India Should Heed Mohan Bhagwat’s Pluralistic Call That Echoes the Sentiments of All Abrahamic Religions and Other Faiths

By Arman Neyazi, New Age Islam 30 September 2021 RSS' Chief Echoes the Basic Call of All the Abrahamic Religions and Other Faiths of Plurality in the Society Main Points: 1. In his Surat speech, Mohan Bhagwat said Hindutva has three essence – Darshanik, Laukik and Rashtriyata. 2. Sri Bhagwat being the Chief of RSS as well as an intellectual himself is a widely heard and respected person. 3. Mr Bhagwat’s call for a pluralist Indian society will certainly bear fruits and Assams will not be repeated. 4. These trying times, for the whole humane society of the world, seem to be devoid of the positive essence of brotherhood and the message of divine inclusiveness. ------- Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Chief -------- RSS' Chief echoes the basic call of all the Abrahamic religions and other faiths of plurality in the society. Shri Bhagwat understands all the Hindu religious epics and their values. He also seems to be following – مذہب نہیں سکھاتا آپس میں بیر رکھنا ہندی ہیں ہم وطن ہیں ہندوستاں ہمارا In the present prevailing Islamophobic environment in India, at least one plural voice from such a big organisation is welcome for the safety of Indian Muslims and Indians’ Idea of India essence. In his Surat speech, he said Hindutva has three essence – Darshanik, Laukik and Rashtriyata. All three meanings of Hindutva - Darshanik, Laukik and Rashtriyata described by Shri Mohan Bhagwat are found in the basics of all the Abrahamic religions and other religious faiths, as well. He further said, “Hindutva means those who walk unitedly with all people”. The Holy Quran says, ‘O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another. (Al-Hujurat: 13) - Dr Mustafa Khattab’. The Holy Quran says that all human beings are the same in their humane traits and that they are divided into nations and communities so that they could respect each other’s individuality and mingle with them in their cultural events. Sri Bhagwat being the Chief of RSS as well as an intellectual himself is a widely heard and respected person. He has been advocating religious pluralism through his addresses at conferences and events. It is known to all that good things have little attraction for humankind in comparison to bad things, this is why, perhaps, people seem to be giving not much attention to his efforts on the pluralistic ethos of the country. But, better late than never, his call for a pluralist Indian society will certainly bear fruits and Assams will not be repeated. pic.twitter.com/7taHipSZ9X — DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) September 28, 2021 > These trying times, for the whole humane society of the world, seem to be devoid of the positive essence of brotherhood and the message of divine inclusiveness. Humankind’s empty stares at fellow beings present the horrific situation humanity is passing through. Everybody looks to have a positive passion for everyone but is unable to express his respect and trust towards other people. These people just need to be given words of faith in one another and the world will transform into a domain of peace and tranquillity and inclusiveness that is the only guarantee of prosperity and happiness. Say whatever you wish to but you cannot even think of a prosperous society without inclusiveness being in its foundation. It is the absence of pluralistic ethos in the basics of the nations that have born the brunt of internal strife and resultantly horrific terrorism. A pluralist society faces internal and external issues in front of the nation together without any discrimination of religion and culture. Many nations have been witness to their devastation and ruins because of their internal sectarian conflicts. United fight against the outside attack would have saved the nations that stand ruined today. Different religions and cultures are like different colours of the rainbow of life on earth. Different people are like different flowers that make a beautiful garden on earth. The ethics of pluralism taught by all the religious dispensations needed to be brought into practice to stay away from social pain and sorrows. Everyone be it an individual or a nation if divided will fall, without distinction and united will stand. Hindu scripture says, “Ekam Sat, Vipra Bahudha Vadanti”. It means — the truth is one but is interpreted differently by the learned. And Guru Granth Sahib says, ‘Do not say that the Vedas, the Bible and the Quran are false. Those who do not contemplate them are false. — Guru Granth Sahib page 1350’. Both the above-mentioned teaching from India’s two most revered religion asserts pluralistic ethos for a society. Islam is a universal religion. Islam is a part of Abrahamic religions. Allah the Most Gracious revealed various Holy Books on His various prophets. All the available Holy Books and the sayings of the Prophets have the essence of pluralism and equality embedded in their ethos Pluralism in Quranic Verses For every [religious] community We have appointed rites which they perform. (Al-Hud: 67) - Saheeh International We make no distinction between any of them and to Him do we submit. (Ali 'Imran - 84)— Abul Ala Maududi There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. .. (Al-Baqarah: 256) - Sahih International And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the difference of your tongues and colours. (Ar-Rum: 22) - Mufti Taqi Usmani .... If Allah had willed, He would have made you one community, but His Will is to test you with what He has given ˹each of˺ you. So compete with one another in doing good. To Allah you will all return, then He will inform you ˹of the truth˺ regarding your differences. (Al-Maida: 48) — Dr Mustafa Khattab Prophet Muhammad Pbuh’s life was an example of brotherhood between communities and equality for all human beings irrespective of their belief and customs. Consider the following tradition: “Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I (Prophet Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment.” (Abu Dawud) All the religious communities in India should come forward and spread the message of unity among all the religious communities, given by RSS Chief Shri Mohan Bhagwat for the sake of unity in diversity that is India’s identity around the globe. And Allah Knows the Best. ----- Arman Neyazi is a columnist with NewAgeIslam.com. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/bhagwat-abrahamic-religions-india-faith/d/125476 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

Why Kaleem Siddiqi’s Dawah Mission Has Harmed Muslims

By Arshad Alam, New Age Islam 30 September 2021 His Evangelical Zeal, Suggesting Islam Supremacism, Is Unfit For a Multireligious Society like India Main Points 1. The famous Alim was recently arrested by the Uttar Pradesh ATS 2. Muslims like Kaleem Siddiqui think that Dawah is essential to the practice of Islam 3. Their Islam cannot accept that it is one of the many paths to realize the Divine. 4. People like him have only harmed the Muslim community ---- Kaleem Siddiqui comes from the village of Phulat, Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. Shah Waliullah, the famous Alim who is the fountainhead of almost all major Islamic orientations in South Asia hails from the same place. Islamists like Shah Ismail and Syed Ahmed Barelwi, trace their inspiration from this place. So, it is natural that when an Alim from Phulat gets arrested, there will be a certain consternation amongst Muslims. The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Kaleem Siddiqui on 23rd September and followed it up with arresting a couple of his associates three days later. The arrests were ostensibly made because Siddiqui was ‘involved in converting people to Islam illegally.’ The arrest is part of a wider investigation which the UP administration has launched into what they call illegal conversion. In August, they had arrested another cleric named Umar Gautam along with one of his associates from Delhi. Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui, a well-respected Islamic scholar and preacher was arrested on Tuesday 21 September by the UP police on allegations of using foreign funds in religious conversions. (Photo courtesy: Australasian Muslim Times) ----- It must be recalled that in 2020, Uttar Pradesh had enacted a controversial law which made religious conversions a non-bailable crime if done through ‘misinformation, unlawfully, allurement or other fraudulent means’. Experts pointed out that the law was deliberately kept vague so as to frame anyone with whom the political dispensation was unhappy. The charges on Kaleem Siddiqui range from fraudulent conversion by allurement (luring converts by telling them about heaven and hell). According to his lawyer, he is also charged with organizing paper work for the new converts. Additionally, he is charged with receiving money from abroad for the purpose of organizing religious conversion. One is not oblivious to the double standards adopted by various state governments in India. We have many cases of purported Hindu leaders targeting Muslims but we haven’t seen any alacrity in arresting them till now. It also does not make sense as to why a case of religious conversion should be treated as terrorism. Ideally, the police and the Enforcement Directorate should have examined this matter but then these days anything can be stretched to become a matter of national security. The Indian constitution gives space for propagation of one’s religion. Some Muslims think that it is incumbent on them to invite Hindus and others to embrace Islam so that they are saved from hellfire. Kaleem Siddiqui was no different, neither was he apologetic about it. In many of his videos he can be publicly seen chastising largely Hindu gatherings on the necessity of accepting Islam since it is the ‘only and original religion.’ While the constitution might ultimately rescue him, the important question that we as Muslims need to ask is whether what Kaleem Siddiqui was doing was right and prudent? We also need to ask ourselves what this practice of doing Dawah tells us about Islam as a religion. < Why is it that people like Kaleem Siddiqui are convinced that Islam is the true and final religion and that all other religions are false? Isn’t this so because these are the commands encoded within our religious texts? Of course, there are some Muslims who are heard saying that all religions lead to the same God. But Muslims like Kaleem Siddiqui reject this understanding. In one of his interviews, he clearly states that such concepts are erroneous. That Islam is the only path through which one can get close to God. That there is nothing more unpleasant in the sight of Allah than kufr. And since Hindus are knee deep in Kufr, it is incumbent on Muslims to tell them about the true religion of Islam and save them from hellfire. Dawah, he argues, is fundamental to the faith. This is the language of Islamic supremacism. And this is being produced by the Muslim belief that only their religion and their God is true for all times to come. Contrast this with the Hindu belief in which there are a plurality of paths to the same Divine which people call by different names. And since there are multiple paths, there is no need to proselytize. Each individual is free to access the divine in her own way. Islam (and Christianity), in its’ firm belief that it is the only correct path, disrupts this plural epistemology, forcing Hinduism to start their own proselytization (Shuddhi) through the Arya Samaj. Muslims like Kaleem Siddiqui will not rest till the whole world has been converted to Islam. Their Islam cannot accept that it is one of the many paths to realize the divine. Only when this realization dawns, there will be no need to purposefully convert anyone. However, it is an altogether different matter if someone wants to do so because of a certain realization or experience. The foremost converter in India was Zakir Naik and it is good for Muslims that he is no longer in the country. Kaleem Siddiqui was another high-profile converter. Among his many converts was Balbir Singh (now deceased), a man who participated in breaking the Babri mosque in 1992. Singh became Mohammad Amir and started repairing mosques after being converted to Islam by Kaleem Siddiqui. Siddiqui was also instrumental in arranging the marriage of failed actress Sana Khan, after she publicly renounced her earlier ‘sinful’ ways in Bollywood. The constitution definitely gives everyone a right to propagate their religion. But Muslims need to introspect whether this is a right strategy within a multi-religious country like India. We should not forget that while the constitution is secular, the nation state is often stamped everywhere by the influences of the majority. Muslims like Kaleem Siddiqui need to ask themselves if they can keep affronting the religious sensibilities of the majority and getting away with it. This attitude has only harmed the Muslim community. ----- Arshad Alam is a NewAgeIslam.com columnist. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/the-war-islam/kaleem-siddiqi-dawah-muslims-mission/d/125477 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

As Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Heightens Attacks In Pakistan, Threat to the Region’s Security Rises

Pakistan’s Support to Taliban in Afghanistan May Not Augur Well for It Main Points: 1. TTP has stepped up terrorist attacks in Pakistan. 2. Taliban have not stopped TTP from its attacks in Pakistan. 3. Taliban have released TTP fighters and leaders in their custody. 4. TTP rejected Pakistan’s amnesty offer saying they are proud of their struggle. 5. Imran Khan’s euphoria over Taliban’s ascent in Afghanistan may soon be over. ----- New Age Islam Special Correspondent 30 September 2021 Pakistan has been supporting Taliban since the beginning of US-Taliban talks. It has freed Mulla Baradar, jailed in Pakistan, at the behest of the US to facilitate his participation in Doha talks. Taliban’s ascent to power in Afghanistan provided strategic depth against India as it always wanted outmanoeuvre India in Afghanistan. India had billions of dollars’ worth of investments in Afghanistan which are facing an uncertain future with a hostile Taliban. Therefore, Pakistan’s Prime Miinister is very upbeat about the growing prospects of Pakistan’s involvement in Afghan politics with the rise of Taliban. However, all is not well at the domestic front as the rise of Taliban in Afghanistan has emboldened the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan along with other terrorist groups active in Pakistan. Taliban’s ideological offshoot, TTP are seen as a dreaded force in Pakistan since their inception in 2007, they have mounted thousands of attacks on civilians, public places and military installations and personnel in the past. They call the democratic government of Pakistan the government of infidels and atheists and vow to overthrow them by force to establish a government ruled by Shariah. Ironically, TTP has made inroads in the Pak Army and has sympathizers in intelligence agencies and government departments. This is the reason, there were large celebrations in Pakistan when Taliban came to power in Afghanistan. The TTP is so powerful in Pakistan that the political parties need their support during elections. Many clerics in Pakistan subscribe to the violent ideology of Pakistan and so overtly and covertly support their attacks on Shias and other minorities in Pakistan. In this context, Taliban’s ascent in Afghanistan has become a cause for concern for the Imran Khan government side by side his pleasure at Taliban’s rise in Afghanistan. The TTP has stepped up its terrorist activities in Pakistan in the recent months. The degree of TTP’s rise in Pakistan can be gauged by the fact that only in August it carried out more than 50 terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings in Pakistan killing hundreds of people and defence personnel. To add to the woes of Pakistan, the Taliban of Afghanistan have released thousands of TTP fighters in their custody as an expression of solidarity with them. According to the UN Security Council report, about 6000 TTP fighters are based in Afghanistan. Imran Khan himself admitted that the Afghan Taliban support the TTP and facilitate attacks in Pakistan carried out by the TTP. The Afghan Taliban use the TTP as part of its strategy against China. The Communist country has billions worth of projects in Pakistan and Afghanistan and Taliban supports TTP which carried out attacks on Chinese engineers in Pakistan recently. That the TTP will not accept anything less than an Islamic government based on Shariah became evident from the fact that when last week Pakistan government offered amnesty to the TTP fighters who had fled to Kunar and Nangerbar with their families on the codition that they will give up arms and struggle, they rejected the offer saying they were proud of their struggle for Islam. Instead they set the condition for that the Pakistan government impose Shariah laws nationwide. This aggressive posturing of the TTP only shows that the TTP will heighten their attacks on government and civilian targets. The religious leaders of Pakistan supporting Taliban will also help them spread their ideological base. The corruption of the political leaders of Pakistan will used by them to convince the people of the country that only Taliban can provide a corruption-free and just government in Pakistan. In short, the rise of Taliban in Afghanistan will give boost to the TTP in Pakistan which shares the same ideology with Taliban and enjoy the latter’s support. The political observers feel that the TTP may align with the ISIS to strengthen its base in Pakistan and mount its attacks in the country. Therefore, despite Imran Khan’s euphoria over Taliban’s ascent in Afghan, TTP may become a threat to not only Pakistan’s security but also to the security of the region. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/radical-islamism-jihad/tehreek-taliban-pakistan-attack-security/d/125475 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

Why Do Some People Dislike Islam?

For People to Stop Hating Islam, a Change in Muslim Attitudes Is Required Main Points 1. The virtue of religion is generally recognized by its adherents. 2. The majority of Muslim countries today are in a deplorable situation when it comes to individual human rights, women's education, and human and spiritual growth. 3. They want to see how Muslims interpret Islam, and unfortunately, many of us do not interpret it as a religion of peace and tolerance. 4. We must first transform our Muslim society in all ways conceivable if we really want these some people not to dislike Islam. ---- By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 30 September 2021 On Quora.com, I came across a question asking “Why do some people dislike Islam?” Many people responded to this question in a variety of ways. According to someone, some individuals dislike Islam because they are uninformed of it. Someone claims that Islam teaches extremism. Some people despise Islam, according to someone, because it does not respect gender and minority equality, as well as human rights. In a nutshell, each person expressed his viewpoint based on his comprehension. You may not agree with some responses, but there are some hard facts I would like to convey to you in response to this question. Before I address this question, I would like to say a few things as a prelude to the fact that the virtue of a religion is generally recognised by its adherents. People today judge each other’s faith based on their acts and deeds, which is true of practically all religions around the world. I want to state unequivocally that I do not perceive any flaws in Islam. If there is a flaw, it is in the conduct and character of Muslims, which is why Islam is being attacked. We pretend to be Muslims today, but we are far from adopting the beautiful precepts of Islam. In every sector of life, Islam has provided us with the best example of guidance, yet when we examine the situations and deeds of Muslims today, from home life to their dealings with others; it is evident that our character and conduct appear to contradict Islamic teachings and ideals. Extremism, ignorance, illiteracy, and moral disorders characterise us today. Currently, certain radicals who recite the Islamic titles have created organisations and are bleeding humanity to raise Islamic and Emirate or Khilafa flags. Consider the situations in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Algeria, Yemen, and other nations, and how Muslims who recite the Kalima have shed blood by excommunicating one another. All of this has been done in the name of Islam. When the rest of the world sees these events, they will undoubtedly be dubious of Islam, and some will, understandably, voice their disdain for it. There is no doubt that Islam has improved women's standing. Personally, I believe that the honour that Islam has bestowed upon me is unparalleled. But on the contrary, when you look at the incidents of Muslim women being persecuted, you will quickly come to your senses. Then those who know and comprehend Islamic teachings will openly criticise these acts of oppression from an Islamic perspective, while those who do not have time to study Islam will undoubtedly point fingers at Islam, turn their backs on Islam, and show their disdain for it. The majority of Muslim countries today are in a deplorable situation when it comes to individual human rights, women's education, and human and spiritual growth. In Muslim-majority countries, gender and minority equality has a terrible track record. When you look at the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him), you'll notice that he was the most advanced in terms of leading the community to the pinnacle of development. However, when you look at the current scenario, Muslim countries appear to be the most backward. Murder, secession, prejudice, and fanaticism are only a few of the reasons for this. For the past 200 years, Muslim countries have failed to innovate and advance in scientific and technological disciplines, and our global partnerships have effectively been non-existent. Extremist groups such as ISIS, Boko Haram, and al-Qaeda are also attempting to conquer the world in the name of Islam. They carry out terrorist attacks all across the world to forward their cause, but we, as Muslims, have failed to make sufficient efforts and achieve success in combating extremism. In view of all this, some people may vent their hatred for Islam. It makes no difference to them whether Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance or one of violence and hostility. They want to see how Muslims interpret Islam, and unfortunately, many of us do not interpret it as a religion of peace and tolerance. We are not ashamed to lend Islamic justification to extremism since it has grown so pervasive in our deeds and character. Some people despise Islam for these reasons. What should we do today in response to their hatred? To answer this question simply, we must first transform our Muslim society in all ways conceivable. By removing Islamophobia from within the population, we can change our image on the international map. However, we must demonstrate trust and sincerity, patience and endurance, excellent morals, and practical displays of good deeds and characters in order to achieve this. All of this, however, should be done for attaining the pleasure of Allah. We should be sincere and not allow even the tiniest hint of hypocrisy to thrive in our actions and character. If we succeed in this process, we will, of course, be able to transform the dehumanising image of the world projected onto us. Article in Urdu: Why Do Some People Dislike Islam? کچھ لوگ اسلام سے کیوں نفرت کرتے ہیں ؟ URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-q-a/muslim-attitude-guidance-hate-hatred/d/125474 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

Assassination of Rohingya Leader Mohibullah another Blow to Rohingya Muslims’ Struggle for Repatriation

Dubious Rohingya Organizations Are Active In the Camps That Are Involved In Drug and Extortion Racket Main Points: 1. Mohibullah was a true representative of the Rohingyas. 2. He had met the US President Trump to seek his help. 3. In 2019 he had organized a huge rally of Rohingyas in Bangladesh 4. He had documented the atrocities of the Myanmar Army against the Rohingyas. 5. He had received death threats for his work. ---- New Age Islam Correspondent 30 September 2021 Wielding another blow to the struggle of above a million Rohingya Muslims for a peaceful repatriation to Myanmar, gunmen shot the popular Rohingya leader Mohibullah dead in his Cox Bazar office in Bangladesh on 29th September. The assailants had come to discuss with him some issues but at the end of the meeting, they shot him dead. The assailants have been identified as Abdur Raheem, Rashid and Lalu. Mohibullah was the head of Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights and was accepted by the Rohingyas as their leader. He had documented the atrocities of the Myanmar against the Rohingyas and was a vocal leader fighting for the repatriation of Rohingyas internationally. He had been getting death threats for his work. His assassination evoked wide condemnation from Human Rights organizations like Human Rights Watch, Fortify Rights and Amnesty International. They all demanded the arrest and punishment to the assailants and protection of Rohingyas from the criminals and subversive elements. Mohibullah had fled Myanmar in 2017 along with other members of Rohingya community after the Myanmar military crackdown. He belonged to the Langchada village of Mungdu area. He had taken shelter in Cox Bazar’s Ukhia refugee camp. South Asia Director of Human Rights Watch expressed deep grief over his killing and said,’ “Mohibullah was a vital voice for the Rohingya who had already suffered unimaginable loss and pain when they arrived as refugees in Bangladesh,” Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at HRW said in an emailed statement. “He always defended the rights of the Rohingya to safe and dignified returns and to have a say in the decisions concerning their lives and future. His killing is a stark demonstration of the risks faced by those in the camps who speak up for freedom and against violence. Mohibullah’s death undermines not only the struggle of Rohingya refugees for greater rights and protection in the refugee camps, but also their efforts to safely return to their homes in Myanmar. Bangladesh authorities should urgently investigate Mohibullah’s killing along with other attacks on Rohingya” She also criticized Bangladesh government for harassing its critics for a long time. In a way she indirectly held Sheikh Hasina government for Mohibullah’s murder. Mohibullah had met the US President Donald Trump in 2019 and had sought his help in Rohingyas’ return to their homeland. In August he had organized a huge rally in Bangladesh in which more than 2 lakh Rohingyas had participated. In a twitter message, Fortify Rights, Representative Mathew Smith expressed grief at the murder of Mohibullah and demanded justice to him. Devastating news of the murder of Rohingya human rights leader Mohib Ullah in Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh today. We grieve with all who knew and loved him. Fortify Rights demands justice in this case and protection for the many others at heightened risk of violence.< Murder, arson and threats are not new in Bangladesh’s Rohingya refugee camps. Drug lords, extortionists and terrorist groups are active in these camps. They kill those Rohingya leaders or religious leaders who oppose their drug and extortion racket. Bangladesh government has not been able to contain these elements who cross over the river to Myanmar after such operations. The assailants are said to be the members of Rohingya extremist organisation Al Yakeen. Such dubious organisations claiming to be the well-wishers of Rohingyas are active in refugee camps. One of them is Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. ARSA is involved in drug and extortion. These organisations have caused damage to the Rohingyas’ struggle for repatriation because of their violent and terrorist ideology. Mohibullah’s killing seems to be a work of those forces that do not want repatriation of Rohingyas and the assailants seem to be the agents of the enemies of the Rohingyas. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/rohingya-mohibullah-assassination/d/125473 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

Adopting Zahir Shah's 1964 Constitution Isn't Enough; To Gain International Support, the Taliban Must Fully Establish Democracy and Gender Equality

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 29 September 2021 Taliban Must Establish Democracy and Gender Equality If They Truly Want to attract International Support 1. Taliban will adopt some provisions of Zahir Shah’s 1964 constitution only for a limited time. 2. The 1964 constitution granted Afghan women the right to vote for the first time, paving the way for greater political participation. 3. A senior Taliban leader claimed that cutting hands and executions would be resumed, but such punishments would not be carried out in public. 4. When the Taliban announced their caretaker government earlier this month, all high-ranking positions were allocated to hardliners, with no women included. 5. The Taliban extremists want to maintain their harsh attitude while also making it stronger and more difficult than before. 6. If the Taliban want international assistance, it must democratise its system, ensuring that gender and minority equality are fully honoured. ------- When it was reported that the Taliban will temporarily adopt the constitution of Muhammad Zahir Shah’s era, some social media users argued that the Taliban were moving away from extremism and toward moderation and that the international community should back them up. I was somewhat startled to learn that the Taliban may be labelled moderate solely because they intend to enforce some sections of the 1964 constitution ratified by Zahir Shah, but that any content that opposes Taliban ideology will be erased. The reports and evidence listed below must be scrutinised more closely in order to assess whether it is not too soon to designate the Taliban as moderates. Maulvi Abdul Hakim Shari, the Taliban's acting justice minister, said in a statement that the Islamists aim to reintroduce former King Muhammad Zahir Shah’s 1964 constitution, which was established during the “golden age of democracy”, but only for a limited time and with numerous amendments. Women were granted the right to vote under this constitution. At the same time, Abdul Hakim stated that provisions of the constitution that are incompatible with Sharia Law and the Islamic Emirate's ideals will be repealed. What is it about the 1964 constitution that the Taliban are implementing rather than enacting new laws, and why is that period referred to as the "Golden Age" by the Taliban? When the world's superpowers did not intervene in Afghanistan about six decades ago, the country had a short-lived constitutional monarchy led by King Muhammad Zahir Shah. Zahir Shah [1914-2007] ratified the constitution a year after taking power in 1963, and it was implemented until the end of his reign in 1973, giving Afghanistan a decade of parliamentary democracy. It is regarded as the most 'peaceful' period in the history of Afghanistan. Zahir Shah advocated for the repeal of ‘purdah’ for women and used foreign funds to improve the infrastructure of the country. He was successful in balancing conflicting Soviet and Western interests. Prince Daud, Zahir Shah’s cousin and brother-in-law, overthrew him in a coup while he was on vacation in Italy in 1973. The 1964 constitution granted Afghan women the right to vote for the first time, paving the way for greater political participation. This, however, is incompatible with the Taliban’s extreme ideology. Between 1996 until 2001, the Taliban, who assumed control of Afghanistan in mid-August, had a "brutal period" in which women were virtually banned from public life, including work and education. After the former Soviet Union took over in the 1980s, the country descended into civil war, with the formation of a hardliner Taliban regime, which was followed by another US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, and now, after all of this, the Taliban have opted to adopt the same constitution. The Taliban, on the other hand, have decided not to fully reinstall the old monarchy, instead opting for a text endorsed in 2004 by President Hamid Karzai’s interim government, which envisaged a presidency and referenced women’s equality. Taliban authorities have also stated that girls’ schools will resume very soon, in an attempt to assuage public anxieties. They will be housed in a “proper and safe” environment, and their education will be arranged. In an interview with the Associated Press last week, Mullah Turabi, a senior Taliban leader and one of the group’s founders, claimed that cutting hands and executions would be resumed, but that these sentences would most likely not be carried out in public. “No one has the right to tell us how our laws should be written”. Mullah Turabi stated, “We shall follow Islam and construct our policies in accordance with the Qur'an." The intentions of the Taliban are today difficult to believe. Some individuals, on the other hand, are relieved that the Taliban are dedicated to a gentler and more comprehensive policy this time around, as Taliban leaders have often stated in the news. However, when the Taliban announced their caretaker government earlier this month, all high-ranking positions were allocated to hardliners, with no women included. However, because the Taliban is still forming its Emirate system and is facing widespread criticism, it is temporarily announcing the ability of women to vote in order to silence some detractors. If you read the Talibani ideology, you’ll see that women’s rights aren’t as hopeful as some have hoped. Taliban From 1996-2001 until Now: With the RAWA Study, One Might Smell Hypocrisy about Taliban Leaders’ Recent Assurances to Defend Women's Rights. You must have been aware that the international community had warned the Taliban administration that its leadership would be put to the test based on their conduct. The Taliban government's stance toward women and minorities, in particular, will determine whether the international community should recognise and work with them. Is the international community's pressure on the Taliban, nevertheless, visible? To answer this topic, one must consider the Taliban’s current actions and role. Despite international pressure, the Taliban named exclusively men on their list of deputy ministers when they published the names of their cabinet’s deputy ministers. It is evident from this that the Taliban extremists want to maintain their harsh attitude while also making it stronger and more difficult than before. The Taliban has doubled the male monopoly by announcing the names of the deputy ministers. On the other hand, the impact of international pressure can be seen in the fact that when Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid was asked why minorities and women were not included in the cabinet, he defended the Taliban, saying that his cabinet also includes minority representatives, such as Hazara minority group members. Women will most likely be included in the government later, according to Zabihullah Mujahid. Of course, the Taliban spokesman is making such statements due to international pressure, and there are several reasons for this. By making remarks like the Taliban government spokesman urging the international community to recognise the Taliban administration, the Taliban want to attract international support. According to Mujahid, “Governments of the United Nations, European countries, Asian and Islamic countries must recognise our government and establish diplomatic relations with us. There’s no need to hold back this decision.” However, the impact of global pressure has yet to be demonstrated in the Taliban’s actions. To put it another way, the Taliban have yet to gain the full trust of the international community. If the Taliban want international assistance, it must democratise its system, ensuring that gender and minority equality are fully honoured and that all citizens have an equal opportunity to live in peace and security while exercising their religious, cultural, linguistic, gender, and ethnic rights. However, an examination of the Taliban’s philosophy reveals that such expectations are worthless. A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar and English-Arabic-Urdu Translator. URL: New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

Taliban’s Success in Afghanistan Has Emboldened Militant Outfits in Africa

They Hope To Establish Similar ‘Islamic Governments Based On Sharia’ In Their Respective Regions Main Points: 1. US withdrew its forces from Somalia in January this year. 2. France reduced its military presence in Mali. 3. Local security forces have not been able to contain militant groups after the withdrawal. 4. Recent militant attacks in Nigeria and Somalia have raised security concerns in the region. 5. Analysts have questioned the rationale of foreign military intervention to combat terrorism. ----- By New Age Islam Staff Writer 29 September 2021 The withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan and Taliban’s capture of power there has sent a wrong signal to the world. While the world criticizes the US for failing against the extremists and for engaging in a war that did not produce the desired result, the militant organizations that have been fighting in Africa and other regions of the world have been emboldened by the ascension of the Taliban and hope that they will also capture power in their respective regions in the same way as the US and France troops have also withdrawn from African nations Mali, Somalia and other regions of the continent. Boko Haram of Nigeria and Sahel region, Al Shabab in Somalia Jama’at Nasr al Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) Of Mali celebrated Taliban’s coming to power in Afghanistan. They see this as vindication of their struggle to wage a global jihad for the establishment of Sharia. The despite the presence of US and French troops in the African countries, there has been a surge of insurgency and militant activities in the region and these outfits have been a source of insecurity in the region. The US and France have had their troops in the region with the purpose to root out militant outfit in the region and to provide training and equipment to the local forces to shift the responsibility of protecting the civilians and the area from militantism. France has stationed its forces in Mali and broader Sahel region in 2013 under ‘Operation Serval’ (2013-2014) and ‘Operation Barkhane’. The US had its troops under AFRICOM (United States Africa Command) since 2008 to counter terrorism in the region. Apart from the US troops under AFRICOM, AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) was also working for establishing peace and fighting insurgency in the region since 2007. AMISON was comprised of troops from African states. But last year the US decided that it will withdraw its forces active under AFRICOM from Somalia which disappointed the local governments and questioned its timing because the external forces had strengthened local security apparatus by providing them training and equipment. However, the US withdrew their full forces (700) till January 2021. France also reduced its military presence in Mali and other countries in Sahel region such as Chad, Niger, Mauritania and Burkina Faso. The withdrawal of forces from the insurgency hit continent has increased the fear of a spurt in militant activity of the terrorist groups in the region. In 2018, the UN approved of a transition plan that was to be completed in 2021. However, this transition came coincided with the ascent of Taliban in Afghanistan when the mission of the AFRICOM and AMISOM remained unfulfilled as Boko Haram, Al Shabab and JNIM and ISIS are still active and carrying out strikes and bombings in the region. On the contrary, they now seem emboldened by the withdrawal of the US and other external forces and have heightened their activities taking advantage of the security vaccum created by the withdrawal. In March 2021, 300 militants attacked the town of Mogadishu killing several civilians and injuring hundreds. They took control of the town after a three day siege. In June 2021, Somali militant outfit Al Shabab attacked a military base in Wasil town killing at least 30 soldiers. In Nigeria’s Yobe state, militants clashed with government forces in which several militants and soldiers were killed. In September, the ISIS launched deadly attacks on Taliban in Afghanistan. It therefore appears that decades of external military intervention has not yielded desired results. They provided stability and security as long as they stayed in the region as was seen in Afghanistan. As soon as they left, the insurgents have sprung up back in action leaving the local security apparatus at their mercy. Therefore, political analysts feel that foreign military intervention cannot be a viable substitute for internal security problems of militancy hit nations. The experiment in Afghanistan has shown this. In this scenario, a serious thought needs to be given by the Muslim majority nations and a long term policy to fight and curb religious extremism should be chalked out. The security vacuum created by the withdrawal of the US troops needs to be filled and attended by Muslim nations affected by the insurgency. Defence, political and religious steps should be taken jointly by Muslim majority countries and particularly by the OIC to frame future policy to fight religious extremism. Special focus of the world Muslim communities should be on curbing religious extremism in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Chad, Somalia and Mali. It is a matter of disappointment that Islamic countries have not shown that degree of concern and commitment towards fighting and rooting out extremism and terrorism in the African countries. They have relied on the western nations for a solution of their problems. The Organization of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) also does not have a concrete plan to curb militant Islamism in Nigeria, Somalia and Mali. They have not been able to come together and form a group that could work jointly for this purpose. The reason may be that the slogan of ‘global jihad’ and ‘Islamic government based on Shariah’ appeals a section of the ulema of these countries and they think that these groups are fighting for the establishment of Sharia. The success of Taliban has become a model for them. Unless the militant outfits are rejected and refuted theologically and theoretically, the Islamic extremist forces will continue to hold Islam to ransom and cause bloodshed and destruction in the name of ‘global jihad’. In this fight, both liberal and moderate Islamic political leaders and religious leaders and exegetes need to take concrete steps to invalidate the violent theology and un-Islamic goals of the militant groups active in Muslims majority countries. URL: New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

Suicide Is Not a Viable Answer to Problems of Life, Such As Difficulties, Pains or Sorrows

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 28 September 2021 Is Committing Suicide The Answer To Our Problems? Main Points 1. It is our duty to protect this life, which is one of God's most valuable gifts. 2. All that is required is that we put up an effort to succeed and advance in our careers while also strengthening our faith and trust in God Almighty. 3. Suicide is a bigger sin, and those who commit it will be punished in hell. 4. How can a person who can't handle even the tiniest amount of sadness in this life bear the horrors of the grave, let alone these shards of hell? ------ This life is one of the most valuable gifts from God Almighty. Even if we thank God a thousand times for His blessings, it will not be enough. Allah Almighty created men and women, bringing them into this mortal world. He lavished inexhaustible blessings on each and every human being. He gave some people less money, others more, some people more beauty, and others less beauty, but he gave everything its strengths and flaws. Some people have one virtue while others have another. Now it is our obligation to protect this life and steer it in the right direction, and the one who follows Allah Almighty's path and perseveres in his afflictions is the most cherished in Allah Almighty's eyes. Allah Almighty exceedingly loves His servants, which is why He puts them through so many tribulations. From the time of Hazrat Adam and Eve, there has been a series of trials. It was a test for them when they were given paradise. Each Prophet was put to the test in the same way as Adam and Eve (peace be upon them) were put to the test in Paradise. And as a result of their perseverance, they became Allah Almighty's favoured servants. Similarly, studying the Prophet's life exposes the numerous tribulations that our beloved Prophet [peace be upon him] endured. Trials occur in everyone's life, sometimes in the form of wealth, sometimes in the form of health, and occasionally in the shape of something else entirely. Allah Almighty continues to put His slaves to the test, not because they are weak and want to give up life and accept death, but because their faith grows stronger and they become more and more Allah Almighty's cherished servants. Those who are patient and grateful during these trials will succeed in both worlds, while those who are impatient and ungrateful will fail in both. Life is full of problems, difficulties, pains, and sufferings, but they do not define it. Suicide is not a viable answer to problems of life, such as difficulties, pains, or sorrows. All of these things are simply transient and do not last forever. If today is challenging, tomorrow will be simple. Allah creates ease after hardships, just as day follows night. Allah is the Most Merciful, the Most Gracious, and bestows everything on His servant in proportion to his or her level of happiness or sorrow. Everything has a time and place, and it changes with time. Life does not always have challenges, just as the sky does not always have clouds. We need to find answers to the questions that pop into our thoughts, just as we need to find solutions to the questions that arise in our heads. It does not follow that if we are unable to discover an answer to a question, it should be deleted. The only way to solve the problem is to locate the solution, which is not the same as removing the question. Similarly, rather than ending our life by killing ourselves, we should try to find a way to solve our difficulties. Suicide isn't an option for dealing with our difficulties. Take a look around today's world and you'll notice that everyone is worried about his or her future. Our young people, in particular, have grown psychologically unwell as a result of their anxiety about the future. But have we ever considered who has power over the future and what we could gain from worrying about something we can't change? Whatever our future holds, we won't be able to see it in advance, and we won't be able to change it. It belongs to Allah Almighty, and He is the best judge. All that is required is that we put up an effort to succeed and advance in our careers while also strengthening our faith, hope and trust in God Almighty. How many people have given up life and welcomed death only because they are terrified of the future, resulting in a dreary future and perpetual darkness? Perhaps Allah Almighty had something written in his future that would have greatly improved his life. We shall always do our best and never lose hope in life if we work hard and believe that the future is in Allah Almighty's hands and that He shall provide us with what we deserve. We must realise that this life is entrusted to God Almighty, and He has sole authority over it. Suicide is a greater sin, and those who commit it will be punished into hell. If a suicidal person believes that the suffering of this world is more excruciating than the sin of this world, he will never die if he remembers the torment of the grave, the torment of Hell. Regrettably, suicide has become a game in today's society. Some want to die, but they do not want to know what happens to them after they die. How can a person who can't handle even the tiniest amount of sadness in this life bear the horrors of the grave, let alone these shards of hell? How can there be survival if there is no alternative to death and no way to flee? We must also remember that Allah Almighty created us as marvellous creatures capable of thinking and understanding and that our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded us to help one another in times of need. As a result, rather than producing problems for others, we must try to help them. Today, man has become his own worst enemy. If one man commits suicide as a result of the actions of another, the latter is a co-conspirator in his sin. We should work to better the lives of others because we care about them, not because they care about us. These days, we hear about suicide on a daily basis, and those who commit suicide are not illiterate people, but educated ones. What, after all, is missing in our society? We have left behind a dearth of moral education as well as a lack of understanding of the Qur'an and Sunnahs. Parents should not disregard their children’s moral education in order for them to have a strong faith in God Almighty and avoid serious sins like suicide. May Allah solve our troubles; strengthen our faith, trust and hope. Aameen ----- A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar and English-Arabic-Urdu Translator. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/suicide-sorrow-life/d/125455 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

Imposition of Beard by Militant Islamic Organization Has Caused Pogonophobia Not Only Among the Non-Muslims but Also Among the Muslims

People in Afghanistan Feared Bearded American Troops More Than Shaved Ones Important Points: 1. Policemen in Tajikistan forced Muslim residents to shave their beards 2. Militants in Somalia ordered Muslims to wear a beard. 3. ISIS had ordered Muslims of Mosul to grow beard and trim moustache. ----- By New Age Islam Correspondent 28 September 2021 Gradually, the Taliban in Afghanistan are returning to their old ways of governance. Earlier, they shot a woman for not wearing a veil on the street. Second, they banned telecast of IPL matches in the UAE because it would show women in the stadium with scanty clothes and uncovered hair. Next in line is the beard. The Taliban have banned shaving and trimming the beard because according to their interpretation of the Sharia, shaving and trimming the beard is a crime and a punishable offence. Barbers in Helmand, Kabul and other provinces have been ordered not to shave or trim the beard or not to have an American style haircut. About ten years ago, in 2010, the terrorist organization of Mogadishu, Hizbul Islam had issued a similar dictat to the Muslims of the country. “Grow your beards and trim your moustaches.” People were warned of consequences if they violated the ‘law”. In 2015, the ISIS issued an order asking men to grow beard as shaving the beard was So on the issue of beards, the interpretation of a terrorist organisations of Mogadishu and that of a government run by an Islamic organization is similar. The Taliban are not behaving like a government run by legislations passed by the Parliament or by consultations among the Shura. They are acting like a tribal group ruling a tribe and not like a government of a modern Islamic state. The order of the Taliban is based on a hadith on a couple of hadiths: Umar ibn Harun narrated from Usama ibn Zayd, from `Amr ibn Shu`ayb, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) "used to trim from his beard, from its sides and its length" (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 5 vols. Cairo n.d. Reprint. Beirut: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-'Arabi, n.d., 5.94: 2762). Another hadith says: "Cut the moustaches short and leave the beard."(Saheeh Bukhari) The holy prophet pbuh sported a beard and trimmed it. Therefore, sporting a Shariah compliant beard is a Sunnah not a Fard as it is not enjoined in the Quran. Many Muslim clerics in Jordan, Turkey, Egypt and other Islamic countries today do not sport beards. It has become a sign of modernity. It is not imposed by law or shaving or trimming beard is not made an offence in the eyes of law in Islamic countries. It is encouraged as a Sunnah. Islam encourages beard because it is a sign of manliness. However, no Muslim country has imposed beard on Muslims by law. Therefore, though wearing a beard is seen as a sign of religiosity, it is not enforced in any civilized Islamic society. Many great Islamic scholars like Allama Iqbal of India did not sport a beard but still are revered by the Muslims as Islamic personalities. It is only the terrorist Islamic organizations that have always forced beard on Muslims. This has created the impression among the non-Muslim community in the world that the beard is associated with extremism or those who sport a beard are extremists. The Taliban have not only banned shaving of the beard but also trimming of the beard. They want to impose Sunnah by force. This imposition of beard by radical Islamist organizations has contributed to the growth of Pogonophobia (fear of beards) because beard has become a symbol of radicalism or extremism. In April 2015, two police officials in Tajikistan were officially reprimanded for forcing Muslims to shave their beard as they identified beard with radicalism or extremism. Enforcement of beard by extremist organizations has not only caused pogonophobia among non-Muslims but even among Muslims. In 2009, Foreign Policy reported that Afghans fear not only bearded Taliban as rude and heartless but they also considered bearded American troops as bad. They said bearded American troops behaved rudely while shaved American troops behaved not so badly. The way the Taliban are enforcing laws in Afghanistan, it may be presumed that they will imposed female genital mutilation which is forced in Middle Eastern countries. Though the Taliban leader Mullah Turabi claimed that they have changed with time but in reality, they have not changed. In fact, the radical interpretation of the Quran and Sunnah they follow will not allow them to change or reform themselves. They are not a democratic force and have not come to power democratically. Therefore, a democratic governance cannot be expected from them. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/radical-islamism-jihad/pognophobia-militant-islamic-organisation/d/125456 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

Why is the Subcontinental Ulama Angry with the Saudis?

By Arshad Alam, New Age Islam 28 September 2021 Establishment of Cinema Halls in Medina Is Riling the Conservatives Main Points: 1. Indian and Pakistani clerics have started a campaign to paint the current Saudi government as anti-Islamic and as agents of Jews and Christians. 2. The Deobandis, Nadwis and Barelwis, despite their internal differences are united in this opposition to the current Saudi regime. 3. These Ulama have always prioritized issues which have ultimately harmed not just the Muslims but also the country at large. ---- As part of its Vision 2030, the Saudi government has announced plans to boost tourism and infrastructure in the Kingdom. The long-term objective is to reduce its dependence on oil revenues and emerge as a financial hub. Many cities, including Mecca and Medina, are being re-developed with a view to attract tourists which would require recreational facilities as well. Mecca and Medina are considered two of the holiest cities across the Muslim world for their association with Prophet Muhammad as well as early history of Islam. Muhammad bin Salman, the crown prince, seems to have overlooked the effect of his modernizing blitzkrieg on the Muslim clergy across the world. Already, the Ulama in India and Pakistan have started a campaign which paints the current Saudi government as anti-Islamic and as agents of Jews and Christians. Some of them have been close to the Saudi establishment earlier. Their anger is directed against one particular project: the establishment of nearly 10 cinema halls in Medina, the final resting place of Prophet Muhammad. Although the Saudi government has clarified that the proposed mall which will house the cinema halls are outside the non-permissible limits (Hudood e Haram), the Indian and Pakistani Ulama are in no mood to relent. Expressing regret over the report of building of 10 cinemas in Medina, one of the holiest cities of Islam, Shaykh al-Hadith and Darul Uloom Karachi Vice President Mufti Muhammed Taqi Usmani said Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un, (Verily we belong to Allah and verily to Him do we return). ----- The first to raise the banner of revolt was Muhamad Taqi Usmani, a senior Deobandi cleric of Pakistan. Usmani is notorious for his role in casting out the Ahmadi Muslims from the fold of Islam. He was also an important contributor to the inhuman Hudood ordinance which was enacted during the Zia ul Haq regime. It is unbelievable but true that this man received the Sitara e Imtiaz, the third highest civilian award, for public service, in Pakistan. In this tweet earlier this month, he insinuated the death of the ‘Islamic republic of Saudi Arabia’ and quoted part of the verse 11:78 of the Quran, “is there not among you even one right-minded man?” Not to be left behind, the Indian Ulama, have started their own campaigns against the proposed mall complex in Medina. Salman Nadwi, associated with the famous Nadwatul Ulama in Lucknow, made this impassioned video in which he denounced the Saudi monarchy as dancing to the tunes of the wicked Zionists (Sahyuni) and immoral cross bearers (Salibi). Apart from taking potshots at other Ulama who are ‘silent’ on the issue, an important purpose of video is to prove to the Muslim world that the Saudi monarchy should no longer be treated as the custodian of Islam. Egging on the ambition of Turkish president Erdogan, he goes on to say that it is time that the Turks reclaim the holy cities of Mecca and Medina as they had done once. Salman Nadwi is a curious character. He is the same person who wrote to Abu Bakar al-Baghdadi, the deceased ISIS chief, congratulating him and pledging his loyalty. In the same letter, he promised to raise a force of 50 thousand Indian Muslims who would be ready to sacrifice for the sake of the Islamic caliphate. It is very strange that when people were being arrested for random tweets in India, this man was allowed to go scot-free. His proximity to the state can be gauged from the fact that he was later roped in by the government to find an out of court solution to the Babri dispute, along with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Nadwi comes from a family which was instrumental in establishing the Muslim World League in 1962, a Saudi government arm through which it exported its Wahhabism to the wider Muslim world. As such they have traditionally been the loyalists of the Saud family. How should one then understand Nadwi’s acerbic assault on the Saudi government? Partly the reason seems to be the changing geo-politics of the region. With Iran and Turkey jostling to become new religious authorities within the Muslim world, the Saudis have increasingly become reliant on Israel which has drawn criticism from the Ulama. It seems that Nadwi is plugging himself in this new equation. Since the Iranians are Shia, he seems to have pinned his hopes on getting some recognition from the Turkish establishment. Not to be left behind, the Mumbai based Barelwi platform, Raza Academy, held a demonstration against the Saudi government. Traditionally the Barelwis have never been enamored by the glitz of Saudis. They have accused the Saudis of exporting Wahhabism, an interpretation of Islam, which according to the Barelwis, is un-Islamic. They are elated that whatever they were saying about the Wahhabis has now come true! The Nadwis, Deobandis and the Barelwis, despite their differences are united on this issue. They are united in protesting over an issue which normally should be the concern of Saudi Arabia. In the Indian context, one of the accusations levelled against Muslims by the Hindu right is that their identification is more with the Islamic world rather than their own country. It is as if these Ulama are hell bent are proving such right wingers right by putting out videos and holding demonstrations against the Saudis. Saudi Arabia (KSA) opened its first new cinema – the 620-seat, single-screen AMC cinema in Riyadh – on 18 April 2018. ----- One can even concede that there is nothing wrong in protesting against a foreign country. But to make it a life and death issue for all Muslims is a bit too much. Certainly, the establishment of cinema halls cannot pose a danger to centuries of Islamic tradition. And if indeed it is the case, then what is point of having such a frail religion? There are multiple problems that the Indian Muslim is beset with. Why is it that these custodians of Muslims do not utter a word about it? It is fair to say that the subcontinental Ulama have never quite appreciated any form of modernization, unless of course, it is beneficial to them. The opposition to Muhammad bin Salman is therefore not just because of pragmatic considerations but also due to deeper ideological reasons. The subcontinental Ulama have been the bane of Muslims in this part of the world. They have prioritized issues which have ultimately harmed not just Muslims but also the country at large. From banning books to shutting down cinema houses in Srinagar, there actions have painted the Muslims as a community which is inherently hostile to any signs of modernity. ---- Arshad Alam is a columnist with NewAgeIslam.com URL: New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

World Tourism Day: The Holy Quran Promotes Tourism

By S. Arshad, New Age Islam 27 September 2021 The Holy Quran Promotes Tourism Not Only for Religious Purposes but Also for Research and Appreciation of God’s Mastery and Artistry Main Points: 1. Quran advises its readers to travel extensively through the earth to enrich knowledge. 2. The Quran advises Muslims to visit historical places to learn from the fate of sinner communities. 3. The Quran also promotes tourism to places of natural beauty for mental and spiritual refreshment. ----- Man has always travelled through the earth. Since primitive times, man has had to travel for various purposes; for livelihood, for rehabilitation, in the aftermath of natural disasters and in the aftermath of war. In the Quran, God says that in the beginning, He had provided men with all they needed to live happily within short distance so that they did not have to travel long distances to find livelihood. But the people of Saba prayed God that they wanted to travel long distances. So God dispersed them and made them travel long distances in search of food, shelter and for other social and political needs and compulsions. Surah Saba says: And We placed between them and the cities which We had blessed1 [many] visible cities. And We determined between them the [distances of] journey, 2 [saying], "Travel between them by night or by day in safety. “But [insolently] they said, "Our Lord, lengthen the distance between our journeys," and wronged themselves, so We made them narrations1 and dispersed them in total dispersion. Indeed in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful. (Saba: 18-19) According to the Quran many communities and individuals travel for various reasons. The followers of Prophet Nuh travel aboard a giant ship from India to modern day Turkey to save themselves from the Flood. Prophet Moses a.h. travelled along his community to flee Pharaoh across the river. Prophet Moses a.s. travelled a long distance to meet Hadhrat Khizir a.s. at God’s instruction. Therefore, travelling has been a part of individual and collective life of communities. But in modern times, traveling for gaining knowledge and for exploring the earth has assumed great importance. This mode of travelling is called tourism. People travel to historical places or religious places for gaining knowledge or spiritual solace. Researchers also travel across cities and towns to gain knowledge in their concerned field. Since travelling promotes learning and knowledge and contributes to the spread of knowledge, the holy Quran also promotes travel or tourism. But since Quran has a reformist approach towards everything, it promotes tourism as a means of enriching human intellect and got spiritual enlightenment. It advises its readers to travel through the earth and see the relics of bygone nations, of the remains of the kings of the pasts and the remains of their kingdoms. The Quran also asks Muslims to study their history and learn lessons from them. It advises Muslims or the readers at large to study the fate of the bygone nations and learn lessons from their wrongdoings so that they do not repeat the same mistakes. The Quran says: Have they not travelled through the earth and observed how was the end of those before them? (Ar Rum: 9) Have the deniers not travelled through the land to see what was the end of those ˺ before them? (Yusuf: 109) Have they not travelled through the land and observed how was the end of those before them? (Al Mumin: 82) Similar situations came to pass before you, so travel throughout the land and see the fate of the deniers. (Al: Imran: 137) In all the above-quoted verses, the Quran encourages tourism to historical places like the remains of the kingdoms and of the bygone nations that were destroyed for their wrongdoings like dishonesty, corruption, sexual perversion, transgression etc. However, the Quran does not advice Muslims to travel through the earth only for gaining historical wisdom. It also advises Muslims to travel through the earth to observe nature’s wealth, the flora and fauna, the gigantic mountains and beautiful rivers and appreciate God’s mastery and artistry. The Quran says: Say, ˹O Prophet, ˺ “Travel throughout the land and see how He originated the creation, then Allah will bring it into being one more time. (Al Ankabut: 20) Therefore, according to the Quran tourism is not only a means to gain spiritual enlightenment through travel to historical places like Egypt, Babylon, Syria, India, China but also a source of knowledge and spiritual and mental refreshment through travel to beautiful places of natural wealth like Kashmir, Switzerland and other similar places of historical importance and natural beauty. Great sufis of the past followed this Quranic advice (Seeru fil ardh) and travelled extensively through the earth and enriched their knowledge and attained spiritual insight. Therefore, Quran promotes tourism not only for religious purposes but also for research purpose and also for appreciation of natural beauty and of God’s mastery and artistry. ----- S. Arshad is a columnist with NewAgeIslam.com. URL: New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

There is No Compulsion in Marriage – Girls Are Blessed with the Divine Power of Choice by Allah

By Arman Neyazi, New Age Islam 25 September 2021 Forced Marriages Will Destroy the Islamic Essence of Social Ethics which Will Be a Reason for Destruction of Islamic Ideology Main Points: 1. In Islam marriage is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad Pbuh. 2. Hypocrisy and force are unacceptable where there is a solemnity in the obeyance of the command of Allah, the Creator of the universe. 3. The ‘peace and tranquillity Allah has bestowed upon the married couple cannot be achieved with force. 4. Forced marriages are not only a vile criminal act in all societies but also against humanitarian ethics that Allah the Exalted has established for the humane society to follow. 5. Muslims all over the world will do justice to Islam, Prophet Muhammad Pbuh and themselves by opposing forced marriages to the best of their ability. ----- Forced marriage is the theme for the cartoon with the caption – Free love. The image should be read from right to left. The first picture in the right: Should you not want to go voluntarily, I will take you by force. In the next picture: The akhund – cleric says: "Lady, since you don't say anything, it seems that you agree. By the order of God I marry you to this gentleman". Photo Courtesy: Forced marriage, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia ----- In Islam, a marriage is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad Pbuh. Muslims print ‘النیکاح من سننتی’ (Al-Nikah u Min Sunnati) on the wedding cards. It means Nikah is one among Prophet's Sunnah. There is a reward for every Sunnah performed, therefore, there is a reward for Nikah also. Both the bride and the bridegroom are rewarded for performing the Sunnah of Nikah. No hypocrisy can be accepted in Nikah, Allah the Exalted says in the Holy Quran: “And We created you in pairs.” - (An-Naba - 8) They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. (Al-Baqarah: 187) Both these verses are a clear pointer to the fact that marriage is a solemn affair. Islam takes husbands and wives as the ones who guard each other’s honour against the world. They are made for each other. They are enjoined to be husband and wife by Allah, the Almighty in heaven. It is a common humane sense that any kind of hypocrisy and force is unacceptable where there is a solemnity in the obeyance of the command of Allah, the Creator of the universe. There is no relationship as beautiful as that of a husband and a wife. Although every bit of happening in the universe is decided in heavens but for marriages, it is specifically said that ' marriages are decided in heaven. The status of marriage in the eyes of Allah is clear from the verse, ‘He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts) . . . " (Ar-Rum: 21). Allah has made marriage a source of tranquillity and peace between a husband and a wife. The ‘peace and tranquillity Allah has bestowed upon the married couple cannot be achieved with force. The pious institution of marriage bears the responsibility of creating a pious society that carries love, affection and care for all. Marriage is a divine institution and it is encouraged by Islam. No force, therefore, can be allowed by any means or excuse. According to Islam, a husband is a protector of his wife. A husband is responsible for his wife’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Someone who has forced his wife into marriage cannot fulfil the responsibilities of a husband, therefore, there is no place for forced marriage in Islam. Marriages are not confined to the relationship of two persons but it concerns two families and in extension to the concerned society. In the Islamic essence, marriages are a social bond of two people living together and forming a family unit. For the success of this social agreement, it is necessary for both parties to be willing and thus trusting each other. Islamic ethic allows both the parties (the boy and the girl) to meet and talk to each other, in presence of an elder of whichever side, he or she may. Islam understands the need for two people to agree to live together before they are bound in an agreement. Allah has granted more power to a girl before the Nikah is performed and equal status after the marriage. More power before the Nikah as the Nikah Khwan (the performer of Nikah) goes to the girl with two witnesses each from both sides and after reading out the full detail of the boy (father’s name, address, the Mehr amount, the names and addresses of the witnesses) asks her whether she is allowing him to perform Nikah, on her free will, with the boy or not. Nikah Khwan and the witnesses must listen to her ‘yes’, so she is asked to speak loudly. ٰIt is mandatory. Now in such a situation where does, Islam leaves the space that pseudo-Muslims and Maulvis exploit and perform a 'forced Nikah’. And if anybody does so it is Un-Islamic and against the spirit of the teachings of Allah and His messenger Prophet Muhammad Pbuh. The Holy Quran and the Prophetic traditions have time and again given happy tidings of divine rewards here and hereafter for the couple who grow a happy ethical family having all the humane essence and divine traits. Prophetic Traditions against the Forced Marriage Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: "A virgin came to the Prophet (pbuh) and mentioned that her father had married her against her will, so the Prophet (pbuh) allowed her to exercise her choice. (Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud, Marriage (Kitab Al-Nikah), Book 11, Number 2091)" Khansa Bint Khidam said “My father married me to his nephew, and I did not like this match, so I complained to the Messenger of Allah (May Allah bless him and grant him peace). He said to me “accept what your father has arranged.” I said, “I do not wish to accept what my father has arranged.” He said, “Then this marriage is invalid, go and marry whomever you wish.” I said “I have accepted what my father has arranged, but I wanted women to know that fathers have no right in their daughter’s matters (i.e. they have no right to force a marriage on them). (Fathul Bari Sharah Al Bukhari 9/194, Ibn Majah Kitab un Nikah 1/602) "Fear Allah regarding women. Verily you have married them with the trust of Allah and made their bodies lawful with the word of Allah. - Prophet Muhammad Pbuh's Khutbah from the Mount of Mercy at Arafat on the occasion of Hajj al-Wada (Farewell Pilgrimage) Above mentioned traditions explicitly denounce any kind of force in marriage and married life. The forced marriages are against the spirit of Islam, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad Pbuh and humanity that include the followers of all the religions and faith. A family is a foundation of a society. If the foundation is forced to hold together the building, it is bound to fall sooner than later. The Maulvis, the Pandits or the Fathers whoever do this divine and blessed act with any nefarious design in mind is abusing the Sunnah and eventually breaking the foundation of the society. It is a divine and an ethical crime against the spirit divine command and humane values. For this crime, divinity has harsh punishment. This crime must also be tried in society with the harshest possible punishment by the courts of law. The people who are in the knowledge of the Holy Quran, Sunnah and Shari’ah for Muslims and other religious scriptures for non-Muslim must take the responsibility of spreading the message of the importance of keeping the holy spirit of wedding intact and give the girls the power of choice as per the guidelines of the concerned religious beliefs. Muslims all over the world will do justice to Islam, Prophet Muhammad Pbuh and themselves by opposing forced marriages to the best of their ability. Forced marriages will destroy the Islamic essence of social ethics and will be a reason for the destruction of Islamic ideology. Quranic Ayat Referring to the Position of Women as a Wife The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. (At-Taubah: 71) - Sahih International O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. (An-Nisa: 19) - Sahih International They are apparel for you, and you are apparel for them. (Al-Baqarah: 187) — Mufti Taqi Usmani …and of his signs is that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you might reside with them, and has put kindness and mercy between you. Surely, there are signs in this for those who think. - (Ar-Rum -21) Consider the following from the Bible: And the two shall become one flesh – Matthew 19:5 I don’t have love, I’m nothing. - 1 CORINTHIANS 13:2 And the following from the bestselling Christian author Max Lucado: “God created marriage. No government subcommittee envisioned it. No social organization developed it. Marriage was conceived and born in the mind of God.” ~ Max Lucado When Allah the Exalted says in the Holy Quran, ‘There is no compulsion in religion. The Right Way stands clearly distinguished from the wrong - (Al-Baqara 256), there is no place for any hypothetical discussion about marriage by compulsion. This ends discussions and explanations on forced marriages. A forced marriage awareness and prevention initiative has been launched at Sydney Airport, Australia’s busiest airport, with the roll-out of ‘Project Skywarp’. ------ Forced marriages are not only a vile criminal act in all societies but also against humanitarian ethics that Allah the Exalted has established for the humane society to follow. Quran and Hadith exegesis and scholars of all the Islamic schools should declare forced marriages ‘Haram’, to ensure it does not happen ever anywhere in the world. And Allah Knows the Best. ----- Arman Neyazi is a columnist with NewAgeIslam.com. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-human-rights/marriage-divine-allah-compulsion/d/125435 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

The Holy Quran Does Not Approve Of Forced Religious Conversion

The Stance of the Quran Is In Accordance With Modern International Laws on Conversion Main Points: 1. Quran asks its followers only to spread its message peacefully 2. People have full freedom to profess their religion according to the Quran. 3. Quran says Muslims are not supposed to behave as religious police. ------- New Age Islam Correspondent 25 September 2021 In modern times, religious conversion has become a controversial issue. Religious organizations and religious activists are often accused of forced religious conversions. They are accused of coercing poor or illiterate people into converting to their professed religion. Some extremist organizations forcefully convert people into their professed religion after abducting them. These organizations and individuals do this to expand their religion. This phenomenon of forced or coerced religious conversions has prompted modern governments to bring legislations to prevent such people and organizations from converting people by force or coercion. Citizens are protected under human rights and religious rights and are free to profess any religion or to convert to any religion at the call of their conscience. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Also Read: Resurrect Mutual Religious Respect - Do Not Redefine, Abuse and Find Fault with Other Religions and Sects ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ When we study the Quran and try to find out its stance on religious conversion, we come across clear guidelines and instructions on the issue. Though the Quran is revealed for the guidance of the people and it enjoins on its followers to spread its message, it also strictly instructs them no to force any one to accept their religion. The Quran also asks them not speak ill of the followers of other religions. God sent messengers to guide people with good news of rewards for good deeds and a warner against bad deeds. They are not asked to force people to accept their religion. Therefore, the followers of the prophets are also told to adopt the same policy. And We send not the messengers except as bringers of good tidings and warmers. (Al Kahf: 56) The Quran does not want violence and bloodshed in the name of spreading religious messages. "And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned [i.e., praised]. (Al Hajj: 40) The Quran enjoins the followers of Islam only to struggle in the path of God, to spread the message of God telling people what is good and what is bad. The responsibility of accepting the message is upon the people. God says that there is wisdom behind many religions on Earth and if He wanted, all would follow one religion. So God only wants to see if His followers struggled to spread His message or not. The Quran says: “Your duty is only to deliver ˹the message˺. Judgment is for Us”. (Ar-Ra’d:40) And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, "For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you;1 we seek not the ignorant."(Al Qasas: 55) Those who coerce people or force them to convert to a particular religion and commit violence against them if they don’t accept their religion are called transgressors. God hates such people. Allah likes not the transgressors (Al-e-Imran: 140) The onus of accepting the message of the evangelists or missionaries is totally on the people. They are free to convert to any religion. They Quran clearly says: And say, "The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve."(Al Kahf: 29) You are not over them a controller. (Al-Ghashiyah: 20) Yet remind them by this ˹Quran˺, so no one should be ruined for their misdeeds. (Al An’am: 70) And if they deny you, [O Muḥammad], then say, "For me are my deeds, and for you are your deeds. You are disassociated from what I do, and I am disassociated from what you do."(Yunus: 41) And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him."(Al Ankabut: 46) In modern times, the mission of religious conversion has become inspired by political ambitions of nations. In past, wars were fought on religious grounds and violence and bloodshed was perpetrated in the name of expanding religions. But in modern times, the issue of religion conversion has been brought under human rights and religious rights. No one can force anybody to convert to any religion. In modern times, Freedom of religion or belief is guaranteed by article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Also Read: Forced Conversion is Unethical and Against the Will of Allah ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Article18.2 bars coercion that would impair the right to have or adopt a religion or belief, including the use of threat of physical force or penal sanctions to compete believers or non-believers to adhere to their religious beliefs and congregations, to recant their religion or belief or to convert.” Thus, the stance of the holy Quran on the issue of religious conversions is in accordance with the modern international laws. It does not allow followers of Islam to force or to coerce anybody to convert to Islam and to commit violence in the name of spreading Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-human-rights/forced-religious-conversion-quran/d/125434 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 Revolution That Saudi Arabian Women Are Now Free To Participate in Sports

Transform the Medieval Saudi Civilization Stereotype into a Modern Society Main Points 1. Saudi Arabian women are now driving, speaking with the breezes, and participating in sports when earlier no one could see a woman's shadow. 2. Muhammad bin Salman is attempting to change the stereotype of Medieval Saudi civilization into a modern society 3. It's worth noting that Arabia was the first country to bring the concept of women's rights to the rest of the world. 4. Women and men can pray together in the Prophet's Mosque and the Kaaba until today. 5. The concept is that in the seventh century AD, Islam was the world's most modern way of life. Only then did Islam spread like lightning to every corner of the earth. 6. If moms of believers can go to the battlefield, why can't today's Muslim woman work as a doctor or nurse in a hospital? 7. There was a time when Europe embraced modernity and progressed, but prejudices and backwardness plagued Muslim civilization, and as a result, Muslim society has become the world's most backward society. 8. Saudi Arabian women can now get a driver's license, participate in sports, and learn self-defence skills like karate, judo, and taekwondo, which is a huge step forward. ...... By New Age Islam Staff Writer 24 September 2021 Representative Image Photo: Gulf News ----- Saudi Arabia has progressed as well. Where once no one could see a woman's shadow, Saudi Arabian ladies are now driving, conversing with the breezes, and participating in sports. Yes, today's woman can drive a car, participate in sports as well as ride a camel. This is nothing short of a revolution in a Bedouin civilization. Saudi women can now compete with men in every field, from sports to entertainment, including driving, karate, judo, and taekwondo. It's described as a revolution, and Prince Muhammad bin Salman, who is set to become Saudi Arabia's future ruler, is at the helm. In Saudi Arabia, Muhammad bin Salman is the architect of a revolution. He is attempting to change the stereotype of Medieval Saudi civilization into a modern society. This isn't just his want; it's also his mission. The Saudi prince, who is only 32 years old, wants to break centuries of tradition and usher Saudi Arabia into a new era in which it is on par with any other country on the planet. However, this effort cannot be finished in any civilization unless the woman is as free as the man, because women account for approximately half of the population in any culture. What a development it can make if half of a society's inhabitants are confined to the four walls of their home! However, in Muslim society, discussing such topics is considered disrespectful. Then there's Saudi Arabia, where women have grown accustomed to being confined to their houses. The capacity of a woman to drive a car and participate in sports can’t be taken lightly from the perspective of Saudi society. In and of itself, the fact that this movement for Muslim women's liberation originated in Saudi Arabia is important. It's worth noting that Arabia was the first country to bring the concept of women's rights to the rest of the world. Yes, the Arabian Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] played a significant role in the establishment of these rights. For example, the Prophet (peace be upon him) opened the doors of mosques for women in the same way as he opened them for men. Women and men can pray together in the Prophet's Mosque and the Kaaba until today. If someone has any doubts, they should attend the Hajj prayers in the Kaaba and see for themselves. In other words, Islam has the honour of treating men and women equally in Allah's domain. How can a woman be less than a man in this world and in her own home if she is equal to a man in Allah's house? Women in our society have been granted a variety of rights as a result of Islam. If a man is granted the right to divorce, a woman is granted the right to khula’. Women in Islam have the right to pick their husbands. That is to say, marital life cannot be established without the woman's agreement. Wasn't this a ground-breaking concept in the seventh century AD? Regrettably, a woman's consent is still not deemed necessary for marriage. The process was undoubtedly a revolution in women's rights at the time. Similarly, Hazrat Khadija, the Holy Prophet's first wife, was Makka’s most prosperous merchant. To put it another way, Islam has made it a Shari'ah practice for a woman to stand on her own two feet by earning a living through self-employment. Similarly, Islam enhanced women's economic freedom by making them sharers in the wealth of their parents and husbands. Women were so free in Madinah during the Prophet’s lifetime that when the Prophet went to war, women from all around Madinah, including believers’ mothers, joined the Islamic army on the battlefield and worked there to bandage the wounded. Unfortunately, in the same Muslim community, it is currently claimed that Islam is the only religion in which a woman is restricted to her home's four walls. Why can't today's Muslim lady work as a doctor or nurse in a hospital, if mothers of believers can go to battle? If a woman in the Prophet's day could drive a camel, why can't she drive a car? Why can't today's Muslim lady be a businesswoman or any other type of professional if the Prophet's wife was a businesswoman? If Allah mentions Iqra [read] in the Qur'an, it means He is imparting this order to both men and women. Even now, boys are frequently taught, while girls are kept at home. But why is that? The concept is that in the seventh century AD, Islam was the world's most modern way of life. Only then did Islam spread like lightning to every corner of the earth. It was not Islam, but rather a Muslim culture, which, like other communities at the time, became enslaved to conventions rather than Islamic values. Then there was a period when Europe embraced modernity and progressed, but Muslim society was victimized by stereotypes and backwardness. As a result, Muslim society has become the world's most backward society. Prince Muhammad bin Salman ------ Prince Muhammad bin Salman is working hard to bring Muslim society into the twenty-first century and put an end to its backwardness. And none of this would be possible without a woman. In this day and age, if a woman does not drive naturally, she will be left behind in other areas of life. As a result, women in Saudi Arabia are now permitted to obtain a driver's license, participate in sports, and train self-defence techniques such as karate, judo, and taekwondo. This is a true revolution, and Prince Muhammad bin Salman, the revolution's architect, deserves credit. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/saudi-arabian-women-sports/d/125428 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

After Establishment of Taliban, Growing Threat of IS-K towards India and Roles of Indian Ulama and Muslims

Refuting Anti-India Narratives of IS-K Is Imperative For Indian Ulama and Muslim Authorities Main Points 1. IS-K is more active in Telangana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. 2. Preventing Possible Threat of IS-K to India is compulsory on Indian Ulama and Muslim Scholars. 3. Muslims should not let the game of terror, hatred, and destruction be played in the name of Islam. 4. The terrorists have changed their focus from the Af-Pak region to the Indian subcontinent; therefore it is the responsibility of Indian Muslims to refute the terror narratives. 5. Indian Ulama and Muslim intellectuals should repeatedly declare that the rulings of war-related Quranic verses and Ahadith are contextual and can’t be applied today. ----- New Age Islam Staff Writer 23 September 2021 (Photo courtesy: European Eye of Radicalisation) -Islamic State’s Khorasan Province: A Potent Force in Afghan Jihad ------ ISIS built its so-called ‘caliphate’ the size of Britain in Iraq and larger areas of Syria. It arose from the womb of al-Qaeda, but it quickly outgrew al-Qaeda and became the focus of worldwide jihadist concern. It formed up camp in Nangarhar and other provinces of Afghanistan. Shehab Al-Muhajir is the current emir. According to a June UN study, in the months preceding up to the US withdrawal, 8,000 to 10,000 jihadist fighters infiltrated Uighur Afghanistan from Central Asian states, Russia's North Caucasus, Pakistan, and China's Xinjiang province. Some joined the Taliban, while the majority joined the Islamic State of Khorasan. In addition to the TTP, the Taliban has close ties to al-Qaeda, but the Islamic State of Khorasan has labelled the Taliban as a US agent and is reportedly waging a war against it. It has also been joined by certain enraged Taliban fighters who, like ISIS in Khurasan, believe in global jihad rather than nationality. According to a study published in September of last year on several websites of India, ISIS was attempting to attract adolescents from several states, particularly the southern states of India, into its terrorist group. Individuals who joined IS were brought to the attention of the Central and State Security Agencies. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) then opened 17 investigations on the existence of ISIS in the southern states of Telangana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, arresting 122 suspects. IS has taken on many forms, including Islamic State, Islamic State of Iraq and The Levant, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Daish, Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), ISIS Wilayat Khorasan, Islamic State of Iraq and the Sham-Khorasan (ISIS-K). To spread its ideas, this terrorist group has used a variety of internet-based social media platforms. We previously reproduced some quotes from the ISIS journal ‘Voice of Hind' on New Age Islam, which offered an indication of their thoughts on how they may use Islam to attract India's naive youth. The agencies concerned are keeping a tight eye on cyberspace in this regard, and legal action is being taken as needed. However, the issue remains: what can Indian Ulama and intellectual Muslims do in order to prevent youth recruitment into IS, particularly IS-K, following the creation of the Taliban administration in Afghanistan? Facing this question, the Muslim Ummah is currently in a state of disarray. They are unable to comprehend how to combat modern-day terrorists. However, there is no doubt that terrorists’ views and ideals play a significant role in brainwashing the youth. These beliefs are being promoted under the banner of Islam. Whatever voices we raise in reaction to these notions are silenced. Terrorist organizations continue to carry out their purpose, but by criticizing terrorists, we sometimes become silent. We must remember that if we do not consistently repudiate terrorist ideology, the non-Muslim class will become increasingly sceptical of us, putting us in double jeopardy. While dealing with the question, the mainstream Muslims must have been in a condition of mental anguish. On the one hand, anti-Islamic groups strive relentlessly to carry out their wicked objectives, while on the other side, there are Muslims who spill the blood of unarmed people, slit the throats of women, and murder innocent people. They are prepared to incorporate it into Sharia law. The issue is that we can endure attacks from outside forces, but what about attacks from within? How can individuals who consider terrorism as a guarantee of Islam be stopped? How do we defeat those who rationalize tyranny in exchange for persecution? How can we prevent these top terrorists from carrying out suicide assaults in the name of Islam on schools, Sufi shrines, religious gatherings, places of worship, and highways? How can terrorists who are fighting for the establishment of governments or their ‘Emirate’ or ‘Caliphate’, and who have labelled their fight as jihad to sanctify their effort, be stopped? Have they not read about Islamic battles in the past? Did they not notice that the Holy Prophet never killed a person who was not guilty? Don't they realize that chasing someone while escaping war is also considered undesirable by Islam? Some would explain to these misguided youth that the Prophet who spread Islam was sent down by Allah as a mercy to the worlds. The game of terror, hatred, and destruction cannot be played in the name of this great Prophet [peace be upon him]. Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood, and it forbids the killing of unarmed citizens, especially women, children, the elderly, the helpless, and the weak. Terrorist organisations, on the other hand, do not accept these things. However, we Muslims must never lose confidence in our struggle against terrorist narratives, which are spreading over the world under the guise of Islam. These are the concerns that the Muslim Ummah, particularly the Ulama, will have to come together to address by creating a theology of peace and refuting anti-terrorist narratives. Indian Ulama and Muslim intellectuals must know that the terrorists have changed their focus from the Af-Pak region to the Indian subcontinent, particularly the Kashmir region, according to the 2021 editions of Nawa-e-Ghazwa-e-Hind (primarily from January to April 2021). The magazine (in its issue of January 2021) featured a striking cover and invited the believers to fight India's Mushrikin (polytheists), citing a hadith report from Musnad Ahmad that reads, "In this [Islamic] Ummah, forces will be sent to Sindh and Hind [to wage jihad and thus ensure their deliverance from the hellfire]." These are the kinds of thoughts and ideas that might easily lead a young person astray. Because such anti-India propaganda is being spread in the name of Islam, Indian Ulama, Muslim scholars, and thinkers must take a leading role in refuting this terrorist ideology. They should delve into ISIS's theology and dispute it. The Ulama must reconsider their perspective and recognise that they are no longer in the 7th and 8th centuries when Islamic theology and jurisprudence had essentially matured. Need we remind them that this is the twenty-first century? The world has altered dramatically. Ghazwas are no longer possible. The United Nations Charter, which has been signed by almost every country on the planet, currently governs the world. Indian Ulama and Muslim intellectuals should repeatedly declare that the rulings of war-related Quranic verses and Ahadith are contextual and can’t be applied today. For instance, the Quranic verse “kill the Mushrikin wherever you find them” (9:5)should be rightly interpreted in the same way as a renowned classical scholar Abu Bakr al-Jassas (d.370H) wrote while interpreting the same verse, "صارقوله تعالى: {فَاقْتُلُواالمُشْرِكِين َحَيْث ُوَجَدْتُمُوهُمْ} خاصّاً في مشركي العرب دون غيرهم" Translation: “The verse (Kill the Mushrikin wherever you find them) was particular to the Mushrikin of Arab and does not apply to anyone else” (Ahkam al-Quran lilJassas, V. 5, p. 270, Arabic edition- English translation mine). They should read out the warnings given in the Quran and Sunnah regarding violations of non-Muslims' human rights, such as the warnings given to Muslims in the following Quranic passages and Sunnah. Allah says in the Quran, “Whoever killed a person (unjustly), except as a punishment for murder or for (spreading) disorder in the land, it would be as if he killed all the people (of society); and whoever (saved him from unjust murder and) made him survive, it would be as if he saved the lives of all the people (of society, i.e., he rescued the collective system of human life). And indeed, Our Messengers came to them with evident signs. Yet, even after that, the majority from amongst these people are certainly those who commit excesses in the land” (5:32) “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (60:8) “Beware, if anyone persecutes any peaceful non-Muslim citizen [Mu’ahid] or diminishes his right, or forces him to work beyond his capacity, or takes from him anything without his consent, I shall plead for him on the Day of Judgment.” (Please see Sunan Abi Dawud – Book 20, Hadith 125- Arabic reference). Even during the state of war these injunctions were given, “Do not kill any child, any woman, or any elder or sick person.” (Sunan Abu Dawud), “Do not practice treachery or mutilation. (Muwatta Malik), “Do not destroy the villages and towns, do not spoil the cultivated fields and gardens and do not slaughter the cattle.” (Sahih Bukhari; Sunan Abu Dawud), “Do not kill the monks in monasteries, and do not kill those sitting in places of worship. (Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal). These injunctions should be repeated to remind Muslims that the goal of Islamic fighting during the Prophet's time was to prevent religious persecution and promote religious freedom and security for all religious communities, whereas modern "Islamist" terror groups are the most blatant violators of such injunctions; they persecute religious communities themselves and are thus among the Zalimoon upon whom is “the curse of Allah and the angels and of men, all together. Surah Ale Imran (3): verses 86, 87) The Quran tells us: “And who is more unjust than he who forges a lie against Allah? These shall be brought before their Lord, and the witnesses shall say: These are they who lied against their Lord. Now surely the curse of Allah is on the Zalimoon (the unjust and oppressors).” (Q: 11:18). This surely applies to ISIS ideologues, the Zalimoon who have virtually invented a new religion in the name of Islam, whose basic purpose is to defame Islam. These are only a handful of the many ways by which the Ulama and Muslim scholars can and should expand their influence in the public sphere. More importantly, they should keep a close eye on ISIS's "Islamist" narratives and refute them point by point. Furthermore, Islamic teachings on peace and pluralism, such as those mentioned above, are the suitable demand and requirement of our day. Apart from becoming influential only for mainstream Muslims, they should make these teachings acceptable even to covert sympathisers of "Islamist" terror groups. URL: New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism