Non-violence in Holy Quran
Prof. Mehboob Desai
Before we discuss about nonviolence in Holy Quran, it is necessary to know about Holy Quran. We all know that the religious book of Muslims is Holy Quran. It is revealed in Arabic. But, it is not written by Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, who was unlettered, but wise, trustworthy and righteous Arab. Even Allah had not declared the Holy Quran at one glance, as Shri Krishna had done about Bhagavad-Gita. The Lord of Universe has intended to guide the common populace to the right path, through the teachings of Holy Quran. He has set a Beautiful Model in the life of Messenger of Allah. Since the day of appointing Mohammad bin Abdulla as Prophet of Allah, the Sentences of Holy Quran had been taught to Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, through the medium of Jibrail, in stages. Allah says in Holy Quran,
“It is We Who have sent down the Qur'an to thee by stages.”
Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, was taught ways to live a righteous life of a Muslim, and he was warned to avoid certain things to achieve his aim. This Holy Quran had reached Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, in parts, which we know as ‘Wahi’ or ‘Revelation’. It took 23 years to reveal the whole of Holy Quran. The Holy Quran consists of 114 Surahs. As our Lord has promised, the Holy Quran is the exact word of Allah; its authenticity, originality and totality are intact. The Qur'an is the exact word of God; its legitimacy, creativity and entirety are intact.
Every aspect of human life, like love and worship, kindheartedness and forgiveness, diplomacy and dealings with others, regularity and legitimacy, parity and amity, relationship with others and tolerance of others is taught to Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, in this Holy Quran.
The Islamic history tells us that the first Sentence of Holy Quran that was revealed to Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, in the month of Ramadan. The first Sentence is in the Surah Al-Alaq. It is the 96th Surah in the Holy Quran. The summary of Islam is told at a time in a single Surah Al-Alaq. It deals with the importance of knowledge of reading to a Muslim. A Muslim must know how to read and write and what to read and write. A Muslim must know the facts of his generation. he must know how to use the pen. He should know what is yet not known to him. While acquiring knowledge, he must not transgress natural legitimacy. He should not pride himself. One day, a man shall have to return to his Lord. He will be held responsible for his deeds. So, he should worship One God. Let a Muslim be not adhere to Satanic advises. Let him be a sincere, closer subordinate to Allah. – Thus, Surah Al-Alaq ordains,
“Read! in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher Who created, Created man out of a mere clot of congealed blood: Read! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful. He Who taught the use of the Pen. Taught man that which he knew not. Nay but man doth transgress all bounds. In that, he looketh upon himself as self-sufficient. Verily to thy Lord is the return of all. Seest thou one who forbids. A votary when he turns to pray? Seest thou if He is on the road of Guidance? Or enjoins Righteousness? Seest thou if he denies Truth and turns away? Knoweth he not that Allah doth see? Let him beware! If he desist not, We will drag him by the forelock, A lying sinful forelock! Then let him call for help to his council of comrades: We will call on the angels of punishment to deal with him! Nay heed him not: but bow down in adoration and bring thyself the closer to Allah!”
When we see the hand written or printed Holy Quran, the first Sentence we see is “Bismilla_hir rahma_nir rahim (i)”, which means “In the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful.” That is, Allah is charitable to all, even though they are not worth of it. Allah is generous to those people, who maintain the relationship in righteousness. In both of these cases, He shows love, kindness, and nonviolence towards the mankind. There are so many Sentences, which deals with love, kindness and nonviolence. Such as,
o “Say: “If ye do love Allah follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins for Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.”
o “How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah Who feeds both them and you: for He hears and knows all things.”
o “There is not a single one on earth which is not provided by Lord. He knows its existence and its abode at the end.”
o “Allah has bestowed His gifts of sustenance more freely on some of you than on others; those more favored are not going to throw back their gifts to those whom their right hands possess so as to be equal in that respect. Will they then deny the favors of Allah?
o “And in no wise covet those things in which Allah hath bestowed his gifts more freely on some of you than on others: to men is allotted what they earn and to women what they earn: but ask Allah of His bounty: for Allah hath full knowledge of all things.”
o “And obey Allah and His apostle; and fall into no disputes lest ye lose heart and your power depart; and be patient and persevering: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.”
o On that Day will men proceed in companies sorted out to be shown the Deeds that they (had done). Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good see it!
o “Nor could they spend anything (for the cause) small or great nor cut across a valley but the deed is inscribed to their credit; that Allah might requite their deed with the best (possible reward).”
o “Never did We destroy a population but had its warners. By way of reminder; and We never are unjust.”
o “And the Book of Deeds will be placed before you; and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is recorded therein; they will say "Ah! woe to us! what a book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great but takes account thereof!” They will find all that they did place before them: and not one will thy Lord treat with injustice.”
o “He is the One that accepts repentance from His Servants and forgives sins: and He knows all that ye do. And He listens to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness and gives them increase of His Bounty: but for the Unbelievers there is a terrible Penalty. If Allah were to enlarge the provision for His Servants they would indeed transgress beyond all bounds through the earth; but He sends it down in due measure as He pleases: for He is with His Servants well-acquainted Watchful.”
o “Why should your Lord give you all sufferings unnecessarily. If you are showing gratitude towards Allah, and study fast on right path.”
o “And if ye do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out: but if ye show patience that is indeed the best course for those who are patient.”
o “O ye who believe! seek help with patient perseverance and prayer: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.”
o They said: "Art thou indeed Joseph?” He said: "I am Joseph and this is my brother: Allah has indeed been gracious to us all: behold he that is righteous and patient never will Allah suffer the reward to be lost of those who do right.”
o “And say: "Work righteousness: soon will Allah observe your work and His apostle and the believers: soon will ye be brought back to the knower of what is hidden and what is open: then will He show you the truth of all that ye did.”
o “Behold ye are those invited to spend of your substance in the way of Allah: but among you are some that are niggardly. But any who are niggardly are so at the expense of their own souls. But Allah is free of all wants and it is ye that are needy. If ye turn back from the Path, He will substitute in your stead another people; then they would not be like you!”
o “When a courteous greeting is offered, you meet it with a greeting still more courteous at least of equal courtesy. Allah takes careful account of all things.”
o “But if the enemy inclines towards peace do thou also incline towards peace and trust in Allah: for He is the one that heareth and knoweth all things.”
o “They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin and some profit for men; but the sin is greater than the profit.” They ask thee how much they are to spend; say: "What is beyond your needs.” Thus, doth Allah make clear to you His Signs: in order that ye may consider.”
o “O ye who believe! intoxicants and gambling, dedication of stones and divination by arrows are an abomination of Satan's handiwork: eschew such abomination that ye may prosper. Satan's plan is but to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer: will ye not then abstain?”
o “We know best what they say; and thou art not one to ever awe them by force. So admonish with the Qur'an such as fear My Warning!”
I have given an iota out of bunches of good sayings, which are abundant in Holy Quran. All of them advise a Muslim to follow the right path, in right way, as gentle as possible, as righteous as possible. They are prohibiting the items and routes, which are root to create the vice and violence.
When Gandhiji read the Holy Quran, which is full of such serene sayings, he expressed his opinion,
“Mohammad is an Artist. His Quran is treated as best book out of the beautiful books of Arabic language. Even the pundits are also opining the same. What is the reason? The reason is, whatever facts he had observed, he had disclosed in it.”
PROF. MEHBOOB DESAI'S BLOG
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Spread of Islam : Prof. Mehboob Desai
Spread of Islam
Prof. Mehboob Desai
Ignorance of Islam has led the people to believe in the rumour, ‘by sword, Islam has spread.’ But a rumour cannot be an historical fact or a theosophical truth. Till now, no religion has won the hearts of millions of people by violence. There is much scope for scholastic studies to find out this evergreen truth. The charms of religious books, the charisma of religious saints, the conduct of its believers, the coordination in the colleagues in society influences the masses, thus, a religion spreads in the masses. Major Arthur Glean Leonard writes,
“If one considers a book due to its results and influence on the life of its readers, then, Quran is one of the Best Classical Books in the world.”
Islam is well spread, well read and well practiced religion in the world. Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, was the first person to spread the religion of Islam. He lived a simple, submissive, supplicating life, which is a model for all Muslims, then, now and forever. He had never used his human force or sharpness of his sword to spread the Islam, because, Allah says,
“Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error; whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.”
Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, was instructed by Allah in strict words. Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, strictly adhered to the guidance given by our Lord. Some of the instructions that were given to Messenger of Allah Mohammad to propagate Islam are as under:
o “When you ask the people to embrace Islam, you teach them carefully and smoothly. When you discuss with them, use good and sweet words. When they argue with you, hear them with patience. Tolerate their argument. When you are departing from them, do it with compassion and gentleness.”
o “If your Lord is willing, whole people would have accepted your words. Then, will you use force to make them follow your words?”
o “O You Mohammad! Allah has given you the knowledge. Follow it. Believe in One. There are no gods except Allah. Discard the worshipers of gods.”
o “If Allah had willed, they would have worshiped One. You are not being sent as a Supervisor on them.”
Allah has ordained all people to love their parents and to follow their instructions without taking any objections. Yet, the compulsion in religion by them towards their children is not tolerable. Allah says,
“We have enjoined on man kindness to parents: but if they, either of them, strive to force thee to join with Me in worship anything of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not. Ye have all to return to Me and I will tell you the truth of all that ye did.”
Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had followed the instructions given to him by his Lord, day and night. While spreading the message of Allah, he had implemented the sayings of Holy Quran without any innovations or modifications.
During the times of Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, majority of Arabs were unlettered. Many of them were barbarians. The tradition of gambling, drinking, womanizing was very common. The traditional pride was making them to bury their female children alive. The poor and the slaves were treated as animals. Tricking and Cheating was common in business. Humanity and morality was lacking in the society. In such society, to start Islam from foundation, to spread it to zenith, we can imagine how hot and thorny it would have seem to Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. It was difficult to teach any thing to Arabs, for they were full of ignorance. Holy Quran discloses,
“The Arabs of the desert are the worst in unbelief and hypocrisy and most fitted to be in ignorance of the command which Allah hath sent down to his apostle: but Allah is All-Knowing All-Wise.”
Yet, Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had performed his duties with passion, compassion and patience. Pundit Sunderlal writes,
“Wherever Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah did go, the people used to make fun of him. They would make satirical remarks on his sayings. Whenever he would try to preach them the truth, they used to throw the dead animals’ intestinal and fecal matter on him. His opponents warned the audiences, ‘Son of Abdulla is mad. Don’t listen to him.” Then, they would disturb his discourse by making disruptive noises, so that no one could hear him clearly. Many a time, he was stoned and was pruned to bleeding.”
Under such strenuous conditions, Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had spent the first three years of his Prophethood at Makkah. During this time, he was able to make forty persons to believe in his claims of Prophethood. Firstly, Lady Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her, was readily accepted the creed of Islam. She was the eldest wife of Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. The people, who had accepted the Islam at initial stage, were Ali, who was ten-year-old son of Abu Talib, Zaid, Abu Bakr, Osman, and other, who were well guided by Allah. Most of them were poor people. Many of them were slaves.
Even though Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had faced many hurdles, physical pressures, pains, stresses and strains of brain in his struggle to propagate Islam, he, peace be upon him, had never deserted the straight path of Islam due to disappointments or displeasures. Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had followed the instructions of Allah with patience and nonviolence. His approach towards the populace with endurance and nonviolent attitude had own the hearts of majority of Arabs. the patient and nonviolent attitude had mesmerised the pagan Arabs, who were accustomed to pride, prejudice and brutality.
Not only in Hindustan but also in other countries, Islam has spread. The part played by Islamic saints in the propagation of Islam is praiseworthy. The conditions of human society have also given a momentum to this propagation of Islam. Everywhere, the society is divided into rich and poor, powerful and powerless, stupid and prudent. The rulers are arrogant and autocratic. Either the justice is utterly denied or unduly delayed for the meek. But, during the times of Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, rich and poor were treated as equal. In the eyes of a Muslim, both an Amir and his slave were equal. Justice was done to all. Then, the four righteous Khalifs, namely Abu-Bakr, Omar, Osman and Ali, may Allah be pleased with them, had followed the same traditions. Then, the preachers, saints and administrators of Islamic kingdoms have tried to follow the same traditions of endurance and nonviolence.
Thereafter, the time of sultanate arrived. In Islam, no man would call himself a Malik or a King. Every one is an Abdul-Malik or a slave of King. The Real King is Allah. Islamic society represents a democratic setup, not an autocratic or patriarchic setup. The power of administration should be given to a person, who is most piteous, righteous, and best knower of Holy Quran. The power of administration never goes to an heir of administrator by birth. This rightful tradition was overpowered by other generations. The tradition of violence was encouraged. Wise ones were driven back. Warriors were given the thrones. They were entitled as King of Kings. Their word become the Word of God. Such kings had adopted the way of violence in propagating their faith. This thing did happen in all countries, irrespective of Islamic and non-Islamic cultures. Some scholars refer to the fanaticism of Aurangzeb, the King of Hindustan. Neither his fanaticism nor anybody’s fanaticism is taught by Holy Quran or by the Traditions of Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah. By using his powers, no king could make his people to believe in his own religion whole-heartedly. So, not only Islam, but also no other religion could have been propagated through the generations with the mighty power of sword. Hence, there is no place for violence in Islamic propagation.
Islam teaches discriminate nonviolence. No compulsion or coercion is allowed in the propagation of Islam. A preacher should have to tell about the facts of Islam, ‘the Oneness of God’ clearly, diligently without malice towards anybody. A preacher will not be held responsible for the acts of either believer or non-believers, who go astray. A preacher will be awarded for teaching what is taught by Holy Quran. Allah says,
“Thus do We explain the Signs by various symbols: that they may say, "Thou hast taught us diligently” and that We may make the matter clear to those who know. Follow what thou art taught by inspiration from thy Lord: there is no god but He: and turn aside from those who join gods with Allah. If it had been Allah's Plan, they would not have taken false gods: but We made thee not one to watch over their doings nor art thou set over them to dispose of their affairs. Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides Allah lest they out of spite revile Allah in their ignorance. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. In the end will they return to their Lord and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did.”
Prof. Mehboob Desai
Ignorance of Islam has led the people to believe in the rumour, ‘by sword, Islam has spread.’ But a rumour cannot be an historical fact or a theosophical truth. Till now, no religion has won the hearts of millions of people by violence. There is much scope for scholastic studies to find out this evergreen truth. The charms of religious books, the charisma of religious saints, the conduct of its believers, the coordination in the colleagues in society influences the masses, thus, a religion spreads in the masses. Major Arthur Glean Leonard writes,
“If one considers a book due to its results and influence on the life of its readers, then, Quran is one of the Best Classical Books in the world.”
Islam is well spread, well read and well practiced religion in the world. Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, was the first person to spread the religion of Islam. He lived a simple, submissive, supplicating life, which is a model for all Muslims, then, now and forever. He had never used his human force or sharpness of his sword to spread the Islam, because, Allah says,
“Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error; whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.”
Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, was instructed by Allah in strict words. Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, strictly adhered to the guidance given by our Lord. Some of the instructions that were given to Messenger of Allah Mohammad to propagate Islam are as under:
o “When you ask the people to embrace Islam, you teach them carefully and smoothly. When you discuss with them, use good and sweet words. When they argue with you, hear them with patience. Tolerate their argument. When you are departing from them, do it with compassion and gentleness.”
o “If your Lord is willing, whole people would have accepted your words. Then, will you use force to make them follow your words?”
o “O You Mohammad! Allah has given you the knowledge. Follow it. Believe in One. There are no gods except Allah. Discard the worshipers of gods.”
o “If Allah had willed, they would have worshiped One. You are not being sent as a Supervisor on them.”
Allah has ordained all people to love their parents and to follow their instructions without taking any objections. Yet, the compulsion in religion by them towards their children is not tolerable. Allah says,
“We have enjoined on man kindness to parents: but if they, either of them, strive to force thee to join with Me in worship anything of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not. Ye have all to return to Me and I will tell you the truth of all that ye did.”
Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had followed the instructions given to him by his Lord, day and night. While spreading the message of Allah, he had implemented the sayings of Holy Quran without any innovations or modifications.
During the times of Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, majority of Arabs were unlettered. Many of them were barbarians. The tradition of gambling, drinking, womanizing was very common. The traditional pride was making them to bury their female children alive. The poor and the slaves were treated as animals. Tricking and Cheating was common in business. Humanity and morality was lacking in the society. In such society, to start Islam from foundation, to spread it to zenith, we can imagine how hot and thorny it would have seem to Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. It was difficult to teach any thing to Arabs, for they were full of ignorance. Holy Quran discloses,
“The Arabs of the desert are the worst in unbelief and hypocrisy and most fitted to be in ignorance of the command which Allah hath sent down to his apostle: but Allah is All-Knowing All-Wise.”
Yet, Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had performed his duties with passion, compassion and patience. Pundit Sunderlal writes,
“Wherever Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah did go, the people used to make fun of him. They would make satirical remarks on his sayings. Whenever he would try to preach them the truth, they used to throw the dead animals’ intestinal and fecal matter on him. His opponents warned the audiences, ‘Son of Abdulla is mad. Don’t listen to him.” Then, they would disturb his discourse by making disruptive noises, so that no one could hear him clearly. Many a time, he was stoned and was pruned to bleeding.”
Under such strenuous conditions, Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had spent the first three years of his Prophethood at Makkah. During this time, he was able to make forty persons to believe in his claims of Prophethood. Firstly, Lady Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her, was readily accepted the creed of Islam. She was the eldest wife of Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. The people, who had accepted the Islam at initial stage, were Ali, who was ten-year-old son of Abu Talib, Zaid, Abu Bakr, Osman, and other, who were well guided by Allah. Most of them were poor people. Many of them were slaves.
Even though Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had faced many hurdles, physical pressures, pains, stresses and strains of brain in his struggle to propagate Islam, he, peace be upon him, had never deserted the straight path of Islam due to disappointments or displeasures. Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had followed the instructions of Allah with patience and nonviolence. His approach towards the populace with endurance and nonviolent attitude had own the hearts of majority of Arabs. the patient and nonviolent attitude had mesmerised the pagan Arabs, who were accustomed to pride, prejudice and brutality.
Not only in Hindustan but also in other countries, Islam has spread. The part played by Islamic saints in the propagation of Islam is praiseworthy. The conditions of human society have also given a momentum to this propagation of Islam. Everywhere, the society is divided into rich and poor, powerful and powerless, stupid and prudent. The rulers are arrogant and autocratic. Either the justice is utterly denied or unduly delayed for the meek. But, during the times of Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, rich and poor were treated as equal. In the eyes of a Muslim, both an Amir and his slave were equal. Justice was done to all. Then, the four righteous Khalifs, namely Abu-Bakr, Omar, Osman and Ali, may Allah be pleased with them, had followed the same traditions. Then, the preachers, saints and administrators of Islamic kingdoms have tried to follow the same traditions of endurance and nonviolence.
Thereafter, the time of sultanate arrived. In Islam, no man would call himself a Malik or a King. Every one is an Abdul-Malik or a slave of King. The Real King is Allah. Islamic society represents a democratic setup, not an autocratic or patriarchic setup. The power of administration should be given to a person, who is most piteous, righteous, and best knower of Holy Quran. The power of administration never goes to an heir of administrator by birth. This rightful tradition was overpowered by other generations. The tradition of violence was encouraged. Wise ones were driven back. Warriors were given the thrones. They were entitled as King of Kings. Their word become the Word of God. Such kings had adopted the way of violence in propagating their faith. This thing did happen in all countries, irrespective of Islamic and non-Islamic cultures. Some scholars refer to the fanaticism of Aurangzeb, the King of Hindustan. Neither his fanaticism nor anybody’s fanaticism is taught by Holy Quran or by the Traditions of Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah. By using his powers, no king could make his people to believe in his own religion whole-heartedly. So, not only Islam, but also no other religion could have been propagated through the generations with the mighty power of sword. Hence, there is no place for violence in Islamic propagation.
Islam teaches discriminate nonviolence. No compulsion or coercion is allowed in the propagation of Islam. A preacher should have to tell about the facts of Islam, ‘the Oneness of God’ clearly, diligently without malice towards anybody. A preacher will not be held responsible for the acts of either believer or non-believers, who go astray. A preacher will be awarded for teaching what is taught by Holy Quran. Allah says,
“Thus do We explain the Signs by various symbols: that they may say, "Thou hast taught us diligently” and that We may make the matter clear to those who know. Follow what thou art taught by inspiration from thy Lord: there is no god but He: and turn aside from those who join gods with Allah. If it had been Allah's Plan, they would not have taken false gods: but We made thee not one to watch over their doings nor art thou set over them to dispose of their affairs. Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides Allah lest they out of spite revile Allah in their ignorance. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. In the end will they return to their Lord and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did.”
Fundamentals of Islam : Prof. Mehboob Desai
Fundamentals of Islam
Prof. Mehboob Desai
Gandhiji has explained the meaning of Islam by saying,
“The meaning of Islam is Peace. It is not related to Muslims only, but to all communities and to Universal Peace.”
Now, Islam is spread in every nook and corner of human world. The followers of Islam are called Muslims. They are supposed to live nonviolently. Islam is very necessary for the maintenance of peace in the world, now and in the future. It is true that the peace prevails due to nonviolence. For the practice of nonviolence in daily life, one must know the fundamentals of Islam. They are five in numbers. The speciality of these fundamentals is none of them preaches violence. Moreover, all of them recommend the Muslims for following the nonviolence in thinking, in preaching and in practicing the daily livelihood actions. These five fundamentals of Islam are necessary for injecting the nonviolence in practical life.
The five fundamentals of Islam are Shahada or Creed , Salat or Prayer, Saum or Fasting, Zakat or Purifying Annual Tax and Hajj or Pilgrimage to Makkah as observed by Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him.
Shahada or Creed means belief in oneness of God. This concept is known as Tauhid in Islamic thought. Tauhid means to believe in that, ‘God is One.” Hence, the alleged divine power shared by any other deemed Divinity, either physical or theosophical is completely rejected. So, it is said in Islam, “La Ilaha Illallah.” As far as Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is concerned, all Muslims believe in that “Mohammad is the Messenger of God.” So, it is declared, “Mohammadur Rasoolullah.” Then, Mohammad, peace be upon him, was chosen by God only to deliver the Word and Warning of Allah, the Cherisher of the worlds. The Shahada or Tauhid has been clarified as ‘to believe only in Oneness of God.’ As the Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, would not held responsible for the wrong doings of any human being, so, he had no compulsion to take the course of sword to compel any Arab or non-Arab to accept the Islam.
Salat or Namaaz is a form of prayer. No doubt, a Prayer is dedicated to God, but it purifies the thoughts and body of a Muslim. The Book of God, Holy Quran ordains a Muslim to pray five times daily in normal conditions. When a Muslim child comes to certain age of understanding, then the prayer becomes obligatory on that child. The physical actions during the prayer are adopted from the Traditions of Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. In fact, the procedure of prayer is very simple and pliable even for a child. The Traditions shows us so many ways as to adjust ourselves in prayer according to our present conditions, positions and dress codes. Hence, there would be no violence of any kind in performing the physical actions of prayer or in reciting the sentences in prayer.
Now we come to the topic of Saum, Roza or Fasting. In every Creed of the current world, some kind of Fasting is religiously practiced. Many think the Fasting gives health for the physical body, as well as some purity for one’s mental form. Islam does not intend to keep a Muslim fasting only for tolerating the pangs of hunger, thirst and of desires. Islam is intending to teach a Muslim to keep himself in Self-Restraint. During the Fasting, a Muslim is ordained to follow the three saintly monkeys that are “Never See Bad Thing,” “Never Hear Bad Thing” and “Never Tell Bad Thing.” In addition, they have to follow the fourth monkey that “Never Do a Bad Thing.” Almost, in a way, the four jewel of Jain Dharma, namely Samyagdrusti, Samyaggyan, Samyagvani and Samyagcharitra are followed by a Muslim during the period of Fasting. Our Lord ordains the Muslims to maintain the Fasting during the month of Ramadan. He says in Holy Quran,
“O Ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may learn self-restraint. Fasting for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill or on a journey the prescribed number should be made up from days later. For those who can do it with hardship is a ransom the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more of his own free will it is better for him and it is better for you that ye fast if ye only knew. Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear Signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong. So every one of you who is present at his home during that month should spend it in fasting but if anyone is ill or on a journey the prescribed period should be made up by days later. Allah intends every facility for you He does not want to put you to difficulties. Allah wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.”
During the Fasting, one should learn to keep himself in self-restraint, should learn to feed the hungry of one’s own free will, to clarify the difference the right doings from wrong doings, to be grateful of his Lord and to perform his duties as though they are not a burden on him. We have observed in the Sentences of Holy Quran that as Allah intends every facility for a Muslim, He does not want to put a Muslim to difficulty, no Muslim is expected to cause difficulty or violence to his body or on mind. If one is not able to bear the pains of Fasting, he may feed another hungry man. Without learning the much-sought self-restraint and righteousness, if one goes on Fasting, he will suffer only the pangs of hunger, thirst and desires. If one observes the Saum in a right manner, the deemed violence of hunger, thirst and desire is eliminated.
The fourth fundamental of Islam is Zakat. We may say that Zakat is annual obligatory tax on the rich people. Many modern Economists feel that this Zakat is meant for the benefit of poor people. The Zakat may help the human society in taking out the extra amount from the rich people and to pass on the collected amount to the poor people. Even though, the Zakat cannot eradicate the poverty from the society, in a way, a common cord connects the poor and rich people in the society, at least, in the month of Ramadan. Many Philosophers think that it is a way to provide ‘Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan’ to the poor. As some one is thinking, it may have been fixed at 2.5% per annum on the rich people, to give that amount to the poor people, to eradicate the economic differences in between them. The idea is logical. But, it is not factual. Zakat is not intended for that purpose only. As human beings, we know our wantonness for wealth. Every one of us is greedy of money, even if he is a billionaire. Yet, the Islam teaches a Muslim to spare something out of his wealth for the benefit of his poor brethren, if he is afraid of his Lord, the Cherisher of worlds. While calculating the amount of Zakat, one’s own consciousness guides him to right estimation, more than 2.5%, without any guidance from any other Auditor or Inspector. In a way, Zakat teaches a Muslim to donate to his poor brethren on his own will and might. As there is no outer compulsion of any human official, no one feel any kind of violence in paying the Zakat. Moreover, to some extent, the receiver of Zakat will be relieved from the pangs of economical violence. As the feeding one is carrying for the needy one, the scope of thefts and cheatings is certainly minimized. When such vices are eliminated, the scope of violence is also eliminated. In my view, the basic aim of Islam, the religion of peace, is to generate good relationship in humanity, and fear of God, and thus, to eliminate the root causes of violence.
The final fundamental of Islam is Hajj. Hajj means the pilgrimage to Makkah. The Hajj is the complete pilgrimage, of which the chief rites are during the first ten days of the month of Zul-Hajj. The umra is a less formal pilgrimage at any time of the year. In either case, the intending pilgrim commences by putting on a simple garment of unsewn cloth in two pieces when a Muslim is some distance yet from Makkah. The putting on of the pilgrim garb, called ihram, is symbolic of his renouncing the vanities of the world. When we closely observe a Muslim in ihram, on first sight, he seems to be a Jain Muni. His dress resembles to the dress of Jain Muni. A Muslim temporarily renounces the vanities of the physical world. Until the end of the pilgrimage, a Muslim must not wear other clothes, or ornaments, anoint his hair, use perfumes, hunt, or do other prohibited acts. The completion of the pilgrimage is symbolised by the shaving of the head for men, and the cutting off a few locks of the hair of the head for women, the putting off the ihram and the resumption of the ordinary dress.
Many Islamic scholars of opinion that the Hajj is obligatory on one and all. But, as far as I know, the poor and the needy people, who cannot afford the expenses of Hajj, are freed from this duty. If a rich person is unable to perform a Hajj due to some unavoidable thing, he may assign someone else to perform Hajj on his behalf and at his expense. If one is afraid for one's life or for one's wealth due to something on way, then he is deemed to be as one who cannot afford the journey for Hajj. The person intending to perform Hajj should not sell his clothes, his personal belongings, or his house--even if they were abundant to get money for Hajj. Means of traveling imply that which enables him to go to Hajj and come back, whether it is by land, by sea, or by air.
The great financial burden and the good requirement of physical stamina may have caused some kind of violence on the intendant pilgrim. Allah is not intending to cause unnecessary violence to His believers. So, as per the wish of Allah, our Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, pease be upon him, had said,
“O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action.”
This Sermon of Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, gives mental peace to the poor, unhealthy and helpless people, who had not performed the Hajj due to some reason. Due to this Sermon, a Muslim who had performed a hajj cannot be proud of it, and a Muslim who had not performed ashamed of non-performance, because, nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action. Where there is piety and good action, there is no place for violence.
Prof. Mehboob Desai
Gandhiji has explained the meaning of Islam by saying,
“The meaning of Islam is Peace. It is not related to Muslims only, but to all communities and to Universal Peace.”
Now, Islam is spread in every nook and corner of human world. The followers of Islam are called Muslims. They are supposed to live nonviolently. Islam is very necessary for the maintenance of peace in the world, now and in the future. It is true that the peace prevails due to nonviolence. For the practice of nonviolence in daily life, one must know the fundamentals of Islam. They are five in numbers. The speciality of these fundamentals is none of them preaches violence. Moreover, all of them recommend the Muslims for following the nonviolence in thinking, in preaching and in practicing the daily livelihood actions. These five fundamentals of Islam are necessary for injecting the nonviolence in practical life.
The five fundamentals of Islam are Shahada or Creed , Salat or Prayer, Saum or Fasting, Zakat or Purifying Annual Tax and Hajj or Pilgrimage to Makkah as observed by Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him.
Shahada or Creed means belief in oneness of God. This concept is known as Tauhid in Islamic thought. Tauhid means to believe in that, ‘God is One.” Hence, the alleged divine power shared by any other deemed Divinity, either physical or theosophical is completely rejected. So, it is said in Islam, “La Ilaha Illallah.” As far as Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is concerned, all Muslims believe in that “Mohammad is the Messenger of God.” So, it is declared, “Mohammadur Rasoolullah.” Then, Mohammad, peace be upon him, was chosen by God only to deliver the Word and Warning of Allah, the Cherisher of the worlds. The Shahada or Tauhid has been clarified as ‘to believe only in Oneness of God.’ As the Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, would not held responsible for the wrong doings of any human being, so, he had no compulsion to take the course of sword to compel any Arab or non-Arab to accept the Islam.
Salat or Namaaz is a form of prayer. No doubt, a Prayer is dedicated to God, but it purifies the thoughts and body of a Muslim. The Book of God, Holy Quran ordains a Muslim to pray five times daily in normal conditions. When a Muslim child comes to certain age of understanding, then the prayer becomes obligatory on that child. The physical actions during the prayer are adopted from the Traditions of Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. In fact, the procedure of prayer is very simple and pliable even for a child. The Traditions shows us so many ways as to adjust ourselves in prayer according to our present conditions, positions and dress codes. Hence, there would be no violence of any kind in performing the physical actions of prayer or in reciting the sentences in prayer.
Now we come to the topic of Saum, Roza or Fasting. In every Creed of the current world, some kind of Fasting is religiously practiced. Many think the Fasting gives health for the physical body, as well as some purity for one’s mental form. Islam does not intend to keep a Muslim fasting only for tolerating the pangs of hunger, thirst and of desires. Islam is intending to teach a Muslim to keep himself in Self-Restraint. During the Fasting, a Muslim is ordained to follow the three saintly monkeys that are “Never See Bad Thing,” “Never Hear Bad Thing” and “Never Tell Bad Thing.” In addition, they have to follow the fourth monkey that “Never Do a Bad Thing.” Almost, in a way, the four jewel of Jain Dharma, namely Samyagdrusti, Samyaggyan, Samyagvani and Samyagcharitra are followed by a Muslim during the period of Fasting. Our Lord ordains the Muslims to maintain the Fasting during the month of Ramadan. He says in Holy Quran,
“O Ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may learn self-restraint. Fasting for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill or on a journey the prescribed number should be made up from days later. For those who can do it with hardship is a ransom the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more of his own free will it is better for him and it is better for you that ye fast if ye only knew. Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear Signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong. So every one of you who is present at his home during that month should spend it in fasting but if anyone is ill or on a journey the prescribed period should be made up by days later. Allah intends every facility for you He does not want to put you to difficulties. Allah wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.”
During the Fasting, one should learn to keep himself in self-restraint, should learn to feed the hungry of one’s own free will, to clarify the difference the right doings from wrong doings, to be grateful of his Lord and to perform his duties as though they are not a burden on him. We have observed in the Sentences of Holy Quran that as Allah intends every facility for a Muslim, He does not want to put a Muslim to difficulty, no Muslim is expected to cause difficulty or violence to his body or on mind. If one is not able to bear the pains of Fasting, he may feed another hungry man. Without learning the much-sought self-restraint and righteousness, if one goes on Fasting, he will suffer only the pangs of hunger, thirst and desires. If one observes the Saum in a right manner, the deemed violence of hunger, thirst and desire is eliminated.
The fourth fundamental of Islam is Zakat. We may say that Zakat is annual obligatory tax on the rich people. Many modern Economists feel that this Zakat is meant for the benefit of poor people. The Zakat may help the human society in taking out the extra amount from the rich people and to pass on the collected amount to the poor people. Even though, the Zakat cannot eradicate the poverty from the society, in a way, a common cord connects the poor and rich people in the society, at least, in the month of Ramadan. Many Philosophers think that it is a way to provide ‘Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan’ to the poor. As some one is thinking, it may have been fixed at 2.5% per annum on the rich people, to give that amount to the poor people, to eradicate the economic differences in between them. The idea is logical. But, it is not factual. Zakat is not intended for that purpose only. As human beings, we know our wantonness for wealth. Every one of us is greedy of money, even if he is a billionaire. Yet, the Islam teaches a Muslim to spare something out of his wealth for the benefit of his poor brethren, if he is afraid of his Lord, the Cherisher of worlds. While calculating the amount of Zakat, one’s own consciousness guides him to right estimation, more than 2.5%, without any guidance from any other Auditor or Inspector. In a way, Zakat teaches a Muslim to donate to his poor brethren on his own will and might. As there is no outer compulsion of any human official, no one feel any kind of violence in paying the Zakat. Moreover, to some extent, the receiver of Zakat will be relieved from the pangs of economical violence. As the feeding one is carrying for the needy one, the scope of thefts and cheatings is certainly minimized. When such vices are eliminated, the scope of violence is also eliminated. In my view, the basic aim of Islam, the religion of peace, is to generate good relationship in humanity, and fear of God, and thus, to eliminate the root causes of violence.
The final fundamental of Islam is Hajj. Hajj means the pilgrimage to Makkah. The Hajj is the complete pilgrimage, of which the chief rites are during the first ten days of the month of Zul-Hajj. The umra is a less formal pilgrimage at any time of the year. In either case, the intending pilgrim commences by putting on a simple garment of unsewn cloth in two pieces when a Muslim is some distance yet from Makkah. The putting on of the pilgrim garb, called ihram, is symbolic of his renouncing the vanities of the world. When we closely observe a Muslim in ihram, on first sight, he seems to be a Jain Muni. His dress resembles to the dress of Jain Muni. A Muslim temporarily renounces the vanities of the physical world. Until the end of the pilgrimage, a Muslim must not wear other clothes, or ornaments, anoint his hair, use perfumes, hunt, or do other prohibited acts. The completion of the pilgrimage is symbolised by the shaving of the head for men, and the cutting off a few locks of the hair of the head for women, the putting off the ihram and the resumption of the ordinary dress.
Many Islamic scholars of opinion that the Hajj is obligatory on one and all. But, as far as I know, the poor and the needy people, who cannot afford the expenses of Hajj, are freed from this duty. If a rich person is unable to perform a Hajj due to some unavoidable thing, he may assign someone else to perform Hajj on his behalf and at his expense. If one is afraid for one's life or for one's wealth due to something on way, then he is deemed to be as one who cannot afford the journey for Hajj. The person intending to perform Hajj should not sell his clothes, his personal belongings, or his house--even if they were abundant to get money for Hajj. Means of traveling imply that which enables him to go to Hajj and come back, whether it is by land, by sea, or by air.
The great financial burden and the good requirement of physical stamina may have caused some kind of violence on the intendant pilgrim. Allah is not intending to cause unnecessary violence to His believers. So, as per the wish of Allah, our Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, pease be upon him, had said,
“O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action.”
This Sermon of Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, gives mental peace to the poor, unhealthy and helpless people, who had not performed the Hajj due to some reason. Due to this Sermon, a Muslim who had performed a hajj cannot be proud of it, and a Muslim who had not performed ashamed of non-performance, because, nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action. Where there is piety and good action, there is no place for violence.
Islam and Non-Violence : Prof. Mehboob Desai
Islam and Non-Violence
Prof. Mehboob Desai
The majority of audience may presume that there is no bond in between Islam and nonviolence. But, the nonviolence is one of the fundamental principles of Islam. The audience may wonder at the novelty of this presentation. Yet, those who understand the real meaning of Islam, who has the concept of its philosophy, will not reject the claim of nonviolence in Islam.
The first poem or Surah of Holy Quran is named as ‘Al Fatihah’. ‘Al Fatihah’ means ‘to start or to begin’. Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had called it as ‘Ummal Quran’. ‘Ummal Quran’ means Mother of Quran. This poem is festooned with words like mercy, praise, prayer, right way, etc. In this Surah it is prayed,
“In the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds. Most Gracious Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way. The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace Those whose portion is not wrath and who go not astray.
The first Surah of Holy Quran, namely ‘Al Fatihah’ is dedicated to Allah, Most Gracious. It is a prayer for success in a good action. There is no scope for violence in it. It never reflects on the violence, either directly or indirectly.
There is one incident referred in the Holy Quran. There were two sons of Adam, namely Habil or Abel and Qabil or Cain. The elder son of Adam, Cain, threatened Abel, the younger son of Adam with death. Then, Abel, the younger righteous son of Adam replied to the bullying brother Cain,
"If thou dost stretch thy hand against me to slay me it is not for me to stretch my hand against thee to slay thee: for I do fear Allah the Cherisher of the worlds. For me I intend to let thee draw on thyself my sin as well as thine for thou wilt be among the companions of the fire and that is the reward of those who do wrong.”
With this belief in Islamic nonviolence, and for fear of Allah the Cherisher of the worlds, Abel was readied to be martyred. Abel had followed the instructions of Allah the Cherisher of the worlds. For, Allah says in the Holy Quran,
“On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone slew a person unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land it would be as if he slew the whole people:”
Mahatma Gandhi, our Father of Nation had expressed his opinion on the Islamic nonviolence as under, “I have come to an opinion that the doctrine of Holy Quran is basically recommending the nonviolence. In the Holy Quran, it is said that nonviolence is better than violence. The order of implementation of violence should be done to fulfil the duty. The violence is permitted as much as necessary.”
There is a pre-concept of nonviolence and a prejudice against the Islam. Populace believe that Muslims are basically violent, because, three Islamic tenets, namely Qurbani , Jehad and permission for eating the flesh. These tenets are making the populace to believe that there is the violence in Islam. But, these three things are allowed under certain limitations and for some special purpose only. So, we shall try to understand the real and theological meanings of them, and their practice in real sense. Then only we shall be able to understand the concept of nonviolence in Islam. Firstly, it is necessary to understand the concept of nonviolence, as preached by Jain Dharma and as practiced by our beloved Gandhiji.
The fundamental doctrine of Jain Dharma is nonviolence. Gandhiji had adopted the best tenets from every living religion for his practical life, as well as for the guidance of his people in his Ashram. From the Jain Dharma, he had adopted the tenet of nonviolence. He had adopted the concept of ‘congregational prayers’ and ‘equality for all’ in religious functions from the teachings of Islam. Certainly, there is a difference in between the nonviolence preached by Great Trithanker Mahavir of Jain Dharma, and the nonviolence practiced by our Great National Leader, Mahatma Gandhi. The nonviolence of Mahavir is delicately intricate and divine, whereas the nonviolence being adopted and practiced by Mahatma Gandhi is humane in nature. When compared to these two kinds of nonviolence, the Islamic nonviolence is innate, sensible and practical.
As per the teaching of Jain Dharma, the present creation and the creature in it are not real in true sense. For the salvation from the false world, one should have to liberate himself from the eighteen misconducts, namely Prana-Atipata or Micro-violence, Mrushavad or Falsehood, Adattadan or Stealing, Maithun or Intercourse, Parigraha or Material Collection, Krodh or Anger, Ahankar or Arrogance, Maya or False Impression, Lobha or Greediness, Raga or Passion, Dwesha or Hatred, Kalah or Quarrelling, Abhyakhyan or Allegation, Paishun or Blaming, Rati or Emotion, Paraparivad or Accusation on others and Mithyatva or Blind Faith. To get ride of these eighteen entanglements of misconducts, Jain Dharma has shown four way-outs for human beings. These four jewels like way-outs are Samyagdhrusti or True Lookout, Samyaggyan or True Intelligence, Samyagvani or True Telling and Samyagcharitra or True Conduct. These principles of Jain Dharma reveal that performance of violence by oneself, or making anyone to do violence, or permitting anyone for violence or tolerating anyone’s violence are equal sins. Even a thought of killing an ant is a sin. Mercy is the Dharma for human being. I believe that this type of micro-nonviolence of Jain Dharma is aiming to achieve and to establish valuable dedication and good mannerism in human society.
Gandhiji had used Truth and Nonviolence as his armour. Experimenting with Truth is the main magic of his manly verve. His concept of nonviolence is very humane. He had recommended people to participate in bloodshed wars for a just cause. He had preferred to inject a deadly poison into a mild bullock in Ashram rather than to let it leave with unbearable pain and sufferings. Overall, he had not made the concept of nonviolence as synonym to cowardice. He has declared his ideas about nonviolence as under:
“Nonviolence is a concept which is cosmic and thick in nature. We are but ignorant creatures, which are encircled by the Holi-fire of violence. ‘Living thing lives upon a living thing’ is not a fallacy. Man cannot live for a minute without causing violence on other living things. While eating, sitting or in all his actions, intentionally or unintentionally he is bound to commit some kind of violence against other living things. If he endures the idea of endeavoring at his level best to protect even a small living thing from his violent actions, this passion makes him the worshiper of nonviolence. In his conduct, there will be an ever-expanding restrain and an ever-spreading compassion. Yet, no one can achieve freedom from encircling superficial violence.”
We, as ordinary human beings, may accept the humane concept of nonviolence of Gandhiji as simple and easily practicable than the delicately intricate and divine concept of nonviolence of Jain Dharma, which is professed by Mahavir, the Great Trithanker. Yet, the fallacious feeling of simplicity and adoptability of humane concept of nonviolence may turn into a strong challenging act in practice.
Prof. Mehboob Desai
The majority of audience may presume that there is no bond in between Islam and nonviolence. But, the nonviolence is one of the fundamental principles of Islam. The audience may wonder at the novelty of this presentation. Yet, those who understand the real meaning of Islam, who has the concept of its philosophy, will not reject the claim of nonviolence in Islam.
The first poem or Surah of Holy Quran is named as ‘Al Fatihah’. ‘Al Fatihah’ means ‘to start or to begin’. Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had called it as ‘Ummal Quran’. ‘Ummal Quran’ means Mother of Quran. This poem is festooned with words like mercy, praise, prayer, right way, etc. In this Surah it is prayed,
“In the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds. Most Gracious Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way. The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace Those whose portion is not wrath and who go not astray.
The first Surah of Holy Quran, namely ‘Al Fatihah’ is dedicated to Allah, Most Gracious. It is a prayer for success in a good action. There is no scope for violence in it. It never reflects on the violence, either directly or indirectly.
There is one incident referred in the Holy Quran. There were two sons of Adam, namely Habil or Abel and Qabil or Cain. The elder son of Adam, Cain, threatened Abel, the younger son of Adam with death. Then, Abel, the younger righteous son of Adam replied to the bullying brother Cain,
"If thou dost stretch thy hand against me to slay me it is not for me to stretch my hand against thee to slay thee: for I do fear Allah the Cherisher of the worlds. For me I intend to let thee draw on thyself my sin as well as thine for thou wilt be among the companions of the fire and that is the reward of those who do wrong.”
With this belief in Islamic nonviolence, and for fear of Allah the Cherisher of the worlds, Abel was readied to be martyred. Abel had followed the instructions of Allah the Cherisher of the worlds. For, Allah says in the Holy Quran,
“On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone slew a person unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land it would be as if he slew the whole people:”
Mahatma Gandhi, our Father of Nation had expressed his opinion on the Islamic nonviolence as under, “I have come to an opinion that the doctrine of Holy Quran is basically recommending the nonviolence. In the Holy Quran, it is said that nonviolence is better than violence. The order of implementation of violence should be done to fulfil the duty. The violence is permitted as much as necessary.”
There is a pre-concept of nonviolence and a prejudice against the Islam. Populace believe that Muslims are basically violent, because, three Islamic tenets, namely Qurbani , Jehad and permission for eating the flesh. These tenets are making the populace to believe that there is the violence in Islam. But, these three things are allowed under certain limitations and for some special purpose only. So, we shall try to understand the real and theological meanings of them, and their practice in real sense. Then only we shall be able to understand the concept of nonviolence in Islam. Firstly, it is necessary to understand the concept of nonviolence, as preached by Jain Dharma and as practiced by our beloved Gandhiji.
The fundamental doctrine of Jain Dharma is nonviolence. Gandhiji had adopted the best tenets from every living religion for his practical life, as well as for the guidance of his people in his Ashram. From the Jain Dharma, he had adopted the tenet of nonviolence. He had adopted the concept of ‘congregational prayers’ and ‘equality for all’ in religious functions from the teachings of Islam. Certainly, there is a difference in between the nonviolence preached by Great Trithanker Mahavir of Jain Dharma, and the nonviolence practiced by our Great National Leader, Mahatma Gandhi. The nonviolence of Mahavir is delicately intricate and divine, whereas the nonviolence being adopted and practiced by Mahatma Gandhi is humane in nature. When compared to these two kinds of nonviolence, the Islamic nonviolence is innate, sensible and practical.
As per the teaching of Jain Dharma, the present creation and the creature in it are not real in true sense. For the salvation from the false world, one should have to liberate himself from the eighteen misconducts, namely Prana-Atipata or Micro-violence, Mrushavad or Falsehood, Adattadan or Stealing, Maithun or Intercourse, Parigraha or Material Collection, Krodh or Anger, Ahankar or Arrogance, Maya or False Impression, Lobha or Greediness, Raga or Passion, Dwesha or Hatred, Kalah or Quarrelling, Abhyakhyan or Allegation, Paishun or Blaming, Rati or Emotion, Paraparivad or Accusation on others and Mithyatva or Blind Faith. To get ride of these eighteen entanglements of misconducts, Jain Dharma has shown four way-outs for human beings. These four jewels like way-outs are Samyagdhrusti or True Lookout, Samyaggyan or True Intelligence, Samyagvani or True Telling and Samyagcharitra or True Conduct. These principles of Jain Dharma reveal that performance of violence by oneself, or making anyone to do violence, or permitting anyone for violence or tolerating anyone’s violence are equal sins. Even a thought of killing an ant is a sin. Mercy is the Dharma for human being. I believe that this type of micro-nonviolence of Jain Dharma is aiming to achieve and to establish valuable dedication and good mannerism in human society.
Gandhiji had used Truth and Nonviolence as his armour. Experimenting with Truth is the main magic of his manly verve. His concept of nonviolence is very humane. He had recommended people to participate in bloodshed wars for a just cause. He had preferred to inject a deadly poison into a mild bullock in Ashram rather than to let it leave with unbearable pain and sufferings. Overall, he had not made the concept of nonviolence as synonym to cowardice. He has declared his ideas about nonviolence as under:
“Nonviolence is a concept which is cosmic and thick in nature. We are but ignorant creatures, which are encircled by the Holi-fire of violence. ‘Living thing lives upon a living thing’ is not a fallacy. Man cannot live for a minute without causing violence on other living things. While eating, sitting or in all his actions, intentionally or unintentionally he is bound to commit some kind of violence against other living things. If he endures the idea of endeavoring at his level best to protect even a small living thing from his violent actions, this passion makes him the worshiper of nonviolence. In his conduct, there will be an ever-expanding restrain and an ever-spreading compassion. Yet, no one can achieve freedom from encircling superficial violence.”
We, as ordinary human beings, may accept the humane concept of nonviolence of Gandhiji as simple and easily practicable than the delicately intricate and divine concept of nonviolence of Jain Dharma, which is professed by Mahavir, the Great Trithanker. Yet, the fallacious feeling of simplicity and adoptability of humane concept of nonviolence may turn into a strong challenging act in practice.
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