The Ex-Muslim Phenomenon: Ex-Muslims Have Abandoned Islam But Support Muslims On UCC And Hijab

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 20 March 2024 Muslims Are Abandoning Their Faith In Thousands Across The World Main Points: 1. 20 per cent of respondents in Iran said they were apostates. 2. 10 lakh Muslims in Saudi Arabia are atheists. 3. FIA, Pakistan report says 400,000 Pakistanis regularly engage in Islam bashing. 4. 4-5 per cent Muslims of Kerala state in India have abandoned Islam. 5. In the US, 23 per cent youngsters of Muslim community do not call themselves Muslims. ------ Ex-Muslims, initially, were a phenomenon in the West. Then YouTube happened. And the Indians arrived on the scene. And it blew up in 2020. (Image: Vani Gupta/India Today) ------ In Islam, apostasy is a grave sin but the phenomenon of abandoning Islam has seen a sharp rise in recent years though on the other hand, Islam is growing fast and will overtake Christianity as the largest religion by 2035. The number of apostates has been rising rapidly not only in non-Muslim majority countries like India but also in Muslim majority countries like Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Morocco, Pakistan and Iran. Initially, the Muslims of western nations abandoned Islam presumably because of the un-Islamic atmosphere prevailing there but gradually the Muslims of Islamic countries also started abandoning Islam. Though the phenomenon of abandoning one's faith is not associated with any faith as a number of the followers of almost all the religions leave their faith as a result of their own understanding of it but the Muslims who leave Islam now identify themselves as Ex-Muslims. These are the people who do not convert to any other religion but become atheists. The reason they give for their apostasy is not specific. Some of them say that they drifted away from their faith (Islam) after they started studying Islam deeply. For example, Amina Sardar drifted away from Islam when she started to study Islam. A Pakistan born ex-Muslim Harris Sultan says he left Islam as a result of an 'honest study of Islam'. Generally, some one who leaves his faith does not want to be associated with it. Some one leaving Buddhism does not identify himself as ex-Buddhist or one leaving Christianity does not identify himself as ex-Christian and so on. But those leaving Islam identify themselves as ex-Muslims. This group of ex-Muslims is active on social media under fake names because if they reveal their identity in society for they will be killed or ostracised. The Quran does not prescribe any punishment for apostasy but in Islamic jurisprudence, apostasy is punishable by death. This is the reason, the group of apostates holds debates on Quran and hadiths on social media platforms enjoying anonymity. They have not joined Christianity or Hinduism or Buddhism because they do not find the philosophy or doctrines of those religions also acceptable but they call themselves ex-Muslims to convey the biased message that Islam is obscurantist. They are, in fact, atheists who do not believe in any religious philosophy. A retired IPS officer proudly calls himself an ex-IPS and a retired governor proudly calls himself a former governor but a Muslim leaving Islam calls himself ex-Muslim only to convey the message that he found Islam obscurantist or irrational. Such ex-Muslims run their social media accounts on Facebook, twitter and YouTube under fake names and have millions of subscribers. Interestingly, an ex-Muslim from India is Sach Wala who was a hafiz-e-Quran and well versed in Arabic. He drifted away from Islam. His being a hafiz did not benefit him because he only learnt the Quran by rote. E.A. Jabbar from Kerala India has his account under the name Free Thinker with 2 lakh subscribers. Ex-Muslim Sahil was formerly associated with Tablighi Jamat and has 500,000 subscribers. Adam Seeker is another ex-Muslim who left Islam after studying it in detail. Ex-Muslims from Iran and Pakistan living in UK and US are also active on the social media. For instance, Maryam Namazie of Iran and Zain Malik of Pakistan run campaign against Islam from the UK. Harris Sultan, an ex-Muslim from Pakistan says that apostasy will rise in Pakistan and cites a report of the FIA which shows that 400,000 Pakistanis regularly engage in Islam bashing in a country where blasphemy laws provide for death sentence for apostasy and blasphemy. Arab Barometer survey shows that the number of 5 per cent or more than 10 lakh Muslims of Saudi Arabi are atheists. The number is gradually increasing. These reports and surveys are indicative of a secret phenomenon of rising apostasy in Islamic societies. More and more Muslims are leaving their faith but do not reveal their apostasy because of the fear of death and ostracisation. Muslims of Pakistan are also leaving Islam because of the rising extremism and sectarian violence. In the Muslim majority state of Kerala, 4-5 per cent of Muslims have left Islam but do not make their apostasy public. Some Muslims leave Islam because the Islamic society does not tolerate critical thinking or debate on religious issues. A 34 year old Muslim H Farook was hacked to death by four men in Kerala for expressing critical views on Islam. The ex-Muslims claim that more than one crore Muslims of India have left their faith based on a Pew Research Centre report. But the AIMPLB member Qasim Rasool Ilyas said that the ex-Muslim phenomenon was only a stunt and that it ws only a group of disgruntled people who had left Islam as a result of poor upbringing and shoddy study of the Quran and Islamic religious texts. Interestingly, the ex-Muslims do not hate the Muslims and support them on social issues. For example, they oppose UCC along with the Muslims and like the Muslims feel that the UCC is against the Muslims. Similarly, they stood by the Muslim girls in support of hijab because they thought that hijab was not a religious issue but a human rights one. In short, the ex-Muslims call themselves so because they wanted to bring about a change in the Muslim society. Since they were not allowed to express any critical views on religious issues or conduct debate as Muslims, they left Islam so that they could discuss and debate religious issues freely. But the problem with this approach is that the larger Muslim society considers such groups enemies of Islam playing in the hands of detractors of Islam and does not take their views seriously. The best way to bring reform in any society is from within. Many social and religious reformers have brought revolutionary changes in their society by engaging from within and not abusing it from outside. Islam is a fast growing religion and will overtake Christianity in 2035 in popularity, according to a Pew Research Centre report of 2017. Therefore, the ex-Muslim phenomenon may be a parallel phenomenon in global Islamic society. However, the phenomenon can not be ignored merely as a stunt as it brings focus on the need for inner reform in Islamic society. Dogmatism, superstition, sectarian and terrorist violence have dominated the global Muslim society and is driving a section of vulnerable Muslims away from Islam. ----- Ex-Muslims Of India Find The X Factor Online By Yudhajit Shankar Das Aug 29, 2023 All that the invention and then proliferation of the printing press did to Christianity is loosen the grip of orthodoxy over it and help spread what is called the enlightenment values. The Ottoman Empire, then flagbearers of Islam, resisted and even banned printing presses. But then the time of that idea had come. The printing press was not only adopted in the Muslim world, but it also flourished. The Holy Quran was soon being printed in volumes and became accessible to the common man. Then came the Internet, which allowed knowledge and information to travel in real time. Everything became accessible to everyone. Increasingly, in their own language. While it has become easier to spread God’s word, it is now equally easy to spread the disagreements with the faith. A new band of people emerged, who had freshly left the faiths they were born into. They were the new atheists. But those who left Islam insisted they be recognised as Ex-Muslims, unlike Ex-Christians or Ex-Hindus who prefer to be bunched under the umbrella term atheist. Ex-Muslims, initially, were a phenomenon in the West. They came from the Muslim-dominated West Asia and sought to fight the faith. Iranian-Canadian Ali Sina started his blog way back at the dawn of the century. He inspired a bunch of Ex-Muslims to go online and declare their abandoning of Islam from the safety of their new, secular homes. Apostasy, or the act of leaving one's religion, is punishable by death in Islamic countries. These Indian Ex-Muslims began discussing the Quran and the Hadith, and debating with clerics on social media. All this while not revealing their location or identity for fear of facing violent retribution. Muslim leaders and clerics call the Ex-Muslim movement in India a “stunt”, and trash it, saying their numbers are “too small to matter”. But there are ripples now, if not waves, in the ocean of one of the biggest faiths in the world. Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world and is expected to overtake Christianity as the biggest religion by 2035, according to a Pew Research Center report in 2017. However, there is also an undercurrent of people quitting Islam, which is true for most other religions. In the US, about 23 per cent of adults who were raised as Muslims no longer identified as members of the faith, according to a Pew Research Center report published in 2018. Of those who left Islam, 7 per cent said “they didn’t agree with the teachings of Islam”. The fact that many are leaving Islam has gone unnoticed because people do not come out for fear of being ostracised or even losing their lives. “Ex-Muslims face threats primarily from the orthodox sects of Islam. For the same reason, many individuals are unwilling to come out [as Ex-Muslims]. Even on social media, they are forced to hide behind fake profiles and names,” EA Jabbar, an Ex-Muslim and activist from Kerala, tells IndiaToday.in. Jabbar, who has been associated with the atheist movements in Kerala for decades now, refers to the 2017 Coimbatore killing to highlight the risk to lives of Ex-Muslims. Thirty-one-year-old H Farook was hacked to death by a group of four people, which included two of his friends, for his views that were critical of Islam. “The documentary provides an important insight into the hidden plight of young people in Britain, many of whom are leading double lives – pretending to still be Muslims, including by wearing the veil or attending mosque, in order to avoid ostracisation, abuse and even violence,” writes Maryam Namazie, who has herself renounced Islam. The Iranian-born writer and rights campaigner now resides in the UK and Namazie's Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain holds regular protests. In 2018, pop singer Zayn Malik told British Vogue that he stopped believing in any of the Islamic doctrines. A person of Pakistani-British descent, Zayn Malik, said he neither identified as a Muslim nor did he carry out the religious practices. Social media, says Maryam Namazie, has not only given countless young people access to “forbidden” ideas, it has also helped them find each other, share their stories and see that they are not alone. “It’s become a global resistance movement,” she adds. Kerala Ex-Muslim EA Jabbar agrees that the internet is the big reason for the visibility [of Ex-Muslims]. He says the internet significantly helped the Ex-Muslims connect, meet and ideate, and finally get organised. “I started writing blogs in 2007 [on rationalist, atheist thoughts] and the response was immense. A large number of people connected with me. We started a Facebook group ‘Free Thinkers’, and it had more than 2 lakh members. We cannot say that all of them are Ex-Muslims, but the movement emerged with the help of the internet,” tells IndiaToday.In. Ex-Muslim Sahil, Sameer, Azaad Ground, Zafar Heretic, Sachwala, and Faiz Alam (The Humanist Murtad) have used social media platforms and their YouTube channels to reach out to more and more Indian Muslims. A regular on Sahil's channel, Ex-Muslim Munna Bhai aka Adnan is a fearlessly funny Ex-Muslim who entertains his audience in his Mumbai Tapori-style language. They have been engaging with clerics and practising-Muslims on these platforms. But they do so mostly without revealing their identity and location. But before the advent of all these masked social media crusaders was Shakeel Prem. He came out as a freethinker and runs the website Tarksheel Bharat. He questions the “orthodox way of life and beliefs" of Muslims in India. Ex-Muslim Sahil took the internet by storm. His YouTube channel ExMuslim Sahil has over 500,000 subscribers and he has over 33,000 followers on Twitter, now X. Sahil’s X bio says: “I am an Indian Ex-Muslim and my aim to present the other side of Islam and Prophet Muhammad SAW in a very simple and non-technical way to Muslim Ummah." His YouTube livestreams, which at times run to 13 hours at a stretch, have seen over 13,000 real-time viewers, which even some news channels might find difficulty matching. YouTube blocked Ex-Muslim Sahil’s channel on July 6. But immediately after the ban, #UnblockExMuslimSahillnIndia started trending on Twitter. The ban is yet to be revoked but Sahil is livestreaming to the world. Ex-Muslim Sahil now has a "backup channel" too. Sahil’s journey to becoming an Ex-Muslim is one of U-turn. He was born and raised in an orthodox Muslim family in Mumbai’s Dharavi. He participated in Tablighi Jamaat programmes and even extended Da’wah or proposals to non-Muslims to convert. According to his interviews, closer reading of Islamic religious texts raised several questions in his mind and he drifted away from the faith that he had once invited people to. Ex-Muslim Sahil used to hide behind a mask until he was doxxed by a Pakistani cleric. Now that his real name and identity were revealed, he came out with a bang. Now he and Ex-Muslim Sahil both appear on mainstream channels without masks. The other regular on Ex-Muslim Sahil's YouTube channel is Adam Seeker. Adam Seeker is an Ex-Muslim Youtuber from a Pakistani Sunni family and is said to be well-versed in Islamic scriptures. Adam Seeker, who has moved out of Pakistan, says "questions are restricted" in the Islamic country. In India, he says, people try to answer questions and queries. Adam Seeker reveals that he was a strict adherent of the religion since he was 7-8-year-old but moved away from the faith as he delved into the "details". A 2020 survey of Iranians' attitudes towards religion threw up some surprising results for the Islamic republic that has a strict anti-apostasy regime. The Group for Analyzing and Measuring Attitudes in Iran (GAMAAN) surveyed over 50,000 respondents and found that around 20 per cent of the respondents believed neither in God, heaven-hell or in life after death. The survey also found that approximately half of the population reported “losing their religion” and 60 per cent reported that they did not pray. “The rise of the so-called ‘nones’, who do not identify with a particular faith, has been noted in Muslim majority countries as different as Iraq, Tunisia, and Morocco,” Pooyan Tamimi Arab, assistant professor of Religious Studies at Utrecht University and co-author of the GAMAAN survey, was quoted by DW, a German media outlet, as saying. Going by that, the results of a survey by Arab Barometer, a pollster that surveys Arab countries, should hardly be surprising. The share of Arabs describing themselves as “not religious” was up at 13% in 2019, from 8% in 2013, according to the Arab Barometer. In 2012, a wide-ranging WIN/Gallup International poll found that 5 per cent of Saudi citizens — over 10 lakh people — identified as “convinced atheists”. In the United States, about 23 per cent of adults who were raised as Muslims no longer identified as members of the faith, according to a Pew Research Center research published in 2018. Of those who left Islam, 7 per cent said “they didn’t agree with the teachings of Islam”. “Unlike atheists, Ex-Muslims include everyone who leave Islam, be it an atheist, or an agnostic or someone who converted to another religion,” says Indian activist Jabbar. Even Pakistan, which has harsh laws against blasphemy and apostasy, has seen the rise of atheists. Harris Sultan is one of the most popular Ex-Muslims of Pakistani descent. Born in Lahore, Harris Sultan moved to Australia when he was 19. Though he credits Richard Dawkins for pulling him towards atheism, he adds that the “honest study of the Quran” was what actually moved him away from Islam. Harris Sultan, the author of ‘The Curse of God: Why I Left Islam’, a critical analysis of religion in general and Islam in particular, has a huge fan following on social media. In a long tweet in April, he warned Pakistanis to “stop forcing Islam down the throats of children”. “I have been warning the Pakistani clergy, intelligentsia, and wider community that, sooner rather than later, they will have to face the sudden rise of apostates,” Harris Sultan wrote in the post on X. “Now, they are crying and wondering where these apostates came from. There are hundreds of thousands of ex-Muslims in Pakistan who are blaspheming and insulting their sacred Islamic personalities.” In the long tweet, Harris Sultan added, “According to the latest FIA report, there are nearly 400,000 Pakistanis from all walks of life, who regularly engage in bashing Islam.” Ghalib Kamal (an alias, not his real name) is another Pakistani YouTuber and blogger who identifies himself as a “Human Rights Defender” and freethinker who rejects dogma and religious extremism. A geophysicist by qualification, Ghalib Kamal has worked to promote “freethought” in Pakistan through his blogs and social media handles. He and his wife are in exile since the crackdown against freethinkers by Pakistani authorities in 2017. “People like me can’t speak freely in the presence of Pakistani blasphemy laws. Still, no matter how complex and challenging things may become, I will continue to play my role in the enlightenment of the Pakistani masses,” Ghalib Kamal says in his YouTube bio. Pakistan has regularly cracked down against rationalists and atheists. Indian YouTuber Zafar Heretic’s YouTube channel was blocked by Pakistan in 2020. The YouTube channel of Zafar Heretic -- who describes himself as an Indian Ex-Muslim, atheist and activist -- has over 3 lakh subscribers. Zafar Heretic says he works to “promote humanity and scientific temper along with free speech and rational thinking”. Ridvan Aydemir whose YouTube channel is called Apostate Prophet is another big name in the internet world of Ex-Muslims. The 32-year-old Turkish-German YouTuber is known for his “critical views" on faith. Ridvan was formerly a devout Sunni Muslim who was born to a Turkish family in Germany. He moved back to Turkey as a teenager and became interested in Islam and decided to practice it devoutly. His study of Islam led him to doubt the religion, and eventually, he left it altogether. This hit his relationship with his family, friends, and the Turkish government. He immigrated to the United States and started publishing videos on his YouTube channel Apostate Prophet from November 2017. It’s not only men who are taking to social media and discussing Islam. Amina Sardar is one of the most vocal Ex-Muslims and her interviews get massive views on YouTube. A resident of Denmark, Amina Sardar was raised as a Muslim. “My purpose was never to leave Islam. But when I went to educate myself about Islam, I ended up leaving Islam,” she reveals in an interview. Originally from Afghanistan, Amina Sardar's family moved to Dehradun, India, in the 1930s. Some of her family members moved to Pakistan and some stayed back in India after Partition. “Surprising numbers of women are joining the movement. In fact, the women and girls who left Islam are the biggest headaches for the maulanas now. They are the ones who are throwing piercing questions at the religious leadership,” he says. Jabbar sites as example that when a maulana recently warned against participating in Onam, a group of Muslim girls joined in the celebrations and performed Thiruvathira (a traditional dance). “Muslim girls are taking bigger steps in this direction,” adds Jabbar. Among the Indians who are prominent on social media, especially YouTube, is Sachwala. He is well-versed in classical Arabic and has memorised the Holy Quran. The personal life of Sachwala Abdul Hamid is shrouded in mystery, but people do get glimpses of it during his interactions. Sachwala said he was forsaken by his father and sisters when he revealed to them that he was renouncing Islam. “They were okay even with me committing murder and dacoity, but they couldn’t tolerate that I was leaving the religion,” he says during one of his interactions on his YouTube channel. Azaad Ground, another popular Ex-Muslim, was excommunicated and told that he wouldn’t find space in a Muslim graveyard after his death. Azad Ground ended up buying land for his and other atheists’ burial. But How Many Ex-Muslims Are There In India? Ex-Muslim Sahil says there are "about 1.2 crore Ex-Muslims in India". He quotes from the 2021 Pew Research Center that says 6 per cent of Muslims in India ‘do not believe in God’. So, he calculates, “Of the 20 crore Muslims in India, 1.2 crore are now Ex-Muslims”. All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) spokesperson SQR Ilyas tells IndiaToday.In that the number of the “so-called Ex-Muslims is very small to even matter”. He says the YouTubers were brought to his notice some 5-6 months ago. Jabbar says it is impossible to get a count of Ex-Muslims in India as people are afraid of coming out, fearing threats from the community leadership and family. “In the case of Kerala, I believe at least 4-5 per cent members of the Muslim community have given up their beliefs,” says Jabbar, who is from Kerala's Malappuram. Being a Muslim is not just about religious identity, it’s about political identity as well. So, how do the Ex-Muslims align themselves on political issues like the Uniform Civil Code? “We have been batting for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and gender justice for Muslim women. But we are apprehensive about the UCC the central government is trying to bring in. It is already clear that it will not be a ‘uniform’ one, as it would target Muslims... I don’t think their intention is to bring a Code to ensure justice,” says Jabbar. Whenever Muslims are targeted by the state, the Ex-Muslims of Kerala stand with the community, he says. “For example, when the hijab issue happened in Karnataka, we supported the girls. For us, it was not a religious issue, but a human rights issue,” explains Jabbar. All India Muslim Personal Law Board spokesperson SQR Ilyas calls the YouTube channels a “stunt” and says “they have been created to attack Islam”. "Either you will be Muslim, Hindu, Christian, atheist or non-Muslim. There’s nothing called Ex-Muslim,” SQR Ilyas tells IndiaToday.In. The Muslim leader blames the “poor upbringing” and “shoddy reading of religious texts” for people drifting away from Islam. But whatever the reason, Ex-Muslims are a phenomenon on social media platforms, especially YouTube, and no one can deny that. “As a movement, it is growing and more people, especially young, educated Muslims are coming out of the religion questioning it. But the issue they are facing is, a majority of them cannot say it aloud. They will be targeted. But, becoming an organisation is the solution. I think it needs more time,” says Jabbar. ------ Source: Ex-Muslims Of India Find The X Factor Online URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-society/ex-muslim-phenomenon-abandoned-ucc-hijab/d/131958 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 Should Women Delay Their Periods To Observe Fasting During Ramzan?

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 20 March 2024 Salaudeen Abdulkadir, the chief missioner of the Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Forum, says Muslim women who do not want to miss their fasting can medically delay the menstrual cycle. The chief missioner emphasised that as long as the process did not endanger the women’s lives, they could alter their cycle to fast the complete month of Ramzan. Why should women tinker with their bodies by delaying their periods just to observe fasting and please a fastidious Allah? And why can't a menstruating woman observe fasting during Ramzan? Menstruation, the most natural, biological and reproductive process in a female body, is abhorred by all man-made faiths. Read my article in The Deccan Herald that appeared on February 25, 2020: Why All Faiths Abhor Menstruating Women If menstruation impures and defiles a woman, why on earth did your god, Allah, Bhagwan and Prabhu singe, nay scorch, all women with this 'curse'? All patriarchal religions have a serious problem with a female body and all faiths have reservations about certain bodily functions during specifically 'sacred' periods and months. Hindus (ostensibly) abstain from having sex during Navratri. They also don't consume onion and garlic during that Ati Pavitra Kaal Khand (Very sacred period). Christians are advised to abstain from physical intimacy during Lent (40-day season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday). Muslims shun mating and also avoid carnal thoughts during Ramzan. Why this unnecessary regimentation? Does one have to renounce sex, food, water to show one's servile devotion to a concocted Supreme Being? Even if it exists, does it want such slavish and strict prostration from its terrified followers? Well, devotees will say that they do it of their own accord. But who decided and formulated these oppressive religious practices? Our bronze-age ancestors started doing all this mumbo-jumbo and we've been following them blindly. Coming back to menstruating women and fasting, it's up to them whether to fast or not. Disturbing biological functions to please a draconian Allah makes no sense. Muslim women all over the world should wake up. But then, they themselves love to stay enslaved and frightened. ---- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/women-periods-observe-fasting-ramzan/d/131957 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

Medical and Scientific Benefits of Fasting

By Mufti Muhammad Shams Tabriz Alimi, Tr. New Age Islam Translated into English by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 19 March 2024 Fasting in Modern Medicine: Health Benefits Main Points: 1. Fasting is a pillar of Islam, providing closeness to God. 2. Fasting can effectively treat long-term ailments like high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic diseases. 3. Fasting helps with pain relief, toxins removal, rheumatism, and kidney problems. 4. Fasting provides a month's vacation for the liver, which is exhausted from additional tasks beyond food processing. 5. Recent research suggests fasting reduces cancer by stopping bodily cells from growing and producing ketone bodies, which are less produced in a fasting state. 6. Fasting promotes selflessness, devotion, and closer relationship with God. 7. Fasting develops character and personality, giving willpower. 8. It helps in controlling heart desires and emotions. ------ The Almighty Allah is wise. None of His commandments is devoid of wisdom. Every command He gave His servants included innumerable nuggets of wisdom. There may be wisdom in a divine commandment or act of worship that our limited brain is unable to uncover; rather, it is a sign of our own limitations in terms of intellect, understanding, knowledge, and cognition. Allah says, "And you [O humanity] have been given but little knowledge.” (17:85) Allah, the Exalted, made many forms of worship mandatory for Muslims to distinguish between those who worship their Lord and those who pursue their own interests and desires. Some acts of worship, such as prayer or Salah mandated by the Almighty Allah, are related to the body. Zakat is one of the religious rites that is connected to wealth, which is dear to men. Certain deeds, like the Hajj and Jihad, have a connection to both wealth and the body. It has been demonstrated that some acts of worship, such as fasting, are crucial for developing self-control since they keep a person from partaking in forbidden activities. Performing all these acts of worship is mandatory for Muslims. However, it is possible for someone to provide prayer with their whole attention and sincere affection but to treat Zakat with less significance than they do prayer. By paying Zakat in this instance, it is simple for that person to become closer to God. While the degree of sincerity and emotional investment in prayer surpasses that of other forms of prayer, this shortfall can be compensated for by paying Zakat. One of the outstanding pillars of Islam is fasting. Once closeness to God may be attained through it, other forms of worship might not be able to provide it. Nobody could ever cover all of the many wisdoms and advantages of fasting. There are numerous health advantages to fasting when we take its medical component into account. Fasting has become so important in modern medicine that dieting is now a permanent cure in the West. Experts in medicine from Europe advise dieting one day every week. A fast helps the stomach relax. The process of breaking down food uses up bodily energy. When a person follows a diet, their energy is not used for digestion but rather for the body to expel waste and poisons. The body gets rid of unwanted and unclean material, and it becomes clean. Long-term ailments, including high blood pressure, diabetes (sugar), and chronic diseases, can all be effectively treated with fasting. The advantage of fasting is that addicts can't smoke as much because they can't use cigarettes, gutkha, or hookah until the fast is broken. By paying attention, such people can give up on hookah, gutkha, and cigarettes. Muslims view their ability to fast in compliance with the command of the Almighty Allah as a great blessing. By fasting, Muslims can keep the light of their faith alive in this day of uncertainty and atheism. Following the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is something that Muslims are very proud of. As is well known, the pharynx—which transports food from the neck to the stomach—the tongue, the salivary glands in the mouth and jaw, the stomach, the duodenum, and the canal comprise our body system. This system (the digestive system) includes the pancreas, small intestine, liver, and other portions of the intestines. The key component of this system is the automatic activation of each of these complex organs by a computerised system. When we start eating, or even just plan to eat, this entire system gets activated, and every organ starts to work. It is clear that, in addition to being on duty around the clock, nervous stress and eating the incorrect food somehow affect the entire system. Fasting effectively gives all of these systems a month's vacation. The liver becomes exhausted from its fifteen additional tasks beyond food processing. Thus, fasting has an unexpected benefit, particularly for the liver, as it allows the liver to rest for at least four hours. This is not achievable if one does not fast because even the smallest meal particle—a tenth of a gram—can cause digestive distress. As soon as the computer of the digestive system starts up, the liver gets busy. From a scientific standpoint, one could contend that the rest period ought to be one month each year. Blood loss occurs during fasting. This effect provides great benefit and comfort to the heart. More significantly, the pressure on the tissues, or muscles, is lessened as a result of the reduction in the volume of fluid between the cells. For the heart, diastolic pressure, or muscle pressure in general, is crucial. When fasting or when the heart is at rest, diastolic pressure is always low. Furthermore, because of the unique circumstances of modern life, man is more vulnerable to extreme stress and high blood pressure. Humans can benefit greatly from fasting during the month of Ramadan, particularly in terms of decreased diastolic blood pressure. The lungs, which cleanse the blood directly, consequently have a direct bearing on the benefits of fasting. This is promptly remedied if the blood in the lungs freezes. This is a result of cleaning the air ducts. It is important to keep in mind that during a fast, the lungs swiftly eliminate waste products and begin to thoroughly cleanse the blood, which promotes health throughout the body. Fasting relieves pain in the side or back. Fasting aids in the body's removal of several toxins, such as acid boli, sulphuric acid, and phosphorous acid, among others. Additionally, fasting helps with rheumatism and kidney problems. An expert claims that the urine of a person who is fasting automatically heals all urinary tract illnesses. Blood pressure rises when the kidneys contract. In this ailment, fasting is also beneficial. Water that has collected in bodily tissue is burned during a fast. Sugar contracting causes an increase in blood pressure. Reducing the dosage for patients receiving food or medication is the best way to treat diabetes, according to Allama Iqbal Medical College Principal Professor Mahmood Ali Malik. The best way to do this is to fast. Doctors in Western nations now recommend hunger as a form of treatment. If large amounts of food are avoided during Sehri and Iftar, fasting can be a very effective way to control blood sugar. There are once-daily medicines. So, people with diabetes can fast with ease. Recent research has led to the surprising discovery that fasting reduces cancer. It stops bodily cells from growing. When fasting, the body uses fat as fuel instead of glucose. This process also results in the production of ketone bodies, which stop proteins from dissolving into smaller particles. Cancer cells need small protein particles for their growth. These particles are less produced in a fasting state. As a result, cancer is avoided. If medication is avoided and fasting is initiated before the onset of illness, there is usually a significant benefit when it comes to children's illnesses. Fasting is helpful and healthy when children's paralysis, whooping cough, sore throat, diphtheria, or scarlet fever first appear. During a fast, all of the toxic substances that cause these diseases are removed. These days, a large number of people have heart disease, which is the daily cause of death for a large number of people. Obesity, ongoing stress, excess fat, diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking are among the risk factors for heart attacks. Fasting prevents heart attacks by removing all of these contributing factors. At the University Hospital in Jordan, Dr. Suleiman recorded observations on 26 women and 42 males. Throughout Ramadan, two kilogrammes of weight were lost on average. According to Dr. Aziz's research, the typical person loses up to 4 kg of weight during Ramadan. Individuals who frequent slimming centres often realise that after going on a diet, they gain weight again. Instead, some people grow much more than they did previously. This is due to the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that regulates body weight. When someone goes on a diet, this area responds fast, and the weight comes back. Surprisingly, this component is inoperative during fasting because fasting is a spiritual practice that promotes mental and physical balance. As a result, there is no further weight gain. The findings of the Finnish scientist Huhtaniami's research demonstrate a decrease in the amounts of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and gonadotropin receptor, which are responsible for releasing hormones. A person's mood, attitude, and mental ability are all abnormally affected by changes in these hormone levels. As was previously mentioned, hormone changes have a distinctive effect on how people feel and behave. An individual's capacity for thought increases, contributing to their moral, psychological, and spiritual growth, while their desire for sexual activity decreases due to a lack of drive. Fasting is an effective method for getting rid of sins, both external and internal. It is not just forbidden to eat, drink, or engage in sexual activity; it is also necessary to refrain from committing other offences. Fasting is a powerful way to heal internal diseases like envy, mistrust, temptation, fury, lying, backbiting, evil backbiting, obscenity, deception, harassment, cruelty, and violence. Ramadan is the only month when people are obligated to fast. Throughout the year, a few counting days are set aside for moral and psychological development, inner training, and self-improvement. Fasting encourages selflessness, genuine devotion, and a closer relationship with God. As fasting is a divine practice, it develops a person's character and personality, giving him or her a certain will and willpower and making them moderate and in control of their heart desires as well as their emotions. Throughout the month of Ramadan, may Allah, the Exalted, illuminate us all and grant us happiness and blessings. Aameen. ---- Urdu Article: Medical and Scientific Benefits of Fasting روزے کے طبی اور سائنسی فوائد URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-science/medical-scientific-fasting/d/131952 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

A Hindu Or A Muslim Atheist: An Oxymoron!

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 19 March 2024 In a recent interview, 'celebrated' atheist Javed Akhtar told Barkha Dutt that he was a Muslim atheist as he was born into a Muslim family. So, despite being an atheist, Muslim was his identity. Sorry, I beg to differ with him. The very term a Hindu or a Muslim atheist is an oxymoron. Agreed, almost all of us are born into a particular faith and that's beyond an individual's control. But leaving the parental or familial faith is a fundamental right of an individual. Once you stop believing in god and religion, your parental faith has no bearing on you. How can your parental faith be your identity even after leaving religion and refusing to believe in a god or gods? You can't eat the cake and have it too. Poona-based actor and doctor Shriram Lagoo called himself an avowed atheist. But when he died, his last rites were performed according to Hinduism, precisely Brahminical Hinduism as he was a Brahmin! Where did his atheism go? An atheist has no religion and his faith in god is also zilch. Sahir Ludhianvi remained an atheist but he was buried in a Muslim graveyard. What was the use of screaming from the rooftop that he (Sahir) was a Munkir-e-Zaat or an Ilhadi having no faith in Islam? Our religious imprints are too deeply entrenched in our collective psyche. So, in spite of claiming to be an atheist, one remains forever attached to one's faith at a subconscious or unconscious level. Here, no boasting or self-praise, as an atheist, rather an apatheist, I've already donated my whole body to the medical college and when I breathe my last and if my body is not mutilated, it'll be given away to a medical college including my skeleton. No obsequies will be performed as I never endorsed any faith in my whole life. Nor did I believe in any damn god. When an ordinary person like me can think in such a revolutionary and non-religious manner, why can't these fashionable atheists do the same? By the way, no last rites were performed when my parents bid adieu to the world. Their whole bodies were given away to the medical colleges along with their bones. Humans are too frightened of god, religion, afterlife, hell, heaven and all that jazz. Javed Akhtar is no exception. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/hindu-muslim-atheist-oxymoron/d/131951 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 Case for Islamic Reform - Response

By Naseer Ahmed, New Age Islam 18 March 2024 Contrary To Popular Belief, The Traditionalists Are Neither Literal, Fundamental, Nor Puritans. They Shun The Literal Meaning As Made Clear By The Quran Itself And Interpret The Quran In Ways That Satisfy Their Bigoted And Misogynistic Notions. ------ The link to the original article: The Case for Islamic Reform Large sections of Muslims hold beliefs that are detrimental to themselves and society. There is, therefore, a case for reform in our theology. Several approaches have been attempted. The traditionalists take the “back to the Islam of the first generation of Muslims or the Salaf approach” because they would like the old days of glory to return. The moderates are dismayed by this for obvious reasons, but their counter is ineffective. They call such people puritans, literalists or fundamentalists. To a believer, these words are high praise. Why would a believer do anything else except follow the pure, pristine, literal meaning of the word of God and be a fundamentalist to the core? The moderates try to cast doubts about the authenticity of the Quran as the word of God, as the article does, by speaking about the existence of manuscripts not included in the Quran, the manner of compiling the Quran, the existence of multiple versions before they were destroyed, etc. These tactics work with lukewarm Muslims but do not affect firm believers. The use of such tactics is proof to the believers that the would-be reformists are a bunch of hypocrites who must be shunned. So, how is reform of the believing population possible? Only by using the Quran. By taking the most extreme literal and fundamentalist approach and showing that Islam is literally and fundamentally a religion of peace, justice, tolerance, and inclusiveness and that the Islam that the bigots follow is abhorrent to Allah. Is this possible? The question itself displays a lack of faith in God and the Quran as the literal word of God. Contrary to popular belief, the traditionalists are neither literal, fundamental, nor Puritans. They shun the literal meaning as made clear by the Quran itself and interpret the Quran in ways that satisfy their bigoted and misogynistic notions. The record can be set straight using the Quran alone. I have done this in my articles and demonstrated the methodology to be followed. Brief Summary of the Gains from the Methodology-Driven Study The methodology-driven study looks at the Quran ab initio without preconceived notions or theological leanings. The conclusions, based on following the methodology outlined, are far more liberal and inclusive than those of the most liberal scholars because even a liberal scholar has not found a way to escape the gravitational pull of Islamic scholarship of the past, which is biased and bigoted. A sound methodology guarantees finding the correct meaning and overcoming the fear of going against the weight of traditional scholarship. The following is a summary of how different the authentic message of the Quran is from the beliefs of the Muslims: 1. Allah does not play favourites with the followers of any particular religion. A person born a Muslim does not have an edge over those born in other faiths. Heaven is not the exclusive preserve of the followers of any particular belief system. 2. The Quran explicitly endorses several religions and, in general, all people who believe in truth, justice, and the Hereafter and do good deeds 3. Only a believer can be a kafir and not a disbeliever. Kufr is rejecting the truth after learning it. Polytheism is kufr for those who know that it is kufr but not for those who lack the required knowledge. 4. The verses about war are faith-neutral and apply equally to people of all religions. This is because war is commanded only against oppression and nothing else. In particular, war is not commanded against a people for their religious beliefs. Just war includes war against Muslim oppressors, even if the oppressed are non-Muslim 5. “Let there be no compulsion in religion” is an unconditional principle, universally applicable under all circumstances. The Quran makes perfect sense without treating any verse as abrogated. The meaning of many of the allegorical (Mutashabihat) verses that remained hidden has been uncovered by science and brought out in my articles. For more on the methodology for determining the precise meaning of the Quran, read The Quran Is Logically Consistent and Unambiguous ----- A frequent contributor to NewAgeIslam.com, Naseer Ahmed is an Engineering graduate from IIT Kanpur and is an independent IT consultant after having served in both the Public and Private sector in responsible positions for over three decades. He has spent years studying Quran in-depth and made seminal contributions to its interpretation. URL: https://newageislam.com/debating-islam/islamic-reform-response/d/131947 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

Ibn Khaldun And The Creative Evolution Of Life

By T.O. Shanavas, New Age Islam 18 March 2024 The Muslim belief that the human species originated from two individuals, Adam and Eve, and particularly the detail of Eve being created from Adam's rib, is a narrative that finds resonance across the Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This narrative, deeply embedded within Judeo-Christian theology, indeed made its way into Islamic belief systems, though the mechanisms of this incorporation. The nuances of interpretation can vary. Ibn Khaldun, a renowned Islamic scholar, historian, jurist, and sociologist who lived from 1332 to 1406, indeed discussed the origin of humans in his monumental work, "The Muqaddimah." This comprehensive work, known for its pioneering analysis of the sociological, economic, and historical processes that shape human society, also delves into theological, philosophical, and scientific themes. The celebrated British historian Arnold J. Toynbee described the Muqaddimah as "the greatest work of its kind that has ever been created by any mind in any time" (Reference: Franz Rosenthal, Abridged edition of the Muqaddimah). Ibn Khaldun delves into the evolution of the popular Muslim narrative of creation, noting how it was influenced by the stories of creation found in the Torah, which were adopted and adapted by converted Jews and Christians. This blending of narratives shaped the development of currently prevalent Muslim beliefs surrounding creation. Ibn Khaldun's examination offers insights into the complex interplay of religious texts and traditions in shaping the story of creation of Eve from Adam‘s rib. Ibn Khaldun on Muslim Islamization of Jewish Story of Creation “[The early Arabs] had no books or scholarship [and] desert attitude and illiteracy prevailed among them. When they wanted to learn certain things that human beings are usually curious to know, such as the reasons for existing things, the beginning of creation, and secrets of existence, they consulted earlier People of the Book [Jews and Christians] about it and got their information from them…When they [Jews] became Muslims, they clung to the information they possessed, such as the beginning of the creation…Such men like Ka'b al-Ahbar, Wahb ibn Munabbih, and Abdullah ibn Salam, and similar people. The Qur’an commentaries were filled with material of such tendencies transmitted on their authorities. It is information that entirely depended upon them… The Qur’an interpreters were very rigorous in this respect. they filled the Qur’anic commentaries with such materials, which originated, as we have stated, with the People of Torah.” (Vol.2, page 445-446). Ibn Khaldun accepted "uniformitarianism" and his insights into the development of human races and the origins of species were remarkably advanced for his time. -------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: The Genetic Bottlenecks & Adam: Prophet Adam (s)‘s Role in Human History -------------------------------------------------------- Ibn Khaldun And Evolution Of Life ibn Khaldun suggested that human beings and the natural world are subject to change and transformation, influenced by the environment and other factors. Ibn Khaldun's observations pointed towards a nuanced understanding that human beings and their societies are products of a long history of transformations and adaptations. Ibn Khaldun's narration of the evolution and origin of humans as follows: “One should then look at the world of creation. It started out from the minerals and progressed, in an ingenious, gradual manner to plants and animals. The last stage of minerals is connected with the first stage of plants, such as herbs, and seedless plants. The last stage of plants such as palms and vines is connected with the first stage of animals, such as snails and shellfish which have only the power to touch. The word ‘connection’ with regard to these created things means that the last stage of each group is fully prepared to become the first stage of the next group. The animal world then widens, its species become numerous, and, in a gradual process of creation, it finally leads to man, who is able to think and reflect. The higher stage of man is reached from the world of monkeys, in which both sagacity and perception are found, but which has not reached the stage of actual reflection and thinking. At this point we come to the first stage of man (after the world of monkeys). This is as far as our (physical) observation extends.“ (Ref: Muqaddimah. Vol.1. Page 195). Centuries before the Renaissance of Europe aided by Islamic science and phylosophy, Ibn Khaldun brought to the attention of the world that “Physical circumstances and the environment are subject to changes that affect later generations; they do not necessarily remain unchanged.” (Ref: Muqaddimah. Page 173.) Centuries before Charles Darwin, Ibn Khaldun highlighted the significance of environmental changes and their impact on later generations, stating that "Physical circumstances and the environment are subject to changes that affect later generations; they do not necessarily remain unchanged." (Reference: Muqaddimah, Page 173). Ibn Khaldun's recognition of the dynamic nature of environmental factors and their influence on the evolution of species demonstrates his early insights into the concept of environmental adaptation and change, foreshadowing later theories of evolution. Molecular Biology of Ibn Khaldun According to Ibn Khaldun, species are not fixed but are subject to changes in response to their environment. He believed that the physical characteristics of organisms are determined by their "essence." Ibn Khaldun unriddled that the active nature (Kiyan) has the ability to generate substances and change essences, leading to a continuous transformation of essences in a natural order of ascent and descent (Ref: Muqaddimah.Vol.3, page 238). He described the evolution of species as a result of modifications in essence (genes) by nature: "The essences at the end of each particular stage of the worlds are by nature prepared to be transformed into the essence adjacent to them. This is evident in the transition from simple material elements to plants, and from plants to animals. Monkeys, for example, with their combination of cleverness and perception, are in a state of preparedness to transform into humans, who possess the ability to think and reflect. This readiness for transformation at each stage of existence is what we refer to when discussing the interconnectedness of different species“ (Ref: Muqaddimah. JVol.2. Page 422-423). If Ibn Khaldun were writing today, he might replace the term "essences" with "genome" or "DNA." He would likely express the idea as follows: "Nature prepares the genome (essence) of species to be transformed into the genome (essence) of adjacent species." Similarly, instead of stating that species are "transformed into the next stage by nature," he might say: "Gradual evolution can be explained by small genetic changes (mutations) within the species and the organization of this genetic variation through natural selection." This modern reinterpretation aligns Ibn Khaldun's concepts with contemporary scientific understanding of genetics and evolution. Even though Ibn Khaldun accepted the nature’s evolutionary process, he complimented with the statement, “This is how God proceeds with His servants—and verily, you will not change God’s way,” (Ref: Muqaddimah, Vol.1.Page 173) ------ Ref: Ibn Khaldun, Abdul Rahman (1332 to 1406). Muqaddimah. Translated by Franz Rosenthal. Princeton University Press. 1980. ------ T.O. Shanavas is a native of Kerala, but is now based in the USA. He is the author of “Islamic Theory of evolution of Evolution The Missing Link Between Darwin and The Origin of Species.” Co-author of the book, And God Said, "Let There Be Evolution!": Reconciling The Book Of Genesis, The Qur'an, And The Theory Of Evolution. Edited by Prof. Charles M. Wynn and Prof. Arthur W. Wiggins. URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/ibn-khaldun-creative-evolution-life/d/131943 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

Humane Character-Building Lesson In Islam

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 18 March 2024 A Hadith Reads, “The Most Perfect Faith Among Muslims Is That Of The Person Who Has The Best Morals." Main Points: 1. The current Muslim culture is experiencing moral decline, uncertainty, fear, and anxiousness due to the potential for corrupt and vile Muslim characters to commit sins. 2. The Prophet's (PBUH) principles should guide us, but our values have deteriorated, leading to moral annihilation. 3. Practical guidelines for human behaviour and life are divided into sub-divisions such as worship, morality, social conduct, rights, obligations, culture, religion, and character building. 4. The Objective of Islamic Teachings is to create a society free from corruption and characterized by kindness, honesty, dependability, and respect. ------ Islam is an all-encompassing code of conduct that takes into account every facet of life. Belief and Practice are the two main tenets of Islam. Belief requires the acceptance of fundamental truths. The fundamental truths of faith include believing in Allah, believing in His messengers, believing in His holy books, believing in the Last Day, believing in life after death, believing in Tawhid (the oneness of God), believing in the messengers of Allah, etc. Practical guidelines for human behaviour and life, as well as the dos and don'ts of societal and individual existence, are included in the second section. This is further split up into sub-divisions such as worship, morality, social conduct, rights, obligations, culture, religion, and character building. Character building is the subject of this write-up. Islam lays a great emphasis on character building, with particular attention paid to the cultivation of traits like generosity, kindness, compassion, honesty, and humility. Character building is emphasised throughout the Quran and Sunnah, and is a fundamental aspect of day-to-day living. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, "I was sent to perfect the noble traits of character." (Al-Tabarani). In the teachings of the Prophet, it is recommended to elevate moral standards. But judging by the current state of affairs, it is clear that the main cause of man's problems in the world is his moral decline and character flaws. If a person's principles and character align with the teachings of Islam, they will be honoured in this life as well as the next. But our values have gotten so bad that we now live in a society where bad things like lying, cheating, and sly behaviour are commonplace. Our actions should inspire others. The moral breakdown, however, is that we feel humiliated since we currently find ourselves in the worst situation imaginable. The current culture is experiencing moral decline, uncertainty, fear, and anxiousness due to the potential for corrupt and vile Muslim characters to commit sins. The Prophet (pbuh) embodied the highest moral standard, and his principles should guide us. The moral code of Allah's prophet, the Qur'an, has influenced every person on the planet. However, we Muslims—the followers of the Prophet (peace be upon him)—are to blame for the moral decline in our society. The Quranic verses and hadiths stress the importance of acting with sincerity and abstaining from wickedness, backbiting and hypocrisy. The companions of the Prophet and infidels both used to praise the Prophet's morals before joining Islam. But since our values have deteriorated, we are now condemned on many fronts. Using the power that Allah has bestowed upon us, we ought to behave morally and virtuously, abstaining from immorality and misdirection. However, we are moving away from Allah due to our worldly and selfish ambitions, and we are on the path to moral annihilation. We can observe our attitude because we remember Allah when we are ill, lost, or facing difficulties, but we forget Him and disregard His instructions when our Almighty God makes things better. We are indeed so irresponsible that we are unable to develop ethically and prove that we are moral Muslims. The objective of Islamic teachings on morals and character building is to create a society free from corruption and characterized by kindness, honesty, dependability, and respect. It emphasizes personal growth and positive social impact, with individuals with good character serving as an example for others and the community benefiting from their positive influence. This approach promotes a fulfilling and meaningful life. Sincerity serves as the foundation for all good works and deepens one's relationship with Allah, making it an essential component of Islamic character development. Muslims are instructed to perform only for the pleasure of Allah, without thinking about gain or honour. Having a sound intellect is another key quality of a good Muslim. Islam views acquiring knowledge as a form of worship, and Muslims are urged to learn throughout their lives. People who possess wisdom, which stems from knowledge, can make informed decisions and lead fulfilling lives. Islam places great importance on virtues like gratitude, forgiveness, and patience. Sustaining perseverance in faith and weathering adversity both require patience. Remaining in good relationships requires forgiveness. To recognise life's blessings and acknowledge Allah as the source of them, one must be grateful. Islam emphasizes character building as a key to personal growth and a fulfilling life. It is not enough to merely assert faith in Islam. Besides the expression of certainty of faith in Allah and his prophet, every Muslim and every citizen are required to build high character. Islam encourages excellence in all aspects of life, including character, and sincere efforts to become the best version of oneself, setting an example for others and contributing to a healthy community. Morality is the key to identifying a Muslim. He is unfit to be referred to as a Muslim if he lacks morality. It is not feasible for a Muslim to profess faith and lack morals at the same time. The holy Quran attests to the fact that our beloved Prophet is the greatest example of the best morality, as follows: Allah says to his Prophet, “You are certainly on the most exalted standard of moral excellence.” (68:4) And why shouldn't this be the case, given that his mission was to correct individuals and instil good morals through education and training? The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, "I was sent to perfect the noble traits of character." (Al-Tabarani). The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said, "The most perfect faith among Muslims is that of the person who has the best morals." Another hadith reads: "The best among you is that which is best among you in terms of morals." ----- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/humane-character-building-lesson/d/131942 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

Irrationalities In Faith: Evolve. Evolve. Evolve

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 18 March 2024 "Whether Adam And Eve Existed Is Not Important. What's Much More Important Is The Confirmation That The Human Brain Is Still So Underdeveloped As To Believe In Adam, Eve, Angels, Fairies, Jinns Or Genies. These Are All Figments Of Imagination Along With Mankind's Biggest Fabrication, God...." Maurice Bloch, an anthropologist at the London School of Economics The genetic variation we see in humans today provides no positive evidence whatsoever that we trace our ancestry exclusively from a single couple. Adam and Eve is actually a Semitic concoction. In other words, it's a religious belief in all three Semitic faiths, viz, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. But the majority of Orthodox Jews do not take this story literally but understand it as an allegory expressing the idea that we are all related and that we are created in the image of God—in the spiritual, not physical, sense. Even some Jews who believe that the Torah represents the word of God believe that the story was given to us as a teaching device, not literal history. It's a myth told by primitive people, the same as the Greeks believing that lightning was Zeus' thunderbolt, or the Iroquois believing that the earth is all on the back of a giant turtle. It was meant metaphorically. ----------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: The Genetic Bottlenecks & Adam: Prophet Adam (s)‘s Role in Human History ----------------------------------------------------------- The problem with (religious) humans is that they don't understand the language of allegories, metaphors, insinuations and symbols, all the scriptures are rife with. They're literalists. Only a primitive brain continues to believe in all sorts of porcine turds that religions and scriptures have to offer. We talk about cognitive skills but do we really apply self-reflection, logical reasoning, abstract and critical thinking, introspection and mental arithmetic? If we can apply these skills to other aspects of our life, why don't we apply them to understand religions, books and esoteric beliefs? A man can be highly educated with a scientific background but his scientific temperament vanishes the moment he starts justifying the irrationalities in his faith. An uneducated yokel believing in Adam, Eve, Hanuman, Demons, Satan etc. is perfectly justifiable because his brain is not developed. But 'educated' people believing in these fables is an insult to human intelligence. Study Genetics, Human Evolution, Mutation and Anthropology. You'll get answers to all your doubts and queries without ever bringing in Adam and Eve. Lastly, in a lighter vein, if Adam and Eve are mankind's common ancestors, aren't we all offspring of the same parents? Then, aren't humans have been indulging in incest right from the beginning of human civilization? Just curious. Follow the advice of Jiddu Krishnamurthy, " Evolve. Evolve. Evolve. Humans are still in the gutter....." when a famous doctor from Madras (sorry, no Chennai) asked Jiddu what should humans do during one of his Madras lectures in the early sixties. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/irrationalities-faith-evolve/d/131941 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

Bhagavad Gita and the Quran: A Comparative Exploration Unveiling Spiritual Wisdom Across Traditions

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 16 March 2024 A Muslim Reads Gita And Quran To Find Commonalities In The Spiritual Domain ----- Introduction: In the vast tapestry of world religions, two monumental texts stand out as guiding lights for millions: the Bhagavad Gita and the Quran. Both texts hold profound significance within their respective traditions – Hinduism and Islam – offering insights into the nature of existence, human conduct, and the divine. Despite originating in different cultural contexts and addressing diverse theological concerns, the Bhagavad Gita and the Quran share a common purpose: to impart spiritual wisdom and guide adherents towards a life of virtue and enlightenment. Origin and Context: The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to simply as the Gita, forms a part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, composed over two millennia ago. Set amidst the battlefield of Kurukshetra, the Gita unfolds as a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, his charioteer and divine guide. It addresses Arjuna's moral dilemma about participating in a righteous war and delves into profound philosophical teachings on duty (dharma), righteousness (Dharma), and the nature of the self (atman). In contrast, the Quran is considered the verbatim word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years, starting in 610 CE. It emerged in the Arabian Peninsula, a region marked by tribal conflict, social stratification, and religious diversity. The Quranic revelations provided guidance to the Muslim community (Ummah) in matters of faith, ethics, and governance, establishing a comprehensive framework for individual and communal life. Themes and Teachings: Both the Bhagavad Gita and the Quran explore fundamental existential questions and offer guidance for navigating the complexities of human existence. Central themes in the Gita include the concept of duty without attachment (Nishkama Karma), the path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga), and the realization of the self through selfless action (Karma Yoga). Krishna's teachings emphasize the importance of performing one's duty with detachment, surrendering the fruits of action to the divine, and cultivating a profound connection with the universal consciousness. Similarly, the Quran addresses themes of monotheism (Tawhid), prophethood, divine justice, and the importance of righteous conduct (Taqwa). It emphasizes the oneness of God (Allah) and the submission of the human will to divine guidance (Islam). The Quranic teachings advocate compassion, justice, and humility, urging believers to uphold ethical principles in all aspects of life and to strive for spiritual purification and moral excellence. Concept of God: One of the central differences between the Bhagavad Gita and the Quran lies in their respective conceptions of the divine. In Hinduism, the concept of God is multifaceted, encompassing both personal and impersonal manifestations. Lord Krishna, as depicted in the Gita, represents the Supreme Being (Brahman) incarnated in human form to guide humanity towards liberation (Moksha). While Krishna emphasizes devotion and surrender to the personal aspect of God, the Gita also acknowledges the formless, transcendent aspect of the divine. Conversely, the Quran presents a monotheistic conception of God as absolute and indivisible. Allah is described as the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the sustainer of all existence, and the ultimate judge of human deeds. Islamic theology emphasizes the transcendence and sovereignty of God, rejecting any notion of incarnation or anthropomorphic representation. Muslims are called to worship Allah alone, without associating partners or intermediaries. Ethical and Moral Guidelines: Both the Bhagavad Gita and the Quran provide ethical frameworks to guide human conduct and promote virtuous living. The Gita emphasizes the importance of righteous action performed in accordance with one's duty and role in society. It encourages individuals to act selflessly, without attachment to the results of their actions, and to cultivate virtues such as compassion, integrity, and equanimity. The concept of Svadharma, or one's own duty, underscores the significance of fulfilling one's responsibilities with sincerity and dedication. Similarly, the Quran lays down moral injunctions and ethical principles to govern human behaviour. It prohibits actions such as theft, murder, adultery, and dishonesty, while enjoining acts of charity, kindness, and justice. The Quranic teachings emphasize the importance of sincerity (Ikhlas) in worship, honesty in dealings, and compassion towards others, regardless of their social status or religious affiliation. Muslims are called to uphold the highest standards of morality and integrity in all spheres of life, striving to emulate the exemplary character of the Prophet Muhammad. Path to Salvation: The Bhagavad Gita and the Quran offer distinct paths to spiritual realization and ultimate salvation. In Hinduism, the concept of Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), is central to the teachings of the Gita. Arjuna is exhorted to transcend his ego (Ahamkara) and realize his true identity as the eternal self (Atman), which is identical to the Supreme Self (Brahman). The Gita presents various paths to Moksha, including the path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga), the path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga), and the path of selfless action (Karma Yoga), each suited to the temperament and inclinations of the seeker. In Islam, salvation is attained through faith (Iman) and righteous deeds (Amal). The Quran emphasizes the belief in one God, submission to His will, and obedience to His commandments as the prerequisites for salvation. Muslims are called to perform acts of worship, such as prayer (Salah), fasting (Sawm), charity (Zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj), as expressions of their devotion and gratitude towards Allah. The Quranic concept of accountability (Yawm al-Qiyamah) underscores the importance of leading a righteous life and seeking forgiveness for one's sins, with the hope of attaining paradise (Jannah) in the Hereafter. Conclusion: In conclusion, the Bhagavad Gita and the Quran stand as timeless monuments of spiritual wisdom, offering profound insights into the nature of reality, the purpose of life, and the path to salvation. While rooted in different cultural and religious traditions, these sacred texts share common themes and ethical principles that resonate across humanity. Whether through the teachings of Krishna on duty and devotion or the revelations of Allah on faith and righteousness, the Gita and the Quran continue to inspire seekers of truth and seekers of God, guiding them on their journey towards enlightenment and divine realization. ----- A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir V.P is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist. URL: https://newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/bhagavad-gita-quran-comparative--spiritual-traditions/d/131932 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 Genetic Bottlenecks & Adam: Prophet Adam (s)‘s Role in Human History

By T.O. Shanavas, New Age Islam 16 March 2024 Therefore, The Survival Of Humanity From Just Two Ancestors, Adam And Eve, Is Considered Implausible Within The Context Of Our Current Understanding Of Genetic Bottlenecks And Their Impact On Population Viability. Based On The Evidence Given Adam And Eve Cannot Be Considered As Biological Parents Of Humanity ------- The traditional Islamic belief posits that Adam and Eve (Hawwa) were the first humans from whom all human beings descend, a concept derived from the Quranic verse 4:1. This verse emphasizes for most Muslims the creation of humanity from a pair of human--Adam and Eve, from whom men and women were spread across the earth. But scientific evidence challenges this notion. A genetic or population bottleneck occurs when a significant environmental event—such as famine, earthquakes, or diseases—drastically reduces the size of a population. This reduction can lead to a decrease in genetic diversity, as the surviving population has fewer variations in its gene pool. A population with limited genetic diversity is more susceptible to challenges such as diseases, environmental changes, and reproductive failures, because it lacks the genetic variance necessary to adapt and overcome these obstacles. Consequently, the survival and health of the population are compromised, with its viability potentially reduced by 50% or more. Over time, the continuous decline in species vigour due to these factors can lead to extinction. Small and isolated populations, in particular, face severe risks due to their lack of genetic diversity. In such groups, genetic diseases become more common as a result of inbreeding, and the population's genetic vulnerability is exacerbated by the absence of new genetic material. This combination of factors significantly increases the likelihood of extinction. Evidence of genetic bottlenecks can be observed across various animal and human studies and showcasing how such events affect population extinction. To quote few examples: The extinction of the Tasmanian Aboriginals as a distinct community was not directly due to genetic bottlenecks. Instead, their tragic demise resulted primarily from European colonization in the 19th century, which brought about disease, violence, and displacement. The introduction of new diseases to which the indigenous population had no immunity, combined with the policy of European colonizers that forcibly removed individuals from their lands, significantly reduced their numbers. The last full-blooded Tasmanian Aboriginal were Truganini (1812–1876) and Fanny Cochrane Smith (1834–1905). Another example involves the Ashkenazi Jewish population, which has experienced several genetic bottlenecks over the centuries, notably during the medieval period in Europe. These bottlenecks have led to a higher prevalence of certain genetic diseases within the population, such as Tay-Sachs disease, Gaucher disease, and familial dysautonomia, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Canavan Disease, Fanconi Anemia, Niemann-Pick Disease, Bloom Syndrome, Mucolipidosis IV, and other diseases due to the founder effect where a small gene pool led to the propagation of specific genetic mutations. At one time of their history Ashkenazi Jews population was reduced to just 350 people. Later population increased due to outside community marriages, medical advancement of survival and other factors. Applying this concept of genetic bottlenecks to the human species, the notion of the entire human race descending from just two individuals—Adam and Eve—poses a challenge from a genetic perspective. Starting with such a minimal population would result in an extreme bottleneck, where genetic variation is almost non-existent. According to the principles of population genetics, this scenario would likely have led to the extinction of the human species due to the severe limitations it imposes on genetic diversity and the ability to adapt to environmental changes and diseases. Therefore, the survival of humanity from just two ancestors, Adam and Eve, is considered implausible within the context of our current understanding of genetic bottlenecks and their impact on population viability. Based on the evidence given Adam and Eve cannot be considered as biological parents of humanity, but as spiritual parents and prophet of Islam who drew human species from animality to humanity guiding with Islamic ethics and social order. For the validation for Adam and Eve as spiritual parents, not biological parents, please read the following New Age Articles: 1. Adam and Eve: The Spiritual, Not Biological, Parents of Human Species 2. The Creation of Adam and Human Species: A New Study 3. The Quran and the Creation/Evolution of Human Beings 4. Divine Mercy and Qur’anic Definition of Islam, Muslim and Al- Momineen 5. The Creation/Evolution Of Human Species ------ T.O. Shanavas is a native of Kerala, but is now based in the USA.He is the author of “Islamic Theory of evolution of Evolution The Missing Link Between Darwin and The Origin of Species.” Co-author of the book, And God Said, "Let There Be Evolution!": Reconciling The Book Of Genesis, The Qur'an, And The Theory Of Evolution. Edited by Prof. Charles M. Wynn and Prof. Arthur W. Wiggins. URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-science/genetic-bottlenecks-adam-prophet-human-history/d/131931 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

Ghazwa-e-Hind and the Mischief of Evil Elements

By Dr. Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmed, Tr. New Age Islam Translated into English by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 16 March 2024 Ghazwa-e-Hind Fatwa Controversy and Resolved Plans Main Points: 1. The controversy revolves around a fatwa published on Darul Uloom Deoband's website, which focuses on the Ghazwa-e-Hind. 2. Ghazwa is a term used to describe a war led by the Prophet (peace be upon him) during his lifetime. 3. The term "Ghazwa" was not used to describe conflicts or battles during the reign of the four caliphs or the Rightly-Guided Caliphate. 4. From 711 to 1857, Muslims ruled throughout India, but all conflicts were referred to as wars rather than Ghazwa. 5. The first Caliph, Abu Bakr Siddiq, burned 100,000 hadiths that might have incited conflict or insurrection within the Ummah. 6. Hadiths related to the Ghazwa-e-Hind are included in the category of weak hadiths. 7. Scholars of Deoband believe that the attack on Sindh in 71 by Muhammad bin Qasim was the Ghazwa-e-Hind. 8. The author requests that the Deoband authorities formally adhere to their code of conduct and add explanatory notes to the 2008 fatwa to completely cut the root of the Fitna. 9. The author demands that the religious establishment take a cooperative stance and present a commentary, description, and interpretation that addresses all weak hadiths and war verses found in the Holy Quran. ----- Before going into great detail about the controversy surrounding a fatwa posted on the website of Darul Uloom Deoband, it is important to understand the ground realities and problems, such as peace, reconciliation, love and hate, war and strife, cruelty and justice, exploitation, and the rise and fall of society, to comprehend human psychology, social character, intellectual dimensions, and its positive and negative effects on the civilized world. The truth is that every circumstance has an impact on human nature, development, and trends that result from it. This impact extends far beyond the realms of politics, diplomacy, and conflict resolution, influencing everything from individual life to collective and institutional life. Given the intricacies involved and the broader framework of culture, sociology, and human psychology, it appears that these elements will always have an impact on every aspect of life! Various apostate and accursed circles continue their four-way disgusting sequence of filthy allegations against Islam, Muslims, and the honourable Prophet (peace be upon him) today. Despite everything that has happened, praise be to Allah, the spread of Islam and its acceptance and popularity are also proceeding apace. Not just in the developed world, but across all continents, Islam is the most populous and the fastest-spreading religion. These findings and endorsements are not mine; rather, they are others'! In such a scenario, inside the framework of our country, the subject of Ghazwa-e-Hind is turning into a shared source of cruelty, animosity, and mistrust between Muslims and Hindus, and the rumours propagated about it are serving to deepen the divide. The present dispute, as previously mentioned, concerns the specifics of a fatwa about the Ghazwa-e-Hind published on the Darul Uloom Deoband website. In answering the query, it merely lists a small number of hadiths that are relevant to this subject. By the way, this requires further clarification! This relates to a fatwa from 2008, but the dispute has been brought up in 2024. A genius has no trouble understanding the backdrop! In actuality, answering the question with a mere quotation from a hadith would not be sufficient to eradicate temptation. This helped to stoke the Fitna. It is insufficient to stop the temptation of evildoers to simply state that certain hadiths are weak and that their chain of transmission is unstable, even though this is true to the extent indicated by the index. First: Ghazwa is the name given to a war led by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) during his lifetime, and he personally participated in it. This is a very important thing for readers to remember. Second: The use of this term [i.e. Ghazwa] was abandoned after the demise of the Prophet (peace be upon him). History is full of wars, battles, and armed confrontations. The brutality, persecution, and injustice that took place in the Karbala field, primarily targeting the Ahl-e-Bayt, the family of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who became martyrs and included defenceless children among them, is referred to as the Battle of Karbala, not Ghazwa! Third: There is not a single instance of the term "Ghazwa" being used to describe the conflicts or battles that took place during the reign of the four caliphs or the Rightly-Guided Caliphate. Fourth: The era of the rightly-guided caliphate practically ended with the demise of Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). Monarchy and dictatorship took its place. The Ottoman Empire, which ruled over two-thirds of the world for several hundred years, was referred to as the Caliphate. However, Muhammad bin Qasim did not establish the Caliphate when he invaded India in 711 and ruled there until 713. Fifth: From 711 until 1857, Muslims ruled throughout India. Rulers included Arabs, Afghans, Turks, Mughals, and Muslims from Iran. However, no one had the intention of establishing a caliphate or spreading the religion or creating an Islamic State, and all of the conflicts that occurred during this time were referred to as wars rather than Ghazwa. It is necessary to understand the meaning and application of Daif Hadith in the context of Ghazwa-e-Hind. The first Caliph, Abu Bakr Siddiq (may God be pleased with him), is reported to have burned 100,000 hadiths that might have incited conflict or insurrection within the Ummah or led the Ummah to become increasingly divided if any of them had been interpreted incorrectly. Despite this precautionary measure, there are still a lot of differences and conflicting interpretations today. According to the strict inclusion and acceptance criteria outlined in Asmaa ur-Rijaal, also known as the Science of the Narrators, hadiths that lack certainty, reliability, and authenticity in their narration or narrators were either rejected by jurists or retained as weak hadiths. All hadiths related to the Ghazwa-e-Hind are included in this category. It is imperative, therefore, to adhere to the hadiths that the jurists agree upon rather than weak traditions. In this regard, Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) who is a great companion and a credible narrator, is reported to have said to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), “Would that I had lived to witness the Ghazwa-e-Hind; then I too would have been numbered among the martyrs”. In this context, it becomes evident that the Ghazwa-e-Hind period is over and will not happen again if you consider two factors: the Messenger of Allah's glorious life and his demise. Consequently, the idea of the Ghazwa-e-Hind is no longer relevant! Keep in mind that our Master Prophet said, “The scent of Heaven comes from Hind”. Given that 170 million Muslims are living in this region, this is, in my opinion, not less than a Ghazwa terminologically speaking! The second point to consider in this regard is the interpretation (assumption) held by the scholars of Deoband, which holds that the attack on Sindh in 71 by Muhammad bin Qasim was the Ghazwa-e-Hind, and it has already happened. Nonetheless, several authoritative groups belonging to various schools of thought have some reservations over the stance of Darul Uloom. As a hypothesis, even if it is accepted, this Ghazwa has already occurred. When it comes to fatwas, Darul Uloom Deoband and its Darul Ifta pay particular attention to interpretation and specificity. The delicate nature of the issue necessitated further explanation. Given that Islam, Muslims, and Muslim society are being targeted by evil elements, that Hindu-Muslim hatred is being fuelled in the nation, and that hatred towards us is deeply ingrained in the minds of the majority, we respectfully request that the Deoband authorities formally adhere to their code of conduct and add explanatory notes to the 2008 fatwa in order to completely cut the root of this Fitna. I would like to make some demands of those elders and authorities that have a direct bearing on the teachings of Islam, the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence. The religious establishment must now take a cooperative stance. In front of the modern criticisms, it is essential to present a commentary, description, and interpretation that addresses all the weak hadiths and the war verses found in the Holy Quran. Simultaneously, most of the brothers and compatriots of the country harbour silent reservations about these issues. However, deep down, this silent mistrust is forming a raging tempest that might someday erupt into lava. May Allah forbid this from occurring! However, the likelihood cannot be ruled out! I am merely cautioning; I am not threatening. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is the one to whom all Muslims must answer! In order to clear up the problem on the big picture, everyone must come up in regards to performing Fard-e-Kifaya [an obligation that must be discharged by the Muslim community as a whole]. ------ Urdu Article: Ghazwa-e-Hind and the Mischief of Evil Elements غزوہ ہند اور شرپسند عناصر کی فتنہ گری URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-politics/ghazwa-hind-mischief-evil/d/131930 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

My Take On Pakistani Muslims

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 16 March 2024 The article on Pakistani Muslims has amused me no end. I've been to Pakistan a number of times and I've Pakistani Muslims friends living in the UK, US and all parts of the world. But I'm sad to state that even those Pakistani Muslims, living in the western world, drawing fat salaries as IT professionals and doing other high-profile jobs, have also retained their Pakistani mindset. Agreed, not all Pakistani Muslims behave like morons, most of them still behave in a weirdly enthusiastic manner when it comes to Islam and following its tenets. Did you know that the legendary Rafi's two immortal numbers aren't officially played on Radio Pakistan? Why? Because the songs have the 'banned' benediction Khuda Hafiz which has been replaced with the most atrocious 'Allah Hafiz.' Those songs are, "Iss Rang Badalti Duniya Mein Insaan Ki Neeyat Theek Nahin" (Film: Rajkumar, Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri, Music: Shankar-Jaikishan, singer: Rafi, 1964) and the second number is: Tum Jis Pe Nazar Dalo, Uss Dil Ka Khuda Hafiz (Film: Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke, Lyricist: Rajinder Krishna Duggal, Music: Ravi Shankar Sharma, Singer: Rafi, 1963). Khuda being a Persian word and used by Shia Muslims, Pakistanis replaced it with Allah Hafiz during Zia Ul-Haq's religiously suffocating regime when a female TV announcer used the bizarre term Allah Hafiz way back in 1984. That now even a majority of stupid Sunnis in India also say Allah Hafiz in lieu of Khuda Hafiz is a different story and I'll write about it in a separate piece. Coming back to the story of banning these innocuous songs in Pakistan, fortunately Khuda Hafiz stanza in the song "Iss Rang Badalti Duniya Mein" comes in the end: Main Kaise Khuda Hafiz Kah Doon, Mujh Ko Toh Kisi Ka Yaqeen Nahin/ Chhup Jaao Humari Aankhon Mein Bhagwan Ki Neeyat Theek Nahin. So, this song is occasionally played in Pakistan sans its last stanza! Otherwise also, the last stanza is blasphemous (!) according to Pakistani Muslims! Bhagwan Ki Neeyat Theek Nahin! Oh no! What a sacrilegious statement! Remove this objectionable Antara forthwith! But unfortunately, in the song, "Tum Jis Pe Nazar Daalo," Khuda Hafiz appears at the very beginning. So, ban it completely. This is how an average Pakistani behaves under the toxic influence of distorted Islam. The problem is that Indian Muslims have also begun to behave like their Pakistani counterparts. Lack of education and an overwhelming influence of all religious preachers have contributed to making Pakistanis a butt of ridicule even in Islamic countries. Muslims of Pakistan need to put more focus on developing scientific temperament by listening to the likes of Pervez Hoodbhoy, Pakistani nuclear scientist, author, media commentator and activist rather than follow the fatwas of its uneducated and imbecile preachers like Mufti Tariq Masood and Maulana Tariq Jamil (a controversial preacher from the Tablighi Jamaat) who've extremely popular channels on YouTube and are followed by scores of brainless subcontinental Muslims. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/pakistani-muslims-khuda-allah-hafiz/d/131929 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

Dr Rahi Masoom Raza: The Creator Of Mahabharata’s Chaste Hindi

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 15 March 2024 Many readers are aware as to who wrote the immensely popular Sanskritised Hindi dialogues of B R Chopra's famous serial 'Mahabharata' (1988-1990). For those who're not aware, well, Dr Rahi Masoom Raza penned the dialogues of 'Mahabharata', which became so popular that viewers across the country started speaking that kind of Kintu/Parantu Hindi. All the dialogues were written in quaintly chaste Hindi. But did you know that Dr Rahi Masoom Raza initially declined B R Chopra's request to write the dialogues for the tele-serial 'Mahabharata'? Yes, Raza politely said 'no' to B R Chopra. Yet, Chopra announced Raza's name as a dialogue writer! Dr Rahi Masoom Raza passed away on March 15, 1992 ------ When people came to know of this, they wrote to Chopra, "Saare Hindu Mar Gaye Hain Kya Jo Aap Ek Musalmaan Se 'Mahabharata' Ke Samvaad Likhwa Rahe Hain? " (Have all Hindus died that you've chosen a Muslim to pen the dialogues of 'Mahabharata' ?). B R Chopra, sent all those abusive letters to Dr Raza. When Raza realized that people had reservations about a Muslim writing the dialogues of 'Mahabharata', he took it as a challenge and accepted Chopra's request. "Main Iss Mulk Ka Hissa Hoon. Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit Zabanein Meri Ragon Mein Daudti Hain " (I'm a part of this country. Hindi, Urdu and Sanskrit are in my blood). Needless to say, the rest is history. He was a true-blue Hindustani, nay a human, at heart. Raza would often say,"Main Ne Khud Ko Kabhi Kisi Mazhab Se Nahin Joda. Insaaniyat Mera Mazhab Hai. Main Faqat Ek Insaan Hoon" (I've never tied myself to any faith. My religion is humanity and I'm but a human). What Raza wrote in 'Mahabharata' is still a benchmark. In these communal times, one must remember that in the tele-serial 'Mahabharata', the real name of the man who essayed the role of Arjun is Feroz Khan and the actress who acted so well in the role of Kunti is Nazneen, who has become a recluse and there's not much information available about her. The relevance of these 'anomalies' increases all the more in these times, when one has to emblazon one's religion on his/her forehead to survive in this increasingly intolerant country. Agreed, there also existed religiosity and fanaticism 35 years ago when 'Mahabharata' was being made because Chopra had to face people's jibes when he decided to rope in Raza as a dialogue writer, but the masses were not so religiously morbid as they're today. I often wonder, had India of the 80s been as religiously touchy as it's today, would the hardcore Hindus, political outfits, Sanatanis and all such lumpen elements have let Raza write for Mahabharata and Feroz Khan and Nazneen enact the roles of Arjun and Kunti? Just imagine, Arjun and Kunti are (actually) Muslims as per their faith! There would have been a nationwide uproar: Sanatan Dharm Bhrasht Ho Gaya (The Sanatan Dharm has been desecrated) ! Got to say, these are unthinkably bad times to be in! Anyway, Raza's contributions become even more remarkable in our times. He shuffled off this mortal coil on March 15, 1992. Good that he departed a few months prior to Babri mosque's unfortunate demolition on December 6, 1992 that changed the Hindu-Muslim equation once and for all. A sensitive soul that he was, he too would have had to go through all the pains and angst, the Muslims in India had to undergo following Babri mosque's defilement by the Kar Sevaks and Hindu vandals. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/rahi-masoom-raza-creator-mahabharata-hindi/d/131926 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

‘Muslim Card’: AIADMK Will Remain Custodian Of Muslims In Tamil Nadu

By Syed Ali Mujtaba, New Age Islam 15 March 2024 The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has reiterated that the AIADMK will remain the custodian of Muslims in Tamil Nadu, said party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami here on Wednesday. Addressing an ‘Iftar’ function, organized by his party, Palaniswami, recalled the services rendered by the former Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha and said that the iconic leader of the AIADMK had always stood for the welfare of the Muslims and this policy will continue under him. The former Chief Minister also recalled that it was Jayalalitha who had first proposed the name of APJ Abdul Kalam for the post of President of India. Edappadi K Palaniswami, who became the general secretary of the AIADMK, after the death of party supremo, J Jayalalithaa and allied with the BJP in 2017, a move that saw the erosion of Muslim support for the AIADMK. The AIADMK, after ending its ties with the BJP in September 2023, is trying to resurrect the party from scratch. To regain the lost ground, the AIADMK is now playing the ‘Muslim card’ vociferously which constitutes about 6% of the votes in Tamil Nadu. When asked about his party’s stand on the Citizen Amendment Act (CAA), the law on Triple Talaq, and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Palaniswami said, “Our stand on these issues is explained clearly in our election manifesto of 2019. We are opposed to them as AIADMK is concerned over its long-term impact on the society.” Palaniswami also announced that the AIADMK will not form an electoral alliance with any of the national parties in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He also dismissed the rumour that the third front led by the BJP may hurt the electoral prospects of the AIADMK-led front. He said, the talks with the DMDK and PMK are in the final stages and the details of it will be made public at an appropriate time. Tamil Nadu politics since 1916 has revolved around the Dravidian plank initiated by the Justice Party. This party rose into prominence in Tamil Nadu in opposition to Sanatan Dharma, Brahminical domination besides a host of other such things. The legacy of the Justice party is carried forward by the Dravidian parties including DMK, AIADMK, DMDK, and other such political parties. In recent years the BJP under the leadership of Narendra Modi has made an exorbitant use of money power to make a dent in Tamil Nadu. With the Governor leading the Hindutva bandwagon, and BJP leader K Annamalai, an ex-IPS officer leading the party from the front some unexpected development is expected in Tamil Nadu. This is said because there is crass use of money power is on display. A huge sum is spent on advertisements, billboards, and hoardings everywhere in the state, giving a semblance of appearance that the BJP is all set to dent the Dravidian fort. However, the Mega Opinion Poll conducted by Network18 has predicted that the DMK will lead the INDIA bloc to an impressive haul of 30 seats and may get a 51% vote share. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) may get 5 seats with a net vote share of 13%, while the AIADMK and allies will pick up 4 seats, and get around 17% of the votes share. The prediction of 5 seats given the Network18, seems to be doubtful. The picture on the ground zero is that the BJP has a contest on only two seats in Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari and Vellore. It is likely it can be victorious on these two seats, maybe one, even may go blank, provided the contest is evenly fought. ------ Syed Ali Mujtaba is a journalist based in Chennai. URL: https://newageislam.com/current-affairs/muslim-card-aiadmk-custodian-muslims-tamil-nadu/d/131925 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