Divine precepts. Purification, as well as the teachings of the Book and Wisdom, is mentioned in the Quranic verses. This fact suggests that persons with un-purified Nafs are unable to obtain an actual understanding of things, particularly the Quran. Even if they have a small amount of knowledge, it will be of no use to them. Because wisdom and knowledge are so valuable that they don't live in ordinary places. All forms of worthless and dangerous grimes must be cleansed from a heart that is designed to become a home for knowledge and wisdom. As a result, prophets delivered Divine signs first and then cleansed the hearts of those to whom they had delivered the signs. Prophets only taught the Book and Wisdom to people who had completed the process of spiritual purification. Only those who had cleaned their hearts in the manner described could gradually unlock the secrets of the universe. Those with such spirits even became wellsprings of wisdom in their own right. The sign of a successful self-purification is when one starts performing acts of worship in the proper ways and doing all his good deeds only for the pleasure of Lord Almighty. as a result, his heart becomes sound and healthy, focusing on three characteristics: (1) he does not harm anyone, (2) he is never offended by anyone, and (3) he always prioritises the Lord's joy above everything else. ----- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/ilm-al-tazkiyyah-science-self-purification/d/126280 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