Call a Spade, A Spade

CALL A SPADE, A SPADE

Shamsul Huda Qasmi
Editor: The Light (Magazine)
hudaqasmi@gmail.com

Islam is the religion of peace given to mankind as an all-inclusive
system to lead a contented life till he/she lives on the planet, called Earth. It's not mere a man given theory that often fails at the crucial time of its practical implementation. Islam is rather a
comprehensive set of directives given to mankind to lead an orderly and contentful life till his worldly abode comes to a natural conclusion in the form of death.
The Holy Qur’an is the sacred book of Islam revealed to the last Prophet, Muhammad (May Peace and Mercy of Allah be upon him), by the Creator of this Universe. The Qur'an is an eternal guidance and a complete constitution of life that also appeals to rational human
minds and is not in conflict with the modern days scientific findings.
Islam, throughout in human history, has attracted millions of intelligent minds having deep sense of divine knowledge. And its impression on the hearts and minds never fades with the passage of
time. And if compared with adherents of man-made and Pontiff given religions, Islam's sublime teachings have left more soothing effects on human minds and hearts.
There are, however, people who claim to have divine religion and sacred books. But they are not aware and haven't been told by their spiritual guide that the books through which he is imparting religious
sermon is interpolated, corrupted and not in its original form as it was given to the Avatar. And it is nothing but a natural effect that the man-made religion and
is proving incompatible and ineffective in coping with the modern times. People who claim to adhere to a particular religion do not refer to the teachings of their religious book in terms of regulating
their daily affairs of life; in course of their business transaction; at times of governing the system of judicial mechanism and socio-political affairs.
They remain restricted to mere carrying out certain customary rituals in consultation with their priest in order to seek blessings and ward off superstitions. Barring exception, they don’t seem to be interested
in reading their religious books and comprehending its true meanings.
There are people even fearful of touching their sacred books. Some of
them have a notion that religious Granths are to be touched by priests
only. Only they enjoy the right to read it, comprehend and contemplate
on its in-depth meaning.
Hence, the common masses do not have a clear concept of religion and
its meaning in life. They only follow their whims and fancies; have no
knowledge of what is lawful and what is unlawful. They even fail to
distinguish between desirable and undesirables. Muslims as a religious
community and as an Islamic Ummah, though having their own
shortcomings, should be thankful to Allah for blessing them with the
Holy Qur’an.  They should take pride in following the diktat of the
Holy Qur'an and in practicing the teachings of Shariah. Hundreds of
queries are being received every day by Islamic scholars across the
world daily and the questioner feels delighted to pursue his affairs
in the light of the directives he/she receive. Having said, we must not forget that the intolerant people with
narrow-minded approach to the life cry foul over some verses of the
noble Qur'an. However, there are also precedence that many rationalist
Hindu intellectuals have paid due respect to the teachings of the holy
Qur'an.
Mohandas Karamchan Gandhi, the father of our nation and a die-hard
preacher of non-violence, was not only impressed with the teachings of
the Qur'an but often recited and contemplated on its teachings in his
seclusion.
Yet another preacher of non-violence, Vinoba Bhave, even compiled some
verses and its commentary with a title "Roohul Quran" (Spirit of the
Qur'an).
Mrs Sarojni Naidu, another renowned and shining star of Indian
political horizon, acknowledged that the Qur'an in truth taught
tolerance and teaches non-fanatical approach with the non-Muslims. In her opinion, by following Islamic teachings, the world may tread towards the peace and tranquillity it is in search of.
Many other celebrated Hindu scholars proudly translated the Qur'an in
Hindi language in order to spread its sublime message. Those who have
gone through the Qur'anic verses and were able to comprehend its true
meaning, they have always paid their sincere obeisance to it and revere it.
Islam is a religion of peace and security.  It teaches brotherhood and
equality of men. It views humankind as the offspring of Adam (pbuh)
and traces human lineage to one father. It attaches great importance
to humanity and killing an innocent person in Islam amounts to killing
the whole humanity.
The Holy Qur’an says: “…take not life, which God has made sacred,
except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that you
may learn wisdom.” (6:151). It sternly commands the believers not to
harm women and children during conflict and war, not to ravage the
crops and trees. It has taught to pay due respect to other religions
(even though they find the basis of belief on wrong footings), their
priests and places of worship.
Islam, as a comprehensive system of life, has covered every aspects of
human living and left no portion un-addressed. The verses in question
in fact have particular background. It's basic theme is: What Muslims
should do in the face of oppression and injustice? Should they be mere
spectator while injustice and tyranny is being perpetuated against
hapless people?
Islamic injunction to its adherents, in clear cut term, is to stand
against the tyranny and oppression. This teaching of Islam, call a
spade, a spade, can't go well with the oppressive forces who wish they
be given a free hand, unhindered, to perpetuate crimes in the society
in order to satiate their lust. Islam not only that it doesn’t permit
but calls upon the believers to fight against such tyrannical and
oppressive forces till peace and tranquillity prevails in the society.
It is but obvious that the tyrannical and oppressive forces will not
take the call for their defeat and subjugation lightly. They will pick
a passage from Islamic scriptures and quote it out of context to
inflame the passion and hatred against Muslims in illiterate masses.
They will spit venom in speeches and in congregations of their
adherents. They will sow seeds of hatred to divide the society.
What Muslims, especially youths, should do?  Is it worth sitting idle
and gossiping? Well, why not trot on the path shown to us by
Rahmat-ulil-A'lameen (our beloved Prophet SAW) who changed the hearts
of pagans of Arabia within short span of time? Why not strive and
shower love in order to change the hearts of those who hate us? Why
not aid and assist those who have embarked on the course of spreading
the message of peace and tranquillity among the children of Adam?

The Light (Magazine) Apr May Jun - 2015