Why Are Extremism And Violation Of Islam In The Name Of Islam Growing Together In Pakistan?

By Prof. Akhtarul Wasey 16 March 2022 Translated by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam Why Is It That Extremism, Which Is A Breach Of Islam, Is On The Rise In Pakistan? Key Points: 1. What is commonly seen in Pakistan in the name of religion is neither compatible with Islam nor acceptable to any civilised community. 2. Why is it that, the Hadith, "abusing is disobedience [fisq] and killing is disbelief [kufr]," is not implemented in Pakistan? 3. The Rights and Privileges That We Demand for Muslims in non-Muslim Majority Countries Must be first extended to Non-Muslim Brothers living in Muslim-Majority Countries. ----- Horrible and surprising news frequently comes from our neighbouring country. What is commonly seen in Pakistan in the name of religion is neither compatible with Islam nor acceptable to any civilised community. Slogans are sung loudly in Pakistan in order to establish Nizam-e-Mustafa; however, individuals singing such slogans forget that the primary condition for the construction of Nizam-e-Mustafa is the morals of Mustafa (peace be upon him). Those who live in Pakistan and are familiar with the circumstances and happenings there say that the laws adopted in Pakistan against the blasphemy of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), blasphemy of Islam, and blasphemy of the Quran are frequently utilised as a form of retaliation for personal hatred. A similar heinous crime occurred recently in the village of Jangal Derawala in Khanewal District, 275 miles from Lahore, the capital of the Pakistani Punjab, where a madman was tortured by a mob, leaving the police helpless. The man died instantly. The individual was accused of desecrating the Holy Qur'an by tearing up and burning its pages. First and foremost, how can you expect someone who is mad to be reasonable, polite, and balanced? A wise man should not treat a person who has lost his wits and is unable to distinguish between good and evil as a result of mental illness. Your anguish and rage may be justified against the blasphemy of your religious scripture which was given us as the Last Book of God Almighty through the Last Prophet (peace be upon him). However, wise individuals should remember that such a person should be handed over to the police so that the law can do its work rather than taking laws into their own hands. The victim was identified as Mushtaq Ahmed (son of Bashir Ahmed), a native of Bara Chak village, according to sources. Moreover, we still remember the case of a Sri Lankan executive of a garment factory in Punjab province of Pakistan who was lynched by a mob. Pakistan, which proclaims itself the "Kingdom of God," was established to promote Islamic values. Non-Muslims, on the other hand, are treated in that country in a humiliating and harsh manner. What can be said about this fanaticism, in which mosques, monasteries, imambargahs, and shrines are all targeted? The environment of hostility fostered by sectarian hatred and corruption is attacking Pakistan, just as termites destroy wood. We forget that all sects are subject to Religion but the Religion is not subject to sects. Remember that Allah, His Messenger and His Book shall be the axis of our religion, with every other affiliation and relationship serving as the core of devotion, regardless of which sect we choose and from which we seek honourable intentions and allegiance. Not only that, but we must remember that a girl named Malala Yousafzai was shot in the past for advocating for girls’ education. The British government, as well as some of the NGOs that treated Malala, opened the path for her education and awarded her the biggest Nobel Prize of all time. But it's no less heartbreaking that, at a time when the world was honouring a Pakistani daughter with the noble-prize, anti-Malala and anti-education elements were roasting small children who came to a school for education with gunshots. Regrettably, religion was used to justify all of this. Who does not know that after the advent, the Prophet (peace be upon him) came to the people of Makka from the cave of Hira with the message of 'read' [Iqraa]? In a world where knowledge and wisdom were monopolised by a few, the Prophet (peace be upon him) declared, "It is compulsory on every Muslim man and woman to gain knowledge." "Acquire wisdom from the lap of the mother to the tomb," he added. He also stated that "knowledge is the believer's lost capital." Not only that but it was also put into effect by the Prophet (peace be upon him) Following their victory in the Battle of Badr, the Muslims transported the prisoners of war to Madinah, with two conditions for their release: “Pay the ransom or educate the Muslim children of Madinah and be released.” What education did the Prophet (peace be upon him) want them to teach when we all know they didn't believe in the Qur'an, didn't know the hadith, and were open adversaries of Islam and the Prophet? The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us a lesson by having his people educated by them: we should care about our children's faith, but we should not look at the religion of the teachers, but rather their knowledge and competence. Given this fact, I don't understand why a particular element in Pakistani society is the opponent of education. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has also said, according to Bukhari Sharif, “Abusing is disobedience [fisq] and killing is disbelief [kufr].” So, where did this mental anguish, harassment, and violence in Pakistani culture come from? On Friday, 63 people were killed and an unknown number were injured in a suicide attack on individuals who had congregated to prostrate in honour of Allah's glory. The only crime committed by those killed and maimed was that they were Shiites, and no one should deny that they were Muslims. But who was it that punished them? It was carried out by ISIS. These ignorant people fail to realise that their heinous crime tarnishes the image of Islam in the eyes of the world and shatters the unity of Ummah. We want to be clear that wherever oppression and aggression are used against anyone anywhere in the globe, we are firmly opposed to it and do not condone oppression in one place to justify tyranny in another. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Punjab Chief Minister, the Minister of Religious Affairs, the Minister of Human Rights, and others in the Pakistani government have reportedly severely condemned all of these acts, with Prime Minister Imran Khan calling for zero-tolerance against terrorists. However, simply stating this will not be sufficient since, as long as such people are not curbed, not only Pakistan but also Islam and the image of Muslims in the world will be tarnished. We must remember that the last Messenger of Allah Almighty, peace be upon him, described believers as “those who like for others what they like for themselves.” Given this characteristic attitude of the believers, it is imperative that all of the rights, freedoms, and privileges that we seek for Muslims in non-Muslim-majority countries and societies must be offered first to our non-Muslim brothers and sisters who live as minorities in Muslim-majority cultures and countries. Let us set an example, making the world a better place and earning the divine pleasure of our Lord. Urdu Article: Why Are Extremism And Violation Of Islam In The Name Of Islam Growing Together In Pakistan? آخر پاکستان میں اسلام کے نام پر اسلام کی خلاف ورزی اور انتہا پسندی ایک ساتھ کیوں پروان چڑھ رہی ہے؟ URL: https://www.newageislam.com/radical-islamism-jihad/extremism-violation-pakistan/d/126586 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

Xinjiang's Government Does Not Merely Surveille and Monitor Its Subjects But Seeks "To Purge Their Thoughts"

By Daniel Pipes Middle East Quarterly Spring 2022 The Perfect Police State An Undercover Odyssey into China's Terrifying Surveillance Dystopia of the Future By Geoffrey Cain New York: Public Affairs, 2021. 287 pp. $17.99. ------- Prior colonial rulers – the Spanish in Mindanao, the Dutch in Aceh, the French in Algeria, the Russians in Central Asia – have sought to control their Muslim subjects and defang Islamic sentiments, always failing. Can the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the territory historically known as East Turkestan and renamed Xinjiang by its Chinese overlords, succeed in this task? As Cain's title suggests, he believes it can. An investigative journalist and technology writer, he emphasizes the mix of the indomitable CCP will and twenty-first-century methods. From first-hand experience and extensive interviews alike, he reports that there exists no "surveillance state so well-honed and menacing as this one," not even North Korea's. Xinjiang's government does not merely surveille and monitor its subjects but seeks "to purge their thoughts" of bad ideas, a wholly different undertaking and one intimately tied to the Uyghur’s' Turkic and Islamic identities. The goal is cultural genocide without killing. As an apparatchik in a detention camp put it, "We are the surgeons who operate on your brains, your ideology. Your minds are poisoned. Now, we will give you medicine. You must be grateful to our great nation for this medicine." Cain describes in detail the impact of a state-imposed video camera in a Uyghur household. Of course, this effort requires the active participation of high-tech companies, and they (Microsoft in particular) have been only too willing to oblige. He calls CCP control over Xinjiang an "apartheid relationship." As might be expected, this has turned some nominal Muslims into active ones: "I decided I was, in my heart, Muslim, because China kept pushing me away, as some kind of other." The human costs are already stunning and only getting worse: "Every Uyghur I interviewed from 2017 to 2020 had at least two family members and three friends who had disappeared. ... about one-third reported that their entire families were gone, and they were the only ones who had escaped." Cain predicts that the technology and methods tried out in Xinjiang will eventually extend to other places. ---- The above text may be cited; it may also be reposted or forwarded so long as it is presented as an integral whole with complete information provided about its author, date, place of publication, and original URL. Copyright © 2022 Daniel Pipes, All rights reserved. Source: Middle East Forum URL: https://www.newageislam.com/books-documents/xinjiang-s-government-merely-surveille-monitor-its-subjects-but-seeks-to-purge-their-thoughts/d/126574 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

ISIS in Ukraine: Putin to Hire Ex-ISIS 'Liver-Eaters' To Fight 'Neo-Nazis' In Ukraine

The Caliphs of Mosul Will Fight For Kafir Putin In Ukraine Main Points: 1. The ex-ISIS fighters will fight in Ukraine for Putin. 2. Earlier they were hired by Erdogan to fight in Azerbaijan. 3. The former Caliphs of Mosul have been reduced to becoming hired mercenaries. 4. This fate of the fighters of so-called caliph Baghdadi will break the hearts of our Islamic scholars and organisations. ----- By New Age Islam Staff Writer 14 March 2022 As the war in Ukraine prolongs and intensifies, each country is reportedly resorting to desperate means to gain an upper hand on its adversary. On the one hand, Ukrainian President Zelensky, compelled by shortage of fighters has invited foreign fighters to fight against Russia. More than 16,000 volunteers from the US, UK, Canada and Japan have registered themselves. These volunteers include ex-war veterans with or without combat experience and laymen like cooks and comedians. The war it seems is going to turn into a Theatre of the Absurd. Many Ukrainian citizens living abroad have also arrived in Ukraine to fight for their country. On the other hand, Russian President, V. Putin has allegedly sought the services of ex-ISIS fighters to fight what he calls 'Neo- Nazis' and drug addicts. Russia had formally announced that it would hire the services of the Syrian fighters that fought the ISIS during 2014-2015. But Ukraine has claimed that Russia was going to hire 16,000 ex-ISIS fighters from Syria. If the claim is true, then it will have far reaching ramifications in the region. During the Arab Spring, the ISIS had hijacked the popular uprising and had the plan to topple the Shia majority country Syria headed by Bashar Al Assad. Though, the US was seemingly fighting the ISIS and helping the Syrian Democratic Forces and Free Syrian Army, it was more interested in toppling Bashar Al Asad than in fighting the ISIS. During 2016, the Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton had lamented the fact that the the US government had not trained SDF seriously and effectively to rout the ISIS. She probably hinted at the US government's secret game in Syria. In response, her rival candidate Donald Trump had said that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were co-founders of the ISIS. This was a serious allegation and exposed the covert US political game in the region. Finally, the ISIS had captured Mosul and announced the establishment of their so-called Caliphate. The US was so eager to topple the Bashar Al Assad regime that it tried to dissuade Putin from bombing the ISIS to stop their advances towards Syrian cities. During a meeting with Obama, Putin had said that he could not ally with 'liver-eaters' alluding to the video in which an ISIS fighter was seen biting at the liver of his dead opponent. During the war, the Saudi Arabia and Qatar had funded the ISIS with the aim of toppling Bashar Al Assad with their help. This is not based on speculation but on the statement of a minister of Saudi government. When the US finally decided to attack Syria directly on the allegation of use of chemical weapons after its failure in toppling the Assad government with the help of the ISIS or SDF, The Saudi Intelligence Minister Bandar Bin Sultan had met Russian President Putin at his official residence and said to him,"The terrorist groups active in Iraq and Syria are being controlled by us. If you don't interfere in our fight against Syria, we will ensure that these terrorist outfits will not create disturbance in Sochi Olympics ( that were going to be held during that time)."It was an open threat to Russia from Saudi Arabia that if he tried to save Syria from the US attack, they will unleash the ISIS and other terrorist outfits in Sochi. This enraged Putin and he ordered his army to go on 2-minute mode (attack mode). He then warned Saudi Arabia that if the US attacked Syria, Russia would attack Saudi Arabia. This worked as a deterrent and Syria was saved. However, in 2020, the ISIS was completely routed from Levant. And after that the ISIS revealed its true character. It started carrying out terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, Srilanka, Philippines and Bangladesh. But the most surprising event in this series was the hiring of these ISIS fighters by the President of Turkey Erdogan in Azerbaijan-Armenia war in September 2020. According to reports, Turkey had sent 4000 ISIS mercenaries to fight for Azerbaijan against the Christian majority nation Armenia. Earlier Turkey had given covert support to the ISIS because the SDF was headed by Kurds who have been fighting for an independent country for Kurds in Turkey. . Now, the reports of ex-ISIS fighters joining Russia against Ukraine has exposed the true character of the ISIS. This may be a lesson for the Islamic organisations and scholars who had glorified them as the true flagbearers of Caliphate. They can be hired by any country, Muslim or non-Muslim for money. They have been reduced to a band of mercenaries who have no ideology of their own and their work is only to cause Fasad (bloodshed) on earth. Russia cracked down against them in 2014-15 not because he is a supporter of the Shias and an enemy of the Sunnis but because the ISIS was playing at the hands of the US and Saudi Arabia who did not want Russia's trade and economic ties with Syria to flourish in the region. Now that Putin's purpose is accomplished and his trade interests have been saved in Syria and the ISIS are now only a band of mercenaries, Russia can use them against Ukraine without losing its actual professional soldiers. Since, Ukraine is using unprofessional men to fight Russia, Russia too considers it unfruitful to engage its professional soldiers against novices. Now it is time for our Nadwi, Qasmi, Nomani and Islahi scholars to ponder over what kind of Caliphate the ISIS established in Azerbaijan or what possibilities of establishment of a Caliphate in Ukraine they foresee. The ISIS were a group of mercenaries prepared, trained, funded and fielded by the Western powers only to protect and promote their own economic and political interests in the Middle East. They made the civil war look like a Shia-Sunni conflict to win the support of Sunnis of the world though in fact it was a conflict of Russian and European political and economic interests. NATO destroyed the whole region in the name of fighting ISIS but have no courage to save Ukraine because they are confronted by a powerful nation Russia. Instead of sending soldiers and war planes to Ukraine, the NATO countries are sending cooks, comedians and singers to fight against the powerful army of Russia. They don't want to make Ukraine, Georgia and Poland the battlefield as they made the Middle East because they don't want to ravage European countries. 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

Three Reasons Why Political Pundits Got It Wrong in Uttar Pradesh

By Arshad Alam, New Age Islam 14 March 2022 The Communal Rhetoric Was the Base upon Which Issues of ‘Safety and Security’ Were Hoisted Successfully By the Ruling Dispensation Main Points: 1. During the COVID-19, the entire opposition was missing from action; the only presence in the political space was that of the government. 2. Calling the government welfare programme as ‘freebies’ harmed the opposition immensely. 3. Lower caste leaders who defected to the opposition failed to carry their social base with them. ----- Though the main contest is believed to be between the BJP and the SP-RLD, the BSP too has its influence on some seats in the first phase. ----- Despite the rather formidable challenges faced by the ruling BJP in Uttar Pradesh; its victory at the polls is nothing sort of spectacular. The election was fought in the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic which devastated lives and livelihoods across sections but most severely affected the poor. On top of it were issues of price rise and unemployment, which directly affected the everyday lives of ordinary citizens. Moreover, towards the very end, there was a realignment of caste equations in favour of the challenger Samajwadi Party. Some prominent political leaders from the marginalized castes joined the opposition and it seemed that the damage to the ruling BJP will be irreparable. Many political pundits therefore were expecting that people’s ‘anger’ will get reflected in the polls and ‘they will teach BJP a lesson’. The result seems to have been the exact opposite: the people, especially those who suffered the most, have once again reposed their trust in the BJP and its popular chief minister Yogi Adityanath. Here are some of the reasons why the political pundits got it so wrong: First, it is true that the pandemic wreaked havoc in the lives of poor people. Images of people walking hundreds of kilometers to their homes; corpses floating on river banks are still fresh in the minds of the people. But people rationalized the pandemic as a natural disaster, the scale of which was beyond the capacity of any human to control. The opposition could have exploited the situation by pointing out the inadequate and at places non-existent health facilities. But if one remembers correctly, the entire opposition was missing from action. Forget about making this into an issue, opposition leaders refused to come out of the safe confines of their homes. The only presence, no matter how feeble, was that of the government. As a result of this wholesale abandonment of the opposition of its own space, people could see the presence of the government alone. A result of the pandemic was the expansion of the government’s welfare programme aimed at the poorer sections of the population. They were given free rice and other items of subsistence, which any sensible government should do. However, the opposition again completely misread the situation and scored a self-goal. They called it ‘freebies’ and saw it as the government’s desire to make a welfare-dependent population. Some even likened the programme to a deliberate effort to turn the poor into beggars. Such discourses ended up harming the opposition immensely. Calling poor people beggars was an affront to their dignity and the poor did not take it kindly. For these people, the government seemed to be a caring one, helping them tide over a natural calamity. The opposition’s critique was seen by them as extremely insensitive and callous. To be fair to the ruling dispensation, this was not the first time such an exercise was being carried out. Governments in Tamil Nadu, undivided Andhra and Orissa have been doing it for decades. Similar measures were undertaken by the West Bengal government before the local elections but then the same political commentators had called her a visionary leader. Uttar Pradesh Elections Results - Seat Share (0/403) Party 2022 2017 Lead Won BJP 0 255 312 AIMIM 0 0 Others 0 2 INC 0 2 7 BSP 0 1 19 SP 0 111 47 ADAL 0 12 RLD 0 8 NINSHAD 0 6 SBSP 0 6 AAP 0 0 Second, it appears that contrary to expectations, the exit of some prominent caste leaders was not enough to realign a majority of lower caste votes in favour of the opposition. One forgets that Hindu organizations have invested years of hard work in these communities with a view to bring them within the larger Hindutva fold. The fact that despite some of their leaders exiting the saffron fold, the masses still opted to remain within the fold tells us that the hard work has paid off. Simply because Swami Prasad Maurya or Om Prakash Rajbhar decide to quit the BJP, doesn’t automatically mean that all Mauryas and Rajbhars will start voting for the opposition. Moreover, as Dr. Ambedkar reminds us, Indian society is not just about upper castes and lower castes; rather caste is a system of graded inequality. This means that caste contradictions operate locally and regionally. It doesn’t really make sense that Dalits and marginal non-dominant backwards will start aligning with Yadavs, Jats and Muslims simply because some of their leaders have done so. At many places, these marginal communities have historically been oppressed by the dominant OBCs like the Yadavs and Jats and it is difficult to erase such historical memories. It is no wonder that the lower OBCs and Dalits have largely stayed with the BJP for the security it provides them from the dominant OBCs. It also needs to be said that in terms of political representation, the BJP has been far better in accommodating the interests of these groups as compared to the so-called social justice parties. It is intriguing how this escaped the attention of our political pundits. Last but not the least, the communal rhetoric has paid its dividends to the ruling party. The political pundits were in fact loath to say it aloud this time. They underlined the immense sagacity of Akhilesh Yadav to remain focused on issues which could not lead to any polarization. They congratulate the opposition (but not the Muslims) for not ‘falling in the trap’ of communal rhetoric. However, the fact remains that almost every slogan of the ruling dispensation was laced with communal rhetoric. The slogan of safety and security was another was a way of reminding the electorate that ‘Muslim Romeos’ had been eradicated; the names of Azam Khan and Atiq Ahmad were regularly invoked because the electorate had to be reminded that Muslims have been ‘put in their place’. The average Hindu mind had been so saturated with anti-Muslim imagery that even small signals were enough to reach their intended audience. This mobilization of Hindu identity would have happened even in the absence of Muslims throwing their entire weight behind one so called secular party. ---- A regular contributor to NAI, 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

Intercession Holds Special Significance in Islamic Belief System

By S. Arshad, New Age Islam 11 March 2022 Muslims Believe That The Holy Prophet Pbuh Will Intercede For Them. Main Points: 1. Jews believed that they were sons of God and God will forgive their sins. 2. Christians believe that Jesus will take all their sins upon him. 3. Hadiths and Qur'an support the belief in intercession. ---- Intercession (Shafa'at) holds special significance for Muslims. The Muslims believe that on the Day of Judgement, the holy Prophet Pbuh will do intercession for the sinners of his community (Muslims). There are some hadiths to this effect that strengthen this belief. One hadith says, "Shafa'ati Li Kabairi Ummati"(My intercession is for the major sinners (those who committed major sins) among my Ummah.) The holy Quran says that the fate of every individual will be decided on the basis of his deeds during his life time. "No one is your supporter or intercessor except Him."(As Sajda: 4) "O believers! Spend from what We gave you provisions before the advent of the day when there will be no business nor friendship nor intercession."(Al Baqarah: 254) ----------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: Intercession: Indispensible Way to Reach God ----------------------------------------------------------- It also says on a number of occasions that nobody's intercession will be accepted in anyone's favour nor any one's help will reach anyone on the Day of Judgment nor will the reward of good deeds of others will be accepted as compensation for any one's sins. "And fear the day when no one will be of any help to any one nor any body's intercession will be accepted or anything in compensation nor will any help reach him."(Al Baqarah:48) There are other verses that reiterate the fact that human beings should do good deeds and abstain from evil if they want to be blessed and rewarded on the Day of Judgment. No intercession will be accepted in their favour and so they should not be complacent. This has been reiterated in the Qur'an many times because communities of earlier prophets had invented similar beliefs. The Christians believe that Jesus Christ will purify all the Christians of their sins. The Jews developed the belief that they were God's sons and so they won't be put into the Hell. All their sins will be forgiven. This belief made them complacent and they transgressed and committed grave sins though God forbade them to commit mischief (fasad) on earth. Therefore, Qur'an warned Muslims against such beliefs so that they did not become complacent and live a pious and righteous life on earth. However, there are some other verses in the Qur'an that support the belief of Muslims in the intercession (Shafa'at) done by the holy prophet pbuh in favour of sinners of his Ummah. Though the holy Prophet's name has not been mentioned as the intercessor, the verses hint at someone who will be granted the permission to do intercession in favour of some chosen people. "Who can do intercession before Him but with His permission."(Al Baqarah: 255) "No one has the power to do intercession except the one who has been granted promise from Rahman."(Maryam: 87) In the background of the hadiths which talk of intercession by the holy prophet pbuh, the person whom God will grant permission to do intercession will be the holy prophet pbuh. In some other verses, it is also said that angels also do intercession for people on earth. In some verses it is also said that angels beg God to forgive the sins of some people but God accepts their intercession in favour of only those whom He loves or like” "There are many angels in the Heavens whose intercession is of no help except when Allah permits them in favour of one whom He loves."(At Tur: 26) "And they do not do intercession but for the one with whom Allah is pleased."(Al Anbiya: 48) Interestingly, the angels did not have a good opinion of man when God had expressed to them His plan to create Man and send Him to the earth. They had said that Man will spread fasad on earth. This apprehension was based on their past experience. Before Man, djinns were created and sent to the earth. The djinns had spread Fasad on earth. Therefore, when God planned to create Man and send him to the earth the angels had become apprehensive. But why will anyone whom God loves or likes need intercession in the first place? Obviously, God loves only those who are righteous and they will go to heaven thanks to their good deeds. Actually, there will be a lot of righteous people on earth who, despite being righteous and pious, may have committed major sins under unavoidable circumstances or unintentionally. Take the example of Prophet Moses pbuh. Before he became a prophet, he hit a man hard unintentionally and the man died. Since, he did not kill the man intentionally, God forgave his sin. Therefore, there may be scores of people who despite all their efforts to abstain from sins may have committed not only minor sins but major sins like murder. Since, they will be otherwise righteous people and may have done great services to the society and humanity at large, they will be granted intercession by either the angels or the prophet pbuh. However, the intercession will be a privilege and not the right of the people. It will depend on the discretion of God. Only He knows the state of the heart of believers and so He will decide who deserves intercession. Therefore, there is no room for complacency for Muslims. ----- S. Arshad is a columnist with NewAgeIslam.com. 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

As Pakistan Refuses To Take Biharis Stranded In Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Plans To Improve Their Life

Hasina Government Plans To Arrange For Better Accommodation And Employment Opportunities Main Points: 1. Stranded Pakistanis live in refugee camps in 13 districts of Bangladesh. 2. One lakh stranded Pakistanis live in Geneva camp in Dhaka. 3. Only 5 per cent Biharis have formal education. 4. They live in inhuman conditions. ----- By New Age Islam Staff Writer 9 March 2022 (Photo: The Dawn, Pakistan) ----- For more than 3 lakh Urdu-speaking Pakistanis stranded in Bangladesh since 1971, Bangladesh has become a second home as they have lost hope of returning to Pakistan. They live in small rooms in congested camps called Geneva camps in 13 districts of Bangladesh, the largest in Dhaka with about one hundred thousand Biharis. These Urdu- speaking Pakistanis bear the stigma of supporting Pakistan during the Liberation War and so have had to live as outcastes in Bangladesh. In fact, they themselves do not consider them Bangladeshi though they have lived in the country for the last fifty years and now their sons and grandsons have been living with them. In 1972, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh had ruled them Bangladeshi citizens but the majority of them chose to be repatriated to Pakistan. But in 1978, the Pakistan government officially stripped them of Pakistani citizenship. As a result, they became outcastes in both Bangladesh and Pakistan. In Bangladesh, they are not allowed to enrol in schools and colleges and so they run their own schools in the Geneva camps. They have to work as daily wagers and technicians. The Bangladesh government has issued voter cards to them for its own electoral interests. It can't be used for obtaining passports. They live in unhygienic conditions in small rooms with the family. Unfortunately, the attitude of Pakistani people and the government has been hostile to them. Though the Pakistan government had agreed on their repatriation in 1992 and some Biharis were repatriated too but due to the opposition of Sindhis and Punjabis, further repatriation was suspended. The Sindhi nationalist organisation Jayey Sindh not only opposed the repatriation but also exploded bombs in the Bihari colonies and shops. They fear that the repatriation and settlement of Biharis in Sindh would tilt the demographic balance. Biharis in the Mohamedpour refugee camp in Dacca, Dec. 22, 1971. (AP) ----- The Interior Minister of Pakistan Naseerullah Babur was opposed to their repatriation and had said in 1995 that the Biharis would not be able to come to Pakistan as long as he was in power. Therefore, Pakistan government deported about 300 Biharis from Bangladesh in ,November 1995. But Bangladesh also said it would not accept them and deport them back to Pakistan. Though Rabita Alam Islami of Makkah had got involved in the repatriation process but it could not convince Pakistan government to take all the stranded Pakistanis back. During the last 30 years only around two thousand Biharis have been accepted by Pakistan but the general aversion of Pakistanis and politicians towards them is an obstacle in their repatriation. In 1999, Nawaz Sharif had said that though his country does not consider the Biharis of Geneva camps Pakistani citizens, he would take them on humanitarian grounds. But that proved only lip service and no concrete steps were taken in that direction. The stranded Biharis have protested against the delay in their repatriation in Bangladesh a number of times and have also staged hunger strikes but they have received cold shoulder from both the governments. They did not want the partition of Pakistan and have not left their Urdu language and culture though the new generation learns Bangali and wants to assimilate into the Bangladeshi society. Many of them have accepted Bangladeshi citizenship but the majority still considers Pakistan their own country. In the camps also all is not well. Sometimes, Bengali nationalist leaders instigate riots against them with an eye to capturing land. Sometimes, the Bangladesh government also demolishes some shelters on the charges of criminal activity in the camps. View of the Bangladesh government run camp for members of the Bihari minority on March 4, 1972. (AP) ----- Sometimes there are violent feuds among the groups of Biharis in the camps. The Nasim and Ejaz groups often engage in violent clashes. Sheikh Hasina's recent announcement, gives some hope of improvement in the lives of stranded Pakistanis. She has said that she sees human beings as human beings and wants to see stranded Pakistanis lead a better life. Her government will provide opportunities for employment to those who possess skills and better accommodation where they can live with comfort and dignity. However, it is not an easy task for her. If her government really wants to improve their life and their assimilation into Bengali society, the stranded Biharis should be provided opportunities for vocational training and special training institutes should be established for them. Housing complexes should be built for them with all modern amenities. Schools and colleges should be opened for them and medical facilities should be provided to them The role of Rabita Alam Islami and OIC has not been up to the mark. The OIC has not taken up the issue of stranded Pakistanis as fervently as it takes up the Kashmir issue perhaps because it does not generate much political gains for one of its active members Pakistan. Sheikh Hasina has rightly pointed out that many organisations collected funds for the cause of stranded Pakistanis but much was not done with those funds. She was perhaps hinting at the fund set up by Urdu newspaper of Pakistan Nawa-e-Waqt for the welfare of the stranded Pakistanis and millions of rupees are collected from Pakistani citizens but the newspaper does not give any information on the use of the fund. Sheikh Hasina's resolve to do something for the welfare of stranded Pakistanis is commendable but to bring a real change in their lives, her government has to take some revolutionary steps. The new generations of stranded Pakistanis should not be held responsible for the historical mistakes of some Pakistani politicians and religious fanatics. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-sectarianism/pakistan-biharis-bangladesh-sheikh-hasina-/d/126533 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 US Should Pragmatically Engage With Taliban to Avoid Humanitarian Catastrophe in Afghanistan, Says Robert Koehler

48 Congressmen Write a Letter to Joe Biden Main Points: 1. Taliban has been denying basic human rights to the people. 2. One million children are on the brink of starvation. 3. People are compelled to marry off their minor daughters due to poverty. 4. They even try to sell their sons. 5. The government can't pay salaries to civil servants. 6. Banks are on the verge of collapse. ---- By New Age Islam Staff Writer 9 March 2022 (Photo: Kashmir Times) ----- Last December, 48 members of the US Congress wrote a letter to President Joe Biden reminding him of his duty towards the war torn Afghanistan where the US fought a two decade long war on terror and urged him to release Afghanistan's $9.4 billion seized by the US to enable Afghanistan to cope with severe economic crisis it was going through. The members wrote that about a million children were on the brink of a starvation holocaust and added that the US should not be the cause of starvation in a country where it killed millions of innocent people, mostly women and children during the war on terror. The government is reeling under a severe cash crunch. The prices of essential commodities are soaring up; banks are on the verge of collapse; there is a balance of payments crisis and payment of sarlaries to the civil servants is a problem for the government, the letter pointed out The Congressmen also pointed out that the Taliban's track record on human rights has been poor and under its government, human rights activists, women rights activists, civil society and journalists have faced restrictions, harassment and incarceration. Therefore, the members urged the President to engage with the Taliban government with a pragmatic approach to avert a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. -------- Afghanistan on the Brink of Disaster By Robert Koehler 3/3/2022 “We deplore the new Taliban government’s grave human rights abuses, crackdowns on civil society and repression of women and LBGTQ people. However, pragmatic U.S. engagement with the de facto authorities is nevertheless key to averting unprecedented harm to tens of millions of women, children and innocent civilians.” Gay rights, women’s rights — in reality, these are a nuisance to many U.S. conservatives, but purporting to protect these rights on the other side of the world is a great excuse to play war. And you don’t need bombs to play. All you need is the will to dominate and the ability to dehumanize “the enemy,” so that their lives can be trashed if (and when) necessary. I have to confess a stunned speechlessness as I learn about the looming fate of Afghanistan, if President Biden refuses to release $9.4 billion of its assets to the country’s central bank, which it had deposited abroad, primarily at the U.S. Federal Reserve, during the 20-year war. With the Taliban reclaiming power after the U.S. withdrawal last August, the president seized control of these assets, potentially plunging Afghanistan into economic freefall, and . . . oh God . . . “United Nations officials are warning that millions of Afghans could run out of food before winter, with 1 million children at risk of starvation. . . .” “No increase in food and medical aid can compensate for the macroeconomic harm of soaring prices of basic commodities, a banking collapse, a balance-of-payments crisis, a freeze on civil servants’ salaries, and other severe consequences that are rippling throughout Afghan society, harming the most vulnerable.” These words are from a letter to Biden last December, signed by 48 members of Congress, urging him not to play economic war with the people of Afghanistan, even though the Taliban is in power. Enduring 20 years of war is one thing, but it doesn’t compare with living in the midst of total economic collapse. A million children could die of starvation. This is almost beyond comprehension. Indeed, families are being forced to take unthinkable actions to survive. “Many of Afghanistan’s growing number of destitute people are making desperate decisions . . . as their nation spirals into a vortex of poverty,” according to the Associated Press. For instance: “Arranging marriages for very young girls is a frequent practice throughout the region. The groom’s family — often distant relatives — pays money to seal the deal, and the child usually stays with her own parents until she is at least around 15 or 16. Yet with many unable to afford even basic food, some say they’d allow prospective grooms to take very young girls or are even trying to sell their sons.” Jean Athey of Peace Action, noting that the U.S. spent some $2.3 trillion dollars on the Afghanistan war, points out that: “for the people of Afghanistan, the war has not ended, nor has the killing. The new economic war is expected to kill more Afghans in four months this winter than did the ‘kinetic’ war in twenty years. No one expects the leaders of the Taliban to suffer. But everyone agrees that hundreds of thousands of babies will die. In fact, Afghanistan in 2022 is shaping up to be one of the worst, possibly the worst, humanitarian catastrophe on record, for any country.” Such data raises endless questions, all of which can be reduced to a single word: Why? Why? Why? The consciousness of war still rules. The basic, abstract answer is simply: the Taliban. They are cruel and brutal and deny many people their basic rights as human beings. True as that may be, how can the U.S. government and its unquestioning supporters fail to see the irony of our faux-outrage over this, when we have been killing civilians there with impunity for decades and are now prepared to preside over a starvation holocaust? Furthermore, we gladly support and ally ourselves with brutally oppressive governments all over the world, as long as they bend to our wishes and align themselves with our “interests.” The time is now to ally ourselves with a million children on the brink of starvation and directly acknowledge the endless failure of war, including economic war. The primary victims are always the innocent. The letter to Biden from 48 members of Congress — barely 10 percent of the House — addressed the issue thus: “We deplore the new Taliban government’s grave human rights abuses, crackdowns on civil society and repression of women and LBGTQ people. However, pragmatic U.S. engagement with the de facto authorities is nevertheless key to averting unprecedented harm to tens of millions of women, children and innocent civilians. Punitive economic policies will not weaken Taliban leaders, who will be shielded from the direst consequences, while the overwhelming impact of these measures will fall on innocent Afghans who have already suffered decades of war and poverty.” The letter ends with a quote from Mary-Ellen McGroarty of World Food Program: “We need to separate the politics from the humanitarian imperative.” If instead we continue to wage the “war on evil” that George W. Bush began, we will continue to be part of that evil. Think about the millions of Afghans facing starvation in their shattered country, then imagine the consequences coming home. ----- Robert Koehler is a Chicago award-winning journalist and editor. Courtesy: PeaceVoice, a program of the Oregon Peace Institute. Source: Afghanistan on the Brink of Disaster 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

False Propaganda of a Pakistani Man against India on Suicide Attack in the Eyes Of Islam

Liars Should Seek Repentance and Avoid Making Any False Accusations against India Main Points: 1. Several reports indicate that the attack was carried out by ISIS. 2. Some people in Pakistan usually start pointing fingers towards India in order to hide their own failings. 3. Mahmud Shah should consider the Quran and Hadith before telling a lie and blaming India for the recent suicide attack. ------ By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 8 March 2022 I was reading various newspapers on the internet about the recent suicide bombing inside a Shia mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan. Several reports indicate that the attack was carried out by ISIS. The attack was widely condemned in Pakistan. This deadly bombing has been widely condemned by Muslims from all schools of thought. However, after reading an article, I was disappointed and surprised to learn that some individuals in Pakistan are mindlessly living their lives. I am talking about retired Brigadier Mahmood Shah, a so-called Pakistani analyst who formerly served as the secretary of the former tribal territories. He said to DW, “There are still factions in Afghanistan that obtain financial resources from India. They are driven whenever they require payment. These folks have the potential to be extremely harmful.” Some people in Pakistan usually start pointing fingers towards India in order to hide their own failings. They are currently blaming India for the mosque suicide attack! What could be more deceitful than that?! Being a Muslim and telling a lie! The liar must fear Allah Azzawajal. Who is this Mahmood Shah who accused India of the recent suicide bombing while ISIS claimed credit for the attack? He should present any proof if he has. And if there is no evidence, tell me what the Islamic ruling is on making charges without investigation or proof. Will a Pakistani court bring such a liar to justice? Is it allowed to tell such a lie in Islam? In the Holy Qur'an, Allah Almighty clearly states that man should not say anything without first investigating it. If he does, he should be ready to respond. God's instructions are as follows: “And do not pursue the matter you do not have the knowledge of; indeed the ear, and the eye, and the heart – each of these will be questioned.” (17:36) This verse prohibits lying in such a way that you do not mention anything about what you have not seen, saying that “I have seen or that I have heard”. This verse is sometimes interpreted to mean that one should not give false testimony. Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “What is meant by this verse is that you should not make any accusation which you do not know” (Tafsir Madarik) Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ahmad Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him) says: “In summary, this verse prohibits perjury, making false accusations” (Tafsir Qurtubi) It is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) said: “False witnesses will not be able to take a step back that Allah will make Hell obligatory for them.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 2373) Mahmud Shah should consider this verse and other traditions before deciding whether it is appropriate to wrongly blame India. For all those who have made accusation their fashion, the Islamic message is remarkable. Whoever does what he wants, criticises others, humiliates them in numerous locations, and when confronted with facts, claims he heard it somewhere or was told by someone. Who informed him, and how trustworthy was the narrator? Where did he learn about it? What kind of proof does he have? No one is aware. Lying is a major sin, so serious that those who utter lies are condemned by Allah in the Holy Qur'an. The divine command is as follows: “Invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars” (3:61) Because there is a hadith that states that lying and faith cannot coexist, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has pronounced lying to be a sin. Have a look at this hadith: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked: Can a believer be a coward? Hazrat Safwan bin Saleem (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: Yes, said the Prophet (peace be upon him). Then there was the matter of whether or not a Muslim could be frugal. Yes, said the Prophet (peace be upon him). The question was then posed: Can a Muslim be a liar? "No" (believers cannot lie), said the Prophet (peace be upon him). The persons who tell lies should repent since lying deprives people of mercy in this world and in the afterlife. The liars have angered Allah and His Messenger. Hypocrisy is characterised by lying. A sincere believer is incapable of lying. It is compulsory on the liars that they seek repentance and avoid making any false accusations against India. ---- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/current-affairs/repentance-propaganda-brigadier-mahmood-shah/d/126526 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

If Shias And Sunnis Cannot Be United On Theological Grounds, What Is The Possible Approach To Prevent Bloodshed And Suicide Bombings Against One Another?

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 7 March 2022 Despite The Theological Acrimony between Sunnis And Shias, A Path To Peace Is Certainly Possible Key Points 1. Insulting or denying the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar Farooq, according to Sunni jurists [Fuqaha], is an act of Kufr. 2. The average Shias were regarded as misled and not Kafir by the early classical Sunni theologians [Mutakallimin]. 3. Average Shias, according to modern Sunni theologians, are Kafir because they believe the Holy Quran is faulty and that Hazrat Ali is superior to all Prophets except the Last Prophet. 4. The majority of the Prophet's holy Companions, as well as ordinary Sunni Muslims, are declared Kafir by the Shias with the exception of the Zaidi Shias. 5. Since the majority of Shia and Sunni clerics commonly oppose suicide bombing, they should work to ensure that their theological differences do not lead to murder, bloodshed and suicide bombing. ----- The doctrinal divide between Shias and Sunnis is so great that no amount of human effort can seem to bring them together except by God Almighty's will. Those familiar with Islamic theology are aware that there has been disagreement between the classical jurists [Fuqaha] and the classical theologians [Mutakallimin] regarding the principles and rules of Takfir. The Jurists have agreed that whoever does not believe the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar Farooq to be correct is a Kafir, and similarly, anyone who insults the honour of any of them is a Kafir. Thousands of volumes contain descriptions of jurists’ sayings, which Barelvis, Deobandis, and Salafists all duplicate in their respective works and writings. This is a jurisprudential rule [Fiqhi Hukm] exclusive to the Tabarraii Rafizis, a Shia sect. In the works of the Fuqaha, the Tabarrai Rafizis who simply oppose the caliphate of the Shaikhain (Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar Farooq) and denigrate the Sahaba, but not the other needs of the Religion [Zarooriyaat e Deen], are also referred to as Kafir. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: Sectarian Religious Violence Among Muslims Calls For Introspection Among Ulema: Evolve A New Theology, A Theology Of Peace, To Replace The Traditional Theology Of Violence And Conflict -------------------------------------------------------------------- The classical theologians [Mutakallimin], on the other hand, have taken the most cautious approach in this regard. Such Rafidis, they say, are misguided [Gumrah] and ‘the dogs of the hellfire’, but not Kuffar. However, in recent centuries, the Mutakallimin and Fuqaha have made it obvious that the Tabarrai Rafizis not only deny the Khilafah of Shaikhain and disparage the Sahaba, but also deny other religious criteria, making them Kaafir. According to these Mutakallimin and Fuqaha of Sunnis, there are two things in the common faith of the Rafizi Shias that render them Kafir. These Rafizi Shias embrace two views that Sunnis believe make them Kafir: first, that the holy Quran is flawed, and second, that Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) is superior to all Prophets except the last one, Muhammad (peace be upon him). Similarly, the Shiites, with the exception of the Zaidi Shias, have used their writings to attack the honour of the Companions, particularly Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqah, and have perpetrated widespread Takfir against Sunni Muslims. When you look at the Shia-Sunni divisions in detail, you'll see that there's no possible way to bring them together. Political partnerships can be found now in some locations; however, they can only be referred to as political alliances rather than religious ones. Takfir is a deeply rooted issue on both sides. But what I want to say is that while everyone is free to live in this century with their differences, those differences should not be exacerbated to the point of murder, violence, or suicide bombing. Scholars from both sides should collaborate to undertake a campaign to educate ordinary Shia Sunni Muslims about the dangers of allowing theological disputes to devolve into slaughter, suicide bombings, and violence. This, I believe, is the platform on which both Shias and Sunnis can agree. However, some brothers believe they will be successful in bringing Shias and Sunnis together on religious grounds, which I believe will be impossible due to the extreme severity of divisions on both sides. The principles that have proven to be effective in reducing suicide bombings and violence should be implemented immediately. A general view of the prayer hall after a bomb blast inside a mosque during Friday prayers in Peshawar, Pakistan, (REUTERS) ----- Furthermore, an event occurred during Juma’ah prayer in a Shia mosque (Imambargah) in Bazar Qissa Khani, Peshawar, Pakistan, in which a suicide bomber murdered around 60 persons gathered and injured hundreds more. ISIS-Khorasan claimed responsibility for the attack on the mosque. You're all familiar with the ideologies of ISIS. This terrorist organisation has done more harm to Islam and Muslims than anyone else. Not just Shiites, but also Sunni Muslims and common non-Muslims, are the enemies of ISIS. Suicide attacks are one of the most destructive weapons used by ISIS against these Muslims and non-Muslims. Suicide bombing is prohibited in Islam, according to the majority of Shia and Sunni clerics. When this is the case, Shia and Sunni clerics should make such Islamic teachings public, as well as clarify that their religious differences between Shias and Sunnis should not be translated into murder, violence and suicide bombing. ---- A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is an Alim and Fazil (Classical Islamic scholar) with a Sufi background and English-Arabic-Urdu Translator. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-sectarianism/shias-sunnis-theological-bloodshed-suicide-bombings-/d/126522 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

We, The People, Must Stand Unequivocally With Ukraine

By Junaid Jahangir, New Age Islam 2 March 2022 It Is Time to Look Within and Ask Why Did India and the UAE Abstain On the Vote against Russia Main Points: 1. In essence, it is time to unequivocally stand with Ukraine. 2. Focus should not be removed from Ukraine with whataboutisms. 3. It is time for solidarity with a nation that has been attacked unprovoked by the 2nd most powerful military in the world. ----- Ukrainians attend a rally in central Kyiv, Ukraine. ----- Al Jazeera recently published an article on the double standards and racism associated with the outpouring sympathy for Ukraine that is missing for other places like Iraq, Afghanistan, or Yemen. However, now is the time to stand unequivocally with Ukraine. In 2018, the Humboldt tragedy occurred in Canada. Many of the deceased and injured in the bus crash were young boys from a junior ice hockey team from Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada. The tragedy was felt viscerally by Canadians who responded overwhelmingly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: Russian Invasion of Ukraine Has Lessons for Muslim Countries ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immediately, an argument was made that such Canadian outpouring of donations was due to the "maleness, whiteness, and able-bodiedness" of those who perished. This biting analysis was offered, as parents were grieving the loss of their young boys. I was not comfortable with this approach based on the ethic that you don't kick someone when they are already down. NBC News Ukrainian forces fight to hold capital as Russia vetoes UN Security Council resolution ----- A similar argument is being made in the case of Ukraine. But this is an abrasive approach. It seeks to split people apart rather than bring them together. Now is not the time for smart cheeky analyses. It is time for solidarity with a nation that has been attacked unprovoked by the 2nd most powerful military in the world. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Related Article: ‘Double Standards’: Western Coverage Of Ukraine War Criticised ------------------------------------------------------------------ It is important to note that people respond overwhelmingly when they see themselves mirrored in the tragedy. For instance, Pakistani PM Imran Khan has rejected that there is any Uyghur oppression at all. For quite some time the Rohingyas were ignored because Muslims were preoccupied with Palestine. Moreover, Muslims have generally not been concerned about the plight of Muslims in the Central African Republic in 2014. Many would not even know about the situation there. As for the racism of the West, its true there is racism. But this is also universal. You just have to live in other parts of the world to learn this on your own. When after 40 years of service you are left without pension, when your caste is an issue in climbing up the corporate ladder, when your religious denomination bars you from promotion, when the jealousy of others drags you down from success, in all such places you often don't have the luxury to make arguments against racism. I guess the point is effectively captured by the Urdu phrase "Is Hammam Main Sab Nangay Hain" (everybody is equally naked in this bath house). Berlin police estimate more than 100,000 people attended an anti-war demonstration in the German capital on Sunday ------ Only those who have experienced such issues can understand better than someone who was born in privilege. For often, people who make caustic arguments come from affluent places. Those at the bottom of the food chain don't have time to complain. They just have to get by. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: What Russia Wants: Threat of a Russian Invasion of Ukraine Is a Western Invention ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Returning to Ukraine, again, now is not the time to come up with smart cheeky analyses. The focus should not be removed from Ukraine with whataboutisms. We should not make it about our pet issues but expand our compassion to stand by others. The ethic is simple: stand by the oppressed without ifs and buts. If anything, it is time to look within and ask why did India and the UAE abstain on the vote against Russia, or why did the Pakistani PM shake hands with Putin, as he was wreaking havoc on a nation much smaller and militarily weaker than his own. In essence, it is time to unequivocally stand with Ukraine. Slava Ukraini! Heroiam Slava! (Glory to Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes). ------ Junaid Jahangir is an Assistant Professor of Economics at MacEwan University. He is the co-author of Islamic Law and Muslim Same-Sex Unions. With Dr. Hussein Abdullatif, a paediatric endocrinologist in Alabama, he has co-authored several academic papers on the issue of same-sex unions in Islam. He contributed this article to NewAgeIslam.com. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/current-affairs/ukraine-russia-governments-equivocate/d/126486 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 Sabr In Islam?

Islamic Concept of Patience Main Points: 1. The Islamic concept of patience asserts that the cravings of the soul should not be permitted to triumph over the intellect and that the Islamic limitations should not be surpassed. 2. The Holy Quran states that patience leads to closer relationship with Allah Azzawajal, growth in religious spiritual values, the highest and uncountable reward. 3. The Prophet peace be upon him not only practised patience personally, but he also instructed his adherents to practise patience in the face of adversity. 4. Alas! We have moved away from patience. Perhaps this is why so many individuals suffer from deadly ailments like mental stress, depression, diabetes, and high blood pressure. ------ By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 3 March 2022 Sabr is an Arabic word that means to work with patience and to restrain oneself from something. The Islamic concept of patience asserts that the cravings of the soul should not be permitted to triumph over the intellect and that the Islamic limitations should not be surpassed. Patience necessitates a strong will and commitment. The ability to do nothing in a situation of helplessness, compulsion, and enduring any sorrow and suffering by weeping is not patience, yet the thread of patience remains with the strength of steadfastness. The only way to keep this level of excellence is to be patient. A Muslim's entire existence should be marked by patience and thankfulness. Everything in the Islamic religion is based on patience and perseverance. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: Patience – A Divine Virtue Embedded in Islam As Well As All Other Religions of the World -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The circumstances of a person do not necessarily remain the same throughout his life. Some days start out well, while others start out badly; some days are full of joy and pleasure, while others are filled with pain and concern. At times, it is the individual who is affected by these tragedies, while at other times; it is his business and family. In short, sorrows and anxieties are an essential part of life. Islam encourages a man to be patient in times of misfortune and grateful to Allah in times of joy for this reason. According to a Hadith, a believer’s affairs are strange because it is good in every one of them. It's excellent for him to have a nice time and thank Allah (Azzawajal) for it, and it's also healthy for him to get into trouble and quietly endure it. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 7500) The most beautiful patience is when no one can distinguish the person when he is distressed. (Ihya-ul-‘Uloom, vol. 4, pp. 91) Patience is an excellent attribute to possess. In the Holy Quran, Allah (Azzawajal) mentions patience more than seventy times, and it is credited with several levels and virtues. (Ihya-ul-'Uloom, Vol. 4, p. 75,) Furthermore, Allah (Azzawajal) has stated that he will be with those who maintain patience, as He said, “…and be patient; indeed Allah is with those who are patient.” (Surah Anfaal, Verse 46) Furthermore, the Holy Quran states that patience leads to a closer relationship with Allah Azzawajal, growth in religious spiritual values, the highest and uncountable reward, and Allah Azzawajal's support and blessings. If the person who has been tormented patiently bears it, Allah (Azzawajal) will increase his respect. (Tirmizi, vol. 4, pp. 145, Hadith 2332) 'Allah Azzawajal says, 'I provide Paradise as a reward to My believer who remains patient if I take from him the object of this world, dearest to him,' according to the Prophet, peace be upon him. (Bukhari, vol. 4, pp. 225, Hadith 6424) Alas! We have moved away from patience. Perhaps this is why so many individuals suffer from deadly ailments like mental stress, depression, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Remember that when people become impatient, even the so-called wise ones lose their common sense. People nowadays are on the verge of annihilation as a result of their impatience with worldly and religious matters. They've made brawls commonplace. People hold resentment and animosity toward one another. They always have their sleeves rolled up and are ready to fight. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: Patience, Tolerance And Restraint Are The Qualities Of A True Believer -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Throughout his life, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has demonstrated patience and forbearance. He was in pain and distress because of the Arabian polytheists and infidels. They threw stones at him, planted thorns in his path, smeared filth on his blessed body, bullied, threatened, used vile language against him, plotted to kill him, but the Prophet, who was sent as a Mercy to the entire world, never responded. He not only practised patience personally, but he also instructed his adherents to practise patience in the face of adversity till the end of the world. There is a saying of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) that comforts, 'If someone is suffering from misery, he should contemplate my sorrows in relation to his sufferings. That is without a doubt, the greatest of all tragedies.' (Al-Jami’-ul-Kabeer Lis-Suyuti, vol. 7, pp. 125, Hadith 21346) Whether life is personal or collective, domestic or societal, it is incomplete without patience. We must now constantly monitor our patience. Even when faced with difficulties, fears, unjustified opposition, and grief, the best response is patience. May Allah (Azzawajal) bestow the gift of patience to us! ------ Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/sabr-islam-quran-allah-azzawajal/d/126497 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

Is Russia's Attack On Ukraine A War against the US and NATO?

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 3 March 2022 Is Russia's Ultimate Purpose In The Globe To Destabilise The American Order? Key Points: 1. The continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine may have altered public perceptions of America as a superpower. 2. What is the rationale for Russia's acceptance of Ukraine as a neighbour but not as a NATO partner? 3. Is Russia attempting to convey a message to the world, with the help of China, that it is time for NATO and the US to relinquish control of the world? ------ Ukrainians attend a rally in central Kyiv, Ukraine. ----- The idea of a superpower came to the forefront of countries and peoples until a few weeks ago when NATO and the United States were cited, but the ongoing confrontation between Russia and Ukraine appears to have completely transformed that image. If you watch the news or talk to regular people, it appears like America has become helpless in the face of Russia. War is never a good thing. Previously, battles were fought with swords and horses, posing a lower chance of civilian casualties; however, today's wars are fought with hazardous weaponry such as bombs and missiles, posing a greater risk of civilian casualties. When two countries bomb each other, civilians from both countries are killed. Some government officials initiate the policy of war and initiate the battle, but the common civilians are the ones who bear the brunt of the conflict. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: Russian Invasion of Ukraine Has Lessons for Muslim Countries ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fighting a war has distinct goals and objectives. The goal of fighting someone else's battle is to bring an end to oppression and achieve justice. Fighting a war can sometimes be for the sake of protecting one's life, property, and honour, as well as gaining the right to religious freedom. Sometimes the goal of fighting a war is to demonstrate one's global superpower. Fighting a war occasionally has the purpose of defeating an existing superpower and presenting its case for becoming one, so that the rest of the world believes the former superpower has been replaced by a new superpower. When a new superpower emerges in front of the globe, the narrative of ‘devotion to power [Shakti ki Bhakti]’ comes into effect. The superpower is heard and acknowledged in every issue, whether it is economy or trade, a matter of transactions or a matter of rule and dominance. In a nutshell, the superpower achieves a kind of global hegemony. NBC News/ Ukrainian forces fight to hold capital as Russia vetoes UN Security Council resolution ----- Looking at the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, it is clear that the conflict is focused on obtaining the status of a superpower. Russia is thought to have delivered a message to NATO and the US by invading Ukraine, saying, ‘Enough is enough; we will not allow your strength to grow any further, because it will threaten our might and our very existence.’ Russia welcomed Ukraine as a neighbouring country after it seceded from Russia, but when Ukraine moved to strengthen its connections with NATO, Russia attacked Ukraine. Russia can clearly tolerate Ukraine as a neighbour, but it cannot accept a NATO ally as a neighbour. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Related Article: ‘Double Standards’: Western Coverage Of Ukraine War Criticised ------------------------------------------------------------------ NATO's objective to make Ukraine its partner, on the other hand, is apparent. NATO and its ally, the United States, have had a long-standing desire to make Ukraine its partner by stationing soldiers on the Ukrainian-Russian border. Russia, on the other hand, does not like it since it is unwilling to submit to NATO and US leadership and dominance. Looking back over the last few decades, the United States has shown to be a global superpower by killing a significant number of civilians and eroding the peace of weak countries. It has no qualms about attacking weak countries. Everyone claims that the Taliban was developed by the US to fight Russia, that after a period of time, the Taliban and the US became antagonistic to one another, and that this animosity lasted a long time. Two huge powers stood in front of Ukraine to perform the narrative of devotion to power. On the one hand, Ukraine had its neighbour Russia, which could not allow Ukraine to join NATO under any circumstances, while on the other side; Ukraine had the choice of joining NATO and the United States. Ukraine believed that joining NATO and the US would be a better option for it and that if Russia attacked its land, it would be defended by NATO and the US. But it forgot that if Russia attacks, the US and NATO will be just bystanders on TV and in the headlines. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: We, The People, Must Stand Unequivocally With Ukraine ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China's support for Russia, and the fact that US and NATO threats have had no effect on Russia all point to the fact that Russia is invading Ukraine not only to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO but also to send an open message to NATO and the US, with China's support, that it is time for NATO and the US to end their global dominance. Berlin police estimate more than 100,000 people attended an anti-war demonstration in the German capital on Sunday ------ Some of the leading countries of the world, such as Russia and China, seek to challenge the global hegemony of America, thus Ukraine is crucial for them. NATO and the United States are well aware that Russia and China will one day oppose them, which is why Ukraine is so important to them. Ukraine is a small country that is well-suited to dealing with Russia, yet NATO and the United States are on the verge of failing in the current situation. The United States exploited Muslim countries against Russia a few decades ago, and after American supremacy was achieved, it wasted no time putting its strength to the test against Muslim countries. According to analysts, the Muslims should not become a toy in the hands of the US and NATO again, and then repeat the mistakes that Muslims have made in the past. As a result, rather than backing one of the two parties in the Russian-Ukraine war, the rest of the world should continue to offer peace ideas; otherwise, it is preferable for them to remain mute. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: What Russia Wants: Threat of a Russian Invasion of Ukraine Is a Western Invention ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia may have ramifications for the global economy, trade, exports, and imports. If this battle continues for a long time or additional countries join in, the world could face a catastrophe and an energy crisis. That is why, rather of siding with one of the two parties, countries throughout the world must continue to come up with proposals to end the fight on both sides, so that ordinary citizens, children, the elderly, women, and the vulnerable can have their lives, property, and honour preserved. ----- A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is an Alim and Fazil (Classical Islamic scholar) with a Sufi background and English-Arabic-Urdu Translator. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/current-affairs/russia-ukraine-war-nato/d/126498 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-Russia War Worst to Happen to White People since World War II

Ukraine Is Not the Worst Act of War since WWII, its Not Even the Worst War Going on Right Now It’s Just the Worst to Happen to White People By New Age Islam Staff Writer 4 March 2022 In the present war of Russia on Ukraine, there is an outpouring of concern for the “heroic” people of Ukraine. How genuine is this concern? The world has been indifferent to bigger wars that are based on outright lies which continue to cause far greater civilian casualties and go on to this day. The same media turns a blind eye to these. One is tempted to think that this indifference is because of racism especially when they say things like “I see European people with blue eyes and blonde hair being killed” or “This isn’t Iraq or Afghanistan … This is a relatively civilized, relatively European people”. Racism is ever-present but that may be unintended. They are saying things that are more likely to tug at the emotional strings of their intended audience which is the people of their own country. It is to build public opinion against the aggressor Russia and prepare them for the sacrifices they will be called upon to play when sanctions against Russia begin to hurt them as well. The people of Ukraine appear to be merely pawns in the power game for the US and its NATO partners. Russia is more likely to be genuinely concerned about the people as what it needs is a friendly neighbour with a friendly people and the war is because they have been systematically wooed and manipulated by the US and its NATO partners to take a hostile approach to Russia. This is a subject for another occasion. The blog reproduced below captures the apparent hypocrisy of the media in their reporting of the wars going on presently. Editor ---- When War Happens To White People indi.ca Feb 25 White people say Ukraine is the worst war since WWII when it’s not even the worst war today. It’s not even the worst war in Europe. It’s definitely not the worst war in recent history. We are surrounded by war, but it’s somehow only an atrocity when it happens to white people. The constant killing of colored people is just furniture. It’s like factory farming or environment destruction. Our blood, bones, and planet are just the background for imperial vanity. Our dehumanization is so complete that colored people don’t even register as human beings. And yet we are. In solidarity with the people of Ukraine, I reject this rank hypocrisy. It is this very dehumanization that makes war such an atrocity. The White Empire that holds Ukraine up as some great example is getting them killed as much as they regularly kill colored people like me. We all get stuck between this murderous empire and the villain of the week. We’re all victims of the same hypocrisy. Worst War? I’m not just burning a straw man on your lawn. Mitt Romney came and burnt this odious tweet on everybody. He said “Putin’s Ukraine invasion is the first time in 80 years that a great power has moved to conquer a sovereign nation.” What the fuck is he talking about? Were Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan not sovereign nations, conquered and occupied? How many places has White Empire tried to topple, or left to rot under siege? The ongoing wars on Syria, Yemen and sieges of Afghanistan are killing people every day. The war dividing Korea never ended. The punishment of Iran never stopped. The Israeli occupation of Palestine is killing people every day. Because this happens to people of color, however, white people can’t see it. It just blends into the background. To Mitt Romney, colored nations have no sovereignty at all. We don’t even exist. This is the ultimate dehumanization, this is what keeps us under forever war. To the settler-colony of America, we’re still just an endless frontier of savages. Beasts of no nation. We don’t even register as things to conquer, as lives to take. War can only happen to white people, not animals. In truth, what happened to Ukraine is not even the worst war going on right now, if you can admit coloured people their humanity. On the same day the Ukraine was attacked, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen were also bombed, the latter 37 times. On the same day, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Venezuela, Cuban, and North Korea remained under siege. It has been another day of constant war, but it’s like those people don’t even exist. White people really don’t see colour. It’s not just Romney, ostensibly in opposition. Here’s what an unnamed defence official told CNN: ------------------------------------------------------------- The world has not seen a “move like this, nation state-to-nation state, since World War II,” a senior US defence official told reporters Thursday about Russia’s attack on Ukraine — “certainly nothing on this size and scope and scale.” ------------------------------------------------------------- But we have seen this! I have personally seen the nation states of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya toppled and Syria and Yemen reduced to rubble. Those were nations! Those are people! In terms of size, scope, and scale, just fucking look: The Costs Of War Project, because nobody else is even counting Here’s your comparison to World War II. At least 38 million people have been displaced in White Empire’s Terror Wars, the worst human catastrophe since World War II. And it’s ongoing. That’s real. Those are real people, and under the ground are millions dead. This is war. This is real war. It is endless because these human beings remain so thoroughly dehumanized. Hence you can get President Joe Biden saying, without any sense of irony, ------------------------------------------------------------- “Who in the Lord’s name does Putin think gives him the right to declare new so-called countries on territory that belonged to his neighbors? This is a flagrant violation of international law and demands a firm response from the international community,” Biden said. ------------------------------------------------------------- What is he talking about? How is this even coherent unless coloured nations do not exist? Biden supported destroying Afghanistan, Iraq, and whoever else came up, countries which aren’t even America’s neighbours. America’s backyard is everywhere, and it’s full of bodies. America’s idea of a ‘rules-based order’ is attacking other countries all the time. As the better President Jimmy Carter said, ------------------------------------------------------------- President Jimmy Carter recently noted that in its 242-year history, America has enjoyed only 16 years of peace, making it, as he wrote, “the most warlike nation in the history of the world.” (Rolling Stone) ------------------------------------------------------------- The dehumanization is so complete that it’s fucking invisible. That’s how not human colored people are. Hence the western(ized) journalist (?) Julia Ioffe can say that America is somehow allergic to war. She said: Julia Ioffe What does this mean? How is this tweet still up? This isn’t some isolated idiocy, this is reality. This is how white people really see. They think that because drones aren’t human, the people they kill are somehow not human either. Out of sight, out of your fucking mind. They somehow think that decades long invasions and occupations are not occupations because they’re well-meaning. They’re doing us a favor, really. The white man’s burden, so please don’t burden us with even counting your dead. White people really can’t see themselves as the monsters they are, and they certainly can’t see us as human beings. We are beneath even war. War is not even declared on us. War is for human beings, and we’re so throughly dehumanized that we’re like cattle, or plants. Israel even describes its regular murder of Palestinians as ‘mowing the grass’. In order to kill people you have to dehumanize them first, and we in the global majority have been so thoroughly dehumanized that we don’t even register as victims of war. White people only perk up when it happens to white people. That’s when it’s an atrocity. Worst in Europe? The New York Times, reducing humanity to European states (via) The qualification to the Ukraine outrage is that this is somehow the worst war ‘in Europe’ but what does that mean? Yugoslavia is in Europe and they got was pretty wrecked in the 90s. That was NATO’s first real taste of blood. What ‘in Europe’ really means is ‘for white people’. That’s really what ‘Europe’ means as well. Europe is not a real continent, as Hitler’s tanks could tell you. It’s just a white supremacist line drawn randomly across Asia. Hitler was completely flummoxed by bodies of water but he rampaged across Eurasia just fine. Most WWII casualties were actually in Asia, not ‘Europe’ at all. By a long shot. By the tens of millions. There is no point in reducing a literal World War to just the European theatre, unless you’re being racist, which people are. ‘Worst in Europe’ is just a shorthand for ‘worst for white people’. It’s just the worst war within the confines of white supremacy. This is an act of warlike dehumanization in itself. This is not for the Ukrainian people’s benefit. Just ask the citizens of the former Yugoslavia, who have now been completely disappeared and forgot. Whitewashing War The message we in the global majority get loud and clear from your hand wringing is that war is only war when it happens to white people. As Emran Feroz said, “Most Ukraine coverage is dominated by a lot of Eurocentrism. Go and talk about a “new era”, “new timeline” etc. with Afghans, Chechens, Syrians or Iraqis.” Plenty of coloured blood was spilled during World War II, plenty continued to be spilled after, and your ‘Cold’ War was pretty hot for everybody else. But that’s somehow not history. You’ve whitewashed history, and today we can see you whitewashing reality. But this time it won’t wash. As Shailja Patel said: Solidarity with the people of Ukraine against Russia’s bombs. Rejection of the agendas and messaging of the countries currently bombing Yemen, Syria, Gaza and Somalia, and starving Cuba, Iran, Venezuela and Afghanistan. Both are possible at the same time. As Alan MacLeod said: The outrage you’re feeling now is the outrage you should feel when the United States bombs or occupies a country, which is every day. As Jeff Sharlet said: We can simultaneously recognize the horror of Putin’s invasion and recall the terrible wars in Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. This isn’t the “first war in Europe since WW II.” Nor is it (yet) the worst war in recent decades; US invasion of Iraq far worse; 2nd Congo War worse still. This stuff is all basic geography, history and reality, but white supremacy warps people’s minds so much that they can’t see. They can’t see coloured dead, they can’t see coloured occupation, and they can’t see the endless state of war that has continued since World War II. In truth, WWII never ended, it just became World War Too. The world remained at war, white people just stopped giving a fuck and called it ‘cold’. But hey, guess what. We all bleed the same warm blood. We all prefer to keep it inside our bodies. Hence this is in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, they’re not somehow alone in being victims of war. War is the very act of dehumanization, and this is what we must resist, whether it happens in Ukraine or Yemen, crossing the Mediterranean or the river Dnieper, wherever the crushing of human life and very existence may be. We have to realize, war isn’t something that just happens to white people. War happens to people. In solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the people in pain everywhere, we have got to recognize our shared humanity. Source: When War Happens To White People URL: https://www.newageislam.com/current-affairs/ukraine-russia-war-wwii/d/126501 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

Islamic Family Values: How Does Islam Help to Prevent Family Disputes?

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 5 March 2022 Prevention of Family Disputes from an Islamic Standpoint Main Points: 1. Those who do not destroy familial ties are praised in the Quran as “those of understanding,” according to the Quran. 2. Muslim families have lost their power of resisting the devil's influence and easily break the family ties. 3. Family dispute is strongly frowned upon in Islam. ------ Imagine the ideal family: every family member is God-conscious, parents fulfil their children's rights and vice versa, siblings live in peace, a marital life free of squabbles and plenty of good times, and sweetly obedient offspring. Is there such a family on this planet? Can anyone give an example of a family that possesses all of these traits, has built strong love and attachment connections and has never had a family conflict? According to reports, families are experiencing more conflict and tension than ever before, with parents, siblings, cousins, spouses, children, in-laws, and so on. Some of the fighting is insignificant, but others have left scars and wreaked havoc on the lives of many people. The Muslims have not lagged behind in the race of family disputes. Their condition has deteriorated to an all-time high, owing to their disregard of Islamic values. When fear of God Almighty fades, disobedience to Islamic values becomes the usual. And when this happens, the person forgets to maintain God Almighty's rights, which are inscribed in Islamic teachings. He or she begins to exploit the law in order to escape his or her criminal behaviour. But he or she forgets that avoiding punishment in the Court of the World is easy, but not in the Court of God Almighty. It is commonly assumed that men are to blame for family disputes. True, but in many cases, women are also to blame for family disputes. Hence, my message on the prevention of family disputes is intended for everyone, male or female, from an Islamic standpoint. Severing familial ties is, without a doubt, a dreadful sin. Numerous passages in the Quran and Sunnah (prophetic teachings) promote the preservation of familial relationships and emphasise the religious significance of the issue. One of the main goals of Islam is to unite people and establish brotherhood and similar relationships. Allah Azzawajal says: “Those who unite what Allah has commanded to be united, and fear their Lord, and apprehend the evil of the account” (13:21) What are the things Allah has commanded to be united? Of course, this is about the relationship between family members and the kinship bond. Those who are kind to their relatives and do not break the ties of kinship are referred to as "the people of understanding" in an earlier verse of the Quran (13:20) The following is one of the reports from the Prophet's (peace be upon him) Sunnah that warns against cutting familial ties: It was narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Allah created the creations, and when He finished from His creations, Ar-Rahm i.e., womb said, “(O Allah) at this place I seek refuge with You from all those who sever me (i.e. sever the ties of Kith and kin). Allah said, ‘Yes, won't you be pleased that I will keep good relations with the one who will keep good relations with you, and I will sever the relation with the one who will sever the relations with you.’ It said, ‘Yes, O my Lord.’ Allah said, ‘Then that is for you ‘”. Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) added. “Read (in the Qur'an) if you wish, the Statement of Allah: ‘Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land and sever your ties of kinship?’ (47.22) (Sahih Bukhari 5987) What causes family bonds to be severed between families? It is usually determined that it is related to arguments over materialistic matters in the majority of situations. The Devil incites enmity and animosity among people over little matters that aren't worth discussing in the first place. However, Muslim families have lost their power of resisting the devil's influence. This occurs despite the fact that Islam encourages Muslims to consolidate the bond of kinship, ignore faults and embrace a forgiving and tolerant attitude, rather than seek out mistakes and cultivate hatred, grudges, and envy. Abu Huraira reported that a person said: Allah's Messenger, I have relatives with whom I try, to have a close relationship, but they sever (this relation). I treat them well, but they treat me ill. I am sweet to them but they are harsh towards me. Upon this, he (the Holy Prophet) said: If it is so as you say, then you in fact throw hot ashes (upon their faces) and there would always remain with you on behalf of Allah (an Angel to support you) who would keep you dominant over them so long as you adhere to this (path of righteousness). (Narrated by Muslim, 2558) An-Nawawi said in his commentary on Sharh Muslim (16/115): It will be like giving them scorching ashes, according to this hadith. This is a metaphor for the suffering they will experience, similar to the pain experienced by someone who eats hot ashes. There will be no sin on this good deed-doer; rather, they will be doing a major sin by cutting him off and harming him. And it was stated that by treating them well, you will make them feel ashamed of themselves because of how lovingly you treat them in comparison to how terribly they treat you. And Allah is the most knowledgeable. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The upholder of kinship links is not the one who is kind to them if they are kind to him; rather, the upholder of kinship ties is the one who upholds the kinship ties with them if his relatives cut him off.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 5991) This is the behaviour and attitude that Islam encourages. The family dispute is strongly frowned upon in Islam. You are not permitted to join one of the family members in breaking links with other relatives; instead, you must keep ties with all of them and treat them with love, as well as make every effort to reconcile the two members. ---- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/islamic-family-values-/d/126514 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

Sectarian Religious Violence Among Muslims Calls For Introspection Among Ulema: Evolve A New Theology, A Theology Of Peace, To Replace The Traditional Theology Of Violence And Conflict

By Dr. Mohammad Ghitreef, New Age Islam 6 March 2022 Two days ago, once again suicide bomber killed more than 60 innocent lives gathered for Juma prayer in a Shia mosque (Imambargah) of Bazar Qissa Khani in Peshawar Pakistan, and left hundreds injured. This is a major terror attack of this kind in recent times. The gory scene was like a huge mass sacrifice on Baqar Eid. Apart from the president of the country, a demagogue prime minister Imran Khan, who has been exploiting religious sentiments, on the pretext of establishing a welfare state on the pattern of Medinan state, condemned the cowardly and heinous crime, boasting once again that the criminals would be booked and be brought to justice at all cost. Ulema and opposition leaders of different affiliations are also ,as usual, condemning the brutal killing. Yet the society as a whole doesn’t seem to address the main cause of these terror attacks. (Photo: Friday Times) ------ Moreover, a senior journalist working with Jeo Newsgroup; Saleem Safi opined that this must be a handiwork of either TTP or Daish. The TTP is a franchise of the Taliban in Afghanistan, who harshly condemned the attack. However, the Islamic State or Daesh has taken responsibility for the attack. Islamic State has a leaning to Salafi Islam and thus an eternal hatred towards Shias. People belonging to the Shia and Hazara community in Baluchistan have been particularly targeted in such attacks because they were adherents of Jaffaria jurisprudence. This poison of hatred has been spreading in society since the 1980s but despite repeated promises and various action plans, the government of Pakistan has not been able to curb sectarian fanaticism and protect the minority sects. What kind of Muslims would plant bombs in their suicide vests and explode them among hundreds of Muslims in a mosque? Surely this the result of indoctrination into the traditional Muslim theology that doesn't consider Shias Muslim and in fact calls them wajibul qatl, that is, deserving death. In fact, false interpretation of religion in the traditional theology of consensus is a major cause of radicalism and extremism. For, religious fanaticism is indeed potential terrorism, which can very easily change into acts of terrorism. Take the case of Pakistan itself, wherein, for decades, Sunnis are butchering Shias and Shias are retaliating in the same coin, why? Because Shia are reported to have been abusing knowingly or unknowingly, holy companions especially Abu Bakar, Umar, and Aisha (RA). Maybe they are not abusing them verbally but Shia literature, of course, is said to have contents to this effect. So in Majalise Iza, they poured in their aversion and hatred towards Sahaba (holy companions). In reaction Sunnis dub them as Kafir (infidel) and regard them as permitted to be killed, hence take on them when they get a chance, at their mosques, graveyards, Imambaras, shrines, and processions, with bombs and detonators hoping to be rewarded for that in the hereafter. In reaction, Shias would attack them and this chain of killings and blood-shedding is going on unchecked. Seemingly many such militant outfits stood abolished by the authorities, but they have their support base in the masses of both communities, under whose pressure, those ulema too, who realize it is wrong, are compelled to endorse it. In both the sects, there are a lot of insolent, headstrong, and abusive young ulema and audacious speakers, who are enjoying full support and endorsement of elders of their sects. Therefore, this gory situation cannot be resolved in a political or military way. Not only that but if so-called Islamists one day come to power, the issue will remain as it is. To me, the only solution to this lamentable state of affairs should come from religion itself and that is via intra-faith dialogue. There are groups in Pakistan, similar to ISIS who subscribe to the brute idea that Shias, Ahmadis and blasphemers and even liberals, who don’t buy the Islamicist’s political views, are Kafirs and infidels who are permitted to be killed, مباح الدم, so shedding their blood is not a sin. Barelvis, Labbaikies who have a blind gigantic following among the masses and particularly in rural Panjab, wherein fires of hatred towards not only non-Muslims but towards Shias, Ahmadis, and Liberals alike are always smouldering and blasphemy outrage is perpetually bringing the country on the brink of an erupting volcano, how can these volatile and hostile environs could be mended by dint of maintaining law and order enforcement only. For example, one Urdu religious journal Iqra digest has issued an especial issue recently excommunicating Shias from the fold of Islam, containing at least 500 fatwas (religious decrees) issued from different Ifta houses and big Sunni seminaries, not only of the Indian subcontinent but even from madrasas of South Africa. I wonder when you have militant youth organizations in the country whose leaders openly call indoctrinated members to shed the blood of every Kafir on flimsy grounds like blasphemy or abusing Sahaba, how can you dream to build a prosperous peaceful, and tolerant society? The issue is not confined to Pakistan. I put it as an example only because the situation there is worse. Otherwise, the same applies to Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria, wherein the bloody sectarian war so far has claimed more than 90 thousand Muslim lives. And this Frankenstein’s monster has full freehand which changed Syria in particular into a haven for killer regime's forces, snipers, Hezbollah members, evildoer insurgents of a sordid assortment. Thirty years ago, such a massive bomb blast took place in the same place, the same bazaar and the same mosque were targeted, because the bazaar is a symbol of storytelling liberalism also. Today, religious fanatics have reiterated their misdeed making the claims of law enforcement agencies a mockery. Shia sect has existed since the first century AH. Shia-Sunni differences also have always been there in history. Mutual bloodshed and bloody wars have taken place too. However, the general outlawing and excommunicating of the Shias is not narrated from any great Imam or scholar of Islam throughout its checkered history. Nor has any Sunni government ever massacred them posing them as apostates or infidels. Rather they were considered as a Muslim sect even in Islamic literature. The massacre of the Shia sect by usurping Islam from them is a new phenomenon in Islamic history that needs to be thwarted at every level and the way out of it will be through inter-sectarian or intra-faith dialogue. ----- Research Associate with Centre for Promotion of Educational and Cultural Advancement of Muslims of India AMU Aligarh. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-sectarianism/sectarian-religious-violence-ulema-peace-traditional-theology-/d/126515 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

We, the People, Must Stand Unequivocally With Ukraine, Even If Our Governments Have Good Reasons to Equivocate

By Junaid Jahangir, New Age Islam 2 March 2022 It Is Time to Look Within and Ask Why Did India and the UAE Abstain On the Vote against Russia Main Points: 1. In essence, it is time to unequivocally stand with Ukraine. 2. Focus should not be removed from Ukraine with whataboutisms. 3. It is time for solidarity with a nation that has been attacked unprovoked by the 2nd most powerful military in the world. ----- Ukrainians attend a rally in central Kyiv, Ukraine. ----- Al Jazeera recently published an article on the double standards and racism associated with the outpouring sympathy for Ukraine that is missing for other places like Iraq, Afghanistan, or Yemen. However, now is the time to stand unequivocally with Ukraine. In 2018, the Humboldt tragedy occurred in Canada. Many of the deceased and injured in the bus crash were young boys from a junior ice hockey team from Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada. The tragedy was felt viscerally by Canadians who responded overwhelmingly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: Russian Invasion of Ukraine Has Lessons for Muslim Countries ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immediately, an argument was made that such Canadian outpouring of donations was due to the "maleness, whiteness, and able-bodiedness" of those who perished. This biting analysis was offered, as parents were grieving the loss of their young boys. I was not comfortable with this approach based on the ethic that you don't kick someone when they are already down. NBC News Ukrainian forces fight to hold capital as Russia vetoes UN Security Council resolution ----- A similar argument is being made in the case of Ukraine. But this is an abrasive approach. It seeks to split people apart rather than bring them together. Now is not the time for smart cheeky analyses. It is time for solidarity with a nation that has been attacked unprovoked by the 2nd most powerful military in the world. It is important to note that people respond overwhelmingly when they see themselves mirrored in the tragedy. For instance, Pakistani PM Imran Khan has rejected that there is any Uyghur oppression at all. For quite some time the Rohingyas were ignored because Muslims were preoccupied with Palestine. Moreover, Muslims have generally not been concerned about the plight of Muslims in the Central African Republic in 2014. Many would not even know about the situation there. As for the racism of the West, its true there is racism. But this is also universal. You just have to live in other parts of the world to learn this on your own. When after 40 years of service you are left without pension, when your caste is an issue in climbing up the corporate ladder, when your religious denomination bars you from promotion, when the jealousy of others drags you down from success, in all such places you often don't have the luxury to make arguments against racism. I guess the point is effectively captured by the Urdu phrase "Is Hammam Main Sab Nangay Hain" (everybody is equally naked in this bath house). Berlin police estimate more than 100,000 people attended an anti-war demonstration in the German capital on Sunday ------ Only those who have experienced such issues can understand better than someone who was born in privilege. For often, people who make caustic arguments come from affluent places. Those at the bottom of the food chain don't have time to complain. They just have to get by. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: What Russia Wants: Threat of a Russian Invasion of Ukraine Is a Western Invention ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Returning to Ukraine, again, now is not the time to come up with smart cheeky analyses. The focus should not be removed from Ukraine with whataboutisms. We should not make it about our pet issues but expand our compassion to stand by others. The ethic is simple: stand by the oppressed without ifs and buts. If anything, it is time to look within and ask why did India and the UAE abstain on the vote against Russia, or why did the Pakistani PM shake hands with Putin, as he was wreaking havoc on a nation much smaller and militarily weaker than his own. In essence, it is time to unequivocally stand with Ukraine. Slava Ukraini! Heroiam Slava! (Glory to Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes). ------ Junaid Jahangir is an Assistant Professor of Economics at MacEwan University. He is the co-author of Islamic Law and Muslim Same-Sex Unions. With Dr. Hussein Abdullatif, a paediatric endocrinologist in Alabama, he has co-authored several academic papers on the issue of same-sex unions in Islam. He contributed this article to NewAgeIslam.com. 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