tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post6422960314917770351..comments2024-02-29T02:52:55.821-06:00Comments on Muslims Together : Hindu-Muslim Cremation Arouses AngerMike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-80241896834341396682008-10-06T22:49:00.000-06:002008-10-06T22:49:00.000-06:00To Mohammed Irtaza:You are a blessing to our group...To Mohammed Irtaza:<BR/>You are a blessing to our group, always share the verses from Qur’aan and it is nice.<BR/>…..<BR/>To K Khan<BR/>Moderator: Dear Khan (Ms. or Mr.?) You are right about scholars’ agreement on who is Ahlul-Kitaab, the people of the book. How many of those scholars were truly exposed to traditions other than Judaism and Christianity? It is a taboo to question the scholars, but the tradition of inquiry and scholarship requires us to question their judgment, not to make them wrong, but to see it from a different light. As Muslims and humans we have the God given freedom, remember the Prophet had left an opening there “if you have to go to China to learn something new, go there”. Prophet’s authentic sayings reflect consideration for Jews, Christians and others, he lived in a pluralistic society and practiced pluralism by initiating and signing the Madinah pact where as other faiths were free to practice their faith. However some of the scholars were insensitive to knowledge about other faiths, as they did not have any reference point. Scholars from 8th thru 11th century had no idea about Hinduism or other faiths, and their opinions were based in incomplete information. Now, the scholars living in US, UK, INDIA and other nations are exposed to other faiths, they have gone to “China” and learned the essence of other faiths and they are sensitive, we may have to re-examine some of the old renderings as they do not fit in with either the era of the prophet or our era today. <BR/><BR/>To Zeba Salim<BR/>Moderator: Zeba, agree with your response. If we disagree, we need to explain where the disagreement is. Dr. Pathan will have to respond to this. <BR/><BR/><BR/>To Dr. Abu Sayeed<BR/>Moderator: No sir, the idea is not to please any one or all, but simply respect different opinions and practice discussion that our Prophet would have loved; all opinions are valid to the sayer of them. A Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim is to be discussed, it is not conclusive. I know of no one who would want to marry a bad woman or a woman wanting to marry a bad guy. We should admire the interfaith couples for their capacity to accept the otherness of other – Sura Kafirun again. Great statement at the end of your comments.<BR/><BR/><BR/>To Marylou Ghyst<BR/>Moderator: A will will reduce the conflicts to a greater extent, knowing the wishes of the departing soul have to be honored. Those who want to create chaos will always do it no matter what, but those who are innocent and confused, usually most, the will gives them peace of mind.<BR/><BR/>To Rashid Samnakay<BR/>Moderator – Rashid thanks for sharing a universal perspective. However, I would like to modify the phrase “rigid dogma of religion”…. The dogma is not in the religion, the self appointed guardians make it rigid for a variety of reasons, and chief among them is controlling others. Religion is the most beautiful things endowed to humans; all the beautiful ways of acknowledging the Creator. Islam is beautiful to us the believers, as other faiths are dear to the believers in their faith. Sura Kafirun is the highest example of it. <BR/><BR/>To Dr. Warsi<BR/>Moderator: Dr. Warsi, I agree with most of your statements and I appreciate sharing them. However there are a few I beg to differ and with respect. . “If some other religion is also right then why not they merge together. We know that is not the case” I will take you back to Qur’aan, we have created nations and communities so that you know each other, the best among you is the best in conduct. (Sura Hujurat – 49:17). Then “Every other religion thinks that it is the only right path”. Yes, it is the right path “for them” as Islam is the right path for you and me, and for me other paths don’t have to be wrong for mine to be right. If go beyond the box on the term “Islam” submission to the will of the God, then all faith preach the same, submitting to the will of the Creator – When Jesus says follow me, Krishna says surrender to me and Allah says Submit to my will (hold it my friends, I am not equating these three – the first tow believes in God and looks iconic ally – Muslims don’t). – the essence of all of them is similar – “become like me, merciful and kind to the creation; follow me in forgiving and accepting even a leper; surrender to me, have faith in me that I do things for good.<BR/><BR/><BR/>To Dr. Abu Sayeed<BR/>Moderator: No sir, the idea is not to please any one or all, but simply respect different opinions and practice discussion that our Prophet would have loved; all opinions are valid to the sayer of them. A Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim is to be discussed, it is not conclusive. I know of no one who would want to marry a bad woman or a woman wanting to marry a bad guy. We should admire the interfaith couples for their capacity to accept the otherness of other – Sura Kafirun again. Great statement at the end of your comments.Mike Ghousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-12738609017274275902008-10-06T20:40:00.000-06:002008-10-06T20:40:00.000-06:00Dr. Shafiq Pathan wrote the following "As a ...Dr. Shafiq Pathan wrote the following "As a Muslim I advise you to email all after proper reading of Quran & Hadees.If people misinterpret you or advise wrongly , it is greatest sin." I would like to know, why is it when people don't agree with what you write, the first thing they do is assume you have never read the Qu'ran or Hadith? I don't think there is anything that either myself or Mr. Ghouse has written that would be deemed sinful regarding this matter. Now, if you should believe otherwise, please feel free and at least tell me what was so sinful as to what I have written. Moreover, I don't believe my knowledge base in Islam is any less that many of the people who respond. And even if it were, that should not be a reason to censor my right to respond to the emails Mr. Ghouse sends.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-52666197156192756892008-10-06T20:37:00.000-06:002008-10-06T20:37:00.000-06:00appreciate the sincerity of the 'Moderator' who po...appreciate the sincerity of the 'Moderator' who possibly wants to please everybody.<BR/>I am not sure whether in real terms it is at all possible.<BR/>But in no circumstances we should allow others to spread hatred.<BR/>I was wondering the way the moderator was informing with admiring tone<BR/>the existance 50 couples in Dallas married across the religion !!<BR/>We should have a clear idea about that inter-faith marriage.<BR/>It is very clearly spelled out.<BR/>A Muslim woman can not marry a Non Muslim man.<BR/>A Muslim man can marry only Good woman of 'Ahle Kitab'.<BR/>And we know. Christians and Jews are considered to be 'Ahle Kitab'.<BR/>No other 'Inter-faith marriage' is acceptable.<BR/>I don't know about those 50 couples, but if they are within this prescribed <BR/>formula, then it is highly appreciable.<BR/>If not, then we should not 'admire them'.<BR/>If people stay in the right path, then the there would have been no controversy<BR/>about the funeral.<BR/>If people keep the things unresolved (in the name of inter-faith marriage)<BR/>then the controversy about the dead body disposal would be a natural outcome.<BR/>Yet, we have to deal the situation very delicately.<BR/> <BR/>Dr Abu SayeedAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-62629486862579066892008-10-06T20:35:00.000-06:002008-10-06T20:35:00.000-06:00I appreciate the sincerity of the 'Moderator' who ...I appreciate the sincerity of the 'Moderator' who possibly wants to please everybody.<BR/>I am not sure whether in real terms it is at all possible.<BR/>But in no circumstances we should allow others to spread hatred.<BR/>I was wondering the way the moderator was informing with admiring tone<BR/>the existance 50 couples in Dallas married across the religion !!<BR/>We should have a clear idea about that inter-faith marriage.<BR/>It is very clearly spelled out.<BR/>A Muslim woman can not marry a Non Muslim man.<BR/>A Muslim man can marry only Good woman of 'Ahle Kitab'.<BR/>And we know. Christians and Jews are considered to be 'Ahle Kitab'.<BR/>No other 'Inter-faith marriage' is acceptable.<BR/>I don't know about those 50 couples, but if they are within this prescribed <BR/>formula, then it is highly appreciable.<BR/>If not, then we should not 'admire them'.<BR/>If people stay in the right path, then the there would have been no controversy<BR/>about the funeral.<BR/>If people keep the things unresolved (in the name of inter-faith marriage)<BR/>then the controversy about the dead body disposal would be a natural outcome.<BR/>Yet, we have to deal the situation very delicately.<BR/> <BR/>Dr Abu SayeedAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-58343066194332249872008-10-06T20:33:00.001-06:002008-10-06T20:33:00.001-06:00Islamic scholars are the ones whose opinions are c...Islamic scholars are the ones whose opinions are considered authentic in the matter of interpretation of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. As far as I know, the consensus of Islamic scholars so far is that Jews and Christians are the only ones who are Ahlul-Kitaab, NOT the followers of any other present religion. <BR/>What will happen after a century will be a matter of the future. However, to my knowledge, Islamic scholars have never given such an opinion as that of yours. If you are an authentic Islamic scholar, I won't argue with you, because I'm not.<BR/> <BR/>Nevertheless, let's push the Islamic "requirement" of writing a Will by every Muslim as early as he/she can.<BR/> <BR/>K. KhanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-30112883055569354742008-10-06T20:33:00.000-06:002008-10-06T20:33:00.000-06:00Dear Mike, Thanks for publishing my comments. Whil...Dear Mike,<BR/> <BR/>Thanks for publishing my comments. While I was reading through it, the responses from others as well as your comments; two things stood out. But before I comment on that let me say something more.<BR/> <BR/>This whole fuss is generated out of our skewed thinking, and what is that skewed thinking. As a devout religious person of any religion we think that what we do with the dead body affects the deceased. If he had Slat ul Janaza he will go to heaven if not, he will go to hell or in case of Hindu religion if he is purified by fire by being cremated he is going to surgg (paradise) or if a priest is there to pray he will have the salvation.<BR/> <BR/>Here is the Islamic concept:<BR/> <BR/>This Hadeeths comes in Sahih Muslim and is narrated by Abu Hurairah (ra)<BR/>Once a person dies, all his activities and accumulation of good or bad deeds stop except for three;<BR/><BR/>A perpetual charity that is still on going and he still reaps the benefit, <BR/>Beneficial Knowledge that he spread out and people get benefit out of it, and <BR/>Pious children who pray for their parents (who died)<BR/>No where it is mentioned that his destiny will depend on what people do with his body after he is dead and helpless. And this is but logical; why someone should be punished or rewarded for the things that he is not capable of doing.<BR/> <BR/>There are many instances in which people die and their bodies are not even recovered, they are drowned and possibly eaten up by sea animals. All these things do not have any effect on what treatment he is getting in the hereafter. Allah does not do any injustices, Allah will not hold anyone accountable for something that he/she is not capable of doing.<BR/> <BR/>This whole fuss comes into existence because we miss this fundamental understanding. His hindu parents think only cremating will be able to purify him and the Muslim zealots think that their prayer and burial will take him to paradise. Non of them are correct.<BR/> <BR/>Now I have a little clarification on your comments, you wrote and I quote,<BR/> <BR/>Moderator: Dear Mr. Khan, Hindus are not specifically mentioned in Qur’aan. Further more, a century down the road, Indian Muslims may accept Hindu’s as Ahl-e-Kitaab as their guidance comes from the Books. Mohammad Bin Qasim apparently had acknowledged that in the 10th century<BR/><BR/>I will beg to differ form you on this point. Ahl-e-Kitaab do literally mean people who the books were given. But in our religion Islam, it is not taken literally but have been converted into an Islamic term to specifically mean Jews and Christians. Even though Quran mentions books of David and Abraham (pbu them) but does not talk about their nations as Ahl-e-kitaab. Idol worshipers (hindus) were there in Makkah at the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) he did not mention them as Ahl-e-kitaab, their slaughter was not halal for Muslims. Quran also mentions that there is no nation in the world that Allah did not send a Prophet/Messenger to them. Not all the nations are addressed as Ahl-e-Kitaab. We do not have any authority to change any definition that is there given in Quran or Hadeeths. If we do so we will be trying to redefine religion without authority, since the authority only rest with Allah or if Allah delegates that authority to his Prophets.<BR/> <BR/>I also have a different opinion from what you said here; and I quote,<BR/> <BR/>MODERATOR: Dr. Pathan, civility is not determined by cremating or burying the body. As Muslims we believe in what we believe, as others believe in what they believe. What works for us is not the same as what works for others. Cremation is as respectful to Hindus as burial is to us. Let’s not think for them, they have their own system to back them up. We have to give room for others to practice their faiths, there is no compulsion in faith. If the Prophet believed that all other faiths are wrong and sinful, God would have commanded him force every one to become a Muslims. There is no such command, instead opposite is the case<BR/> <BR/>I agree with your first part of the opinion that respect in every culture and religion is showed differently and non of the civilized society would like to deliberately disrespect their dead.<BR/> <BR/>Where I differ is that Prophet did definitely believe that all the other faith is wrong and sinful. It is mentioned in Quran that "religion (deen) in the eyes of Allah is only Islam"<BR/> <BR/>This is not peculiar to Islamic religion. Every other religion thinks that it is the only right path. If not then their is no reason for their own existence. If some other religion is also right then why not they merge together. We know that is not the case.<BR/> <BR/>You are right in saying that God did not command him to convert everyone by force into Islam (other religions have done so to Muslims - remember Spain and Shuddhi movement of India).<BR/> <BR/>However this choice of becoming a Muslim or not given by Allah and His Prophet is not because in Islamic concept all religions are the same. But it is the respect of individual choice that Islam gives to everyone. However it clearly warns that not accepting Islam will be disastrous in the Hereafter.<BR/> <BR/>So we do respect everyone's choices that they make for themselves, since our religion teaches us to do so. But I will not say that this respect is because I think that they are all right. In every day life we also see that we a lot of the time do not agree with what the choices our friends make (marriage, choice of creer etc) and if they ask us, we will advise differently, but we don't force them. But that also does not mean that we agree with them either.<BR/> <BR/>The underlying belief is that you make the choices you face the consequences. I can only tell someone what is right and what is wrong. That was the job given to all the Prophets.<BR/> <BR/>Thanks,<BR/>Dr. WarsiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-54018364259065146252008-10-06T20:30:00.000-06:002008-10-06T20:30:00.000-06:00MikeAccepting your invitation to input on the subj...Mike<BR/><BR/>Accepting your invitation to input on the subject matter:<BR/><BR/>Quote from Satis “Allaah has prescribed for us that when a Muslim dies, we should wash ….” . If this is God's prescription and obligation, then I do not find it in Quran! Please enlighten me by giving me a reference in it.<BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>Even in the case of writing a Will the Muslim Church has its finger in the pie, viz one can only Will one third of the assets, where as 4-11 and twice in 4-12 gives me the right to bequeath my assets the way I wish, but with Justice and Fairness. After the debts and bequeath is acted upon, the left over to be divided according to the proportions given in this Book. This by my logic is a State function, if in a Muslim State, otherwise obey the State as at, 4-59 etc.<BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>I ask—Is there any Faith (not Religion) Hinduism too, that does not believe in the Only Universal Creator- hence in the oneness of creation including men-kind (including women-kind too)?<BR/><BR/>But all ‘Religions’ do! And that baggage of dogma we carry every where we go and make own laws to establish separateness!<BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>Mike—well said “A priest, an Imam or a clergy stands on the fence and will take sides if it secures their job and their influence”, and the Book says, that is because Religion is a ‘business’, and that they have a habit of transgressing the given Code in spite of its repeated admonition of—‘O people of the Book commit no excesses in your Code, nor say of God aught but the Truth' 4-171, 5-80 etc.<BR/><BR/>Hope the "thinking people" of the diaspora might find the separation between the code of Harmony and rigid dogma of Religion of some use.<BR/><BR/>RashidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-88819791689212651172008-10-06T20:18:00.000-06:002008-10-06T20:18:00.000-06:00Perhaps Muslims should know that cremation (burnin...Perhaps Muslims should know that cremation (burning) and also donating our bodies to medical schools for research purposes are both quite common practices among Christians and both are rapidly growing practices, particularly cremation. I doubt seriously that a will would solve the problem for Mulsims - an attorney should be consulted as to how to handle this. Blessings, MarylouAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-17395491149557889882008-10-06T20:17:00.000-06:002008-10-06T20:17:00.000-06:00Salamun Alykum. If we consciously develop a habit ...Salamun Alykum.<BR/> <BR/>If we consciously develop a habit of writing a Will to cover every aspect of our life in case of terminal illness, death or accident, would some one still mess around? The courts will defend the written Will, but would the community defy it?<BR/> <BR/>The following Quranic guide lines can be applied:<BR/> <BR/>[2:180] It is decreed that when death approaches, you shall write a will for the benefit of the parents and relatives, equitably. This is a duty upon the righteous. <BR/><BR/>[2:181] If anyone alters a will he had heard, the sin of altering befalls those responsible for such altering. GOD is Hearer, Knower. <BR/>[2:182] If one sees gross injustice or bias on the part of a testator, and takes corrective action to restore justice to the will, he commits no sin. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. <BR/> <BR/>Thank you and may God guide us,<BR/> <BR/>Muhammed IrtazaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-21487163433769784312008-10-05T20:46:00.000-06:002008-10-05T20:46:00.000-06:00MODERATOR – Dr. Warsi, well said. I appreciate you...MODERATOR – <BR/><BR/>Dr. Warsi, well said. I appreciate your approach.Mike Ghousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-72700864480025635432008-10-05T20:45:00.001-06:002008-10-05T20:45:00.001-06:00MODERATOR TO DR. PATHAN: Dr. Pathan, civility is n...MODERATOR TO DR. PATHAN: <BR/><BR/>Dr. Pathan, civility is not determined by cremating or burying the body. <BR/><BR/>As Muslims we believe in what we believe, as others believe in what they believe. What works for us is not the same as what works for others. Cremation is as respectful to Hindus as burial is to us. Let’s not think for them, they have their own system to back them up. We have to give room for others to practice their faiths, there is no compulsion in faith. If the Prophet believed that all other faiths are wrong and sinful, God would have commanded him force every one to become a Muslims. There is no such command, instead opposite is the case.Mike Ghousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-1533254863928280272008-10-05T20:45:00.000-06:002008-10-05T20:45:00.000-06:00Moderator to Mohammad SulemanGreat idea – as it in...Moderator to Mohammad Suleman<BR/><BR/>Great idea – as it involved building peace between the communities. Islam means peace and we ought to be the peace makers of the world.Mike Ghousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-68981533189801120832008-10-05T20:44:00.001-06:002008-10-05T20:44:00.001-06:00MODERATOR TO KHURSHID KHAN: Dear Mr. Khan, Hindus...MODERATOR TO KHURSHID KHAN: <BR/><BR/>Dear Mr. Khan, Hindus are not specifically mentioned in Qur’aan. Further more, a century down the road, Indian Muslims may accept Hindu’s as Ahl-e-Kitaab as their guidance comes from the Books. Mohammad Bin Qasim apparently had acknowledged that in the 10th century.Mike Ghousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-66419637433366449352008-10-05T20:44:00.000-06:002008-10-05T20:44:00.000-06:00MODERATOR TO SATISTo our Hindu and other readers o...MODERATOR TO SATIS<BR/><BR/>To our Hindu and other readers of the information – Kuffar is not a derogatory term as it has been implied, it simply means some one who does not believe what you believe. Please refer to the language of the Sura Kafirun. http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2008/07/sura-kafirun-un-believers.htmlMike Ghousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-22307303572269367532008-10-05T20:13:00.000-06:002008-10-05T20:13:00.000-06:00AA,Several takes on the issue, each one has presen...AA,<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>Several takes on the issue, each one has presented a valid idea.<BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>Situations like this are bound to happen. Dallas alone has at least 50 couples that I know of who are married across the religions with various combinations. You got to admire them for their ability to accept each other's God given uniqueness, however, what happens to their bodies after their death or to their children remains open.<BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>We can work on a broader issue to include a variety of contingencies like this. American Culture has the ability to cushion a variety of complexities; this one will become a conflictless issue over the next two generations. <BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>The broader question is should the community be involved in private matters? After all Islam is about individual's responsibility. No one but you is responsible for your actions at the Day of Judgment. Should we be involved in conflicts like this? Involvement certainly does produce ill-will, is it worth it? What good will it do? <BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>If we consciously develop a habit of writing a Will to cover every aspect of our life in case of terminal illness, death or accident, would some one still mess around? The courts will defend the written Will, but would the community defy it?<BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>I invite one of our members to produce a document with every one's input and we can share it with the public at large- as guidance and not rule. A majority of Muslims, Hindus or Christians will be in favor of it, we need to prevent the right wingers to dig in their heels and develop a consensus.<BR/><BR/>Mike GhouseMike Ghousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-45349245608216428972008-10-05T19:49:00.000-06:002008-10-05T19:49:00.000-06:00Vineet, The answer is yes, of course with conditio...Vineet,<BR/> <BR/>The answer is yes, of course with conditions.<BR/> <BR/>A priest, an Imam or a clergy stands on the fence and will take sides if it secures their job and their influence. In the given situation, if he listens to a few extremists (same with all groups) Hindus with anti-Muslim or Christian bias, he will capitalize on it and would make an outrageous statement so the sycophants can hail him" as the man who stood up against......"<BR/> <BR/>Dealing with people of all religions (equally) I have found that the religious leadership is not truly a leadership, instead they are driven by others agenda and rarely you find a gem who will speak for the truth! Yes, the very guardians of religions are not honest with themselves as they have to play the politics to keep their job or position and continuously make compromises.<BR/> <BR/>MikeMike Ghousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-35713758767793506292008-10-05T19:48:00.001-06:002008-10-05T19:48:00.001-06:00This is not to discredit any religion - I think th...This is not to discredit any religion - I think there are enough<BR/>moderates and extremists on either side - but I wonder if the Hindu<BR/>priest's response would have been the same if the poor man were being<BR/>buried and not cremated!<BR/><BR/>Vineet KhungerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-79694612079947247312008-10-05T19:48:00.000-06:002008-10-05T19:48:00.000-06:00Mike, thanks. But a 21-year-old would not think of...Mike, thanks. But a 21-year-old would not think of writing a will. And<BR/>while the mother wants her way, I'd think she has that right (as has<BR/>her father) and if the two of them agree to a legal form of dealing<BR/>with it, the rest do not have any business, nor a say in the matter.<BR/>For the record, I would have said the same, if the father wanted a<BR/>burial, and the mother agreed, and a bunch of Hindus protested outside<BR/>the mall, threatening to burn it down. The space between the personal<BR/>and the public must be maintained; and it is for those who claim to<BR/>have a say in that family matter, who need to learn a thing or two<BR/>about respecting individual rights, not the other way round.<BR/><BR/>Salil/LondonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-87805401984083786992008-10-05T19:47:00.000-06:002008-10-05T19:47:00.000-06:00This story first appeared in Weekly Thikana and so...This story first appeared in Weekly Thikana and some other Bangla language papers. I was dismayed to read it. I was angry that even the death of a young man could be used by bigots, and that a grieving family could be threatened.<BR/><BR/>The perpetrators should be charged on hate crime charges. The grieving family, on the other hand, should be honored for their interfaith beliefs and practices. They are indeed examples of religious harmony in New York.<BR/><BR/>Thikana, a paper where I write columns off and on, also interviewed some Hindu, Muslim and Christian priests on this issue. I was pleasantly suprised to see that of the people they interviewed (notwithstanding there are indeed open-minded Muslim and Christian religious leaders too), only the Hindu priest said that the whole affair should be left with the family: he said it's completely up to them to decide what to do for the last rites.<BR/><BR/>I hope the Times story wakes up our Desi community in the U.S. about fanaticism of any kind -- Hindu, Muslim or Christian.<BR/><BR/>Partha BanerjeeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-32877134748027258112008-10-05T19:45:00.000-06:002008-10-05T19:45:00.000-06:00After reading the whole story a few things come to...After reading the whole story a few things come to mind. I will list them down breifly.<BR/><BR/>First, it reminds me of the saying of Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that, "a Muslim should not go to bed even if he/she has just one dollar (one dirham), without making a will". If this 22 Yr old (adult) person had made a will about his last rites and given a copy to his closest friends and the family the whole mess would never have been created. How true are the words of Holy Prophet and how easily we ignore them. <BR/>Second, his parents are not Muslims, father who was born in Muslim Family has chosen not to be part of the religon any more. Our duty as a Muslim is to invite him and the family to the perfect and practical teachings of Islam rather than threatening them. <BR/>Third, we need to undersatand that Islamic laws do not have jurisdiction here in US to be publicly enforced. We as Msulims should engage in conveying the truth of Islam to general public rather than trying to enforce the rules (this is a very common confusion among the Muslims and Muslim Leaders in Muslim minority countries). <BR/>Fourth, we need to understand that unlike Islam, no other religion or system (secular or otherwise) is broadminded enough to allow its religious minorities (not just Muslims) to allow practicing their faith and conducting their affairs according to their religious dictates. We Msulims should not confuse the boradmindedness of Islam and should not think that we will get the same in return (even half a metre cloth - head scarf, is a problem in the "liberated" societies). We need to enlighten our fellow citizens about what Islam really is. Threatening and hostile behaviour will only repulse people from Islam and give some more ammunition to its enemies. <BR/>Fifth, in this perticular situation, the obligation of community (Muslim Community) ends once they have conveyed their feelings to the family and offered them to conduct the funeral in Islamic way. In the absence of 'will' from the deceased, they do not have any other options. <BR/>Sixth, this is specially a lesson for all young Muslims who get attracted to non-Muslims and take advantage of Islamic rules to get merried to non-Muslims and (hpefully not) may end up in this situation. Our religious leaders should emphasize this fact in their sermons, instead of fighting amongh themselves.<BR/>Thanks,<BR/>Dr. WarsiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-53101479973105794732008-10-05T19:44:00.000-06:002008-10-05T19:44:00.000-06:00Dear Mr.Mike Ghouse; & Zeba Salim In no relige...Dear Mr.Mike Ghouse; & Zeba Salim<BR/> <BR/>In no religeon dead are burnt except in Hindus. This is not religeon but ancient old culture or tradition based on mythology.Even Indian muslims; Christians are called Hindus because they are converts but do they burn dead person's body?? <BR/>Since we stay in a civilsed society why not to bury body like any other religeon?? Why was he burnt??<BR/><BR/>As a Muslim I advise you to email all after proper reading of Quran & Hadees.If people misinterpret you or advise wrongly , it is greatest sin.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-39952014136905967272008-10-05T19:43:00.000-06:002008-10-05T19:43:00.000-06:00One solution to this unfortunate situation can be ...One solution to this unfortunate situation can be to go the middle way. The body is washed the Muslim way, burn it the Hindu way and bury the remains ( ashes) back the Muslim way. The spirit ( Ruh ) could not careless either way. <BR/> <BR/>Mohammad SulemanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-786051818897426402008-10-05T19:42:00.000-06:002008-10-05T19:42:00.000-06:00Muslim-Hindu marriage (which is NOT allowed in Isl...Muslim-Hindu marriage (which is NOT allowed in Islam) will often lead to this kind of problem, unless there is a Will, as suggested by Mike. Let's promote the idea of writing a Will by each one of us. <BR/> <BR/>Khurshid KhanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-1316178671476128242008-10-05T00:49:00.000-06:002008-10-05T00:49:00.000-06:00Satis,You made a good point about how a Muslim bod...Satis,<BR/><BR/>You made a good point about how a Muslim body must be washed and buried. Good notes!<BR/><BR/>Please beware that all humans, with no exceptions treat their dead with respect, each way is different, but not inferior or superior. <BR/><BR/>Indeed, Allah knows best, what you and I believe as Muslims is our belief, what others believe is their belief and we cannot condemn others belief - please review Sura Kafirun :http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2008/07/sura-kafirun-un-believers.htmlMike Ghousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462242975774901312.post-90530198055748582852008-10-05T00:28:00.000-06:002008-10-05T00:28:00.000-06:00As it applied to many Maulanas for issuing wrong F...As it applied to many Maulanas for issuing wrong Fatwas you are also advised not to mislead people on Islam. It is greatest sin to mislead people.Please have authenticated write up please.Please donot come to your own judgements.Dr.ShafiquePathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01840276212777615931noreply@blogger.com