Thursday, June 25, 2009

Muslims speak out against Harassment of Minorities


Muslims speak out against Harassment of Minorities

By Mike Ghouse

The Talibans have begun harassing Ismaili Muslims in Pakistan. They would not spare any one and will not be satisfied until the last person left obeys them. If this trend is not checked and criticized, they may think that they have the approval from the Muslims. They don't.

They need to know clearly and loudly that their ideology has no currency among Muslims and above all, their cruelty is not Islam, not one bit.

We must also acknowledge that only 1/10th of 1% of a group resorts to extremism, including Muslims. It has nothing to do with religion, it has everything to do with their insecurities, fears and inabilities to dialogue and co-exist.

A few thousand Talibans left in Afghanistan and Pakistan do not value a billion and a half Muslims who differ with them, you don’t mean a thing to them . When they usurp a little power, they take the steps in policing and compelling you to conformity. Please remember that God is about justice and he has not signed a deal with any one behind other people’s back. We have to find peace on our own, it is our individual and collective responsibility. We cannot have peace if we don't contribute any towards it.

Since the late 50's, minorities under Muslim labeled governments have not lived a life of freedom and peace. They are afraid of the majority and shamefully, we the members of the society are letting it happen. However, we have to acknowledge, what Islam says is one thing and what Bully Muslims (in our behalf) do is the other. Mind you, the bullyism is not exclusive to Muslims, you'll find them in every faith, culture, race and nations, Islam is no exception.

The persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslims in Pakistan is a living example; they cannot even say "As Salaam u Aliakum" or call their place of worship a Masjid. The epidemic has now crawled over into Bangladesh and Indonesia as well. Did the Pakistani lawmakers even pause to think about the legitimacy of Hudood Laws? Some thirty years later another Avatar of Zia ul Haq employed the same strategy of fear and got the Patriot Act passed here in the United States. Both the laws are a stain on the civil societies.

The Clerics in Malaysian government attempted to ban usage of the word "Allah" by Sikhs and Christians, how dumb can they be? No one has copy rights to any word of God, they belong to all mankind. Muslims don't own the Qur'aan either, it belongs to any one who seeks wisdom in it, just as other holy books. Did those clergymen know the verse “Alhamdu Lillahi Rabbul Aalameen?” God is the lord of all universes – they should know it, they recite it at least 50 times a day.

How many of us stood up to defend (Islam ) the rights of Minorities? The bully rule was in place in Pakistan with no major protest. The loud mouths (1/10ths of 1%) still defend the draconian, non-Islamic Zia ul Haq rules with the label of Islam on it. It is much like labeling the meat as the oxymoron phrase "Halal Pork". Have the Pakistani Muslims spoken against it? We are supposed to stand for justice, aren't we? Isn’t that what makes us Muslims?

Take it easy, we Americans are no different, we let Bush run all over us during the last six years, we did not even have the guts to speak out for the first four years, not even the rattish Senators and the congresspersons.

There is a request floating around asking the Ismaili Muslims to share their religious practices or have access to their place of worship. At one time I believed that it was a good idea to share it and put things to rest, but would that stop the inquisition? How do you expect the Minorities to share their practices, and why should they? To be persecuted while the majority shamelessly watches it?

Until you and I stand up for Justice, stand up for the rights of all human beings, including the minorities in either Sunni or Shia majority governments, we have not lived our religion nor have we contributed towards world peace, which is the purpose of Islam. The words used by the Prophet to describe one aspect of this stance was "Jihad" and the other is the inner struggle to be moral and to be righteous.

Those few among us, who who jump up and down pointing at the injustices done by the people of other faiths, nations and cultures, please know that our morality is not dependent on what others do or not do. We have to do our duty and leave it to God to give guidance to all.

Let the minorities among us have the freedom to share what they want and we should defend that right. Insha Allah, let's begin that with you and I. Will you stand up? Better yet, should others stand up for you when you are threatened?

Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims

Shia Muslims believe that the spiritual leadership of Islam was passed on to Hazrat Ali at Ghadir Qum, when the Prophet was returning to Medina from his last sermon. They also believe that the Prophet had assigned the spiritual leadership (Imamat) to Hazrat Ali pointing towards him when the verse “the Deen is complete now” was revealed. Furthermore, the Shia believe that the Prophet used the word “Aal” meaning family in his last sermon. The Shia Muslims beleive that the Prophet (pbuh) had said that he is leaving the book and his Aal for us to follow.

Ismaili tradition is a branch of the Shia tradition, where one believed the 12th Imam was taken by God, and the Ismaili's believe that the imamat continued down to Aga Khan, the current Imam.

Neither you nor they can judge who is a Muslim or not, that is the prerogative of Allah. However, most Muslims agree that on the Day of Judgment your ID will be simply Muslim and not any prefix or suffix, but more importantly, were you a good human being to God's creation?

The other important value of Islam is freedom. This may come as a rude shock to some Muslims that even the innocuous asking "that I am fasting are you?" "It's time for Salat" are subtle compulsions and Islam does not believe in compulsion. Prayer is between Allah and the individual and not the responsibility of a government or other being.

No one will come to your rescue on the Day of Judgment; neither your clergy nor the prophet would give you a free pass, it is your responsibility to earn it through good deeds.

It would be nice to be a part of the congregational prayer, it has its own beauty and the lord listens to the congregants who come together in peace to do the peaceful thing. There should be no compulsion or even suggestion. Let the individual do his or her duty, it is not you, not me that is going to have to respond to God, it is the follower. If you can recall that the Prophet even told his daughter Fatima that she ain't going to get a free pass to heaven, because she is his daughter, she had to earn it on her own. Prayers should remain one’s choice and no one should compel the other.

As Muslims, we do not have the time to do the Ijtihaad, the consultative decision making process on issues of the day. As a result we Muslims have been reduced to rituals, rather than the spirit. It is time to believe in the prime value of Islam; freedom.

Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker, Writer, Moderator and a Blogger on Pluralism, Interfaith, civil societies, Terrorism, Peace, Islam and India. A conflict mitigater and a goodwill nurturer. He is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television networks offering a pluralistic perspective on issues of the day. His comments, news analysis and columns can be found on the Websites and Blogs listed at his personal website http://www.mikeghouse.net/

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Mike, I am no Islamic scholar, but I must say this. Every religion, Islam no exception, has its own sect(s).But, it's most unfortunate Islam is the only religion under which its minority sects have to live under constant fear of persecution and discrimination in Islamic countries where they too should have equal rights and opportunities as any other Muslim.

Within thirty years of Muhammad's death Muslim Community was involved in a civil war that gave rise to the several sects into which Islam remains divided to the present day. The civil war began with the murder of the Caliph by the tribesmen, and ended with the restoration of imperial unity under a new dynasty of Meccan Caliphs, ruling from Damascus, but it left deep divisions within the community. The largest group was composed of those who recognized the authority of those political chiefs who were able to maintain it, by force of arms if need be. This was the origin of the majority party, called Sunnis or followers of Sunna (practice) of the Community at large. Opposed to them were two dissident groups: one which maintained the sole legitimacy in the headship of the Community after Prophet's death of his cousin and son-in-law 'Ali and his descendants, and held that the Community had erred in electing Abu Bakr and his two successors.-these were called Shi at Ali ( 'partisans of Ali) or Shi'a; the other which rejected both the Sunni and Shia positions and maintained not only the right of the Community to elect its own head but also its duty to depose him if he were found guilty of sin-these were called the Kharijites.(Khawarij) od 'Seceders'.

Ismailism - the branch of Shiism noted for its esoteric philosophy and regards Hazrat Ali as the legitimate successor to the Prophet. After Ali's assassination Islam was divided into Sunnite and Shiite sects.

The Shia believe in the five pillars of Islam, as do Sunnis, but categorize them differently. Shia beliefs include the following:

Theology of Shia (Usul al-Din)
Tawhid (Oneness): The Oneness of God
Adalah (Justice): The Justice of God
Nubuwwah (Prophethood): God has appointed perfect and infallible prophets and messengers to teach mankind the religion (that is, a perfect system of how to live in "peace" ("submission to God"))
Imamah (Leadership): God has appointed specific leaders to lead and guide mankind - a prophet appoints a custodian of the religion before his demise
Qiyamah (The Day of Judgment): God will raise mankind for Judgment

Ismailism is based on Sufism which escaped almost wholly from the Sunni madrasa. Ismailism is the pursuit of spiritual experience by bodily discipline and esoteric intuition. It is resistant to any kind of systematic and exoteric treatment. Under the belief and guidance of their Imam-of-the-Time Shiite law and theology developed independently of the Sunni community esoteric interpretation of the Qur'an and bring their Imam into the direct connection with the Active Intellect and confer on them a divine authority, which Sunnis reject. The Shia Ismaili Muslims, or Batinis ( followers of the esoteric interpretation of the Qur'an) The Qur'an is the word of Allah, which every Muslim must follow, but its commands can be hard to interpret. Therefore, Ismaili Muslims believe their Imam-of-the-Time, Aga Khan is spiritually blessed and empowered to interpret Qur'an.

I have attached herewith Aga Khan's interview on Islam, which I thought might satisfy many a Muslims quest for knowledge.

Aga Khan's Interview on Islam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htx0MkvJzxo

Hasni Essa
Islam for Pluralism
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Date: Friday, June 19, 2009, 6:09 AM

Mike,

I had sent you urdu version of this news other day. Here's in English.

It's so terrifying to imagine what's going to be the future of Pakistan , and fate of minority Muslim sects, if Taliban were to take over Pakistan . According to this news Taliban has threatened Ismaili Muslim Community, which as you know is one of the most prominent Muslim communities whose spiritual leader is Aga Khan lV. His grand father Aga Khan lll was one of the founders of Pakistan , who was responsible for establishment of the All-India Muslim League which lead to the creation of the predominantly Muslim nation of Pakistan . Aga Khan lV has been a great benefactor of Pakistan , who built Aga Khan University Hospital which is a first-rate private academic institution which aims to empower the developing world through quality education, patient care, research and service.Without Aga Khan's beneficence and generosity Pakistan indeed would have been any third world country hard pressed for development.

Let us all pray and help Pakistan to be strong, and not become victim of Talibanization.

Hasni Essa
Islam for Pluralism

29 comments:

  1. Mike, I agree with you. If it is okay with you, may I share your post on my page so that others may read also your words. I appreciate what you are saying. I agree, the Talibans are not Muslims. The Talibans by their actions proves clearly they are not religious or civil by any means, they are extremists of their own greed for power, and they ... Read Moreare terrorists bent on destroying. We all, all over the world must stand together to get the message strongly across that the Talibans do not represent the Muslim people, and that we will not allow Talibans to misrepresent the Muslims. We must all help one another to bring about United World Peace.

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  2. Linda Ghaliyaa RichardFriday, June 26, 2009 5:51:00 PM

    The US started it all years ago.

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  3. Linda, no doubt Taliban is our manufacture, President Reagan called them Heroes, those suckers carried our guns and chased the Russians out for us. When we nurture snakes, they will bite us too.

    The Taliban mind set of extremism is not good for any one including themselves. They are bent on killing any one who differs from them, civil dialogue has been removed and chaos is injected in the genes.

    We must condemn that mindset....
    Mike Ghouse

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  4. OK, the US is EVIL INCARNATE for creating the Taliban... BAD, BAD USA!!!! BOO! HISS!

    Have we got it out of our systems, folks? Can we get back to the present and to reality?

    The Taliban are butchers and they would KILL Linda for using a computer and voicing her opinion.... Read More

    Are you so blinded by hatred of the US that you would ignore or accept the bloody crimes of the Taliban? Maybe we should ignore the serial killer whose daddy didn't give him enough love. "I became a killer because my daddy didn't love me. He made me a killer."

    Understanding the creation of the Taliban 20 years ago does not help in the least when it comes to stopping them today. Blaming the US is like trying to catch the man that set fire to a house and not trying to put out the blaze or save the family inside the house.

    Mike - you are 110% correct!!!

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  5. I agree with you mike and dis the time we should unite and work against talibans terriorism. But what abt supporters like USA?

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  6. The US does not retain a moral high ground either when it monopolizes local politics/strife/issues in South Asia to its own economic benefit and for the furthering of its status as the world's most powerful military force.

    Survival of the fittest...hell yea.

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  7. The world is a jungle and we all are animals....we have no moral values,no respect for the humanity and no space for each other....we just want to rule at the cost of the lives of the innocent masses.....where ever in the world we see such massacre by the super powres,it is the general public,the labor class,the low class deprived people,the innocent children pay in their blood and lives not the elite class,the generals,the top leaders,the bureacrates and the business gurus.

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  8. Mohammad Irfan!
    Have hopes man, the ugliness in the world is there but goodeness is more prevalent than the badness. Most of us, no matter where we live, go to work, school or shopping and return home safely. Except for those who live under the trynnacy of Talibans and other outfits like them.

    The least each one of us can do is to speak up and let them no that, their actions are not acceptable, neither they are religious nor Civil. If we constantly speak out, there will be a movement towards change.
    ... Read More
    Let's do our share

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  9. Mohammad Irfan!
    Have hopes man, the ugliness in the world is there but goodeness is more prevalent than the badness. Most of us, no matter where we live, go to work, school or shopping and return home safely. Except for those who live under the trynnacy of Talibans and other outfits like them.

    The least each one of us can do is to speak up and let them no that, their actions are not acceptable, neither they are religious nor Civil. If we constantly speak out, there will be a movement towards change.
    ... Read More
    Let's do our share

    ReplyDelete
  10. Belle,
    Please feel free to share.
    Good information should flow freely,

    ReplyDelete
  11. getting violent and now talibanis on ismailis.. is a grave danger , indeed, as the talibanis wish to liquidate all sane and moderate among muslims, is a fact visible aptly.. but certai n other feuds, like shia - sunnis violence is on a very large scale indicating the word muslim no longer a uniting force , there is so many prefixes and suffices, works ..

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  12. BROTHER MIKE,

    I think that the draft is very well written and the subject matter has been dealt with adequately. I have just one comment to make and that is about the RIGHT OFALL MINORITIES TO KEEP THEIR PRACTICES PRIVATE without interference whatsoever. This right has to be vehemently upheld and propagated, and should be applicable to all minorities, whether non Muslims or Muslims, whether Shia Minorities in Sunni majority countries or Sunni minorities in Shia ruled countres. This cannot be overemphasized as the results are right before us in several Muslim counties where even minor differences between Shia sects and Sunni sects has brought about so much distrust, destruction and blood shed. All Muslims should accept the prerogative of Allah Almighty to judge each individual and let no mortal being, however high, should be allowed to judge others.

    B.Kabani

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  13. Unjustified harrassment and killing has no place in Deen-e-Islam. If Taliban claims that they are followers of that Deen then they should stop immediately harasing tand killing humanbeings regardless of their faith and belief.

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  14. ASAK!
    I am (nearly) 70 years old; I was born in and grew up as Ismaili and for the first 40 years of my life I passed myself as Ismaili (although I was never a very devout one). All of my blood relatives, with a few exceptions, are still Ismailis and I am on extremely good terms with - AND LOVE - all of them. 30 years ago I left the Nizari fold and joined the (non-hyphenated) mainstream because I am not comfortable with splintering and was persuaded that the Quran does not sanction divisions among believers.
    I have been passionate about understanding and tolerance among all humans but especially among (bacause of the plight of) Muslims; To me there is no greater sin than blowing up a whole lot of innocent people (95% of whom, today, routinely turn out to be Muslim men,women and children) with a bomb strapped to the waist or hidden in a vegetable cart. I am outspoken (yes I do go on record by writing in the media) about defending Muslim rights, Muslim Heritage (i.e., heritage with capital 'H') and Muslim interests.
    I have a bone to pick with Arshad Ali Khan and UMMA. I guess that is an acronymic spoof on Ummah, derived from Umm which means mother and Ummah literally means (mother's) brood. Is the brood acceptable to the mother (i.e. the Faith of Allah) only if all the chicks were identical (from one egg)?.

    I would like to converse with Arshad Ali Khan or Kaukab Siddique or any spokesman for UMMA to address some of the issues they raise concerning the Ismailis.and about evolution of some of their practices (not as an Ismaili but as a Muslim). Yes, even the authorities in Makkah and Madina don't ask for proof of being Muslim or certification from from UMMA to that effect; stating that you are a Muslim apparently is enough even for them.
    But most importantly, remember, discord and fratricedal, internecine warfare among us only warms the hearts of our enemies and weakens us. Is that not enough argument against continuation of these anti-Ismaili, Anti-Ahmedi , Anti-Shi'i invectives?

    Inayat Lalani

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  15. Dear Mr Inayat Lalani: Greetings

    We sincerely value your Comments & highly respect your Opinion below....

    [we have NOT taken any position against any one, only professionally asked few clarification questions]
    Please advice, if any questions that we asked via our 22nd June Press-release, are in violation of any country's Law or a violation of any Journalistic Ethics....

    In view of your cordial relationship with the ismaili community, please do forward this message to their Leaders, as we do highly respect their contribution towards education & their community service...

    Thanks for your review & excellent words of advice....
    [PS: if you desire, please do investigate us at "Yahoo" or "Google", under "arshad ali khan, ummaabroadcasting, rolla", as several international media orgs post/publish our press-releases]

    Best Regards, Arshad Ali Khan, UmmaaBroadcasting, Rolla, MO-65401

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dear Mr Inayat Lalani: Greetings

    We sincerely value your Comments & highly respect your Opinion below....

    [we have NOT taken any position against any one, only professionally asked few clarification questions]
    Please advice, if any questions that we asked via our 22nd June Press-release, are in violation of any country's Law or a violation of any Journalistic Ethics....

    In view of your cordial relationship with the ismaili community, please do forward this message to their Leaders, as we do highly respect their contribution towards education & their community service...

    Thanks for your review & excellent words of advice....
    [PS: if you desire, please do investigate us at "Yahoo" or "Google", under "arshad ali khan, ummaabroadcasting, rolla", as several international media orgs post/publish our press-releases]

    Best Regards, Arshad Ali Khan

    ReplyDelete
  17. AA,

    Arshad, I am glad you made the clarification to Dr. Lalani;
    The subject line of this email should have been -
    Why Ismaili's are being threatened in Pakistan and not the other way around.

    The beauty of Islam is co-existence expressed so well in Sura Hujurat 49:17 and the standard for civic conduct in Sura Kafirun. One has got to realize that Prophet Muhammad through the Medina pact had acknowledged the otherness of other religions.

    I am glad Dr. Lalani brought this up and I believe we should defend the privacy of minority practices to prevent the bullies from oppress them, the majorities have not given them the permission to the bullies anyway. Here is a write up on it - http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2009/06/muslims-speak-out-against-harassment-of.html

    If we don't stand up for one today, our turn will come when others will not be left to stand up for or with us.

    Thank you.

    Mike Ghouse

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  18. Salaam,

    I wouldn't say K. Siddique is a "hypocrite." We must respect the views of all people because this is what the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered us to do. Mr. Zina Khan, if you disagree with Mr. Siddiqui then you should argue with him using kind words because the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered us to always use kind words. Zina Khan's rhetoric is quite poisonous and it should be condemned and denounced by all responsible sectors of society. While it is important to respect all religions (including Ismailism), one must seek to educate people like K. Siddiqui, not attack him by calling him a "hypocrite," nor speculating about what he wishes or doesn't wish about his own leaders. Mr. Zina Khan is spreading malicious heresy about Mr. Siddiqui, and this is something the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to speak out against.

    The Taliban have indeed rebelled against the state, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) never fought a war against Muslims; thus, military action against believers goes against the Sunnah. Peaceful negotiation with the Talibam is the Islamic way! What a wonderful religion we have! The Prophetic example is the example we should all seek to follow. The Prophet (peace be upon him) never turned people into refugees, so the Pakistani army is acting contrary to the Sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) waged many wars, but he did not kill innocent people, or destroy their homes, or turn them into "internally displaced people." I call on the Pakistani army to embrace the way of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and turn away from the way of Shaitaan.

    If Zina Khan is against "spendthrifts," then he must speak out against spendthrifts like Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif. Those who amass wealth and hoard it instead of giving it away to charity must cease working against Islam; instead, these spendhthrifts like Zardari and Sharif should give away their wealth to the hungry and needy in Pakistan. This is the Islamic way! What a beautiful religion we have!

    Peace and love to all,

    Saad Zafar

    ReplyDelete
  19. It is always good to be civil, that is the right thing to do. If you disagree with an idea, it is the idea, not the messenger, you have a right to differ as much as the other person has a right to proffer.

    Dr. Kaukab Siddique and I have very few things in common other than being Muslims, but I do not attack him or any one for what he believes and propagates. Indeed, I deleted a negative comment about him at the World Muslim Congress forum, where the focus is to discuss a topic and not individuals. There are two or three out there whose sole business is to demean others in the name of Islam, they have no tolerance for a different point of view. I follow the Prophets Model - Pray for them to have goodwill. The role of a Muslim is to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill.

    As Muslims we need to consciously discourage "gheebat", that is the least thing we can do have a Muslim feather in our hat.

    Jazak Allah Khair

    Mike Ghouse

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  20. I am civil to the point one deserves it....secondly I am not Mike Ghouse nor do I belong to his group .......

    In fact I see contradictions even in the arguments of MRS S Zafar... two weights and two measures ! double standards make people hypocrites ! and they deserve no kindness but should rightfully be treated with the contempt they deserve and if you do not like what I say then kindly block my address and so you will not have to hear me out....

    Can anyone who says he is a "believer" rebel against his own country and nation or kill other brothers and sisters in faith? Can they flog women in public and behead muslims?

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  21. Are the Ismailis with the army or with the mujahidin?
    Who gave the army the right to enter Muslim populations and use tanks, heavy artillery, helicopter gunships and late model jet fighters?

    Is Pakistani army loyal to Pakistan and Islam or to America?

    Does Agha Khan know that Pakistani army is getting orders from the CIA and General Petraeus? Has he not seen photos of Gen. Kayani with top U.S. military generals?

    When will Agha Khan speak against genocide of Pakistanis in Swat, Buner, Dir, Bajaur, Adamkhel, Hangu and Waziristan by the army? Does he support the bombing of medressas, mosques and Islamic libraries by the Pakistani air force as well as the murder of Ulema supporting the Taliban [such as Maulana Amin and his family]?

    If Agha Khan thinks it is okay to use tanks, heavy artillery, helicopter gunships and late model jet fighters against Islamic civilian populations and poorly armed Taliban, then why do his supporters oppose response by martyrdom operators against army and its ancillaries?

    Did Agha Khan speak against the holocaust of young Islamic men and women by Gen. Musharraf's commandos in ISLAMABAD? Does he think Muslims should sit quietly when the tulip like bahijab Islamic women of Jamia Hafsa are crushed by U.S. backed generals and when the unarmed youth of Islam in the Red masjid are slaughtered because they opposed brothels in Pakistan's capital?

    If the Agha Khan and Agha Khanis are surprised that Muslims feel threatened by the regime he supports, why are they surprised?

    Sincerely
    Kaukab Siddique, Ph.D

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  22. Dear kaukab Siddiqui


    Please google for Aga Khan or read his speeches . He is a peacemaker indeed
    You will find solutions in his words.


    I sincerely hope you are not assuming that he supports violence.


    Furthermore, no human should endorse punitive and oppressive attitudes towards any human being. That would mean justifying the attitude of American neocons towards Muslims. Muslims are people who would stand for justice, and they must discourage attitudes of the extremists towards the Ismaili Muslims.


    What Is good for Muslims has got be good for others and vice versa to sustain peace justice.


    May Allah help Muslims think in terms of aalameen.


    Jazak Allah khair

    Mike Ghouse
    www.MikeGhouse.net
    www.FoundationforPluralism.com
    www.worldMuslimCongress.com
    Dallas, Texas. USA
    (214) 325-1916

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  23. Is this troll Kaukab Siddiqui Ph.D. for real? He is incoherent and despite his atrocious diction and atrophic - but prolific - verbiage, he claims to be Professor of English! Phooey!
    Besides stooping to pejoratives and hurtful epithets like "Mr. Agha Khan" and "Agha Khanis", he does not seem to have any logic in his invectives. He does not explain the connection between the revered Imam of the Nizaris (Ismailis) and all the ills and violence plaguing Pakistan. Is he implying that HRH is financing the strife? Do our people need any financial incentives to go at each other's throats?
    It is the Taliban who are burning scores of elementary school girls and their teachers alive by setting their schools to fire. It is the Taliban who are publicly flogging women, beheading people who don't agree with them, coerce men to grow beards (and the beard had better be longer than the length of man's fist!), It is the Taliban who are propagating poppy cultivation and drug culture to finance their campaigns of violence and mayhem.
    Siddiqui's vitriol is utterly sterile,devoid of any constructive suggstion for improving the prospects of the Ummah for whom he claims to speak.His rhetoric is tailor made for the ignorant illiterate masses who comprise his constituency but not suitable for serious forums like Muslim Agenda or World Muslim Congress. His crazed multitudes have no guts to fight and win a fair election and so they boycott elections and intimidate those who would like to have a say in public affairs.
    Mike, when are you going to stop this hate monger from snatching the bull-horn on your forum? And how long is the institute of higher learning where he claims to have the title of professor provide him the podium for his noxious messages?
    Inayat Lalani MD

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  24. Mike,

    I am afraid, Siddique sahib's question is not well taken by him because, he should know better Aga Khan is not a political man, nor is he head of any state.He is just a spiritual leader of millions of his murids who reside in all over East and West.He tries his best to build and maintain good relation with whichever country his followers reside, whoever the head of state may be.And, if his followers are in trouble for any political or religious persecution he tries to help his followers emigrate to other safer country.Case in point : Burma and Uganda.When Burma was nationalized his followers were helped to migrate to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Ugandan Ismailis were helped to migrate to Canada.

    Now, we all know and Siddique sahib also knows, if Taliban were to take over Pakistan, it wouldl be the end of Shia communities and other minoritity groups to live in peace and practice their own faith.It's fact and matter of record, during Taliban regime in Afghanistan Shia Ismaili Muslims were persecuted along with other minority groups.Aga Khan helped many of his followers leave Afghanistan and settle in Canada.Allah forbid, and help Pakistan escape Talibanization and religious persecution of its minorities.

    Hasni Essa

    ReplyDelete
  25. Mr. Lalani
    you are an unknown person among Islamic people.
    You are becoming personal because you have nothing to say.
    Why don't you admit that you have no answers.
    Your spiritual leader has led you into a blind alley.
    Let's hope that now my English is good enough for you. I am simplifying it for you.

    If you don't stop writing nonsense, I'll have to ask more questions about the role of the Agha Khan. Your leader is on the wrong side of history.

    Cordially
    Kaukab Siddique, Ph.D

    By the way your forum is very tiny as compared to New Trend. Check out www.newtrendmag.org

    I asked the questions because your buddies were spreading lies about the Taliban.

    ReplyDelete
  26. AA
    Dr. Siddique;

    Dr. Lalani is a community leader and is working hard to bring Muslims together on political forum. He has formed a strong Muslim democratic caucus and took the delegation to the convention. He and agha saeed are pioneers.

    It is childish to throw temper tantrums that you would threaten to ask more questions about the role of Aga Khan.

    I thought you would have a working knowledge of muslims of different denominations, in positive terms rather than feed off the hearsays. It is divisive to beleive that one sect of Muslims is superior to the other; none is. I do hope that you have the desire to see Muslims united to do good work- to contribute towards world peace and upliftment of humanity.

    The world musilm congress's mission is based on sura hujuart 49:13, it's the middle path that prophet (pbuh) reccomended. It's the idea of co- existence that a majority of Muslims subscribe to. Live and let alive.

    Jazak Allah khair


    Mike Ghouse
    www.MikeGhouse.net
    www.FoundationforPluralism.com
    www.worldMuslimCongress.com
    Dallas, Texas. USA
    (214) 325-1916

    ReplyDelete
  27. We all strive to learn so we may be relieved from ignorance.

    To all man of reason. Ismailis are a very, very small community within the Umma. They suscribe to the Shahada "LA ILLA HA ILLALLA, MOHAMADAN RASULILA." Any one who recites this shahada is a Muslim. The learned Dr Sidique P.Hd. nor any other Muslim has the right to make the judgment as to who is a Muslim. Please let it be clear to all those among us who make judgments on others that it is only ALLAH that makes this judgment. Any one who opposes this notion would be a questionable Muslim.
    My understanding of the history of Islmailis is that upon the death of our beloved Prophet PUB , while Hazard Ali was busy preparing for the funeral of the Prophet Mohammad there was a consultation and a dispute among the companion of the Prohate as to who should lead the faith, Abubaker who was the oldest among the companions rejected Hazral Ali as being too young to lead the faith. In historical context and in the power struggle that ensued, it must be noted the Abu Baker was a very wealthy, influential and powerful man and managed to convince others and even forced some others to accept him as the leader. It must be noted that in this consultation there was an absolute agreement that there should be a leader to lead the Ummah. There was no question at the time that there should not be a leader and at the same time there was no assumption that Quran in itself was sufficient to lead the community without a leader.( Quraan at the time was not compiled in the same form in which we read it today.) Leadership issue was settled by the companions in absence of Hazrat Ali. Hazral Ali, after the funeral ceremonies were over tried to assert his succession to the leadership on the basis of the fact Prophet had designated Ali as the successor at the battlefield of Gadir e Khum. There are many who agreed with Ali and followed him. Those who followed Ali became the Shias.Others who followed Abu Baker eventually came to be known as Sunnis.
    In the course of history,Ismailis came out as a smaller Shia community, later became known as Fatimids,and than Nizari Ismaili and are currently known simply as Ismailis, a smaller group of Shias who believed in continued leadership in form of Hazer Imam ( Imam of the time) How can it be possible that those among us who love our Prophet so much can find animosity, disdain , disrespect, anger and feel threatened by such a small group of murids who chose to follow the blood line of our beloved Prophet?. I say "let there be peace upon Prophet Mohamad and his descedants."

    Prince Karim Aga Khan who is the current Imam of the time for Ismailis was described by previous president of the World Bank at the award ceremony for the Scully price presented to the Aga Khan, described Aga Khan as the "best there is in Islam." and any one who have chosen to know who Prince Karim the Aga Khan is, can't help but agree.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Islam, has always had a pluralistic approach.
      So let us all be pluralistic and accept all sects of Islam without pointing fingers as to who is right or wrong.
      And I feel that after the treaty of Amaan, it is very clear as to who is a Muslim and who is not.
      More over when it come to my spritual leader His Highness Aga Khan IV, it is not right for people to comment on him just because of the little they have heard about him.
      I am sure if you ignore the rumours, read about him from trusted sources, know about his initiatives and mission statement, your idea towards him will definitely change.And Inshallah you will realise that the descendent of Nabi-e-karim abides by all ethics of islam.
      I pray that Allah, The most kind and mercifull, bless us all and protect us all.
      Specially those who stay in the troubled areas under Taliban's rule.
      Allah Hafeez.

      Delete
  28. Br. Siddiqui's remarks are inappropriate and wrong. Nobody has the right and the knowledge to judge Ismaili Muslims except Allah. Mr. Siddiqui in my opinion is 100% wrong.


    Iftekhar Hai
    UMA Interfaith Alliance
    Tel: 650-872-2578 www.umaia.net

    ReplyDelete

MUSLIM SPEAKER

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quraan burning

Planned Muslim Response to Qur'an Burning by Pastor Jones on September 11 in Mulberry, Florida

PRESS RELEASE
August 19, 2013| Dallas, Texas

Mike Ghouse
Text/Talk: (214) 325-1916
MikeGhouse@aol.com

Mirza A Beg
(205) 454-8797
mirza.a.beg@gmail.com

www.WorldMuslimCongress.com


PLANNED MUSLIMS RESPONSE TO QUR'AN BURNING BY PASTOR JONES ON 9/11/13 IN MULBERRY, FLORIDA

We as Muslims plan to respond to pastor Terry Jones' planned burning of 3000 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013 in positive terms.

Our response - we will reclaim the standard of behavior practiced by the Prophet concerning “scurrilous and hostile criticism of the Qur’an” (Muhammad Asad Translation Note 31, verse 41:34). It was "To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil." It is also strongly enjoined in the Qur’an in the same verse 41:34, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.”

God willing Muslims will follow the divine guidance and pray for the restoration of Goodwill, and on that day many Muslim organizations will go on a “blood drive” to save lives and serve humanity with kindness.

We invite fellow Americans of all faiths, races, and ethnicities to join us to rededicate the pledge, “One nation under God”, and to build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of fellow Americans. This event is a substitute for our 10th Annual Unity Day Celebration (www.UnitydayUSA.com) held in Dallas, but now it will be at Mulberry, Florida.

Unwittingly Pastor Jones has done us a favor by invigorating us by his decision to burn nearly 3000 copies Quran on September 11, 2013. Obviously he is not satisfied by the notoriety he garnered by burning one Qur'an last year.

As Muslims and citizens we honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution. We have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones' freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to permeate in our society.

We plan to follow Jesus Christ (pbuh), a revered prophet in Islam as well as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – that of mitigating the conflicts and nurturing good will for the common good of the society.

We hope, this event and the message will remind Muslims elsewhere in the world as well, that violence is not the way. Muslims, who react violently to senseless provocation, should realize that, violence causes more violence, and besmirches the name of the religion that we hold so dear. We believe that Prophet Muhammad was a mercy to the mankind, and we ought to practice what we believe and preach. We must not insult Islam by the negative reactions of a few.

We can only hope it will bring about a change in the attitude of the followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety – We hope this small step towards a bridge to peaceful coexistence would propel us towards building a cohesive society.

Like most Americans a majority of Muslims quietly go about their own business, but it is time to speak up and take positive action instead of negative reaction. May this message of peace and goodwill reverberate and reach many shores.

Lastly, we appreciate the Citizens of Mulberry, Florida, Honorable Mayor George Hatch, City Commissioners, police and Fire Chiefs for handing this situation very well. This will add a ‘feather of peace’ in the City’s reputation. We hope Mulberry will be a catalyst in showing the way in handling conflict with dignity and peace.

We thank the Media for giving value to the work towards peace rather than conflict.






URL- http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2013/08/planned-muslim-response-to-quran_18.html



Thank you.

CIVIL DIALOGUE

The people in Dallas are making an effort to understand and clean their own hearts first, when we are free from bias, it would be easy to share that with others. Islam teaches us in so many ways to "respect the otherness of others" and it is time we find simple practical ways of doing it.