ASK MAULANA

ASK MAULANA

Your Questions Answered

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

In this interview with Jamuna Rangachari of Lifepositive.com he demolishes many of the interpretations that have tarnished the name of Islam in present times.

http://lifepositive.com/setting-the-recordstraight/

What is the role of religion and faith in today’s world?

Religion is a spiritual discipline. The sole objective of religion is to develop a person spiritually who is able to live with a positive mind that is duty-conscious rather than rights-conscious. Such a person is free of greed and hate, and is capable of assessing things objectively. He possesses a predictable character. This kind of personality is the greatest need of present times.

Many people are wary of Muslims and Islam because of their perceived intolerance toward people of other faiths, whom they call kafirs. Who, according to you, are kafirs and how should they be dealt with?

It is totally wrong to divide people in terms of Muslim and kafirs. According to the Quran, every person is insaan, or a human being, have common ancestors, Adam and Eve. This means that all people are blood sisters and blood brothers. A saying of the Prophet of Islam: “Al-khalq ayal Allah.” suggests the entire humanity is the family of God. Given this, Muslims must live amidst others as though they were their family members, and deal with them accordingly.

The word kafir literally means denier of truth. But that can be determined only by one’s intention. Therefore, only God knows who is truly a believer and who is a non-believer. Muslims have no right to take the seat of God. Muslims must fulfil their own duties and should leave all other matters to God. In Islam there is no concept of being a born Muslim. Therefore, even a Muslim’s being Muslim will be established only when God confirms his or her being a Muslim.

Islamic teachings state that Muslims have no right to declare a person or a community as kafir. This matter is God’s domain. The duty of Muslims is only to treat others as human beings.

Everyone wants freedom to make their own choices. Does Islam permit its followers to do so?

The first clause of Islam is that every person has been bestowed freedom of choice by the Creator. Whether a person is making the right or wrong use of freedom shall be decided by God. No person has the right to make this decision for another.

What kind of education does Islam recommend ?

According to Islam, education is of two types: religious and secular. Religious education is the need of every believer. Secular education has a universal domain and is thus the need of the entire human society. Islam accepts the importance of both these forms of education and leaves it to people to organise these two aspects of their education.

In the area of attire, especially women, it is said Islam has a strict code. This is not practical today. For instance, how can one expect a tennis player like Sania Mirza to be clad in a burqah while playing? What are your views on this?

Freedom is the right of both men and women. The burqah is not part of Islamic teaching. It was innovated in the later period of Muslim history. It is ridiculous to demand that Sania Mirza should play in a burqah.

Many great singers, accomplished musicians and lyricists, are Muslims. Still, it is often said that Islam prohibits music. Could you clarify this?

Music is not prohibited in Islam and is a matter of personal choice. It is a hobby and everyone can choose his or her hobby. Sharia law does not ban music.

What is the Sharia law? Can it be revised as per the times and circumstances?

There is a Sharia (law) in Islam. Muslims are not required to implement the Sharia by force. It is a matter of option and not a matter of implementation. In this context, the word “revision” is inappropriate. Spirit of Islam Issue 31 July 2015 47 The better word is ijtihad, meaning to re-apply the spirit of the Sharia according to the circumstances.

In your view, should the citizen of a country give more importance to the Islamic law, or the law of the country he/she lives in?

Law of the land is to be followed by Muslims as by others. Muslims must follow Sharia in their personal issues, but as far as national issues are concerned, every Muslim must follow the law of the land as established by the Parliament.

How do you view disorder and violence in different parts of the world in the name of religion? Who, in your opinion, is responsible for such inhuman acts?

The violence in the Muslim world in the name of Islam has no relation to Islam. It is entirely a form of tribal culture, rather than being derived from Islam. Some people started it for their personal interest and gave it the name of Islam. In this matter the ulema have made an unforgivable mistake by not openly condemning the violence, as a result of which it has continued to this day.

What is your vision for the future? 

According to me, the future of both the Muslim and non-Muslim world is only one, that is peace. We have to adopt peace as a universal norm, and not the way of violence under any circumstance. After the invention of weapons of mass destruction, the option for violence does not remain. In present times, the entire world has peace as the only option. 

No Silver Spoon 

One who was born without a silver or a golden spoon

in his mouth was born with a better spoon, that is, a

strong incentive to work and change his fate.