Monday 19 December 2011

Trials

Dr. Ibrahim B. Syed

President

Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc.

7102 W. Shefford Lane

Louisville, KY 40242-6462

E-MAIL: IRFI@INAME.COM

WEBSITE: WWW.IRFI.ORG

 

 

The Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasalam said: "Verily, if Allah loves a people, He makes them go through trials(ordeals, suffering, difficulties). Whoever is satisfied, for him is contentment (happiness), and whoever is angry, upon him is wrath (anger)." 

It is part of  our  faith (Al-Iman) to be contented (satisfied) with all that is decreed (written in our fate): both what is good and what is bad. 

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an  "And certainly We shall test you with something of fear; hunger; loss of wealth, lives and fruits (or crops), but give glad tidings  to the patient ones." Surah Al-Baqarah, 2 : 155. 

We are all tested according to the level of our faith. The Prophet,  Sallallahu Alayhi Wasalam said:  "The most severely tested of people are the Prophets and then the righteous ones." 

Trials (ordeals, suffering, difficulties) have troubled the Muslim Ummah throughout their history and even during the  present times in-Afghanistan, Chechneya, Iraq, Kashmir, Palestine, Philippines, etc.   In the 21st century, the Muslims are facing trials and tribulations of such magnitude that the people of wisdom are shocked.  Our enemies and adversaries take these occurrences (bad times of Muslims) as an opportunity to spread falsehood about Islam and make outrageous claims about it that are completely groundless (Islamophobia).

All human beings are subjected  to trials some time in life. The best way we Muslims can respond to these events is to examine ourselves, cool down the fire of these tribulations, remove their causes and reduce the effects of them to the bare minimum.

As  Muslims, we  pray and repent to Allah (SWT) to remove the trials that are afflicting the Muslim Ummah.  We must  perform righteous deeds and continue to help and support  our  unfortunate brothers and sisters  who are facing military assaults, trials and tribulations.

Rasool Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, "Hasten to do good deeds before you are overtaken by one of the seven afflictions.'' Then (giving a warning) he said, "Are you waiting for such poverty which will make you unmindful of devotion; or prosperity (wealth) which will make you corrupt, or disease  that will disable you, or such senility (old age) that  will make you mentally unstable, or sudden death, or Ad-Dajjal who is the worst thing expected to come, or the Hour, and the Hour will be the most grievous and the  most bitter".[At-Tirmidhi].

Allah (SWT) has warned  the Muslims in the Noble Qur'an  with trials, if they turn away from the religion of their Lord and His laws. The word  trial here  includes all kinds of punishments like killings, disasters, imposing of a tyrant ruler and disease.

If Allah wants good for a person, He afflicts him. 

The Qur'an says, "And surely, We shall try you till We know those of you  who strive hard [for the Cause of Allah] and the patient ones; and We shall test your record [i.e. the one who is a liar; and the one who is truthful]" Surah Muhammad,  47: 31.

When Muslims are tested one can distinguish between the faithful Muslims and the liars; between the sincere Muslims  and the opportunists.

Muslims should  seek redress(remedy)  against the trials by holding fast onto the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet. Allah (SWT) says“Then, whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress (suffering)  and misery (sadness).” (Taa Haa, 20: 123).  Muslims should  implement the commands of these two pure sources in every aspect of their lives.

Supplication (Du'a)  is also one of the means of facing  trials for there is no power except with Allah. It is recommended  for Muslims to supplicate to their Lord during trials.   Muslims should try to purify their hearts through good deeds which  strengthen the hearts during trials.

Perseverance (persistence, determination) and piety (Taqwa) are also good protection against the trialsOne is saved from tribulations by turning to Allah sincerely and invoking Him truthfully. Prophet Yusuf (AS)  was saved because of his sincerity and the people of the Cave were saved because of their truthfulness. So whoever is more perfect in faith (Imaan) and remembrance (Dhikr) will have greater protection and defence from Allah and whoever has less faith and remembrance gets less defence and protection.

Persecution

How should we react to trials and persecution? We need to learn from the life of the Noble Prophet. The Prophet and his followers  were subjected to some persecution and indignity.  The hostile Quraish prevented the Prophet (SAS) from offering his prayers at the Sacred House of the Ka'ba; they pursued him wherever he went; they covered him and his disciples with dirt and filth.  The Prophet suffered all kinds of insults. Thorns were placed in his way. Garbage, dirt, and smelly camels’ intestines were thrown at him. People laughed and mocked him. The Prophet and the Muslims remained patient and prayed to God for help. Amidst all thesetrials the Prophet did not falter (hesitate). He was full of confidence in his mission, even  though on several occasions he  faced  imminent danger of losing his life. The non-believers thought that the best way to stop the progress of Islam was to kill the Prophet.

The Prophet continued preaching to the Arabs in a most gentle and reasonable manner. He used inspiring words which excited the hearts of his listeners, he warned them of the punishment which Allah had inflicted upon the ancient tribes of 'Ad and Thamud who had stubbornly disobeyed the teachings of Allah's messengers to them. He spoke to them of the Day of Reckoning, when their deeds in this world will be weighed before the Eternal Judge, when the children who had been buried alive will be asked for what crime they were put to death.

The Quraish were alarmed as the number of believers increased  by the conversions of many powerful citizens.  Their power and prestige were at peril. They were the custodians of the idols, which the Prophet had threatened to destroy; they were the ministers of the worship, which he denounced. In fact their existence and livelihood  completely depended upon the preservation of the old institutions. The Prophet taught that in the sight of his Lord all humans were equal, the only distinction recognized among them being the weight of their piety (Taqwa).

The Quraish organized a system of persecution in order to suppress the movement before it became firmly established. With the exception of the Prophet, who was protected by Abu Talib and his kinsmen, and Abu Bakr(RA),  all other converts were subjected to different sorts of torture. Some of them were thrown into prison, starved, and then flogged. The hill of Ramada and the place called Bata thus became scenes of cruel torture.

One day the Quraish tried to persuade the Prophet to stop his teachings of the new religion.  'Utba Ibn Rabi'a, was entrusted to see the Prophet and speak to him. 'Utba said: "O son of my brother, you have spread conflict among our people and cast disagreement in our families; you condemned our gods and goddesses and you accuse our ancestors with sinfulness. Now we came to make a proposition to you, if you intend to acquire riches, honors, and dignity, we are willing to collect for you a fortune larger than what is possessed by any one of us; we shall make you our chief and we will not do anything without your approval.  If you desire dominion, we shall make you our king; and if the demon which possesses you cannot be restrained or controlled, we will bring you doctors and give them riches until they cure you."  The Prophet, recited to him the first thirteen verses of Surah Fussilat, (Surah No. 41) which covers the topics of Tawhid, Aakhirah, creation of the universe and the fate of the people of Ad and Thamud. After finishing his recitation, Rasool Allah (SAS) said to 'Utba: "This is my reply to your proposition; now take what direction you find best."

Persecution by the Quraish grew fiercer every day and the sufferings of the Prophet's followers became unbearable. He had heard of the righteousness, tolerance, and hospitality of the neighboring Christian king of Abyssinia, Al Najashi (Negus).  He recommended those of his companions who were without protection to seek refuge in the kingdom of that pious king. Some fifteen of the unprotected adherents of Islam promptly availed themselves of the advice and sailed to Abyssinia. Here they were welcomed with a very kind reception from Negus. This is called the first hijrah (migration) in the history of Islam and occurred in the fifth year of the Prophet Muhammad's mission, i.e., 615 CE. These emigrants were soon followed by many of their fellow sufferers, until the number reached eighty-three men and eighteen women.

The hostile Quraish, furious at the escape of their victims, sent deputies to the king of Abyssinia to request him to deliver up the refugees, so that they might be put to death for adjuring their old religion and embracing a new one. The king summoned the poor fugitives and inquired of them what was the religion, which they had adopted in preference to their old faith. Ja'far (RA), son of Abu Talib and brother of Imam 'Ali (RA), acted as spokesman for the exiles. He spoke thus: "O king, we were plunged in the depth of ignorance and barbarism, we adored idols, we lived in unchastity, and we ate dead bodies, and we spoke abomination (disgrace or outrage), we disregarded every feeling of humanity and sense of duty towards our neighbors, and we knew no law but that of the strong, when Allah raised among us a man, of whose birth, truthfulness, honesty, and purity we were aware. He called us to profess the Unity of Allah and taught us to associate nothing with Him; he forbade us the worship of idols and enjoined us to speak the truth, to be faithful to our trusts, to be merciful, and to regard the rights of neighbors; he forbade us to speak evil, to worship  Allah and not to return to the worship of idols of wood and stone and to abstain from evil, to offer prayers, to give alms, to observe the fast. We have believed in him, we have accepted his teachings and his injunctions (commands) to worship Allah alone and to associate nothing with Him. Hence our people have persecuted us, trying to make us forego the worship of Allah and return to the worship of idols of wood and stone and other abominations (disgraceful things). They have tortured us and injured us.   Finding no safety among them, we have come to your kingdom, trusting,    you will give us protection against their persecution."

After hearing the above speech, the hospitable king ordered the deputies to return to their people in safety and not to interfere with their fugitives. Thus the emigrants passed the period of exile in peace and comfort.

While the followers of the Prophet sought safety in foreign lands against the persecution of their people, he (prophet) continued his warnings to the Quraish more energetically (vigorously) than ever.

The  Prophet used to declare to the disbelievers that the Qur'an  is a book of blessings which is a warning for the whole world; it is a complete guidance and explains everything necessary; it is a reminder of what is imprinted on human nature and is free from every discrepancy and from error and falsehood. It is a book of true guidance and a light to all.

As the  Quraish  multiplied (intensified)  their persecution, the Prophet, nevertheless, continued his preaching and responded to the hostility of his enemies with calmness and patience.  In the face of all opposition and increased persecution, the new faith grew and expanded. The national fair at Okadh near Mecca attracted many desert Bedouins and trading citizens from distant towns. They listened to the teachings of the Prophet, to his admonitions (warnings), and to his condemnations of their sacred idols and of their superstitions. When  they returned  to their distant homes, they told the people what they heard and thus the advent of the Prophet was made known to almost all parts of the Arabian peninsula.

The residents of  Makkah were infuriated (angry) at the Prophet's increasing preaching against their religion. As the Prophet persisted in his enthusiastic condemnation against their ungodliness and impiety, they turned him out from the Ka'ba where he used to sit and preach, and subsequently all of them went to Abu Talib. They urged the venerable(respected) chief to prevent his nephew from abusing their gods or uttering any bad words against their ancestors. They warned Abu Talib that if he failed, he (Abu Talib) would be excluded from the communion of his people and driven to side with Muhammad (SAS); the matter would then be settled by fight until one of the two parties were exterminated.

Abu Talib was neutral and he spoke to the Prophet very softly and pleaded him to abandon his mission. The Prophet firmly replied: "O my uncle, if they placed the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand and ask me to give up my mission, verily I would not cease (discontinue) there from until Allah made manifest (visible)  His cause or I perished in the attempt."

The Quraish again  failed to impress upon  Abu Talib to abandon his nephew. The esteemed chief declared his intention to protect his nephew against any danger or violence. He appealed to the sense of honor of the two families of   Bani Hashim and Bani Muttalib, both families being related to the Prophet, to protect their member from falling a victim to the hatred of rival parties. All the members of the two families graciously responded to the appeal of Abu Talib except Abu Lahab, one of the Prophet's uncles, who took part with the persecutors.

During this period, 'Umar Al-Khattab (RA) adopted Islam. In him the new faith gained a valuable adherent and an important factor in the future development and propagation of Islam. Until then, he had been an aggressive opposer of the Prophet and a bitter enemy of Islam. His conversion is credited to the miraculous effect on his mind of a Surah (Ta Ha, # 20) of the Qur'an, which his sister was reading in her house, where he had gone with the intention of killing her for embracing Islam. Thus the party of the Prophet had been strengthened by the conversions of his uncle Hamza, a man of great valor and merit; and of Abu Bakr and 'Umar, both men of great influence and status. The Muslims now decided to perform their devotions in public.

 

Jerusalem

 

At the end  of the 11th century, the Christians spread the news that the  Muslims  were  attacking pilgrimages to Jerusalem, then the  Holy Land became an object of legitimate desire for people of the Christian faith. Muslims attacking the pilgrims to Jerusalem was purely a rumor, like that spread in the communal newspapers today. An example is the Gujarat riots in India in 2002.

 

In the First Crusade, the Crusader conquests were held by only a handful of professional troops. It is clearly amazing that neither the Turks nor the Fatimids were able to annihilate such a tiny European force in their midst, and a force that did not receive substantial reinforcement for more than a decade. Perhaps it might be useful for modern Islamic societies to remember that foreigners were only able to intervene militarily because of inter-Arab divisions (even in 1097 CE, the Sunni-Shia split was an open wound) and foolish leadership. In military terms, the Crusades should have been a non-event; the Fatimid navy dominated the eastern Mediterranean and the Seljuk Turks dominated central Turkey with a large, powerful army. However the greatest result of the Crusades was a Sunni Muslim revival that "resulted in less tolerance of Shia Muslims". We are still feeling the results of this revival to this day.

 

Muslims lost Andalusia or southern Spain because of internal squabbles among Muslims that resulted into a  divided Islamic world. There was no unity.  There was corruption among the Muslims. Muslims lost the qualities of  courage, virility, energy, spirituality, leadership and solidarity that helped them to survive and prosper against their enemies.

The weaknesses of the Muslims today are: Poverty, Illiteracy, Disunity, Corruption, poor leadership, autocracy, lack of Imaan.

 

The strengths of the Muslims today are: a population of 1.4 billion Muslims, vast lands and natural resources. If all the Muslim countries are united  and all the Muslims are united under one leader - a Khalifa then the Muslims become the most powerful nation on earth.

 

If  Muslims can remove five things they can remove the obstacles to becoming great. These are: (1) Ignorance (2) Laziness (3) Inefficiency (4) Addiction to Alcohol (5) Addiction to Gambling.  There are about 37 unlawful acts in Islamic Law, but these five are the most dangerous because they cancel all of our progress and open the gates of destruction.

 

Allah revealed Islam to us to turn our world into Paradise and a Peaceful place.  Not understanding Islam, people only focused attention on the hereafter (Aakhirah) and neglected this world, at the same time turned it into a hell.The chief characteristic of Islam is that it makes no distinction between the Spiritual and the Secular in life.  It should be obvious to Muslims that nobody should assume to have a guarantee to enter Paradise. Entering Paradise is a gift from Allah(SWT) in whose forgiveness and generosity we take refuge.

 

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an in Surah Baqarah, 2: 214 "Do you think that you will enter paradise without undergoing such trials as were experienced by the believers before you? They met with adversity and affliction and  were so shaken by trials that the Prophet of the time and his followers cried out "When will Allah's help come?" Then they were comforted with the good tidings, "Yes, Allah's help is near."

 

Important note to learn to read quran online

There are many ways to improve the Quran recitation, here are some of themlisten quran online with tajweed , Quran Recitation Online  When a Holy Quran Reciter or Learn Quran with proper understanding it helps you in understanding the complexities of the world and its daily life It helps you in making your life simpler to understand and easier to cope with. Recitation of online Koran gives your strength and knowledge to deal with different patterns of life. Reading Quran or Recitation of Quran doesn’t even gives you mental peace and calmness but if you recite it with complete understanding of what each verse is saying to you, you would find those verses a complete guideline for you to deal with your daily life problems and confusions. Prophet Muhammad said, so join the true path of knowledge and learn holy quran to bring purity to your life. And see Learning Quran blog more quranic article and join online quran teachers for quran memorization courses one on one

 

Humanity and Islam

The Holy Quran expressly declares that the human race is one family.  All of us are the children of Adam and Eve, whether our skin is white or black. At various places it says: “All human beings are a single nation” (2:213).  “All human beings are naught but a single nation and yet they disagree” (10:19).  “And verily this your nation (human beings) is a single nation” (21:92) and (23:52).   

 

The differences in our physical features, colors, complexions, languages, dresses, customs and the ways of living arise due to different climates and geographical territories. Those who settled in hot tropical zones grew to be black, and those who settled in cold climates remained white in their complexion.  The people living in hot climates are hot-headed and the people living in cold climate have cold temperament.  The diet also affects the color and temperament.  The Mongolians, the Semites, the Darvidians and the Saxons took pride in tribalism.  The lust for property, power and pelf made one tribe the enemy of the other tribe and led to bloodshed and battles. Such savage and illiterate people fashioned idols with their hands and worshiped natural phenomenon such as the sun, fire, bodies of water and snakes and other elements and creatures which could harm them. They believed that they could obtain protection from such material objects, creatures and elements of nature the river, the snakes and other objects which could harm them.  Hence out of fancy and fear they made their gods.  But the prophets always guided them and instructed them to worship one God –

 

The prophets, the guides whom God sent to all people, instructed these people to worship the one God, Who is omniscient, omnipotent and all merciful.  These individuals, who were ruled by fear and stuck in their beliefs, frequently tortured, teased and persecuted these divine reformers known as the prophets. God never left humankind without guidance through prophets. 

 

Adam was the first man as well as the first prophet.  He guided his wife and children. The Quran tells us, “every people had a prophet” (10:47) “And certainly we raised in every people a prophet” (16:36).  And there is not a people but a Warner has gone among them” (35:24). “And we did not send any apostle but with the language of the people, so that he might explain to them” (14:4). The advent of the Holy prophet of Islam is described in the Quran: “Those who follow the Apostle, the Ummi, whom they find written down with them in the Torah and in the Bible” (7:157).  The Holy Bible also mentions about the advent of our prophet.  It says: “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, unto him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.  And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.” (The New Testament Acts 3:22-24)

 

Moses is prophesying about a prophet who will give them law as he gave them divine law.  Prophet Mohammad endorsed the Law of Moses and presented to him in the Quran.  Hence no one else save Prophet Mohammad is the prophesized one by Moses in the Torah.  About Hazrat Abraham the Quran says: “And when his Lord tried Abraham with certain words, and he fulfilled them, He (God) said, ‘I will make thee an Imam (a guide) for mankind . . . and of my offspring?’ then the Lord said “my (covenant) shall not reach the unjust.” (2:124)

 

About the eminence and guidance of Abraham the Bible says: “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2-3).  About Ishmael the Bible says: “And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee; Behold I have blessed him and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; Twelve princes shall he beget and I will make him a great nation” (Genesis 18:20)

 

Ishmael, Moses and Jesus Christ announced twelve successors.  The Holy Prophet Mohammad also declared “Twelve Imams: after him and they are from Hazrat Ali to Hazrat Imam Mehdi.  When Abraham left his wife Hagar and Ishmael at Mecca it was a barren and waterless desert.  Hagar searched from water from hillock to hillock.  Ishmael was thirsty and near to death.  Through a miracle, a spring gushed out known as the well of zam zam.  It is mentioned in the Bible and in the Quran.  Abraham and Ishmael raised the House of God known as Kaaba.  While raising the walls of the Holy House, Abraham prayed to God to accept this humble and sincere service.  He said: “And when Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House (saying) our Lord! Accept from us; surely Thou art the knowing. Our Lord! And make us both submissive (Muslims) to Thee and (raise) from our offspring a nation submitting to Thee, and show us ways of devotion and turn to us (Merciful), surely Thou art the oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful- Our Lord! And raise up them an Apostle from among them who shall recite to them Thy communications and purify them; surely thou art the mighty, the wise” (2:127-129)

 

God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son Ishmael.  He told about his vision to his son saying: “O, Son! I see in vision that I slay thee.” (37:102)   Ishmael, an obedient and dutiful son replied: “O, Father! Act as thou hast been bidden (by the Lord) and thou wilt, if God willeth, find me of the patient one” (37:102).  When Abraham laid down his son Ishmael and tied his hands and legs lest the boy should struggle while being slain and blind folded himself with a piece of cloth, passed the knife across, cutting the throat.  When he uncovered his eyes he found a lamb laid slain and Ishmael safe and sound standing nearby.  Abraham got worried.  He thought his sacrifice was not accepted by God.  But God has substituted lamb for Ishmael.  The Quran says: “O, Abraham! Of course thou hast faithfully fulfilled the dream, thou art of the truthful ones, but verily it is an open test, we have substituted it with a greater sacrifice.  We have transferred it to later generations.” (37:105-108). 

 

The Bible relates that it was Isaac who was offered as a sacrifice, whereas the Quran seems to relate that it was Ishmael who was offered as a sacrifice. Whichever son it was, the point is that Abraham was willing to do what God asked of him, even at supreme personal cost. 

 

The Quran and other divine scriptures testify this verity that humanity is the core message of prophecy.  Some non-believers maintain that religion is the apple of discord.  But is it not the mind’s inability to understand and the selfish and greedy passions that cause the discord, not the Truth given by God through the prophets? The prophets rendered great sacrifices.  John was beheaded with a saw.  Jesus Christ was tortured and crucified. Muhammad was teased and attacked.  Thy tyrants and tribal chiefs troubled him, but the prophets tolerated all trials, for God and humanity.  Humanity is the message of all religions.

 

Important note to learn and do reading online quran

Online Quran Tutor is the one who comes into mind when someone says to learn Holy Quran online or learning the Quran with the right pronunciation. The Holy Quran online is the word of Allah Ta’ala and recitation of the Quran is a sensitive matter. We have to listen quran with full attention and read quran online with the perfection and it is suppose to be read, there are many places in the Koran online which have to be recited with care and attention because if someone recites them with the wrong pronunciation, the whole context and meaning of the verse get changed. It’s the beauty of every Muslim parent to carry on with the teaching of Islam and letting there kids to learn quran  

Political Thought of Islam

The political system advocated by Islam needs to be clarified.  The modern Muslim scholars say that Islam is a democratic religion, yet many Muslim clerics today do not believe in democracy.  I would like to discuss briefly what I feel is meant by Islamic democracy. 

A few verses of the Holy Quran are presented here which give us the basics for Islamic political thought.  In Sura Baqara (The Heifer) the Quran says: “And remember when your Lord said to the angels, I am going to place a successor (Khalifa) on Earth” (2:30).  This verse is about the vice-regency of Adam.  Then again in the chapter The Heifer about Abraham the Quran says: “And remember when the Lord of Abraham tried him with certain commands which he fulfilled.  Allah said to him, verily, I am going to make you a leader (Imam) of mankind.  Abraham said, ‘And my offspring? Allah said, ‘my providence includes not the wrong-doers (oppressors)’”(2:124).  This verse shows that divine leadership is not for transgressors and tyrants.  It is for righteous and just people.

In Sura Saad the Quran says: “O, David! Verily we have placed you as a successor (Khalifa) on the earth, so judge between men with truth and justice.” (38:26). David was not only a leader or caliph or prophet but he was ruler as well.  Hence according to the Quran a ruler must be truthful and just.  It is the religious obligation of a ruler to provide justice to everyone irrespective of color, cult, class, country and creed.  In Sura The Adoration while talking about the children of Israel the Quran says: “And we appointed from among them, leaders (Imams), giving guidance under our command, so long as they preserved with patience and continue to have faith in our signs” (32:24).  Hence we see that patience and faith are the basic requirements for divine leadership. 

In Sura Al-Qasas the Quran says: “And we wished to be gracious to those who were being depressed in the land, to make them (Imams) leaders and make them heirs. (28:5).  This verse shows that Allah condemns transgressors and oppressors and divinely helps the oppressed ones making them leaders and heirs on the basis of justice and piety.  Then at another place the Quran alludes about divine rulers as a man of physical fitness and of knowledge.  According to Sura The Heifer in verse 247 the Quran tells us about Jalut appointed as king because of his knowledge and physical prowess.  The Shias consider Imam Ali fit for these merits. 

In Sura Al-Nisa (The Women) The Quran says: “O you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you” (4:59).  The above cited verses give us the basics of Islamic political morality.  These verses tell us that a leader or a ruler in Islamic state must be a man of certain qualities.  Muslim political thinkers like Al-Mawardi and Ibu Katiba also write that a Muslim ruler must be a pious, knowledgeable and just man with administrative qualities.  There are numerous sayings of the Holy Prophet that instruct us to obey the men of piety and virtuosity.  The tyrants and evil-doers must not be accepted as leaders or rulers. 

These passages leave unanswered the question of how a ruler is to be chosen. Is it through nomination or through elections?  On this point we find Muslims divided.  The Sunni sect believes that the Holy Prophet did not appoint his successor.  He totally left it up to the Ummah (community).  The Sunnis believe in “Ijmah”(consensus), which, of course bears some similarity to democracy.  They say that when the Holy Prophet was on deathbed, he asked Hazrat Abu Bakr to lead the prayers.  To their way of thinking this request indicates the superiority of Hazrat Abu Bakr. 

After the Holy Prophet of Islam died, the Helpers of Medina and the Immigrants of Mecca had a heated discussion on the right of caliphate.  Both the groups exchanged hot words.  According to Tabari ultimately Hazrat Omar presented the name of Hazrat Abu Bakr and he was elected in Saqifa Bani Saada.  Then Hazrat Abu Bakr, on his deathbed, nominated Hazrat Omar as his heir, who in turn nominated six people and asked for elections amongst them. They were Abdur Rehman, Uthman, Ali, Talah, Zubair and Saad bin Waqas.  Hazrat Uthman was elected.  Ali did not participate in the competition.  When Hazrat Uthman was assassinated the majority of people openly elected Hazrat Ali as their Caliph.  The Sunnis maintain that, after these four guided caliphs, the Mawiyya turned the caliphate into a monarchy.

The book of Abu Aula Mududi, entitled “Caliphate And Monarchy” sheds ample light on this issue.  Now, the Sunni clerics say that Mushawart (consensus and counseling) must be adopted for Islamic concept of Caliphate.  By Islamic democracy they mean the election of pious, honest and just people. 

By contrast, Western democracy can change the basic moral and divine laws and regulations. The Western parliaments have passed rules favoring and allowing homosexuality, which is not permitted in divine scriptures.  In an Islamic democratic state, the basic rules are the divine rules and cannot be changed by the decision of majority.  Sovereignty lies with God.  We can make laws and rules that deal with day-to- day matters of life, but these laws should not be contrary to the basics of Islam.  Hence we see that the Sunni modern thinkers support parliaments and democratic system. 

On the other hand, the Shias say that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had nominated Hazrat Ali as his successor.  They believe in the concept of Immah, which means that the door of Prophethood was closed after the Holy Prophet Muhammad, and divine leadership (Immah) was prescribed by the Quran and the Prophet.  They mostly quote from the Sura The Israelites the following verse: “On the Day when we will summon every people with their Imam (leader).” (17:71) By this verse the Shias mean that Hazrat Ali is their Imam and under his banner they will resurrect on the Day of Judgment.  They say that when the Holy Prophet invited his near relatives to dinner and asked them to support Islam, none declared support except Hazrat Ali.  On that occasion, the Prophet said; “O, Ali you are my brother, my minister and my successor.”  The famous Western historian, Gibbon, in his book, “The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire” also mentions this event.  They also say that in Hadith-e-Thaqalan, quoted by Muslims, Tirmidli, Ahmed ibn Hanbal, Tibrani and Mustadrak Al-Hakim, the vicegerency of Hazrat Ali is proved.  The Prophet’s pronouncement at Ghadeer-e-Khum, “whoever’s Master I am, then this Ali is his master” shows that Hazrat Ali was nominated as the heir by the Prophet of Islam. 

The Shias also cite from the Sura the Consultation:” “No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near to (my) kin.” (42:23) By this verse they infer that the Household of the Holy Prophet on divine merits had the right of Caliphate (Khalafah) and leadership (Imamah).  According to the Shia sect, it was Hazrat Ali who was the legal and divine heir of the Prophet. 

But let us draw a conclusion out of this controversy.  In my opinion, both the sects, the Sunnis and the Shias, believe in the divine merits of the status of caliphate and leadership.  The Sunnis also believe in the Immah and Velayah of Hazrat Ali.  Practically speaking, we have no other way but to go for elections and select pious and just people as our caliphs and leaders.  Iran is a Shia state.  They have a parliament, and they have a system of checks on the programs and policies created by the parliament. They have a council of guides.  In Pakistan they have Islamic ideological council which deals with the laws.  If there is any doubt about a law, it is referred to Islamic council for approval.  This means that we have to adopt democracy to run the state.  The Shia concept of Imamah also implies that the character of the leadership must be noble, just and righteous. If we regard these practices neutrally and impartially, we see that there is little basic difference in political thought between the Sunnis and the Shias.  Both believe in the vicegerency of righteous individuals. The only way to see to it that such righteous people do indeed become leaders is Islamic democracy based in justice, peace and piety.

Finally, it is essential to mention that the Shias are known as “The Twelvers” because they believe in the spiritual and worldly leadership of the twelve Imamss from Imam Ali to Imam Mehdi.  Some Shia clerics believe that as they were the pious and just personalities and also belonged to the Household of the Prophet.  Hence, on merits, they had the right to be our caliphs (Khalifa) as well.  However, after the disappearance from view of Imam Mehdi, we find some jurists (Faqaha) claiming to be his heirs, assistants, or the lieutenants. They are simply religious people. The majority of them refused to participate in politics. 

Imam Khomeini, in his book entitled “Islamic Statem” has given the idea of the government of clerics.  Another great Shia cleric, Ayatollah Shariat Madari, who was Imam Khomeini’s contemporary, did not agree with his political ideas and deeds.  Even Imam Khomeini did not reject the modern method of democratic elections.  This shows that practically we have to reject nomination and go for elections.  In Sura Shura we find that even the Prophet is asked to council with people in day-to-day social and political matters.  The concept of Imamah in the Ismailis and Bohras is a spiritual monarchy having no Islamic sanction.  Hence it can be said that the Sunnis and the Shias have no other way but to act upon the Islamic democracy, which is based on freedom, equality, peace, progress, justice and piety and is enacted through general elections.  Here we all unite and reject monarchy, militarism and fascism.

 Important note to learn and read quran online

Reading Quran Online is one of the contemporary styles of reading and learning Quran online. If you have been facing issues in teaching Quran to your young ones, you have your problems solved now learning Quran online is easy for yourself as well and at the same time, your kids can also benefit from it. and listen quran online from online quran reciter and practice to learn holy quran online with the tajweed and be perfect to reading quran online its not a wonder now its on your door step just a click away and you are there

ON UPBRINGING OF MUSLIM CHILDREN IN INDIA

(Islam and Modern Age, July 04)

 

This might appear somewhat odd subject for Islam and Modern Age series but I feel is important as future of the community depends very much on upbringing of our young ones, especially in a country like India. India is a home to more than 140 million Muslims of highly diverse cultural and social origins. For Muslims India is a country of challenges and opportunities. India is a non-Muslim country but certainly not un-Muslim country. We can call it, if I am permitted to do so, as proto-Muslim country.

 

Also, India has been home to Islam as long as Islam has existed. It has deeply influenced India and has in turn been influenced by Indian society and culture. India thus has composite culture. Right from Kashmir to Kanyakumari Sufis have played very important role in shaping Indian Muslim ethos. Thus Indian Islam has been very liberal and humane and open. This is its real strength.

 

Many Muslims came from Central Asia, Iran and Turkey but they never hesitated to accept composite identity. Amir Khusro, the celebrated poet and musician and disciple of the great Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Awliya was first generation Muslim. His father had migrated from Central Asia. But Khusro completely identified himself with India and Indian culture. He even wrote many verses one line in Persian and another in Brijbhasha. And Khusro was no exception. The Indian Muslim rulers with few exceptions also adopted Indian customs, traditions and cultural ethos and patronised Indian music, painting and literature. Rulers like Ibrahim Adil Shah of Bijapur were even known as ‘Jagat Guru’.

 

Alberuni studied Indian scriptures and acquired profound knowledge of Indian religions and philosophy and wrote a classical book Kitab al-Hind. Dara Shikoh who was appointed heir apparent by Emperor Shah Jahaan was great scholar of Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy and translated Upanishads into Persian under the title of Sirr-e-Akbar. Many more such examples can be given.

 

It is to show that Indian Muslims were profoundly influenced by Indian culture and did not hesitate to accept it and make rich contributions to it. Thus Indian Islam has unique character of its own and several generations of Muslims have been brought up under these cultural ethos. The Indian ‘ulama also characterised India as Darul Aman (abode of peace) and when the British established its political hegemony over India fought shoulder to shoulder with Hindu brethren for India’s freedom.

 

II

 

Indian Muslims live under this ethos and value both their Islamic as well Indian identity. They are as much proud of being Indian as being Muslim. All our Islamic festivals also have been influenced by Indian ethos. One has to bring up Muslim children in this atmosphere. It is both a challenge and unique opportunity. Today unfortunately communal and fundamentalist forces are on the rise and are posing great challenge to our humane, open and liberal culture. It is one of the greatest challenges facing us.

 

On the other hand, onslaught of globalisation and consumerism poses its own challenge. Globalisation and consumerism stress nothing but instant gratification of our instinctual demands reducing our life to mere a project for pleasure seeking. It is modern form of hedonism. We are being invaded all around by pop culture and pop way of life devoid of any meaning or concern for social and transcendental values.

 

Thus those responsible for bringing of young ones have to face these challenges. Those responsible for upbringing can be divided into three categories: parents, teachers and imams or clergy. All three play an important role in upbringing or ta‘lim-o-trabiyyat of younger generation. But in case of upper class children, perhaps imams or members of clergy hardly have any role. They are educated in western atmosphere and are fluent only in English language and hardly ever attend mosques. They are hardly educated in Islamic tradition. They might even be indifferent to religion and religious values.

 

These actors i.e. parents, teachers and imams can and should play an important role in proper upbringing of young children. The first most important role is of course played by parents, and specially mothers. It is regrettable that among Indian Muslims the rate of literacy is extremely low among women. Illiterate or less literate mothers cannot really prepare their children for facing acute challenges of life.  Thus there is great urgency for spreading education among Muslim women.

 

In fact responsible parenting requires equal share of responsibility between father and mother. However, in traditional households it is mother who shares this responsibility and that is why educated mother can discharge this responsibility much better. In urban areas female education among Muslims is, of course, on the rise and this augurs well for coming generations. Like others Muslim girls are far better achievers than boys in various examinations.

 

Muslim men are also not far ahead in the field of literacy. Most men in urban areas are artisans and in rural areas landless labourers, besides being rural artisans. Others in urban areas do odd jobs and belong to unorganised sectors. There are very few middle class professionals, businessmen and industrialists. For artisans, labourers and workers belonging to unorganised sectors life is a prolonged or unending struggle and their children are deprived even of elementary schooling. What we are discussing here hardly ever applies to them. Their children are brought up in ramshackle homes or even on footpaths. They enjoy no comforts and education is luxury for them.

 

Some of them may have chance to attend madrasas where maulavis or imams of the mosque play a role in shaping their mindset. Their natural or work environment plays greater role in their upbringing. In rural areas too, either they can avail of madrasa education or elementary school education. They have hardly any chance for going for higher education. Their parents are also generally illiterate and follow age- old customs and traditions. For them Islam is nothing but aggregate of these customs and traditions. They are much more integrated with general rural atmosphere.

 

Thus what we are going to discuss applies more to a small (though not insignificant) urban middle class Muslims. It should be remembered that India is a secular democratic country and schools impart secular education. Also, middle class children generally do not go to madrasas and also not all of them go to mosques for prayers so as to come under the influence of imams. It is another irony that most of the imams in mosques are semi-literate lot who come from very poor and backward families and are working as imams precisely because they are not educated enough to go for any other secular profession. Thus they tend to be very conservative and can hardly appreciate modern problems and challenges.

 

                                                                 III

 

It was necessary to throw light on all these aspects of Indian situation so that we can put the question of ta‘lim-o-tarbiyyat in proper perspective and appreciate the kind of challenges facing Muslim children in Indian society today. Our discussion will relate mainly to children of middle class families living in urban or semi-urban areas. It is quite likely that in these families both parents are likely to be educated. Of course there are cases of some upward mobile artisan families who have achieved economic success, are not educated themselves but want their children to be better educated.

 

Most of the children of these families go to secular institutions for education, private or governmental. There are very few schools and colleges run by Muslims and even in these institutions prescribed syllabus has to be followed and there is very little or no time for religious education. And since these institutions are poor in resources cannot employ more competent teachers and thus standard of education is not very satisfactory. And since most of these institutions are government aided they cannot impart religious education of any kind. Mostly the school going Muslim children have to be tutored at home as far as religious education is concerned.

 

The mullah who comes home to impart religious instructions to middle class children is semi-literate and is ill equipped to prepare a child for coming challenges of modern, composite and secular society. Ultimately the parents have to discharge this onerous responsibility. It is again very unlikely that both parents would be well educated both in secular as well as religious fields. Only very fortunate children will have such parents.

 

Muslim middle class families in urban areas have to face communal challenge and question of religious identity becomes more and more important. Of course Muslims, like others in India have plurality of identities, religious identity being one among them. Also, there is great deal of tension between some of these identities thanks to the pressures created by communal forces. Are they Indians first or Muslims? This question haunts them in schools, colleges and work places. Such pressures drive them into conservative fold or even communal fold.

 

In secular educational institutions teachers too are either conservative or communal. There are very few teachers who are really secular and respectful of all religions and religious identities. The school environment creates unhealthy tensions in child’s mind and confuses him. Though all teachers are not like that but many are, particularly in government schools where students of lower middle class usually study. In these cases the responsibility of the parents increases as they remain the only likely source of healthy input for the child. But the parents of lower middle class households are also not likely to be very educated or enlightened.

 

Thus what we can say here is likely to apply more to middle and upper-middle class children and parents. In fact if one can look after the upbringing of this section of society it is much more effective also as germs of fundamentalism and communalism are carried by middle classes. If correct understanding of religious and social values is imparted to this section of society, it will be highly productive.

 

Very first requirement of education is sharpening of intellect and this can be done by encouraging inquisitiveness of the child rather making him/her conform. The best education is one, which cultivates critical attitude towards existing realities. An inquisitive and critical mind alone can bring healthy changes in the world. We normally discourage it in child either to buy temporary peace or to guard our own little interests. That for ever suppresses creativity of the child.

 

First thing a child should be made to understand is that there is no conflict in having religious and national identities. One should be a good Muslim and also a good Indian at the same time. It is part of Islamic faith to love ones country as Holy Prophet has said that love of country is part of ones faith (hubb al- watan min al-iman). Great Muslim leaders like Maulana Azad, Dr. Zakir Husain and others can be their role model. They were true Muslims and great patriots and served their country with great distinction.  Darul Uloom, Deoband, one of the greatest Islamic seminaries in Asia has produced many great Islamic scholars who were great patriots. One can give example of Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani and Mufti Atiqur Rahman. Maulana Abul Hasan Nadvi of Nadwat-ul-‘Ulama, Lucknow, is another shining example. The Imams in the mosques should emphasise this in their sermons and cite these examples.

 

Even in the event of a conflict with any Muslim country our loyalty must be with the country of our birth as these conflicts are political in nature, not religious. The concept of ummah is also spiritual, not political, as very well pointed out by Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani in his book Muttahida Qaumiyyat Aur Islam (Composite Nationalism and Islam).

 

Our cultural values and customs and traditions treat women, as weak and inferior and parents often desire son, in Indian sub-continent. It is contrary to the Qur’anic teachings. Qur’an does not treat women as inferior and gives her equal rights. In hadith literature also the Holy Prophet has repeatedly emphasised the love for mother and her rights. He has also said that those who educate their daughters well, give them proper tarbiyyah and marry them off, Allah will reward them with paradise.

 

The question of gender equality is very important today and though the Qur'an stressed gender equality 1400 years ago but Muslim society always practiced gender discriminatory laws. Respect for feminine gender should be cultivated by parents, through schools as well as by Imams though it is a tall order. Even if parents and teachers do it, imams are very unlikely to do it. For that madrasa education needs to be re-oriented.

 

Another important aspect is to stress the Qur’anic ethics, not only rituals. This can best be done through the agency of parents and imams. Usually parents and imams lay much more stress on prayer and fasting which is necessary but not so much on Qur’anic ethics. The important aspects of Qur’anic ethics are justice, benevolence, compassion and wisdom. A Muslim child should be made to cultivate these Islamic virtues. In fact these virtues should be deeply imbibed by Muslim children and they should ideally be known for these virtues.

 

One of the Qur’anic teachings is sympathy for the weaker sections. It is stated in various forms in the Qur’an whether in the form of sympathy for the poor, for orphans and widows and afflicted. The Qur’an talks of eternal struggle between those who are weak and those who are powerful and Allah always favours the mustad‘ifin(weak) and inflicts defeat on the powerful. This sympathy for the weak and a deep feeling of compassion for those who suffer should become part of children’s character. 

 

Also, Qur’an teaches us respect for all religions as a matter of principle. A child right from beginning should be taught to respect religious beliefs of non-Muslims. Generally a human being takes pride only in his/her religion and even looks at others’ beliefs and practices as inferior. This negativity towards others and ‘otherisation’ of other results in communal tension and occasionally in eruption of violence. This is very problematic in a modern plural societies.

 

In all modern societies religious, linguistic and cultural pluralism has become way of life. And to live with plurality one must cultivate respect for other religions, cultures and ways of life. Even every religion has plurality of its own in the form of different sects and one must learn to respect intra-religious plurality as well. We often come across sectarian killings. Thus acceptance of intra-religious pluralism is as necessary as inter-religious or inter-cultural pluralism.

 

An attempt should also be made to induce in child an urge for seeking for truth. This urge should be made as strong as possible. One cannot truly worship Allah without being uncompromising on the question of truth. Allah is haqand worshipping truth is worshipping Allah. The quest for truth should be very carefully cultivated and it should also be stressed that truth cannot be monopoly of any one community or a person.  One should have open mind as far as truth is concerned. The Holy Prophet also says that wisdom is the lost property of a mu’min (believer) and accept it wherever found. This openness will make us much richer intellectually and spiritually.

 

Sectarianism is a curse for humanity. It should never be encouraged. Islam discouraged it and stressed unity of religion. Hazrat Shah Waliyullah, Maulana Azad and other eminent Islamic thinkers have stressed wahdat-e-din(unity of all religions). Each religion is unique and different but not false. Thus a positive and respectful attitude towards other religions while being firmly rooted in our own religious tradition will prove to be a great boon for humanity today.

 

Those who emphasise superiority of ones own religion and breeds contempt for others are really enemies of peace and harmony. They benefit through conflict and bloodshed. No religion can encourage hatred and bloodshed. A child should be made to love all others, besides ones own.

 

The Sufi Islam is the popular Islam in Indian sub-continent and the most fundamental doctrine of Sufi Islam is sulh-i-kul i.e. total peace and peace with all. This doctrine of Sufism is basically derived from Islamic teaching on peace. Unlike widespread impression that Islam and jihad go together and violence is more fundamental than peace, the truth is that peace is most fundamental to Islam and war is only incidental. Islam means establishment of peace and surrender to the will of Allah and will of Allah is peace (Allah’s name is Salam i.e. Peace).

 

The imams in the mosques and parents should try to inculcate the value of peace in child’s mind. One should learn to live in peace and harmony with all, whatever their religion or culture. The Sufis always kept away from ruling establishments as they always issued religion for their vested interests and waged wars in the name of religion. Sufis were closer to the people than to the power.

 

Another important doctrine of Sufi Islam is love. Maulana Rum’s poetry is full of love and so are the teachings of all Sufi saints. For Sufis love of Allah is more central than fear of Allah. The great Sufi saint Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi known as great Sheikh said that my heart is centre of love for Allah and so it is centre of all religions which teach to love Allah. If we can impart this doctrine of love in the minds of children our world will be much better place to live in. Thus love and peace will make this world paradise.

 

Also the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) has said that real jihad is to fight against ones own lust and control ones desire and greed. Jihad with sword is small jihad and jihad against ones own lust and greed is jihad-i-Akbar i.e. greatest jihad. Today our world values consumption and consumerism has become the only accepted norm and this is root of all evils. The whole capitalist system is based on lust for consumption and one spends whole life in this system to earn to consume and to earn more to consume more. This derives one crazy for possession. Life looses all higher values.

 

Thus in this world of consumerism one has to teach moderation to the child and virtues of basing life on basic material necessities and spiritual richness. For this one needs to cultivate virtues of patience and truth (in Qur’anic words sabr and haq). These virtues lead to inner peace and sobriety. The life should be, as Iqbal also says jahd-e-musalsal (constant and meaningful struggle) is the law of life. A child should be made aware of this need for jahd-e-musalsal enriching life and making life meaningful. Only one who strives to struggle would die with satisfaction of achievement.

 

This jahd-e-musalsal should be aimed at transcendence – a constant struggle to transcend what is given and build what is desirable. Life is not to be lived for this moment enjoying all sensory pleasures but to enrich akhirah i.e. what is to come. This tarbiyyah is required for all, not for children alone. To reduce life to momentary pleasure is source of all tensions, conflict and violence. To make our lives more rich we should do enrich others’ lives.

 Join live quran teaching staff

Now days we as Muslims have to spread the voice to learn quran and so we could gain the true knowledge and the quran teaching that is give to us by our beloved prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and do quran reading. Do we as Muslim ask our self that why we are at the peak of destruction? The answer will be simple that we have left our roots the holy quran we should guide promote Islam from in our homes first and let learn our kids quran  and encourage them in doing quran memorization this should be our first goal for it we can do different stuff like let then participate in different online quran recitation competition to let them listen quran from different online quran reciters and along with it we elders should learn quran also and improve our knowledge of quran and Islam and learn holy quran tafseer because to understand and learn quran Arabic and for this now a days there are many online quran tutor available who teach tajweed quran and its translation and tafseer so let us join our hands to be the voice of Islam and let improve the image of it as well and full fill our deputy

 

 

 

The things Muslim should do. We as Muslim should give our first priority in learning quran and do quran reading to seek the right path of Islam and through the quran teaching we can achieve the goal of our life and the deputy to guiding our kids to learn Koran that we should fulfill with perfecting kids quran recitation power and knowledge in Islam and also motivate our children’s to do quran memorization and then guide them to learn holy Quran tafseer  so they could understand the quran in Arabic and the quranic translation and also let or kids to listen quran from top quran reciters to get them inspired. at last I would pray for all my Muslim brothers and sisters that may Allah accept there Dwas and prayers and inspire you with the teachings of our holy prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) so let us join hands and spread the knowledge that every Muslim is born to spread the knowledge of Islam now a day many online quran tutor are available for kids and elders to learn tajweed quran and with exact pronunciation and perfect the quran recitation online with qualified teaching staff  who can guide then with there experience and knowledge and the write teachings to help us in achieving the path of Jannah so learn quran and its teaching and spread the word of Allah join live quran teacher and do one on one sessions from tajweed teachers

Two Views About the Prophet of Islam

By: Professor Maqsood Jafri

 

 

On February 29, 2004, a Hindu named Jai Hariom emailed me a letter entitled “Non-Muslims to observe 33rdanniversary of Bangladesh Holocaust”. In this letter Jai Hariom has presented one view about the Prophet of Islam. On June 16th 2004, an eminent Sikh writer and scholar Surjeet Singh Lanba visited me and kindly presented me his latest Urdu book titled “Quran-e-Natiq”, which means the speaking Quran. In this book he has presented another view about the Prophet of Islam. Let me present the views of both non- non-Muslims.

Jai Hariom writes, “33 years ago the Muslim soldiers of Pakistan killed 3 Million Bengalis, almost all Hindus. Another 10 million Hindus were driven out of Bangladesh. The percentage of Hindus in Bangladesh dropped from 33% to less than 15% now. The holocaust was not the latest holocaust engineered by Muslims. The first was the murder of Jews by Muhammad when he killed 3000 male Jews, perhaps half the male Jewish population of Arabia, sold their widows and children in the slavery and expelled the rest from Arabia. He had successfully carried out the first human holocaust in recorded history”. This statement needs analysis.  Pakistan has been divided into West Pakistan and East Pakistan.  In the province of Sindh, in West Pakistan, some Hindus live, even today.  In the past 56 years since the inception of Pakistan we have never heard of any ethnic cleansing, crisis or clash. The temples of Hindus are protected along with their properties, lives and honor. In East Pakistan, it was India who engineered treason and rebellion through Hindus inhabiting East Pakistan. They distributed ammunition and money to youth to incite them to take arms against their own Muslim army. When their conspiracy succeeded, turned East Pakistan into Bangladesh.  India violated international law and attacked Pakistan, penetrating its borders. With this illegal act, India succeeded in fracturing Pakistan. The Indian premier Ms. Indira Gandhi boastingly declared: “Two Nation Theory has drowned in the Bay of Bengal.”

Personally, I have never supported the military action of General Yehya Khan in East Pakistan. This issue should have been politically resolved as Fazlul Qadir Chaudhry and Moulavi Farid had desired. However, it must be said that Indian infiltration left no choice for the Pakistan army but to crush the rebellion by force. Here, I would ask Mr. Jai Hariom whether what India did in East Pakistan can be justified by any standard, rule, norm or law. I would further ask how he would exonerate what the Hindus have been doing in Kashmir for the last 55 years to the innocent, armless and docile Kashmiri Muslims. And how would he justify what did the Indian Hindus did to the Sikhs by demolishing the Golden Temple and mercilessly killing them. What about the actions of the Indian Hindus against the Muslims of Gujrat? Is that not a matter of shame? Let me make it clear that I am not blaming Hinduism.  I am just pointing out what some Indian Hindus have done.  Recently they demolished the Babri Mosque.

In my opinion, the character of the followers of any religion should not be ascribed or attributed to the religions themselves. Relative to Mr. Hariom’s assertion that the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) killed Jews, it would seem that he is ignorant of Muslim history.  The number of Jews killed, as recorded in authentic history books such as Tabari and Ibn-e-Hisham, was seven hundred; not three thousand.  When the Holy Prophet of Islam migrated from Macca to Madina, he made a social contract with local Jews and extended his hand of friendship to them. There was a provision of the truce which related to mutual support when attacked by alien clans. When Muslims were attacked by Maccan pagans and the war of Badr broke out, the Jews did not support the Muslims, as they had agreed to do. Afterwards the Jews further breached the treaty by supporting the Maccan pagans against the Muslims. The Prophet of Islam asked them about this matter. They nominated a man to decide the punishment. Their nominee gave the verdict of Capital punishment to the Jews who had supported the enemies of Islam and participated in conspiracy.  This is far from the allegation of murder levied by Mr. Hariom.

These tragic events have far more to do with politics and power struggles than with the inner Love and Wisdom at the core of true religion. In his lengthy letter Mr. Jai Hariom concluded: “The Islam-fascist movement believes in supremacy and was launched in the seventh century by Muhammad. Muhammad was the model for Hitler and Mussolini who were admirers of his successful ethnic cleansing of Jews from Arabia”. Jai Hariom has presented Muhammad as a fascist and killer. Apparently he is unaware of the unimpeachable nobility of the character of the Prophet of Islam.  To balance the assertions of Mr. Hariom, here are some passages from the book of Surjeet Singh Lanba, a Sikh scholar, in his Urdu book “Quran-e-Natiq,” On page 135 he writes: “As a conqueror of Macca the first order which Prophet Muhammad issued was general amnesty. He said; the one who disarms himself willingly is safe. The one who closes his door is safe. The one who takes refuge in Kaaba is safe. The one who even takes refuge at the house of Abu Suffyan (the deadliest enemy of Islam) is also safe”- On page 172. Mr. Lanba writes about the humane and noble character of the Holy Prophet of Islam:  “Muhammad’s heart was free from enmity, vengeance, obstinacy and cruelty. Truthfulness, honesty and kindness were his traits. He was a humble man”. Then on page 187 he writes: “Once a delegate of Christians from Najran called on Prophet Muhammad. He made them stay in Holy Mosque of Medina. At evening, when Christians desired to offer religious service, the Prophet permitted them”. Then Mr. Lanba writes: “A dead Jew was being carried to the graveyard for burial, when the Holy Prophet saw the funeral procession and bier he stood up to show respect for the dead. When told that the deceased was not a Muslim but a Jew, he said: The funeral may be of a Muslim or a non-Muslim we must get up to show respect”. Then on page193, Mr. Lanba poses some basic questions:   who established the practice of God-worship instead of Idol-worship? Who ended superstitions and drew humankind out of the cave of ignorance? Who taught human kind to master the Universe instead of worshipping it? Who showed us the path of democracy and freedom in a monarchic and tribal society? Who laid down the foundations of realism and scientific varieties instead of abstractions and speculations? Who introduced justice and equality in the face of injustice? These views of Mr. Lanba may stir the soul and mind of Mr. Jai Hariom to restudy Islam in the light of neutrality and rationality. The behavior of followers of any religion does not represent their religion. Prophet Muhammad was not a fascist but a challenge to fascists. 

 

Important note to learn to read quran online

Find the true guidance through read Quran online, and full fill your deputy to learn Quran online  because holy Quran online is the guidance for all the men kind and Allah speaks the truth so follow the things which Allah messenger prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) have thought us and for Muslim who want to Listen Quran online, for the top quran reciters from learning quran blog  do join live quran classes from top  quran tutors  and do Quran memorization listening to Recitation of Mishary bin Rashid

Mishary bin Rashid with Ibrahim Walk English Quran Recitation

Mishary bin Rashid with Urdu Translation

Quran recitation sudais

Quran recitation Sudais & Shuraym English Quran Recitation of Naeem Sultan

Sudais, Shuraym with Urdu Translation

Quran Recitation Quri Abdul Basit

Quri Abdul Basit With Ibrahim Walk English Quran Recitation

AbdulBaset AbdulSamad, Urdu Translation