Khalq-e-Khuda Ki Ghaat Mein

A man, who could identify the root causes of the evils in the society, sometimes, gets frustrated after life-time struggle for the betterment of it when it unfolds to him that the society itself is not yet ready for the change. When you go to free a slave from his lord without any personal benefit and the slave himself rejects your offer then it probably frustrates you more than you were frustrated when you first time saw that man into the slavery of another man just like himself.

GOD when saw one of such men, said to him:

“It appears that you will perhaps torment yourself to death with grief because these people do not believe this Code.” (Quran 26:3)

“Would you vex yourself to death with grief in going after them” (Quran 18:6)

Probably Iqbal was going through the same situation and was not able to find a way other than bringing his complaints in the court of GOD. The tone of the complaint was going to be a bit harsh so he chose Lenin (Vladimir Ilyich Lenin). A man who had the pain of the humanity in his heart, had identified the evils in the society, had struggled his whole life for the betterment of the mankind but, at the same time, he was an atheist. But he was probably better than those who have so-called faith in the existence of GOD but are well-adjusted to the profoundly sick society – their GOD resides high up in the sky. My friend “A” believes that there is a GOD, but does not know that GOD want him to struggle for the betterment of his creation and he only takes care of himself. So Iqbal did not choose my friend “A” and chose Lenin who didn’t know about the existence of GOD but knew how to take care of GOD’s creation. This complaint was named “Lenin (Khuda Ke Huzoor Mein)” and was included in Iqbal’s book “Bal-e-Jibreel”.

The forces of nature, angels, were listening to the complaint and they also affirmed it and added their comments to the complaint.

Referring to the legend of “Fall of Adam”, God had shared his idea of appointing someone as a successor in the land – Men, who had power of making free choices. The angels had an objection over this appointment as, according to them, this creature could ruin the peace in the land because of the free-will while they themselves were bound to do what had been assigned to them from their GOD and were performing those assigned tasks very well. When they put their objection in front of GOD, GOD replied: “I Know What You Know Not” (Quran 2:30)

Now angels, when heard a man complaining the same what they were afraid of, said to the GOD “Tere Jehan Mein Hai Wohi Gardish-e-Subh-o-Shaam Abhi and probably the world is not yet ready to experience what YOU had in mind at the time of men’s appointment on earth”. This affirmation of Lenin’s complaint by angels was named “Farishton Ka Geet” and was included in Iqbal’s book “Bal-e-Jibreel” right after the complaint.

GOD listened to the complaint by Lenin and the affirmation by the angels. God ordered forces of nature (angels) to demolish the evils from the land. This order was named “Farman-e-Khuda (Farishton Se)” and was included in Iqbal’s book “Bal-e-Jibreel” right after the complaint by Lenin and affirmation of it by the angels.

*****

Let’s read the poems now.

Lenin (Khuda Ke Huzoor Mein) – Lenin (In front of God)

Lenin, before presenting the complaint, affirms the existence of GOD and explains why he was not able to understand it.

Ae Anfas-o-Afaaq Mein Paida Tere Aayaat
Haq Yeh Hai Ke Hai Zinda-o-Payinda Teri Zaat

Mein Kaisai Samajhta Ke Tu Hai Ya Ke Naheen Hai
Har Dam Mutaghayyar They Khirad Ke Nazarriyyaat

Mehram Naheen Fitrat Ke Sarood-e-Azali Se
Binaay-e-Kawaakib Hoon Ke Daana-e-Nabaataat

Aaj Aankh Ne Dekha Tu Woh Manzar Hua Sabit
Mein Jis Ko Samajhta Tha Kaleesa Ke Khuraafaat

Hum Band-e-Shab-o-Roz Mein Jakre Hoy Bande
Tu Khaliq-e-Aasar-o-Nigaarind-e-Aanaat

This soul and the universe are the signs of your existence. This is truth that your identity is existing and eternal. The viewpoints of the intellect were varying all the times so I was not able to choose a single one out of them. None are aware of the continuous declaration of the nature regarding your existence whether it is an astrologist or an expert in botany. Today, the fact has disclosed on me whom I used to consider a futile dogma of the clergy. But My Lord! We, the men, are restrained to the time we are in and can understand things within our limits while you are the creator of the time and designer of each and every moment being passed.

Now Lenin comes to the point:

Ik Baat Agar Mujh Ko Ijaazat Ho To Poochoon
Hal Kar Na Sake Jis Ko HakeemoN ke Maqaalat

Jab Tak Mein Jiya Khema-e-Aflaak Ke Neechey
Kaante Ki Tarah Dil Mein Khatakti Rahi Yeh Baat

Guftaar Ke Asloob Pe Qaaboo Naheen Rehta
Jab Rooh Ke Andar Mutaalaatim Hoon Khayaalaat

If you allow me, can I ask one question? I did not find the answer of this question in the literature of philosophy. Actually, this question continued bothering me as long as I lived on the earth and now I am really confused. So my attitude, when asking this question, could be a bit rude that I would like to apologize in advance for.

The Question is:

*Woh Kaunsa Aadam Hai Ke TU Jis Ka Hai Maa’bud*
Woh Aadam-e-Khaaki Ke Jo Hai Zer-e-Samawaat?

Who is that human being whom you are LORD of? That human being who live on the earth beneath the skies?

Mashriq Ke Khudavand Safaidaan-e-Farangi
Maghrib Ke Khudavand Darakhshinda-Falizzaat

The human being in east prostrate the white people in the west and people in west prostrate the glittering and wealth-building resources.

A Marxist telling GOD that we are not the only people who denies your existence, the people, who believe in you, have also created lords other than you and have surrendered against them instead of you. So no one on the earth is prostrating you now, they just deceive you by bowing down their heads in their dedicated religious centers.

Now Lenin starts explaining the current situation on the earth:

Europe Mein Buhut Roshni-e-Ilm-o-Hunar Hai
Haq Yeh Hai Ke Be-Chashma-e-Haiwaan Hai Yeh Zulmaat

There is great light of knowledge and skills in West but the truth is indeed that this ocean of darkness has no life for the humanity.

Raanaayi-e-Tameer Mein, Ronaq Mein, Sifa Mein
Girjon Se Kaheen Barh Ke Hain Bankon Ki Imaaraat

Zahir Mein Tijaarat Hai, Haqeeqat Mein Jua Hai
Sud Aik Ka, Laakhon Ke Liye Marg-e-Mafaajaat

In beauty of construction, in liveliness and in cleanness; the banks are far prioritized to the places which are built to serve the humanity. This seems like trading but it is gambling in reality. The usury of even a single person leaves no means of the development for millions of the people in the society.

Yeh Ilm, Yeh Hikmat, Yeh Tadabbur, Yeh Hukoomat
Peete Hain Lahu, Dete Hain Taleem-e-Masaawaat

Whether it is education, philosophy, thoughtfulness or the authorities, they all suck the blood of poor mankind at one end and teach the lessons of equality on the other.

Be-Kaari-o-Uriyaani-o-Me-Khuwaari-o-Aflaas
Kya Kam Hain Farangi Madaniyyat Ke Fatoohaat

Is this not the victory of the western civilization that it has given the unemployment, the nudeness, the intoxication and the poverty to the world?

Woh Quam Ke Faizaan-e-Samawai Se Ho Mehroom
Had Us Ke Kamalaat Ki Hai Barq-o-Bukhaaraat

The nation, which is deprived from the divine guidance and blessings, O’ My Lord, can not produce anything more than electricity and steam.

Hai Dil Ke Liye Maut Machinon Ki Hukoomat
Ehsaas-e-Murawwat Ko Kuchal Dete Hain Aalaat

The more this world is getting into the technology and inventing new devices, the more it is voting out the love and kindness between mankind. These Machines rule over the hearts of the people.

Aasar To Kuch Kuch Nazar Aate Hain Ke Aakhir
Tadbeer Ko Taqdeer Ke Shaatir Ne Kiya Maat

Maikhane Ki Buniyaad Mein Aaya Hai Tazulzul
Bethey Hain Is Hi Fikr Mein Peeran-e-Kharaabaat

It seems like the laws you have defined will eventually overcome their strategies. The foundation of the houses, which hides the bitter realities of this world from common people, has been jolted a bit and the executives of these houses are sitting with concern.

Chehroon Pe Jo Surkhi Nazar Aati Hai Sar-e-Shaam
Ya Ghaza Hai Ya Saaghar-o-Meena Ki Karamaat

Tu Qadir-o-Aadil Hai Magar Tere Jehan Mein
Hain Talkh Buhut Banda-e-Mazdoor Ke Auqaat

Kab Doobega Sarmaya-Parasti Ka Safeena?
Duniya Hai Teri Muntazir-e-Roz-e-Makaafaat

The happiness that is appearing on the faces of people is either the result of cosmetics or they are unaware of the realities. O’ My Lord! You have defined the laws and patterns and you are not unjust but the truth is that the life of the laborers is very tough in this world.

When these materialists and capitalists will leave worshiping the capital? This world is waiting for your law of requital and for the day when they will reap what they used to sow.

*****

Farishton Ka Geet (A song by Angels)

Aql Hai Be-Zamam Abhi, Ishq Hai Be-Maqam Abhi
Naqsh-Gar-Azal Tera Naqsh Hai Na-Tamaam Abhi

The intellect is not in control and the love hasn’t found its place yet.
O’ The creator of beginning, we remember the time when we presented our concern in front of you on the appointment of men in the land as successor but you replied “I Know What You Know Not”. We have waited for thousands of years to see the men at a stage where you wanted to see him, but it does not appear that they have reached to that level yet.

Khalq-e-Khuda Ki Ghaat Mein Rind-o-Faqeeh-o-Meer-o-Peer
Tere Jehan Mein Hai Wohi Gardish-e-Subh-o-Shaam Abhi

The materialists (capitalists), the religious jurists, the kings and the clergy; all have taken their positions to hunt your mankind. Your world is behaving same as we imagined when you first time shared your idea of appointing men into the land as successor.

Tere Ameer Maal-Mast, Tere Faqeer Haal-Mast
Banda Hai Koocha-Gard Abhi, Khuwaaja Buland Baam Abhi

The rich community is befuddled with wealth, and the poor community is happy in its current state. The common man is still wandering in streets and the rulers and upper-classes can still not see beyond their high-walled palaces.

Danish-o-Deen-o-Ilm-o-Fun – Bandagi-e-Hawas Tamaam
Ishq-e-Girah-Kushaaye Ka Faiz Naheen Hai Aam Abhi

The philosophy and the religion, the knowledge and the art; even all segments in the society have surrendered themselves in front of greed. The essence of problem-solving love is not easily available yet.

Johar-e-Zindagi Hai Ishq, Johar-e-Ishq Hai Khudi
Aah Ke Hai Yeh Taigh-e-Taiz Pardagi-e-Niyaam Abhi

The essence of life is love and kindness. The essence of such love and kindness is the freedom from all sorts of slavery. But alas, this secret has not yet disclosed and the sharp sword is still inside its scabbard.

******

Farman-e-Khuda (Farishton Se) –God’s Order to Forces of Nature (Angels)

Utho – Meri Duniya Ke Ghareebon Ko Jagado
Kaakh-e-Umara Ke Dar-o-Deewar Hilaado

Getup – and awaken the poor of my world and shake the foundation of the palaces of rich people who don’t see outside how the humanity is suffering.

Garmaao Ghulamon Ka Lahu Soz-e-Yaqeen Se
Kunjashk-e-Faromaya Ko Shaaheen Se Laraado

Give the courage and confidence to the slaves and prepare such weak people to fight against the powerful bodies in the society.

Sultani-e-Jamhoor Ka Aata Hai Zamana
Jo Naqsh-e-Kuhn Tum Ko Nazar Aaye Mitaado

This is enough and no specific class should rule the people now. Let them experience the true democracy now. So if you find any old patterns of ruling, destroy them.

Jis Khet Se Dehqaan Ko Mayassar Naheen Rozi
Us Khet Ke Har Khosha-e-Gandum Ko Jalado

Burn each and every part of that production which does not help in the betterment of those who work hard to produce it – the laborers.

Kyon Khaliq-o-Makhlooq Mein Haayil Rahein Parde
Peeran-e-Kaleesa Ko Kaleesa Se Hataado

Let there be no veils and barriers between me and my creation, so remove the clergy from religious centers.

Haq Ra Ba-Sajoode, Sanama Ra Ba-Tawaafe
Behter Hai Chiraagh-e-Haram-o-Deir Bujhaado

Turn off the lights of these religious centers because these people deceive the world by bowing down their heads in front of me – just to show that they are the believers. However they, in reality, circumambulate around the idols.

Mein Na-Khush-o-Bezaar Hoon Mar-Mar Ki Silon Se
Mere Liye Matti Ka Haram Aur Banado

I am not happy and fed-up with these marbled mosques and churches. For me, this has no preferences; you may build a home out of mud even but it should provide the means of development to the mankind so everyone in the society can grow equally and together.

Tehzeeb-e-Navi Kaargah-e-Sheesha-Giran Hai
Aadab-e-Junoon Shayir-e-Mashriq Ko Sikhaado

This new (western) civilization has been fashioned by the glassmakers. It looks very attractive but a single stroke can bring it down anytime. So teach the etiquettes of passion to the poets and intellectuals of the east.

Please Think, You Can Think
!mran

Remembering Islam and Shariah

Note: All references made to Qur’an in this post are in the form of ”(Chapter:Verse#)”. For example (3:19) means Al-Qur’an – Chapter 3 – Verse 19.

If you ask my vote to implement Islamic Shari’ah, My answer will be “YES”. But wait a minute: do not make a mistake. What do you mean by Islamic Shari’ah? What do you mean by Islam? Let’s first find this out.

A Passage from the History:

1400 years ago, when Mohammad P.B.U.H started calling people towards Islam, the majority of Arabs resisted his movement. Despite the fact that he never forced anybody to embrace Islam (2:256) (10:99) (18:29) (109:1-6), the number of his enemies increased day by day. The leaders and upper classes (34:34) in Arab offered several great deals to Mohammad P.B.U.H to stop his activities (68:9), but he refused. His opposition in Mecca did not leave any opportunity to torture him and his supporters. They tried their best to stop people listening to Mohammad P.B.U.H (41:26). When the opposition reached to a greater extent (8:30) and Islam had influenced the people outside Mecca, he migrated to Medina. But the opposition in Mecca did not let him continue his activities and tried all possible ways to interrupt him in his activities. From the day Mohammad migrated to Medina to the day he entered back in Mecca, he and his companions were attacked 82 times by the opposition who traveled 300 miles on their horses and camels from Mecca to Medina.

But

Keeping the traditional view of Islam in mind it becomes either difficult or confusing to understand the situation described in the above passage because, in a traditional approach, Islam is not much different than other religions in the world. You find same concepts in Traditional Islam as in other religions just with some different glossary and different styles. As observed in daily life, worshiping a single or multiple supreme beings, practicing rituals, having beliefs without laws, following orders without looking into the wisdom behind and dogmas do not affect the activities of other people in the society. At our work place, we, belonging to different religions or belonging to different schools of thought, work together to achieve a single objective and none of our religious differences affect our progress. The employer also does not care about the religious differences when hiring people. Also families belonging to different religions live in adjacent houses. Some worship idols, some worship fire, some worship a single supreme being in their houses or in religious centers. But one’s worshiping style does not give any harm to others. One’s cap, beard and high-ankle bottoms also do not affect others.

Then:

• What Mohammad P.B.U.H preached and practiced so that people especially who were well-established in the existing systems (43:23) became his enemies?
• Why the people in opposition who did not want to follow the way of Mohammad P.B.U.H also did not want others to do the same?
• Why the tribe-leaders and rich businessmen offered great deals to a person (Mohammad P.B.U.H) who was neither a leader, at that time, nor a rich businessman?
• Why slaveholders used to torture their slaves? For example: Ummaya used to make Bilal lay on the hot sand and put heavy stones on his chest so he could not move. Why Ummaya was afraid of Bilal’s belief?
• Why the opposition party from Mecca traveled 300 miles, spent so much money, lost so many lives in wars against Mohammad P.B.U.H and his companions? What they were afraid of?

What was Islam? And what it is now

There was never a nation but a warner had passed among them (35:25). The only DEEN each warner brought was Islam (3:19), not in the sense of religion but as a concept which covers the social and economic systems of the society. Mohammad P.B.U.H was not the founder of Islam but no religion with name of “Islam” found prior to him. He had to follow what other blessed-people had already done in the past (1:6). He was explicitly told to follow the way of Abraham (16:123). Mohammad P.B.U.H or any of the personalities or prophets Qur’an talks about were not religious figures. None of them had, ever, any association with any of the existing religions of their times. The division into different religions was not an objective of prophets at all and, also, none of the prophets brought any religion. The deep study of Qur’an produces no feelings of a religion. It criticizes all the existing religions of its time but recognizes the men to whom the religion had been associated as prophets or revolutionists. It even declares at a place that you belong to any religion, if you believe that all laws in this world have been defined by a GOD and believe that one day all your actions will bring their results out and act for better results then GOD has a reward for you according to HIS law of requital and then there will be no grief and fear (2:62).  It invites the follower of different religions specially Ahl-al-Kitab to come together on the basis of commonalities but religion can never be common, religion aside, even different groups within a religion can never forget their religious differences so what is then common? The common is that we serve none but Allah, we make no gods other than GOD in the society and no-one among us should consider other one as an authority over the divine laws (3:64). When Qur’an reminds about previous prophets or the successful nations, It never discusses their religious practices, when reminding about previous destroyed nations, it never reminds their ignorance towards religious practices. It always reminds about a revolution each prophet brought against two deep-rooted systems in the society– Religion and Demonic System.

Against Religion – that is a subjective experience and concerned only with a private relationship between man and GOD and the objective of everyone in this system becomes his own salvation. Which shows you escape from the problems of this world and handover the control of the society to the executives of Demonic System and then throw you in your subjective world where there is nothing but a few believes and rituals.

Against Demonic System – in which powerful bodies in the society take control of the natural resources and deprive them from needy people (28:23). A system in which wealth moves in the hands of a few while it has to circulate through all quarters of the society (59:7). A system in which farmer remains hungry in the field and all profit goes to the landlord while the man should get what he strives for (53:39), A system in which the burden of powerfuls is carried by the weaks while everyone has to bear his burden himself (53:38).

Each prophet removed the mistaken religious thoughts owned by priesthood to reform the character of individuals so a system against the Demonic System could be built with the help of those high-moral characters. Therefore, each prophet faced opposition from priesthood and the executives of demonic system. But after a lifetime struggle, eventually, each prophet got succeeded in building a system that overruled the demonic system of its time and religions could not stand firm against revolutionary thoughts of the prophets.

But this glory did not sustain longer. The revolutionary thoughts of each prophet got lost in the fog of religions and a brand new religion came into existence everytime with same concepts inherited by earlier religions but with new glossary. And the destroyed demonic system came into power again – till the next prophet.

The executives of Demonic System are never afraid of religions. Demonic System can survive easily in the existence of one or more religions because religions do not give any harm to anyone in this world as defined earlier. The demonic system can only not survive in front of a system where, in contrast of it, natural differences among humanity make no differences. Such system can be drowned by introducing some concepts among the maintainers and supporters of the system which could take them far away from the real problems of this world so the control of the society can go back in the hands of executive of demonic system. And what is more viable than a religion for this purpose? People get emotionally attached with religions very quickly. The emotional quotient has always been proved more affective than intelligence quotient. The majority of people try to find ease and religion gives them that. Reciting sacred scripts to get a job instead of struggling for it can only be taught by a religion.

Gradually, the personality and the teachings of a prophet used to get masked by a completlely different thoughts . Also when people of different thoughts used to accept “ISLAM” as their way of living, they used to bring their concepts along. What else could be more appropriate for the executives of demonic system than it that the maintainers of their opponent system go in some other directions? So they supported this happening as well. The common people in religion used to have a belief that whatever they are doing is exactly what has been given to the humanity by their prophet. This was the reason that whenever a new prophet reminded religious people about the original teachings of previous prophets, they became the enemy of him. In Iqbal’s words “Shehri ho dehaati ho musalman hai saada, maanind-e-butaaN pujte hain kaa’be ke birahman”. They always had an argument “”we have been doing this since the time of our ancestors and you today tell us that we should leave this path” (2:170)(23:24). They had an objection that why the prophet did not have any supernatural attributes (17:89-94) (25:7-9) because of their untrue religious thoughts or dogmas. No prophets ever claimed such attributes (17:94-95) (25:20). Each of them said “I am a human like you (18:110)”. Obviously a human having supernatural characteristics can not become a role model for those not having supernatural attributes. However, the concept “I am a  human like you” is the best way to implement equality in the soceity. Not only prophets, whoever spoke against their traditional approach they considered him a “Murtad” or an apostate. Intentionally, the punishment of apostasy was set as “Death” so no-one else could ever dare to deviate. In Iqbal’s words “Zahid-e-Tang-Nazar Ne Mujhe Kaafir Jaana – Aur Kaafir Yeh Samajhta Hai Musalman Hoon MeiN” but gradually it became more problematic for the followers of religions themselves when they got divided into different groups and each of them considered all the other groups as “Murtad” or “Kafir”. If you need a list of Fatwas issued by each sect against the other rival then ask me.

What happened to previous prophets happened with Mohammad P.B.U.H as well. He reminded his first addressees the original teachings of previous prophets, he was criticized by the followers of existing religions in the same way as previous prophets were, he was tortured by the executives and supporters of the demonic system, and finally he built a system. But later on his teachings ruled out by the concepts that were not the objective of his real teachings at all. A brand new religion was then formed and interestingly its name was “Islam” this time and then the followers of that religion were called “Muslims”.

The word “Islam” was never a label to any religion but was used as a concept through out history in which men are released from the grip of other men in the society by declaring that there is no god but GOD and the right of sovereignty over every human being belongs only to a single supreme power (12:40) so the other powerful bodies in the society can not grasp the rights of other weak people in the society. In Iqbal’s words “Woh aik sajdah jisey tu giraaN samajhta hai, hazaar sajdoN se deta hai aadmi ko nijaat”. It releases people from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that were upon them (7:157).  The word “Muslim” was never a label for the follower of any religion but was used as an adjective attributed to all those who “practiced” the concepts of “Islam”. The way, each prophet followed, to make the society a paradise was “Islam” and people who contributed in the development and then maintenance of that society were called “Muslims”.

But later “Islam” transferred to generations in form of inheritance or recitation of First Kalima could easily make someone a “Muslim” anytime. People used the name of Islam for all purposes other than the real one, they even sold honey on the name of Islam. I believe if “Abu-Jehel” knew such “Islam” he wouldn’t delay a minute in embracing it. The term “Non-Practicing Muslim” is a paradox itself. Obviously one can not be a “Muslim” and “Non-Practicing” at the same time. A child is not born as a “muslim” or a “kafir”. These are the actions that one has to take with all his/her senses in his/her life whether he/she brings the reality forward (shukr) or hides it (kufr).

Satisfactory Factor 

Mohammad P.B.U.H did one thing that no previous prophets could do due to unavailability of resources. He saved, that he was guided with, in a way that no one may alter it easily and the single-word change could be caught clearly. He got his companions memorized the Qur’an word-by-word and started binding the Qur’an in his lifetime. And we can still understand the real Islam from this book.

But

But I still say that the Qur’an was altered in a manner that its words remained same but lost their original interpretation, the first thing which happens to a DEEN when it becomes a religion. For example, the word “Qayam” is used for standing in the direction of Kaa’ba instead of standing for a cause while focusing on the central objective, the word “Rukoo” is used for bending your  body by placing your hands on your knees instead of surrendering yourself in front of the laws given by GOD and the word “Sajdah” is used for placing your head on the earth instead of  implementing those laws which have been given by GOD to humanity. The word “Aitekaaf” is used for staying for 10 days in the mosque in ramadan instead of struggling hard with steadfastness in the way of implementing those laws and the word “Tasbeeh” is used to recite the names of GOD for a particular time instead of struggling day and night for a cause like other things in universe do (24:41)(36:40), obviously we haven’t seen a chain of beeds in the hands of any other object in this universe. Every word loses its real objective and becomes an interpretation of a few beliefs and rituals when a DEEN is converted into a religion. In Iqbal’s words “Reh Gayi Rasm-e-AzaN rooh-e-bilali na rahi”.

The executive of demonic system never wanted people to listen Qur’an (41:26) because they knew if people would ever read that again, it will disclose the facts. But they could not refuse people clearly so a concept was introduced that the recitation of Qur’an, whether you practice it or not, gives you reward hereafter. Will you study JAVA if I promise you the same results without understanding and practicing it? The only difference is that I won’t be able to show you the results in this world. The clergy then took the responsibility of understanding the Qur’an and others followed whatever clergy understood. Their interpretation then was considered “unchangeable” forever. This was the time when stagnation in Islamic thoughts started from.

Where to derive the Islamic Shari’ah from (if there is any)?

There are two reasons that the traditionalists consider Qur’an an incomplete book and make it dependent on the other resources. First, they try to dig the religion out of it and it’s not there. The reason of this I have explained in previous paragraphs. Second, they try to find all Islamic laws from Qur’an and they don’t find details there. On several places Qur’an calls itself a book that has been explained in detail for those who understand (41:3). No doubt, the Qur’an has explained few of the orders in very detail especially relating to the institution of family, even about asking the permission before entering someone’s house (24:27). Then why not all sort of laws are there in detail? The reason is very simple. The laws relating to family remains same forever for all regions and for all generations but that is not the case with others. The world evolves day by day with new problems for which the solutions can not be predicted at an earlier stage. In Iqbal’s words “The primary source of extracting laws in Islam is Qur’an but Quran is not a legal code, the main purpose of it to awaken in man the higher conciousness of his relation with the GOD and Universe”. Qur’an discusses the core issues which are there since the first society created in this world and people started living together. Qur’an provides permanent values which should be and can be maintained in all ages in all regions to vanish those issues. It discusses two kind of people throughout the Qur’an from different legends and history. One who were blessed by GOD by maintaining those permanent values  (1:6) and the other who went astray (1:7).  It gives you a few basic principles, draws few boundaries and then leaves all other details on an advisory council (42:38) (3:159) where the constitution can be composed over those parmanent values by looking into the regional matters. However, that can not be considered as a universal constitution too forever. 

In the lifetime of Mohammad, there were two entities that used to be considered as the sources of laws – The Qur’an and a legislative body whose head was Mohammad P.B.U.H and the mosque was a parliament. Mohammad did not have anything except Qur’an with him but he also established the laws according to the procedure described above. The prophet is actually responsible to train one particular people and to use them as a nucleus for later generations. The laws resulting after following this practice are specific to that people and the future generations have to compose their own constitution by following the same demonstrated procedure. This procedure is then called “Sunnah” instead of the laws themselves. This was the reason that Mohammad P.B.U.H did not leave anything beside Qur’an after him intentionally except the procedure of makings laws. He, according to few ahadith books, even refused collecting anything from him except Qur’an. If we had followed the same approach, we would have lived in a different world. But:

Zara Si Baat Thi Andesha-e-Ajam Ne Jise
Badhadiya Hai Faqat Zaib-e-DastaN Ke Liye

The Last Words

Apart from Qur’an, there was no written constitution of Islam from the earliest times to the rise of the Abbasids. The rationalist movement in the early days of Abbasids compelled the conservative thinkers to preserve the social integrity of Islam. This step received full support from Abbasids rulers, not because of their interest in Islamic Shari’ah but the fearing factor of political implications of rationalism. This was the time when Islam had already lost its real essence and muslims had been divided into different groups. And the proof of it was the kingship of Abbasids. The slavery which Mohammad P.B.U.H has released the people from had appeared again in the palaces of Abbasids ruler.

I won’t describe the whole story again that I have already explained above in detail but we see that not less than nineteen schools of law and legal opinion appeared in Islam from the middle of the first century to the beginning of the fourth. From 800 to 1100 not less than one hundred systems of theology appeared in Islam.  

Now, I can hear the demands of Implementing Shariah in the country from same schools of thought who were against the demand of separate homeland – Pakistan – 62 years ago. At that time they did not have any intensions to implement Islamic Shariah, because if they had they would have supported the demand of a separate homeland. Obviously, you can’t implement shariah where you are not in power. But why now? And the most important question is – Which Shariah?

Please Think, You Can Think
!mran

Cities are not battlefields, Children are not soldiers

I am writing this post just to include myself in those people all over the world who seriously condemn what has happened in GAZA during these 16 days in which 800 people have been killed. I can not filter the number of hamas militants from this death toll but I am sure about those 300 children who even did not know why they were being killed.

I, like the other common people around the world, do not exactly know what is the reality behind this war, watching what is being shown on televisions and reading what is being published in newspapers. I am not a pro-hamas or a pro-israel person but the way that Israel has adopted to deal with hamas will produce more militants and hatred within palestinians for it. If Israel thinks that by killing one hamas militant with ten other innocent civilians including little children will minus one from hamas militants then this may probably be a short-duration triumph. In the long run, this brutal strategy will produce more militants whether they call themselves “Hamas” or choose a new title. The same formula is to be considered by Hamas militants as well.

An Israeli pilot, Uri, gave an interview and showed a photograph of a boy and his grandfather who were killed in Israel by hamas militants, he said “I always carry these photos with me on a mission, to remind me that when I hunt down a terrorist I am protecting people like these”.  The interviewer asked him “Did he sleep easy at night?” There was a long pause. “No,” he said, “I sometimes lie awake and wonder, when I saw our target was close to civilians, whether I was right not to fire. Maybe I let him live and tomorrow he will kill more of our civilians.”  BBC News

Why is this discrimination? You shouldn’t steal shoes of others if someone else has stolen yours. Instead of looking into that photograph if he had seen another little boy, a responsible father, a loving mother or a young son of an old couple dying because of his assault in GAZA then he probably might have left his targeted hamas militant alive.

This post is an appeal to both parties to cease this war for the sake of that supreme power they both believe in, who considers killing one innocent person equivalent to killing whole humanity.

Or should choose a battlefield outside the city so both parties can identify their enemies easily and no civilians die.

This post is also an appeal to world’s renowned nations to play their role and not to have the double standards. People who are dying in Gaza belong to same human race that people died in Mumbai attacks belonged to.

Please Think, You Can Think

!mran

Iblees ki Majlis-e-Shura (The Devil’s Advisory Council)

 

After the first century of Mohammad P.B.U.H and his close companions, Islam started being wrapped by concepts that either were crafted or were borrowed by other religions. Unfortunately such concepts became exactly Islam in next centuries. This was the time when an attempt of conveying the real objective of Islam and removing the veils of mistaken and misinterpreted thoughts could make Muslims feel a drift from religion. Obviously it was an unmanageable situation but the world of Islam found an eye which could see real Islam hidden behind thousands veils and a tongue that knew the psychological state of his audience – Mohammad Iqbal. The centre of his thoughts was Qur’an. He never considered himself a poet but used poetry as a medium to deliver his message considering the circumstances and customs of the country. For him Qur’an was a book that emphasized “deed” rather than “idea”. Obviously, a person who understands Qur’an very well, understands the world very well and knows the real issues of the world and their solution.

For this post, I have chosen one of his poems that he wrote in last years of his life – Iblees Ki Majlis-e-Shura (The Devil’s Advisory Concil). A person, who wrote his first book “Ilm-ul-Iqtisaad (The study of Economics)” in an age of 28 (approx), definitely ends up with such a great work. This post is just an introduction to the poem because a single post is not enough to explain what Iqbal piled up in few verses. If you would like to read the complete poem you can click here.

 

The Plot

Iblees is sitting with his five advisors and starts a meeting with self-praising statements and explains what he has done so far to take the world at this stage. First advisor affirms his strategies and explains the state of people around the world. Second advisor reminds them about a threat. But first advisor corrects him and refutes his fear. Third advisor reminds them about another “serious” threat. Forth advisor provides the solution to that threat. Fifth advisor explains that “serious” threat again in more detail to let Iblees understand the seriousness of the matter. Iblees who is listening to all advisors refutes all of the fears that they have but discloses his own fear and considers it a “Real” threat to his satanic system. He explains why he is afraid of that threat and then he finally tells them what to do.

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IBLEES (to his advisors)

Iblees starts the meeting in a self-praising mood and says that this disgusting world has murdered all the hopes that residents of heaven had tied with it and now the great creator of this world who named it “KUN” is convinced to destroy it himself, then he says:

Mein Ne Dikhlaya Farangi Ko Malookiat Ka Khuwab
Mein Ne Tora Masjid-O-Der-O-Kalisa Ka Fasoon

Mein Ne Nadaaron Ko Sikhlaya Sabaq Taqdeer Ka
Mein Ne Mun’im Ko Diya Sarmaya Daari Ka JunooN

1. Showed the dream of Monocracy to Europe
2. Broke the spell of religious centers
3. Spread the concept of predestination among poor and innocent people
4. Gave madness of Capitalism to rich community

Monocracy is a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator and not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc. But this is also a fact that a single person or a group of people can’t rule millions of people. Then how it happens? Why millions of people follow the policies of a single person or of a group of people? The ruler uses effective bodies of the society to let people know that whatever he is doing is doing for their benefit or there is no other way around. Today “Media” is used for such purposes but what those effective bodies were in old times? It was clergy. Religious centers built for some meaningful purposes in times of prophets used later in the era of monocracy for propagating concepts that could help the ruler’s policies. A misinterpreted belief that was injected in the brain of innocent and poor people was “Predestination” so they didn’t take a stand against. Unfortunately religious bodies made this concept exact Islamic while this one concept destroys the all other concepts of Qur’an like revelation, practices, law of requital, sins, virtues, punishments, rewards, justice, judgment day etc. The will of GOD then was misinterpreted to prove the misinterpreted concept of “Predestination”.

At the same time, there were rich people in the society. They kept the foundation of “Capitalism” so the wealth drew in more wealth. Poor and innocent people were used as machinery in that wealth-building-factory. If you keep one thousand rupees in a strongbox, you will find same one thousand rupees after 6 months because money does not bear children. But if you purchase a piece of land and hire few farmers who cultivate it for 6 months then you can get profit over the investment. Where does that profit come from? Obviously someone else works hard to produce it. All profit goes to you and you pay “wage” to the farmer and sometimes you even don’t pay “wages”. You get profit over the investment while farmer remains hungry in the field. And then clergy tells farmer that his poverty is predestined from GOD. One day he commits suicide and clergy tells his wife and children that it was all written for you from your GOD.

Iblees then claims that no-one can extinguish the fire that he has set. No-one can bring the branches of the tree to the ground that he has watered.

***

First Advisor

Is Mein Kya Shak Hai Ke Muhkim Hai Yeh Ibleesi Nizam
Pukhta-Tar Is Se Hoye Khooy-e-Gulami Mein Awaam

Hai Azal Se In Ghareebon Ke Muqaddar Mein Sujood
In Ki Fitrat Ka Taqaaza Hai Namaz-e-Be-Qayaam

Aarzoo Awwal To Paida Ho Naheen Sakti Kaheen
Ho Agar Paida To Marjaati Hai Ya Rehti Hai Khaam

Yeh Hamari Sayi-e-Paiham Ki Karamat Hai Ke Aaj
Sufi-o-Mulla Malookiat Ke Bande Hain Tamam

Tib’e-Mashriq Ke Liye Kaafi Yehi Afyoon Thi
Warna Qawwali Se Kuch Kamtar Naheen Ilm-e-Kalaam

Hai Tawaaf-o-Hajj Ka Hangama Agar Baqi to Kya?
Kund Ho Kar Reh Gayi Momin Ki Taigh-e-Be-Nayaam

In the above verses, first Advisor affirms the strategies of Iblees and talks about the state of world. He says: “there is no doubt in the strength of satanic system because it has made common people slaves of the powerful bodies of the society. They are in a state of surrendering. They follow the system that has been given to them but do not strive to reform or rebuild the system. They can never think about taking a stand and if sometimes they think their hopes either are killed or remain unprocessed. Because this is the result of our continuous struggle that their clergy is serving monocracy. They are involved in unproductive activities and debates over non-issues. They still perform prayers, fasting, hajj and other rituals but they have lost the real essence of Islam.”

***

Second Advisor

Khair Hai Sultaani-e-Jamhoor Ka Ghogha Ke Shar
Tu JehaN Ke Taaza FitnoN Se NaheeN Hai Ba-Khabar

Second advisor interrupts first advisor and reminds him about a threat “democracy” and says “it seems that you are not aware of latest threats”

***

First Advisor

Hoon, Magar Meri Jehan-Beeni Batati Hai Mujhey
Jo Malookiat Ka Aik Parda Ho Kya Us Se Khatar!

Hum Ne Khud Shahi Ko Pehnaya Hai Jamhoori Libaas
Jab Zara Adam Hua Hai Khud-Shanaas-o-Khud-Nigar

Karobar-e-Shehr-Yaari Ki Haqeeqat Aur Hai
Yeh Wajood-e-Meer-o-SultaN Per NaheeN Hai Munhasar

Majlis-e-Millat Ho Ya Parvez Ka Darbaar Ho
Hai Who SultaN, Ghair Ki Kheti Pe Ho Jis Ki Nazar

Tu Ne Kya Dekha Naheen Maghrib Ka Jamhoori Nizaam?
Chehra Roshan, Androon Changez Se Tareek Tar

Second advisor says “I am aware, but we don’t need to be afraid of democracy because it is another form of monocracy. It is a part of our planning because we had got an idea that human intellect is now at a stage where they won’t tolerate monocracy anymore. There is something behind the throne greater than the king himself. It does not matter whether a dictator rules or an elected politician, the real ruler is he who knows how to own the production of others. Haven’t you seen the democratic system of west? It looks brighter from outside but is actually darker than the changezi system from inside.”

***

Third Advisor

Rooh-e-Sultani Rahe Baaqi To Phir Kya Iztaraab
Hai Magar Kya Us Yahoodi Ki Sharaarat Ka Jawaab?

Third advisor confirms what first advisor explained about democracy but reminds all of them about Karl Marx as a serious threat to the satanic system.

Karl Marx is credited as the founder of communism however the idea of a society based on common ownership of productive property can be traced back to sixth century when a Persian reformer “Mazdak” instituted communal possessions and social welfare programs. This was later named as “Mazdakism”. Communism is also considered to be a branch of socialism.

Iqbal believed that by adding GOD to socialism we can come very close to the economic system that Quran suggests. Iqbal believed that socialism or communism claim to build a very strong society but they are missing its foundation. Obviously why a person would agree to share his productive property with others? What would be the reason behind such motivation? I require a separate post to cover what an ideal economic system is and what happens when you add GOD to socialism?

But still communism was a serious threat to the satanic system. Karl Marx and his companions/followers had taken a stand against capitalism and ruling parties. And then there was a series of revolutions from 1871 to 2006 in different areas of the world like Paris Commune in 1871, Russian revolution in 1917, German Revolution in 1918, Chinese Revolution in 1949, August Revolution 1945, Cuban Revolution in 1959 and many other movements.

***

Fifth Advisor (to Iblees)

Fifth advisor praises Iblees for his great satanic strategies. But also warns him that communism has become a great threat for the satanic system. Iblees should not take it lightly.

Garche Hain Tere Mureed Afrang Ke Saahir Tamaam
Ab Mujhey Unki Faraasat Per NaheeN Hai Aitebaar

Woh Yahoodi Fitna Gar Who Rooh-e-Mazdak Ka Burooz
Har Qaba Hone Ko Hai Us Ke JunooN se Taar-Taar

Zaagh-e-Dashti Horaha Hai Hamsar-o-Shaheen-o-Chargh
Kitni Sar’at Se Badalta Hai Mizaaj-e-Rozgaar

Chagayi Aashufta Hokar Wus’at-e-Aflaak Per
Jis Ko Nadaani Se Hum Samjhe They Ik Mushk-e-Ghubaar

Fitna-e-Farda Ki Haibat Ka Yeh Aalam Hai Ke Aaj
Kaanpte Hain Kohsaar-o-Murghazaar-o-Joo’e-Baar

Mere Aaqa Who Jehan Zair-o-Zabar Hone Ko Hai
Jis Jehan Ka Hai Faqat Teri Sayaadat Per Madaar

Fifth Advisor says: “This is a fact that they all are the servants of satanic systems but we no more can depend on them. “Mazdak” has appeared again in form of “Karl Marx”. This is because we ignored him initially. I am afraid he will win a victory over our satanic system.”

***

IBLEES (to his advisors)

After listening to all of his advisors, Iblees says “This world is in my control. East and west both will see their downfall soon. All political leaders and clergy are in my hand. If anyone thinks that my system can fall down so easily then let him try.”

Dast-e-Fitrat ne kiya hai jin garebanon ko chaak
Mazdaki Mantaq Ki Sozan Se Naheen Hote Rafu

Kab Darasakte Hain Mujh Ko Ishtaraaki Koocha Gard
Yeh PareshaN Rozgaar, Aashufta Maghaz, Aashufta Hu

“My satanic system is not going to be down because of Mazdakism. These financially disturbed communists can’t frighten me.”

Finally, Iblees comes to the point and tells everyone about a “REAL THREAT”.

Hai Agar Mujh Ko Khatar Koi To Us Ummat Se Hai
Jis Ki Khakastar Mein Ab Tak Hai Sharaar-e-Aarzoo

Khaal Khaal Us Qaum Mein Ab Tak Nazar Aate Hain Woh
Karte Hain Ashk-e-Sehar-Gaahi Se Jo Zaalim Wazoo

Jaanta Hai Jis Pe Roshan Batin-e-Ayyam Hai
MAZDAKIAT FITNA-E-FARDA NAHEEN, ISLAM HAI

“There is only one nation I am afraid of. That nation still has guts. I can still see few people who weep whole night and do ablution with their tears. He who has an idea knows that the real future threat to our system is not Mazdakism, IT IS ACTUALLY ISLAM.”

ISLAM!!!!!! All advisors were astonished. Looking at each other with questioning eyes that what has happened to Iblees? Why he is afraid of such a self-righteous nation. Iblees continues:

***

Jaanta Hoon Mein Yeh Ummat Hamil-e-QuraN NaheeN
Hai Wohi Sarmaaya-Daari Banda-e-Momin Ka DeeN

Jaanta Hoon Mein Ke Mashriq Ki Andheri Raat Mein
Be-Yad-e-Beza Hai Peeran-e-Haram Ki AasteeN

Asr-e-Hazir Ke Taqaazaa’oN se Hai Lekin Yeh Khauf
Ho Na Jaye Aashkara Shar’e-Paighambar KaheeN

Al-Hazar!! Aayeen-e-Paighambar se Sau Baar Al-Hazar
Haafiz-e-Namoos-e-Zan, Mard-Aazma, Mard AfreeN

Maut Ka Paigham Har Nau-e-Gulami Ke Liye
Ne Koi Faghfoor-o-KhaqaaN, Ne Faqeer-e-Rah-NasheeN

Karta Hai Daulat Ko Har Aasoodgi Se Pak-Saaf
Mun’imoN Ko Maal-o-Daulat Ka Banata Hai AmeeN

Us Se Barh Kar Aur Kya Fikr-o-Amal Ka Inqilaab!
BaadshahoN ki Naheen, Allah Ki Hai Yeh ZameeN

Chashm-e-Aalam Se Rahe Poshida Yeh AayeeN to Khoob
Yeh Ghaneemat Hai Ke Khud Momin Hai Mehroom-e-YaqeeN

Iblees explains to his advisors what Islam really is and how it could become a real threat any time for satanic system. Muslims do not hold Qur’an in their hands right now and spending their lives according to capitalism. But the enshrouded constitution of Mohammad P.B.U.H could be exposed to them any time due to the conditions and then the satanic system will have no shelter on their heads. What that constitution is? Iblees explains:

1. Protection of women’s honor – (or the honor of the weak people in the society – regardless of their gender)
2. Testing of Men (or strong people in the society – regardless of their gender)
3. Message of death to all sorts of slavery
4. No kings, No beggars – Equality
5. Rich community as the custodian of the riches
6. The land is owned by GOD, not by kings

All advisors became uncomfortable after listening to the definition of Islam and got worried. But Iblees explained them how to prevent this real dangerous threat.

Hai Yehi Behter Illahiyaat Mein Uljha Rahe
Yeh Kitab-ul-Allah Ki Taweelaat Mein Uljha Rahe

“Let them busy in philosophical issues regarding the existence of GOD. Let them busy in misinterpreting the Book of GOD.”

Iblees then defines what sort of issues Muslims should be engaged in:

Ibn-e-Maryam Mar Gaya Ya Zinda-e-Javaid Hai
Hain Sifaat-e-Zaat-e-Haq, Haq se Juda Ya Ain-e-Zaat

Aane Wale Se Maseeh-e-Nasiri Maqsood Hai
Ya Mujaddid, Jis Mein Hoon Farzand-e-Maryam Ke Sifaat

Hain Kalaam-ul-Allah Ke Alfaaz Haadis Ya Qadeem
Ummat-e-Marhoom Ki Hai Kis Aqeede Mein Nijaat

Iblees guides his advisors to keep Muslims busy in fruitless debates and making issues out of non-issues. Few examples are:

1. Jesus is dead or has got eternity?
2. The attributes of GOD are GOD themselves or other than GOD?
3. Will Jesus return? Or a reformer will come with the characteristics of Jesus?
4. The words from GOD’s scripture were created after the creation of world or existed before world with GOD?
5. Which belief is acceptable in the eyes of GOD?

Kya MusalmaN ke Liye Kaafi NaheeN is Daur Mein
Yeh Illahiyaat Ke Tarshay Hoye Laat-o-Manaat?

***

Tum Usey Begaana Rakho Aalam-e-Kirdaar Se
Ta Bisaat-e-Zindagi Mein Us ke Sab Mohre Hoon Maat

Khair Isee Mein Hai Qayamat Tak Rahe Momin Ghulaam
Chor Kar AuroN ki Khatir Yeh Jehaan-e-Be-Sabaat

Hai Wohi Shair-o-Tasawwuf Us Ke Haq Mein Koob Tar
Jo Chupaade Us Ki AankhoN se Tamasha-e-Hayaat

1. “Keep them away from the practical world so they get defeated in every battle of the life.”
2. “It is better that Momin should hate this world and should remain slave forever by handing over this world to others.”
3. “It is better that they engage themselves in the type of poetry and Sufism which hide the real issues of human life.”

Har Nafas Darta Hoon Us Ummat Ki Baidaari Se MeiN
Hai Haqeeqat Jis Ke DeeN ki EHTISAAB-E-KAAYENAAT

“The rouse of that nation scares me every moment because the reality of that DEEN is to promote the good, to depreciate the bad and to keep check and balance over the world matters.”

MAST RAKHO ZIKR-O-FIKR-E-SUB’H GAAHI MEIN ISEY
PUKHTA TAR KARDO MIZAAJ-E-KHAAN-QAHI MEIN ISEY

“Set apart their DEEN from their DUNIYA (world) and GOD-Rights from Human-Rights. Change the exposition of Qur’anic terminologies and let them translate “Ibaadat” as “Worship”. Keep them worried about worships and make their impractical thoughts strong.”

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Please Think, You Can Think

!mran

Hazrat Ali, Tirmidhi (ترمذی) and Our Scholars

Note: I do not belong to any sect.

Hazrat Ali Ibn-e-Abi Talib was the first child among the children of Arab who accepted Islam and accepted Mohammad P.B.U.H as a messenger of Allah. According to history, He was just 10 years old at that time. He had already been brought under the guardianship of Mohammad P.B.U.H when he was just 5 years old because of the economic conditions of his father. Hazrat Ali was the only person who stepped forthwhen Hazrat Mohammad P.B.U.H asked people to assist him in his invitation to Islam after 3 years of secret invitation. He grew up under the brilliant supervision of Hazrat Mohammad P.B.U.H who did not let him be attracted towards bad practices of Arab.

Due to these facts we can say that Hazrat Ali was the most learned, oldest and closest companion of Mohammad P.B.U.H.

But few years back, a controversial explanation of Qur’an chapter 4 verse 43 just knocked me by a powerful stroke and then left me in a state of mental numbness. I extremely criticized that explanation (will explain in next few paragraphs what the reasons behind my refusal of such explanation were) but moved ahead and kept continued my Islamic research. But once again few months back the same explanation from another scholar came in front but this time I was not the only one surprised. However the scholar offered his apology within few days but his apology was not about the wrong explanation, he or majority of muslims consider this as a “bitter truth” (not more than that) that shouldn’t have been spoken openly.

Actually this is not something limited to few scholars or few conformists. There is a majority of Muslims who consider the books of narrations as the main source of extracting DEEN. But at the same time everyone knows that:

• Mohammad P.B.U.H left only Qur’an and best practices of Qur’an after him. (from his last sermon)
• No one tried to compile his narrations for approximately 200 years.
• Narrations were collected when Muslims had been divided into different sects and Muslim brotherhood had been replaced by favoritism.
• Sects did not rely upon the narrators of other sects.
• It was an era when all misconceptions and wrong beliefs/practices that had been removed by Islam had started appearing again.
• Sunni Narrations were collected by six Persian scholars after 200 years of Hijrah.
• Each of them found more than hundred-thousand narrations and trashed more than 80% out of them. Imam Tirmidhi (or Tirmizi, ترمذی) trashed approx 296,885 out of an approximate collection of 300,000 narrations.
• The first exegesis (tafseer) “Tibri” that was written in 3rd century hijri was all based on such narrations. Every verse had its shan-e-nazool (the reason behind a particular revelation) associated with it. Imam Tibri collected all famous narrations and bundled them within his exegesis.

This clarification was required here because the explanation of chapter 4 verse 43 is associated with a controversial “shan-e-nazool” that is recorded in Tirmidhi (ترمذی , Tirmizi - A book of narrations from Sahah-Satta). The interpretation of that shan-e-nazool is that One day Hazrat Abdul Rehman Bin Auf invited few companions on a dinner at his place. After dinner they all drank (alcohol) and then they stood for offering maghrib’s prayer. Hazrat Ali was asked to lead the prayer but due to dizziness he made a mistake in the recitation of chapter 109 during prayer.

I know you may have reasons of its acceptance but I feel myself responsible to present here the reasons of my refusal of this interpretation. I won’t discuss the verse here in detail because it will deviate the topic, I will try to stick to the issue being discussed here.

• This incident was reported by Abad-Bin-Hameed who heard from Abdul-Rehman-Bin-Auf who heard from Abu-Jaffar-Al-Raazi who heard from Ata-Bin-Saayib who heard from Abdul-Rehman-As-Salama who heard from Hazrat Ali. Can you imagine a narration narrated like this should be considered reliable?
• Why didn’t they go to mosque for prayer?
• If they all were drunk (obviously they all would be otherwise the one who was not drunk would be leading the prayer) then who told them that Hazrat Ali made a mistake during recitation and exactly what mistake he did?
• I respect Mohammad P.B.U.H, his wives and his companions and this is the reason that I can not accept a narration that goes against Qur’an, or goes against the high moral of respectful personalities. I do not hesitate to refuse such narration. Because I can not associate such stories towards Messenger of Allah or towards his closest companions.
• It is a misunderstanding of our holy scholars that alcohol was allowed by Islam in the beginning. The alcohol was never allowed by Islam. Yes, Arabs used to drink and trade it but still there were families and people who used to consider this as a bad habit/trade. Like today, smoking is very common but still families and people consider it as a bad habit/trade and even smokers do not want their children to smoke. Islam stopped such activities gradually but that doesn’t mean that closest companions of Mohammad P.B.U.H used to perform such activities.
• A man (Hazrat Ali) who was grown up under the supervision of Mohammad P.B.U.H (as discussed in first paragraph) can not even think of such activity when his guardian (Mohammad) was inviting people towards Islam and he himself was the first man who stepped forth to assist him. Just imagine him offering prayer in this befogged mind.
• Chapter 4 Surah Nisa was revealed in Madina. According to the order it was 92nd chapter that was revealed. That means it was at least (could be more than that because I can’t find the exact year of that incident) 13th year of Hazrat Ali’s association with Islam. Were 13 years (or more than 13 years) and 91 chapters not enough for Hazrat Ali to understand the purpose of DEEN and he drank and offered prayer in that condition?
• The word used in chapter 4 verse 43 is “Sukara”. This word has broad meanings. It could be used in any context when a person is in a state when he doesn’t know or understand what he says. The reason behind this state could be anything. Like stupified by alcoholic drink, sleepiness, mental illness or unawareness. (It should now be clear that the purpose of “Sala’at” is served only when one understands what he is saying.)
• It is found in same books of narrations that Qur’an was NOT compiled in the life of Mohammad (well, I don’t believe this) and they struggled hard to compile it. Verses were some in hearts, some on woods and some on the sheepskin. And few verses of Qur’an even had been eaten by goat (unacceptable- How can I or any muslim believe this? but it is from Ibn-e-Ma’aja – a sunni book of narrations).  According to this (false) concept If it was difficult to compile Qur’an after few years of Mohammad’s death then where did those shan-e-nazools come from after 200 years?
• Even date of birth, date of death and age of Mohammad P.B.U.H was not correctly recorded and muslims today are not even united on them then how an exact shan-e-nazool be remembered for a verse?
• There is a major difference between Islam and Islamic History and our holy scholars are interested more in history than Islam itself. You can never understand Islam by history because history is written by historians and they are always human-beings and they are sometime not neutral or if neutral then it might be their own perspective. Like Indo-Pak war fought in 1965 has different history in India and Pakistan. The creation of Pakistan has different history in India and Pakistan even Pakistanis have different viewpoints in that. Same people are heroes and same are villain from different perspective. God can not alter the past but historians can.
• Allah says in Qur’an chapter 4 verse 82 that “Will they not then ponder on the Qur’an? If it had been from other than Allah they would have found therein much incongruity.” It is obvious from this verse that if a book is written by a man then it may have contradictions.

I hope I was able to clarify my viewpoint here. The idea behind this post is “to pointout the issue” instead of “pointing-out anyone”. The main idea behind bringing this post on blog is to make people pay attention on such controversies and then decide what they have been doing since ages. I apologize if any of my words have hurt you. I always try to pointout the nail in the shoe instead of suggesting people to visit the doctor again and again. It was good to see that our scholars have courage to say “TRUTH” (from their own perspective) but it would be better if they had used this courage in any other direction.

Allama Iqbal once said:

Jisay “Naan-E-Jaween” Bakhsha Hai TU Ne
Usay “Bazoo-E-Haider” Bhi Ataa Kar
(Whom YOU (Allah) have granted hobbies like Hazrat Ali please grant him the courage like Ali too.)

Please Think, You Can Think

!mran

Unity Faith Discipline

We will be celebrating our 61st so-called “independence” day just after 5 days. Despite the fact that very few people know the real ideology behind Pakistan Movement I would like you people to recall at least what we all agree upon and have studied in our schools. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan began the period of self-awakening and identity; Allama Muhammad Iqbal provided the philosophical explanation and Mr. Jinnah translated into a political reality of a nation-state and many unknown names struggled hard to help them achieving this objective. But what was this movement for? Different people have different answers to this question but I feel that this movement was very similar to the one raised in Arab 1400 years ago.

The system that Qur’an suggests can only be implemented if the control of the state is in the hands of people who understand it deeply. I would like to clear one thing here that, except few clear orders, Qur’an tells you only principles and points in bold, and their implementation may vary depending on existing circumstances in the society but at least autocracy, secularism or theocracy may not be considered as Qur’anic philosophy of a state. Islamic Ideology of a State is like a hockey game in which you have boundaries, some rules, someone to watch it carefully and the players. Few muslim intellectuals had understood this and they struggled to have a separate homeland but it was very surprising that not only other nations resisted against this movement but also majority of muslims opposed it. It was really weird that few people were demanding a separate homeland on the name of Islam and muslims themselves did not agree with it. Perhaps they considered Islam as a private relationship between God and Men that’s why Iqbal once said:

Mullah Ko Hai Hind Mein Sajde Ki Ijaazat
Nadaan Samajhta Hai Ke Islam Hai Azaad

And

Jalal-e-Badshahi Ho, Ya Jamhori Tamasha Ho
Juda Ho Dee’n Siyasat Se To Reh Jaati Hai Changezi

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was intensely criticized as a liberal interpreter of Islam, Iqbal was criticized for his concept of Ijtihad and Mr. Jinnah was called “Kafir-e-Azam” instead of “Quaid-e-Azam”. All active leaders of this movement knew from the beginning that there will be another war fought inside the separate homeland against this mind-set.

Please be patient and read all following excerpts from speeches of Mr. Jinnah.

“I know there are people who do not quite agree with the division of India and the partition of the Punjab and Bengal. Much has been said against it, but now that it has been accepted, it is the duty of every one of us to loyally abide by it and honorably act according to the agreement which is now final and binding on all.” [First presidential address to the constituent assembly of Pakistan on 11th August 1947]

“The great majority of us are Muslims. We follow the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed (may peace be upon him). We are members of the brotherhood of Islam in which all are equal in rights, dignity and self-respect. Consequently, we have a special and a very deep sense of unity. But make no mistake: Pakistan is not a theocracy or anything like it.” [19th February, 1948]

“The constitution of Pakistan has yet to be framed by the Pakistan Constituent Assembly. I do not know what the ultimate shape of this constitution is going to be, but I am sure that it will be of a democratic type, embodying the essential principle of Islam. Today, they are as applicable in actual life as they were 1,300 years ago. Islam and its idealism have taught us democracy. It has taught equality of man, justice and fair play to everybody. We are the inheritors of these glorious traditions and are fully alive to our responsibilities and obligations as framers of the future constitution of Pakistan. In any case Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic State to be ruled by priests with a divine mission. We have many non-Muslims –Hindus, Christians, and Parsis –but they are all Pakistanis. They will enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other citizens and will play their rightful part in the affairs of Pakistan.” [February, 1948]

“You will no doubt agree with me that the first duty of a Government is to maintain law and order, so that the life, property and religious beliefs of its subjects are fully protected by the State……. The second thing that occurs to me is this: One of the biggest curses from which India is suffering –I do not say that other countries are free from it, but, I think, our condition is much worse –is bribery and corruption. That really is a poison. We must put that down with an iron hand…. Black marketing is another curse……. The next thing that strikes me is this: Here again it is a legacy which has been passed on to us. Along with many other things, good and bad, has arrived this great evil –the evil of nepotism and jobbery. This evil must be crushed relentlessly”. [On August 11, 1947]

But when I see around I found everything same as it was in 1947. Nothing has been changed even became worse than that. The same happened to Pakistan that happened to Islam. Islam went into the hands that did not deserve it and then Pakistan too.

Manzil Unhein Mili Jo Shareek-e-Safar Na They

Everybody had to play his/her role in the development of this country but unfortunately nobody did what anybody could have done. People completely forgot the ideology behind Pakistan or misinterpreted it. They actually had no time to discuss this and when they discussed they always discussed non-issues. I gave you an example that I came across few months ago. We all have heard about three words of Mr. Jinnah “Unity, Faith, Discipline” but you will find different sequence of these three words on different national logos, in government offices and on hilltops. As per my knowledge first time Mr. Zia-ul-Haque rewrote this sequence to “Faith, Unity and Discipline”. Obviously for this he would have to reprint all government stationary. He might have considered “Faith” as “Islam’ but don’t you think Mr. Jinnah could have said “Islam” himself instead of “Faith” in his motto if he wanted to? Mr. Jinnah gave no importance to the sequence as it can be identified from an excerpt from his speech in which he used both sequences.

“We are going through fire: the sunshine has yet to come. But I have no doubt that with unity, faith and discipline we will not only remain the fifth largest State in the world but will compare with any nation of the world. Are you prepared to undergo the fire? ….. We are passing through a period of fear, danger and menace. We must have faith, unity and discipline.” [December 28, 1947]

Then why people raised this issue? We are actually habitual of making issues out of non-issues and putting ourselves into things that outputs nothing. We don’t understand, we don’t follow, but we make issues to entertain ourselves or to keep others busy so they can’t see the real problems. You can see such examples nowadays around you. Our great politicians are engaged in activities that give no solution to a common man’s problems. You will find people “United” but on falsehood, they have “Faith” but neither in the laws defined by Allah nor in themselves. They are “disciplined” but in groups and each group have a different objective and different destination and according to their interpretation of principles they all consider themselves on the right path. We have made a few stupid people sit on ourselves and now they are pinching in our head. We are either dependent on a dictator so he could enforce monarchy, investor politicians whose religion is only profit or religious missionaries who are our guide to a paradise hereafter by spending our lives in a hell here. And if someone sometimes tries to come outside of this or want to help others in their development then we don’t allow them to do so. Do you call it “independence”? But still a lamp of hope is kindled in my heart. And I hope this post will kindle a fire in your heart as well. Don’t let this fire come to an end. I don’t need to tell you what to do; you know it all; I just want you to recall it and then practice it accordingly.

Mere Seene Mein Nahin, To Tere Seene Mein Sahi
Ho Kahin Bhi Aag, Lekin Aag Jalni Chahiye

Please Think, You Can Think

!mran

Questions for a Truth Seeker

1. Have you ever tried to understand Islam yourself without blind following?
2. Have you ever tried to understand Qur’an without wearing glasses of any particular sect?
3. Have you ever tried to know whether the translation of Quran you read is the exact translation or is the resulting idea of the translator? The first addressee of Qur’an were Arabs, Don’t you need to know about their traditions and their diction?
4. Have you ever tried to know whether the practices you follow on the name of Islam today are really those that were practiced by Mohammad P.B.U.H and his companions 1400 years ago?
5. Have you ever tried to know why current islamic practices do not have that impact on the society that was promised by Allah? Don’t you think Islam is far superior than few rituals?
6. Have you ever tried to know that is Islam still in its true state or has been wrapped by other un-quranic or un-islamic mistaken beliefs?
7. Have you ever tried to know the reality behind the beliefs injected in your brain since your childhood? Did you read what you were made read?
8. Do you consider yourself just a muslim or do you have other identifications as well (belonging to a particular sect)?
9. Have you ever tried to judge an unquranic belief on qur’an? Do you understand other books with the help of Qur’an or Do you understand Qur’an with the help of other books? Should’nt you measure all religious concepts/beliefs only by Qur’an?
10. Have you ever tried to study different scholars on a same topic without any bias? Don’t you think we should focus on traffic rules and road-sense rather than traffic-constables?
11. Have you ever tried to know what is actually required to be a muslim? A human is called a human if he has humanity, it is not enough to be born as a human. So would it be enough to be born as a muslim to be considered as muslim?
12. Have you ever tried to come out of your cave and to think out-of-the-box? Do you think what others made you think about Islam?

More questions may be added in the above list. You may also participate by providing your comments and may suggest if I have missed any important point here.

Please Think, You Can Think

!mran

Sectarianism (Firqa-Bandi)

Shajar Hai Firqa-Aarayi, Ta’assub Hai Samar Iska
Yeh Woh Phal Hai Ke Jannat Se Nikalwata Hai Adam ko

When Moses returned to his people and saw them worshiping an Idol. He asked his brother Aaroon:
“What prevented you when you saw them going astray? That you followed me not? Have you have then disobeyed my order?”
Aaroon replied:
“O son of my mother! seize me not by my beard nor by my head. Verily, I feared that you would say ‘You have caused a division among the children of Isreal and you have not respected my word.’ “

The bold statement in the above verse, 92-94 from Chapter 20 Al-Quran, has a great lesson. Moses got satisfied with his brother’s answer. Why? Probably, Aaroon thought that worshiping an idol is totally stupefied and may easily be stopped by a little enlightment they all were waiting for, but if they get divided then it will become very difficult to gather them again. And this reason was enough to make Moses satisfied.

Oneness

Bazoo Tera Tauheed Ki Quwwat Se Qawi Hai

According to the Quran, idolatry or assigning partners to the one GOD (shirk) is an egregious sin. The first thing that Islam speaks about is “Oneness (Tauheed)”. But what does that “Oneness” mean? Does it mean worshiping a single God? What if you worship a single GOD but have idols in your heart that you follow in your daily lives? In Iqbal words:

Buton Se Tujh Ko Ummeedein, Khuda Se No-Meedi,
Mujhey Bata To Sahih Aur Kafri Kya Hai?

Oneness is achieved when everyone associates himself/herself to a single authority and spends life according to a single message. This oneness can never be achieved if human are divided in different religions and sects, where each sect has different authorities and different messages.

How We Divided?

Bayan Mein Nuqta-e-Tauheed Aa To Sakta Hai
Tere Dimagh Mein But-Khana Ho To Kya Kahiye?

First Episode

From the first day of human intellect, Allah wanted “Oneness” to be the major pillar of DEEN so all messengers brought the same message. Whenever people deviated from this path and be divided into sects, Allah sent a messenger to bring them again under a single roof.

Qur’an – Chapter 2 – Verse 213:
Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy.

But people started associating themselves to messengers and invented new religions from a single DEEN. For example, Jews accepted Moses and all messengers prior to him but refused to accept Jesus. Who accepted Jesus were called Christians and also accepted all messengers prior to Jesus but refused to accept Mohammad. The reason was the association to the messengers instead of Allah. Allah ended the line of prophets with the advent of Mohammad P.B.U.H. People who accepted Mohammad also accepted all the messengers prior to him.

Qur’an – Chapter 2 – Verse 136:
Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.

Qur’an Chapter 33, Verse 40:
Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah is ever Aware of all things.

People once again started coming under a single roof and associated themselves to a single GOD. They started practicing what was revealed from Allah. History is witness that Muslims became the most respected nation in the world. But this glory could not be continued longer.

Second Episode

Qur’an – Chapter 3 – Verse 144:
Muhammad is but a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him. Will it be that, when he dieth or is slain, ye will turn back on your heels? He who turneth back on doth no hurt to Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful.

Qur’an – Chapter 3 – Verse 103:
And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allâh and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allâh’s Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren, and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allâh makes His Ayât clear to you, that you may be guided.

Within the first 50 years of Islam, muslims started getting divided into different groups. Initially, the reason was not the differences in practices but gradually different groups started following different personalities and each group considered its leader as the final authority over DEEN. This ummah had the responsibility to spread the good and stop the evil but this objective could only be acheived if muslims were united. Today, people do not call themselves as “muslims” they have many other identities. If you have any doubt then try sometime asking someone.

Qur’an Chapter 6, Verse 159:
Verily, those who divide their DEEN and break up into sects, you (O Muhammad SAW) have no concern in them in the least. Their affair is only with Allâh, Who then will tell them what they used to do. (159)

Initially there were only 2 sects, then these 2 sects got further divided, and getting divided day by day. Few of them follow an Imam but still do not offer prayers in each others’ mosque. You just collect fatwas that they have directed against each other, finally you will ask “if everyone is wrong then who is right?” Every sect considers itself “correct” according to the beliefs they have extracted from Qur’an or from narrations. Every sect has its own narrators and narrations and don’t consider other narrators or narrations reliable.

Qur’an – Chapter 30 – Verse 32:
Be not of those who split up their DEEN, and became sects, each sect rejoicing in that which is with it.

Qur’an Chapter 3 Verse 105:
And be not as those who divided and differed among themselves after the clear proofs had come to them. It is they for whom there is an awful torment. (105)

Iqbal replies the Shikwa in Jawab-e-Shikwa and says:
Manfiyat Aik Hai Is Qaum Ki, Nuqsan Bhi Aik
Aik Hi Sab Ka Nabi, Deen Bhi, Imaan Bhi Aik
Haram-e-Paak Bhi, Allah Bhi, Qur’an Bhi Aik
Kya Bari Baat Thi Hote Jo Musalman Bhi Aik!
Firqa-Bandi Hai Kaheen, Aur Kaheen Zaatein Hain
Kya Zamane Mein Panapne Ki Yehi Baatein Hain?

Youn To Sayyed Bhi Ho, Mirza Bhi Ho, Afghan Bhi Ho
Tum Sabhi Kuch Ho, Batao To Musalman Bhi Ho?

The Solution

1)
Qur’an – Chapter 49 – Verse 9:
And if two parties or groups among the believers fall to fighting, then make peace between them both, But if one of them outrages against the other, then fight you (all) against the one that which outrages till it complies with the Command of Allâh; then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily! Allâh loves those who are equitable.

Who has been addressed here to make peace between two parties? It’s a party that do not belong to any sect. It was Mohammad P.B.U.H at that time and his true followers. But it had to be continued after Mohammad P.B.U.H so it actually means a Central Authority that follows Quranic System, Quran termed it as “Qibla”.

Qaumon Ke Liye Maut Hai Markaz Se Judaayi

2)
The Qur’an is the only way to understand the real essence of Islam and no doubt this book (Qur’an) has no contradictions while other books do have and these contradictions lead to the differences between sects. Muslims nowadays have blind faith on those books that are not from Allah. Qur’an is being used for “sawaab” purposes only, actually misusing it and DEEN is being extracted from books other than Qur’an.

Qur’an – Chapter 4 – Verse 82:
Will they not then ponder on the Qur’an? If it had been from other than Allah they would have found therein many contradictions.

Qur’an – Chapter 2- Verse 78-79:
And there are among them illiterates, who know not the Book, but (see therein their own) desires, and they do nothing but conjecture. (78) Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say: “This is from Allah” to traffic with it for a miserable price! Woe to them for what their hands do write and for the gain they make thereby.

Will you still follow books other than Qur’an?

Final Words

The enemies of Islam, unfortunately they are not outsiders, have played great games in the past but we are still unaware of those conspiracies and taking those unquranic beliefs and teachings as DEEN. Try to think at least what are the reasons of downfall of muslim ummah? Few thousands muslims were strong when they followed Qur’an and the exact DEEN revealed by Allah but now 1.4 billion muslims have no strength. Could this be the same practices that Mohammad P.B.U.H and his companions followed or practices have been changed somehow?

Please Think, You Can Think

!mran