The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context, and Background - Part 15

By Badruddoja Razvi Misbahi, New Age Islam (Translated from Urdu by Newageislam.com) 31 January 2022 Explaining Verses 8:65 and 66:9 Out Of 26 Verses Presented By Wasim Rizvi In Supreme Court Main Points Discussed In Part 15 1. Surah Anfal and Surah Tahrim were revealed at Madinah during a period when Makkan polytheists and infidels continued to persecute Muslims. 2. Muslims had been commanded in the Quranic verses not to initiate war against any nation. 3. You'll discover that the Prophet of Islam fought in defence in every war from Badr to Tabuk if you look at Ghazawat or Saraya. 4. Anti-Islamic elements overlook several verses and Ahadith that prohibit Muslims from unlawful war, killing and oppression, and choose only verses that appear to be weaponry for them. ... Allah Almighty says, [the meaning of the Arabic text]: “O Prophet, urge the believers to battle. If there are among you twenty [who are] steadfast, they will overcome two hundred. And if there are among you one hundred [who are] steadfast, they will overcome a thousand of those who have disbelieved because they are a people who do not understand.” (Surah Anfal, 8:65) “O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be harsh upon them. And their refuge is Hell, and wretched is the destination.” (Surah Tahrim, 66:9) Surah Anfal and Surah Tahrim were revealed at Madinah during a period when Makkan polytheists and infidels continued to persecute Muslims. Because of the horrific acts committed by the Makkans, Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) and his companions migrated to Madinah to carry out the duty of Da'wah in peace and contentment. Even here, though, they were vulnerable to the plots of the disbelievers and the Makkan Quraysh. The Quraysh first plotted with Abdullah bin Ubay and the men who were not yet believers. The Quraysh wrote to them, “Take away the man whom you have protected, or else we will demolish you and wipe your mark.” They failed because of the Holy Prophet's (peace be upon him) prophetic insight and discernment. The Quraysh, on the other hand, did not halt their attacks. When Ibn Ubay's assistance was insufficient, they began seeking assistance from the Jews of Madinah, eventually taking them with them and sending a message to Muslims through them, saying, “Don't get caught up in any misunderstanding by safely leaving Makkah; we will make the land of Madinah too narrow for you and will not leave you under any circumstances.” Even the land of Madinah did not remain peaceful for the Muslims in the early days due to their evil activities. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was known for staying up late at night. According to a narration recorded in Sahih Bukhari, he said, “Tonight, a virtuous man would guard!” Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqas stood up all night and guarded it and then he rested. In such a dire situation, the Messenger of Allah had three options: (1) abandoning the truth and the call to the truth, (2) enduring oppression and violence by sticking to the truth and allowing his companions to be killed, or (3) fighting oppression and violence with courage and defending against the Quraysh of Makkah and leaving the outcome to God Almighty. After much contemplation, he decided on the third option. As a consequence, the truth triumphed, and the oppressors were permanently gone. If you look at the Islamic wars of the Prophet's time, whether they were Ghazawat or Saraya, you'll notice that the Prophet of Islam fought in defence in every single one of them, from Badr to Tabuk. This was due to the fact that Islam never accepts injustice. Everyone, however, has the right to self-defence. The Holy Quran provides some proof for this: “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.” (2:190) “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.” (16:125) “But if they fight you, then kill them.” (2:191) “And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient.” (16:126) “And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.” (8:61) “...And do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. “ (5:8) Muslims were commanded in all of these verses not to initiate war against any nation. If someone is fighting against you, though, you can defend yourself by fighting back. Even in this circumstance, however, it has been highlighted that Muslims should not engage in any form of aggression, such as murdering, fighting, or beating, and that all requirements of justice should be met. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) specifically prohibited women, children, the old, and monks from being killed in battle. Hazrat Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that if a woman was found killed in a Jihad [by war], then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) condemned the killing of women and children. (Sahih Muslim, Book of Jihad, Chapter on Prohibition of Killing Women and Children) Similarly, it is narrated by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “And do not kill the very old, nor the child nor the woman” (Abu Dawud, vol. 1, p.351) Even the desire to fight the enemy is forbidden in the Ahadith. Hazrat Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) says that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Do not desire to face the enemy and remain steadfast when you are confronted with them” (Sahih Muslim, Book of Jihad) There are numerous verses and Ahadith that prohibit Muslims from killing without justification, fighting, and unlawful oppression and violence, but anti-Islamic elements ignore all of them. They only select verses that appear to be weaponry for them. They attempt to taint the environment of the country and instigate the brothers of the homeland against Islam and Muslims by presenting these verses without comprehending their genuine meaning and significance. Wasim Rizvi’s writ was dismissed and he was punished by the Supreme Court, which stated that no one will be permitted to destroy the Ganga-Jamuni civilization of the country. The Supreme Court merits praise and congratulations for this. Surah Anfal verse 65, as well as those verses before and after it, including Surah Tahrim verse 9, should all be viewed and interpreted in this context. In the year 2 AH, Islam entered a new era. Angry at the oppressors, the Muslims picked up the sword to defend themselves, despite their little numbers. As a result, the Battle of Badr was fought. However, there was no power balance between the two parties in this war. With a thousand infantry and a hundred cavalry, the Quraysh army was formidable. On the other hand, there were only 313 persons in all, sixty of whom were Muhajireen and the rest Ansar (History of Islam). The Quraysh possessed all of the essential weaponry and equipment. Muslims, on the other hand, looked to God for assistance. When the Muslims learned of the Quraysh army's movement and their large contingent, they must have known their weaknesses against them, as the Quraysh army had 313 men in total, while their opponents had over a thousand soldiers armed with weapons and ammunition. On this occasion, Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, commanded His Prophet to exhort the Muslims to persevere and provoke them to fight the enemy with all their might, telling them not to be alarmed by a large number of the enemy, but to fight them with full courage and faith, telling them that if they are in the number of twenty, they will overcome two hundred enemies, and if they are in the number of one hundred, they will overcome a thousand enemies. That means, if a Muslim confronts the enemy with patience, courage, and perseverance, he will be heavier than 10 infidels! It is still the practice of Military generals to inculcate the spirit, motivate, and encourage their troops to battle the adversary with patience and commitment, regardless of scarcity or abundance. Will governments throughout the world support a military commander who instils cowardice in his troops, encourages them to surrender in the face of an enemy, and then surrenders without a fight? Definitely not. In this light, Surah Anfal verse 65 should also be understood. Such teachings were given to the goat herders and camel herders through the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), which made them rise like storms and spread all over the world. Surah Tahrim verse 9 was likewise revealed during the early days of the Muslim migration to Madinah when the Muslims were facing both external and internal foes. On the one hand, the blatant opponents of Islam bothered Muslims with their malicious activities and conspiracies every day. On the other hand, their hidden enemy Abdullah b. Ubay and his supporters, who appeared to be with the Muslims but were actually allies of the Quraysh of Makkah and had joined them, did not miss any opportunity to cause problems for the Muslims. You can imagine the conspiracies of the hypocrites when the battle of Uhud took place and the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) decided to go out of the city to fight the enemy on the advice of a large number of young companions. And when he arrived at the predetermined location with the Islamic army, Abdullah b. Ubay [a hypocrite] fled with his three hundred soldiers, claiming that he could not join because the war was not conducted in Madinah. Due to Ibn Ubay's deception at the crucial time, the Muslims, who were already small in number, became even less, with only seven hundred remaining. As a result, the Muslims had to battle the enemy on both the exterior and internal fronts during the early months and years of the migration. In these circumstances, Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, commanded His Prophet (peace be upon him) to fight sword jihad against open adversaries who were planning to fight and kill. He told his loving Prophet to persuade the hypocrites to adopt the truth through arguments, or admonish and direct them to the correct path, or uncover their secrets and ill practices, and deal sternly with both of them so that their authority is broken and Islam obtains authority. (See Tafsir Kabir under Surah Tahrim 66, verse 9) Other Parts Of The Articles: The Verses of Jihad: Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 1 The Verses of Jihad: Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 2 The Verses of Jihad: Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 3 The Verses of Jihad- Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 4 The Verses of Jihad in The Quran - Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background - Part 5 The Verses of Jihad in The Quran - Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background - Part 6 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 7 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 8 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 9 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 10 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 11 The Verses Of Jihad In Quran: Meaning, Reason Of Revelation, Context, And Background - Part 12 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context, and Background - Part 13 The Verses Of Jihad In Quran: Meaning, Reason Of Revelation, Context, And Background - Part 14 ---- Maulana Badruddoja Razvi Misbahi, Principal of Madrasa Arabia Ashrafia Zia-ul-Uloom Khairabad, District Mau, UP (India) is a Sufi-minded, well-mannered, classical Islamic scholar, an expert teacher, an excellent writer, a good poet and orator. He has authored numerous books, some of which are as follows: 1) Fazilat-e-Ramazan, 2) Zad-ul-Haramain, 3) Mukhzin-e-Tib, 4) Tauzeehat-e-Ahsan, the commentary on the well-known logical book “Mulla Hasan” 5) Muhazarat fi Halle Qutbi Tasawwurat, 6) Tahzib al-Faraid commentary on “Sharh al-Aqaid”, 7) Atayib al-Tahani fi Halle Mukhtasar al-Ma’ani, 8) Commentary on Sahih Muslim URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/verses-jihad-quran-revelation-part-15/d/126272 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 Iran Afraid Of Its Women Who Fight For Human Rights And Rights Of Women?

Many Muslim Countries Persecute Human Rights Activists Though They Claim To Follow Democratic Values Intro: 1. Iran has a long record of persecuting Human Rights activists 2. Nargis Mohammadi has been sentenced to 8 years in jail and 70 flogging 3. Earlier she served a five years sentence. 4. A number of Iranian rights activists have been arrested and jailed by authorities in Iran. ---- By New Age Islam Staff Writer 29 January 2022 The UN has singled out Iran for discrimination against women, so why is it elected to the main UN body dedicated to gender equality? EPA/Stefan Zaklin ----- The sentencing of Nargis Mohammadi, a rights activist and colleague of Nobel Peace Prize winner rights activist of Iran Shirin Ebadi by an Iranina court to 8 years of prison and 70 floggings once again shows the poor track record of Iran and other Muslim countries on rights front. Nargis Mohammadi was sentenced to 8 years prison only after a 5 minutes hearing. This shows the farcical judicial process while dealing with human rights issues. Nargis has been an eyesore of the Iranian government for years as she has been working with exiled human rights activist Shirin Ebadi who was persecuted by Iran government. In 2016, she had been sentenced to 5 years prison for expressing her views against death penalty and her stand against prison authorities. She was released in 2020 only to be sentenced again for 30 months. This time she was arrested in November 2021. Nargis has been working for Defenders of Human Rights Centre and has been fighting for human rights of citizens and for judicial reforms in Iran. Nargis is not the only woman rights activist of Iran to have gone through persecution for speaking in favour of human rights and trade union rights or demanding judicial reforms in the country. There are other brave women in Iran who have dared to stand up against the religious authorities and protest against the human rights abuses committed by the government. Saba Kord Afshari is another young Iranian rights activist who has been jailed for opposing the mandatory hijab laws and protesting against corruption in government’s rank and file. She staged a protest She has spent more than two years in jail in two separate sentences. She was also accused of promoting prostitution and immorality in public when in 2019 when she posted a video of herself without a scarf. She was arrested and was sentenced to 20 years of prison. She said that in Iranian prisons, there was no sign of human rights. This speaks highly of the poor condition of prisons in Iran. Another woman rights activist is Yasman Aryani who opposed the mandatory hijab laws and has spent two years in prison for her ‘crime’ for speaking for the rights of women. She has been detained twice and has spent nearly two years in prison. She was also a participant in the protest against hijab and corruption. She was arrested in 2018 and was sentenced to one year prison and was released in 2019. But her imprisonment could not silence her and her resolve to fight for women’s rights. In 2019, on Women’s Rights Day, Aryani and her mother presented flowers to the women of the women only car of Iran’s Metro to promote resistance against compulsory hijab laws. This act earned her and her mother the wrath of the government and she and her mother were sentenced to 16 years in prison. Later Aryan sentence was reduced to nine years and six months. They have been in jail since then. This is unimaginable in a modern society where only protesting against hijab laws can earn a sentence for 16 years. Tehran, Iran, April 2017 © Grigvovan/Women’s Rights in Iran ---- Atena Daemi is yet another women rights activist of Iran who has earned the wrath of Iran’s religious authorities who deny the rights of women granted to them by Shariah. The conservative religious leadership always try to stifle the female voices that speak up against harassment and persecution of women. Atena fights for the rights of children and opposed death penalty. In 2014 she had been arrested for meeting the families of prisoners and making the plight of the prisoners public causing embarrassment to the jail authorities as the condition of jails in Iran are very poor and the treatment of prisoners in those prisons was like animals. She was arrested and kept in solitary confinement. She was sentenced to 14 years but the sentenced was later reduced to seven years. The jail authorities physically tortured in jail. When her two sisters complained to the court about the torture they were also arrested. Daemi staged hunger strike in protest of their arrest. The inhuman treatment meted out to her in jail caused her serious health problems like skin disease, falling eye sight and stomach problems. Sepideh Qolian is another woman rights activist whom the Iranian government fears and tries to silence. She fights for labour rights of workers. She speaks and writes about the inhuman treatment of prisoners in Iran’s prisons. Her book “Tilapia sucks the blood of Hur-al-Azim deals with the inhuman conditions of Spider Prison. She was arrested in 2019 and was sentenced to 19 years in prison for publishing false news, colluding against national security, illegal assembly and false propaganda against the state. Later her sentence was reduced to five years. From the prison she wrote a book giving an account of the jail condition. She wrote that the jail cell was very small that is 5 square metres with a filthy carpet and two filthier blankets. She also revealed the practice of the jail authorities of extracting forced confessions. She was also offered pardon on the condition that she would apologize to the supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei but she refused to apologize. She remains in jail. Hangameh Shahidi is another woman activist journalist who has spoken against stoning for adultery. She is vocal for human rights and supports women’s rights in Iran. She has been detained three times and has served jail terms for five years. These are some of the brave women who have shown the courage to stand up against the highhandedness of the religious authorities and have supported women’s rights. They have also made the miserable condition of prisons in the country and the illegal and unIslamic practices of the jail authorities. The women have protested against mandatory hijab, against injustice to the working class and against the child rights abuses. But the Iranian government, instead of bringing jail and labor laws reforms, instead of giving a respectful place granted to them by Islam, have jailed the women with sentences ranging from five years to 14 years, not for killing people but for just opposing mandatory hijab, torture in jails and opposing the punishment for adultery by stoning. This is how women are being treated in Iran which claims to be a truly Islamic country. The Islamic government in practice behaves like the Taliban in Afghanistan. The women of Iran are more educated than their Afghani or Arab counterparts and so they are aware of their rights and place in an Islamic society. They have refused to bow down to the authorities and to the religious leadership. To claim to be a truly Islamic country, Iran needs to change its attitude and policy towards women and should change its laws in accordance with the laws in modern Islamic countries. It needs to reform its jail system and stop torturing women prisoners. These are inhuman practices unbecoming of an Islamic country. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-human-rights/iran-human-rights-women/d/126263 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

Fatima Sheikh: A Founding Member Of The Indian Feminist Movement, Alongside Savitribai Phule And Jyotirao Phule

Fatima Sheikh Launched The Feminist Movement In India And Worked For Women's Rights Highlights 1. She was an enlightened woman who stood side by side with Savitribai Phule and Jyotirao Phule. 2. People used to harass and stop Fatima and Savitribai when they started the educational campaigns. 3. Fatima Sheikh started the first joint struggle of Dalits and Muslims. 4. Google, the world's largest search engine, featured a photo of Fatima Sheikh, wishing her a happy 191st birthday. -------- By Bilal Ahmad Mir, New Age Islam Translation from Urdu by Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 28 January 2022 Fatima Sheikh not only launched the feminist movement in India, but she also worked for women's rights. She originated the slogan "Save daughter, educate daughter" with Savitribai Phule a century and a half ago when education for women was deemed kufr. The presence of a poor and lower-class woman, in particular, was regarded as foreboding. Fatima Sheikh was born on January 9, 1831, in Pune, Maharashtra. She was the first Indian woman to become a teacher and open a school for girls. She was an enlightened woman who stood side by side with Savitribai Phule and Jyotirao Phule. She served as a teacher in Phule's secret school and went door to door encouraging small and large families to send their daughters to school and take care of school affairs. It is known that When Savitribai Phule started teaching lower castes, Dalits and especially women, she was asked to either stop this practice or leave her home. The mother-in-law and father-in-law forced her to leave the house. When she decided to leave her house, Fatima Sheikh and her brother Usman Sheikh gave her a place to stay in their house. They helped her establish the first girls' school, the "Intelligence Library". She was against both the upper caste Hindus as well as the conservative Muslims. Almost everyone in the upper class was enraged by her decision and sought to stop her by pestering her socially. Fatima Sheikh, on the other hand, stood like an iron wall and aided Savitribai in any way she could. Her brother, Usman Sheikh could not remain unaffected by the movement. According to documentation from the time, Usman Sheikh recommended Fatima Sheikh to pursue a career in education. People used to harass and stop Fatima and Savitribai when they started attending Jyotibai's school. They were stoned, and the path front of them was littered with thorns. They did not, however, give up and instead became an iron wall in their cause, fighting oppressors who were plotting day and night against the education of lower-class, oppressed, and Muslim women. The life of Fatima Sheikh is of great importance because she started the first joint struggle of Dalits and Muslims. The struggle in the life of Fatima Sheikh proved to be an early prelude. Fatima Sheikh became an icon in India. Fatima Sheikh also worked for women's rights and founded a school for Muslim girls in Pune. Fatima Sheikh was also a teacher at Savitribai Phule School, where she educated Dalit and Muslim girls. The Aim for Education campaign included both Savitribai and Fatima. Fatima Sheikh was a well-known figure in both India and the United States. Fatima Sheikh taught at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard College of Education as an assistant professor. With her job and personal life, she has affected many women. She was India's first Muslim teacher. She taught in two different Muslim and Dalit girls' schools. Fatima Sheikh was placed in textbooks by the Indian government in 2014. The storey of Fatima Sheikh motivates women to fight for equal rights. Fatima Sheikh was instrumental in opening the doors of education for Muslim and Dalit women in the country and became a forerunner in Indian education for underprivileged women. But unfortunately, history has forgotten Fatima Sheikh. On the internet, Google, the world's largest search engine, featured a photo of Fatima Sheikh in a Google Doodle and wished her a happy 191st birthday. This was a true honour for her. Urdu Article: Fatima Sheikh - The Icon of Women's Rights فاطمہ شیخ۔ حقوق نسواں کی آئیکن URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/fatima-sheikh-savitribai-jyotirao-phule-feminist-movement/d/126255 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

The Verses Of Jihad In Quran: Meaning, Reason Of Revelation, Context, And Background - Part 14

By Badruddoja Razvi Misbahi, New Age Islam (Translated from Urdu by Newageislam.com) 28 January 2022 Explaining Verses 4:101 and 8:69 Out Of 26 Verses Presented By Wasim Rizvi In Supreme Court Main Points Discussed In Part 14 1. One of the things that the early Muslims had to learn in verse 4:101 was how to pray when they were fearful of the enemies and at war with them. 2. Some commentators argue that the prayer of the journey is not meant in this verse, but rather the prayer of fear. 3. The part of verse 4:101 that says, “Indeed, the disbelievers are ever to you a clear enemy” relates to a reason. 4. During the Prophet's lifetime, the infidels used to plot attacks against Muslims even during prayers. Muslims are therefore cautioned in this verse to always be aware and vigilant! ..... “And when you travel throughout the land, there is no blame upon you for shortening the prayer, [especially] if you fear that those who disbelieve may disrupt [or attack] you. Indeed, the disbelievers are ever to you a clear enemy.” (4:101) “Therefore benefit from the booty you have received, lawful and good; and keep fearing Allah; indeed Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (8:69) It's important to notice that in verse 4:101, fear of the enemy isn't a prerequisite for shortening prayers (Qasr). The phrase “if you fear” does not make fear during travel a requirement for shortening prayers. Rather, this pertains to the situation at the time the verse was revealed, as travel was not without fear in those days. The expression “if you fear” was used to reflect the widespread fear of the enemy while travelling in those days. [Hence the readers should not be perplexed here, and 'fear' should not be considered a condition for shortening prayers]. The criterion of reducing prayers (Qasr) applies exclusively to the travels outlined by the jurists, regardless of whether the journey is for Jihad, trade, or some other reason. One of the things that the Islamic Mujahideen had to learn was how to pray when they were fearful of the enemies and at war with them. This critical topic was addressed by Allah Almighty in this verse 4:101. In [the Arabic verse of] the Quran, the word “Qasr” alludes to the shortening of prayers. The phrase “shortening of prayers” in this verse is not clearly defined. Is this limited to reducing the number of raka'ats of prayers, for example, by reducing the number of raka'ats of prayers from four to two? Is this implying that the prayers should be performed in a more reduced manner, such as performing prayers through gestures? Because this text does not precisely define what the phrase “shortening of prayers” means, commentators have come up with two different interpretations: (2) Qasr in this verse refers to reducing the number of raka'ats. The majority of commentators share this viewpoint. They disagree, however, about whether the prayer in this verse refers to the prayer of the journey [Salat al-Safar] or the prayer of fear [Salat al-Khauf]. Some of them believe that this is the prayer of the journey. According to this premise, any prayer that is performed in four raka'ats during non-travel days will be offered in just two raka'ats on journey days, such as Zuhr, Asr, and Isha prayers. The Maghrib and Fajr prayers are not included in them, which means they will not be shortened. Some commentators argue that the prayer of the journey is not meant in this verse, but rather the prayer of fear. Hazrat Ibn Abbas, Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah, and a group of other jurists believe this. Through the words of the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him], Allah has ordained it mandatory for the prayer of non-travel to be performed in four raka'ats, the prayer of the journey to be conducted in two raka'ats instead of four raka'ats, and the prayer of fear to be performed in one raka'at, according to Hazrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him). (Sahih Muslim, Chapter on Prayer of traveller and its shortening, p.241) Commenting on the aforementioned hadith, Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi (may Allah have compassion on him) says that a section of Salaf has practised offering one raka'at of prayer in times of fear. Imam Hasan Basri and Ishaq bin Rahwiyyah hold this viewpoint. The great Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi'i, and the majority of jurists, on the other hand, believe that the prayer of fear is the same as the prayer of peace. This indicates that four raka'ats will be performed on non-travel days and two raka'ats will be offered on travel days. They are, however, not permitted to perform one rak'ah under any conditions. These jurists responded to this hadith by saying that one rak'ah refers to the rak'ah that is performed alongside the Imam in a state of fear, while the other is performed separately. (See Imam Nawawi, Commentary on Sahih Muslim: Chapter on the prayer of traveller and its shortening, p. 241) Both of these viewpoints differ on the meaning of qasr as a reduction in the number of raka'ats. (2)The second position is that Qasr in this verse refers to a reduction in the number of ways in which the raka'ats of prayers are completed. So the Qasr here means that the prayers should be performed using gestures. To put it another way, bowing and prostration should be done with gestures, and prayers should be brief. It is permitted to pray on foot in this situation. It is also permitted to pray even if you are bleeding. This is the prayer that is performed in the shadow of swords on the battlefield. Swords brandish from all sides as the battle proceeds, and lives are on the verge of dying. This prayer is offered at such moments. This interpretation (shortening in the ways of raka'ats) has been labelled as weak by the author of Tafsir Kabir [Imam Razi]. It is recommended to use the word 'Qasr' in this verse to indicate that the four-raka'at prayer will be reduced to two Raka'ats. This is supported by the evidence of the hadith recounted by Hazrat Ya'li b. Umayyah, in which he says to Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), “Allah says, “And when you travel throughout the land, there is no blame upon you for shortening the prayer, [especially] if you fear that those who disbelieve may disrupt [or attack] you. (4:101)”, and now that the people are safe (i.e. there is no longer any fear of the enemy), why is it necessary to shorten the prayer?” Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) stated, “I was as astonished as you are by this judgement. Therefore I inquired about it with Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him), who replied, "It is a charity that Allah has bestowed upon you, so accept His kindness.” (Sahih Muslim, Chapter on Prayer of traveller and its shortening, p.241). More proofs in this regard have been provided by the author of Tafsir-e-Kabir. (See Tafsir-e-Kabir, Imam Razi, under verse 4:101) See the books of Fiqh to know how to perform the prayer of fear [Salat al-Khauf] (Razvi). The part of verse 4:101 that says, “Indeed, the disbelievers are ever to you a clear enemy” relates to a reason. Let us now consider why polytheists and unbelievers have been described as open enemies in this verse. During the Prophet's lifetime, the infidels were constantly attempting to persecute Muslims. They never missed an occasion to make an assault on Muslims while they were at work. They used to plot attacks against Muslims even during prayers. As a result, Muslims are cautioned in this verse to always be aware and vigilant! They have been informed that the infidels and polytheists have animosity toward them and that they may attack you at any time. This animosity still exists today. Muslims are still being targeted by non-Muslim superpowers. Videos of such tragic atrocities against vulnerable and helpless Muslims have been shared on social media, giving us shivers. The fanatical mob kills innocent Muslims on the road whenever it pleases, and the perpetrators are never apprehended or punished. Isn't this atrocity a clear indication that certain people regard Muslims as their enemies? 2. “Therefore benefit from the booty you have received, lawful and good; and keep fearing Allah; indeed Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (8:69) Muslims are commanded in this verse to benefit from the spoils of war. The Companions refrained from taking the spoils of war, thus Allah revealed this verse and told the Muslims that taking the spoils of war is allowed. It's also been stated that the particle "ma" in this verse refers to the ransom mentioned in the previous verses. From this perspective, the verse means that it is one of the spoils of war and that it is likewise legal and permissible for them. (Tafsir Ibn Saud, vol.4, p.36) When the Badr captives were brought to the Prophet's court, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) conferred with his Companions. Some Companions, like Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him), speculated that they were family members. What good does it do to murder them? Perhaps they will embrace Islam. Therefore, they should be freed in exchange for a ransom, and their lives should be spared. On the contrary, several Companions, including Hazrat Umar Farooq (May Allah be pleased with him), advocated for their execution and annihilation. They've caused us a lot of grief. As a result, they are deserving of having their necks blown off. We don't require their ransom payment. Rather, one of us should murder one’s relative! Ali should assassinate Aqeel, Hamza should assassinate Abbas, and I should assassinate a relative of mine. But, on the counsel of Hazrat Abu Bakr, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) released all of the seventy captives and the noble Quraysh in exchange for ransom. This ransom is also one of the spoils of war, and it is permitted for you, according to this verse. Allah Almighty later revealed the verse, confirming Hazrat Umar Farooq's and his supporters' opinion. This is mentioned in Surah Anfal verse 67. (Al-Razvi) Other Parts Of The Articles: The Verses of Jihad: Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 1 The Verses of Jihad: Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 2 The Verses of Jihad: Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 3 The Verses of Jihad- Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 4 The Verses of Jihad in The Quran - Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background - Part 5 The Verses of Jihad in The Quran - Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background - Part 6 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 7 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 8 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 9 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 10 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 11 The Verses Of Jihad In Quran: Meaning, Reason Of Revelation, Context, And Background - Part 12 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context, and Background - Part 13 ---- Maulana Badruddoja Razvi Misbahi, Principal of Madrasa Arabia Ashrafia Zia-ul-Uloom Khairabad, District Mau, UP (India) is a Sufi-minded, well-mannered, classical Islamic scholar, an expert teacher, an excellent writer, a good poet and orator. He has authored numerous books, some of which are as follows: 1) Fazilat-e-Ramazan, 2) Zad-ul-Haramain, 3) Mukhzin-e-Tib, 4) Tauzeehat-e-Ahsan, the commentary on the well-known logical book “Mulla Hasan” 5) Muhazarat fi Halle Qutbi Tasawwurat, 6) Tahzib al-Faraid commentary on “Sharh al-Aqaid”, 7) Atayib al-Tahani fi Halle Mukhtasar al-Ma’ani, 8) Commentary on Sahih Muslim URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/verses-jihad-quran-revelation-part-14/d/126256 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

France And Germany Present And Example By Taking Steps In Favour Of Afghan Muslims And Uygur Muslims While The Muslim Countries Look On

France Condemns Chinese Persecution Of Muslims While Germany Welcome Afghan Muslims In Germany Main Points: 1. France passes a resolution condemning Chinese genocide of Uyghur Muslims. 2. Earlier Holland, Belgium and Italy passed resolutions against China. 3. Muslim countries supported China in the United Nations. 4. Germany made integration of Afghan nationals in German society easier ---- By New Age Islam Staff Writer 27 January 2022 Despite all the big talks of the Muslim countries of following and implementing Sharia, practically they do not show that kind of solidarity to the oppressed and victimized Muslims the world over while the non-Muslim nations whom the extremist Islamic preachers call the enemy of Muslims and Islam come forward to save Muslims in distress and protest against persecution of Muslims in non-Muslim countries. Recently France Parliament passed a resolution condemning the persecution of Turkic ethnic Uyghur Muslims by the Chinese government terming it as genocide of Muslims. The resolution demanded that the government should make protection of Uyghur Muslims taking refuge in France. Last year, Belgium, Italy and Netherland had also passed resolutions condemning Chinese persecution of Uyghur Muslims. More than a million Ethnic Muslims of Xinjiang province have been detained in so called re-education camps where they are forced to abandon their religious beliefs. The women there are raped and forced to go sterilization operations. Many prominent literary and political Uyghur personalities have been killed in these detention camps. Chinese government also forces the Uyghurs to do unpaid labour in cotton plants in the region. Last month the US had banned products produced by forced labor of Uygurs in the US. Unfortunately, Muslim countries have not condemned the Chinese policy in Xinjiang or passed resolutions condemning the genocide of Muslims. Instead they have defended and supported China on the issue. Importantly, two years ago, Chinese government had conducted a guided tour of ulema of Nahdlatul Ulema and Indonesian Ulama Council and representatives of some political parties of Indonesia. China had removed barbed fencing and other incriminating evidences before the tour and had shown them only some sections of re-education camps. After their return from the tour, the ulema of Indonesia had sung praises of China. Not only that, many ulema criticized the US media for unleasiing a propaganda against China. Indonesian government has maintained its stance that the Uyghur issue is an internal problem of China. Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has also maintained the stance taken by the ulema of Nahdlatul Ulema and Indonesian Ulama Council that Uyghurs are not being persecuted in Chinese detention camps and that it was only a propaganda of the US media against China. Saudi Arabia also defended China’s right to fight terrorists in its country suggesting that all the Uyghurs were terrorists. Turkey has not only kept silence on the issue but Uyghur refugees in Turkey have been harassed and deported by the Turkey government. This is in contrast to the policy of the France government which assured the protection of Uyghur refugees in the country. Interestingly, the resolution in the French Parliament against Chinese persecution of Uyghurs by the opposition Socialists but was backed by President Emnmanuel Macron’s LaRem Party. It may be recalled that last year, the whole of Islamic world had stood up against Macron for his comment on the Islamic world and he was branded an enemy of the Muslims and Islam. But on the issue of Uyghur genocide, It was Macron who took the lead in condemning Chinese genocide of Muslims and the Islamic nations are standing with China. It should also be noted that in 2019 western countries had sent letters to the UN Human Rights Council criticising China’s polcy against the ethnic minorities of Xinjiang province. In response China had also sent letter to the UN HR Council with the list of countries that supported its Uyghur policy. Distressingly there were many Islamic countries defending China. The list is as follows. The names of Muslim countries are in bold: Signing the second letter, in defense of China’s policies, were: Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Gabon, Kuwait, Laos, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. Similarly, Germany has also showed the Islamic countries by accepting the fleeing Afghan citizens and giving them opportunity to integrate in the German society. Germany has said that Afghanistan was among the countries from which citizens are being accepted. The enrolment for integration courses for Afghan immigrants have been made easier by the present government. The Social Democratic Party in its election promises had assured of making its migration policy more lenient. The party has fulfilled its promise. The Foreign Minister of Germany Nancy Fazer said, “We should integrate the Afghan nationals into the German society soon because we know that they will live here.” It is an example for the Islamic countries that Germany has accepted more than 5000 Afghan nations since Taliban came to power last August. Last year, a German government agency had said that the Afghan nationals arriving in Germany after recent crisis are more educated than those arriving in 2015 and therefore, they will integrate into the German society more easily. The steps of France and Germany that have shown solidarity with the Muslims of two countries where they are being oppressed are an example for the Islamic countries. The western countries gave the displaced Muslims of Syria and Iraq during the 2014-2015 Syrian civil war as millions of Muslims were granted asylum in Germany, France and other western countries while Muslim countries sealed their borders to prevent them from entering their countries. Some countries deported them back to China to be persecuted and killed. France also granted asylum to Afghan nationals in the run-up to the ascent of Taliban and during the height of the war. France also welcomed those Afghans to France who worked for governmental and non-governmental organizations of France. This caused a mad rush among the Afghan nationals to migrate to France. All these developments indicate the grim realities within the Islamic countries which do not show such concern for humanitarian crisis as the Western countries show. The Ulema, as in the case of Indonesian ulema, also have a very poor understanding and knowledge of the international affairs and make statements due to their lack of knowledge that only harms the cause of the oppressed Muslims. They are totally unaware of the political developments of the world. The Taliban have not shown any interest in calling back the Afghan nationals who have sought shelter in Germany, France, Turkey and other countries. It is blot on their claims of being a truly Islamic organization as Muslims are fleeing from their own country because of the fear of persecution under them and ready to live in a country whom the Taliban consider the enemy of the Muslims. The Muslims feel safer and have more personal and religious freedom in Western countries than in Islamic countries. This provides food for thought who keep ranting against the Western countries. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-west/france-germany-afghan-uygur-muslim-countries/d/126250 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

Muslims Have Not Learnt To Live Peacefully As Most Islamic Countries Are Going Through Social And Political Crisis

Terrorist Attacks And Social And Political Unrest Mar Economic And Social Development Main Points: 1. Kazakhstan has been going through social and political upheaval since January 2. 2. Sudan is going through political unrest against dictatorship 3. Pakistan is in the grip of terrorist and sectarian violence. 4. Syria is again under attack by the ISIS. 5. In Yemen, Houthis are up in arms against the government. ---- New Age Islam Staff Writer 27 January 2022 While the scientific development and social awareness has made western Christian and other non-Muslims economically developed and the people of these countries have been living a comparatively better life because of political stability and educational and economical development, most of the Islamic countries are still in the grip of social, religious and political unrest. Some of the Islamic countries are in the grip of political and social unrest for decades like Sudan, Nigeria and the Middle East and Pakistan. During the first month of the New Year, some more countries became the victim of the social and political unrest. Since January 2, protests against rising prices and political issues started and it took violent turn when the government forces aided by Russian troops cracked against the protestors killing hundreds and arresting thousands. The Kazakh government has declared the protesters terrorists and has ordered the forces to use lethal force against them. Sudan Protest/Phot: DW Made for Minds ------ In Sudan, people are on the streets protesting against dictatorship which remove the democratically elected government in October last year.. Pro-democracy porters continue and at least 77 people have since died. The situation in Yemen is not better. The confrontation between the Houthi rebels in Yemen and the Saudi coalition forces have escalated since January this year. Both sides have attacked their targets in the last week. The Houthis have attacked a oil tanker of Abu Dhabi and hijacked a cargo ship of Abu Dhabi going to Yemen alleging that the ship carried arms and ammunition and not medical equipment and medicines. In retaliation, the Saudi Arabi allegedly attacked a jail in Houthi dominated area killing at least 70 inmates though Saudi Arabia denied the allegation. Since 2015, the Iran backed Houthis have control over Sanaa, the capital of Yemen and North and Western Yemen. Even after six years the international Muslim community has not been able to find a solution to this crisis. Due to this crisis, Yemen has suffered economically and educationally. Thousands of children live in hunger and poverty. Basic civic facilities are not available to a large population. People, particularly women and children have to walk miles to search for drinking water every day. Instead of finding a solution to the problem, Islamic states have escalated the war in Yemen in which more and more countries are getting involved including the US. This will only intensify the crisis and the Arab world will again plunge into another political crisis. U.S. and Syrian-Kurdish forces in the city of Hasaka on Monday.Credit...Ahmed Mardnli/EPA, via Shutterstock ---- Syria is another country which has been going through a crisis since 2014 when the ISIS had control a large part of Syria and Iraq and had declared the establishment of their caliphate After five years of war with Syrian and US forces, the ISIS retreated and lost their control in the region. The US withdrew from the region in March 2020. Though the ISIS had lost control of the region, they were not completely subdued or finished. They started spreading their tentacles in many Muslim majority countries as a terrorist organization and adopted the tactic of terrorist organizations. They carried out terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Philippines. Lately, they have again strengthened their base in Syria. On 22 January, 2022, the ISIS attacked a jail in Syria where thousands of suspected ISIS fighters. These fighters belong to France, Tunisia and other countries. The ISIS tried to fee them so that they can again strengthened their base in Syria and Iraq. Earlier they had attacked military forces in Iraq and had released a video of beheading of a police officer. The fact that the ISIS have been able to mount sophisticated attacks shows that the terrorist outfit is re-emerging in Syria and Iraq and posing another threat to the already devastated region. The political situation in Afghanistan has not been stable since its captured power in August last year. On the other hand, Taliban have unleashed terror and fear among the people of the country with their anti-people and anti-woman policy and on the other, their rivals ISIS have been carrying out terror attacks on both the Taliban and ordinary people. The Taliban have curtailed the rights of women. Many educated professionals have left Afghanistan because of the social and political curbs. Many have migrated to Germany for a better life and to enjoy personal freedom. According to a latest report released by a group of Human Rights activists, the Taliban have been institutionalizing gender based violence and discrimination against women and girls in Afghanistan. They are trying to segregate women and girls and exclude women from social, educational, political and economic spheres of the country. Recently, there was political instability after the President of the country suspended the Prime Minister Muhammad Hussain on corruption charges. The Prime Minister rejected the charges and accused the President of trying to stage a coup after holding up parliamentary elections. This crisis an impediment in the country’s fight against Al Qaida affiliated terrorist organization Al Shabab. It is to be noted that Al Qaida has stronghold in the country but instead of fighting it collectively, the politicians of the country have been fight against each other for petty political gains. Pakistan is another country which is continually in the grip of sectarian and terrorist violence. A few days ago, a bomb exploded in the busy market of Lahore, Anarkali Bazar. No one has claimed responsibility for the explosion. Even the media is afraid to name any organization. Religious organizations like TTP and other sectarian organizations also hold protests regularly against the government on sectarian and religious demands. Because of this instability, the country has not been able to make any progress on the economic and scientific front. All its energies and resources are exhausted in tackling sectarian and terrorist organizations. Corruption is another serious problems for the country which boasts of an Islamic country. All these developments in the Islamic countries are indicative of the fact that Muslims have not been able to live peacefully and work collectively for the common good of the Muslims and advance on the path of scientific and economic development. Corruption in Islamic countries is rampant despite Islam forbidding corruption. This corruption gives rise to price rise and social injustice. Another cause of unrest iin Islamic countries is their confusion on the issue of the form of government. Muslims are more obsessed with the form of government than the quality of governance. This becomes of the cause of unrest in many Islamic societies both ideological and political. Many Islamic scholars of the middle ages to the modern times are of the view that if the caliphate on the lines of the caliphate of the four rightly-guided caliphs is established, all the problems of the Muslims will automatically solved. And because of this belief, the scholars overtly and covertly supported terrorist organizations because they claim to fight for the establishment of caliphate. This ideological and political confusion of Muslims together with corruption among its leaders are the cause of violence and crisis in Islamic countries. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/radical-islamism-jihad/muslims-islamic-countries-social-political-crisis/d/126248 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

Tradition and Traditionalism in Muslim Community

By Dr. Mohammad Ghitreef, New Age Islam 27 January 2022 Why Is So That Whenever There Is Any Progress In Medical Field Or In Any Scientific Branch Of Knowledge Our Ulema Feel Challenged Main Points: 1. Western infidels are interfering in God's affairs! 2. how can we as an Ummah be so narrow-minded while we are the inheritors of great legacy Muslim philosophers, scientists and inventors 3. Most often we ourselves are the cause of this rampant islamophobia. ----- The Western infidels are interfering in God's affairs! latest is the case of transplanting the pig heart in a human body by medics in US; the enemy number one of Islam! This is the sample jargon made nowadays in our religious circle’s times and again ,especially among the Ulema of neighbouring country. We have been hearing from our childhood and it is very vehemently being reiterated that "the knowledge of all kinds of the unseen is with the Almighty God and no one can know it. But today a lot has become known for scientists and this speed of knowing is increasing day by day. From new cosmology based on Natural evolution explored and explained by Charles Darwin, human "DNA" genetic engineering, cloning of the sheep named as Doli, lab-born usable flesh, Artificial intelligence, the cyber world, automation age ushered in by Nano technology and more recently the James Webb telescope's journey to the skies to unravel natural mysteries and so on. There are much more hidden facts in the universe that remained to be revealed but could be explored and revealed in due course of time. Why is so that whenever there is any progress in medical field or in any scientific branch of knowledge our Ulema feel challenged and, therefore, oppose it initially then gradually they come to terms with it. For example, they resisted telephone, tv etc describing that some Jenny speaks in there. They resisted in the beginning loud speaker with heated debate around it. opposed photography, and strangely a great section of Ulema still opposing it, while many of them are using photography and images for personal gratification or propagating their ideas with this tool unscrupulously, though still giving fatwas, dubbing it forbidden and haram to the masses! They are still grudge upon banking system, on the ground that it is a damned Jewish contrivance, yet are unable to give satisfying answers legitimizing their objections to it. That is why I was not surprised at all when they are confused in this case of heart transplantation. The question is how can we as an Ummah be so narrow-minded while we are the inheritors of great legacy Muslim philosophers, scientists and inventors like Jabir bin Hayyan, Ibn Al-Haytham, Al-Khwarizmi and Abul Qasim Al-Zahrawi, Ibn Rushd and Ibn Sina et Al? Time is defeating us day in and day out and science is venturing into miracle after miracle. We Muslim, a poor lot, still trying to apologize, defend or somehow justify our traditional thinking which is sacred to us but how long will it continue to perform this duty of adjusting the rotten traditional thinking with the scientific one? Our traditional views such as unscientific notion of revolving of the sun round the earth! are constantly being challenged by new scientific conquests and researches, arose from the scientific revolution and we have in our ranks many people, YouTubers, bloggers, and Shariah proprietors who try in vain to defend bizarre viewpoints belonging to our “sacred” past but for how long? Isn't now a hard time for our interpretations of religious texts in the face of new cosmology based on natural evolution? We have been hearing since childhood that it would be near the Day of Resurrection that knowledge will be taken away. Knowledge has really been taken away but from which nation has it is taken away? This is the billion-dollar question. Our religious zealots poetically say and boast that it is the heart of a believer that is the centre of enlightenment and Godly manifestation and now it is being preyed upon by putting a pig's heart there, which according to our popular thinking is a very impure animal and eating its meat produces savagery and barbarism, so it could not be sanctioned religiously of taking advantage of this impure heart. But the question is if this is the case then why God created a pig heart same as the human one? And why pig eaters the Goddamned westerners are more humane than non-consumers? And more relevantly that where has gone your principle of Iztirar ( اضطرار a dire and invariable need) to save a human life? What should we do now? The biggest tragedy for us is that our wallet is empty of research and our collective heritage of nearly three past centuries is nothing but "good tidings’" for believers! when Charles Darwin came up with his theory of Human evolution, Muslim scholars and ideologues such as Maulana Maududi failed miserably ,either to appreciate that aspect or even refute it with good, sound and convincing methodology and scientific reasoning. They could not do except mocking with it by saying that Darwin made human being children of apse and monkeys. They could not delve deep into the matter, non the less the theory has its root in the rich Islamic scientific heritage in the writings of Ibn Miskawayh ,Al-Jahiz and Rumi et Al. Tradition is a good thing and a healthy mind does not deny his tradition, but tradition should be used as a tool basing on one should try to do much more and to explore new vistas of knowledge, invent new method and use that for the best in future. So, we have to think that we have become a burden on earth by our perverted, parochial thinking, narrow minded ness and blind imitating of our clergy. Nobody can deny that by dint of new technology the world now has become a global village. It is shrunk down to your fingertips as it is popularly said. Now no nation, no faith group or no country can live in isolation of other nations and countries, so a tolerant and science-oriented outlook is required. Coming to Muslim Ummah, we see that it is still living in the past glory. That past is now a bygone era, our present is not so good and our future is depending on what we do now and what steps we would take for betterment of the future. We generally mourn and bitch about our clergy and their unscientific approach and rotten ways of thinking, yet the irony is that there are so many modern educated people, drawing upon Urdu critics and writers like M. Hasan Askari, Saleem Ahmad and Javed Akbar Ansari or following blindly the footsteps of some western converts like Abu Bakar Martin Lings and French convert Rene Genu(Abdu Wahid Yahya) et at. These rather extremist thinkers and critics of the West abhor all western scientific achievements. In Pakistan these traditionalists now became a school of thought which unfortunately waging a misguided jihad against all rational activities and scientific research. Most of the time we complain growing Islamophobia around the world, yet if we could introspect so I think most often we ourselves are the cause of this rampant islamophobia. The holy Quran says: verily those who believe and do righteous works ,the Compassionate will assign for the affection(Maryam:96) It was a promise made by God for the prophet and his companions and was fulfilled in very gigantic mode.AS the history tells us that Muslims of the first generation were welcome around the world most of the times, after initial resistance and warfare. Because they were not the epitome of dreadfulness, terror and extremism from which human being likely flee, but they were a messenger of love, peace, and justice. Which the humans are always in want of and aspire to. That is why people called them, opened their doors, cities and citadels rendered their keys to them. The history testify that when the Byzantine imperial forces were busy in fighting the invading Arabs in Yarmok and Ajnadeen, people of Syria were sending love letters to them. Busra opened her door, Hums requested to come, Tripoli was waiting for them and not only that they were welcomed in Egypt too. It was all for one reason, that they were the salt of the earth in the words of Jesus. They were useful for the people, for the human sciences, for the research and knowledge and for human civilization. And it is law of nature that ‘’Then as far the scum, it departs as rubbish, and as far that which benefits mankind, it lasts on the earth! (Ar-raid:17) The question is, how long will we continue to use failed "justification tactics" to make ourselves fakely compatible with the times, only to the extent of mouthing big words and doing nothing? The biggest question that arises today on our traditional thinking is that we are so stunned by some scientific discoveries today, and in the time to come more such revelations will surely come to light for which we may have nothing but bowing down in shame before other people. Do we have an any plan for that? Or will our biggies and demagogues continue to speak loud and void only with stubbornness, but the question will be the same till when? Isn't it true that we have changed completely? This is something to think about. ------ Dr. Mohammad Ghitreef is a Research Associate with the Centre for Promotion of Educational and Cultural Advancement of Muslims of India, AMU Aligarh. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/tradition-traditionalism-muslim-community/d/126249 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

Lashkar-e-Taiba Is Only An Unofficial Militant Wing Of The Government Of Pakistan

Lashkar-e-Taiba Is An Organization That Serves The Purpose Of The Pakistani Government And Military Main Points: 1. The survey reveals that LeT draws inspiration from Ahl-e-Hadith 2. The survey reveals that no Pakistani denounced LeT. 3. Pakistanis support LeT because of its anti-India rhetoric. 4. Anyone speaking against India in Pakistan is considered patriotic. ----- New Age Islam Staff Writer 25 January 2022 File photo of Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Muhammad Saeed | Youtube ----- Christine Fair and her colleague Karl Kaltenthaler conducted a survey on about seven thousand Pakistanis and asked them why they support LeT. The survey conducted among a few thousand Pakistanis reveals an important aspect of the terrorist organization called LeT. It reveals perhaps for the first time that it draws inspiration not only from Deobandi takfirism but from the more puritanical sect called Ahl-e-Hadith. But one aspect that the researchers ignored that LeT is not an organization working for establishing a government in Pakistan on the basis of its ideological interpretation or a government based on Ahl-e-Hadith ideology. It has not openly stated its ideological leanings. Actually, LeT and Jamat-ud-Dawah, its mother organization, is only a militant wing of the government of Pakistan as the government of Pakistan would publish tenders for construction and modification work in its headquarters in Muridke. It is also a fact that LeT’s hand in the Mumbai terror attacks has been established. Pakistan’s Urdu newspaper does not hide its affiliation with LeT. So in Pakistan the LeT is known as an organization that serves the purpose of the Pakistani government and military as and when required. That’s why it does not perpetrate any violence within Pakistan on sectarian and ideological lines. In fact, in Pakistan, religion is the most powerful tool for acquiring political power. Therefore, owning a religious and extremist organization does not pose any risk to its owner unlike in any other country. Hafiz Sayeed’s occasional rants against India wins him a general sympathy among the Pakistani people and the government. Since the government of Pakistan does not want to antagonize China by raking up Uighur issue, Sayeed also does not say a word against China on the issue of persecution of Uighurs. An organization in Pakistan is affiliated to Deobandi ideology or ISIS ideology or for that matter Ahl-e-Hadith or even Barelvi sect does not make much difference because in the end all of them profess violence either within the country or outside the country. Some may be less violent and some more violent but no organization in Pakistan says that violence is not the solution of problems. Minorities or sects within Islam are continually under the threat of oppression and persecution by the majority community. The survey also reveals the Pakistani mentality that harbours ill will against the minorities and members of other sects within Pakistan. It also reveals that almost all the Pakistanis support LeT for one or the other reason. No Pakistani said that it does not support the LeT or he denounces the terrorist ideology or sectarian ideology of LeT. The situation has come to such a passé in Pakistan that the media, the Islamic scholars and the common people in Pakistan do not have the courage to speak up against terrorist and militant organizations of their country. ----- We Asked Why Pakistanis Support Lashkar-E-Taiba, Results Will Surprise You By Christine Fair 24 January, 2022 Lashkar-e-Taiba along with Jaish-e-Mohammed, remains Pakistan’s most virulent export. It remains the most effective and brutal terrorist group operating in India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and possibly elsewhere. Understanding who supports this nefarious organisation remains an important scholarly and policy analytic question. To cast light on which Pakistanis support this group, my colleague, Karl Kaltenthaler and I, fielded a novel, nationally-representative survey of 7,656 Pakistanis in the country’s four provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Our results may surprise you. Ideology Matters The Lashkar-e-Taiba (and other various noms de guerre it has used and uses) differs from many of the Islamist terrorist groups operating in the region that hail from the Deobandi religious interpretive tradition, in that the LeT draws from the Ahl-e-Hadees tradition. In fact, the organisation has considerable conflict with these Deobandi groups in large measure because most of the Deobandis engage in a practice of takfir, or declaring Pakistanis to be non-Muslim, which then render them subject to lethal violence. Moreover, the Islamic State in Pakistan draws from Deobandi militant organisations because the madrassas and the terrorist organisations the Deobandis support are deeply sectarian with a rich history of targeting non-Muslims, Shia, Ahmadi and increasingly Barelvis over the last decade. More than anything, Pakistan’s deep state values the Lashkar-e-Taiba precisely because it preaches non-violence within the country. As I discuss elsewhere, the organisation does not even publicly advocate death for Ahmadis, which puts it in stark contrast with Pakistan’s Deobandis and even Barelvis, who view Ahmadis as the worst perpetrators of shirk(apostasy). Moreover, Lashkar believes that it provides the only ideological competitor to the Islamic State in Pakistan. Despite the organisation’s claims to be Ahl-e-Hadees, most of Pakistan’s Ahl-e-Hadees ulema and institutions reject Lashkar’s primary claims that waging military jihad is an inescapable obligation of all Muslims and that it can be waged only by non-state actors. Instead, most Ahl-e-Hadees ulema believe that only an Islami Riyasit (Islamic State) can wage jihad. While the LeT preaches nonviolence towards anyone who recognises the supremacy of Allah, it has real ideological differences with virtually all other Muslim sects in Pakistan. It accuses Barelvis (likely the largest market share in Pakistan) of committing idolatry for their cult-like adoration for the Prophet, who in Islam is merely a human being. Barelvis not only ascribe attributes to the Prophet that are reserved for Allah alone, but they also engage in practices – wearing amulets, worship of pirs, erection of elaborate graves, etc. – that the Lashkar believes to be apostasy. Lashkar, like Deobandi militant groups, also take issue with Shias because they reject the succession of the Prophet. Unlike Deobandis, who believe that Shia are wajib-ul-qatil, worthy of being killed, Lashkar believes that they should be educated and converted. Despite significant ideological differences with mainstream Ahl-e-Hadees institutions in Pakistan, according to our study, Lashkar-e-Taiba still draws support from Ahle-e-Hadees adherents. Notably, we find that Barelvi, Shia, and Deobandi oppose the organisation, which is consistent with the LeT’s proselytisation efforts (dawa and tabligh) to convert such persons to the Lashkar’s understanding of the Ahl-e-Hadees interpretative tradition. But Ethnicity Matters More Lashkar has long claimed to be a Kashmiri Tanzeem, comprising Kashmiris fighting for Kashmiris and dying in Kashmir. But it has long been suspected and recent data somewhat demonstrates that only the latter claim is true (See Figure 1). Whereas some 90 per cent die in India, and over 90 per cent of its cadres come from a mere ten districts in Pakistan’s Punjab. A meagre 1 per cent come from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Irrespective of the LeT’s claim to be a “Kashmiri” organisation, it is by all measure a Punjabi organisation. This raises an interesting question: Do Pakistanis support the organisation because of its religious or ethnic bona fides? It turns out that while ideology matters, ethnicity is the strongest predictor of support. It is far more important than ideology. At the same time, the Baloch are significantly more likely than others to oppose the Lashkar-e-Taiba whereas Sindhis are weak in their response. This also tracks with reality: Pakistan’s deep state has used the Lashkar in Balochistan for various reasons. First, it is expected that Lashkar can persuade Baloch to abandon their ethnonationalist aspirations and embrace the State-sponsored notions of Islam propounded by Lashkar. To advance this agenda, when natural disasters hit Balochistan, as they often do, Pakistan only lets “humanitarian” organisations in to do relief, which are tied to Lashkar. Equally important, the Lashkar is explicitly pro-China and endorses the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Given that Pakistan will fight to the last Baloch to make the resource-rich province safe for Chinese exploitation, the Baloch rightly view the Lashkar to be another guise of Punjabi domination working in concert with the Punjabi-dominated army, which many Baloch believe has immiserated Baloch in their own province. Support Of The Army-Led Status Quo In Pakistan While the Lashkar is an important and violent disruptor abroad, at home in Pakistan, it is an explicitly status quo power. While LeT advocates killing kuffars (nonbelievers) in India, within Pakistan, it insists upon converting them through social services, humanitarian relief, and lived examples of pious Muslims. LeT’s staunch opposition to sectarian violence pits it against the Islamic State and many of the Deobandi militant groups, such as the anti‐Shia Lashkar‐e‐Jhangvi (LeJ, which also operates under the names Sipah‐e‐Sahaba‐e‐Pakistan and Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat) or the Tehreek‐e‐Taliban (TTP or the Pakistani Taliban), which draws many of its commanders and cadres from the LeJ. Moreover, the Lashkar argues against any kind of protest of the State—irrespective of its leadership—and is a staunch supporter of the current domestic, political and economic system in Pakistan, including Pakistan’s unaffordable friendship with China. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the third-strongest predictor of support for the Lashkar was satisfaction with the status quo. Our results should put to rest any thinking that Lashkar is a revolutionary organisation. Mothers Of Brutes While very little work has been done to explicate whether and why women support Islamist terrorism, women in Pakistan are much more likely to support the Lashkar than are men. As I describe elsewhere, the organisation dedicates significant resources to recruit women to the organisation’s goals to ensure that they support the LeT by encouraging their sons and other male family members to join it either as militants or in supporting roles. The LeT empower women to promote the organisation’s creed, which empowers them and frees them to move about without hindrance. To ensure that mothers are not disenchanted with the organisation, the Lashkar-e-Taiba requires the mother’s explicit blessings for every mission in which her son may meet so-called martyrdom. The organisation dispatches senior personnel to notify the parents of their sons’ death and it oversees the important Ghaib-E-Janaza, or funerary prayers in absence of a body. None Of This Is Good News So, what does one do with this information? These results continue to show that it is very likely that there is a viable non-kinetic strategy to deal with the Lashkar-e-Taiba. Given the extensive State support for the organisation and the stronghold that Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies have in the country, there is little scope to conduct information offensives that would undermine any of the sources of support we find. The only options to deter the LeT—absent capabilities to impose India’s will over Pakistan decisively through overt military operations—are covert and kinetic. As I have shown elsewhere, the pyramidal and open leadership structure in Pakistan make it vulnerable to leadership decapitation. While this option is challenging and difficult to execute, other options seem elusive. ----- C. Christine Fair is a professor within Georgetown University’s Security Studies Program within the Edmund A. Walsh school of foreign service. She is the author of In their own Words: Understanding the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and Fighting to the End: The Pakistan Army’s Way of War. She tweets at @cchristinefair. Views are personal. Source: We Asked Why Pakistanis Support Lashkar-E-Taiba, Results Will Surprise You URL: https://www.newageislam.com/radical-islamism-jihad/lashkar-e-taiba-militant-wing-pakistan/d/126236 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

Adoption in Islam: Should Muslims Keep Following a 7th Century Law

By Arshad Alam, New Age Islam 25 January 2022 Most Muslims Are In Dilemma Whether They Can Change Something That Was Practiced By The Prophet Himself. Main Points: 1. The NCPCR has criticized Deoband for their position on adoption. 2. Deoband has long argued that adopted children are not like ones. 3. The Prophet of Islam married the wife of his adopted son. 4. Most Muslims are confused whether they can change something that was mandated by the Prophet himself. ------- Recently the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had castigated the Dar al Ulum Deoband for certain ‘misleading fatwas’ which harm the interest of children. The issue in question is that of adoption wherein the position of NCPCR is different from that of Deoband. Following centuries of legal practice, the Deoband has taken the position that while Muslims couple can adopt, the adopted son or daughter will not be considered as real children. In short, no property rights will devolve on the adopted child. Moreover, when such an adopted child reaches puberty, Islam mandates that proper purdah should be observed between the adopted son and his mother or between the adopted daughter and her father. While the law of the land treats adopted children as real, Islam has a different take on the issue. In 2014, Muslim couples were permitted to adopt by the Supreme Court under the Juvenile Justice Act. But for observant Muslims, this poses a problem as their religion does not make any provision for it. The reasons lie in the life history of Prophet Muhammad who is seen as the perfect manifestation of Islamic faith. Muslims are obliged to follow the path shown by the Prophet. However, Islamic history tells us that the Prophet ended up marrying the wife of his adopted son, Zaid. It appears that before this incident, the Arab society permitted adoption in the fullest sense. But since the Prophetic way became the Sunnah, whatever the Prophet did became the new Islamic norm. And couple of centuries later, it became the Islamic law. Henceforth, Muslims were allowed to care for orphans but could not treat them as their own sons or daughters; far less devolving any property rights on them. The NCPCR is right in highlighting that such rulings from the Deoband seminary infringe on the rights of children. However, there are many other things going on in this country which do the same. The NCPCR, for example, was silent when schools were burnt during the Delhi riots, affecting the fundamental rights of children. In selectively highlighting the regressive opinion of Deoband with regard to adoption, it lends itself to the criticism that it is promoting Islamophobia. And this is what the Students Islamic Organization (SIO) which is the student wing of Jamat e Islami seems to suggest. It accused the NCPCR’s statement as ‘yet another attempt at targeting madrasas and their education by cherry-picking some fatwas and sensationalizing them’. It also stated that fatawa is a personal opinion of religious scholars and none of them carry any legal sanctity or institutional approval. The SIO is also right to argue that Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to minorities. But it overlooks the fact that such freedoms should not transgress the rights of individuals, especially children and women. It is one thing to find fault with the NCPCR for their selectivity but quite another to not recognize that the issue of adoption remains a peculiar problem within the Muslim society. The SIO is doing precisely that: it is putting a veil over the issue so that the problem cannot be discussed openly. Madrasas have been targeted before but accepting this does not mean that everything about these institutions is beyond reproach. Moreover, if there is a fatwa from Deoband, then it carries institutional weight behind it. It is certainly not legally enforceable but we should not forget that millions of Muslims follow it as a statement of Islamic truth. And Deoband is not known for its progressiveness, rather through its fatawa, it has time and again reminded us of its antediluvian mindset. Here are two examples of their fatwa on the issue of adoption: World over, traditional institutions do transform themselves with times. The Christian church was extremely dogmatic during its heydays but today it has accepted even gay marriages as a move towards greater inclusion. But it is a pity to observe that Islamic institutions take special pride in resisting new social and normative changes. The Muslim position on adoption, for example, has not changed for several centuries. Imagine the plight of a Muslim couple who wants to adopt a child but is advised that they can only become its guardians for limited period of time. Imagine the trauma of a Muslim mother or father when they are told to observe purdah from the child that they have brought up since infancy. It is as if the religion itself is incapable of appreciating human sentiments. It is as if the religion of Islam condemns childless couple to have sub-human feelings towards their own children. There is something fundamentally wrong with the way Islamic legal code has been designed. What religion stops human beings from showering love and affection towards their adopted child? What kind of religion would expect that a mother or son could develop a feeling of lust simply because adoption is involved? One might go on arguing that ‘others’ seem to take an unhealthy interest in Islam. But we as Muslims need to recognize that there is something unhealthy indeed about our religious law. And it is only us Muslims who can put a stop to such thinking and practice. Most of us are in a dilemma over changing something that was mandated by the Prophet himself. But then, we need to ask if Islam is all about following the Prophet or is it about a connect with the Almighty? As Muslims, should we be dictated by the contexts and moral standards of 7th century Arabia or should we chart our own contemporary course? ----- A regular columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Arshad Alam is a writer and researcher on Islam and Muslims in South Asia. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/adoption-muslims-7th-century-law/d/126232 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

26th January, the Republic Day of India: History, Significance and Citizens’ Responsibilities

No Religion, Whether Hindu Or Muslim, Christian Or Jewish, Buddhist Or Sikh, Teaches Us How To Destroy Human Beings Highlights 1. On January 26, 1950, the Indian Constitution which was approved on November 26, 1949, came into effect. 2. The basic rights outlined in the Indian Constitution. 3. The Indian Constitution also imposes on citizens a number of important responsibilities and duties. Following these guidelines and norms is a constitutional requirement for all citizens. 4. It is therefore critically important to evaluate why, despite having a magnificent Indian Constitution, there are often instances in our country that violate it. 5. It is not only the government's responsibility; each citizen must accept personal accountability. .... By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 25 January 2022 After a long struggle, our country, India, gained independence from British dominion in 1947. Since independence, our leaders' greatest challenge has been to design a comprehensive constitution that ensures the security and development of all citizens of our country. As a result, a comprehensive constitution was established, outlining the basic framework of democracy, government institution operations, as well as the scope, powers, and responsibilities, citizens' basic civil rights, and guiding principles and style. On January 26, 1950, India became a democratic country, meaning that its Constitution was applied to its citizens in their own country. On August 29, 1947, a seven-member committee was created under the chairmanship of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar to formulate an independent Indian constitution. It took 2 years 11 months and 18 days to draft the Indian constitution. In various meetings of the Constituent Assembly, each clause of the constitution was freely debated. The Constituent Assembly of India ratified this constitution on November 26, 1949, and it went into effect on January 26, 1950. Since then, India has been celebrating "Constitution Day," also known as "National Law Day," on November 26th, and Republic Day on January 26th. Since ancient times, our country had served as a crossroads for various cultures and beliefs. As a result, our country required a constitution that would not only define our country's governance style, but also the nature of the government-citizen relationship, as well as the citizens' rights and advantages, as well as their obligations. All citizens have the following six basic rights, which are outlined in our constitution: (1) Right to Equality: No citizen shall be discriminated against because of his or her religion or beliefs, caste, colour, race, or any other reason. (2) Right to Freedom: This means that no citizen has the authority to put any restrictions or interfere with another citizen's gained freedom. This right also includes the right to live in dignity and in accordance with human ideals. (3) Every citizen has the right to be free of exploitation in any manner. (4) The constitution of our country guarantees religious liberty to all citizens. That is, any citizen can follow any religion if he or she so desires and understands it. Any citizen with religious freedom is free to practise any religious ceremony and to refuse religious education or practice. (5) Since time immemorial, our country has been the cradle of various civilizations and cultures, all of which have left their imprint on our history through their own civilizations. As a result, our Indian Constitution has granted all of these residents the right to follow their educational and cultural institutions and customs in order to preserve their civilisation and culture. (6) To protect their constitutional rights, our Constitution also gives all citizens the right to legal action. That is, if a citizen's constitutional rights are violated, he can take legal action. It is also important to note that our constitution provides the right to freedom of expression but at the same time does not allow it to offend the religious sentiments and beliefs of other citizens. The Indian Constitution also imposes on citizens a number of important responsibilities and duties. Following these guidelines and norms is a constitutional requirement for all citizens. Every citizen has a responsibility to respect and abide by the Constitution's regulations, institutions, national flag, and national anthem, as well as to defend Indian sovereignty, unity, and integrity under these provisions. They must respect and encourage a spirit of unity and fraternity among all people of the country without any discrimination, cherish and maintain mixed cultural heritage, defend national and government property, and prevent all forms of violence in the country and society. As specified by our constitution, our country's governance is founded on a democratic system. Our democratic system recognises the importance of religion, and our country's administrations are prohibited from governing on religious grounds by the constitution. Because of the Constitution, which declares that the government has a fundamental responsibility to ensure the protection and respect of all religions and that no person shall be discriminated against in any way because of their faith, our country is recognised as a secular democratic state. No citizen's fundamental rights can be taken away because of their religion or caste. Every citizen is equal before the law, according to the Constitution. Religious and linguistic minorities are protected by the constitution, which grants them the right to form their own educational institutions, preserve their culture, religion, and language, and propagate their religious values freely. Today, it is extremely crucial for all of us to consider what the reasons are for the fact that, despite more than seventy years of independence and the implementation of a free country's constitution, and despite having a detailed constitution, there are always incidents in our country that are against our constitution, against our democracy, against the democracy that we celebrate every year on January 26th. We must consider why violations of civil and constitutional rights have become so widespread in our country. Of course, we must accept that the rights and privileges established in the constitution cannot be attained solely via writing; however, our constitution requires us to make our country and society an awakened and responsible society, as stated in the constitution. Every citizen must consider his or her obligation as a constitutional and social responsibility to respect and safeguard citizens' rights and privileges, as well as to prevent violations of these rights. Every year on January 26th, we raise the national flag of our beloved motherland, but we have yet to be able to stop the hatred that has spread across our society and country. We must think about everything. It is not simply the obligation of the government, but every citizen must recognise his or her own responsibility. This was about the Constitution of India. At the same time, we must understand that no religion, whether Hindu or Muslim, Christian or Jewish, Buddhist or Sikh, teaches us how to destroy human beings. We simply need to modify our mindset; we do not need to misuse religion to justify human hatred. There is no such teaching in the Qur'an or the Vedas that breaches the Indian Constitution. ----- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/26th-january-republic-day-india-/d/126231 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

Religious Prejudice And Obsession Of Pakistanis With Religion Have Been The Biggest Hindrance In Their Scientific Progress

By S. Arshad, New Age Islam 24 January 2022 Pakistanis Have Given Less Importance To Science Since The Beginning Main Points: 1. 1.Pakistan Academy of Science has not contributed much to scientific progress in the country. 2. 2.Pakistanis do not get inspiration from non-Muslims scientists. 3. 3.The holy Prophet pbuh asked Muslims to learn even from the Chinese. 4. 5.Pakistani scientist Dr Abdus Salam is ignored in Pakistan due to his religious affiliation. ------ Aversion of Muslims to science is known worldwide. In Pakistan it is witnessed more prominently. Though the country boasts of being a truly Islamic country, it has not appreciated scientific efforts or achievements by citizens or contributed appropriately to the promotion of science. A religious community that has produced great scientists in the Middle Ages, is now empty-handed so far as scientific achievements in Pakistan are concerned. Muslims as a whole have lagged behind in scientific endeavour throughout the world because of their wrong perception of knowledge and because of wrong interpretation of Quranic verses. The Quran time and again asks Muslims to do research work on the creations, on animals, on birds, on stones, on astronomy but the Muslim scholars have made Muslims believe that scientific knowledge is corruptive and it makes Muslims materialistic. Therefore, Muslims in the world collectively drifted away from science in the modern ages. Pakistan could have made some difference in the field of science as it boasts of some high profile scientists who were educated in the Western universities and educational institutions. It produced some scientists like Abdus Salam, Hargobind Khorana and Chandrashekhar but Pakistanis do not consider them role models because of their religious ideology. Hargobind Khurana and Chandrasekhar were educated in Pakistan but were Hindus. Dr Abdus Salam is not considered a Muslim because he belonged to the Ahmadiyya community. Here too, Pakistani mentality is not in accordance with the Islamic spirit as in the initial stages of Islam, the prophet pbuh asked captive Jews to teach one Muslim each for being freed. Islam does not prevent Muslims from learning or obtaining knowledge from non-Muslims. A famous hadiths enjoins Muslims to go as far as China to acquire knowledge. Now in those days China was not a Muslim country but was known as a centre of knowledge and wisdom. Al Beruni, the famous Iranian scientist came to India and learned Indian language to acquire knowledge about sciences. He knew Arabic, Persian, Greek, Hebrew and is known as an Indologist. He known as one of the greatest Muslim scientists and researchers for his zeal to earn knowledge from whatever sources it could be acquired and in this endeavour he truly imbibed the Islamic spirit of pursuing knowledge. According to a nationwide survey of scientific aptitude of primary and middle classes of Pakistan conducted in January 2022, 90 percent of students have very weak understanding of Mathematics and Sciences. This speaks of the poor state of sciences in Pakistan. Though Pakistan Academy of Sciences has been established for the purpose of promoting sciences in Pakistan, it exists only in name and has not contributed much to the promotion of sciences in Pakistan. Prominent Pakistani scientist goes to the extent of saying that PAS should be dissolved because it is good for nothing. The main reason for Pakistan’s backwardness in the field of science and technology is its thrust on religion since its inception. Pakistan was founded on religious lines and Pakistanis boasted in this fact. But soon after its formation, religious scholars and organizations put stress on making Pakistan a Shariah-ruled nation. Since any state claiming to be Islamic cannot ignore the sectarian challenges, Pakistan also became a centre of sectarian violence and different sects within the Muslim community became acrimonious to others. This is the reason, Pakistan could not prosper in the field of science. Today, the common Pakistani Muslim does not have deep interest in sciences. The government also does not have any ambitious programme to promote interest in sciences. Leave alone, appreciating Hindu scientists of Pakistan, they do not appreciate Muslim scientists of India like APJ Abdul Kalam because he was an Indian. Dr Kalam could have been a role model for Pakistani students but for their political bias. In an interview with the BBC, the famous Pakistani scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer had said that Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was an ‘average’ scientist. This political bias of Pakistanis has done them a lot of damage as they cannot take inspiration from anyone who does not ‘belong’ to them. One reason for the backwardness of Pakistan in the field of science is their obsession with religion. There are extremist religious organizations but not private organizations trying to promote scientific thinking and temperament among Pakistanis. Sectarian differences have done the most of the damage as violence, terrorist attacks and sectarian violence have become a daily routine. Despite completing 70 years of its existence, Pakistan has not been able to produce any great scientist worth mention except Dr Abdus Salam while India has made many achievements during this period. The reason for this is that India got brains like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who formed the initial infrastructure and policy for the promotion of science and technology. India encouraged every one with scientific abilities irrespective of religion and caste to work for the nation. The result was that Muslim scientists like APJ Abdul Kalam made big contributions in the scientific progress of the country. This is not the case with Pakistan. Right from the beginning, religion became the driving force of the national polity and sectarian bias was at the forefront of any policymaking process. Because of the unprofessional attitude of Pakistani bureaucrats, a great Islamic scholar like Muhammad Asad decided to leave Pakistan though he wanted Pakistan to be a truly Islamic country in word and spirit. That Pakistani leaders are more obsessed with religion and with its protection is evident from the new imposed in schools which make it mandatory for students to learn the holy Quran in schools. The law was enforced in huff without any pre-planning. It has left students confused. There are millions of madrasas in Pakistan where Quran, hadith and jurisprudence is taught. And almost all the students studying in modern schools, get education of Quran at home. So, even if the Quran reading was made mandatory, a similar programme for the promotion of interests in sciences among the school students could have been adopted by the government. A study on the poor state of science education in Pakistan revealed that “the examination system emphasized memorisation and ignored the application of concepts. The science course content was lengthy and irrelevant and did not meet international standards. A nation can collectively do research on science and take long term projects only when its society is stable and has a collective scientific and rational temperament. In Pakistani, opposing forces and ideologies pull the nation in opposing directions. Overall, religious, social and political factors have hindered the progress of science and technology in Pakistan. Religious prejudices and bias are at the root of scientific backwardness of Pakistan. Pakistan will need to overcome their religious prejudices and adopt the Quranic attitude of research and inquiry to become a truly modern and scientific society. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/religious-prejudice-obsession-scientific-pakistanis-/d/126227 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context, and Background - Part 13

By Badruddoja Razvi Misbahi, New Age Islam (Translated from Urdu by Newageislam.com) Explaining Verses 33:68, 33:22 And 21:98 Out Of 26 Verses Presented By Wasim Rizvi In Supreme Court Main Points Discussed In Part 13 1. On the Day of Resurrection, those who reject Tawheed and Prophethood will recognize their crimes. 2. The plea mentioned in verse 68 would be made by the polytheists and not by the believers. 3. In Surah Anbiya verse 98, the disbelievers and polytheists of Makkah are addressed. ------ 1. “Our Lord, give them double the punishment and curse them with a great curse." (33:68) 2. “And who is more unjust than one who is reminded of the verses of his Lord; then he turns away from them? Indeed We, from the criminals, will take retribution”. (32:22) 3. “Indeed, you [disbelievers] and what you worship other than Allah are the firewood of Hell. You will be coming to [enter] it.” (21:98) The verse 33:68 [of Surah Ahzaab] is linked to the previous verses, thus we'll explain it alongside verses 33:66 and 33:67. When, on the Day of Resurrection, those who reject Tawheed and Prophethood will be severely punished and their bodies will be flipped upside down in Hell, burned from top to bottom on all sides like flesh in a fire or pot. They will recognize their crimes at that time and will say, “Had we obeyed Allah and His Messenger, we would not have been plagued with this anguish today, and we would not have witnessed this day,” with profound regret and shame. To support their excuse and bolster their justification, they will cry out to their Lord, saying, “Our leaders misled us by disguising the truth with deception, and we fell into their delusion. As a result, O Lord! They are to blame for our misdeeds and blunders. Our sin is that we followed them instead of following your messenger. All of this occurred at their behest, so if we are deserving of this punishment, they are deserving of double punishment. It's also because they went wrong themselves and pushed us into the quagmire of astray. As a result, O Lord! Curse them ferociously!” From the foregoing, it is apparent that the supplication to Allah Almighty in Surah Al-Ahzab verse 68 would not be made by the believers but by the disbelievers and polytheists who obeyed and followed their elders in the earth, and did not believe in Tawheed and Prophethood, despite the fact that they were repeatedly given sermons and reminders. (2) The reward and punishment of faith and disbelief are described in the Quranic verses preceding verse 22 of Surah Sajdah (32), and it is stated that God will give them a taste of the torment in this world before the great torment, i.e. the torment of the Hereafter, so that they may be warned and repent of their disbelief and polytheism by witnessing the evil end with their own eyes. The same thing happened to them. The Quraysh of Makkah were tormented with diseases and hardships prior to the Muslims’ migration, and after the migration, the Quraysh elites were slaughtered in Badr, and they were in such a state of famine for seven years that they ate bones, dead bodies, and even dogs. (see Tafsir-e-Khazainul Irfan under the verse) As we all know, the warning of suffering is mentioned in the verses preceding verse 22 of Surah 32. The rationale for the promise is now clarified in verse 22 of Surah 32: “Why should we not punish them?" Who could possibly be more unjust and guilty than they are? Our scriptures have repeatedly preached and reprimanded them, have repeatedly shown them the road of truth, and have repeatedly defined what truth is and what deception is in new and effective ways. However, they turned away and refused to acknowledge the truth, leaving God with no choice but to exact vengeance and punish them for their crimes, because they are now unquestionably guilty and punishable.” The atheists and polytheists of Makkah are the first recipients of these passages, despite the fact that most of the terms have apparently been used in general. (3) In Surah Anbiya verse 98, the disbelievers and polytheists of Makkah are addressed. Their doom is explicitly indicated in this passage for the sake of exaggeration in warning, thus there can be no excuse left for them. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) delivered this verse (Al-Anbiya, 21:98) near the Kaaba in front of the Quraysh, according to several commentators. Abdullah ibn Zaba’ri said, “By the Lord of the Kaaba! I will go head-to-head with you! Didn't the Jews worship Ezra; the Christians worship Christ and the Banu Malih worship angels?” By this objection, Ibn Zaba'ri meant to say, “We and our gods shall all enter Hell. Hazrat Ezra, Hazrat Jesus, and the angels [peace be upon them] are also the fuel of Hell and will enter Hell with us because they too have been worshipped”. This is against the truth. To Ibn Zabari's objection, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Are you ignorant of the language of your people? Are you aware that the relative pronoun 'maa' [in Arabic] denotes an inanimate [non-living] object)?” (Tafsir Ibn Saud, Vol.6, 85, 86) Some commentators have cited other narrations with regard to the Prophet’s response to Ibn Zaba’ri's objection, but these have been disputed by Ibn Saud, a classical Mufassir. Disbelievers and polytheists in Makkah used to worship idols other than God, whether they thought they were worthy of prostration or worshipped them as a means of getting closer to God. It was polytheism in either case. As a result, this passage states that polytheists and false gods will perish in Hell. They will be Hell's fuel, and every one of them will be forced to enter Hell. Commentators have interpreted the Arabic phrase “Ma Tabadoon [what you worship]” in this verse to signify idols. It excludes Allah's righteous servants (Hazrat Jesus, Hazrat Ezra, and Angels) who were worshipped as a result of Satan’s deception. This is due to the fact that the relative pronoun ‘Maa’ refers to an inanimate [non-living] object. ...... Maulana Badruddoja Razvi Misbahi, Principal of Madrasa Arabia Ashrafia Zia-ul-Uloom Khairabad, District Mau, UP (India) is a Sufi-minded, well-mannered, classical Islamic scholar, an expert teacher, an excellent writer, a good poet and orator. He has authored numerous books, some of which are as follows: 1) Fazilat-e-Ramazan, 2) Zad-ul-Haramain, 3) Mukhzin-e-Tib, 4) Tauzeehat-e-Ahsan, the commentary on the well-known logical book “Mulla Hasan” 5) Muhazarat fi Halle Qutbi Tasawwurat, 6) Tahzib al-Faraid commentary on “Sharh al-Aqaid”, 7) Atayib al-Tahani fi Halle Mukhtasar al-Ma’ani, 8) Commentary on Sahih Muslim Other Parts Of The Articles: The Verses of Jihad: Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 1 The Verses of Jihad: Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 2 The Verses of Jihad: Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 3 The Verses of Jihad- Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background- Part 4 The Verses of Jihad in The Quran - Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background - Part 5 The Verses of Jihad in The Quran - Meaning, Denotation, Reason of Revelation and Background - Part 6 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 7 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 8 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 9 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 10 The Verses of Jihad in Quran: Meaning, Reason of Revelation, Context and Background - Part 11 The Verses Of Jihad In Quran: Meaning, Reason Of Revelation, Context, And Background - Part 12 URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/verses-jihad-quran-revelation-part-13/d/126222 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