New Age Islam

Saturday, September 5, 2020

Why Should Madrasa Exist Along with Modern Schools in Muslim Countries

By S. Arshad, New Age Islam

05 September 2020

Madrasas are the institutions of religious learning in the Muslim world. In the context of Indian Sub-continent, we see that a parallel education system called Madrasa education system runs along the modern or secular education system regulated and funded by the government. In the early Islamic era when the English or Western education system did not exist in the orient, Madrasa were the seats of holistic education where sciences were also taught along with Quran, Hadith and Fiqh.

Introduction of residential schools for children of Muslim minorities in particular and minorities in general has resulted in a drastic change in the education priorities of poor and lower middle-class Muslim families.

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Thanks to this, the Islamic education system produced many scientists in almost every field of knowledge. But after the emergence of the British empire, the English or modern education system was seen by the Islamic world as an attack on Islamic culture. Since the main thrust of the western education system was on science and technology, the Muslims mistakenly regarded scientific knowledge as atheistic and anathema to Islam. Therefore, gradually, madrasas removed sciences from their curriculum and finally became the centres of religious learning.

Through the Madrasa Programme, the Tata Trusts have engaged with educational organisations working in areas with large Muslim populations

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In India, the first Madrasa is said to have been established in Ajmer in 1210. After that, Madrasas were established in Budaun and Delhi. In those days’ madrasas were run in mosques or in private houses. For example, Shah Waliullah's father ran a Madrasa in his house. When Shah Waliullah came back from Hijaz, Mohammad Shah Rangila presented an abandoned Haweli for his Madrasa. Initially in these Madrasas too, natural science, poetry and mathematics was taught along with Logic, Grammar, Literature, Fiqh, Tafsir, Seerat, Sufism and religious philosophy. But during the 15th century, 'acquired knowledge (Sciences) was removed from the syllabus of the madrasas. Thence, they became pure Islamic madrasas.

In India after the British occupation, initially, the British government patronised both Madrasas and Sanskrit schools called Tol. They even established Madrasa Aliah in Calcutta in 1781 to win the confidence of the Muslims. In this Madrasa, English, Logic and Philosophy were compulsory subjects along with Islamic Studies.

Many madrasas also have girl students. In this photo, girl students busy in Chemistry practical session at Madrasa Aisha Siddiqua Mansoora Malegaon. (Photo: ummid.com

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But when Lord Macaulay presented his theory of westernisation of the Indian culture, Muslims became alert. Lord Macaulay had written:

"We are going to introduce an education policy of ours. After getting educated under this policy, though they will remain Indian in colour and caste, they shall be considered a British in culture, civilisation and custom".

After this, the British government discouraged Madrasa system and promoted modern secular education system with emphasis on science and technology. This inspired Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1864 to establish AMU where the Muslims could acquire modern education without being influenced by the western culture. This created a reaction among the Muslims that Sir Syed was leading Muslims towards western culture through English education which would lead Muslims towards moral degradation and towards kufr.

Therefore, to save the Muslims of India from the English education of Sir Syed, Maulana Qasim Nanautawi established Darul Uloom Deoband just after three years in 1867. English was barred from the syllabus of Darul Uloom and Philosophy was accorded less importance. Gradually, Darul Uloom Deoband became a centre of Islamic learning and thousands of madrasas in the present-day India, Pakistan and Bangladesh were affiliated to it.

However, after the Independence, the three countries adopted a dual education policy. One, Madrasa education system where only religious education was imparted and the other was the modern or secular education system imparted in schools funded and regulated by the government. This is where the confusion lies.

Modern madrasa-cum-schools in UP combine Quran with computers/ Photo redit Nitin Sharma

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India is a Hindu majority country and the presence of madrasas has found some justification in the fact that the government run schools do not impart religious education which is mandatory for Muslims. But that madrasas have existed and flourished in Islamic countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh underlines the confusion of the policymakers of these two countries. In Pakistan, madrasas affiliated to Deoband and Bareilly schools of thought exist though in government schools there, Islamic education is compulsory till the 12th grade. From graduate level many colleges and universities have faculties for Islamic studies. Recently, the government of Punjab has made it mandatory for Muslim college students to learn the Quran with Urdu translation.

Therefore, Muslim students will have to pass the paper on Quran to get the degree. Apart from that, a number of private Islamic universities are running in Pakistan where Islamic Studies is offered for MA and doctoral programs. Now the question arises: When Islamic studies are mandatory from grade 1 to the graduate level, what is the relevance and justification of the parallel education system of madrasas in Pakistan.

In Bangladesh, the situation is more confusing. Here three education systems run parallel. One is the general or secular schools funded and regulated by the government. Two, the Alia Madrasas on the lines of Madrasa Alia of Calcutta. Three, Qaumi madrasas which are not regulated or funded by the government and run on donations. They are not regulated by the government and their degrees are not recognised. Most of the cases of sexual abuse, physical torture and corruption are reported from these Qaumi madrasas. These madrasas follow the syllabus of Deoband and do not give importance to sciences. Alia madrasas include sciences, arts and philosophy in its syllabus.

In Bangladesh too, a number of government run universities offer Islamic Studies. Apart from them, a number of Islamic universities are functioning.

In 1977, the world conference on Islamic education was held in Makkah. One of the recommendations unanimously made in the conference was to introduce an integrated and unified Islamic education policy for the whole Muslim world replacing the existing dual education system and to put emphasis on science and technology. From 1977 to 1990, similar world conferences on Islamic education were held in Dhaka, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Cape Town, Cairo and Khartoum. But as we see today, nothing has been done towards the formation of a unified and integrated education policy at least in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

The reasons for this are many. But the main reason is the sectarian differences among the Muslim religious leadership. The madrasas are affiliated to different schools of religious thought. The differences are so intense that every sect considers all the others Kafir and each sect promotes and propagates its ideology among its students and followers.

The second reason is that integration of the education policy will end the power of the Ulema and they will lose their status as the leader of their respective sects and the financial bounties these madrasas offer them. When the madrasas are merged with the mainstream schools and the subjects taught in madrasas are also offered in schools and colleges, they will have to qualify in the exams as teachers and will have to conform to the rules and regulations. Therefore, they will lose the status, financial gains and authority they enjoy now.

With the withering away of madrasas, the radicalisation of Muslim youth will stop as they will follow a national syllabus. The Madrasa in Bangladesh and Pakistan have been hotbeds of extremism and terrorism because they have their own syllabus which is based on radical ideology. Some Madrasas of Pakistan are called hotbed of terrorism or the University of jihad because they openly teach and preach extremism and militantism.

For example, Darul Uloom Haqqania, Pakistan is called the University of jihad while Jamia Uloom Islamia is described as the "fountainhead of Deobandi militancy" because they have given birth to terrorist organisations like Harkat ul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Sipah-e-Sahaba. Taliban derives its name from the Persian word Taliban meaning students (of Madrasa). Madrasas along the Afghanistan border are particularly the seat of militantism.

This is why unified and integrated education policy could not be formed and implemented in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Madrasa lobby will never agree on the merger of madrasas with the mainstream education system because their political, social and economic interests are protected by madrasas. Until a unified education system is implemented in these countries, the exploitation of our youth will continue and the Muslim world will continue to suffer the scourge of extremism and terrorism.

“Madrasa Education is a Clear Violation of the Human Rights of Children”: Sultan Shahin asks UNHRC to make Muslim Countries Stick to their Pious Declarations

Evolution of Hadith Sciences and Need for Major Paradigm Shift in Role of Hadith Corpus and Scope of Madrasa Education

RESTRUCTURING MADRASA EDUCATION: Muslim Opponents of India’s 'Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act' are Enemies of Indian Muslims

URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/s-arshad-new-age-islam/why-should-madrasa-exist-along-with-modern-schools-in-muslim-countries/d/122799

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Contextual, Not Eternal, Only Meant for Arabs Of Early Seventh Century: Six Most Misunderstood Verses of The Quran

By Dr Israr Ahmed, Tr. New Age Islam

(Audio Transcription from Urdu Speech by New Age Islam Edit Desk)

These six verses (the first six verses of Surah At-Tawbah) are the ones that are bothering people all over the world today. The west forcibly wants to remove these verses of Surah At-Tawbah from the Qur'an. They have expelled these verses from their curriculum because they think that the Muslims have been commanded forever to massacre the infidels and the polytheists. Making such an interpretation of these verses is wrong. This was a special case for the polytheists among the unlettered Arabs (umm literally means one who cannot read or write). The Prophet was specifically sent for the unlettered Arabs, for the polytheists of Arabia.

The Quran says, “It is He Who has sent among the unlettered people a Noble Messenger from among themselves” (62:2). The Prophet was from among the unlettered people, from the Children of Hazrat Ishmael.

So, the Prophet was primarily sent to the children of Ishmael. However, his advent was general for the entire world. Before the final Prophet (peace be upon him) came to the world, there was a rule of Allah that whenever He sent any messenger to any nation, and if its people, having been fully invited to the faith, disbelieved him, the entire nation had to suffer destruction. The people of Noah were destroyed according to the same rule. The nation of Saleh, the nation of Hud and the nation of Shoaib were destroyed. The people of Pharaoh were drowned as per the same rule.

However, when the final Prophet (peace be upon him) was specially sent to the Arabs, to the polytheistic Arabs and in the case of their disbelieving him, either Allah would have destroyed them by one torment or the other. But the believers were commanded to give the disbelievers respite for four months. If they believed within those four months, they would be forgiven, otherwise after the four months passed, the verse “kill them wherever you find them” had to be applied. This verse is one of the harshest verses of the Quran.

Allah says, “This is a declaration of disavowal by Allah and His Messenger to those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity and with whom you have made treaties” (9:1)

What was delivered in the previous lecture has come out more openly here. Now it is being said to the polytheists of the Arabia, "You may go about freely in the land, for four months, but know well that you will not be able to frustrate Allah, and that Allah will bring disgrace upon those who deny the Truth.” (9:2)

These verses were revealed in A.H.9, after the Prophet (peace be upon him) had sent Hazrat Abu Bakr to Makkah as leader of the pilgrims to the Kaaba. Then the companions requested the Prophet to send the message of these verses to Hazrat Abu Bakr so that he may proclaim it on the occasion of Hajj. The Prophet (peace be upon him) entrusted this duty to Hazrat Ali and instructed him to hasten with all speed to Makkah and to proclaim the new revelation there in the assembly of the pilgrims, Muslims and polytheists.

Since the Arab custom demanded that a treaty be broken either by the contracting party – in this case the Prophet himself— or a near kinsman, Hazrat Ali was chosen to make the announcement of the repudiation as mentioned in the verses;

“This is a public proclamation by Allah and His Messenger to all people on the day of the Great Pilgrimage: "Allah is free from all obligations to those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity; and so is His Messenger. If you repent, it shall be for your own good; but if you turn away, then know well that you will not be able to frustrate Allah. So give glad tidings of a painful chastisement to those who disbelieve. (9:3) In exception to those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity are those with whom you have made treaties and who have not violated their treaties nor have backed up anyone against you. Fulfil your treaties with them till the end of their term. Surely Allah loves the pious.” (9:3-4)

Meanwhile the polytheists with whom the Prophet had made unspecified treaty were given the respite of four months so that they may not blame for sudden repudiation of the treaty. Then there comes the severest verse on which the blood of the people boils. That verse is as follows;

“But when the sacred months expire slay those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity wherever you find them; seize them, and besiege them, and lie in wait for them. But if they repent and establish the Prayer and pay Zakah, leave them alone. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Ever-Merciful.” (9:5)

After this warning and respite of four months was given to the Polytheists, some of them must have liked to know about the situation and the message of the Prophet (peace be upon him). So, Allah said to the Prophet, “And if any of those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity seeks asylum, grant him asylum that he may hear the Word of Allah, and then escort him to safety for they are a people who do not know. (9:6).

The Prophet and his companions were commanded to grant asylum to those polytheists who seek asylum so that they may hear the divine message. This verse does not mean that if such polytheists disbelieve even after hearing the divine message, they should be slain. On the contrary, the Prophet and his companions were commanded to escort such people to the place of safety because these are the people who are unaware.

These are the harshest verses of the Holy Quran. It is worth noting that out of one hundred and fourteen Surahs of the Quran, it is the only Surah containing these verses, i.e. Surah Tawbah, which does not start with Bismillah al-Rahman al-Raheem (In the Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Most Beneficent). There are numerous opinions regarding the reason for this exception. According to a statement narrated by Hazrat Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) this Surah Tawbah was revealed for the reason of fighting with sword in hands. The Bismillah includes the names of Allah, Rahman (the Most Beneficent) and Raheem (The Most Merciful) whereas these verses refer to the revenge and wrath of Allah. Therefore, the Surah Tawbah does not begin with the (customary) Bismillah.

But again, this should be noted that these verses were revealed in a particular context. Therefore, these verses are not permanent. They are not universal. They are not forever. The application of these verses was confined to the outward life of the Holy Prophet; which later came to an end. After that the usual rule is that if Muslims being in power and in the state of war attack any country, they will give you three options. First, if you believe, then you are our brother. You are equal to us. Then we will not say that we are senior and you are junior. No, you are equal to us. You are our brother in Islam. And what are its symbols? So they are Islam, prayer and Zakat. At least these are the three symbols. Well, if this is not acceptable to you, then stay with humility and pay the Jizyah, because the highest order will be that of Allah.

Allah says “Those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day - even though they were given the scriptures, and who do not hold as unlawful that which Allah and His Messenger have declared to be unlawful, and who do not follow the true religion - fight against them until they pay tribute (Jizya) out of their hand and are utterly subdued.” (9:29)

The Jews, Magians, Hindus, Iranians, Christians, all will be treated in the same manner. But if you agree to obey the rules, then you can live as a Hindu, a Jew, a Magian, or whatever you want. However, there is the condition that there will be the rule and sovereignty of Allah. He Almighty is the Ruler of the whole universe. Well, if this is not acceptable to you, then let the sword decide between you and us. It was not there in the battlefield that you must believe or you will be killed. This was only for the polytheists of the Arabs, for whom the Prophet was specially sent. A choice was also given that if you do not want to believe and avoid killing, then migrate from here.

So, after the conquest of Makkah, Ikrimah, the son of the staunchest opponent of Islam, Abu Jahal, migrated along with his companions in a ship towards Abyssinia at night. During their travel, they met with a severe storm. All the polytheists started calling the goddesses of Al-Uzza, Al-Lat, Manat, for help but the storm did not calm down. But when they called Allah for help, the storm calmed down. Thereupon all of them decided to come back to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and embraced Islam. Later on they showed great bravery in defending Islam.

So, these verses were specific for a particular context. It should be made clear to the common people. They are not permanent, nor forever or eternal. They were meant only for the polytheistic Arabs (of early seventh century Arabia) when the situation had reached its last stage where there was no other option left except for fighting. Now either they would be wiped out by a celestial calamity, or earthquake or something else. But Allah Almighty gave the option of fighting. And the fact is that not a single polytheist was killed. All of them embraced Islam, as the Quran says, “And you see people entering Allah’s religion in multitudes” (110:2). Some of the people who remained stubborn left the country.

URL: https://www.newageislam.com/multimedia/dr-israr-ahmed-tr-new-age-islam/contextual-not-eternal-only-meant-for-arabs-of-early-seventh-century-six-most-misunderstood-verses-of-the-quran/d/122798

Friday, September 4, 2020

Quranic Morality in the Era of Corporate Culture

By Kazi Wadud Nawaz, New Age Islam

04 September 2020

Before going into the details of this Article let us refer to following four verses of the Holy Quran:

1. Does Man think that he will be left uncontrolled (without purpose)? [ Verse:75: 36]

2. O ye assembly of Jinns and men! if it be ye can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth pass ye! not without authority shall ye be able to pass! [Verse: 55:33]

3. He Who created Death and Life that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might Oft-Forgiving [ Verse: 67:2]

4. Those who avoid great sins and indecent deeds, save lesser offences, verily your Lord is ample in forgiveness. He knows you well when He brings you out of the earth, and when you are hidden in your mother’s wombs. Therefore, hold not yourselves purified: He knows best who is that guards against evils. [Verse: 53:32].

The above Verses clarify Quranic stand on the question of human morality.

The verse: 75:36 is an open divine declaration of a purposeful Moral Bindings for Mankind. The Divine Challenge thrown to Jinns and Humans in the verse: 55:33 encompasses both physical and spiritual regime of divine creation. Any attempt on the part of mankind to overcome the physical and moral boundary set by Allah is sure to bounce back leading towards grievous divine chastisement. Human limitation is an undeniable reality. Mankind within the limited span of his worldly life has been endowed with divine blessings of free will. But this freedom is not absolute. Perverted human perception of absolute freedom is nothing but delusion, Man is allowed to enjoy this freedom within the periphery of an insurmountable divine bondage. Overstepping the physical and spiritual boundary set by Allah is beyond human capacity. The Holy Quran in the verse: 67:2 has termed limited span of human life as an opportunity for practicing “Taqwa” or righteousness. And Life and Death are physio- spiritual reagents for Acid Test of Human Morality. The Verse: 53:32 has pronounced Allah’s absolute authority on ‘Hedayet’ or moral guidance of mankind.

At-Tawhid as upheld by ‘Kalima-e-Tayyeba ‘constitutes the foundation of Islamic World View. It has two parts. The first part demands ‘Taqwa’ or absolute obedience to Allah’s Sovereignty and the second part sets a living ideological model as presented through the life style of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). It demands a follow-up and conscious adoption of life-style of the Prophet (pbuh) in changing contexts of the history. Quranic Morality builds up on these two pillars.

From Quranic point of view greatest human morality lies in unconditional recognition of the Unity and Majestic Sovereignty of ALLAH as creator and sustained of the universe

Prophet’s (pbuh) life that is actually a Quranic Life translated into reality, sets a living Ideological Model towards a purposeful practical orientation of human life as the frame-work of Quranic Morality. The purpose is to balance human nature and divine purpose of creation. Please Refer to the Verse s given below:

“You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exemplar for him who hopes in Allah and the Final Day and who remembers Allah much” [Verse: 33:21].

“And surely you have sublime morals” [Verse: 52:4]

The Holy Quran Never permits of any passive morality that allows evils in the guise of so-called economic and social development. Repelling evils with righteousness is the central task of Quranic Morality. Refer Verse: 41:34 below:

“Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (evils) with what is better: then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate.”

As evident from in the above Verse the Holy Quran has drawn a clear line of demarcation between truth and falsehood, light and darkness. good and evils, vice and virtues. So, on the question of morality, Islam rejects outright any sort of hypocritical compromise between them. The above verse has made it crystal clear that Quranic Principles of Morality are not things to be bartered for any material benefits.

Prostration or complete surrender to the Majestic Sovereignty of Allah resurrects human morality opening up the gateway towards “Real Knowledge” as pointed out by the Holy Quran in the Sura Takathur [Verses:1-8].

“The mutual rivalry for piling up (the good things of the world) diverts you, Until you visit the graves. But nay, you soon shall know (the reality). Again, you soon shall know! Nay, you were to know with certainty of mind, (you would beware!) You shall certainly see Hell-Fire! Again, you shall see it with certainty of sight! Then shall you be questioned that Day about the Joy (you indulged in!)”

The Modern-Day quest for scientific knowledge manifests in “rivalry for piling up good things of the world” focusing principally on acquisition of resources in violation of justice and moral principles. From Quranic point of view, the progress of Modern Civilization is in essence a dangerous retrogression towards Jungle Laws making “Truth” subservient to human desire.

. It is Unfortunate that we live in an immoral era when all out efforts are being made throughout the world to make truth subservient to serve Man’s desire.

“If the Truth had been in accord with their desire truly the heavens and the earth and all beings therein would have been in ruin---” [ Ref: Verse 23: 71- Tafseer by Abdullah Yusuf Ali]

“Seest thou such a one as taketh for his God his own passion (or impulse)? Coudst thou be a disposer of affairs for him” [Verse: 25:43 Abdullah Yusuf Ali]

And thus the Holy Quran has nakedly unmasked the Real Face of the Corporate Civilization and Culture of the modern era!

Risalat and Revealed Scriptures are two most powerful divine instruments of moral governance leading mankind towards achievement of Divine Purpose of Creation as Allah’s representative on earth

The Holy Quran in most of its verses has elaborately discussed the historical back-ground and purpose of revelation of different Scriptures. And at the same time warned sternly of severe divine chastisement for any violation, denial or distortion of divine signs revealed in Scriptures as well as in the Physical Universe. The Holy Quran has proclaimed Truth and Authenticity of all previous Books of Revelation. It has also upheld the truth and justification of everything we see and see not, we comprehend and comprehend not but stand witness to the reality of Tawhid as the foundation of Quranic Morality and Universal Governance System.

Absolute Authority of sending down Books of revelation and assigning Risalat to any of His chosen Slaves from any community at different historical ages also lie within the jurisdiction of Tawhidic Governing Systems. In this connection we can refer to the following verses:

· “We sent aforetime Our Messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance (of Right and Wrong), that men may stand forth in justice; -------“57:25-26

· “And We sent Nuuh and Ibrahim, and established in their line Prophethood and Revelation: ---------‘Verse 42:52

· “And thus by Our command ,sent inspiration to you :you knewest not (before)what was Revelation, and what was Faith; but We have made the (Quran ) a Light where with We guide Our servants as We will; and verily you dost guide (men)to the straight way.”

· “Allah has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself,(yet ) repeating (its teaching in various aspects :the skins of those who fear Allah tremble in threat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the remembrance of Allah. Such is the guidance of Allah; He guides therewith whom He pleases, but such as Allah leaves to stray, can have none to guide.” Verse 39:23

· He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; and he to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing but none will receive admonition but men of understanding. [Verse: 2:269]

Nothing has been created in the Universe for nothing. Each creation however insignificant it might seem, has a specific divine purpose and objectivity. And Individual and Collective Morality of mankind stems right from this universal purpose and objectivity of divine creation. Whether we believe it or not Eternal Life Cycle of Mankind encompassing physical and spiritual realities all come under the purview of Quranic Morality. The innate Conscience of mankind termed by the Holy Quran as “Self –reproaching Soul” provides constant moral guidance to mankind in his worldly life [Ref: verse: 75:2].

Recognition and humble acknowledgement of this purpose as divine blessings, and humility before the Overwhelming Majesty and Sovereignty of Allah is the Foundation of Quranic Morality that finds its expression in Salah- the Islamic System of Worship. Faith in Tawhid is the most essential criterion of Muslim Morality. Expression of gratitude for divine Mercies and Blessings during prayer is also a phenomenon of morality and an integral part of the Faith of Muslim community.

“Why should I not Serve Him Who created me, and to Whom you shall (all) brought back.?” [Verse: 36:22]

Entire individual and collective life process of a Muslim from beginning to end is bound up by specific Moral Dictum. Every step of a Muslim in this Worldly life is guided by certain Quranic Laws of Morality. Every Creature individually or collectively has a fixed ‘Appointed Term’ that regulates its Origin, Development, Decay or Destruction as fundamental principles of Creative Evolutionary Process. The Worldly and After-life of a Muslim, both are guided by Immutable Quranic Laws of Morality.

The Holy Quran declares every soul is (held) in pledge for his deeds and accountable to Allah in the final Day of Judgment. (ref: Verse: 74:38). This constitutes the rational of Quranic Morality. And Self-reproaching Soul (verse: 75:2) is the driver of the vehicle of Quranic morality.

The Atheists, so-called Secularists and Materialist Philosophers do not have any basic or Universal Conceptual Foundation of Morality. Their entire Spiritual and Moral regime whirl around their ever-changing Politico-economic and Socio-cultural Principles safe-guarding the material interest of particular groups or Classes to the utter disregard of the common interest of Humanity.

Islam Never approves of any right to perversion in Human Nature, Culture and Society. But the Western Culture treats such perversion as part of human right. Perversion and moral Degeneration has now become an integral part of Western Civilization.

As regards Sexual Revolution in America Pitirim Sorokin a renowned Sociologist said in his “A Critique of Sensate culture”

“During the last two centuries, and particularly the last few decades, -----every phase of our culture has been invaded by sex. Our civilization has become so preoccupied with sex that it now oozes from all pores of American life… Whatever aspect of our culture is considered; each is packed with sex obsession. Its vast totality bombards us continuously, from cradle to grave, from all points of our living space, at almost every step of our activity, feeling, and thinking… We are completely surrounded by the rising tide of sex which is flooding every compartment of our culture [and] every section of our social life.

Degeneration of morality resulting from decadent sensate Culture is now a principal trend of the Western society.

From scientific point of view there is nothing called universal morality.Since at any historical age science deals with relative truth it cannot give any final opinion on mode and purpose of creation. It deals with any phenomenon as it is and not what it should be. And hence it cannot give any universal definition of morality. This aimlessness of science in the domain of morality leads to anarchy in ideological domain.

Albert Einstein acclaims Spinoza’s God who reveals himself in incomprehensible beauty and diversity of nature and universe; but he does not believe in personal God who determines human destiny and guides human action.

Qur’anic God on the other hand is an Impersonal God having no resemblance in the physical world with unique attributes beyond human comprehension and highly concerned with human destiny and moral guidance. From Quranic point of view Faith and Human Morality are indivisible and closely interconnected. If there is no Faith there is no Morality.

So, Quranic Morality is in essence an Integrated Regulatory Mechanism that Regulates Spiritual and Socio-cultural Realities. It is creative and dynamic in the sense that basic principles of Quranic Morality remain the same but the strategy of application varies consistently in new historical and socio-cultural contexts.

From Islamic point of view sex is not a crime or sin rather it’s a divine blessing and most essential and fundamental driving force of nature to sustain the continuity of divine creation through procreation and creative evolution

Female modesty, male sense of honour concerning female members of a household, female chastity, a wife's faithfulness to her husband; female inclination to cover her private parts, or her aversion to exposing any bodily nakedness in public; prohibition of adultery, interdiction of any visual or physical intimacy with women other than one's legal wife or wives; prohibition of incest, or marriage between persons too closely related; avoidance of sexual intercourse with menstruating women; debarring pornography or obscenity are all integral parts and essential components of Quranic Sexual Morality.

Islam treats celibacy as unnatural and undesirable for a physically fit and sexually potent man and hence immoral on his part. Islam Treats Marriage as sacred institution for safe guarding Sexual Morality and Women’s security.

So far as Adultery and Seduction is concerned Islam is very much uncompromising and treats these as heinous crimes. Let alone Islam, these are highly deplorable even from the viewpoint of Marxist Ethics. Karl Marx in his Communist Manifesto has nakedly unmasked the Capitalist Corporate Culture of Adultery and Seduction in harshest possible language as under: “The Bourgeoisie is not content with having wives and daughters of the Proletariat, they take greatest pleasure in seducing each other’s wives.”

Adultery and Seduction gives rise to indiscipline and anarchy in Human Nature and rips apart the moral fabrics of the society and destabilizes the very foundation of Family as an Institution of Peace and personal Security.

So, the Holy Quran treats Adultery and Seduction as a heinous crime and gross violation of fundamental Biological Rights secured by the Institution of Marriage. The holy Quran treats ‘Adultery and Seduction’ as an Immoral Breach of Trust amongst members of the family. The Holy Quran is deadly against the Corporate concept of treating sex and human body (Women or Men) as a marketable Commodity. The Holy Quran never admits of any sort of public exposure of the private parts either of the female or male for the purpose of entertainment and accruing economic benefits. Islam considers Corporate Show-business for commodity promotion through public exposure of private parts is a modified form of Adultery and Prostitution and hence Immoral.

URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/kazi-wadud-nawaz-new-age-islam/quranic-morality-in-the-era-of-corporate-culture/d/122790

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Lessons from Karbala Tragedy - Significance of A Watershed in The History of Islam

By Mushtaq Ul Haq Ahmad Sikander, New Age Islam

03 September 2020

The tragedy at Karbala has the significance of a watershed in the history of Islam. Karbala signifies the defiance of status quo and a war against those who oppress masses in the name of religion. Imam Hussain (May Allah be pleased with him), his family members and supporters stood for the spirit of Islam that was retrograded by the clan of Ummayads lead by its monarch Yazid. Yazid was trying to justify the retrograding of Caliphate to monarchy by stating that Muslim Empire is too large to be governed by a Caliph who implements Shariah in letter and spirit, thus giving legitimacy to the ill-founded concern that Caliphate as a system has become redundant to govern the Muslim world. Imam Hussain’s struggle was to testify through his character and later martyrdom that Islamic system is vibrant, broad and plural enough to meet the challenges of times without compromising its spirit.

There is a difference of opinion among various scholars about the events leading to the tragedy of Karbala, but most scholars have the consensus over the fact that martyrdom of Imam Hussain, his family and supporters was unjustified and their martyrdom became an inspiration for all movements that aimed against oppression and for the liberation of masses from bigotry, superstition and religious dogmatism. The tussle among the Mustakbirun (arrogant, powerful) and Mustadifun (Oppressed, weak) is still an ongoing conflict in the world. This conflict is supra national, lingual, regional, religious and educational.

The tragedy of Karbala is a historical testament that we have a long struggle ahead to realize the goals of Karbala. The oppressors have only one religion i.e. to use any means necessary to keep the people docile, dormant and asleep so that their vested interests and status quo is maintained. This important lesson of Karbala can help Muslim Ummah overcome the cancer of sectarianism because the Mustakbirun are benefitted from the sectarianism that harms Muslim masses but benefits them.

Another big lesson that we can infer from the Karbala tragedy is that of leadership of Muslim women. Muslim women who now find themselves at the crossroads of tradition and modernity with patriarchy ruling roost. Patriarchy has been justified by male chauvinists by misinterpreting and misusing the gender just principles of Islam. In the aftermath of Karbala tragedy, the family members captured and presented before Yazid were exclusively women and children except Imam Zayn ul Aberdeen. Imam Hussain’s Sister Hazrat Zainab (May Allah be pleased with her) stated bravely, boldly and courageously the truth to the power headed by the tyrant, sadist monarch Yazid. It is because of her leadership and eloquence that the events of Karbala have been handed down to generations that inspired numerous liberations, literary and mass movements.

The women of the house of Imam Hussain are still an epitome of sacrifice, leadership and dedication that Muslim women can emulate to excel. If it was not for Hazrat Zainab, the tragedy of Karbala would have gone down in the annals of history as a story of a certain massacre. Muslim women have in her character and personality a holistic personality that calls them to take their space and lead in various walks of life.

The tragedy of Karbala calls every person with conscience to carry forward the mantle of cause and struggle for which the martyrs at Karbala laid down their lives. Karbala reminds and inspires us to stand against every form of oppression, racism and sectarianism. The real tribute to martyrs of Karbala is to live and implement the ideals that the stood and sacrificed for. Any Islamic struggle is incomplete without inclusion of values of Karbala martyrs.

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M.H.A. Sikander is Writer-Activist based in Srinagar, Kashmir

URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-history/mushtaq-ul-haq-ahmad-sikander-new-age-islam/lessons-from-karbala-tragedy--significance-of-a-watershed-in-the-history-of-islam/d/122783