RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MUSLIMS AND OTHERS more

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MUSLIMS AND OTHERS International Dialogue Between Islam and Oriental Religions 20 – 21 February 2010 Ansari Auditorium, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. By M. Burhanuddin Qasmi Director Markazul Ma’arif Education and Research Centre, Mumbai Editor Eastern Crescent Patliputra Nagar (Masjid), Oshiwara, New Link Road, Jogeshwari (W), Mumbai 400102 (India) Web site: www.markazulmaarif.org , Email. manager@markazulmaarif.org Tel: 022 65567157 Fax: 022 26798538 Relationship between Muslims and others...> M. Burhanuddin Qasmi There have been efforts to find compatibilities between Islam and the West for both political and apolitical reasons. But not any major attempt was made so far to find similarities between Islam and believers in eastern religions. Mutual coexistence, cooperation and genuine understanding among different religious nations is the urgent need for global peace and harmonious livings. I am cordially thankful to the organizers who have organized this timely conference, invited respected leaders of ‘Indian’ religions and privileged me to attend this grand discussion. I pray our discussion benefits us all. Eastern and Western Religions As far as history of world religions is concerned all ten organized religions are fortunately of Asian origin. Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Baha'ism, Confucianism, Jainism and Shintoism are considered organized among world’s 22 popular religions. And interestingly India is the land which owned the honour to originate four organized religions of the world which are known as Indian religions too. Indian religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism have similarities in core beliefs, modes of worship, and associated practices, mainly due to their common history of origin and mutual influence. Eastern or oriental religion is a term used to refer to religions originating in the East and South Asian regions of the world – India, China and Japan. Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Confucianism and Shintoism – 6 out of 10 organized world religions, are therefore eastern religions. There should be no term as Western religions since geographycal West does not origin even a single major religion of the world yet the term ‘western religion’ does exist. Thus the religions originating to West Asia – Pelistine, Isreal and Soudi Arabia are misnamed as Western religions. Judaism, Christianity and Islam, all three, actually known as Abrahamic religions, are Western religions, which include Zoroastrianism and Baha'ism too. Islam is the latest among Abrahamic religions with Muhammad (saws) as the last prophet and the second most populous among all religions of the world. Interestingly majority of the Muslims live in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh where all major eastern religions are originating. It rightly indicates that Islam is a link between eastern and western religions and it has appealed to both followers of eastern as well as western religions from its early arrival. Arrival of Islam to India The major spread of Islam mainly in to the domain of eastern religions would have been impossible without effective appeal to the commoners for social equality, justice and respect for all. It is especially notable here that Islam arrived in India with Arab traders in 9th Hijra or 629 CE1 and not at all with Muhammad bin Qasim or Mahmood Ghaznawi who were but some of the Muslim rulers associated with the rise of Islamic governing system in India. Cheraman Jama Masjid at Kodungaloor in Kerala, built by Cheraman Perumal Bhaskara Ravi Varma in 629 CE is a standing example to my argument.2 1 India Office Library (Ref No. Arabic, 2607, 152-173) Vol.16 (06) Origin of Muslims in India: Eastern Crescent (May 2008) 2 2 Relationship between Muslims and others...> M. Burhanuddin Qasmi My focus through this presentation will be on how Islam’s religious texts deal with relationship between Muslims and believers in other faiths. Muslims ruled over Indian subcontinent around eight centuries with equality and justice. There had been inconsistent unpleasant incidences as history rightly records some of them, but in general their rule over India was based on tolerance, justice and mutual cooperation. Coexistence and cooperation between Islam and followers of eastern religions has been a part of daily life in the East since inception of Islam 14 hundred years ago. There had not been a single major war among people of East or South Asia and Muslims with religion a subject. Albeit religious wars among followers of Abrahamic religions, succumbed millions live – be Christianity vs. Judaism or Christianity vs. Islam, among people of West Asia and Europe. Nevertheless, present relationship between Islam and followers of eastern religions is not as friendly as it used to be two centuries ago. One a bit familiar with the political history of past two centuries in today’s perspective may realise what gave rise to this comparatively unfriendly attitude among friendly neighbours. Undoubtedly, the present democratic system we enjoy in Indian subcontinent is a matchless one to reestablished friendly bonds among followers of Islam and eastern religions. Islam urges Muslims to be cooperative with the followers of other religions in all walks of life. If we look at the rights and liberties it has given to the adherents of other religions, we can argue that Islam regards all human beings as equal and brother. There is no superiority among men but on the basis of righteousness. Categories of relationship between Muslim and others Relationships between Muslim and followers of other religions may be categorized in four stages. 1. Mudarat: good moral and friendly behaviour. Islam does not only allow Muslims to make this sort of friendship with non-Muslims, but also commands them to do so. 2. Muwasat: sympathy and cooperation with non-Muslims. This kind of friendship is also recommended by Islam. 3. Mu’aamlat: cooperation in business, trade and employment. It is too allowed with Muslims and non-Muslims alike. 4. Muwalat: it applies to the sort of so great a tie with non-Muslim that a Muslim man begins to adopt his culture and heads to remove religious distinction of a Muslim individual. This kind of friendship with non-Muslims is forbidden by the Qur’an. In fact, cooperation in social life and compromising on religious beliefs and identities are two different stuffs. Cooperation and friendship mean to assist others, remaining strict on one’s religion and holding uncompromisingly, its beliefs. Quitting even a single article of religion in the name of collaboration with others is considered as to create a new religion and Islam does not tolerate such compromization any way. There are some certain beliefs and doctrines in every religion. Islam neither tolerates any kind of flexibility in such principles nor persuades others to do so. It plainly invites others to Islam with wisdom and beautiful preaching and pricks their mind to contemplate its message, yet it declares freedom of religion as principal doctrine for each individual. 3 Relationship between Muslims and others...> M. Burhanuddin Qasmi “There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error.”3 Humanity is a single unity The Islamic fundamental about humanity is that all human beings are equal and descendants of one single person. There is no superiority for one upon another except by piety. Al- Qur’an regards all individuals as the rings of one chain as it says: “O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord Who created you from a single soul (Adam), and from him created his mate (Hawwa or Eve) and from them twin He spread abroad a multitude of men and women. And fear Allah through Whom you demand (your mutual rights) and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship).”4 A Tradition of the Prophet of Islam (saws) says: “All mankind is from Adam and Hawwa, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.”5 Another Hadith reported by Ahmad and Abu Dawood has it that the Prophet recited after prayers: “O Allah, our Lord and Lord of everything I witness that (your) all slaves are brothers.”6 Of all creations, Al-Qur’an regards human beings as to be noblest and chosen one as it argues: “Verily We have honored the children of Adam. We carry them on the land and the sea, and have made provision of good things for them, and have preferred them above many of those whom We created with a marked preferment.”7 To realize what a high esteem a human soul holds in Islam irrespective of religion and all other qualities, an event in Prophet’s life helps us much. It is repotted by Bukhari and Muslim that once while some companions were in his attendance, a bier passed him. The Prophet (saws) stood up and the companions (seeing Him stand for a Jew’s bier) told that the fellow was a Jew. “Why, was not it a soul?” replied the Prophet of Islam.8 The Prophet Muhammad (saws) is also reported to have said: 3 4 Al-Qur’an: Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayat 256 Al-Qur’an: Surah An-Nisa, Ayat 1 5 Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (saws), recorded by all Hadith Books 6 Abu Dawood: 1508, Musnad Ahmad:1880 7 Al-Qur’an: Surah Al-Isra, Ayat 70 8 Bukhari: 1313, Muslim: 961 4 Relationship between Muslims and others...> M. Burhanuddin Qasmi “The most gracious (Allah) show his grace to those who are merciful: show mercy to those on earth so that the One in heaven shower His mercy on you.” Even kindness towards any living creature (Animals, insects etc) is promised to be rewarded by Allah in Islam.9 As being offspring of Adam, all human are brothers. Difference in religion has to do nothing in the universal brotherhood of Islam. Muslims are brothers as the Qur’an says: “All Muslims are brothers”10 in both religion and in having one lineage in the beginning. In one place in the Qur’an the ones who accepted Islam are referred to as “brothers in religion”. But the concept of universal brotherhood is widely acknowledged in the Qur’an.11 All the Prophets of Islam used to address people by saying “O my people, O my nation or brothers”. In these all places the word ‘brother’ is used not on the basis of religion but as the individuals of those nations. Islam considers all people living within one geographical boundary as one nation irrespective of their religion, creed or colours12. Therefore, as one nation they are entitled to engage in social life and cooperate each other. Financial relationship with non-Muslims Al-Qur’an encourages the Muslims to help the non-Muslims too and advises them that difference in religion must not be a cause to deprive one’s fellow non-Muslim needy of charity. No matter what religion the needy belong to, the reward for charity is in store for the donor.13 Imam Tabri in his commentary of the Qur’an acknowledged the fact we put forth in detail confirming that this was how the scholars of Islam, the companions of the Prophet (saws) and the Tabi’yen explained the verse.14 The second caliph of Islam Umar Al-Farooq (ra) wrote to one of his governors that he wanted needy non-Muslims citizens and their families be supplied from Muslim treasury.15 Another verse of the glorious Qur’an says: “Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily Allah loves those who deal with equity.”16 Here the word birr in the verse is common. It meant to show sympathy with those who are weak, fulfill the demands of needy, feed the hungry, give them suggestion in worldly and religious affairs and protect their lives, wealth and all rights they have been given without any sort of discrimination.17 9 Bukhari (6009), “(chapter: showing kindness towards every living creature is Sadqah (virtue)).” Al-Qur’an: Surah Al-Hujraat, Ayat 10 11 Al-Qur’an: Surah Hood, Ayats 50, 61 and 62 12 See! Composite Nationalism and Islam, Maul. Hussain Ahmad Madni 13 Al-Qur’an: Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayat 272 14 At-Tabri: Vol. 3: P.63 15 Kitab ul Khiraj, Abu Yusuf: 157 16 Al-Qur’an: Surah Al-Mumtahinah, Ayat 8 17 Al-Furooq by al-Qurafi, Vol. 3, P.15 10 5 Relationship between Muslims and others...> M. Burhanuddin Qasmi All financial dealings be made between Muslim and Non-Muslims on equal and need basis and there is no priority of one over another is the theme of Islamic teachings. Keeping ties with Non-Muslims (Sila Rahmi) One of the significant rulings of Islam is to keep and amend ties with the relatives and show good conduct to them. Al-Qur’an has laid much importance on this matter. One who breaks ties with his relatives is considered as rebellious that Allah the Almighty has declared war against him. A Hadith reported by Ahmad and Bukhari has it: “who breaks ties, I will perish Him.”18 Yet another Hadith reported by Muslim says that ‘there is no room in paradise for those who break ties’.19 The above mentioned Ahadith demonstrate the importance of maintaining relations and ties with one another. A Muslim is called upon to fulfill this commandment whether his relatives are Muslims or not. Al-Qur’an commands the Muslims to be good to their parents even if they compel them to renounce Islam and associate with God. However, “there is no obedience for any creature against the Creator”.20 The mother of Asma daughter of Islam’s first caliph Abubakr Siddiq (ra) was a pagan. Asma’s mother following the treaty of Hudaibiyya which entitled both parties – Muslims and Non-Muslims to visit their relatives, came to visit her daughter in Madinah with gifts. Asma (ra) wanted to give her some gift too but doubted if it is allowed to give gift to one who does not believe in Islam and asked the Prophet (saws) whether she could or not. The Prophet (saws) told her to maintain relation with her mother and exchange gifts. Narrated Asma' bint Abu Bakr (ra): My mother came to me during the lifetime of Allah's Apostle and she was a pagan. I said to Allah's Apostle (seeking his verdict), "My mother has come to me and she desires to receive a reward from me, shall I keep good relations with her?" The Prophet said, "Yes, keep good relation with her.21 The value of human lives in Islam All human beings enjoy equal value in Islam. It does not allow any kind of distinction on the basis of colour and ethnic, nationality and religion. Hence, if a man kills his fellow human being, (whether he is Muslim or non-Muslim) it is as though he kills all humanity. Likewise, if he saves life of another man, it is as though he saves the whole humanity. “For that cause We decreed for the Children of Israel that whosoever killeth a human being for other than man slaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if be had killed all mankind, and whoso saveth the life of one, it shall be as if he had: saved the life of all mankind.”22 18 19 Musnad Ahmad: 1684, Bukhari: 5687-5989 Muslim: 2556 20 Al-Qur’an: Surah Luqman, Ayat 14, 15 21 Bukhari: Vol. 3, Book 47, P. 789 22 Al-Qur’an: Surah Al- Ma’idah, Ayat 32 6 Relationship between Muslims and others...> M. Burhanuddin Qasmi The verse is common and includes both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Thus the Prophet Muhammad (saws) once commanded to kill a Muslim man in turn of a non-Muslim man saying ‘I am one to deserve the most to fulfill his promise’.23 In another Hadith the Prophet (saws) has warned those who encroach the rights of nonMuslims and oppress them: “He who kills a Mu’aahid (non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim ruled country) will be deprived from the fragrance of Paradise…”24 The Prophet (saws) further said: “Beware! Who ever oppress a Mu’aahid, withholds his dues, entrusts him with responsibilities beyond his capability or handles his belongings without prior consent, then I will be on his side on the Day of Resurrection.”25 In one Hadith Abdullah Ibn Umar (ra) reported that the Prophet (saws) had said that the blood money of a non-Muslim is the same to that of a Muslim.26 Protection of dignity of non-Muslims Nicknaming, despising, detesting, rebuking etc. which put others on shame and cause any kind of humiliation to them are such actions, Islam never let any one to imagine rather than to practice them by any means i.e. merely words or action. Both Muslim and non-Muslim, in this regard, are one and the same. Having even an imaginary line between Muslim and others, in this view, is in opposition to Islamic teachings and moralities. Qur’an says: “O ye who believe! Let not a folk ridicule a folk who may be better than they (are), nor let women (ridicule) women who may be better than they are; neither defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. Bad is the name of lewdness after faith. And whoso turneth not in repentance, such are evil doers.”27 Rights of non-Muslim neighbours Ibn `Umar and `Aishah (ra) reported: Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "Jibrael kept recommending treating neighbours with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance".28 It makes no effect on giving the rights of neighbour if the one is non-Muslim. Neighbour is but a neighbour, in Islam, in every case, irrespective of the religion of fellow one. Hence, Abdullah bin Umar (ra), once, had slaughtered a goat. Mujahid (rah) narrated that ibn-e Umar (ra) repeatedly asked his slave, “Don’t forget our Jewish neighbour”. Mujahid, getting amazed by Ibn-e Umar’s repeating, asked him, “How many times will you say (this)”? Abdullah Ibn-e Umar (ra) recited the above-mentioned Hadith. 23 24 Musannaf Abdur Razzaq, Vol. 10, P. 101 Bukhari: 3166 25 Sunan Abi Dawood: 3053 26 Sunan Dar Al-Qutni, Vol.8, P. 178 27 Al-Qur’an: Surah Al-Hujraat, Ayat 11 28 Al-Bukhari and Al-Muslim 7 Relationship between Muslims and others...> M. Burhanuddin Qasmi According to Islam the difference of religions has no effect, whatsoever, in carrying social or neighbourly responsibilities, as the story, accurately, bears witness to the sense. Safety of privacy Every individuals either Muslim or believers in other faiths has the right of maintaining his or her own privacy. As Qur’an says: “O ye who believe! Enter not houses other than your own without first announcing your presence and invoking ‘peace’ upon the folk thereof. That is better for you, that ye may be heedful.”29 It is a general order and Muslims are responsible on the basis of their religion that they must be solicitous about the others’ privacy without creating any line between religions. Freedom of religion and belief Iman or belief is a matter of heart and refers to believe in something to be true. No one has power to divert any one from the beliefs one holds by force so any effort in this regard will be of no use. Rather if one embraces Islam for any material or worldly gain and not for pleasure of Allah alone, such a person is a munafiq (hypocrite) in Islamic terminology and is threatened to go through severe chastisement in the bottom of the hell. Mere uttering of Kalimah (Islamic creed) while disbelieving in heart makes no one a Muslim. These two-faced people are a problem in every society and their attitude is based on selfishness who even do not hesitate to offer their religion as a price for self interests. Islam doesn’t like such dishonest people to be its followers. Hence, Islam, appreciating all these facts pricks human conscience to release its message and contemplate the evidences and reasons it employs while convincing. Muslims are called upon to be sincere and good towards others while inviting then to Islam. “Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful exhortation; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.”30 A clause in the treaty that Prophet Muhammad (saws) drew after his migration to Madina which was signed by every ethnic group of Madina, including the influential Jews, says: “The Jews shall have freedom of their religion without any interference from anyone.” The agreement made between the Prophet (saws) and the Christians of Najran (10H\631CE) contains the bellow passage: “The possessions, lives, land and rites of the people of Najran and its suburbs and those of them who are absent from there, as well as the families, the churches and everything they possess, big or small, shall under the protection of Allah and Muhammad (saws) the apostle and messenger of Allah.”31 29 30 Al-Qur’an: Surah An-Noor, Ayat 27 Al-Qur’an: Surah An-Nahl, Ayat 125 31 At-Tabri: Vol.3, P.277 8 Relationship between Muslims and others...> M. Burhanuddin Qasmi Hence, there is no compulsion in religion. A glance over the life of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) and that of his companions is sufficient to realise the effect how full freedom of religion the non-Muslims enjoyed under Islamic social or political system. Equal criminal laws Islamic criminal laws are same for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Islam sets equal laws and argues “their rights and duties are the same as ours” and it guarantees the protection of lives, properties and honour for both – Muslims as well as Non-Muslims. If a Muslim harms a non-Muslim or a non-Muslim harms a Muslim, in both cases Islam strikes equal punishment to the convict without caring about his or her religion. According to the Islamic jurisprudence, wine and swine are considered unlawful for Muslims. So Islam prohibits Muslims to consume or trade on unlawful things, but it provides full permission to non-Muslim to deal with fellow non-Muslim on all that is permissible in their religions. That is why if a Muslim, by any means, harms an Islamically unlawful business of a non-Muslim which is lawful in his own religion, Islam imposes upon the culprit Muslim complete compensation.32 These are a few simple masa’il which indicate to the fair teachings of Islam in regard with Muslims and non-Muslim availing equal justice in the court of a Muslim Qadhi or Judge. As we discussed earlier that Islam allows all kinds of relationships with non-Muslims and persuades on mutual cooperation except muwalaat. Moreover, in a present-day democratic system when the adherents of all religions have been constitutionally ensured equal civil rights and respect, all sorts of relationship – social, political, educational and economic between Muslim and the followers of other faiths is Islamically lawful too. Justice Islam is a religion of justice and commands its followers to be just even with enemies. The glorious Qur’an has asserted a lot on it and regarded it as a symbol of fearfulness and piety: “O ye who believe! Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and let not hatred of any people seduce you that ye deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty.”33 “Lo! Allah enjoineth justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk, and forbiddeth lewdness and abomination and wickedness. He exhorteth you in order that ye may take heed”.34 In this age of globalization in which the entire world has turned into a small village, the basic rights, justice, tolerance, brotherhood and equality have become of immense importance. It requires making coordinated efforts on both the national and international levels. At a time when the science has made astonishing discoveries and the industries have excessively developed providing men with luxuries, the some evil minded powers have exploited these discoveries and advancements threatening to the peace and tranquility. But it is too fact that the world has never been empty from good souls who stood against evil powers and strived for maintenance of peace and stability. 32 Durr Al-Mukhtar: Vol.3, P. 273 Al-Qur’an: Surah Al-Ma’idah, Ayat 8 34 Al-Qur’an: Surah An-Nahl, Ayat 90 33 9 Relationship between Muslims and others...> M. Burhanuddin Qasmi Conclusion Relationship is a two-way effect. Both Muslims and followers of other religions should come ahead to understand each other. Islam as a religion has universal appeal in it. It has a friendly and neighborly relationship with all eastern religions. Need of the time is to utilize modern recourses while bridging gapes and making stronger relationship than ever before between Islam and eastern religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. Islam regards all human beings as members of Allah’s family and urges them to cooperate with each other in worldly affairs. Here we discussed some of the rights of non-Muslims and duties of Muslims towards their fellow human brothers according to Islamic Shariah to establish the length of relationship and cooperation between Muslims and others. We discussed relationship between Muslims and others in social, political, economic spheres and can rightly conclude that Islam as a religion deals with every individual irrespective of his religion, creed or colour with honour, justice and equity. We hope and pray it benefits entire human folks living in the length and breadth of this globe and help make our world a peaceful abode to live – A’meen. ---- END---- 10