My Own Views about some Selected Issues
One of the beauty of Islam is that it does not confine you to following some kind of religious leader (with exception of some small sects). In most of the matters that come up in daily lives, have a detailed precedent already, in others you need your personnal judgement, keeping in mind the path (Sunnah) of Prophet (P.B.U.H). I remember the saying of the most respected Imam Abu Hanifa that he asks the followers about the extensive procedure by which he has validated each of the hadith (saying of Prophet P.B.U.H), its up to you that you think its enough or not, he said. In one case he travelled thousands of kilometers on horseback in seeking and validating.
Women Rights
When i am pointing the cruelity against women, target shootings and
voilence towards minorities. Those are not isolated incidents. Honor killings, which
cannot be defended even closely by any religious argument, 25% of the all honor killings
(only recorded ones) done in the world are done in this Islamic Republic. Not to mention
the explosions while cooking, acid throwing, accidental shooting of guns! Even the forum
of the Senate had not the moral courage to condem this when a resolution came up, what to
talk about common people.
The Arabs buried alive the baby-girls ( the Hindu people of my Baradari, Rajputs :-) in
the Indian state of Rajistan still practice this privately). The Hindu religon for many
hundred years questioned whether the women had the soul or not! or if yes it is probably
the Animal Soul. Satti was pretty widespread till few decades ago. The treatment of lower
castes in Hinduism till today needs no further explaination. Hazrat Ayesha (R.A.) was the
source of major part of Fiqh for Muslims. Hazrat Khadija (R.A.) was a dynamic business
lady. Women could not even think of Property rights in Europe, less than a century ago and
Islam gave it 1400 years ago. Women keeping the name of father with their name after
marriage would sound strange to any non-Muslim, even today. Catholocism is the most
followed sect of Christianity, in which for long time there was no provision for break of
marriage. It gave rise to lot of negative trends, finally a provision was made, if the
husband is proven guilty of unfaithfullness, the marrige could be dissolved. Islam gave
women much more independence in these affairs, again 1400 years ago.
Visualise, when time of prayer comes up, in the 8th century Sindh. Muslims line up in an
open ground, all in one row, including the COAS! think about the expressions of ordinary
people who see that, moreover the equality the Muslims show in other day to day matters of
running the state. Same was the case whereever the Muslims went. Islam was a religon of
tolerence, equality and peace. That was the moral edge, thats bigger than any other edge.
Now, we need to examine, WHAT WE HAVE MADE ISLAM TODAY ? It not all about the negative
propoganda of enemies. What i think are some where after the time of the great Imams, we
are frozen in time. We have ourself closed the door of Ijtehad that kept our religon
dynamic (which did not compromise any Islamic teaching). I guess Allama Iqbal also pointed
out this factor.
Once there was a conference of Muslims and non-Muslims of North America, there was so much
heated debates about Parda that whole of the conference time was spent in that. One
non-Muslim participant pointed out "I don't see Parda as mentioned in the basic
pillars of Islam". When i am comparing, like the previous example of a molnorished
child and dancing ladies, i am not at all approving anything, just that we have to set our
priorities straight!
The Leaders who made Pakistan
The project of Islamising some of the leaders might well have also started
in the 1980s (It becomes more tougher in the case of Attaturk). The main religious parties
before 1947 were, JI and Jamiat-e-Ulmae Hind. There were also some people from the Muslim
minority areas of India, which were working selflessly for Pakistan, while knowing well
that their area will not be in Pakistan. Then there were graduates of Aligarh, for which
all the credit goes to Sir Syed. Again, if you start judging Sir Syed by his personal
life, the things which he is accounted for to answer only before Allah, you would also
find many loopholes. If you keep on applying this method, at the end, only you will be the
true Muslim in the world. Therefore, i respect the leaders for what they did for us. How
well they practiced their religon is the thing between Allah and them. I would have give
them the same respect even if they were non-Muslims. As far as concerts are concerned,
there was no concept of them in 1940s. There are significant number of people that now
only listen to Pakistani music, only made possible by original ideas of some of our own
people. I would appreciate if you let me know how Wahabis in Saudia take stand on the
singing. I am not sure about this one, heard them in a radio program (radio Jeddah),
arguing that if the contents of the song are not immoral, there is nothing wrong.
The best way to understand other person is putting ur self in his/her shoes. Visualise, a
day around the year, for example, 1895, a ships sails from India to Europe. This is a time
where there is no thing like Radio and TV in India. When Sir Syed reaches there, as if in
a fairy world: automobiles, highrise buildings, no hunger and malnosrished children etc
etc when some time he spents there, he finds out that most of the children go to school,
knowledge of Science and Technology is common and people are tolorent in religon and daily
lives. If after all that if some one even gets lunatic, i won't blame him much.
Criticism of NGOs in Pakistan
Criticising the NGOs is more of a fashion. The real people who were effected by NGOs were JUI. Duoband is a movement that when faced with the onslaught on modren education, when English came here, severed its relations with the world. Thus, over a period of time, it ended up being anti-modrenist. Backward NWFP and Baluchistan were fertile ground for it, it survived on donations and in return provided free boarding and lodging for students of religious institution. All was good till here but what would you think that they will be teaching those students, certainly that their sect is supreme, all else shirk. When this network comes into hundreds of thousands, its a force to be rekoned with! thats what was let loose in Afghanistan with our govt support. Now here comes NGO's, who try to make people self sustaining thus less dependent upon that mafia. So, both have a tough fight. As in any other organisations, some of NGOs might well be of dubious nature. Who is restrianing people and Govt to identify any wrong NGO's. On the other hand, there is no accounting for, for the funds of Madrasas or of the Jihadi organisations.
The Letter to the European Union
Subject: Jean Breteche called the army's action "unjustified"
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 06:56:14 +0500
To: relex-feedback@cec.eu.int, europeaid-info@cec.eu.int
CC: enlargement@cec.eu.int, development@cec.eu.int
Dear Sir / Madam,
Monday, 2 December, 2002, 22:53 GMT - Israel denies targeting food aid
The WFP said the building was clearly marked with a UN flag, and the food containers were
labelled with WFP stickers.
They said the store contained 500 metric tons of flour, rice and vegetable oil, intended
for distribution to the poorest families in Gaza to celebrate the forthcoming Muslim feast
of Eid.
The food, donated by the European Commission, was valued at more than $270,000.
The head of the European Commission (EC) in Jerusalem, Jean Breteche, called the army's
action "unjustified".
If this had been done in a Muslim country and by a Muslim army, even before any
investigation, you would have called it barbaric, atleast. These are the double standards
of the so called first world that has created the Osamas and Mullah Omers of this world.
This has sustained the poverty, injustice and terrorism in this world. The recent
statement of your official regarding Turkey also shows a not so hidden bias of your
important office holders.
The Letter to the US President
Subject: making of suicide bombers!
Date: Sat, 01 Jun 2002 04:43:48 +0500
To: president@whitehouse.gov
Dear President,
Not long ago, shortly after their second 'peaceful' nuclear tests after 1974, in 1998, an
Indian minister described Britain as 'a third-rate nuclear power'. British Foreign
Secretary who was suppose to lower the tensions was successful in 'satisfying his
customer' and the item were Hawk jet trainers in the pipe-line and much more hardware for
India. Therefore, it was not surprising that he spoke to the tune of Indians that its
Pakistan that has to do 'more' and 'Kashmir' is a bilateral matter. Ignoring shamelessly
the rusting 50 year old UN security council
resolutions about Kashmiris right to a UN supervised referendum to know their will either
to join India or Pakistan. The same UN Security Council whose Britain is itself a member
and is swift in pressurizing Indonesia to give up East Timor but is help-less in front of
India and Israel's respective occupations. Is US and Europe really helpless ? or is it
that there are two sets of human rights for Muslims and non Muslims ?
When, in Bosnia Muslims were butchered right in the heart of Europe, while the UN couldn't
even save the 'Safe Heavens' for Muslims. What was their fault, they were the community
that was multi-cultural at the best. Then in Gujrat in India, recently thousands of
Muslims butchered (imagine same number of non Muslims killed in the same manner in any
Muslim country, how would your media play it ?), what is the message to Muslims ? that no
matter how much 'civilized' or 'multicultural' a nation claims, deep down you all hate
Muslims!
US was not far from Britain, despite our 50 years friendship during the cold war that
included defense pacts as SEATO and CENTO. The U-2 spy plane base in our country in late
50s and unprecedented support during Afghan war against USSR. Some obvious benefits to us
were obvious but along with that what other gifts we had ? a total arms embargo during
wars with India (while today UK is not even considering their temporary halt to its arms
transfers to India), US and Israeli sales of hi-tech
Radars to India, Joint US-Indian military exercises currently not far from our tense
border. President Bush was alarmed by our missile tests that started on May 26 while had
no comment on countless Indian provocation that preceded our tests like: #1 "the time
has come for a decisive fight ... we shall write a new chapter of victory (Indian PM to
Indian soldiers on line-of-control with Pakistan (22 May, Reuters)." #2 "Indian
Navy is re-inforcing its western fleet in the Arabian Sea with five warships from the
eastern fleet (Indian Navy spokesman, May 23, Reuters)." #3 "If we decide to
scrap the Indus Water Treaty, then there
would be drought in Pakistan and people of that country would have to beg for every drop
of water (Indian Water Resources Minister, May 23, AFP). "clearly defined as 'a crime
against humanity' in International Treaties. #4 "There has been a great deal of troop
movement. extra rations and water are also being carried by the railways to meet the needs
of the soldiers on the border (Divisional Manager, Indian Railways, May 21, AFP/Reuters).
The terrorists that destroyed twin towers were not illiterate, backward or indoctrinated
in the religious schools of Taliban. They were normal and well educated people with
families that seemingly resented the same double standards of USA in the Middle East.
These seeds of hatred that you are sowing today, you will reap the crops of it for the
long time to come! Take it as a friendly advise.
Chain Letters for Preaching
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam,
Before the internet, back in early nineties, when i was in mid-teens, I noticed that 'must
pass-it-on religious' stuff alot in the form of handbills. Most of the time, at the
photocopying shop, with ppl madly (i will explain my comment) making and distributing
copies.
In those days, more than once on TV question/answer religious programme, different learned
people about Islam have explained that it is basically a christian practice of preaching
that some of the mis-guided Muslims have adopted.
Now, the age of internet has make this wrong practice much faster. My own personnnal view
is that by this practice you play with the belief of already weak faith of some Muslims.
Islam is superior by its realistic view of life, flexibility and simplicity. Atleast, i
don't require miracles (especially the false) to re-inforce my faith.
Believe me i have ignored them more than a dozen times all my life and still there are
never ending blessings of Allah on me, Alhamdo-lillah :-) don't worry! and make your
association with Allah with Salat and following Sunnah of Prophet (P.B.U.H), there are no
further shortcuts!!
Nike's Reply to "Blasphemy of Islam" charge
Subject: [Incident 020228-000421] Do u offend Islam as a policy ?
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002 16:28:32 -0800 (PST)
From: swoosh@custhelp.com
Aziz,
Thank you for your e-mail.
Nike is committed to being a good corporate citizen including understanding and
appreciating the values of the Islamic community. As part of that commitment, Nike has
established a working relationship with the US-based Council on American Islamic Relations
(CAIR).
The relationship was created to address an issue that arose in April 1997 when CAIR
objected to a shoe with a design on the heel similar to the Arabic word for
“God” or “Allah.” At that time, Nike apologized for any unintentional
offense, agreed to recall all products carrying the design, and introduced training for
Nike designers in Islamic imagery. Furthermore, as part of the resolution to the
controversy, Nike built three playgrounds for Islamic communities in the US based upon
CAIR’s recommendation.
More recently, Nike and CAIR received numerous complaints about the ad to which you refer
in your e-mail, which depicts a Muslim woman wearing blue jeans. In many cases Nike’s
name has been associated with the ad. CAIR has fully investigated this ad and can verify
that Nike has nothing to do with this ad whatsoever. This offensive ad originated in
Australia, from an Australian jean manufacturer, which has no relationship with Nike.
After we contacted the Australian jean company, they issued an apology and stopped running
the ad. Nike was never involved in any way with the ad, and it is regrettable that Nike
has been associated with it.
Nike has learned a great deal by working with CAIR and individuals like you who write to
us. We appreciate your time and will continue to work towards better understanding of the
Islamic community and towards our goal of continuous improvement.
Sincerely,
Brad
Nike
---- 02/28/2002 09:56 PM ----------------------------------------------
Dear Sir/Madam,
An Ad of urs is quoted in the mail-lists of Muslims very widely on the internet that u
have printed a very disturbing ad in the print media in the US. I have a copy of it, if u
r interested to know, it shows Afghans praying in front of a women in tight western
outfit, with a cross at her chest and says 'be in demand...". Also, the same mail
quotes another instance where ur shoes seem to have the Arabic name of God on
them(pictures are also attached with that mail). The mail calls for the bycott of ur
products cuz of these actions of ur company.
My religon also calls me confirm any thing before spreading it. Spreading rumors is
strongly prohibited. Accept my sicere apologies on behalf of those mis-guided Muslims that
don't bother to 1st confirm the facts from u.
I wrote to u thinking that it might be some ploy of ur competitors! is it ? can u
officially deny that ad ? thats the only way to deal that rumour i guess if that is the
case. I am eager to get ur response.
Regards
Aziz Ullah
USA and her Middle East Policy - My Response to a US Discussion List
Re: America is naive
I was surprised to read that comment about Pakistani Military. That just shows the level
of understanding of other cultures by an average American, even your reporters don't
bother. There are very few that really understand the Middle East and South Asia. I admit
you have a good understanding of South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
I am civilian but all my life have been in a military cantonment and most of my family has
been in the military.
Pakistani Military is different from Turkish, Egyption or the Algerian and its not also
like Iranian Military. The culture is neither pure secularism nor fundamentalism, you will
find practising Muslims that believe in peace, equality and justice. That is because they
come from the society and not some selected class.
Even a 5,000 crowd chanting anti-US slogans is nothing in a city like Karachi, with a
population of 10 million+. Never a religious party or their alliance has won more than
5.0% of the total votes in an election. Thats the present state, much of future depends on
US policies itself.
You people have to realise, not to generalise too much, based on religon.
As far as that news story is concerned, it can be either a misunderstanding or its quite
possible that a few mis-informed individuals can do that. Fact is that, there were dozens,
if not hundreds of Pakistanis killed in WTC.
There is another angle to it, during the cold war, there have been alot of proxy US-USSR
wars in which many countries have been devasted, many innocents killed. In the Middle
East, Israel has been planted under the US patronage, that is 50 years agony to lot of
Arabs. People are not blind, they can see that Israel could not have survived one-day
without US support. Therefore, there is real US-hatred in the MiddleEast, accept it or
not. All these factors and many more backlashes of US foreign policies, at a given day, if
some of those ppl see pantagon in flames, they may see that good reason to rejoice,
whether Muslims or non-Muslims (if u make a religious war out of it, u doing big favour to
OBL).
As one of the post said, Americans might have some idea of ppl that come under airstrike.
In the middle east, its a daily routine ... F-16s, Apaches, Hellfires (all US made) and in
Kashmir its state-terror in the form of daily killings torture and rape (don't belive me
cuz i am Pakistani ? look into AI reports).
Re: No help in 1948
ur observations r correct ... as i have read much about Arab-Israeli conflict. USSR was
the main supplier of Arabs while Israeli
sources were much more diversified.
Till the cold war, US was only seen as just another arms supplier to the middle east.
Current situation is different .... while the
European support may be there but its the USA that vetos the resolutions in security
council and the diplomatic support is much
more open.
Every community which is small is much more organised. And the Jews that settled in Israel
were primarily from the most
developed part of world (with some exceptions of Africans). Allies countries of the second
world war had their sympthies with
them (justifiably because of how they suffered).
There was nothing wrong in that, the idea of a state where Jews could have lived in peace
but do they have peace ? My
country Pakistan was also made on an idea like that "for peace and progress of the
south asian Muslims, free from domination
of a frightining about 1 billion Hindus".
But here is the difference we see, my country was created by provinces voting of which
state they will join (India or Pakistan)
and Israel was created on the graves and banishing of their original owners ... u can now
find these state-less Palestinians in big
numbers in every Arab state (i believe in Jordan they r more than the Jordanians!) and
across the globe. While every Jew has a
'right to return' to Isreal, the Palestinian don't even have right to have their own free
state. As far as i know, the Israeli justify
their claim on land on the basis ... that they were its oroginal owners ... thousands of
years ago! where do that lead us ? think of
the adjustments we will have to make on the world map for these kind of cliams !!
I believe most of the Muslims and more specifically Arab public hold the view that Isreal
was created just to humiliate them and
may be to keep a flash-point where weapons can be in a hot-demand! and Sharon is making
tiring efforts to re-inforce that
view.
I don't know why Israel don't agree on the Muslims and Pope's proposal to declare
Jerusalem, an International city, jointly
managed by Jews, Muslims and Christians council. And why USA has opened an official office
there ? to show support for
Israel ?? and then US says that its honest broker!
I think PLO was much more controlable than what Israeli actions have made a mushroom
growth of small and more suicidal
groups ..... there is a whole generation of Palestinians that have lost faith in everyone
.... especially during 1990s.
Response to a Muslim Mailing List - Hizb ut Tahrir
Assalam-o-alakum,
Its been many months since i been on ur mailing list, i appreciate ur efforts. At the same
time because u tend to twist the information to suit ur views, some times ur analysis is
not so realistic.
The criticism u have talked about in ur mail in US about Pakistan, doesn't show our
failure but the strenght of their system, in which memeber of congress can rightly
criticise their President. You must remeber, how critical was congress during the vietnam
era, still when i talk with US vietnam vetrens, they think that they were winning war
there, when the politicians restrined them in their military operations, by ceasefires
etc.
Yes, India and Israel r not criticised in strong words as Pakistan, but so does are China
and Russia. The main reason is not so much religious as its economic, an economically
strong Pakistan and Muslims world, would have receive a totally different policy.
The building blocks of Khilafat are also in the Economic Union on the pattren of EU, only
a religious slogan will not be enough for any kind of co-operation.
Ur idea that Iran's revolution was US sponcered is not supported by ground realities, some
friendly statements of US during revolution are standard tools of diplomacy. U will always
have minimal support in Pakistan with this kind of sectarian approach, Pakistan was made
for all Muslims irrespective of sects. When Hindus loot and burn Muslims, they don't ask
sects!
The Afghans have been fighting for centuries. Since Pakistan's indepencence, we had a hard
time in dealing with those Muslim Brothers! As u know much of Afganistan is already ruins,
no bridges, dams, roads etc.while we have took hard 50 years to make our country what it
is now, how backward we might be still but still we r good, better than most of the Muslim
world. We could not sacrifice that all to the narrow vision of the Taliban. The narrow
vision of their foreign policy that was
stupid, to fight in all directions, Iran, Russsia(chechenia), China(singkiyang), USA etc.
Those who have some information about how military weapons operate, know that US didn't
need our approval for their air corridor. Our state-of-art F-16 and others couldn't have
challenged them for one day, most of USAF planes r armed with medium and long range AAMs
like AMRAAM and phonix, that can take out planes as far as 137 km.
Read all Muslim military history, Muslims have dominated by their strong will along with
also an excellent store of weapons and innovations. Catapulats(Muhammad-bin-Qasim),
Rockets (Haider-Ali's Rocket Regiments), Navy (European wars), Syrian swords
(Sala-ud-din's era) etc etc as long as Muslims excelled economically they maintained good
military for power
punch, today's weak economic power can only lead to life without dignity.
All these r my comments, based on my limited knowledge.
Please record your comments in the guest book!