Faith in Religion

At a time when religion (Islam in particular) are the target of much ridicule for being "backward" and "out of date", we need to re-affirm our faith in the real message given by our beautiful religion. Lately, many hard-line and narrow-minded approaches towards religion and life have come to the fore in many Muslim societies sadly. It is, therefore, imperative for us to refer back to the deeds and sayings of the great people that lived before us, and who better to look back to then the people who surrounded our great Prophet (PBUH). At the forefront of those people were Hazrat Ali (A.S). Once Ali (A.S) was asked about faith in religion. He replied:

"The structure of faith is supported by four pillars endurance, conviction, justice and jihad.

Endurance is composed of four attributes: eagerness, fear, piety and anticipation (of death). so whoever is eager for Paradise will ignore temptations; whoever fears the fire of Hell will abstain from sins; whoever practices piety will easily bear the difficulties of life and whoever anticipates death will hasten towards good deeds.

Conviction has also four aspects to guard oneself against infatuations of sin; to search for explanation of truth through knowledge; to gain lessons from instructive things and to follow the precedent of the past people, because whoever wants to guard himself against vices and sins will have to search for the true causes of infatuation and the true ways of combating them out and to find those true ways one has to search them with the help of knowledge, whoever gets fully acquainted with various branches of knowledge will take lessons from life and whoever tries to take lessons from life is actually engaged in the study of the causes of rise and fall of previous civilizations .

Justice also has four aspects depth of understanding, profoundness of knowledge, fairness of judgment and dearness of mind; because whoever tries his best to under- stand a problem will have to study it, whoever has the practice of studying the subject he is to deal with, will develop a clear mind and will always come to correct decisions, whoever tries to achieve all this will have to develop ample patience and forbearance and whoever does this has done justice to the cause of religion and has led a life of good repute and fame.

Jihad is divided into four branches: to persuade people to be obedient to Allah; to prohibit them from sin and vice; to struggle (in the cause of Allah) sincerely and firmly on all occasions and to detest the vicious. Whoever persuades people to obey the orders of Allah provides strength to the believers; whoever dissuades them from vices and sins humiliates the unbelievers; whoever struggles on all occasions discharges all his obligations and whoever detests the vicious only for the sake of Allah, then Allah will take revenge on his enemies and will be pleased with Him on the Day of Judgment."

Notice the emphasis on acquiring knowledge and studying a subject in detail? Notice how he connects the pursuit of knowledge to the development of patience and tolerance in oneself? Isn't that we, collectively as an Ummah, are not doing at all? Food for thought.

On reading the Quran

A friend had shared this link on twitter, and I just had to post it here. It is a TED talk given by Lesley Hazleton, author of the book 'The Shia-Sunni split in Islam' which I previously reviewed here. Such an objective and outside view of Islam is refreshing, and shows how much Islam is really misunderstood!

Is it all worth it?

I am not trying to rattle any cages with this blog post. Or perhaps it is a sign of my weakening faith, but I've found myself asking some real basic questions over the last couple of days, most notably: Is it all worth it? I mean religion. Did God create one of the most beautiful things in the verse so that so many people could one day abuse it and kill their fellow beings in their attempts to be closer to Him? They say terrorists have no religion, I say every religion has its terrorists - people who are so blinded by their faith and devotion to God that they forget the most basic principle there is: the sanctity of a human life. Is religion just a tool to kill other people in a society with such alarming levels of poverty and illiteracy? Or alternatively, if there were no religion, would people still kill like they do today?

We all believe in leading good lives and going to jannah (paradise), but I ask: at what cost? Is it not a collective responsibility of a religion and a society based on one to condemn injustices and speak up against them. Do you really want your paradise so bad that you're willing to stay stilent on every injustice and act of barbarism you see around you? What good is paradise then? I keep referring to paradise, because frankly we're obsessed with it. We're far too obsessed with being "good" Muslims individually that we've forgotten perhaps the most basic Islamic principle there is: Husn-e-Ikhlaq. Someone asked the Prophet (PBUH) to define Islam in two words, and thats what he said: "Husn-e-Ikhlaq". Islam is nothing but husn-e-ikhlaq, in every aspect of life, individual and collective. That is all, and alas! how badly we have failed at it.

The attacks on Ahemdis two days ago are nothing new in the context of our history, they are another persecuted minority in Pakistan. What has truly been sickening has been people's reaction. How can so many people be devoid of humanity? How can you condone the killing of an innocent human being? Is everything that we practice somehow more important than whether another person lives or dies (regardless of their beliefs)? Time to put things in perspective and root out the proponents of this venom who seem to think all this is OK, all in the name of God and paradise.

If we must ban something, it should be these poison-spewing madrassahs and maulvis spreading such hatred and blatant disregard for human lives. Facebook may have partaken in blasphemy but there's plenty of it going on in our cities and society. How about cleaning our own house first?

So much for a 'New Beginning'

It has been almost a year since Barack Obama delivered his address to the Muslim World in Cairo, which he ambitiously entitled "A New Beginning". While he was very forthcoming in his desire to bring peace and stability to the world - especially the Middle East - he did admit that "years of mistrust" will simply not go away overnight. Well, to be perfectly honest, they're not going anywhere judging by his actions in office so far. The events of the last couple of weeks have obviously been worrying for the Pakistani in me. While it saddens me to see all fingers are pointed at Pakistan right now, and some for just reasons too, what I would like to know is why nobody tends to bring up the fact that the alleged perpetrator of this attempted bombing belongs to the same area in Pakistan that is continuously being bombarded by American drones for the past 2 years! Now, I'm all for taking out the Taliban by any means necessary, but when your degree of collateral and is so god-damn high (something along the lines of 2.5% success rate against militants), then at least do not pretend to be surprised when someone decides to fight back (using whatever wrong methods they adopt). The fact that a supposed moderate guy like Faisal Shahzad could turn against America is itself extremely worrying. Instead of painting the guy in all sorts of evil, why not go through his life and try to determine what drove him to the brink. Thoughts?

And don't even get me started on Israel. Simply put, America's unconditional support for the Zionist regime is the number ONE reason why everyone dislikes America (to put it mildly). And somewhat surprising (at least to me) is the sheer number of Americans I've met who share that opinion, but at the same time admit that no politician in America can ever get elected to a public office of significance unless they pander to the pro-Israeli lobby. Such is the sad reality. The new right-wing Israeli government has refused to heed to any objections by the international community over their construction on occupied Palestinian land. After backing this belligerent regime, does Mr. Obama still expects the Palestinians to "give up violence", and sit down for peace negotiations?

I do not know what the future holds for us. The world is certainly not getting any safer. On one hand, we have these religious nutbags willing to go to great lengths to cause harm to anything belonging to the West, and on the other hand, we have these powerful countries committing mass injustices (backing Israel, Going into Iraq et al) thereby providing these nutbags just what they need to get more recruits. And so goes the cycle. God help us. Do you see anything changing?

Hey Obama, WTF?!

I thought we were on the same team in your so-called "War on Terror". And yet starting from Jan 4th, you've imposed these new security measures that make thousands of travelers of "countries of interest" to pass through additional security checks. Besides, isn't that what the bad guys wanted all along? That is, to cause mass hysteria and for you to get more paranoid and make travel for hundreds and thousands of perfectly peaceful daily travelers an effing nightmare?

So one Nigerian manages to evade all security checkpoints, and fails in detonating explosives under cover of his blanket roughly 20 minutes before landing that now we are denied access to our hand-luggage in the last 60 minutes of flight as well as from using blankets or anything of that sort during that time. How exactly does that make any one of us safer? Could a supposedly dangerous person not do whatever they're attempting to do before that?! And how will patting people multiple times detect the kind of explosives that Nigerian gentleman was carrying? Tell me Mr. Obama?

From what I remember from your speech in Cairo, you were seeking a "new beginning" between the USA and the Muslim World. Is this action part of that "new beginning" you spoke of Mr. President? How is this a step towards earning "mutual respect" of the Muslims around the world when you've basically lumped them all into one big group of people who are a security risk to the USA. You talked of bridging the gaps and ending years of mistrust, yet your actions today defy what you said that day in Cairo. I shudder to think how this administration will react if, God forbid, something bad does take place on US soil?

Having said that, I will get to experience these new security measures first hand as I'll be boarding a US-bound flight from Karachi tonight. It promises to be an eventful journey, and I am fearing the worst as there's no end to the paranoia demonstrated by Obama n co. WTF!

Related Links:

CHUP - Say Hello to my Rubber Glove

Attackerman - Obama's racial profiling will endanger America

Book Review: After the Prophet

After the Prophet: The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam
(available on Amazon)

I was told about this book by my brother, who had heard the author (Lesley Hazleton) being interviewed over the radio for this book. The title naturally seemed intriguing, and after listening to the interview myself, I decided to buy the book because the author seemed extremely well-informed and had obviously done her research on the early history of Islam. You can listen to the entire hour-long interview yourself on the radio station's web site here.

So I bought the book so I could read it during this trip home, and I just finished reading it yesterday. I think it makes for excellent reading for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The British author does an excellent job in my opinion of presenting the historical facts of Islam's early history in an objective manner. Too often when we Muslims look at that history, we glorify and exaggerate a lot of the characters and portray a larger-than-life image of the people of the time when, in fact, they were normal people with normal problems. The same goes for the society and the power struggle that ensued once Islam had started making its presence felt in Arabia as as real as anything we see today.

The author presents the facts from the point-of-view of the central characters that helped shape Islam's early history. Starting with Muhammad (PBUH), Ali, Ayesha, Omar, Abu Bakar, Usman, Muaviya, and Marwan (to name the major ones). Shes does a good job of conveying the story of a religion that was plunged into crisis following the Prophet's demise, and had the potential to self-destruct as a succession crisis materialized between the people. As she aplty put it, no one denied the Prophet's actions, but debated what they actually meant (for one reason or another). The schisms that were eventually led to the tragic events at Karbala only 50 years after the Prophet's demise, a shameful stain on the religion of peace. These schisms still exist today, and to say anything else would be naive. Another observation I couldn't help but make was the sparkling similarity between the Kharjiites and the Taliban of today. I had not read about the particular act of violence done by Kharjiites that is described in is, and suffice it to say it was sheer barbarism on their part (something we associate with the Taliban today).

For the historical facts presented, the author relies heavily on hadith accounts from the renowned historian Al-Tabari. I have personally always been a critic of the glorified version of our history that is taught to us in schools and colleges. That history paints everything in a positive light, from Islam's early period to Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphs to Muhammad bin Qasim. How conveniently they forget to mention how these dynasties came to power, and how they left no stone unturned in asserting their rule through violence and tyranny. The sooner we are at peace with our shortcomings, and accept the history for what t is, the sooner we can ensure that none of it is repeated.

As one commentator on Amazon said, the book should be required reading for all journalists covering the Middle East or for anyone remotely interested in knowing more about Islam. So, whether you're a Muslim or not, I would highly recommend getting your hands on this book.

Related Links:

The book on Amazon

The author's interview on KUOW

The book's website - aftertheprophet.com

Seattle Times Article on the book

Eid Mubarak!

Eid Mubarak to all my readers!


I will get back to posting one of these days I promise.

Hadees e Kisa (The Event of Cloak)

Hadees e Kisa (The Event of the Cloak) is a famous narration from the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) by none other than his exalted daughter Hazrat Fatima Zehra (A.S) herself. The hadees tells of the event in which God extols the status of the Panjetan e Paak (The Pious five) and introduces them with the refernce of Hazrat Fatima (A.S). The pious five constitute the Prophet (P.B.U.H) himself - Fatima's (A.S) father, Ali (A.S) - her husband, Hasan (A.S) - her first son and Hussain (A.S) - her second son. Therefore, she is the focal point of the Panjetan e Paak and enjoys a status rivaled by no one. She is also Syeda tun Nisa al Alameen (Leader of all Women). Yesterday was the day of her martyrdom (3rd Jamad us Sani). Her last words are a true reflection of her exalted status and of her exemplary devotion to God Almighty.

Back to the topic of this post - the Hadees e Kisa. I am particularly fond of the Urdu Manzuma (poetic) version of the hadees which is regularly read in many households (especially Shia households) on every Thursday night. I was unable to locate the Manzuma (poetic) version of this hadees on the Internet, so I decided to scan it myself on this trip. I am posting these images here in the hope that someone else looking for them may find them here.

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I have also shared them on the internet as a public folder on eSnips.com. Lastly, embedded below is an awesome manqabat by a dear friend of mine recited at Yom e Hussain (Hussain Day) at NED University in 2006. Entitled Ghar Fatima Zehra Ka Ajab Shaan Ka Ghar Hay (Fatima's house has an unusual significance), it speaks of the elevated status of the people belonging to this blessed house - the Ahlul Bayt (the family of Prophet Muhammad).

Image courtesy: Darwaish786 at DeviantArt

Ashura

The Tenth of Muharram - better known as the Day of Ashura - is a source of deep mourning and grief for the Prophet's (P.B.U.H) followers. The day marks the brave sacrifice given by Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) and his brave companions. To this day, there are some morons who think all this was a political war between two "Princes". If that were the case, why would have the Imam brought along his family and children? Did he not have the foresight to see the eventual outcome of the situation that was developing? This post is primarily aimed at my foreign readers (Yes, I have a few I'm told) so I'll avoid the inane questions and doubts devoid of common sense shown by some of our Muslim brethren.

Every year, the arrival of Muharram is marked with majalis (lectures) aimed at making people realize the greatness of this sacrifice in the context of history and the far-reaching repercussions it has to this day. Had it not been for this sacrifice, the Islam we'd have had today would've been anything but the one that was brought by our Prophet (P.B.U.H). As a poet has famously said:

Qatl-e-Hussain Asal Mein Marg-e-Yazid Hay
Islam Zinda Hota Hay Har Karbala Kay Baad
(Killing of Hussain is actually the death of Yazeed
Islam is revived after every Karbala - implying every year in the month of Muharram)

While it is extremely important to remember this sacrifice year-on-year, what is also equally important is to understand the message of Karbala and try to apply it to our daily lives. As Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (A.S.) said:
Kullu Youm-e-Ashura, Kullu Arz-e-Karbala
(Every day is Ashura, Every Land is Karbala).

Indeed, the message of Karbala is much much more profound than we believe it to be. What the Imam means by saying that is the fact that the message of Karbala is not limited to a certain period in history. In fact, it is so profound that every living being can take something from this great sacrifice and apply it to their lives no matter where they are and what time period they live in. Quoting another poet:

Insaan ko baidaar to ho lainay do
Har Qaum pukaaray gi hamaray hain Hussain
(Let humanity wake up from its slumber
Every nation will cry out: Hussain is ours!)

The poet wants to convey the fact the message of Karbala is truly universal and is valid for all humanity regardless of race, cast, creed and other differences. It is a slap to the face of oppression, tyranny and falsehood that continues in one form or another to this day. Imam Hussain (A.S.) by his remarkable actions has created an eternal distinction between good and evil, and that good is worth every sacrifice, no matter how big.

Shah Ast Hussain, Baadshah Ast Hussain
Deen Ast Hussain, Deen-Panah Ast Hussain
Sar Daad Na Daad, Dast dar Dast-e-Yazeed
Haqqa kay binaey La Ilah Ast Hussain
(Ruler is Hussain, Emperor is Hussain
Faith is Hussain, Guardian of Faith is Hussain
He gave his head, but refused to give his hand (in allegiance)
Indeed, Hussain is the foundation of La-Ilah (religion of truth) )

Alla humma La'an Qatla-tal Hussain-e-wa Ashaabehi
(May Allah curse the murderes of Hussain and his companions) Amen!

Image courtesy: Saeed-Art

Dr. Israr's Blasphemy

Readers of this blog will vouch for the fact that I tend to stay away from religious debate, as we seem to have different interpretations and after all, everyone is entitled to their opinions and beliefs. But this time, Dr. Israr has really crossed the line for me. His comments, aired on June 12th on a QTV program, are shockingly sacrilegious and leaves one wondering: what the ?#@$ was he thinking?! I addressed the following letter to PEMRA and sent it to the editor of DAWN. Hopefully it'll get published.

The recent deplorable comments by Israr Ahmed on QTV are a cause of shame and disgust for all Muslims. One can only judge the true intentions of a speaker by the selection of issue. By narrating a highly controversial tradition from a dubious source that contradicts the very essence of Islam - as Imam Ali (as) embodied whatever Islam is - Mr. Ahmed has shown an incredible lack of rationality and objectivity. Mr. Ahmed deliberately tried to put doubts in minds of the unwary and stoke flames of sectarianism, in pursuit of fulfilling his satanic agenda. However, the responsibility of this act does not end with Israr Ahmed. The team of QTV responsible for producing this program share equal blame for their severe lack of competence in screening this venomous content, which has the potential of causing great social strife. Subsequent apologies from the ARY Network notwithstanding, this is a case-in-point for taking measures against incompetence of a media outlet by PEMRA.

In this regards, we ask the regulatory authority to severely reprimand the administration of QTV along with imposing a hefty fine as a reminder for the channel to rectify it's conduct. We also demand the QTV administration to name-and-shame people involved in broadcasting the program in question. Furthermore, speakers/preachers such as Israr Ahmed should be barred from writing or voicing comments through the electronic media, in view of the disturbance of public order these people can and have caused. We sincerely hope that by taking such strong measures in view of the controversy created by the speaker will restore public confidence viz-a-viz the credibility of the media and governance credentials of the people in power.

The damned video in question:

Ostentatious Devotion

Sometimes the inanity of our people really does strike me - none more so than in this instance which I'm about to describe. At a time when the city is going through its worst power crisis ever, devout followers of the Prophet (PBUH) have put up green lights on all major roads, thoroughfares and intersections of the city! And this is just what I have observed myself, I'm sure they've found plenty more ways to waste what little energy we have on such displays of religiousness that do no one no good. If they must show off, why not put green flags instead of lights? Why are they bent on wasting power on green lights that are turned ON for hours into the night, and possibly till the morning?!

And what is even more inane is that all this is being allowed with no checks at all. What is wrong with us? Why do we have to be so showy about everything?! And every year, there's news of some clash occurring between members of different rallies being taken out on 12 Rabbi ul Awwal! It's sad really! We've practically destroyed ourselves in our attempts to be better followers of the Prophet (PBUH) than others while our enemies sitting far away can't help but smirk as we self-destruct.