THE SUBLIME ISLAM
Islam is commonly perceived as a narrow-minded, fanatical, exclusivist religion marked by the highest degree of intolerance, fundamentalism and gender discrimination. However it is important to understand that there is a huge difference between the way this religion actually is and the manner in which it is practiced.
The Non-muslim world seems to view the muslims with suspicion as violent perpetrators of their Holy War (Jehad) which means the fight to finish the Non-Muslims forever. The bias against muslims is growing by leaps and bounds across the world. The bold and destructive Islamic Jehadist attack on the USA USA and Europe in direct clash with the muslim fundamentalists. The common perception today is that all muslims are fundamentalists, fanatical, bigoted, intolerant and support violence and terrorism in the name of religion.
But if we go and see Islam, in it’s true spirit, then we find that it is a religion of peace, love for God and His creation, of brotherhood of mankind. Islam literally means submission to the will of God. It teaches man to live a holy life, with a cause and purpose, and to raise the sword (or any weapon) only in events of grave situations, when justice is being denied, or some form of wrong being carried out. And in a modern democratic world use of weapons is all the least important as we have now the provisions of a welfare state looking after the fundamental human rights of the citizens, a strong police and judicial system which ensures this. (Just as the infamous saying in the Manu Smriti – ‘One must pour molten glass into the ears of Shudras ( Lowest Caste) and Women who dare to listen to Vedic hymns’ this saying hardly has any takers today, so does the Islamic Concept of Jehad or Holy war against Evil people must not enjoin any importance in today’s world).
Jehad, in the true Islamic sense, means a war against one’s own inner negativities, weaknesses, and bad things, consent most Islamic scholars. However the most striking feature of Islam is the strong tradition of egalitarianism – all muslims are supposed to be equal before the eyes of Allah (God) and no one is superior or inferior to the other. Islam is strongly and radically theistic. God is all powerful, just, kind and his law must be obeyed in all times and situations. Only then one aspire for Spiritual bliss in Jannat (Heaven). With good deeds, regular prayers (5 times a day), fasting during the holy month (in Ramzan), alms giving (Charity), visiting the Holy Site of it’s Founder Prophet Mohammad- Mecca and so on one can aspire for a good life after death. These are steps to put you on the right track. They ensure that one lives according to righteous societal norms and state of society is healthy and harmonious.
The reflections of sublime Islam are clearly seen in the Sufi Tradition – the softer and mystical-spiritual side of Islam. Sufism is the all-encompassing, all loving compassionate face of Islam. Sufi saints believe in universal love of mankind as the Entire Creation is but a reflection of God. They preach non-violence and conversion through peaceful means. They had and still have large following among Muslims and even among Non Muslims like Hindus. Sufis interpret religion in mystical sense, they are not for blind obedience of rituals. Rather they follow Islam more in spirit than in letter. They are practitioners of essence of the Religion and believe that is the real religion and practice.
The agenda of Islam is being hijacked by fundamentalists these days. They are playing with the emotions of the people and organizing violent campaigns against Non Muslims. It’s a dangerous trend which is threatening World Peace and giving a bad name to the religion. Muslims and Non Muslims, all well wishers of peace, and desirers of the True Spirit of Humanism must fight a long drawn battle against fundamentalists. When the world is free of Religious Fundamentalism, only then we can sit in peace.
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