Jihadists Cannot Justify Their Call to Migration On The Basis Of The Quranic Verse 8:72

By Ghulam Rasool Dehelvi

WordForPeace.com

The Jihadist terrorists dominantly belong to Wahhabism and hence they call their Wahhabi followers to migrate like the early Emigrants mentioned in the Quranic verse 8:72 and fight against those who they think are Kuffar and non-Wahhabi Muslims. Concerning this verse in today’s context some questions arise. Are today’s Muslims whom they are calling to migrate identical to the early Emigrants? Is it allowed for them to migrate from a country which grants security and religious freedom to them?

Associating the condition of today’s Muslims to that of the early Emigrants mentioned in 8:72 is extremely injustice and violation of the Quran. To clearly understand this point, let us briefly know about the background of the early Emigrants in the following passages.

Who were these Emigrants mentioned in the verse? They were those Muslims who had no religious freedom in Makkah. These Muslims suffered heartless oppression, torture, and abuse for thirteen years. They were those Muslims who were not allowed to fight even in defence in Makkah but were commanded therein to persevere patiently. Every day these early Muslims would come in the presence of the holy Prophet (peace be upon him) in a state where either someone’s head was broken, or hand was badly damaged. They were those Muslims whose co-religionists had been brutally killed in Makkah.  Hadrat Bilal was rolled on the glowing embers. Yasir and his wife Samiya were wounded with spears. Not to speak of the poor and the helpless, even the blue-blooded could not go unmolested. For instance, Osman’s uncle would tightly wrap him in a fresh animal skin, and throw him in the scorching sun. The searing sun, profuse sweat and foul smell of the skin would choke his breath and be unbearably excruciating and painful.

Similarly, Abu Bakr was once subjected to such a cruel and painful torture that he lay unconscious for a long time. For as long as 14 or 15 years, these Muslims suffered religious persecutions, insults, outrages and injuries at the hands of their persecutors. They bore all these indignities with the utmost humility and patience. When the aggression and ruthlessness of the pagan Arabs grew more hotly than ever, Allah commanded these Muslims to migrate. These Muslims carried out Allah’s command worshipfully and migrated to Yathrib –nearly 300 miles away from Makkah. Still the animosity of the inveterate enemies of Islam had not subsided. They inflicted fresh injuries on the Muslims; robbed them of the peace of mind and heart. A band of pagan Arabs would raid the pastures of the Muslims and take away their cattle. If they encounter a lonely Muslim, they would not hesitate in killing him mercilessly. It was then these Muslims were allowed to fight back in defence and ensure peace and religious freedom.

Today’s Muslims are living in their respective countries, enjoying significantly rights of security and freedom of religion. The situation they are living in does not match that of the early Emigrants. This is one of the reasons that they do not need to migrate or fight in defence against anyone. The righteousness of the early Emigrants was guaranteed because they were along with the Prophet –peace be upon him- and because they were commanded by Allah to migrate for their religious freedom and security reasons. Today’s terrorists are not true followers of the prophet (peace be upon him) because like their Wahhabi ideologues, they use blasphemous language against the prophet (peace be upon him) and commit acts of terrorism which are extremely forbidden in Islam.

The early Emigrants emigrated from Makkah which neither guaranteed freedom of religion, nor security of religious life. But today’s terrorists want to call the people from the countries which guarantee them both freedom of religion and security of life. The phrase “fought with their wealth” refers to the fact that they were brutally persecuted so much that they had to forsake their wealth and homes. They chose to sacrifice their wealth as they could not live without faith and belief in Allah and His Messenger peace be upon him. Forsaking their wealth, they emigrated to Makkah. It is in that sense they “fought with their wealth”.

The members of ISIS, before its declaration of Islamic state, had full religious rights of worshipping Allah alone, spending their all day and night in remembrance of Allah Almighty and his beloved prophet. They needed neither to fight in defence nor to call anyone to migrate.  But after committing acts of atrocities and terrorism on civilians, they are globally described as the most wanted criminals. It is shocking affairs that they are calling others to become criminals like them in the name of the Quran.

The reading of this verse also sheds light on importance of maintaining treaty or agreement. This signifies that in all cases Muslims need to keep the promise of treaty. Let us understand it in the Indian context, that after the independence of India, the constitution was formed mutually by the support of all Indians that they all will abide by the laws as per the constitution. It is obligatory upon Indian Muslims to the promise of abiding by the constitution. If anyone of them violates this law, he will be termed as criminal in Indian law as well as in Islam, as Allah Almighty says,

“And fulfil the covenant [promise]. Verily the covenant will be questioned about” (17:34).

The last sentence of the verse reads “Allah sees your deeds”. Here is a divine message for the Jihadist terrorists to understand that they can fool the people and cunningly brainwash their followers but they can’t hide their work from Allah because He knows what their deeds.

Reference:

http://www.wordforpeace.com/jihadists-cannot-justify-their-call-to-migration-on-the-basis-of-the-quranic-verse-872/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Muslim World League calls for awareness among youth about evils of extremism

By WordForPeace.com

Young people must be fully aware of the true meanings of Islamic texts and understand their purposes, to protect youths and counter the suspicions, allegations and corrupt interpretations of Islam that have been promoted by extremists for a long time in a number of countries in the region.

The call came from Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, the secretary-general of the Muslim World League, in a speech during the presentation of the Abdullah bin Bader Al-Swaidan Award for Excellence in the Eastern Province.

Al-Issa said that the award is considered a pioneering model for safeguarding young people and promoting religious and national awareness of extremism.

He said: “Saudi Arabia has identified and removed more than 800 harmful intellectual materials launched by Daesh through thousands of messages on social networking sites.

“It is not enough to totally reject extremism and warn against it, because it thrives through the spreading of ideas that prey on and promote a negative type of religious sentiment devoid of the necessary level of awareness that can defeat the fallacies of extremism.

The Swaidan Award is the largest award in the Kingdom. More than 115,000 young men and women took part in the most recent edition, a record number of students in general education.

Reference:

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1283901/saudi-arabia

Refuting the Jihadist Interpretation of Surah Nisa-Verse: 89

By Maulana Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqui

www.WordForPeace.com

One of the verses the extremists quote for calling their ideological followers to fight against the ‘disbelievers’ including the non-Wahhabi Muslims is the verse 89 of Surah Al-Nisa. However by doing so, they are greatly violating the Quran. Let’s see and behold!

Allah Almighty says, “They (the hypocrites) wish that you reject faith as they have rejected (faith) and thus you all become equal (like one another). So do not make friends with (any of) them until they emigrate in the way of Allah. Then, if they turn back (violate their peace treaty and launch aggression against you), seize them and kill them wherever you find them (during the war), and take not (any of) them either for a friend or for a helper.” (4:89)

This verse refers to the hypocrites who rejected their faith and wanted the believers to reject their faith and become equal like one another. They were hidden traitors who wanted to commit treason against the believers. Therefore this verse asked the believers not to make them their friends “until they emigrate in the way of Allah” in order to prove their sincerity and truthfulness. Until now the first half part of the verse did not ask the believers to seize or kill these hypocrites. But if they turn back by not migrating and by violating their peace-treaty and launching aggression against the believers, it is in that sense the second half of the verse asks the believers “to seize them and kill them” wherever they find them during the war, as the command of this verse can’t be applied outside the war.

Its succeeding verse (4:90) clarifies that this verse 4:89 can’t be applied to those who have made a peace-treaty, no matter whether they are hypocrites or any group of disbelievers. Let us read now the verse 4:90!

“But (do not fight) those who have allied with a people that between you and them there is a (peace) treaty, or who (losing heart) come to you in such a state that their breasts are afflicted (with this obsession) whether they should fight you or their own people. If Allah had so willed, He (strengthening their hearts) would have given them supremacy over you. Then they would certainly have fought you. So if they keep away from you and do not fight you and send you (a message) for peace, then (in the interest of peace) Allah has left no way open for you (to launch any aggression) against them.” (4:90)

Having read the afore-mentioned two verses of the Quran, the Islamic nature of war becomes very clear. The war-related verses can’t be applied to the areas or countries where the Muslims and non-Muslims live peacefully under any sort of mutually agreed law or any sort of peace-treaty or constitution. This argument was completely followed and juristically encouraged by the great classical jurists. I am quoting only some of them, as follows;

Violation of Treaty is Not Permissible

“If a peaceful treaty is concluded with the stipulation that there will be no war between parties for one year or so, it should not be violated. It is unlawful to come to war within the stipulated time by breaking the agreement” (Majmaul-anhar, Bahare Shariat, vol: 9, p.137)

There is another Quranic verse 8:72 which significantly teaches the believers to maintain treaty or agreement. That Muslims should keep the promise of treaty in all cases is a universal message. If today’s Muslims have agreed to abide by any constitution, they shall have to keep their promise. Allah Almighty says, “Fulfil the covenant [promise]. Verily the covenant will be questioned about” (17:34).

Injunction of Peaceful Treaty                 

“It is permissible for the Muslims to conclude a peaceful treaty, provided that it is in their favour. If there be a need, the treaty can be concluded even by giving out some wealth. As a matter of expedient measure, it can be broken. But the enemies should be informed of it and fighting should not be begun; just after informing them of the breaking of agreement. There should be an interval sufficient enough for them to make their allies aware of it. This injunction is applicable only when the agreement is broken before the expiry of the stipulated length of time.” (Durre-e-Mukhtar, Raddul Muhtar, Bahare Shariat Vol:9, p.138)

Injunction on Offering Protection to Polytheists

“If a free Muslim man or woman gives shelter to one or a group of polytheists or to the polytheists of a particular town, it is his or her duty to protect his or their life. It is not lawful to kill them, even if the person who gives the shelter is a transgressor, blind or an aged man”. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Alamgiri, Bahare Shariat)

Injunction on offering Protection to the weak even during War-times

It is also important to note that the collateral damage is not allowed even during war-times. Islam says, it is strictly forbidden to kill women, children, mad, aged, blind, crippled, and lame men, priests, monks, retiring in the worship houses and those whose right hands are either chopped off or affected by rickets, provided that they do not come to avail the enemies. (Durre Mukhtar, Bahare Shariat, Vol:9, p.137). Such views of the Islamic jurists are based on the following ahadith;

(1)      “Do not kill any child, any woman, or any elder or sick person.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)

(2)      “Do not practice treachery or mutilation. (Muwatta Malik)

(3)      “Do not destroy the villages and towns, do not spoil the cultivated fields and gardens, and do not slaughter the cattle.” (Sahih Bukhari; Sunan Abu Dawud)

(4)      “Do not kill the monks in monasteries, and do not kill those sitting in places of worship. (Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal)

(5)      “Do not uproot or burn palms or cut down fruitful trees.(Al-Muwatta)

(6)      “Do not wish for an encounter with the enemy; pray to Allah to grant you security; but when you [are forced to] encounter them, exercise patience.” (Sahih Muslim)

(7)      “No one may punish with fire except the Lord of Fire.” (Sunan Abu Dawud).

To sum up, we can say that the war-related verses are limited to war-times only. Only the state or a government of a country can execute the rulings and laws of war. Individuals or citizens are not allowed to wage war against any group or take laws in hands. Moreover, the war-related verses can’t be applied to the countries where Muslims and non-Muslims are living under their mutual agreement or any sort of peace-treaty or constitution. Therefore, the extremists can’t quote the verse 4:89 to justify their acts in any way. Similarly it would be a great crime, on the part of their followers, to support the call of the extremists. 

Reference:

http://newageislam.com/radical-islamism-and-jihad/ghulam-ghaus-siddiqi,-new-age-islam/refuting-the-jihadist-interpretation-of-surah-nisa—verse-89/d/114936

No Religious Sanctity On the War Cry of ‘Ghazwatul Hind’ In Kashmir: Giving terrorism a veneer of religion is self-deception

By  By Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi

www.wordforpeace.com

Eisa Fazili, the slain ISIS sympathizer in Kashmir-young gullible student of the B Tech (IT) who joined militant ranks-warned the Ulema:“One day they have to show their faces to Allah who will punish them for failing in their duties to give a call for Jihad fi Sabilillah (armed struggle in the path of Allah)”.

But what Fazili and his likes of the radicalized Kashmiri youths fail to do is reason with themselves: when the Ulema— of any sect (Maslak) or any school of jurisprudence (Mazhab)—have not issued any decree or fatwa for jihad in Kashmir, why these half-educated youths are hell-bent on calling for the self-declared ‘jihad-e-Kashmir’? Have they become self-imposed Ulema or muftis (Islamic jurists) by themselves to declare Jihad or Qital, something that, according to the established Islamic scholars, only state can declare? Don’t they look up to the authoritative Ulema and authentic Islamic scholars as their religious mentors anymore? When Ulema and Islamic clergy don’t ask them to participate in any kind of jihad, then who are forcing them to go berserk and play havoc across the valley in the name of jihad and Khilafah? Clearly, the present-day extremist jihadists in Kashmir are deceiving themselves and are working on the behest of the foreign interests. They are simply puppets of the foreign political ambitions and are, knowingly or unconsciously, serving the ulterior motives and designs of the anti-India elements. Therefore, it is indispensable to rescue the misguided Muslim youths in Kashmir from the false Islamic jihad bred by the outside interests. Eisa Fazili argued with the Ulema that one day they have to show their faces to Allah who will punish them for ‘failing in their duties to call for Jihad’. But he could not reason with himself as to how he would show his own face to Allah while he has failed to spend his God-gifted precious life in the righteous path of Allah (fi sabeel lilah). Will Allah not ask him why he wasted his sacred life in the so-called jihad which was neither commanded by God nor declared by state, nor endorsed by even a single authentic Islamic scholar?

Let alone the established Islamic scholars in India, even the Pakistani ulema have refuted the legitimacy of any such self-declared jihad. This came in a recent Anti-terror Fatwa popularly known as “Paigham-e-Pakistan” signed by 1,800 Ulama of almost every Islamic school of thought. It has categorically stated two important things: (1) that ‘only the state can announce a jihad’ and (2) that any decree (fatwa) or move to enforce the Sharia’h law cannot be legitimized without the legal statutes. It reads:

“According to Islamic jurists, no activity leading to war can be initiated without the consent of the state ruler or his appointed commanders. A soldier cannot attack the enemy in his personal capacity without the permission of his commander….Islamic jurists also pronounce that war cannot be waged without the permission of the government. Moreover, it cannot be started just to overcome the enemy. It is right of the government to allow fighting or waging war which is further subject to the vulnerable security situation of the state. The Holy Qur’an states: “And if they (the enemy, combatant or hostile people) incline towards peace and reconciliation, you also incline to it and put your trust in Allah. Surely, He alone is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”(Surah Anfal: 8:61, Holy Qur’an)

Based on several verses of the Qur’an like the above, authoritative ulema and muftis (Islamic jurists)—both in India and Pakistan—have delegitimized any kind of self-declared jihad or armed struggle. They have specifically decreed against waging war against the state. Thus, what the militants in Kashmir are doing is Fasad (mischief), not Jihad. Their untenable theological justifications and farfetched religious arguments cannot be the Islamic basis of support for their acts of terror and violence.

According to the reports, the slain Kashmiri militant also made a plea for the armed struggle or jihad against what he called the reign of Kufr (Dar al-Kufr). In his war-cry, his argument was that it is the religious duty of every Muslim to fight against the Darul Kufr and Kafirs. Thus, he sought to legitimize the terror attacks not just against the Indian government but also against those in power within Kashmir.

However, the extremists’ theological justification for combat against the non-Muslim majority countries calling them ‘Darul Kufr’ (land of disbelief) is completely erroneous and untenable. They are twisting the early Islamic terms and concepts which the ulema have mentioned in a historical background. But the present-day fanatics misperceive them and consider every country where the Islamic Shariah is not enforced as Darul Kufr or Darul Harb (land of war). Thus, jihadist extremists believe that the people of these countries may be fought by an Islamic expedition (Ghazwa) in order to conquer their territories.

But this jihadist argument has been refuted by the fact that the classification of territories made by early Islamic jurists was not intended to justify a wanton war against the non-Muslim lands. Rather, it served as a basis upon which certain jurisprudential (fiqhi) rulings were implemented on Muslims. It was just like the classification of the globe into political territories today.

The collective consensus (Ijma’a) of the mainstream Ulema today is on the authentic Islamic position that if Muslims peacefully coexist with other people enjoying safety of life and security of the religious freedom anywhere in the world, any such territory or country can be termed as Darul Mua’ahda (abode of peace treaty) or Darul Sulah (abode of reconciliation) in the purely Islamic jurisprudential (Fiqhi) terms. Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madani, an established Islamic cleric who popularized the concept of Darul Mua’ahda in India, motivated Muslims towards the territorial nationalism rather than creating a nation based on religious considerations. In 1937, Maulana addressed a political meeting in Delhi and made this clear: “Today a nation is made on the basis of the country. If there are different religions in the country, the nation does not become different”.

As for the medieval Islamic terms like Dar ul-Islam, Dar ul-Kufr and Dar ul-Harb, they are null and void today; abrogated by the new world order, constitution, international covenants, peace treaties and international relations. They might have been relevant during the third and fourth Islamic centuries. Even then, they did not serve as the basis for wanton killing of the non-Muslims or Muslims. Imam al-Kasani (r.a)—the 6th century renowned Islamic jurist who authored one of the most colossal reference works on the Hanafi law “al-Bada’e al-Sana’e”, wrote in his classical work:

“What is meant by designating the word “Dar” (abode) with Islam and Kufr (disbelief) is not Islam and disbelief per se, but the state of security or insecurity. Moreover, the relative juristic rulings are not based on Islam itself or Kufr (in this case), but on the security or insecurity.”

This position was reinforced by Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah revered as an important Imam in the Sunni Islamic tradition. He clearly stated in support of the above traditional Islamic position: “This is the opinion held by the majority of scholars [Ulema]. It is crystal clear that Muslims jurists made their opinions according to Fiqh al-Ma’alat (the Islamic law which takes into consideration the outcomes of actions).” [Ibn Qayyem Al-Jawziyyah, Ahkam Ahl Al-Dhimmah 2/873].

As an eminent medieval Islamic jurist of the Hanbali School of jurisprudence, the decrees on the religious rights of non-Muslims in the writings of Imam Ibn al-Qayyim compiled in “Ahkam Ahl al-Dhimmah” are noteworthy. They indicate that the early Islamic jurists applied Maslahah (public interest) as the basis of the Shariah rulings on the contemporary issues. As a result, the religious rights of non-Muslims were guaranteed in the authoritative views based on the rightly guided Islamic principles, rather than the misguiding opinions of the political theologians who served the ulterior motives and imperialist designs of the different Muslim dynasties.

Since the security and peace treaty are fully guaranteed in the constitution of the nation states, the rulings of Darul Islam or Darul Kufr are no longer of any Islamic application today. Zakir Musa’s open threat to behead ‘those who talk in terms of nation state’ is only a symptomatic of his sheer lack of knowledge about the Qur’anic law and canonical Islamic texts. Of course, his war cry of ‘Ghazwatul Hind’ threatens the status quo of the security paradigm in the valley, but he has no substantial support from the established Islamic scholarship in India.

In fact, the entire extremist jihadist rhetoric in Kashmir which is underfoot to agitate Muslims on social media and YouTube videos is run of the mill and has no substance or support from any of the four established Islamic thought resources—Qur’an, Hadith, Ijm’a (consensus) or Qiyas (analogy). Those who are critical of the Indian Alims and Fazils accusing them of ‘siding with the government’ and refusing to issue the ‘jihad decree on Kashmir’ should worry as to how they would show their faces to Allah in the hereafter (Akhirah). In fact, Allah will punish them for failing in their duties to pay heed to this clear commandment of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

“Whosoever kills a person who has a truce with the Muslims will never smell the fragrance of Paradise”. (Reported by Sahih Muslim)

The non-Muslims, not only Muslims, enjoyed the protective status, safety of life and security of faith in the Madina state where the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) announced:

“Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I (Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment”. (Reported by Abu Dawud)

Reference:

http://www.newageislam.com/radical-islamism-and-jihad/ghulam-rasool-dehlvi,-new-age-islam/rejoinder-to-the-rhetoric-of-jihad-in-kashmir–no-religious-sanctity-on-the-terror-designs-to-trigger-the-militants-for-‘holy-war’-in-the-valley/d/114882

No Theological Justification of Leaving Homeland as Dar al-Harb to join ISIS is tenable

WordForPeace.com

The medival terms of Dar ul-Islam, Dar ul-Kufr and Dar ul-Harb are now irrelevant and inapplicable due to the new world order and the international covenants, constitution, peace treaties and relations. These terms were applicable during third and fourth centuries A.H.

The extremists’ theological justification of Killing Non-Muslims in Non-Muslim Countries and Leaving Their Homelands as Abodes of War (Dar al-Harb) to join ISIS is Untenable and Unfounded. 

They are misinterpreting the concepts of Darul Harb (abode of war), Darul Kufr (abode of disbelief) and Darul Islam (abode of peace). 

Islamic Scholars mention these terms in their historical backround, but the contemporary fanatics misperceive them and consider every country where the Islamic Shariah is not enforced as Darul Harb (abode of war).

Thus, the fanatics believe that the people of these countries are not granted protection and that their lives and property are vulnerable and only may be protected by an Islamic battle (Ghazwa).

This can be refuted by clarifying that this classification made by Islamic jurists was not intended to exclude those Muslims living in non-Muslim lands from Islam. It is rather a classification that serves as a basis upon which rulings can be implemented, just like the classification of the globe into political territories.

The authentic Islamic position sets the criterion of whether a territory is the land where Muslims feel secure and safe to exercise their faith. Any such territory can be aptly counted as Darul Islam or An abode of Peace.

Imam Al-Kasani wrote:

“What is meant by designating the word “dar” (abode) with Islam and Kufr (disbelief) is not Islam and disbelief per se, but the state of security or insecurity. Moreover, the relative juristic rulings are not based on Islam itself or Kufr (in this case), but on the security or insecurity.” 

Imam Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah states:

“This is the opinion held by the majority of scholars. It is crystal clear that Muslims jurists made their opinions according to Fiqh al-Ma’alat (Fiqh which considers the outcomes of actions).” Clearly, the practices of the extremist groups in the non-Muslim countries lead to accusing Islam of terrorism. Moreover, their actions are considered the most evil tools for defaming Islam in front of non-Muslims. If these groups are reasonable, they would realize that their actions work against Islam. They do not understand Muslim jurists’ views and, consequently, declare everyone residing in a non-Muslim country as a disbeliever.

In fact, Muslim jurists and scholars elaborated on the excellence of residing in non-Muslim countries since this may lead to guiding non-Muslims to Islam. Furthermore, the situation nowadays is very different as Muslims can freely perform their religious rituals. How do those people understand the hadith of the Prophet (PBUH):

“… and whosoever from my followers attacks other civilians (indiscriminately) killing the righteous and the wicked of them, sparing not (even) those staunch in faith and fulfilling not his obligation towards them who have been given a pledge (of security), is not from me (i.e. is not my follower)”. 

[1] Ibn Qayyem Al-Jawziyyah, Ahkam Ahl Al-Dhimmah 2/873

[2] Al-Muhallah 12/126. Moustafa Hamzah, ‘Ann Thaqafat Al-Erhab – Qiraah Shari’ah p.233.

Source: http://www.azhar.eg/observer-en/dar-al-harb-abode-of-war

Many Misinterpretations of the Term Jihad: Defining the ethics of war in Islam

By Mohammad Jamil

WordForPeace.com

AL-Qaeda was the leading terrorist organization of the world, but Dr Aiyman al-Zawahiri could not control the organization after the assassination of Osama bin Laden with the result that the most violent terrorist organization of the history namely IS (Daesh) emerged. Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, who was working under the command of Al-Qaeda before, claimed Caliphate under the flag of IS. Both Al-Qaeda and IS are misinterpreting Jihad, and misusing it, which is common denominator for almost all extremist ideologies in the Muslim world. They mostly commit atrocities on Muslims and forcing them to accept their interpretation of Islam which is at variance with a great majority of Muslims and also against the basic essence of teachings of Qur’an-o-Sunnah. Propaganda wing of ISIS is also spreading disinformation that democracy is against the basic rules of Islam, just to acquire power and rule the Muslims world.

Muslims believe that God’s messenger, the Holy Prophet (PBUH), was sent to the world as a ‘mercy to mankind’, and is introduced in the Holy Qur’an in these words: “And We have not sent you forth but as a mercy to mankind.” (Al-Anbiyaa’: 107). This shows that the Prophet’s distinctive quality is being a blessing incarnate in word and deed. It is important to remove confusion created by misinterpreting the word Jihad, which has been source of ignominy to Muslim Ummah. Contrary to the popular belief, Jihad is not a synonym for combat. In Arabic language, the word ‘Jihad’ means to strive and exert your utmost effort to achieve any given objective. According to Muslim scholars, in Islam, Jihad can be classified into several realms – Jihad by the heart, tongue, hand, and finally by the sword only when war is declared or planned by the enemies of Islam.

As a familiar illustration, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had only resorted to Jihad by the sword when non-believers declared war against him and his message; thus there was no alternative except to fight back. For many years he had only employed peaceful invitations and deployed the three other forms of Jihad to achieve his objective. Another form of jihad that is usually overlooked in jihad is to alleviate religious persecution and establish freedom of religion. In Islam, religious persecution is unacceptable. Jihad is not declaring war against other religions, as the Holy Quran specifically refers to Jews and Christians as “people of the book” who should be protected and respected. However, Muslims were warned to be careful about misguided elements. the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had entered into treaties with Jews and infidels, and honoured those treaties till the other side revoked them. As a matter of fact, Islam is universal in its approach and presents a grand human rights charter.

It not only forbids unjust killing of a human being (Al-Qur’an 17:33, 6:152) but also defines the gravity of this crime by calling it akin to kill the whole humanity (Al-Qur’an5:32). The perfect philanthropic approach of Islam lies in the second part of the above verse in which saving the life of an innocent person is equal to saving the mankind. This sole verse will suffice to understand the actual concept and spirit of Islam in regard to the whole humanity. The problem is that Islam is one of the most misunderstood religions of the world whose real spirit is being intentionally concealed and distorted by non-Muslim writers propagating against Islam. It is deplorable fact that some Muslims are also contributing to the flawed perception of Islam due to their ignorance and limited knowledge.

To begin with, a general misconception in the West about Islam is that it is the religion revealed for Muslims, belongs to Muslims and articulates for Muslims’ rights ignoring the rest of the world. The fact of the matter is that Islam is revealed for the guidance and betterment of entire humanity, which ensures the rights of all human beings. Moreover, it forbids all those acts that are detrimental to human existence and ordains to carry out those, which could contribute to the benefit of this world. Of course, power has its own dynamics whereby some Muslim and non-Muslims rulers in the past resorted to adventurism and fought unnecessary wars. However after the 9/11 events, the US and the West carried out military expeditions in the name of war on terror whereby hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians and children either lost their lives or limbs to suffer for the rest of their life.

On the other hand, Islam teaches the ethics of war to Muslims by prescribing: never go beyond the limits; never destroy properties unnecessarily not even the trees. Not a single instance could be quoted from reliable sources of history about the violation of any of the above terms in the era of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). In order to understand Islamic concept of peace, one must examine the concept of justice Islam presents in clear terms. In the Holy Qur’an, it is ordained to believers to stick to justice even if it goes against them (Al-Quran 4:135). At one place, it is commanded that “do not allow your hatred for others make you swerve to wrongdoing and turn you away from justice.” (Qur’an 5:8). The West should stop propaganda maligning Islam, as terrorists use it to justify their vile acts. Of course, the US has been instrumental in creating monsters like Osama bin Laden during Afghan Jihad against the former Soviet Union.

Muslim World League chief calls for rejection of all forms of extremism

By WordForPeace.com

The Muslim World League (MWL) is using all of its academic and ideological resources to confront the evil forces that threaten the global safety of humanity, according to Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, the organization’s secretary general. Al-Issa was speaking at a conference on communal safety, organized by the MWL in collaboration with the Jordan based Global Forum for Moderation, and held under the auspices of Jordanian Prime Minister Hani Al-Mulki. The attendees included dozens of political figures, researchers and scholars from 35 countries.

Al-Issa criticized the two extremes the world is witnessing: “The extremism wrongly labeled as Islam, and the opposite extremism known as Islamophobia.” He added that extremists feed off of each other, and benefit from each other’s recklessness. He reminded the attendees that extremism and terrorism fill a void created by hatred and useless sectarian conflicts, and that the only way out of the cycle is to confirm noble religious values, away from useless rhetoric and narratives. He added that the Umma will not progress unless we reverse the negative image created by some minorities in non-Muslim countries and decide to confront these countries.

The conference also discussed the disruption of the ideological security, which leads to widespread corruption and exposes Arab and Muslim society to extremist ideological ideas, attacking its strength, unity and future aspirations. The conference agreed on the importance of looking for a community consensus, a formula that achieves justice and guarantees everybody’s rights in a safe, pluralistic society, calling for the Islamic Umma to move from ideological rhetoric to a real contribution to civilization by promoting moderation, and move from a narrow vision to a holistic one by rearranging priorities and tackling global issues for the good of humanity.

It was highlighted that communal security can only be achieved through concerted efforts between security and religious authorities, coupled with active work among university students and youth organizations to confront extremism through education and empowerment. They called for enhancing the global approach of Islam toward respecting countries, defending them and protecting them from all dangers, considering that extremists who claim to follow Islam should not justify Islamophobia.

The conference called for abiding by the true principles of Islam, interpreting them in a way that is clear to everyone, by contributing actively to building a civilized humane society, taking into consideration religious and cultural diversity, and striving to achieve social justice and enhance national unity, in collaboration with all the other components to achieve a society of justice, peace and compassion.

Rebutting religious fanaticism, ideological extremism and radicalism

WordForPeace.com

By Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi

The verses in the Qur’an forbid the religious fanaticism which often appears in the disguise of “devoutness”. But it creates adverse impact on the humanity at large. Sometimes, people pledge loyalty (bai’ah) to a particular religious group or Islamist party to the exclusion of all other people — both Muslims and non-Muslims. Thus, they assume that this is the devoutness (tasallub) that the Islamic Shari’ah has required from them to be the “pure” and “devout” Muslims or Mo’mins (believers). But in reality, this attitude goes completely against the basic Qur’anic principles of mutual recognition (ta’aruf), toleration (tahammul) and moderation (tawassut) that Islam has emphasised with paramount importance. In fact, its linguistic equivalent in Arabic “tasamuh” (liberality) and its verbal derivatives “samaha” (leniency) are greatly valued in the Hadith traditions. The holy Qur’an says: “The truth is that (all) believers are brothers to one another. So make peace between your two brothers and always fear Allah, so that you may be shown mercy.”  (Al-Hujurat: 10).

As a matter of fact, Islam sets good faith and noble character as the only criterion for an exalted position in the sight of God, as clearly stated in the Qur’an: “O people! We created you from a single male and a female, and (divided) you into peoples and tribes, so that you might recognise one another. Surely, the most honourable amongst you in the sight of Allah is he who fears Allah the most. Certainly, Allah is all-knowing, all-aware.” (Al-Hujurat:13).

Qur’an maintains that the doctrinal differences of the different religious communities are not incidental or lamentable but rather they represent the “desire and design of the Divine” as a vital factor of peaceful human existence. Rejecting the right of people to have different beliefs is akin to the rejection of God himself. Therefore, tasamuh (inclusivity), tahammul (tolerance) and ta’aruf (mutual recognition) are broader Islamic notions and greater human values shared by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. There should be no dichotomy between “Muslims” and “Kafirs”, between “believers” and “disbelievers”, between “polytheists” and “monotheists”.

The verses in the Qur’an forbid the religious fanaticism which often appears in the disguise of “devoutness”. But it creates adverse impact on the humanity at large. It often causes one to act against the essential Islamic virtues and human values. Denigrating other people’s faith traditions, such persons often misquote the Islamic scriptures to support their extremist views. Such religious fanaticism leads to ideological extremism and for radicalism, which results into a stereotyped image of the religion that the radical individual falsely claims to follow.

Reference:

http://www.asianage.com/opinion/oped/070418/mystic-mantra-the-quranic-principle-of-mutual-recognition.html

Army to prioritise de-radicalisation of Kashmir youth along with counter-terror operations

By Wordforpeace.com

With the Kashmir Valley enveloped by rising violence, the Indian Army on Friday said it would prioritise bringing radicalised youth into the mainstream through a “collective approach” and convince militants to “shun violence and gun culture”.

The issue of conducting de-radicalising exercises along with counter-terror operations in the Kashmir Valley was discussed during the ongoing biannual Army Commanders’ Conference that began on Monday amid reports that Islamic State ideology was moulding new-age militants in the state.

“It was felt that priority must be accorded towards ushering peace by conducting counter-terrorist operations that minimise collateral damage. Radicalised youth must be brought into the mainstream by carrying out de-radicalisation and collective approach that focuses on convincing the youth to shun violence and gun culture,” Director General Staff Duties Lt. Gen. AK Sharma told reporters.

Lt. Gen. Sharma, who earlier headed Nagrota-based 16 Corps in Jammu, didn’t explain what kind of exercise the Army would employ to de-radicalise Kashmiri youth who appear to be getting influenced by Islamic State ideology amid heightened violence in the Valley.

Staring at yet another possible hot summer with hundreds of militants and many civilians already killed in the first three-and-a-half months of this year, dozens of youths in Kashmir have reportedly joined three prominent militant groups: Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba and a resurgent Jaish-e-Mohammad.

These groups have been historically linked to Pakistan and largely favour a merger of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan.

But new-age militants, including those from Ansar Ghazwat ul Hind of former Hizb commander Zakir Musa, have openly favoured pan-Islamism over nationalist goals, seeking “martyrdom or imposition of sharia” and declared jihad against not only India but “apostate” Pakistan too.

Though there is no concrete data available to prove the Islamic State’s physical presence in Kashmir, its online propaganda and the way it is influencing young Kashmiris indicate that the global terror group may have Kashmir ambitions at the very least.

Top Army commanders during the six-day conference that ends on Saturday also discussed the current situation along the borders with China and Pakistan, particularly “along the Line of Control, the increase in ceasefire violations and the adequacy of the response mechanisms”, said Lt. Gen. Sharma

“The apex commanders confabulated on the prevalent situation in the Valley and reviewed the recent developments affecting modus operandi of the operations of the armed forced deployed in the region,” he said, referring to the trend of civilians rushing to shootout sites to hurl stones at security forces in a bid to help militants escape.

The senior commanders, he said, also deliberated at length on the prevailing situation along the northern borders.

“During the conference, considerable time was spent on re-prioritising the existing requirements to ensure that the resources allocated for force modernization and capacity building were utilized optimally with the budgetary allocation. The discussions also dwelt upon increasing the content of indigenization in force modernization.”

On the last day of the conference, the commanders would deliberate on matters pertaining “exclusively to military operations”, he said.

Reference:

http://www.wordforpeace.com/army-to-prioritise-de-radicalisation-of-kashmir-youth-along-with-counter-terror-operations-says-senior-official/

“Islam calls for mercy, don’t resort to violence”: Imam of Masjid-e-Nabwi at Jamiat Ahle Hadees Hind Conference, “Muslim youths should be cautious”: Maulana Asghar Ali Imam

By Wordforpeace.com correspondent

Muslim youths should be cautious in the present times. Islam leaves no room for clash with others. Rather, it always calls for the preservation of humanity”. These ideas were expressed by Jamiat Ahle Hadith President, Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mahdi Salafi.

He was addressing the first day of the 34th All India Ahle Hadees Conference themed “Restoration of World Peace and Protection of Humanity” at Ramleela Ground in New Delhi. Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadees Hind, one of the active Islamic organizations of Salafi Muslims in India.

Maulana Mahdi Salafi said that “the world is currently passing through hard times. Conflict and hatred against each other in the name of religion have become a matter of great concern for mankind”.

He went on to say that terrorism has reached its peak today in several parts of the world. “Humanity is facing its worst plight and there is no value for human life today. Communal discord and violence are on the rise. Bigots are fanning the fire of fanaticism in the name of religion. This poses gravest threat to the global peace and human dignity”, Maulana Salafi said.

He added saying that ‘our country is also going through difficult times’. “At a time when some forces are seeking to intervene in the matters of Shariah, we should act with caution, patience and wisdom”, he said.

Jamiat Ahle Hadith urged the Muslim youth not to fall prey to the misguiding negative elements.

On this occasion, Mufti of Masjid-e-Nabwi (holy mosque in Madina), Shaikh Ibrahim al-Turki led the Friday prayer. In his Du’a, he prayed:

“May Allah make the land of India a sanctuary of peace and tranquility and protect its citizens from all catastrophes and tabulations!”

Shaikh Ibrahim al-Turki stated in his sermon: “Islam is the faith of mercy. It spread in India like other countries with its power of ethics and morality, rather than sword”. He exhorted the youth to shun violence and establish peace.

Dr Zafrul Islam Khan Nadwi, Chairman of the Delhi Minority Commission, appealed to the Muslim youth to stay in touch with the ulema and madrasas. “If we stay united, no one can overpower us”, he said.

The Jamiat Ahle Hadith has organized the 2-day annual conference, as Maulana Mahdi stated, with an aim to combat the menace of terrorism and to promote national integrity, solidarity, brotherhood, peace and stability. While referring to Jamiat Ahle Hadees fatwa against “terrorism”, he said that Jamiat was the first one to issue the fatwa against terrorism and this conference will be helpful to convey the message of peace and “enlighten the people about the deep-rooted conspiracy of the ISIS and similar organizations that are working to disrupt the social harmony and brotherhood”.

The conference also highlighted other social evils like bribery, drugs, alcohol, dowry and social issues like poverty, unemployment, pollution, global warming which are equally posing challenges to the society, he added.

Several prominent Islamic figures from across the country attended the first day of this conference. Some of them are: Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Chief Maulana Mahmood Madani, Jamiat Ahle Hadith General Secretary Maulana Muhammad Haroon Sanabili, Treasure Wakil Parwez, Delhi Jamiat chief Maulana Abdul Sattar, Bihar Jamiat chief Maulana Muhammad Ali Madani, Maulana Abdul Qudoos Umri etc.

Reference:

http://www.wordforpeace.com/islam-calls-for-mercy-dont-resort-to-violence-imam-of-masjid-e-nabwi-at-jamiat-ahle-hadees-hind-conference-muslim-youths-should-be-cautious-maulana-asg/

Jamiat Ahle-Hadees Hind against ISIS: “Indian Islamic model the only pragmatic and workable model”

By Wordforpeace.com

In 2007, the influential Darul Uloom seminary in UP’s Deoband had issued a similar anti-terror declaration, but this is the first time that a prominent religiously conservative group closely identified with Salafists will rule against the IS.

The fatwa has been endorsed by 40 senior scholars associated with the New Delhi-based Markazi Jamiat Ahle-Hadees Hind, the main body representing the sect, Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mahadi Salafi, the group’s leader told HT.

Salafi said the edict is a public reiteration of an “extraordinary fatwa” passed against the “self-made caliphate of Daesh” on February 15, 2015. IS is popularly known as Daesh in Arabic.

A small number of Indians are believed to have joined IS and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially implicated the group for inspiring a train explosion in Madhya Pradesh on March 7, 2017. Ahle Hadith was founded as a 19th century Islamic movement in north India.

Salafism is cited by several analysts as the ideological precept guiding the al-Qaeda and other jihadist organisations. “This is to prevent our youth from being lured by the ISIS…” Salafi said. An estimated 40,000 madrasas, or theological schools, in the country are affiliated to the Ahle Hadith sect.

Many Muslim social organisations have disavowed terrorism in recent years. “I think it’s our Constitution, our judiciary and civil society which are great avenues of justice. This makes the Indian Islamic model the only pragmatic and workable model…” said Akhtarul Wassey, former head of Islamic Studies at Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia.

Reference:

http://www.wordforpeace.com/salafists-will-rule-against-isis-islamic-model-the-only-pragmatic-and-workable-model/