ajpirzada
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We have not sent you (Prophet) forth but as a mercy to mankind, says Quran (21:107). Note that this mercy is not restricted to Muslims only but is also true for the whole mankind. Unfortunately very few in our society know this verse but many on the other hand are well aware of the one talking about Jihad although its validity is only during the war times which is when it was revealed. Why is this so? Well it could be due to the indoctrination! It could be due to ignorant religious teachers who intend only to gain some quick respect and collect some free lunch. But whatever it is, one thing is very clear. Today more than the agnostics who see Quran as text from medieval time, it is Its own custodians who are treating It this way.
mera azam itna buland hai; ke paraye sholon ka dar nahi
mujhay khauf aatish-e-gul se hai; ke kahi chaman ko jala na de
Yes, it is now time that we go back to basics and see for ourselves what we were told to follow and where we have gone wrong. What is more important is not visiting mosques everyday and recite Quran in a language not known, but to understand it with an open mind and under the light of prophets (peace on him) life. Was it the life based on taking revenge from his (peace on him) blasphemers? And how could this be so when all the meccans were forgiven unconditionally at the time of the conquest of Macca!
Who havent heard of his (peace on him) visit to Taif (south of Macca) where children were instructed to throw stones and follow him (peace on him) until he (peace on him) was expelled from the town? On being asked by Gabriel if he (peace on him) wished a calamity to befall on that town, Prophet (peace on him) prayed:
O most Merciful! Thou art the Lord of the weak and Thou art my Lord. To whom wilt Thou relinquish my fate! If Thou art not angry with me then I care not what happens to me. Thy favor is all that counts for me.
Had Gabriel come to the prophet (peace on him) against the wishes of God? No. If Gods will was with prophets (peace on him) will, then why did not he (peace on him) ask for revenge? And if he (peace on him) did not ask for revenge, what gives his (peace on him) followers any right to do so?
Yes I know. Some of you will say that this was during the early periods of Islam when the religion was itself week and not much could have been done. Lets fast forward and go to Madina where Muslims were in much stronger position and very much dominant. Again I have got nothing new but instead a more common story of the old women who used to throw garbage at our beloved prophet (peace on him) on daily basis. One day when she didnt do it, he (peace on him) went to her place to inquire and found her ill. Finding her helpless, he (peace on him) did all her house work and took care of her. His (peace on him) caring and merciful character left such a deep impression that she accepted his message and became his (peace on him) follower. So why wasnt she prosecuted for being a blasphemer?
There are plenty of similar stories but not all of them can be citied and neither it is of much use if one is not to learn any message from them. Despite memorizing these stories through out our school life, we are still to cover much space between passing the exams and translating the actual message into actions.
Blasphemy law is a similar dilemma which we face today. It is a dilemma in which people are trying to pass the test of love without getting to know the actual message. Isnt it absurd to love someone without knowing his character and teachings? Indeed it is but at the same time it is much harder to first understand the message and then act upon it. Passing a self formulated test is much easier while having a reasonable feel good effect.
This is not to say that blasphemy is to be encouraged. Rather freedom of speech at individual level should also not go beyond debating and must stop before someones feelings are hurt. But if someone transgresses his limits and uses derogatory remarks for others religion, in no case he is entitled to capital punishment. Such a case can not be found in prophets (peace on him) life a life which was the exact reflection of Quranic teachings.
Similarly Quran, while telling us how to deal with such situation, says, Had your Lord pleased, all the people of the earth would have believed in Him. Would you then force men to be believers? (10:99). At another place it is mentioned, Say: This is the truth from your Lord. Let him who will, believe in it, and him who will, deny it, (18:29, Quran). Quran allows full freedom to everyone with respect to choosing ones religion. Instead it goes a step further and talks of believers as those who do not concern themselves with people who engage in vain talk and at the same time send peace on them as well. And when they (believers) hear vain talk, they (believers) turn away therefrom and say: To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant," (28:55, Quran). It cannot be made more clearer as to why we should not concern ourselves with what others think or say. And why should we when we all will descend into our very own graves? No soul shall bear anothers burden. To Allah you shall all return and He will declare to you what you have done. He knows your inmost thoughts, (39:7, Quran).
For those who still find it hard to deal justly with people of other religions, it is said for them, Do not allow your hatred for other men to turn you away from justice. Deal justly; justice is nearer to true piety. Have fear of Allah; He is cognizant of what you do, (5:8, Quran). Note that other men include all people and not just Muslims.
Once prophet (peace on him) was asked to invoke a curse upon non-Muslims on which he replied, I was not sent on the earth to curse; I was sent only as a mercy. It is the legacy of this mercy which we see today in the form of around 1.5 billion Muslims. Had it been for our actions, this religion would have long vanished.
Today we see much anxiety when it comes to debating on Islamic or Secular Pakistan. Yet we do not know what Islam really is. Islam is much more than offering five daily prayers and fasting during the month of Ramzan. It is about showing mercy to humanity, dealing with people justly, winning hearts through your character, and benefiting everyone around you. It is not the former part but the later one which will help you pass your test of love. Once we adopt this in our daily dealings, we will not be dependent on the word Islamic to make Pakistan an Islamic state.
And Life Moves On but With Frequent Stops: Blasphemy Law: Medieval or Ignorance of minds? (Religious Perspective)
mera azam itna buland hai; ke paraye sholon ka dar nahi
mujhay khauf aatish-e-gul se hai; ke kahi chaman ko jala na de
Yes, it is now time that we go back to basics and see for ourselves what we were told to follow and where we have gone wrong. What is more important is not visiting mosques everyday and recite Quran in a language not known, but to understand it with an open mind and under the light of prophets (peace on him) life. Was it the life based on taking revenge from his (peace on him) blasphemers? And how could this be so when all the meccans were forgiven unconditionally at the time of the conquest of Macca!
Who havent heard of his (peace on him) visit to Taif (south of Macca) where children were instructed to throw stones and follow him (peace on him) until he (peace on him) was expelled from the town? On being asked by Gabriel if he (peace on him) wished a calamity to befall on that town, Prophet (peace on him) prayed:
O most Merciful! Thou art the Lord of the weak and Thou art my Lord. To whom wilt Thou relinquish my fate! If Thou art not angry with me then I care not what happens to me. Thy favor is all that counts for me.
Had Gabriel come to the prophet (peace on him) against the wishes of God? No. If Gods will was with prophets (peace on him) will, then why did not he (peace on him) ask for revenge? And if he (peace on him) did not ask for revenge, what gives his (peace on him) followers any right to do so?
Yes I know. Some of you will say that this was during the early periods of Islam when the religion was itself week and not much could have been done. Lets fast forward and go to Madina where Muslims were in much stronger position and very much dominant. Again I have got nothing new but instead a more common story of the old women who used to throw garbage at our beloved prophet (peace on him) on daily basis. One day when she didnt do it, he (peace on him) went to her place to inquire and found her ill. Finding her helpless, he (peace on him) did all her house work and took care of her. His (peace on him) caring and merciful character left such a deep impression that she accepted his message and became his (peace on him) follower. So why wasnt she prosecuted for being a blasphemer?
There are plenty of similar stories but not all of them can be citied and neither it is of much use if one is not to learn any message from them. Despite memorizing these stories through out our school life, we are still to cover much space between passing the exams and translating the actual message into actions.
Blasphemy law is a similar dilemma which we face today. It is a dilemma in which people are trying to pass the test of love without getting to know the actual message. Isnt it absurd to love someone without knowing his character and teachings? Indeed it is but at the same time it is much harder to first understand the message and then act upon it. Passing a self formulated test is much easier while having a reasonable feel good effect.
This is not to say that blasphemy is to be encouraged. Rather freedom of speech at individual level should also not go beyond debating and must stop before someones feelings are hurt. But if someone transgresses his limits and uses derogatory remarks for others religion, in no case he is entitled to capital punishment. Such a case can not be found in prophets (peace on him) life a life which was the exact reflection of Quranic teachings.
Similarly Quran, while telling us how to deal with such situation, says, Had your Lord pleased, all the people of the earth would have believed in Him. Would you then force men to be believers? (10:99). At another place it is mentioned, Say: This is the truth from your Lord. Let him who will, believe in it, and him who will, deny it, (18:29, Quran). Quran allows full freedom to everyone with respect to choosing ones religion. Instead it goes a step further and talks of believers as those who do not concern themselves with people who engage in vain talk and at the same time send peace on them as well. And when they (believers) hear vain talk, they (believers) turn away therefrom and say: To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant," (28:55, Quran). It cannot be made more clearer as to why we should not concern ourselves with what others think or say. And why should we when we all will descend into our very own graves? No soul shall bear anothers burden. To Allah you shall all return and He will declare to you what you have done. He knows your inmost thoughts, (39:7, Quran).
For those who still find it hard to deal justly with people of other religions, it is said for them, Do not allow your hatred for other men to turn you away from justice. Deal justly; justice is nearer to true piety. Have fear of Allah; He is cognizant of what you do, (5:8, Quran). Note that other men include all people and not just Muslims.
Once prophet (peace on him) was asked to invoke a curse upon non-Muslims on which he replied, I was not sent on the earth to curse; I was sent only as a mercy. It is the legacy of this mercy which we see today in the form of around 1.5 billion Muslims. Had it been for our actions, this religion would have long vanished.
Today we see much anxiety when it comes to debating on Islamic or Secular Pakistan. Yet we do not know what Islam really is. Islam is much more than offering five daily prayers and fasting during the month of Ramzan. It is about showing mercy to humanity, dealing with people justly, winning hearts through your character, and benefiting everyone around you. It is not the former part but the later one which will help you pass your test of love. Once we adopt this in our daily dealings, we will not be dependent on the word Islamic to make Pakistan an Islamic state.
And Life Moves On but With Frequent Stops: Blasphemy Law: Medieval or Ignorance of minds? (Religious Perspective)