Islam, the Most Misunderstood Religion

By Mian Tariq Javed Arain

Growing anti Muslim hatred continues to be a matter of grave concern for the vulnerable Muslim community all across the globe in general but in the West in particular where Islamophobia keeps on rising. Eyebrows are raised, as the biased media reporting remains highly unprofessional as all ethics are ignored. The partial media is only to blame for misinformation to the audience.

Strategically, the illegitimate business of the organized terrorism has been booming as the robot-like terrorists are more than willing to follow as programmed/ordered. In their non-stop mode, these killing machines tend to stay engaged to keep defaming Islam through their fake practice and love of Islam. That indicates extremism is one issue while the use of extremists by the stake holders for the ulterior purposes is the bigger threat as it endangers the embattled religion.

Avoidance by the broadcast and the print media (main stream) to defuse the nasty crisis is shameful. It amounts to offering a free ride to those who are assigned to sowing anti-Muslim seeds of hatred. If not discouraged now, the image of Islam will continue to deteriorate beyond easy fix.

Despite the debates on the issue of extremism, there is also a painful divide among Muslims regarding coexistence leading to a wide gap between pro-Islam and anti-Islam elements/groups.

The fact is “teachings” of Islam make sense as they are absolutely free from superstitions and irrational beliefs. Most importantly, that is where we are able to learn about (a) Oneness of God (Tauheed), (b) the prophet-hood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final messenger of God Almighty, and(c) the concept of life after death--all are the basic articles of its faith. They are based on reason and sound logic. Beyond doubt, all of the teachings of Islam flow from those basic beliefs and are simple and straightforward.

Everybody may approach the Qur’an directly and translate its dictates into practice. Islam awakens in man the faculty of reason and exhorts him to use his intellect. It enjoins him to see things in the light of reality. The Qur’an advises him to seek knowledge and invoke God to expand his awareness: “Say ‘O, my Lord! Advance me in knowledge’.” (Qur’an, 20: 114)

Again, Islam is a practical religion and does not allow indulgence in empty and futile theorizing. It says faith is not a mere profession of beliefs, but rather that it is the very mainspring of life. Righteous conduct must follow belief in God. Religion is something to be practiced and not an object of mere lip service. The Qur’an says: “Those who believe and act righteously, joy is for them, and a blissful home to return to.” (Qur’an, 13: 29)

The Prophet is also reported to have said: “God does not accept belief if it is not expressed in deeds, and does not accept deeds if they do not conform to belief.” (At-Tabarani)

Religion of moderation:

Islam provides guidance for all aspects of life – individual and social, material and moral, economic and political, legal and cultural, and national and international.

Its teachings are solely for moderation through purifying the believers’ soul; this leads to a quality life where supremacy of right over might and of virtue over vice stands established. Thus, Islam stands for the middle path and the goal of producing a “moral human-being”  for serving the entire Humanity. The Qur’an enjoins man to embrace Islam without any reservation and to follow God’s guidance in all areas of life.

 In other words, Islam clearly states that its objectives are the purification of the soul and the reform and reconstruction of society. As we read in the Qur’an: “We verily sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance, that mankind may observe right measure; and He revealed iron, wherein is mighty power and (many) uses for mankind, and that God may know him who helpeth Him and His messengers, though unseen. Lo! God is Strong, Almighty.” (Qur’an, 57: 25)

Summing up: Islam strongly condemns terrorism in all forms; teachings of Islam reject the playground for the forces of evil everywhere as well. It’s about time to begin the noble work of re-instating the Muslim reputation. Muslim-friendly non Muslims are required to contribute positively.

Efforts will have to be made to raise the needed awareness regarding the importance of coexistence and respect for different cultures and cooperating to end extremism. This is how, the focus is likely to shift towards spreading the true image of Islam known for the tolerant ideology, diverse cultures, architecture, arts and sciences.

Canadians from coast to coast voted against the nasty politics of the Harper era. Re-instating the actual image of Islam will be a step forward for a positive change. This is called democracy. Let's hope our new leader will go for unity among the Canadian communities rather than division.

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Sources:

* islamreligion.com

* file-25-1456413363470641300.jpg KHURSHID AHMAD

*thenews.com.pk/print/101026-Hate-sells-from-India-to-America

*arabnews.com

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"Repairing the Writ of State"

The elected leader doesn’t stand a chance unless he is capable of a qualitative delivery for the welfare of his people at home and abroad. Nevertheless, during his recent visit to the US, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Shareef didn’t efficiently stand up for Pakistan’s serious concerns. He should have spoken up beyond reading his written speech.

As country’s chief executive, the prime minister is expected of being a good spokesperson with above average statesmanship qualities. The other mistake he made was his playing as a Foreign Minister without the required skills. Simply speaking, the honorable prime minister messed up the golden opportunity to persuade Mr. Obama about what was good for Pakistan and the region.
Since the region is on fire mischievously, the main target is none but the vulnerable people and the state of Pakistan through proxy, of course.

Everyone knows with clarity that the embattled country, around a decade ago, used to enjoy a peaceful time. It was almost free from any form of extremism or militancy. Nobody ever heard TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan).
After having emerged, however, the new militant group started getting active against its own people.
We remember when General Safdar Hussein Core Commander Peshawar went to the North Waziristan specifically to negotiate peace. Luckily, there was a peace deal between Naik Muhammad (aged 27), the then chief of the militant group and the visiting Gen. Safdar. But, soon after, Naik Mohammad was shot dead from the sky, and the peace deal collapsed as a result, unfortunately.

Then, the never ending ‘cycle of hostility’ against Pakistan began ferociously.
The fact is “the so called sovereign Pakistan” has been facing roller coaster rides ever since and continues to suffer from the most critical time in its history till today.

It’s an open secret that General Musharraf was the one who initially had allowed the drone strikes in the FATA area; nevertheless, the strikes were intensified in the later years causing the extensive collateral damage.
The expert opinion suggest that the counter productivity of the strikes actually led to the mushrooming growth of many more militant groups who were only targeting Pakistani public, the infra structure, government offices, mosques, even the GHQ. At the same time proxy warriors kept on joining the band wagon which was aimed at nothing but dismantling the country by weakening its writ.

During the tenure of PPP regime, the things were almost out of control simply because of administrative paralysis and sub standard governance. The crimes of power theft, the related energy crisis, the bitterness of circular debt, capital flight and the brain drain were all the natural outcomes.
Defiance of the apex court verdicts was among the norms which proved to be another contributing factor in the overall national scenario.
Consequently, the mega corruption became rampant; hence, the economy has been upside down.

Surprisingly, The Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Choudhry did not invoke Article 190 of the Constitution to enforce the judicial decisions through ordering the army. And, the Army has been hesitant to take any action to restore Karachi Law and Order situation. But, it must be noted the Pak military did an excellent job while freeing Swat from the clutches of Mulla Fazlullah.

Furthermore, the overall situation throughout the country was quite ripe for the social goons and thugs to commit any unlawful activity at will.

It’s worth mentioning that the dedicated work of Karachi Police under IG Shahid Hayat with the help of Rangers has been an immense success so far. Also, the work of Zulfiqar Ahmad Cheema PSP has been a solid contribution while streamlining the passport related irregularities, and because of him, the motorway policing has immensely improved as well.

As suggested by the main stream print and electronic media, there are around forty plus militant groups just in FATA. Hence, negotiation is better than military solution.

Now, the time of “American withdrawal” approaches near - so does the panic, but the problem is far from over.
The Americans have started negotiating with Mulla Umer already.
The Pakistan government was almost close to start a peace dialogue with the TTP, when the TTP Chief was droned to death a few days ago leading to the worst anger of Pakistani Taliban.

The irony is, the new TTP boss Mullah Fazlullah is based in Afghanistan which makes the analysts raise their eyebrows as they smell something really fishy.
Obviously, militant groups cannot operate unless they are groomed and sponsored by the vested interests. Destroying or destabilizing a country is usually the main goal. Most probably, a proxy war against Pakistan is still in progress.

Surely, the TTP is sophisticated enough to manipulate the public opinion; they say, “Not the Pakistani public but the security apparatus will be their target now.”

It’s strongly suggested that the civil society should be on a single page to register their concern with the US instead of attempting to disturb the NATO supplies at this point in time of instability.

Go for more effective approach which is ‘one united voice’ as it would be loud enough to reach the White House.

It’s better for Islamabad to talk to the real stake-holders from tribal areas who are more interested in ending the war on their land rather than imposing a barbaric type of customs which has nothing to do with Islam.
Insisting for a decent table talk to sort out the issues is the best first option beyond any doubt.

But, the TTP appears determined to launch a new wave of attacks across the country. If that be the case, the government must not hesitate while giving total mandate to the armed forces as the last option to crush the militancy.
The government must handle the challenge with diligence to rescue the country via targeting the identified enemy.