ISLAM - A Perspective (4.Communal Harmony)

“You say that Islam propagates peace; but in most of the Islamic Republics violence keeps erupting every now and then. Terrorism has become a way of daily life in most of these countries,” seems to be the legitimate question raised by many. “You say that religions advocate peace; then why is that there are so many conflicts in the name of religion?” is the question generally addressed to the people who follow any religion.

The answer to religious conflicts and terrorism is one and the same. People do not follow the values and tenets or principles that religions teach. Instead they use religion as a mere identification, collection of rituals and as a tool to dominate others. This has led to the present situation. We shall briefly see what Islam has to offer to tackle these two issues that are disrupting peace world over.  

Unity in diversity

The different religions and principles are an inseparable part of history. There is a convergence of views between different religions as also divergence. Even within the same religion, there are differing views. Therefore, unity in diversity is the only practical solution feasible. This would lead to unity. The society that Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) created in Medina was a pluralistic society. There were Muslims as also Jews. In the city of Najran, just outside Medina, Christians lived. All of them lived together without any conflict.

Do not hurt the Feelings

One of the main reasons for religious conflicts is because people denigrate and malign other religions. On one side, the religious folks attack each other. On the other, in the name of freedom of expression, the incidence of people without any religious affiliations attacking religions is on the increase. People stoop to defame religious leaders, who are held in high esteem by their communities, by depicting them in cartoons and obscene pictures. Mostly these are not constructive and rational criticisms. Such people indulge in this just to gain some cheap popularity and increasing the sales. They forget that the freedom of expression comes with a responsibility. They also forget that all such freedom is not without limits!

The Holy Quran ordains us to desist from hurting the feelings. “Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they out of spite revile Allah in their ignorance.” (Holy Quran 6:108). We can critique a religion without igniting passions and in a logical manner appealing to the intellect. We can also espouse the cause of our own religion in an eloquent and gracious manner. “Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.” (Holy Quran 16:125). The Holy Quran has also critiqued other philosophies but without hurting their sentiments and belittling or demeaning them in anyway.

Do not get emotional about criticisms

When someone criticizes or attacks your religion, do not get emotional, advises Islam. Just as any idea or a view-point has support, so also it is natural to have opposition for that as well. People who are happy when receiving endorsements about their view-points should also be patient when they get opposing and differing views. When people lose patience and indulge in violent activities, peace in society is bound to be disrupted. Their principles get weakened and receive a setback as well.

When Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) propagated Islam, people ridiculed him and the tenets he preached. He was vilified as a ‘liar’, ‘sorcerer’ and of unsound mind. They said that Holy Quran was written by someone and taught to the Prophet (pbuh). They further added that he was lying that the Holy Quran was revealed to him by God. They scoffed at him saying that this was a myth from their ancestors. They created poems chiding him. Even after all these incidents, the prophet (pbuh) never once asked his followers to attack his detractors, and even after assuming the leadership of Medina he did not do so. He advised his followers to be patient and act in accordance with the will of God. He also exhorted them to ignore fools and respond with logical and rational arguments tempered with reasoning.

God says thus in the Holy Quran

“Ye shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and ye shall hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the book before you and those who worship many Gods. But if ye preserve patiently, and guard against evil, then that will be determining factor in all affairs.” (Holy Quran 3:186)

“And have patience with what they say, and leave them with noble (dignity). And leave Me (alone to deal with) those with possession of good things of life, who yet deny the Truth; and bear with them for a little while.” (Holy Quran 73:10,11)

“And the servants of Allah, the most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, “Peace!” (Holy Quran 25:63)

From the above sayings it is clear that when one’s religion is attacked, one needs to act with patience and dignity. Then one needs to engage in debates with rational arguments based on reasoning.

The arguments that the Prophet (pbuh) created the Holy Quran were countered with the following arguments. “He has been living amidst you for years. He has never uttered a falsehood. He cannot read and write. How can a person who cannot read or write create the Holy Quran which is in a poetic style? If you have doubts whether the Holy Quran is God’s revelation, bring a book that is matching in such poetic style as the Holy Quran.” The Prophet (pbuh) directed the poets among his followers to respond to these fault-finders in a poetic form.

Hence when the principles and religion we follow are attacked, we should not be guided by our emotions and take law into our hands. Instead, we should approach it in a rational and logical manner. We should be able to identify and expose those who are criticizing for the sake of publicity. In case there is some truth in what those detractors say, then we should also be willing to accept the truth.   

ISLAM - A Perspective (3. Peace)

‘ISLAM’ is an Arabic word, which literally carries the meaning of ‘peace’ as also ‘submission’ / ‘self-surrender’. If you submit to GOD’s commandments, you will be peaceful. If you fail to surrender to HIS will, then you will be bereft of peace. The word ‘Islam’, therefore, signifies this great truth. The people who follow Islam are called Muslims. The Arabic word Muslim also carries the meaning as to one who is in a state or condition of submission to God’s will and therefore is peaceful. (The word Islam and Muslim have the same root letters s,l,m). To attain peace and to give peace are a Muslim’s primary duties.

‘A person who does not harm others either through words or deed alone is a true Muslim’. ‘A person who safeguards lives and possessions of other people alone is a true believer’. ‘A person who has a sumptuous feast while his neighbour is hungry is not a true believer’. These are some of the sayings of the Prophet (pbuh) that further endorse the basic meaning of Islam as peace. 

Some people call Islam as Mohammadan religion and call Muslims as Mohammadans. However, these words have slowly faded away from usage. If we accept the term ‘Mohammadan religion’, then it follows that Islam was founded by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), which is not true. As we have seen earlier, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the last Prophet. He came to expound the truths that were already told by the earlier Prophets.

Say ye: “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (In Islam)” (Holy Quran 2:136)

From the above verse it is clear that the Prophet (pbuh) did not initiate a new religion. Mohammadan would imply that Muslims worship Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). But truth be told, Muslims do not worship Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). They worship the only God. They regard Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to be a messenger of God and as a role model to be followed. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) always maintained that he was also human and that he would die one day.

Islam was created by God. It is, therefore, true that it is not linked to any particular person or race. In this universe, all creations, both animate and inanimate, except man act as ordained by God. They do not have the capacity, knowledge or freedom to deviate from these laid down laws. The Earth rotates at its pre-determined velocity. It cannot deviate from its pre-determined path, speed and time. This rule is applicable to everything that exists in this universe except man. Hence all these creations, perhaps except man, are acting peacefully.

Man alone has been bestowed with the privilege of thinking and acting as per his will. When man attempts to misuse this privilege, then he loses peace. ‘Drinking is the mother of all evils’ said God. Instead, man converted that as the mother of all earnings. This has resulted in family quarrels, divorces, murder, loot and sexual violence. ‘People are progeny of a single man and woman. Therefore all are equal’ said God. However, man created all types of inequalities. The result is that society is divided on class or communal lines with incessant conflicts. ‘Don’t even go near shameful acts’, said God. Man stepped beyond his limits engaging in prostitution, illegitimate and forbidden relationships resulting in sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS and deteriorating moral standards. Hence God addressed these people saying ‘and peace to all who follow guidance’. (Holy Quran 20:47)

Man will attain three types of benefits if he follows the commandments of the Lord.  They are peace with God, peace with creation and peace with self. Islam shows the way for all these three types of peace.

1. Peace with God

Accepting the only God, worshipping HIM and surrendering to HIS commandments will lead us to peace with God. HE has created us as the crown jewel of creation and has provided us with capabilities, means of livelihood and guidance. Therefore, if we remember HIM and be grateful, we shall be peaceful. When HIS likes become our likes and when his dislikes become our dislikes, then we become worthy of God’s love. ‘By remembering God, mind becomes peaceful’. (Holy Quran)

2. Peace with creation

We can be at peace with all of creation if we accept that all men, nations and languages are equal; grant human rights; discharge our duties and responsibilities properly; act with justice and be loving.

3. Peace with Self

We can attain peace with ourselves if we keep our mind and body pure. We need to discard some of the negative thoughts or traits like being overly materialistic, being obsessed with one’s position, ostentation, arrogance, jealousy and a vindictive attitude. Instead, if we cultivate love, compassion, truthfulness, forgiving attitude, sacrifice in our mind, then our mind will become peaceful. ‘Truly he succeeds that purifies it’. (Holy Quran 91:9)

We can attain also attain peace of mind if we keep our bodies also clean like our mind. We need to abstain from drinking, drugs, smoking, illegitimate and prohibited relationships. We also should not indulge in self-harm. ‘Make not your own hands contribute to your own destruction’. (Holy Quran 2:195)

Islam advocates greeting each other with the phrase ‘As-salam Alaikum’ which means ‘peace be unto you’. Islam also reiterates that we need to greet in the same manner when we finish our prayers as also while entering the house. Islam, therefore, endeavours to create a peaceful man and a peaceful society.

ISLAM - A Perspective (Prophet Muhammad-pbuh)

Muhammad (pbuh) was born around 570 CE to Abdullah and Aminah. He was a posthumous child. He lost his mother also before he was six. When he was a young boy, he was a cowherd. When he was 10, he was involved in his paternal uncle’s business and visited Syria as a part of the trade delegation. In his 25^th year, he became well known in Mecca for his qualities of integrity, honesty and discipline. He came to be called AL-Amin (the trustworthy) and AS-Sadiq (the truthful) by the people. People entrusted their valuables to him for safe keeping. In case of any disputes, people accepted him as their arbiter.

Impressed with Muhammad’s (pbuh) integrity, Khadija one of Arabia’s distinguished and well known baroness, entrusted her business to him as a caretaker. Later, attracted by his personality and charisma, she married him. Khadija was already twice widowed at that time and she was 40 while Muhammad (pbuh) was only 25.

Around his 35^th year Muhammad (pbuh) spent lot of his time in a cave known as mount Hira near Mecca. In solitude, he spent his time on contemplation. He reflected upon the evils, injustices and false beliefs prevailing in Mecca then. In the year 610 CE, in his 40^th year, during one such contemplation, the holy scriptures were revealed to him.

“Proclaim! In the name of thy Lord and cherisher, who created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is most bountiful, HE who taught (the use of) the pen, taught man that which he knew not.” (Holy Quran 96:1-5)

When Muhammad (pbuh) heard these dialogues, he was shivering with fear. He became confused. He was overcome with fright as to whether he was possessed by some evil spirit. Again he heard the words “Muhammad, you are a messenger of God. I am angel Gabriel. Therefore Proclaim.” Muhammad (pbuh) responded “I do not know how to proclaim!” Again the voice reiterated “Proclaim!” He returned home perturbed. However, his wife assuaged him with the words “Do not worry. I shall be by your side always as a source of strength. No harm will come upon you. You are giving plenty as alms to the poor. You are supporting the orphans, widows and the destitute. God will not abandon you”.

She then took her husband to her relative Waraqah bin Nawfal, a Christian scholar. After hearing out Muhammad (pbuh), Waraqah responded “Muhammad, it was indeed the angel Gabriel that commanded you. He was the angel that commanded Moses as well. Your people will criticize you as a liar. They may persecute you. They may even banish you from your city”.

After this event, Muhammad (pbuh) gained the status of a Prophet. Just like the earlier prophets, the holy scriptures were revealed to him in stages. It started in 610 CE and continued for 23 years till 632 CE. He started disseminating this in secret initially but later did it openly. His teachings primarily focused on telling people to discard false beliefs handed down by their ancestors, worship the only God, do away with social inequalities, and not earn wealth through inappropriate means. He was against drinking, gambling and usury. He also spoke about giving rights to women, abolishing slavery, not exploiting the poor and treat orphans with dignity. He also proclaimed that the poor had a right to the wealth of the rich. 

These teachings were not well received by the influential and the wealthy leaders of the time. They believed that these teachings would put an end to their political, social and economic well being. They were disturbed that they would lose the wealth that they were earning by administering the Kaaba. They feared that Muhammad (pbuh) may even assume leadership of Arabia. Hence they fiercely opposed Muhammad (pbuh) and his followers. They tortured them to the extent it became unbearable.

Seeing the cruelty being inflicted on his followers, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) sent a group of his followers to nearby Abyssinia (in Ethiopia). He also told them that the Christian King who was ruling that country, Najashi, was a good man and would protect them. The Christian king also gave them refuge. 

In the year 620 CE, 13 years after he had started his preaching, he could see light at the end of the tunnel. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) got an invitation from the people of a city called Yathrib (presently Medina) which was about 200 miles away from Mecca. They declared that they would follow his teachings, provide him with security and accept him as their leader. Accepting this offer, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) migrated permanently to Medina along with his followers. This incident is referred to as ‘Hijra’. This event also marks the beginning of the Islamic year and calendar. This also turned out be a turning point in his life. The people of Medina accepted Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) as their political and religious leader. Those days, there were people who did not accept Islam as also Jews. The Prophet created a common political manifesto for all concerned. The Jews were given full freedom to pursue their religion and culture.

The people of Mecca, who could not bear the growth and popularity of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), started wars on Medina many times and failed. Finally a truce treaty was signed between both parties in the year 628 CE. This was called ‘The treaty of Hudaybiyyah’. After this event, Islam spread fast to various parts of the Arab peninsula. The people of Mecca, at times, violated the peace treaty. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) marched towards Mecca with about 10,000 soldiers and instead of retaliating, granted them amnesty. He assured them that there would not be any retribution. Realizing Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) magnanimity, the people of Mecca also embraced Islam.

In the year 632 CE, in his last year of earthly sojourn, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) came to Mecca along with his followers and completed his Hajj duties and released a ‘Declaration of Human Rights’ (which would be discussed in detail later). Later that year, at 63, he passed away. During his time, Islam spread to about 10 lakh square miles and about 5 lakh people embraced Islam.