Pakistan's Anti-Minority and Misogynist Education Policy Behind Religious Extremism and Crimes Against Women in the Country Exposed at Side Event in 58th Session of UNHRC

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 28 March 2025 1. The Constitution of Pakistan forbids its citizens from taking part in the religious occasions of others. 2.19 per cent of children, mainly girls, remain out of schools. 3. Single National Curriculum promotes intolerance and religious extremism. 4. Clerics are authorised to censor educational content. 5. Recitation of the Quran was mandated during school assembly. … Dr. Willy Fautré, Director of Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), a non-governmental organisation in special status with ECOSOC, criticised the national education policy of Pakistan and pointed out its flaws, which resulted in intolerance, religious extremism and creating an atmosphere of hatred against other religions. In a written statement submitted to the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, and read out at a side event, the organisation also pointed out the provisions of the Pakistan's Constitution and its much-disputed Single National Curriculum launched in 2021 responsible for religious intolerance and religious extremism as government schools are not secular and inclusive. The side event was held on 26 March, room 25 Palaise the Nations. Titled Human Rights in Pakistan: Education under siege, ideology, intolerance, and the erosion of Human Rights in Pakistan, its organisers were major NGOs like CAP and HRWF. The statement by The Coordination des Association et des Particuliers pour la Liberte de Conscience, says: "Constitution of Pakistan states in Article 22 that 'No person attending any educational institution shall be required to receive instruction, or take part in any religious ceremony, or attend religious worship, if such instruction, ceremony, or worship relates to a religion other than its own.' Therefore, Article 22 of the Constitution of Pakistan promotes non-respect of religions among the students. Human rights organisations have criticised this policy. Citing the statistics of the Pakistan Institution of Education, the organisation said that 73 per cent of educational institutions in Pakistan are government schools, while 14 per cent are religious schools or madrasas. Such a large number of madrasas presenting an exclusivist interpretation of Islam and non-respect for other religions have contributed to an atmosphere of religious extremism and intolerance in the country. The organisation also points out the flaws in the SNC launched by the Pakistan government. It says: "In August 2021, the Pakistan government launched the much-disputed Single National Curriculum (SNC) for government schools, claiming that this initiative would reduce educational disparities. However, the human rights defenders criticised the SNC for its lack of inclusivity and its over-emphasis on Islamic religious content at the expense of religious minorities. In fact, school curricula and textbooks promote intolerance towards minorities and depict women in a way that is non-inclusive and is not compatible with international human rights standards. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed deep concerns about the government perpetuating a singular view of religion in educational institutions through SN, depriving young students of the right to a secular education." The Coordination des Association et des Particuliers pour la Liberte se Conscience feels that the SNC is an attempt to Islamise the entire Pakistani society, putting the religious minorities in jeopardy. It says: "The SNC has also been criticised as an Islamisation program under which all facets of Pakistan's core educational curriculum were infused with religious content, aligning with the ideological bent of the existing Sunni Muslim orthodoxy. (Source: Wasim Hameed, "Minorities in Single National Curriculum". 4, The Nation, 9 July 2021.) According to a 73-page Report of the Salluv ECPM Foundation 5, "Pakistan, Education System, Curriculum and EU Funding" financed by the European Parliament and published in 2024, "a study by The Current revealed that Muslim religious ideas or texts were present in 7.7 per cent of the SNC's mathematics, social studies, science, general knowledge, English, and Urdu books. Additionally, 7.47 per cent of books have references to Islam, while 0.27 per cent mention other religions in all non-religious books." The organisation also pointed out an act of the Punjab Assembly passed in 2022, which authorised the clerics to censor educational content and its resolution mandating the recitation of the Quran during the school assembly. Such acts and resolutions were not compatible with international human rights standards. Darwin's Theory of Evolution VS Creationism One major drawback of Pakistan's education system is that it is influenced by conservative clerics who lack a scientific spirit and therefore oppose scientific theories and ideas. For example, clerics have opposed the teaching of Darwin's Theory of Evolution in Pakistan because they think that the theory is against Islamic law. In October 2023, clerics of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa forced a college professor named Sher Ali to publicly renounce teaching Darwin's Theory of Evolution. Earlier in May 2022, his car was attacked with a magnetic bomb, leaving him in his wheelchair for months. The professor was also made to make the statement that "According to Shariah, the woman's intelligence is inferior to that of a man. I consider this the final word on this issue and believe that women should be covered from head to toe while venturing out. Women can only go out if it is needed or necessary". The organisation, therefore, feels that the education system of Pakistan not only promotes hatred against minorities but also is a hindrance in the development of scientific temperament among the students. Controversial and Inequitable Image and Girls in the Curriculum of Public Schools The organisation also found that the SNC textbooks are full of content that presents women as inferior to men as approximately 60 per cent of SNC books included images of males, whereas females accounted for only 39 per cent. Moreover, portrayal of female characters is one-dimensional in terms of their appearances, character traits and hobbies. They are mostly portrayed as wearing hijab or headscarf, while most men are depicted wearing western attire, with only 20 percent wearing traditional Islamic clothing. With regard to occupations, male textbook characters are often portrayed as doctors, lawyers and soldiers, while female textbook characters are mostly portrayed as domestic help, housewives or caregivers. The European Union Funding in the Dock: Misuse of Taxpayers ' money of the 27 EU member states The NGO further says that the EU funds for Pakistan's education projects have been misused. According to the 2024 Report of Sallux/ ECPM "Pakistan, Education System, Curriculum and EU Funding", the EU directly invested 94 million euros in education projects in Pakistan between 2016-2024. The report contains over 40 pages of excerpts and pictures from textbooks showing that the views expressed in the official curriculum in Pakistan are not compatible with EU values as expressed in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Such an amount of concrete evidence cannot be ignored. The NGO, therefore, draws the conclusion that beyond the incompatibility of the SNC and the UN standards, the pressure of many extremist clerics and fanaticized crowds can easily kill any reform attempt as long as perpetrators of intellectual terrorism, violence and hate crimes remain unpunished and can continue terrorising 2.1 million teachers in Pakistan. In view of the present scenario of education and its consequent fallout on the human rights situation in the country, the Co-ordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour le Liberte de Conscience has made the following recommendations to the United Nations: 1. The United Nations should urge the authorities of Pakistan to make the SNC compatible with the UN international human rights standards. 2. The UN should effectively protect its 2.1 million teachers against threats and aggression perpetrated by Islamic extremists and prosecute the latter ones. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/pakistan-anti-minority-misogynist-education-policy--/d/135001 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

Mohanlal's Prayers For Mammootty

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 28 March 2025 Malayalam superstar Mohanlal offering prayers for his friend Mammootty at Sabarimala has sparked a row after a receipt of the visit went viral on social media. The leaked receipt, which carries Mammootty's birth name, Muhammed Kutty, led to a section of people questioning whether it was right to offer prayers at a Hindu temple for Mammootty, considering his Islamic faith. After the receipt did the rounds on social media, a section of people criticised Mohanlal's gesture for his friend. A row erupted when journalist and political analyst, O Abdullah, demanded Mohanlal's apology to the Muslim community. In an audio note, he mentioned that if Mammootty had requested Mohanlal to offer prayers at Sabarimala, then 'it is a great crime' against his faith. What nonsense! A prayer is a prayer is a prayer is a prayer. People pray for their near and dear ones regardless of their faiths. Visit the tombs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi, Salim Chishti's tomb at Fatehpur-Sikri, Agra, among others, you'll find more Hindus than Muslims praying there. All monotheistic Semitic faiths are monolithic, lapidary and violently against shirk. It's blasphemous to worship any other god/deity other than Allah because the god in Judaism, Christianity and Islam is a jealous god. It cannot tolerate your act of worshipping any other god. You'll be punished and sent to Dozakh/Jahannam (hell) to be perpetually burnt and roasted there. Well, it's the faith of the followers of Semitic religions, esp. the belief of Muslims. But then, to quote Pakistani Urdu poet Baqi Siddiqi (1905-1972), Sajda kahin bhi kar liya, kahin bhi chala gaya/ Aakhir tak phir bhi Musalmaan hi raha (I genuflected anywhere; went to any shrine/ Yet, I remained a Muslim till my last breath). If Mammooty or Muhammad Kutty is suffering from blood cancer and his Hindu friend Mohanlal visits a temple and prays for his ailing friend, what role does one's religion have to play here? The rabid and unyielding insistence that only Allah is to be worshipped and prayed to because the sufferer is a Muslim must be condemned as morbid monomania. We're humans and we're also vulnerable. In a desperate situation, people will try anything, even if it's unlikely to work, to improve their situation. Don't we say, a drowning man will clutch at a straw? Prayer is a sigh of the human heart and cry of the soul. It's irrespective of religions and their denominations. If one prays for someone in a different place or shrine, the impassioned cries will reach a dispassionate god if at all it does exist. That's the purpose of a prayer. Muslims must widen the horizons of their (religious) thinking and stop projecting their Allah as an angry tribal deity or a typical suitor in the realm of love who's exasperated and envious the moment someone else gets even a smidgen of attention. Your Allah is above rivalry, unless you drag him down to the level of humans! All said and done, may Mammootty recover fast and return to his former self. ... A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/current-affairs/malayalam-mohanlal-prayers-mammootty-sabarimala/d/134998 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

Noori Mian: The Visionary Entrepreneur Who Industrialised Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 27 March 2025 Noori Mian, a visionary entrepreneur from Bihar, revolutionised eastern Uttar Pradesh by establishing sugar mills and Nooriganj Bazar, boosting the local economy and promoting social welfare through education and philanthropy. Main points: 1. Noori Mian established sugar mills in Bhatni, boosting the region's economy. 2. He founded Nooriganj Bazar, fostering trade and commerce. 3. His ventures created mass-level jobs for farmers and labourers. 4. His family built a Musafir Khana and a girls' school. 5. His contributions shaped the socio-economic landscape of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. — Introduction In the history of India's industry, Noori Mian is a name that shines as a symbol of visionary entrepreneurship and social reform. While most entrepreneurs of the early 20th century were involved in profit-oriented activities, Noori Mian's endeavours were deeply entrenched in regional development, community welfare, and infrastructural growth. His groundbreaking efforts in industrialising the underdeveloped eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar not only transformed the local economy but also laid the foundation for long-term socio-economic development. Early Life and Entrepreneurial Vision Noori Mian, originally named Noor Mohammad, hailed from Siwan, Bihar, an area mostly renowned for its agrarian economy. In the early 1900s, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were grappling with economic stagnation, with negligible industrialisation. Seizing the untapped potential of the region's high sugarcane production, Noori Mian conceived of a revolutionary venture that would utilise local resources and create mass-level employment. The Sugar Mill Revolution During the early 20th century, Noori Mian focused his attention on Bhatni, Deoria district, in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The region was then predominantly rural and lacked significant economic infrastructure. Demonstrating great foresight, he commissioned sugar mills in Bhatni, ushering in industrial methods that not only capitalised on the local cultivation of sugarcane but also generated economic activity. His sugar mills became the biggest employer in the region, providing jobs to thousands of farmers, labourers, and technicians. The mills also generated a viable supply chain, which greatly benefited local farmers by offering them a direct market for their produce. This project significantly raised the income levels in the region, contributing to the area's overall prosperity. Creating Nooriganj Bazar: A Symbol of Economic Growth To cater to the needs of a self-sufficient township for the mill employees, Noori Mian built a residential and commercial colony adjacent to the sugar mills. This colony, named Nooriganj Bazar after him, became a thriving commercial and trade centre. It housed workers and their families, marketplaces, and essential facilities. Nooriganj Bazar gradually developed into an economic hub, attracting traders and merchants from neighbouring areas. The development of this colony not only promoted local business but also improved the region's infrastructure, creating a sustainable model of industrial-led urbanisation. Philanthropy and Social Welfare Noori Mian's legacy extended far beyond industrialisation. His family continued his tradition of social responsibility, initiating several welfare projects. Most prominently, they established a Musafir Khana (traveller's rest house) near the Deoria railway station, offering free accommodation and basic facilities to travellers. This act of generosity reflected their commitment to community service and hospitality. Recognising the importance of education, particularly for women, Noori Mian's family also founded a girls' school. During an era when female education was often neglected, this initiative was revolutionary. The school empowered generations of women, providing them with knowledge and skills that enabled greater social mobility. Legacy and Remembrance Noori Mian passed away on 29 December 1921 and was buried in Nooriganj Qabristan. His death marked the end of an era, but the legacy he and his family left behind remains indelible. The sugar mills, Nooriganj Bazar, and the welfare institutions established by him and his family continued to thrive, defining the economic and social landscape of the region. Even today, the name Noori Mian is revered in Bhatni, Deoria, and Siwan. His visionary business acumen and dedication to social welfare transformed an underdeveloped terrain into an industrial and economic hub. Conclusion: A Pioneer of Sustainable Development Noori Mian's life is a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership. His industrial ventures not only uplifted the local economy but also fostered sustainable community development. Through the establishment of sugar mills, the creation of Nooriganj Bazar, and his patronage of philanthropic activities, he laid the foundation for a self-reliant and prosperous society. In an era when industrialisation often prioritised profit over people, Noori Mian’s legacy stands as a reminder of the enduring impact of entrepreneurship driven by compassion and social responsibility. — Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/entrepreneur-industrialised-uttar-pradesh-bihar/d/134999 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

Shimla School Cancels ‘Eid’ Plans After Hindutva Threats

By Syed Ali Mujtaba, New Age Islam 28 March 2025 A private school in Shimla has cancelled its planned Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations after threats from a Hindutva group. An organization called ‘Dev Bhoomi Sangarsh Samiti’ warned to "gherao" the school and take legal action against the school if the decision to celebrate Eid festival was not withdrawn. Some other religious outfits and commoners also expressed concern on social media. The Auckland House School authority said they organized the celebration to help young students appreciate India's cultural diversity. They had invited students to wear traditional attire and bring festive food as part of a cultural learning experience, similar to its celebrations for Holi, Diwali, and Christmas. The English-medium school issued the directions to the students for March 28, the last Friday before the Eid-ul-Fitr, for the celebrations. A communiqué to the parents read, "The planned Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations for classes nursery to class Two were a part of their efforts to help young students appreciate India's cultural diversity -- just as we celebrate Holi, Diwali, and Christmas." "It was intended purely as a cultural learning experience, with no religious rituals and enforcement, and participation was entirely voluntary." “Given the recent misrepresentation and concern around potential disruption, the school has decided to withdraw the event to maintain peace and secure the environment, and the students should attend the school in regular uniform as usual,” it added. “Himachal Pradesh and its capital Shimla have emerged as an epic centre of anti-Islam, anti-Muslim activity,” says a social activist, who had opposed the Sangoli mosque demolition in Shimla. “The Hindu jihadists are having a field day in Himachal Pradesh, she said, and added Hell might have let loose, if anything like this may have come from any Islamic group,” she added. An old interview with the social activist is pulled from the web to understand the developments in Shimla. https://maeeshat.in/shimla-is-under-the-grip-of-islamophobia-interview-with-a-resident-activist/ ---- Syed Ali Mujtaba is a journalist. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba2007@gmail.com URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-environment/shimla-school-eid-hindutva-threats/d/134995 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

Respect for Opposing Ideologies in India: A Religious Perspective

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 27 March 2025 The Importance of Mutual Respect in a Diverse Society India’s rich religious diversity necessitates mutual respect for opposing ideologies to maintain harmony and progress. Islam teaches coexistence through Qur’anic principles and the life of Muṣṭafā ﷺ, while Hinduism emphasizes Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world as one family). Christianity promotes love and understanding, as seen in Jesus Christ’s teachings, while Sikhism upholds unity and equality through Guru Nanak’s message. Buddhism and Jainism advocate Ahimsa (non-violence) and Anekantavada (multiple perspectives). History offers examples of peaceful coexistence, such as the interfaith interactions of Sufis and Bhakti poets. Religious leaders play a key role in fostering peace, though modern challenges like communal tensions and misinformation threaten tolerance. The way forward lies in education, interfaith dialogue, and inclusive policies that promote respect for all beliefs. ---- India, as a land of immense cultural, religious, and philosophical diversity, thrives on the principles of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. The essence of respecting opposing ideologies is deeply rooted in the religious traditions of the country. Major faiths, including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, emphasize tolerance, dialogue, and harmony. This article explores the necessity of respecting differing ideologies in India from the perspectives of these religions. Islamic Perspective on Respect for Opposing Ideologies Islam promotes peace, tolerance, and respect for people of all faiths. The Qur’an explicitly states: “There is no compulsion in religion; the right path has become distinct from the wrong.” (Al-Qur’ān al-Ḥakīm, Sūrah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), Verse 256) This verse underscores that faith is a matter of personal conviction and should not be forced upon anyone. Additionally, the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ set an example by engaging with non-Muslims respectfully, signing treaties such as the Constitution of Medina, which ensured the coexistence of diverse religious groups. Islamic teachings advocate for interfaith dialogue and respect for different beliefs, making it imperative for Muslims in India to uphold these principles in a multi-religious society. Hinduism and Tolerance for Diversity Hinduism, as one of the world’s oldest religions, is inherently pluralistic. The Rig Veda, an ancient Hindu scripture, proclaims: "Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti" (Truth is One, but the wise call it by many names.) This verse reflects the inclusive nature of Hindu philosophy, acknowledging multiple paths to the Divine. The concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) further reinforces the idea that humanity should live in harmony despite differences in belief systems. The teachings of various Hindu sages and reformers like Swami Vivekananda also emphasize the importance of respect for all ideologies as a means of societal progress. Christianity and Love for All Christianity is founded on the principles of love, forgiveness, and acceptance. The Bible states: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) This commandment highlights the necessity of respecting others regardless of differences in faith and ideology. Jesus Christ exemplified this by engaging with people of different backgrounds and beliefs, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and compassion. Christian missionaries and scholars in India have historically contributed to education and social welfare while advocating for interfaith harmony and respect for diverse traditions. Sikhism and the Principle of Equality Sikhism strongly upholds the values of equality and universal brotherhood. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, preached that all humans are equal regardless of religion, caste, or background. The Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, states: “Na koi Hindu na Musalman” (There is neither Hindu nor Muslim, all are one before God.) Sikhs emphasize community service, known as Seva, which extends to people of all faiths. The practice of Langar (community kitchen) in Gurdwaras is a testament to Sikhism’s commitment to unity and respect among diverse communities. Buddhism and the Path of Nonviolence Buddhism, founded by Gautama Buddha, teaches nonviolence (Ahimsa) and compassion toward all beings. Buddha emphasized: “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.” Buddhist philosophy encourages open-mindedness and mutual respect, recognizing that ideological differences should never lead to conflict. This principle is crucial in India’s pluralistic society, where ideological disputes must be resolved through wisdom and understanding rather than animosity. Jainism and Nonviolence in Thought and Action Jainism, another ancient Indian religion, strongly upholds Ahimsa (nonviolence) not just in action but in thoughts and words. Jains believe in Anekantavada, the doctrine of multiple perspectives, which teaches that truth can be seen from different angles and no single viewpoint has absolute supremacy. This fosters a culture of dialogue and mutual respect, crucial for maintaining peace in a diverse society like India. The Necessity of Respecting Opposing Ideologies in Modern India In contemporary India, religious and ideological differences often lead to conflicts when intolerance prevails. However, the country’s constitutional values, inspired by its rich religious heritage, promote secularism and equal respect for all faiths. Recognizing and honoring differing ideologies is essential to preserving India's unity and ensuring peaceful coexistence. Key Steps to Promote Respect for Opposing Ideologies: Education and Awareness: Teaching religious tolerance and pluralism in schools and institutions. Interfaith Dialogue: Encouraging discussions between different religious communities to foster understanding. Legislative Support: Strengthening laws that protect religious freedom and punish discrimination. Community Engagement: Promoting social initiatives that encourage interaction between diverse groups. Ethical Media Practices: Ensuring that media narratives do not incite hatred or spread misinformation. Conclusion Respecting opposing ideologies is not just a social necessity but a deeply rooted principle in all major religions practiced in India. Whether from an Islamic, Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, or Jain perspective, tolerance, compassion, and mutual respect are central teachings. By embracing these values, India can continue to be a beacon of unity in diversity, fostering peace and progress for all its citizens. --------- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-pluralism/respect-opposing-ideologies-india/d/134992 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

Fareed Zakaria on Democracy and Judiciary

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 27 March 2025 Nowadays, I'm reading Fareed Zakaria's views on Democracy, Judiciary and Political Systems. While he doesn't criticise Indian democracy and his views are generic, being India-born and a Muslim to boot, his apercus must be taken seriously when democracy in India stands on shaky ground. He provides fresh perspectives. Fareed says, "Democracy is not simply a political system, but a way of life, a culture." He contends that democracy is not confined to governance, but extends to encompass a way of life and a culture. Zakaria suggests that democratic principles go beyond the act of voting and involve a wider set of values, norms, and practices that shape the social fabric of a society. Democracy is not just about the pursuit of electoral power, but also about promoting and protecting individual freedoms, ensuring equality, fostering dialogue, and respecting diverse perspectives. It involves active participation, civic engagement, and an inherent belief in the power of collective decision-making. Therefore, democracy becomes an integral part of a nation's cultural identity and influences every aspect of its citizens' lives, shaing their choices, aspirations, and relationships. Elsewhere, he says, “Democracy requires solidarity and above all, tolerance of different views." This is of paramount importance. The success of democracy is not only dependent on solidarity among its citizens but also on the tolerance of divergent perspectives. Solidarity refers to a sense of unity and cohesion among individuals, where they recognize their shared goals and work towards them collectively. However, true solidarity can only be achieved when it is inclusive of different views and opinions. Tolerance plays a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to democracy, as it promotes dialogue, respects diversity, and allows for the coexistence of conflicting ideas. Without tolerance, democracy risks becoming an echo chamber, stifling necessary debates and impeding progress. Zakaria's quote serves as a reminder of the vital importance of embracing diversity and preserving the fundamental principles that uphold democracy. The icing on the cake is his pithy observation that a strong judiciary is essential for a functioning democracy. In a democracy, the judiciary acts as a safeguard, protecting individual rights and providing a check on the powers of the executive and legislative branches. A strong judiciary upholds the rule of law, impartially interprets and applies the constitution, and serves as an unbiased arbiter in disputes. By maintaining its independence and integrity, the judiciary guarantees fairness, equality, and justice for all citizens, reinforcing the democratic principles of accountability, transparency, and the protection of individual liberties. Without an impartial and robust judiciary, a democracy risks falling into authoritarianism, corruption, and the erosion of citizens' rights and freedoms. Ultimately, a strong judiciary is fundamental and foundational to sustaining a democratic society and preserving the democratic values that underpin it. But is our judiciary strong enough under the BJP rule when it has become subservient to the current political dispensation? I'm afraid, we're witness to a feeble, servile and grovelling judiciary, ready to sleep when said to bend. ... A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-pluralism/democracy-judiciary-fareed-zakaria/d/134990 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

Fate of Rakhine Capital Hangs In the Balance

By Nava Thakuria, New Age Islam 27 March 2025 India’s eastern neighbour Myanmar (also known as Burma or Brahmadesh) is facing a chaotic situation for the last several months as the poverty stricken country of around 55 million population has been experiencing a civil war. The Land of Golden Pagodas witnesses relentless armed conflicts between the military rulers and armed groups where the common Burmese nationals have also taken guns on their hands to liberate the Buddhist majority nation from a group of military dictators, led by senior general Min Aung Hlaing (functioned as de-facto President of Myanmar), who seized power four years back after ousting a democratically elected government in Naypyitaw. The western province of Myanmar has now turned into a full scale battle ground, where the rebel groups are approaching the capital city of Rakhine/Arakan State after occupying most of the Arakanese townships. The fighters belonging to the Arakan Army (AA) are seemingly preparing for a final assault on Sittwe along with another port city of Kyaukpyu. By now, the ethnic armed group has captured 15 out of 17 major Arakanese localities after defeating the military junta. The AA fighters also seized Paletwa Township of its neighbouring Chin State and most border areas touching Bangladesh. The junta forces taking care of the remaining Arakanese localities are facing a difficult time as they need to wait for reinforcement of soldiers, weapons, food and other supplies. The AA on 20 December 2024 declared that their fighters had captured an important military headquarters (Western Command) in Ann locality. Earlier, another tactical headquarters (North-eastern Command) in Lashio locality of northern Shan State fell to rebel group Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in August 2024. Both the AA and MNDAA are conducting anti-junta operations under the banner of ‘Three Brotherhood Alliance’ along with Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). Termed as ‘Operation 1027’ the massive offensive was launched in late 2023. Following the intervention of China, the TNLA and MNDAA recently announced the ceasefire but the AA continued their offensives in various western Myanmar localities. Lately the AA fighters stepped up offensives in three Rakhine bordering townships under the Ayeyarwady region. Reports of clashes with the junta soldiers also reported from Padaung and Okeshitpin localities in the Bago region. Other ethnic groups and resistance forces also maintained their movements against the junta. Till date, the resistance groups have gained control of nearly 148 townships, leaving only 105 under the junta’s authority, where 78 townships are facing relentless offensives from various anti-junta forces. After losing over 200 military battalion headquarters and important military bases along with over 750 frontline outposts to the revolutionary fighters, the junta soldiers are now conducting indiscriminate airstrikes, artillery shelling and drone attacks on various populated areas. Many villages and urban localities were set on fire across the country, where over 3.5 million people were displaced due to continuous armed conflicts and violence and compelled them to live in temporary shelters facing acute food, medical and other logistic crises. In many relief camps, essential commodities have been prevented or restricted from transporting and distributing among the affected families by the military authorities. Currently, over 20 million people including minors and elders are in growing need of humanitarian assistance. According to the United Nations World Food Program, no less than 15 million people may face hunger in Myanmar by the year's end. The trouble torn Rakhine State supports many billion dollar projects, sponsored by both China and India. Beijing with a cordial relation with the junta continues nurturing the oil & gas pipelines project from Rakhine to their Kunming province and also pushing aggressively for the Belt and Road Initiative in the region. In reality, China is intensifying its investments under the economic corridor, hydropower, connectivity and Kyaukphyu deep seaport project. Needless to mention that, Beijing has moved strategically to engage both the junta and rebel groups with an aim to ensure their business interest. Lately, New Delhi has also taken initiatives to engage with the opposition groups maintaining the relation with the junta for countering Chinese influence in Myanmar and also propagating the India-supported missions including the Kaladan riverine project that resumed connecting the land-locked north-eastern region. ……. Nava Thakuria is a northeast India-based professional journalist who is an engineering graduate. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/current-affairs/myanmar-burma-civil-war-/d/134991 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

Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd’s Linguistic and Contextualist Approach to Revelation and the Qur’an

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 26 March 2025 In the realm of Qur’anic studies, few scholars have dared to challenge traditional paradigms as profoundly as Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd. His ground-breaking linguistic approach to revelation repositions the Qur'an not merely as a divine text but as a complex interplay of language, culture, and historical context. By highlighting the Qur’an’s communicative nature, Abu Zayd invites readers to reconsider the notions of prophecy and revelation, highlighting the human element in the articulation of divine messages. His work transcends the boundaries of metaphysical interpretations, offering a fresh perspective that situates the sacred text within the rich tapestry of pre-Islamic Arab society and contemporary literary theory. (Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd/From Files) Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd, is a contemporary scholar who significantly challenges traditional understandings of Qur’an as revelation with his unique perspective on revelation. Abu Zayd moves away from purely metaphysical interpretations of revelation by emphasising its linguistic and communicative nature. He posits that the Qur’an is not a verbatim dictation but rather the result of a dynamic interaction between the divine and the Muhammad’ s consciousness, articulated in the Arabic language of his time. This perspective highlights the human element in the articulation of the divine message, without diminishing its sacred origin. A key aspect of Abu Zayd’s understanding of revelation is his comparison of prophecy with poetry and soothsaying. He argues that this comparison does not detract from the divine nature of revelation but rather situates it within the epistemological and cultural context of pre-Islamic Arab society, where communication with the supernatural realm was an accepted concept. By drawing parallels with familiar forms of inspired speech, Abu Zayd aims to show that revelation, while unique, was not a complete rupture with the past. Abu Zayd stresses that the Qur’an should be understood as a ‘text’ situated within its specific historical, social, and cultural context. This contextual approach is central to his hermeneutics. He argues that understanding the circumstances surrounding the revelation of specific verses is crucial for grasping their intended meaning and distinguishing between the historical and temporal aspects and the universal principles embedded within the text. This allows for a more nuanced interpretation that moves beyond literal and decontextualized readings. Furthermore, Abu Zayd makes a crucial distinction between the absolute Word of God and the Qur’an. He suggests that the Qur’an is a manifestation of the Word of God in the Arabic language, implying that there can be other manifestations of the divine word. This idea opens up the possibility of recognising the validity of other scriptures as expressions of divine communication. Abu Zayd’s hermeneutic approach is heavily influenced by modern literary theory and linguistic analysis. He emphasises the polysemic nature of language and the role of the interpreter in constructing meaning. Drawing on concepts from structuralism and semiotics, Abu Zayd views the Qur’an as a complex linguistic system with its own internal coherence and external relations to its historical context. He was notably influenced by the work of Hasan Hanafi and literary theorists like Yuri Lotman. The significance of Abu Zayd’s approach lies in its systematic application of linguistic and literary analysis to the interpretation of the Qur’an, combined with a strong emphasis on historical context. This methodology provides a framework for potentially reconciling the divine origin of the Qur’an with its human articulation and historical situatedness. By highlighting the communicative nature of revelation and the role of the Muhammad as an active participant in the process of conveying the divine message in a specific linguistic and cultural context, Abu Zayd opens up new avenues for understanding and interpreting the sacred text in ways that are relevant to the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. His work underscores the idea that interpreting the Qur’an is an ongoing process that requires critical engagement with the text and its historical context, rather than a mere adherence to static, traditional interpretations. Abu Zayd’s innovative approach serves as a vital bridge between the divine and human dimensions of the Qur’an, advocating for a dynamic interpretation that honours both its sacred origins and its historical context. By distinguishing between the absolute Word of God and its manifestations, he paves the way for a broader understanding of divine communication, acknowledging the validity of diverse expressions of spirituality. His emphasis on the ongoing, critical engagement with the Qur’an challenges static interpretations, urging contemporary scholars and believers alike to explore the text with an eye toward its relevance in today's world. In doing so, Abu Zayd’s work not only enriches the discourse on the Qur'an but also affirms the importance of context and interpretation in the quest for understanding sacred texts. … A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are (co-edited) - Shame, Modesty, and Honour in Islam and Interfaith Engagement beyond the Divide (Springer) URL: https://www.newageislam.com/ijtihad-rethinking-islam/abu-zayd-linguistic-contextualist-approach-quran/d/134982 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

A Simple Review of Islam and Modernism by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 26 March 2025 Islam and Modern Advancements – How Islam encourages progress while maintaining religious integrity Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani’s Islam and Modernism explores whether Islam and modern life can coexist, arguing that progress should align with religious teachings. He highlights how past Muslims embraced beneficial advancements while warning against blindly adopting Western ideologies like secularism. The book is strong in its historical examples, scholarly references, and balanced approach but tends to view modernity mainly as a Western concept, lacks engagement with reformist scholars, and takes a defensive tone. Despite these limitations, it remains a valuable resource for Muslims seeking to navigate modern challenges while preserving their faith. …. Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani’s book Islam and Modernism talks about how Islam and modern life can exist together. The book answers an important question: Can Islam and modern progress go hand in hand? Usmani says that Islam supports progress, but it must follow the guidance of Allah. He explains how modern changes affect Muslims and discusses their good and bad sides. Good Points of the Book One of the best things about this book is that it has a balanced view. Usmani does not reject modernity completely. Instead, he says that Muslims should accept useful things from modern progress, like technology and science, but they should not follow ideas that go against Islam. He believes that modernity should help Muslims without harming Islamic values. The book also gives historical examples to show that Muslims have always accepted good changes. Usmani talks about the Islamic Golden Age, a time when Muslims led in science, medicine, and philosophy. He uses this history to show that Islam does not stop people from growing and improving. Instead, Islam teaches people to use new knowledge in the right way. Another strong point of the book is that it is based on Islamic teachings. Usmani uses verses from the Qur’an, sayings of the Prophet ﷺ, and writings of old Islamic scholars to support his ideas. This makes his arguments strong and useful for those who want to understand Islam deeply. Usmani also warns Muslims about blindly following Western ideas. He talks about concepts like secularism, democracy, and liberalism. He believes that some Muslims accept these ideas without thinking if they match Islam. He argues that secularism, which separates religion from daily life, does not fit with Islam, because Islam is a complete way of life. Weak Points of the Book Even though the book is well-written, it has some weaknesses. One problem is that Usmani sometimes treats modernity as only a Western idea. He agrees that science and technology are good, but he does not discuss modern social and political ideas in a deep way. Some ideas, like human rights and gender equality, can be understood in ways that do not go against Islam. Another issue is that Usmani does not discuss the views of modern Muslim scholars who believe Islam can be more flexible. He strongly supports traditional Islamic thought but does not talk much about reformist scholars who think Islam should be interpreted in a new way. If he had included their views, the book would have been more complete and helpful for readers. At times, the book sounds too defensive, as if modernity is mostly a danger to Islam. While Usmani is right to warn against harmful Western influences, he could have also talked about how Muslims can contribute positively to the modern world. The book focuses more on protecting Islam from modernity rather than showing how Muslims can shape the modern world. Why This Book is Important This book is very useful in today’s fast-changing world. Many Muslims find it hard to balance their religion with modern life. Usmani’s book helps them understand how to live as good Muslims while still being part of modern society. His message is clear: Muslims should accept modern progress but not forget their religion. The book is helpful for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the relationship between Islam and modernity. However, if someone is looking for a book that supports a more flexible or modern view of Islam, this book might feel a bit strict. Final Thoughts In short, Islam and Modernism is an important book that explains how Muslims should interact with the modern world. Usmani makes strong arguments for accepting modern progress carefully, without letting it weaken Islamic values. His use of history, Islamic teachings, and deep knowledge make the book valuable. However, the book would be better if it had a more detailed discussion on modern issues and included different views. Even with these small weaknesses, the book is still a thought-provoking and useful read for those who want to understand how Islam and modernity can exist together. --------- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/ijtihad-rethinking-islam/review-islam-modernism-mufti-muhammad-taqi-usmani/d/134983 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 Immortality A Bane Or Boon For Mankind?

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 26 March 2025 A visionary who predicted the internet and smartphones is now making an even bolder claim about the future of humanity. Revolutionary technologies could soon make immortality a reality. In a bold new prediction, Ray Kurzweil, the futurist who foresaw the rise of the internet and the iPhone, believes immortality could be just a few years away. As technology continues to advance rapidly, Kurzweil envisions a future where humans transcend biological limits and overcome aging, pushing human life expectancy far beyond its current boundaries. Kurzweil’s idea of immortality is not simply about living longer; it involves transcending biological limits entirely, with technology merging human biology and artificial intelligence. Yuval Noah Harari also talks about the death of hospitals. He says that the present day hospitals will cease to exist in the days to come. Regenerative medicines can delay natural death. But can you call it good news? Will immortality be a boon or bane for mankind? Whether immortality would be a blessing or a curse for mankind is a complex question with no easy answer, as it depends on the specific context and the nature of immortality itself. Some argue it could lead to societal stagnation, boredom, and a loss of purpose, while others believe it could allow for unprecedented advancements and a richer understanding of existence. While science, particularly Medical Science, must advance and try to transcend all that exists, the idea of immortality or an inordinately long life span engenders many issues in future which may jeopardise life on earth. From the perspective of psychology, if humans are scared of death, they're also bored with life. In Mahabharat, the grand patriarch Bhishma rues on the bed of arrows that immortality is a huge burden (Amaratva ati kashtsaadhyam) and every individual eventually wants to depart from this world. Sigmund Freud's Thanatos, the Death Drive, also concludes that people hold an unconscious desire to die but that life instincts largely temper this wish. Continuity, like surfeit, of anything is undesirable. Geriatric scientists have found that many people in their 80s, despite being fit as a fiddle, start losing zeal for life and the joie de vivre begins to dissipate. A sense of 'what else to achieve' may hover over the head of a person living eternally and not departing anytime soon. With a long life span, comes ennui and immortality may further aggravate the sense of ennui and boredom. Moreover, a large, immortal population could strain Earth's resources, leading to environmental degradation and societal collapse. Without the pressure of mortality, some argue that individuals might lose their drive to achieve and create, leading to a stagnant and uninspired society. Immortality may encourage inequality and social stratification. If immortality were a privilege accessible only to the wealthy, it could exacerbate existing inequalities and create a society where a select few live forever while the rest die. Witnessing the death of loved ones while remaining immortal could be emotionally devastating, and the sheer length of time could lead to mental instability or a detachment from reality. With immortality or excessively long life comes Yayati Syndrome. While not a formal psychological diagnosis, the Yayati Syndrome offers a cultural and moral lens through which to examine human desires, ethical considerations, and the cyclical nature of power and succession. By the way, Yayati Syndrome is the unreasonable power hunger of ageing men. Nature is the most sapient and considerate teacher. It has bestowed upon humans a definite life span. Agreed, when someone dies young, it saddens everyone. That doesn't mean, an individual's life should go on and on. What begins, also ends. The end or a graceful elimination is a must. Death is an icing on the cake, called life. Immortality is an existential audacity that can be avoided. ... A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/immortality-bane-boon-mankind/d/134980 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 Inherent Problem of Political Islam? Response to Criticisms

By V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam 25 March 2025 I am pleased that my two-part article has generated such vigorous debate, and I deeply appreciate the thoughtful engagement—especially from respected voices like Brother Rasheed Sahib. In response to the key critiques raised, I will address and clarify my terminology, methodology, and philosophical stance. While I stand by the core arguments of my piece, I do concur with many of Brother Rasheed’s observations, particularly regarding how Islamophobia is exacerbated by Western hegemony. • Why did I use the term Islamist instead of Islamic? My Response: The term Islamic is a broad, neutral adjective that refers to anything related to Islam—its religion, culture, civilization, and traditions. It applies to concepts like Islamic art (art influenced by Islamic culture) and Islamic law (Sharia, the ethical and legal framework derived from Islamic principles). This term does not carry any inherent political meaning. Islamist, on the other hand, is a more specific term with political connotations. It refers to individuals, movements, or ideologies that seek to implement Islamic principles in governance and society, often advocating for a political order based on their interpretation of Islam. While some Islamists pursue their goals through democratic means, others adopt more radical or militant approaches. Importantly, Islamist does not equate to Islamic—not all Muslims are Islamists, and Islamism represents a distinct political ideology rather than the religion itself. The choice of Islamist in my article was deliberate. It accurately reflects the political dimension of the subject being discussed, distinguishing it from the broader religious or cultural aspects of Islam. Precision in terminology is essential, especially when addressing political ideologies or movements within the Islamic world. • Another criticism levelled at my work is that it merely presents others' viewpoints without a clear, cohesive argument. My Response: This critique misinterprets the article’s purpose. Far from lacking direction, my work deliberately highlights the diversity of perspectives on secularism and Islam—concepts that are inherently contested and open to multiple interpretations. The absence of a rigid, singular definition is not a flaw but a reflection of the discourse itself. Contrary to the claim that my argument is unclear, I explicitly advocate for secularism as religious neutrality and Sarva Dharma Samabhava—equal respect for all religions. This framework stands in direct opposition to theocratic visions promoted by Islamist groups, which reject pluralism in favour of a monolithic religious order. Rather than weakening my case, the inclusion of diverse perspectives strengthens it. By engaging with a spectrum of viewpoints, I demonstrate the complexity of the debate while reinforcing secularism as the most viable model for a pluralistic society like India. My article is not a passive compilation of opinions but a structured, purposeful defence of secularism—one that gains depth, not dilution, from the multiplicity of voices it engages. • What we now call secular values—human rights, equality, compassion, and justice—are deeply rooted in religious morality. Modern secular societies did not emerge in isolation; rather, they evolved from centuries of religious teachings that laid the groundwork for these principles. Paradoxical as it may seem, secular values originate from religion itself, making secularism an inherent part of religious traditions rather than a departure from them. My Response: I do agree. Secularism is not inherently anti-religious but can align with religious values by promoting neutrality, freedom, and equality. It ensures the state doesn't favour any religion, protecting religious diversity and allowing all faiths to coexist peacefully. This aligns with religious principles like freedom of conscience (e.g., "no compulsion in religion" in Islam) and treating others with respect (e.g., "love thy neighbour" in Christianity). Secularism also fosters collaboration on shared goals like social justice, reflecting religious values of compassion and service. By separating religion from state power, it prevents extremism and respects moral autonomy, allowing individuals to practice their faith freely. In essence, secularism supports religious values by creating a fair, inclusive society where diverse beliefs thrive. • The term "Islamism" originated in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Initially, it was used in European languages as a neutral synonym for Islam, much like "Christianism" for Christianity. Early Western writers, including Voltaire and Encyclopædia Britannica (first edition, 1771), used "Islamism" simply to refer to the religion of Islam. My Response: Islamism and Islam are used interchangeably. Most Islamophobes adopts this method. This approach is wrong. This is equal to equating of Hindutva with Hinduism and Zionism with Judaism. • Islam itself is however already an "-ism" - given this, why did European languages create "Islamism" instead of just using "Islam"? My Response: The term "Islamism" was indeed coined in European languages to create a clear distinction between Islam as a religion and the political movements or ideologies that seek to implement Islamic principles in governance and society. While "Islam" refers to the faith, spirituality, and practices of Muslims, "Islamism" specifically denotes political ideologies that advocate for the implementation of Islamic law (Sharia) and the establishment of Islamic-based political systems. This distinction emerged in the late 20th century as a way to analyse the political dimensions of Islam separately from its spiritual and theological aspects, providing clarity in discussions about religion versus ideology. However, the distinction between Islam and Islamism is not always clear-cut, and the term "Islamism" itself has been subject to debate. It can oversimplify the diversity of political movements within the Muslim world and may be used to stigmatize legitimate political expressions of Islamic identity. The interpretation of Islamic values is a topic of ongoing debate, particularly between Islamists and those who prioritize Quranic values. Islamists often focus on implementing Sharia law, emphasizing legalistic interpretations over broader ethical values. In contrast, the Quran highlights values such as justice, mercy, compassion, and human dignity. One of the fundamental principles of the Quran is freedom of religion, as stated in verse 2:256, "There is no compulsion in religion." However, some Islamist movements have been accused of imposing religious practices, undermining this principle. The Quran also promotes fraternity and equality, envisioning the ummah (global Muslim community) as a brotherhood of equals. Nevertheless, some Islamist regimes have faced criticism for fostering sectarianism and discrimination. Individual self-determinism is another key value in the Quran, emphasizing personal responsibility and individual accountability. In contrast, Islamist ideologies often prioritize collective identity over individual freedoms. The Quran is clear in its advocacy for justice, fairness, and human rights, including those of women and minorities. However, some Islamist policies have been criticized for being discriminatory or unjust, particularly toward women and religious minorities. In addition, the Quran encourages coexistence and dialogue among diverse groups, promoting pluralism and diversity. Unfortunately, some Islamist movements reject pluralism, seeking to establish homogeneous Islamic states. The Quran promotes peace and reconciliation, yet some Islamist groups have been linked to violent extremism, contradicting these principles. Finally, the Quran advocates for economic justice, prohibiting usury and mandating charity (zakat). While Islamist attempts to implement Islamic economic systems have had mixed success in achieving justice, the importance of economic fairness remains a core Islamic value. • The term "Islamist" has developed a pejorative connotation, especially in modern political discourse. While Islamic governance has existed for centuries—without the need for a distinct label—"Islamism" emerged in Western discourse to specifically refer to political movements advocating for governance based on Islamic principles, with an implicit tone of disapproval. My Response: You are right. The term "Islamist" has become a focal point in the broader issue of Islamophobia, reflecting and reinforcing deeply ingrained biases in Western discourse. Historically, the West's engagement with the Islamic world—from colonialism to the Cold War and the post-9/11 era—has shaped a narrative that associates Islam with backwardness, violence, and authoritarianism. This narrative has been perpetuated through the pejorative use of "Islamist," which is often applied indiscriminately to a wide range of Islamic political movements, from moderate reformers to extremist groups. By conflating these diverse movements under a single, stigmatized label, the term contributes to a perception that Islam itself is inherently incompatible with democracy or modernity. This framing not only delegitimizes legitimate political expressions of Islam but also fuels Islamophobia by portraying Muslims as a monolithic group prone to extremism. The lack of equivalent terms for religiously motivated movements in other faiths, such as "Christian democracy" or "Hindu nationalism," underscores the double standard at play, further entrenching stereotypes and fostering fear and mistrust of Muslim communities. • Your article is about “Why Quranic Principles Advocate Secular Democracy Over Theocracy” is not about “making a compelling case for secularism as the best model for a pluralistic society like India.” India is not even mentioned in the article and rightly so because what has India to do with Why Quranic Principles Advocate Secular Democracy Over Theocracy? You seem to have lost track of what the article is about. My Response: My critique presents a theoretical and theological challenge to the imposition of Sharia within political Islam, examining its far-reaching implications for societal structures, governance frameworks, and individual liberties. At its core, my argument questions whether enforcing Sharia as state law aligns with fundamental principles of legal pluralism, human rights, and the separation of religion and state. A critical analysis reveals that such enforcement poses significant risks, including marginalizing non-Muslim communities and silencing dissenting voices within Muslim societies. It also risks clashing with universal human rights standards, particularly in areas such as gender equality, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression. From a theological perspective, my critique emphasizes that Sharia is not a monolithic entity, but rather a complex and dynamic system subject to diverse interpretations shaped by historical, cultural, and contextual factors. Rigid enforcement of Sharia within modern political systems disregards its inherent adaptability, distorting its original principles and fostering authoritarianism—where religious elites consolidate power, stifling intellectual and social progress. Politically, my critique contests the exploitation of Sharia as a means of consolidating power and exerting control over populations, thereby exacerbating societal fractures and eroding social cohesion. A comprehensive review of historical precedents and comparative analyses demonstrates that imposing religious law often leads to the suppression of dissenting voices and the erosion of individual liberties. Ultimately, my critique calls for a critical reassessment of Sharia’s role in modern governance. It advocates a framework that safeguards legal pluralism, human rights, and the separation of religion and state—fostering a more inclusive, tolerant, and equitable society. • The (Iranian) regime is not corrupt; it is principled. It has prioritized principles over political compromises. It faces sanctions because it supports Palestine—ironically, as a Shia state, it is the only one backing Sunni Palestine. The suffering of its citizens is primarily due to sanctions and military spending for national defence. Iran remains the only Muslim state capable of standing up to the U.S. in conventional warfare, making it the last bastion that the U.S. and Israel seek to bring down. My Response: While Iran adheres to a distinct ideological framework, its governance is driven by both principled and pragmatic considerations, with internal power struggles and instances of corruption undermining the system's integrity. The significant economic influence wielded by the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and political elites has raised allegations of nepotism and financial malfeasance. Moreover, prioritizing principles over pragmatic political compromises is not inherently virtuous if it results in widespread hardship for citizens. A balanced approach is essential—one that upholds fundamental principles while carefully considering their impact on human welfare. Iran’s troubling human rights record, as seen in the case of Mahsa Amini, highlights the urgent need for such scrutiny. While sanctions and military expenditures contribute significantly to economic difficulties, internal economic mismanagement and political repression also play substantial roles. Many Iranians hold their government accountable for economic struggles, citing corruption, lack of transparency, and crackdowns on dissent. The government's resource allocation, such as funding regional militias versus domestic welfare initiatives, is a contentious issue debated among Iranians themselves. Rather than being merely a victim of external pressures, the Iranian regime actively shapes its domestic and regional realities, with consequences both positive and negative. • "The notion that Islam requires the integration of religion and state is a historical development, not a Quranic mandate." "Fight until there is no more oppression and injustice and the Law of Allah prevails." (Q.8:39) My Response: This verse can be interpreted in another way. A humanistic interpretation of Q.8:39 would focus on the broader ethical and moral principles it conveys, emphasizing themes of justice, freedom, and the pursuit of a harmonious society. From this perspective, the verse could be understood as a call to resist oppression and work toward a world where human dignity, equality, and fairness are upheld. The "Law of Allah" could be interpreted symbolically as a universal moral order that aligns with humanistic values such as compassion, justice, and the common good. The emphasis on ceasing hostilities if the opposition stops ("if they desist") could be seen as a call for reconciliation and peace, highlighting the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and mutual understanding rather than violence. This aligns with humanistic ideals of nonviolence and the belief in the potential for positive change in human behaviour. The reading would focus on the underlying message of striving for a just and equitable world, where all individuals are free from oppression and can live in dignity and peace. It would encourage reflection on how these principles can be applied in contemporary contexts to promote social justice and human flourishing. • Q. 5:44 clearly affirms that governance must align with divine law. My Response: Q.5:44 emphasizes the importance of divine guidance in governance and justice, reflecting the principle that laws should align with moral and ethical values rooted in faith. From a Quranic perspective, this verse can be understood as a call for governance that upholds justice, compassion, and the dignity of all human beings. Divine law, in this context, is not merely a rigid set of rules but a framework that seeks to promote the well-being of individuals and society. It emphasizes accountability, fairness, and the protection of human rights, which are universal values shared across cultures and faiths. I interpret divine law as a means to foster a just and equitable society where the welfare of people is prioritized. It encourages leaders to govern with wisdom, mercy, and a deep sense of responsibility toward all members of society, regardless of their faith or background. This aligns with the broader Islamic principle of Rahmah (mercy) and the concept of Maqasid al-Shariah (the higher objectives of Islamic law), which include the preservation of life, intellect, faith, lineage, and property. In essence, governance aligned with divine law, from an Islamic humanistic viewpoint, is one that serves humanity, promotes justice, and ensures the dignity and rights of all individuals are respected and protected. It is a call to integrate spiritual and ethical principles into leadership, ensuring that power is exercised with humility and a commitment to the common good. • Islamic governance, in both theory and practice, incorporated consultation, judicial impartiality, and legal pluralism—values that align with modern democratic ideals. My Response: My critique of contemporary political Islamists centres on their deviation from the historical and ethical principles of Islamic governance, rather than an attack on Islam itself. Many modern political Islamist movements have distorted these principles, centralizing power, side-lining diverse voices, and imposing rigid, exclusionary interpretations of Sharia. These movements often prioritize ideological purity over practical governance, using religion as a tool for political control rather than a means to promote justice and welfare. For example, the concept of hakimiyyah (sovereignty of God) has been weaponized to justify authoritarian rule, while the dynamic and adaptive spirit of early Islamic law, exemplified by ijtihad (independent reasoning), is often ignored. This rigidity leads to the suppression of dissent, the marginalization of women and minorities, and a failure to address pressing socio-economic challenges. Moreover, the politicization of religion by these groups undermines the spiritual and ethical dimensions of Islam, reducing it to a mechanism for power consolidation. By rejecting democratic principles as "Western impositions," many political Islamists alienate broader populations, particularly the youth, who seek inclusive and pragmatic solutions to modern problems. My critique targets the authoritarian, exclusionary, and rigid practices of contemporary political Islamists, which diverge sharply from the pluralistic, consultative, and justice-oriented spirit of early Islamic governance. By reclaiming these historical principles, it is possible to envision a form of governance that is both authentically Islamic and aligned with the aspirations of modern societies for fairness, inclusivity, and good governance. (V.A. Mohamad Ashrof is an independent Indian scholar specializing in Islamic humanism. With a deep commitment to advancing Quranic hermeneutics that prioritize human well-being, peace, and progress, his work aims to foster a just society, encourage critical thinking, and promote inclusive discourse and peaceful coexistence. He is dedicated to creating pathways for meaningful social change and intellectual growth through his scholarship. He can be reached at vamashrof@gmail.com) URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-politics/response-political-islam-criticisms/d/134970 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

Yunus’s Explanation of The Concluding Remark Of His Recent Review With Chat.Gpt On The Dire Need For Upgrading The Madrassa Education

By Muhammad Yunus, New Age Islam (Co-author (Jointly with Ashfaque Ullah Syed), Essential Message of Islam, Amana Publications, USA, 2009) 25 March 2025 The chat appearing as his article dated March 18 concluded with the following remark: “In sum, it is indeed possible to broaden the scope and curriculum of madrassa education by outstanding for many centuries broadening the horizons of Hadith to embrace all positive universal fields of knowledge as was the case in early Islam unless the custodians of madrassa education wore blinkers on their eyes or there was a conspiracy from any quarter to keep the Muslims backward on the turf of civilization.” This outburst is triggered by the continued resistance of the custodians of madrassa curriculum to modernize – that is, bring secular or universal subjects including English language in its ambit. This is a long-standing issue that has persisted for centuries and has become the bane of Islamic civilization at least in the subcontinent. Since the beginning of his engagement with NAI as a writer/commentator end 2011, Yunus has voiced his serious concern on the marginalization of secular subjects and English language in the madrassas which focus primarily on theological subjects and treat the secular subjects and English as taught in all civil schools in the sidelines. As this deprives their students from acquiring the same level of universal knowledge and functional literacy in English as their counterparts in civil schools all across India - which either omit theology as a full time subject or teach it as an optional or secondary subject. This severely handicaps the students of the madrassas in competing for job in the employment market, corporate business world and civil service that demand a basic level of secular knowledge and functional literacy in English as imparted in civil schools. Recognizing that transformation from a theological centric curriculum to secular or modern curriculum is far from easy to accomplish, Yunus penned a number of articles tabling compelling grounds for the proposed change, the crux of which is captured in the following extracts from his articles referenced in each case: Extract-1: “As Europe was witnessing an explosive growth in science and technology and other fields of knowledge in the wake of Renaissance (15th century CE onwards), the orthodox Islam forbade the emerging knowledge to Muslims. They espoused a doctrine of taqlid (conformity with the views of past scholars) that held that all that was to be learnt had already been learnt during the Prophet’s era and therefore all new knowledge was biddat – undesirable innovation. Accordingly, Muslim scholars -barring exceptions stood on the sidelines watching the advancements in Europe with silent skepticism. This resulted in stagnancy of knowledge, abhorrence against any scientific advancement, and division of universal knowledge into Islamic and European categories. In fact, as reviewed by Murad Hofmann, an eminent German scholar convert to Islam, “the hostility of the orthodox theologians (Ulama) against the so called European knowledge, led them to, among others, burn down an observatory in Turkey in 1580 - just a year after its erection, and close down the first printing press in the Islamic world, in the same city in 1745….. “Today, the participation of Muslims in academic and professional fields, cultural arenas, and prestigious and lawful avenues of livelihood in practically all Muslim minority countries is abysmally low as their educational, professional and cultural attainments are handicapped by their own or their parents’/ancestors’ madrassa based education. In historical perspective, if any single agency has to bear the blame it is probably the Ulama and the orthodox Islam - their throwback influence and reductive madrassa curriculum as this discourse amply demonstrates – however bitter this may sound.“ Ref: An Open Reminder to the Ulamas: Rejecting universal knowledge as un-Islamic is brazenly un-Islamic and kufr (denial of truth) – dated Nov. 20, 2011. http://www.newageislam.com/NewAgeIslamIslamicShariaLaws_1.aspx?ArticleID=5961 Extract-2: “Given the social, cultural and economic decline of Muslims in India that hardly needs any elaboration and the fragmentation, divergence and academic stagnancy of Islamic theologically oriented institutions including the madrassas and their self-imposed and ungodly restriction on the promotion of universal education, all these institutions must be brought under the ambit of RTI as far as school level curriculum is concerned. There can be one subject on religion focusing on the inter-faith and universal dimensions of Islamic message, given that each Muslim household teaches the basics of religion to its children. At this critical juncture in Indian history, those who oppose the proposed scheme can only be the enemies of the Muslims in India – not their friends or well-wishers.” Re: The Opponents of the Right to Universal Education (RTE) to the Muslims are the enemies of Indian Muslims. Dated Dec. 15, 2011. http://www.newageislam.com/NewAgeIslamIjtihadRethinkingIslam_1.aspx?ArticleID=6146 Extract-3: “If the educated Muslims remain a silent witness to the exclusion of RTE to the madrasas as per popular demand, they or their posterity will have to pay a very heavy price. The mainstream Hindu community in India is going through a series of major reforms – many in line with the Qur’anic message – notably eradication of caste system, women’s right to inheritance, a widow’s right to remarry and so on. The Indian Muslims on the other hand are opposing reforms – much in the way their ancestors did in British India that led to their self-imposed exodus from India, created inter-faith hatred and the culture of riots. If the Muslims fail to keep pace with the progressive strides of the mainstream Hindu community, they will end up as the pariahs and the underdogs of Indian society and bear the wrath of those who want India to shine, and the educated Muslims will alone bear the responsibility for this self-imposed doom.” Intellectual Ambivalence of Educated Indian Muslims: the RTE versus the Ridiculous Fatwas http://www.newageislam.com/ijtihad,-rethinking-islam/intellectual-ambivalence-of-educated-indian-muslims--the-rte-versus-the-ridiculous-fatwas/d/6194 - Dec. 2011 Extract-4: “there is an urgent need for a major paradigm shift in Islamic religious thoughts and the scope and curriculum of traditional madrassas: they should be converted to universal houses of learning like the Western missionary schools with the same curricula and education system as in civil schools – with the addition of a Religion class. The Muslim students may be taught the fundamentals of the Qur’anic message and the non-Muslims, the fundamentals of their faith.” Re: The evolution of the Hadith sciences and the Prophet’s Sunna and the need for a Major Paradigm Shift regarding the role of the Hadith Corpus and the scope of Madrassa education – dated Feb. 08, 2012 . http://www.newageislam.com/NewAgeIslamIslamicShariaLaws_1.aspx?ArticleID=6581 Extract-5: “Thus, as long as Islam clings to its medieval roots of Hadith driven close-circuit scholarship, the Muslims will remain backwards in all fields of knowledge, readily accept what comes to their ears or what their enemies tell them without any critical analysis, remain divided in myriad issues of life, lack vision and foresight, and be conveniently manipulated by rival civilizations as part of history’s game plan. They will attribute all their shortcomings to conspiracy theory and sink deeper and deeper into an abyss of decline that the renowned Indian poet, Altaf Hussain Hali put in these words: “If anyone wants to see the decline of a community surpassing all limits = he must look at Islam’s incapability to rise after its fall” [in original Urdu: “pasti ka koi hadd se guzarna dekhe = = Islam ka gir kar na ubharna dekhe”, Musaddase Hali] “there is a pressing need to substitute the predominantly theological content of the curriculum of traditional religious schools (madrassas) with a focused study of the universal dimensions of the Qur’anic message and a comprehensive study of the ever expanding fields of universal sciences and diverse faculties of knowledge (and art forms) that are nothing but the manifestations of the Words (kalimat) of God (18:109, 31:27), that cannot be divided between Islamic and non-Islamic domains. Re: The grievous impacts of Hadith sciences in the later centuries of Islam – a soul searching exercise and a final call to the Muslim ulama and intellectual elite. – November 2013 https://www.newageislam.com/viewComments/14361 Extract-6: Infuriated, challenged, daunted or overwhelmed by the achievements of the Western/ modern world and shocked and aggrieved by Islam’s decline, the orthodox Ulema dismiss the West as an abode of Shaytan and aspire to create a separate identity for the global Muslim community in defiance of the Qur’an explicit emphasis on pluralism and humanism. In their Friday (Congregation prayer) sermons, they preach a divide between Islam and all other faith communities and thus block integration of the Muslims with the mainstream societies in Muslim minority countries, underplay the role of universal knowledge, undermine the prodigal advances of modern civilization, restrict the Qur’anic message to Islam’s pillars of faith (spiritual dimension), and underplay the universal dimensions of its message that connects Islam with the modern pluralistic world. Thus they have virtually reduced Islam to a static medieval creed that constantly benchmarks against its achievements of that era, remains oblivion to the over-riding civilizational issues and challenges of this era and wittingly or unwittingly, plays in the hands of the terror outfits who entertain common aspirations of a separate global identity for the Muslims. Re: Muslims Must Take A Hard Look At The Popular Islamic Theology Of The Era Focus On The Essentials Of Their Din To Survive In This Progressive, Pluralistic, Humanistic And Politically Volatile Era And Avoid Suicidal Collapse http://www.newageislam.com/islam-and-pluralism/muhammad-yunus,-new-age-islam/muslims-must-take-a-hard-look-at-the-popular-islamic-theology-of-the-era,-focus-on-the-essentials-of-their-deen-to-survive-in-these-progressive,-pluralistic,-humanistic-and-politically-volatile-times/d/104710 Sept 2015 Extract-7 “Chat.gpt said: By recognizing that Hadith played a crucial role in shaping Islamic civilization, you disarm critics who might accuse you of rejecting the Hadith tradition outright. It highlights that the Hadith sciences were not merely theological but also supported the broader intellectual and cultural flourishing of the Islamic Golden Age. …. Hadith once served a vital function, but in today’s world, its rigid application may hinder progress. By contrasting early Islamic achievements with medieval European stagnation, you subtly suggest that it was a dynamic and adaptive approach to knowledge—including Hadith—that propelled Muslims forward.” Re: Upgrading The Scope Of Hadith To Help Recapture Their Role In The Early Centuries Of Islam Through Its Golden Age dated March 18, 2025 https://www.newageislam.com/ijtihad-rethinking-islam/upgrading-scope-of-hadith-in-islam/d/134910 Author’s Clarification of his seemingly radical suggestion: This writer’s suggestion of bring universal/secular subjects in the ambit of hadith was just an effort to convince the highly recalcitrant custodians of madrassa that the modern sciences including English or European languages are not un-Islamic and therefore they must not have any reservation against incorporating them in their curriculum as this writer has been advocating on compelling grounds since his engagement with NAI in 2011 – as extracts from his published article illustrate. His suggestion appears to be a radical thinking but it is not so if viewed through the lens of the Qur’an – the ultimate source of guidance and font of wisdom for those who believe in its divinity. As illustrated in my referenced article of March 18 above, the Qur’an uses the noun hadith to denote the Qur’an itself (52:34), and any discourse however rich in knowledge such as comparable to Qur’an: "Allah has sent down the best ḥadīth: a Book, consistent in its frequent repetitions..." (ḥadīth here clearly refers to the Qur'an as the ultimate divine message.) (39:23) · "Then let them produce a statement (ḥadīthin) like it, if they should be truthful." (Again, ḥadīth refers to divine revelation, challenging skeptics to produce something comparable.) (52:34) Final Question: The question that needs answering ignoring any moot argument about semantics is what is to be done to modernize madrassa curriculum. Those who think it is fine and that the Muslim should have their own exclusive educational curriculum are unfortunately defying the Qur’an repeated bidding on pluralism as unambiguously capture in the following verse addressed to all humanity: “O People! We have created you as male and female, and made you into races and communities* for you to get to know each other. The noblest among you near Allah are the most righteous (atqakum) of you. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing and Informed” (49:13). Acknowledgement: While I am technically the sole author of all the referenced articles (dating from 2011 onwards), I wholeheartedly acknowledge the invaluable technical support of my friend and brother, co-author Syed Ashfaque Ullah, as well as my brother Mohammed Arif for his constant editing and refinement of my drafts. More recently, I also recognize the assistance of AI—whose reputation for cold logic belies its surprising depth of mercy and compassion, along with an ever-flowing fountain of knowledge. I cannot overlook Sultan Shahin, the founder and editor of New Age Islam, whose unwavering inspiration has encouraged me to continue engaging with his platform, even when I felt I had said enough. … Muhammad Yunus, a Chemical Engineering graduate from Indian Institute of Technology, and a retired corporate executive has been engaged in an in-depth study of the Qur’an since early 90’s, focusing on its core message. He has co-authored the referred exegetic work, which received the approval of al-Azhar al-Sharif, Cairo in 2002, and following restructuring and refinement was endorsed and authenticated by Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl of UCLA, and published by Amana Publications, Maryland, USA, 2009. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/ijtihad-rethinking-islam/chatgpt-upgrading-madrassa-education/d/134973 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

Hazrat Shaikh Nuruddin: Bridging Mysticism and Social Ethics in Medieval Kashmir

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 25 March 2025 A 14th-century mystic, Hazrat Shaikh Nuruddin synthesized Saivite and Islamic traditions, evolving from ascetic introspection to social reform. His poetry and ethics shaped Kashmir’s Muslim identity, bridging spirituality with humanitarian values, leaving an indelible mark on its cultural and religious ethos. Main points: Orphanhood and poverty instilled empathy for marginalized communities, shaping his ethical vision. Withdrawal blended Saivite philosophy (self-realization) with Sufi introspection, seeking divine unity. Transitioned from reclusion to promoting justice, universalism, and communal welfare. Harmonized Kashmir’s Islamic and Saivite traditions, fostering a pluralistic spiritual identity. Poetry and teachings remain cornerstones of Kashmiri Muslim consciousness and regional heritage. Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali Charar-e-Sharief shrine. By- Gowharwani313, for Wikimedia Commons -------- The evolution of Hazrat Shaikh Nuruddin’s religious trajectory is fundamentally intertwined with the formative development of Kashmiri Muslim society. During the Shaikh’s era (late 14th–15th century), the Muslim population in the Kashmir Valley constituted either a minority or a marginal majority. His verses, analysed critically, reflect a society in transition, one not yet fully Islamic in structure, nor abruptly transformed by its encounter with Islam’s "Great Tradition." Instead, his poetry encapsulates both the gradual Islamisation of Kashmir and the personal spiritual crises that shaped his reinterpretation of Islamic norms within a regional context. This duality renders his work a vital cultural and historical artefact, reflecting pervasive societal shifts. For Hazrat Shaikh Nuruddin, religion transcended abstract theology; it was an experiential reality. In Kantian terms, his understanding of Islam emerged a posteriori, rooted in lived experience rather than dogma. Consequently, comprehending Islam’s historical manifestation in Kashmir necessitates an examination of his influence, which profoundly shaped the Kashmiri psyche. Beyond his mysticism,Hazrat Nuruddin emerged as the architect of Kashmiri Muslim identity, advocating Islamic humanism, tolerance, and Tauhidic universalism, principles that continue to resonate in contemporary Kashmir. His integration of mystical, moral, and aesthetic sensibilities into Islamic discourse indelibly directed the Valley’s religious and cultural evolution. History, Legend, and Folk Traditions This study seeks to reconcile the historical Shaikh with the figure enshrined in legend and collective memory. Objective analysis demands rigorous scrutiny of oral and written traditions that amplify his historical role. As anthropologist E.E. Evans-Pritchard posits, traditions, whether factual or not, constitute historical phenomena, reflecting the transmitter’s worldview and sociocultural realities. Dismissing folklore risks erasing the lived experiences of pre-modern rural societies, for whom legends functioned as "the lungs of culture." Hazrat Nuruddin’s verses, transmitted orally across centuries, shaped Kashmiri attitudes within their unique geographical and cultural milieu. His poetry transcends mere historical record; it codifies behavioural norms and spiritual resilience during periods of societal upheaval. While its aesthetic and psychological dimensions are undeniable, the verses retain germane historical insights relevant to his socio-religious context. This analysis bridges "crude historical realism" and legend, treating both as complementary facets of a holistic narrative. Syncretism and Saivite Philosophical Influences A significant portion of Hazrat Hazrat Nuruddin’s verses, composed during ascetic retreats, bear the imprint of Kashmir’s Trika (Saivite) philosophy. According to Sivadaiia, the atman (innermost self) is an immutable, omnipresent "experiencing principle," distinct from transient phenomena like sensory experience. B.N. Parimoo elucidates this monistic framework: the experiencer, medium, and object of experience are manifestations of the singular Reality, Siva. This philosophy negates dualism, asserting that all existence subsists within Parama-Siva (Supreme Consciousness). Hazrat Nuruddin’s ascetic practices align with this worldview. Withdrawing from external distractions, he sought the "real self," culminating in unitive absorption (Parama-Siva). His verses echo Saivite renunciation: Having forsaken all I sought You, While searching You, the prime of my youth passed away, When I found You within my own self. I remained in safety because of Your illuminations. Another verse underscores introspective realisation: He is near me; I am near Him, I found solace in His nearness, In vain did I seek Him elsewhere, Lo! I found the Beloved within my own consciousness. Such themes reflect the Shaivite emphasis on asceticism as a pathway to transcendent awareness. Formative Influences: Lal Ded and Asceticism Popular tradition attributes Nuruddin’s early spiritual awakening to Lal Ded, a revered Kashmiri mystic. Anecdotes describe the infant Hazrat Nuruddin refusing sustenance until Lal Ded chastised him: "Thou wast not ashamed of being born; why then art thou ashamed of sucking?" Her teachings instilled in him an ascetic ethos, advocating detachment from worldly attachments to cultivate divine intimacy. This syncretic relationship between local Saivite traditions (embodied by Lal Ded) and Islamic mysticism illustrates Kashmir’s unique spiritual synthesis. Nuruddin’s reverence for Lal Ded mirrors Ibn ‘Arabi’s veneration of Fatima of Cordova, highlighting cross-cultural spiritual mentorship. His early verses, influenced by Lal Ded, stress ascetic discipline as a means to transcend materialism, a theme perpetuated in his later ethical teachings. Stages of Nuruddin’s Religious Career Hazrat Nuruddin’s religious trajectory unfolded through three distinct yet interconnected stages, each shaping his spiritual and societal contributions. The earliest phase of his life was defined by orphanhood and material adversity, experiences that fostered a profound empathy for marginalised communities and grounded his later ethical teachings. This period of personal hardship gradually transitioned into a phase of ascetic withdrawal, during which he embraced rigorous introspection influenced by the syncretic ascetic traditions of Kashmir’s Saivite philosophy and Sufi mysticism. Retreating from worldly engagements, he immersed himself in meditative practices to seek transcendent truths. The final phase marked a deliberate shift from reclusive spirituality to active ethical advocacy, wherein he synthesised his mystical insights into a dynamic framework for social engagement. Abandoning solitude, Nuruddin championed principles of justice, communal welfare, and universalism, thereby bridging contemplative mysticism with pragmatic moral reform. This evolution, from a struggle for survival to ascetic discipline and, ultimately, to societal transformation, underscores his role not merely as a mystic but as a visionary architect of Kashmir’s Islamic identity. While this tripartite framework risks oversimplification, it clarifies his evolution from mystic to moral reformer. His later works emphasise communal welfare, justice, and universalism, principles that fortified Kashmir’s Islamic identity while respecting its syncretic heritage. Hazrat Shaikh Nuruddin’s poetry remains socially resonant, bridging historical fact and cultural memory. His synthesis of Islamic and Saivite thought underscores Kashmir’s pluralistic ethos, while his humanitarian values offer timeless insights into faith’s transformative potential. By interrogating both text and tradition, this study affirms his enduring legacy as a spiritual luminary and societal architect. References Khan, Mohammad Ishaq. Kashmir’s Transition to Islam: The Role of Muslim Rishis (15th to 18th Centuries). New Delhi: Manohar Publishers and Distributors, 2002. Rafiqi AQ. Sufism in Kashmir, from the Fourteenth to the Sixteenth Century. New Delhi, Bharatiya Publishing House, 1971. J.C. Chatterji, Kashmir Shaivism, Shaikh Nuruddin and the Making of Syncretic Culture in Kashmir by Dr. Sami ullah Rather https://www.svabhinava.org/abhinava/YoginderSikand/RishisCrusaders.php A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/hazrat-shaikh-nuruddin-mysticism-kashmir/d/134971 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

Striving to Promote Democracy: Values of Constitution

By Ram Puniyani for New Age Islam 25 March 2025 The V Dem observations about India as reported in The Hindu points out “Noting that almost all components of democracy were getting worse in more countries than they were getting better, the report singled out freedom of expression, clean elections, and freedom of association/civil society as the three worst affected components in autocratising countries.” It aptly summarizes the ground reality in India. To cap it all India is seeing the worst treatment to its minorities. The RSS-BJP combine have lately resorted to using Hindu Festivals/Congregations as yet another tool to intimidate the minorities. This was amply witnessed in the pattern of Ram Navami Celebrations, the Holi celebrations and the Kumbh congregation. This rising pattern of authoritarianism of ruling dispensation from last one decade was the major factor in the coming together of most of the opposition parties coming together to form INDIA coalition, despite many inner contradictions. The overall impact of the coalition, with Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and the social groups forming the platforms like Eddulu Karnataka and Bharat Jodo Abhiyan impacted the Lok Sabha results and the target of BJP to cross 400 seats in Lok Sabha was quashed. It is true that the progression of the INDIA alliance did not go in the desired direction of forming an ongoing platform for state elections. This was one of the reasons for the set back to the INDIA alliance partners in Maharashtra and Haryana election. The added cause was the renewed attempt by all RSS affiliates to work for BJP. This is nothing new but probably during Lok Sabha elections J.P.Nadda’s statement that BJP does not need the help of RSS as it is now capable of winning on its own. It seems the important need of INDIA alliance to strengthen itself post Lok Sabha elections has been ignored with many constituents declaring their aloofness from this and the biggest opposition party, the Congress not having taken any major initiative. It is worthwhile to note that the CPI (M), the ideologically strong component of this alliance is having second thoughts on the issue as its Acting General Secretary Prakash Karat stated that “The opposition INDIA bloc was formed for the Lok Sabha elections and not state polls… and called for a broader platform of secular opposition parties. He also said the alliance should be looked at with a broader perspective so that it would not be stifled solely by electoral politics. This is paraphrased by many left leaning intellectuals who are saying that BJP is not exactly a fascist party, Like “Patanaik reasons that while neoliberal capitalism generates a “fascist presence” – manifesting in right-wing authoritarian movements, xenophobia, ultra nationalism, and eroded democratic norms – it does not necessarily recreate the conditions for full-fledged “fascist states” like in the 1930s.” While many terms have been used for the rising politics of Hindutva Nationalism, Neo Fascism, proto Fascism and Fundamentalism, the point is that no political phenomenon repeats itself in the same way. Today Hindutva nationalism has many features close to that of Fascism, which was the initial inspiration for the founders of RSS particularly M.S. Golwalkar, who in his “We or Our Nationhood” said “To keep up the purity of the Race and its culture, Germany shocked the world by her purging the country of the Semitic Races — the Jews. Race pride at its highest has been manifested here. Germany has also shown how well-nigh impossible it is for Races and cultures, having differences going to the root, to be assimilated into one united whole, a good lesson for us in Hindusthan to learn and profit by.” We in India are witnessing many of the traits of fascism, like the Golden past, aspiration for Akhand Bharat, targeting minorities presenting them as enemies of the nation, authoritarianism, promoting big business, stifling the freedom of expression and dominating the social thinking. Here we are witnessing the intolerance to freedom of expression as recently witnessed in the case of Tushar Gandhi, great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, saying that “…the RSS is poison. They are trying to destroy the soul of the country. We should be fearful about that because if the soul is lost, everything is lost.” Tushar Gandhi was asked to apologize and to take back his words. He did neither, and now he is facing death threats. With the vast spread of RSS and hundreds of its organization, thousands of its pracharaks and lakhs of its activists, it is threatening the idea of India which emerged from the Freedom Movement. The values of the freedom movement got expression in our Constitution, which is based on the equal right of all the citizens and is inclusive to the core. RSS did plant its ideology, which is opposed to the values of freedom movement and Indian Constitution, through its vastly growing network. It initially created hatred for Muslims by abusing history, as witnessed currently in Maharashtra where demands for uprooting the tomb of Aurnagzeb is priority number one for the ruling BJP. Currently it is also targeting the major leader of the freedom movement, Mahatma Gandhi by propagating that he had no role in getting us freedom, many of its social media posts going to the extent that Gandhi sabotaged our freedom movement. The list is long. What is to be done today? Karat is right that a broader secular platform has to be created. The INDIA coalition was precisely the first step in this journey. The need is to strengthen this alliance much further. The rough edges in the coalition need to be sorted out and Karat’s party with over million members can play a major role in boosting this alliance further, despite some contradictions among the coalition partners. For bigger reasons, small sacrifices by the constituents; is mandatory. To back this up the social groups also need to continue their great work done in the wake of 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which the National Secular Coalition can initiate. The exact characterization of the present regime, Fascist or having elements of fascism or whatever the strategy in India should be a broader platform, with more energy and dynamism, which we witnessed on the eve of 2024 Lok Sabha elections. URL: https://newageislam.com/current-affairs/striving-promote-democracy-constitution/d/134969 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