Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Allah

Every now and then these days we are asked and hinted by skeptics to contemplate on the idea on as to whether God even exists or not. I have seen many comments of skeptics who have asked this question. As a matter of fact I have seen a question lurching on the websites of many skeptics that pokes the Muslims in to thinking whether Allah is real or not. In a recent article renowned atheist Sam Harris quoted that the God Muslims believe in is almost surely fictional. We live in times in which it is very important for any person to ponder over their beliefs. Indeed, it is very important for people to know why do they believe in what they believe. More specifically, it is very important for Muslims to know that why do they believe in Allah as the sole deity, and consequently Muhammad (may Allah's peace be upon him) as the last messenger. It is equally important for non-Muslims to know as to why Muslims believe in Allah as their God. This is important not even from the point of view of faith literacy, but also to satiate one's own thirst of intellectual curiosity and skepticism.

This article is an attempt to contemplate on the word Allah, as a name or a concept. After all people have believed in various gods since millenniums and no one has ever seen a sight of a convincingly real god. To this end, no one has ever seen Allah as well. It is also important to investigate whether Allah really exists or whether it is a mere invention of the Muslims.

A casual literature survey reveals that the word Allah means 'the God' in Arabic. And even though it is widely believed that Muslims believe in Allah as their God, people from many faiths in the pre-Islamic Arabia believed in Allah as the supreme deity. Pre-Islamic Arabia had polytheism, Christianity, and Judaism as the major religions. The polytheists worshiped other sub-deities along with Allah. These included, Laat, Uzza and Manaat. Christians worshipped Allah along with Jesus Christ (may peace be upon him) as the son of Allah. And jews also worshipped Allah. And more importantly all of these three major religions had the word "Allah" solely reserved for referring to God. Polytheism gradually vanished by the advent of Islam. Christianity and Judaism remain to date as the major world religions along with Islam. And the word Allah is still used to refer to the God by the followers of these two major religions. For instance Arab Christians today still use the word Allah Al-ab (God, the father) to refer to the God and also to distinguish their usage of the word from the Muslim usage. Similarly, Jews use the words such as Allah and Elohim to refer to God, and agree that words Allah and Elohim are derivations of the same origin in a linguistic sense. The word Allah, or its close derivatives, also occur in many other languages as a reference to God.

To this end, it turns out that Muslims have not invented the name or concept of Allah. The only major thing Islam tries to do is to dissociate subordinate deities from Allah. This means, that on one hand Islam dissociates sub-deities such as Laat, Manaat and Uzza from Allah. On the other hand Islam suggests that Jesus Christ (may Allah's peace be upon him) was not a son of Allah, rather he was a prophet of Allah just like Muhammad (may Allah's peace be upon him). This notion of Islam is summarized in the following chapter of Quran-e-Hakeem titled sincerity:

AL-IKHLAS (SINCERITY)

Total Verses: 4
Revealed At: MAKKA
112.001 
YUSUFALI: Say: He is Allah, the One and Only;
PICKTHAL: Say: He is Allah, the One!
SHAKIR: Say: He, Allah, is One.
112.002 
YUSUFALI: Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;
PICKTHAL: Allah, the eternally Besought of all!
SHAKIR: Allah is He on Whom all depend.
112.003 
YUSUFALI: He begetteth not, nor is He begotten;
PICKTHAL: He begetteth not nor was begotten.
SHAKIR: He begets not, nor is He begotten.
112.004 
YUSUFALI: And there is none like unto Him.
PICKTHAL: And there is none comparable unto Him.
SHAKIR: And none is like Him.

P.S. In writing this article I took help from a Wikipedia article. And also the idea that Christians of Arabia refer to God as Allah was brought to my attention for the first time by a close friend who is a devout Roman Catholic Christian. 

Videos





On Islam and Misuses of Ecstasy

Sam Harris recently posted an article titled Islam and the Misuses of Ecstasy . In this there is a youtube video in which the imam is crying while leading prayers along with the whole congregation. The reason why Sam Harris has posted this is because he wants to warn the world about the nature of the Muslim piety. In his own words:



Watch the entire video with your full attention. If you cannot feel the haunting beauty of this recitation, if it is inexplicable to you that people can be moved to tears by the mere sound of these verses, then you are not in contact with the data. Indeed, if you don’t understand how someone could be willing to die to defend the legitimacy of such an experience, you are very poorly placed to understand the problem of Islam.
This video has everything: the power of ritual and the power of the crowd; tears of devotion and a lust for vengeance. How many of the people in that mosque are jihadists? I have no idea—perhaps none. But their spiritual aspirations and deepest positive emotions—love, devotion, compassion, bliss, awe—are being focused through the lens of sectarian hatred and humiliation. Read every word of the translation so that you understand what these devout people are weeping over. Their ecstasy is inseparable from the desire to see nonbelievers punished in hellfire. Is this some weird distortion of the true teachings of Islam? No. This is a recitation from the Koran articulating its central message. The video has over 2 million views on YouTube. It was posted by someone who promised his fellow Muslims that they, too, would weep tears of devotion upon seeing it. The reciter is Sheikh Mishary bin Rashid Alafasy of Kuwait. He has as many Twitter followers as Jerry Seinfeld and J.K. Rowling (2 million). In doctrinal terms, this is not the fringe of Islam. It is the center.

Here is the video again:


The verses that have been recited are from surah Fussilaat (Explained in Detail) 19--36. Three translations have been posted below for the perusal of the keen reader.


YUSUFALI: On the Day that the enemies of Allah will be gathered together to the Fire, they will be marched in ranks. 

PICKTHAL: And (make mention of) the day when the enemies of Allah are gathered unto the Fire, they are driven on 

SHAKIR: And on the day that the enemies of Allah shall be brought together to the fire, then they shall be formed into groups.


YUSUFALI: At length, when they reach the (Fire), their hearing, their sight, and their skins will bear witness against them, as to (all) their deeds. 

PICKTHAL: Till, when they reach it, their ears and their eyes and their skins testify against them as to what they used to do. 

SHAKIR: Until when they come to it, their ears and their eyes and their skins shall bear witness against them as to what they did.


YUSUFALI: They will say to their skins: "Why bear ye witness against us?" They will say: "Allah hath given us speech,- (He) Who giveth speech to everything: He created you for the first time, and unto Him were ye to return. 

PICKTHAL: And they say unto their skins: Why testify ye against us? They say: Allah hath given us speech Who giveth speech to all things, and Who created you at the first, and unto Whom ye are returned. 

SHAKIR: And they shall say to their skins: Why have you borne witness against us? They shall say: Allah Who makes everything speak has made us speak, and He created you at first, and to Him you shall be brought back.


YUSUFALI: "Ye did not seek to hide yourselves, lest your hearing, your sight, and your skins should bear witness against you! But ye did think that Allah knew not many of the things that ye used to do! 

PICKTHAL: Ye did not hide yourselves lest your ears and your eyes and your skins should testify against you, but ye deemed that Allah knew not much of what ye did. 

SHAKIR: And you did not veil yourselves lest your ears and your eyes and your skins should bear witness against you, but you thought that Allah did not know most of what you did.


YUSUFALI: "But this thought of yours which ye did entertain concerning your Lord, hath brought you to destruction, and (now) have ye become of those utterly lost!" 

PICKTHAL: That, your thought which ye did think about your Lord, hath ruined you; and ye find yourselves (this day) among the lost. 

SHAKIR: And that was your (evil) thought which you entertained about your Lord that has tumbled you down into perdition, so are you become of the lost ones.


YUSUFALI: If, then, they have patience, the Fire will be a home for them! and if they beg to be received into favour, into favour will they not (then) be received. 

PICKTHAL: And though they are resigned, yet the Fire is still their home; and if they ask for favour, yet they are not of those unto whom favour can be shown. 

SHAKIR: Then if they will endure, still the fire is their abode, and if they ask for goodwill, then are they not of those who shall be granted goodwill.


YUSUFALI: And We have destined for them intimate companions (of like nature), who made alluring to them what was before them and behind them; and the sentence among the previous generations of Jinns and men, who have passed away, is proved against them; for they are utterly lost. 

PICKTHAL: And We assigned them comrades (in the world), who made their present and their past fairseeming unto them. And the Word concerning nations of the jinn and humankind who passed away before them hath effect for them. Lo! they were ever losers. 

SHAKIR: And We have appointed for them comrades so they have made fair-seeming to them what is before them and what is behind them, and the word proved true against them-- among the nations of the jinn and the men that have passed away before them-- that they shall surely be losers.


YUSUFALI: The Unbelievers say: "Listen not to this Qur'an, but talk at random in the midst of its (reading), that ye may gain the upper hand!" 

PICKTHAL: Those who disbelieve say: Heed not this Qur'an, and drown the hearing of it; haply ye may conquer. 

SHAKIR: And those who disbelieve say: Do not listen to this Quran and make noise therein, perhaps you may overcome.


YUSUFALI: But We will certainly give the Unbelievers a taste of a severe Penalty, and We will requite them for the worst of their deeds. 

PICKTHAL: But verily We shall cause those who disbelieve to taste an awful doom, and verily We shall requite them the worst of what they used to do. 

SHAKIR: Therefore We will most certainly make those who disbelieve taste a severe punishment, and We will most certainly reward them for the evil deeds they used to do.


YUSUFALI: Such is the requital of the enemies of Allah,- the Fire: therein will be for them the Eternal Home: a (fit) requital, for that they were wont to reject Our Signs. 

PICKTHAL: That is the reward of Allah's enemies: the Fire. Therein is their immortal home, payment forasmuch as they denied Our revelations. 

SHAKIR: That is the reward of the enemies of Allah-- the fire; for them therein shall be the house of long abiding; a reward for their denying Our communications.


YUSUFALI: And the Unbelievers will say: "Our Lord! Show us those, among Jinns and men, who misled us: We shall crush them beneath our feet, so that they become the vilest (before all)." 

PICKTHAL: And those who disbelieve will say: Our Lord! Show us those who beguiled us of the jinn and humankind. We will place them underneath our feet that they may be among the nethermost. 

SHAKIR: And those who disbelieve will say: Our Lord! show us those who led us astray from among the jinn and the men that we may trample them under our feet so that they may be of the lowest.


YUSUFALI: In the case of those who say, "Our Lord is Allah", and, further, stand straight and steadfast, the angels descend on them (from time to time): "Fear ye not!" (they suggest), "Nor grieve! but receive the Glad Tidings of the Garden (of Bliss), the which ye were promised! 

PICKTHAL: Lo! those who say: Our Lord is Allah, and afterward are upright, the angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not nor grieve, but hear good tidings of the paradise which ye are promised. 

SHAKIR: (As for) those who say: Our Lord is Allah, then continue in the right way, the angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not, nor be grieved, and receive good news of the garden which you were promised.


YUSUFALI: "We are your protectors in this life and in the Hereafter: therein shall ye have all that your souls shall desire; therein shall ye have all that ye ask for!- 

PICKTHAL: We are your protecting friends in the life of the world and in the Hereafter. There ye will have (all) that your souls desire, and there ye will have (all) for which ye pray. 

SHAKIR: We are your guardians in this world's life and in the hereafter, and you shall have therein what your souls desire and you shall have therein what you ask for:


YUSUFALI: "A hospitable gift from one Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful!" 

PICKTHAL: A gift of welcome from One Forgiving, Merciful. 

SHAKIR: A provision from the Forgiving, the Merciful.


YUSUFALI: Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says, "I am of those who bow in Islam"? 

PICKTHAL: And who is better in speech than him who prayeth unto his Lord and doeth right, and saith: Lo! I am of those who are muslims (surrender unto Him). 

SHAKIR: And who speaks better than he who calls to Allah while he himself does good, and says: I am surely of those who submit?


YUSUFALI: Nor can goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate! 

PICKTHAL: The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one which is better, then lo! he, between whom and thee there was enmity (will become) as though he was a bosom friend. 

SHAKIR: And not alike are the good and the evil. Repel (evil) with what is best, when lo! he between whom and you was enmity would be as if he were a warm friend.


YUSUFALI: And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint,- none but persons of the greatest good fortune. 

PICKTHAL: But none is granted it save those who are steadfast, and none is granted it save the owner of great happiness. 

SHAKIR: And none are made to receive it but those who are patient, and none are made to receive it but those who have a mighty good fortune.


YUSUFALI: And if (at any time) an incitement to discord is made to thee by the Evil One, seek refuge in Allah. He is the One Who hears and knows all things. 

PICKTHAL: And if a whisper from the devil reach thee (O Muhammad) then seek refuge in Allah. Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower. 

SHAKIR: And if an interference of the Shaitan should cause you mischief, seek refuge in Allah; surely He is the Hearing, the Knowing.


Here is a link to the source of the above verses.

Indeed the verses of Quran are very harsh on the non-believers. There is no doubt about that. But the question is that why are the people crying so intensely. Can it not be inferred that people are crying for the salvation of humanity. It is very common in mosques to listen to such Quranic discourses and shed tears and also to pray to Allah that non-Muslims be shown a straight path. It is also common for Muslims to cry over their own plight. Why cannot one think that there are ex-non-Muslims and ex-sinners standing in the prayer who are praying for their own salvation. Why does Sam Harris have to infer that Muslims are crying tears of joy because non-Muslims are being sent to hell according to the verses. Indeed one should try to understand that the opposite could be true. That Muslims are shedding tears of empathy viz a viz non-Muslims. Islam does not teach Muslims to look at any or many non-Muslims as inferior beings as compared with themselves. On the contrary, it is a central message of the teachings of Islam to be humble in this regard. Humility is specially preached because it is believed that any amount of faith that a Muslim has can be snatched from him by the will of Allah and can be given to the non-believer. Should any one have any doubts regarding that, he/she should visit Ubqari and listen to the online lectures. Here is a link to one of the many sermons I have heard from Hakeem Tariq Mehmood Chughtai in which he has particularly prayed for non-Muslims, taught how to behave with non-Muslims, which includes Christians, Jews, Hindus and atheists etc. I have personally heard hakeem sahib literally cry while praying for non-Muslims. Particularly, it is taught that all humanity is bonded in a brotherhood in a meaningful sense. It is taught that the whole humanity is ummah. It is a pity that the lectures are in Urdu but the listener can ask an Urdu speaking person for help. An excerpt from another weekly sermon can be  found here in which Muslims are strongly advised to scratch off any hatred or grudges they hold in their hearts about non-Muslims. And indeed, these kind of emotions should be sowed in the hearts of the human beings which could lead to a peaceful co-existence.

Sam Harris has nonetheless gotten the whole message wrong and has portrayed it as an equally haunting thing about Islam to his readers. But I hope that Sam would change by the passage of time. In any case, his current argument is absolutely wrong. I thought he is better than that.

Actually if you watch the video again very carefully you will observe that the congregation starts crying the most on recitation of the following verse:

041.029 

YUSUFALI: And the Unbelievers will say: "Our Lord! Show us those, among Jinns and men, who misled us: We shall crush them beneath our feet, so that they become the vilest (before all)." 
PICKTHAL: And those who disbelieve will say: Our Lord! Show us those who beguiled us of the jinn and humankind. We will place them underneath our feet that they may be among the nethermost. 
SHAKIR: And those who disbelieve will say: Our Lord! show us those who led us astray from among the jinn and the men that we may trample them under our feet so that they may be of the lowest.

Now, the verse just before that is: 

041.028 
YUSUFALI: Such is the requital of the enemies of Allah,- the Fire: therein will be for them the Eternal Home: a (fit) requital, for that they were wont to reject Our Signs. 
PICKTHAL: That is the reward of Allah's enemies: the Fire. Therein is their immortal home, payment forasmuch as they denied Our revelations. 
SHAKIR: That is the reward of the enemies of Allah-- the fire; for them therein shall be the house of long abiding; a reward for their denying Our communications.

One may infer whatever one may wish from this. But clearly, it can be inferred with a high likelihood that congregation is crying on the idea that it is probably too late for the unbelievers to ask for such compensations and relaxations on part of the unbelievers to ask Allah to let them know of the jinns and humans who led them astray as they have reached the judgement day. This thought is what I guess makes the whole congregation cry. The congregation is crying in empathy for the non-believers that they should, or should have, repented while they were alive and not once they have died. Obviously one could infer any amount of bigotry from anything and it is always a personal wish.

In light of new evidence, it sounds that the materialist face of science is crumbling. More and more people in the scientific arena are getting to believe that there indeed is life after death. This is based on a great deal of evidence from NDE and OBE research and also from western spiritualism. Indeed if this turns out to be true it would mean an official end for atheism as any system of thought. As atheism is based on two basic premises. One, that there is no God. And second, that there is no life after death. Indeed, most believers would fail to show any concrete evidence for the existence of the God they believe in. But whether there is afterlife or not? A great deal of evidence suggests that there is one. The internet is full of accounts of that including lucid explanations on youtube to intricate journal publications of the past spiritualists. So while atheism crumbles, Sam Harris current articles seems to be one of his last takes on religion. In the meanwhile, Muslims lament over the plight of the humanity in the afterlife, according to their beliefs. Perhaps they are lamenting as perhaps someone would mourn over the death of a loved one. There is nothing wrong about it.

But Sam Harris is a nice man otherwise. I truly believe that he is a very good natured man. I have always given due attention to his views on religion and read them with open-mindedness. This time, even though he wrote the article very eloquently, he failed to make a point. Indeed, he has messed it all for himself. That is, from an argumentative point of view.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Islam And Tolerance - Various Episodes


Islam And Tolerance
Treatment of Non-Muslims By The Prophet (May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) of Islam


Please follow Ubqari for more on Islamic spirituality.


By Ibn Zaib Bhikaari

As Muslims we are the followers of an extremely well-mannered Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). He had an exemplary attitude viz a viz non-Muslims. You read in the previous episodes. Now read about the enlightened lives of his followers. Think, the power of decision rests with you.

Episode 56 – February, 2011

When Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) sent an army on the expedition of Syria, he addressed the emir of the army: ”You will find a nation which has devoted itself for the worship of Allah. Leave them. I make ten recommendations for you. Do not kill any woman, child, or an old person. Do not cut a fruit bearing tree. Do not ruin a place that is inhabited. Do not slaughter goat or camel without need for eating. Do not burn any oasis. Do not cheat in the property that has been confiscated due to battle. And do not become cowards.

Security of the Rights of Non-Muslims: The countries that were conquered in his time, their non-Muslim population was taken under safety and took complete responsibility for guarding their rights. The rights that were given to non-Muslims by Rasool Allah (may Allah’s peace be upon him) the same were given by him. When Heera was conquered, a pact was made with the christians of that place that their churches and mausoleums will not be demolished. Their that palace will not be demolished in which they hid themselves while competing with the enemy. They will not have any prohibition in knelling and ringing of church bells. On the occasions of religious ceremonies they will not be prohibited to take out their crosses. Any old person who became handicapped for work or someone contracted a severe illness. Or if someone was wealthy in the beginning and then became destitute. From such people taxes would not be charged. And till the time they stayed alive their kin’s needs would be fulfilled from the bait-al-maal. Nonetheless, if they go to another country their relatives’ financial assistance would not be a responsibility of the Muslims. It was also written in this agreement that the non-Mulims would have permission to wear any dress other than the military dress. On the condition that they do not try to imitate the Muslims. The instruction for avoiding imitation was given so that a difference be maintained between Muslims and non-Muslims to give complete security to the latter.

Episode 56 – April, 2011

A slave of hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was a christian. He (RA) used to invite him to embrace Islam. But he (RA) never emphasized too much. He (RA) used to say that there is no compulsion in Islam. The slave remained christian throughout his (RA) life.

Hazrat Umar (RA) had blown such a spirit of Islam’s true teachings among his officials and soldiers that non-Muslims of the conquered countries automatically kept on embracing Islam by getting impressed with their fear of Allah, following of sunnah, piety, abstinence, hospitality, helpfulness, behavior, truthfulness, justice, mercy, equality, good treatment of opponents.

When the Muslim army reached Syria, the ambassador of Romans, George, embraced Islam. The emir of of Shitaa, a city of Egypt, embraced Islam with two thousand people. The bishop of Damascus came to hazrat Khalid bin Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) and embraced Islam in front of him. After the conquest of Jalola the emirs and affluent of that city themselves embraced Islam. After the battle of Qaadsia the royal regiment of Iran embraced Islam with 4000 soldiers. When some army officers of Yazdgird converted to Islam, nations like Siaabcha, Zatt, and Andghaar also embraced Islam. People of a few towns of Egypt also became Muslims. After the conquest of Wimyaat the whole population ranging from Baqaara to Asqalaan embraced Islam. And then who can refuse to accept this reality that the population of the whole territories of Iraq, Syria, Egypt and Iran gradually embraced in such a way that Muslim majority increased in these countries. And those countries became known as Muslim countries. If Muslims had not exhibited the elegant model of their tolerant character there, how would they have embraced Islam. A few people can be pressed and oppressed but to persuade a whole territory with force and terror to a particular religion is against the human nature.

Episode 57 – March, 2011

The accounting of the financial offices of Iraq, Egypt and Syria was kept in their local languages. For this reason, in the era of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA), the accountants used to be majoosi (fire worshippers?), christians or qatbis. They used to be treated well according to the commands of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA). Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) cared about the zimmis (non-Muslims living in Muslim lands) even on his death bed. He said I instruct the caliph who would follow me to treat the zimmis (non-Muslims) well. Whatever truce be made with them, should be well guarded. They should be defended against their enemies well. And they should not be given loads which they cannot bare. He was very punitive about the mistakes of the governors. Once he addressed the people: ”By Allah, I do not send my governors to you so that they should slap on your faces. snatch your property, they are sent because they can teach you your religion and sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad (may Allah’s peace be upon him). If a responsible should treat someone out of the boundaries prescribed by religion and sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad (may Allah’s peace be upon him), I would definitely avenge on behalf of the person that is oppressed. Listening to this Hazrat Amar bin Al-Aas (RA) said that if a Muslim governor gives corrective punishment to his people should he also be fined? Hazrat Umar (RA) said, yes, I will certainly fine him, I have seen Hazrat Muhammad (may Allah’s peace be upon him) paying fines himself.” Hazrat Umar (RA) used to know if a government official used to express his grandeur, did not visit the ill, weak cannot approach his office, and he (RA) used to suspend him. He given instructions to governors that they should not ride Turkish horses, should not wear thin clothings, should not eat sieved flour, should not keep guards on the door, should always keep the doors open for the needy. If someone used to go against these instructions he used to take severe corrective actions against him.

Episode 59 – May, 2011

4.1 Tolerance of Hazrat Usman (May Allah be Pleased With Him)

All the agreements that were made with non-Muslims in the times of Hazrat Umar (RA) were kept in the era of hazrat Usman (RA). And all the new territories that were conquered, the same tolerant spirit was maintained there too. The training of which was given by Rasool Allah (may Allah be pleased with him). He kept on following the holy prophet (may Allah’s peace be upon him) in his every small or big deed. His era remained tormenting due to some reasons. Even then due to the chivalry of Muslims soldiers Taraablas, Algeria, Qabras, Tabristaan and Armenia were conquered. In his time there were also a lot of mutinies. His personality had a lot of softness and regard for others. But he kept on overcoming these mutinies by adopting the strategies of lack of tyranny and blissfulness. In order to be aware of the wellbeing or not of the conquered territories he used to send delegations of notable sahaaba-e-karaam (friends of prohept Muhammad (may Allah’s peace be upon him)). On fridays he wold ask about the circumstances of neighboring countries by reaching the rostrum. And he had made a general announcement that if anyone has any problem with a governor, he should describe that on the occasion of hajj. On this occasion he used to call all the concerned officials so that inquiry of such matters could be done easily.

In his time Muslims did some bad treatments towards the christians of Nijraan. They complained about it to hazrat Usman (RA) by coming to him. At that time the governor of that place was hazrat Waleed bin Utba (RA). Hazrat Usman (RA) wrote to him that the chief of the citizens of Nijraan in Iraq has come to me and complained and showed to me the condition which hazrat Umar (RA) had set with them. I have come to know about the damages Muslims have done to them. I have reduced their taxes. I have given it to them in the way of Allah. And I have given them all the land that hazrat Umar (RA) had agreed with them.

Episode 60 – June, 2011

5.1 Religious Tolerance of Hazrat Ali Al-Murtaza(May Allah Be Pleased With Him)

Hazrat Ali (RA)’s era of caliphate also remained mostly tormenting and vociferous. The period of his caliphate was five years. Due to fights and rebellions he could not achieve that peace of mind which is mandatory for ruling. But he had gotten his grooming under the shadow of Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him). That is why about anchoretism, piety, worship, hospitality and good treatment and character whatever good examples can be given all were present in his personality. No contemporary was his equal in chivalry. But he continuously kept on acting on this hadith of Rasool Allah (may peace be upon him) that brave is not the one who defeats his enemy rather brave is the one who can control his nafs (self). This story of his life is very famous. That in one battle he bowled over a jew and sat on his chest. He wanted to kill him that he spat on his face. At once he got away from his chest. The jew got astonished and asked the reason for his getting away. And he said that initially I wanted to kill you for Allah, you spat on my face. If I had killed you now, I would have done it for my nafs (self), which would not have been right. The jew accepted Islam after listening to this.

He remained very popular due to the beauty of his treatment and character. Depending on this quality of his Rasool Allah (may Allah’s peace be upon him) kept on taking the work of spreading Islam continuously. After the conquest of Makkah Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed (RA) was appointed for spreading the message of Islam in banu-Khuzaima. Initially this tribe accepted Islam and then they refused. Hazrat Khalid (RA) imprisoned and killed some of these people. When Rasool Allah (may Allah’s peace be upon him) learnt this, he became sad. You (may Allah’s peace be upon you) had complete confidence in Hazrat Ali’s (RA) performance in dealing with circumstances. That is why you (may Allah’s peace be upon you) sent him to banu-Khuzaima in order to make up for the damage. Hazrat Ali (RA) dealt with the matter with tolerance. Redeemed the prisoners and paid monetary concessions for the people who were killed. (Fateh Albaari)

Episode 61 – July, 2011

6.1 The Good Treatment of Hazrat Ali (RA) Towards Non-Muslims

Once upon a time Hazrat Khalid (may Allah be pleased with him) was sent for the purpose of tableegh (daawaah) to Yemen. He remained unsuccessful there. Rasool Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) chose hazrat Ali (RA) to be sent over there. Hazrat Ali (RA) initially considered this task as difficult. But Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed for him by putting his hand on his chest: ”O Allah! make his tongue truthful and enlighten his heart with the light of hedayet.” After this he tied amaama shareef (turban) on his head and sent him towards Yemen by giving him black knowledge (siyaah ilm?). Hazrat Ali (RA) changed the atmosphere of that place with the beauty of his strategy and treatment in such a way that the whole tribe of Hamdaan converted to Islam. (Fateh-al-Baari, khulafaa-e-raashideen).

Khaarijis kept on continuously conspiring against Hazrat Ali (RA). They kept on provoking majoosis (fire worshippers?), apostates, new-Muslims, and minorities (zimmi?), for mutiny. But Hazrat Ali (RA) handled these mutinies with a lot of patience. When they were subdued, he treated them in a very nice way. Iranian rebels said about his charitable treatment that the method of governance of Ameer-ul-momineen Hazrat Ali (RA) bin Abi-Taalib has made us forget the memory of the governance of Nosheerwaan.

He had maintained and attitude of love and affection with zimmis (minorities?). Hazrat Ali (RA) maintained all the pacts that he had made with them.

The most glorious example of Hazrat Ali’s (RA) charitable treatment is that when his murderer, Ibn-Baljam, was brought to him was brought to his death bed, he said by looking at him: give him good bed, have him sleep on a soft bed. If I remain alive, then I would have the authority to forgive him or to take revenge from him. If I die, I would fight with him in front of Allah. Then he also made this will that he should be avenged softly, that is, his hands or feet should not be cut.

Episode 62 – August, 2011

7.1 The Good Treatment of Hazrat Ali (RA) Towards Non-Muslims

Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) did not tolerate the betrayal of right of non-Muslims under any circumstance. When non-muslims complained about the severity and strict handling of one of his officials, Hazrat Amar bin Muslima (RA), he wrote: ”I have come to know that the non-Muslim farmers of your country have problems with your strict attitude. There is nothing better in this. You should handle things both with softness and strictness. But strictness should not reach the limits of oppression. And softness should not reach the limits of loss. Whatever is due to be received from them, yu should receive it. But save yourself from spilling their blood. Similarly, an irrigation canal of non-muslims was ruined. He wrote to the official hazrat Qarz bin Kaab (RA) that it is the duty of the Muslims to rehabilitate the canal. And that I can swear upon my life I like its rehabilitation. Inspite of this that the people living there be exiled.”

Once upon a time the armor of Hazrat Ali (RA) fell somewhere. A christian picked it up. He recognized it as he (RA) saw it. The christian refused to give it. Despite being the caliph of the time hazrat Ali (RA) reported the matter to the Qazi (judge) of the shariah and filed a case. Qazi asked that what proof did he have of the armor being his (RA)? He could not provide any evidence and the Qazi made the judgement in favor of the christian. The christian got impressed by it and said that this justice is like that of prophets. Ameer-ul-momineen (RA) presents me in front of the Qazi to make a judgement and after that the Qazi makes a judgement against him (RA). After that he converted to Islam. When Hazrat Ali (RA) used to send a military convoy somewhere, he used to address them: ”I advise you to acquire the piety of that Allah, with whom you have to ultimately meet. Other than this you cannot have a destination. And he is the lord of this world and the afterlife. Look! The expedition on which you are being sent, make complete arrangements for that. And perform such deeds that will make you near to Allah. Because only those worldly things will be useful, which reach Allah.”

Episode 64 – October, 2011

The jews of khyber adopted such a rebellious attitude that not only did they cheat in the matters of Muslims and tried to spread their destruction rather they threw the son of Hazrat Umar (RA), Hazrat Abdullah (RA), from the top of the roof. Due to this his hands broke. Hazrat Umar (RA) exiled them from Khyber. But in the times of Rasool Allah (may Allah’s peace be upon him) an agreement was made with them that they would be partners in half of the land and half of the yield. Thus, at the time of exile Hazrat Umar (RA) gave them silver and gold equivalent to their shares of half the land and half the yield.

The jews of Fidak also did political mutiny. Hazrat Umar (RA) had made a truce with them on the conditions of exile. That is why at the time of exile he (RA) gave them the justifiable price of whatever shares they had in oasis and land. He sent some acquaintances to set these terms with them and according to the pact whatever price was set with them was given to them.

When hazrat Umar (RA) used to get knowledge of any rebellious conspiracy in his land, he (RA) used to act severely to dissipate it. If this conspiracy used to be from non-muslims, although he would hesitate in punishing them but even in this he used to be merciful and tolerant. When Syria was conquered. On the boundary of it there was a city known as Arboos. A truce was made with the people of this city. But they used to secretly conspire with the Romans of central Asia and used to tell the secrets of Muslims to them. When Hazrat Umar (RA) came to know about this, he wrote to the governor of that place, hazrat Umair bin Saad (RA), to give them a deadline of one year, that they refrain from their conspiracy. And if they do not refrain, their property, land, animals and belongings be counted and the price be given and they be asked to leave. This order was fulfilled.

Episode 66 – December, 2012

In the era of Hazrat Umar (RA) also there remained continuous confrontation with the Romans. And when the chivalrous military chiefs of Hazrat Umar (RA) occupied Damascus, Jordan and Qabas Harqul? was extremely perplexed and horrified. He called his military emirs and asked, ”what is the reason, Arabs are too numerous compared to us in terms of numbers and amunition and even then they become successful.” An experienced person gave an answer for this, ”Arabs have better morals than us. They worship at night and fast during the day. They do not oppress anyone and live with equality amongst each other. In comparison to that our situation is that we drink, indulge in adultery, do not keep promises, and oppress others. The result of this is that, in their every activity they have vigor and perseverance and our activities are void of them.”

In the battle of Fahal when the Romans wished to have a truce they sent a message to the chief of Arabs, Hazrat Abu-Ubaida (RA) that some person should come over as an ambassador. Hazrat Abu-Ubaida (RA) sent Maaz-bin-Jabal (RA). When Hazrat Maaz (RA) reached the camp of the Romans he saw that there was a very expensive floor laid in the tent. He stopped there. A christian came and said, ”I can hold the horse, you please go and sit in the court.” The piety and sacredness of Maaz (RA) was well known. And even the christians were aware of that. That is why they really wanted to respect them. His staying out disturbed them. Maaz (RA) said, ”I do not want to sit on the floor that has been prepared by snatching the rights of the poor.” Saying this he sat on the floor. Christians felt pity and said that they wanted to respect him but if he did not care about it, what could they do. Hazrat Maaz (RA) became angry. He stood on his knees and said, ”what you consider as respect, I do not care about that, if sitting on the floor is a tradition of the slaves, then who can be a bigger servant of Allah than me.” Roman’s were astonished about his carelessness and independence. So much so that a person asked, ”is there a person among Muslims who, in this regard, is more than you?” He said, ”I can swear upon Allah! this is enough that I should not be the worse of all.” Romans kept quiet.

10 Episode 67 – January, 2012

A fireworshipper named Shamoon was a neighbor of Hazrat Hasan Basri (RA). When he neared death, you (RA) went to him and saw that his body had become black due to the smoke of fire. You (RA) advised him to accept Islam by abandoning fire worship. Allah will have mercy! He said that he was nihilist about Islam due to three reasons. First, while according to your beliefs love of the world is a bad thing then why do you struggle for it? Second, when you consider that death is certain then why do you work in the world to attain the will of God? And that considering the certainty of death, why don’t you prepare for it? Third, that when you consider that the river of God’s sight as very special and wonderful, the why do work against the will of God in this world? You (RA) replied that these are deeds and character of the believers (meaning that they do not reflect the teachings of Islam), but what what had he achieved by wasting time in believing in fire worship? A believer, no matter what his character is, after all believes in the unity of God. But you have worshiped fire for seventy years. And if both of us fall in the fire, would it burn both of us equally, or would it have any regard for your worship? but my God has that much power that should He will, the fire cannot give me minutest of the harm. And after saying this, he held fire in his hand and the fire did not affect him at all. Upon getting impressed by this Shamoon said that I have I have indulged in fire worship for seventy years, what would I achieve by becoming a Muslim now? But when you (RA) insisted again to him to accept Islam, he said that he would accept Islam on one condition that you (RA) should write a testimonial for him that after my becoming a Muslim Allah Almighty would forgive all of my sins. You wrote a testimonial to him about this subject. After this Shamoon became a Muslim by the truth of his heart. And he made a request that upon his death you (RA) would wash his body with his hands and lay him down in his grave and place the testimonial in my hand so that on the day of judgement I have a proof about being a believer. And by making this will he recited the testimony of unity and departed from this world. The same night you (RA) saw in a dream that Shamoon is wearing a very expensive dress and is wandering in the heaven. And when you (RA) asked about as to what happened to him? He said God forgave him by virtue of his mercy and what the bounties He bestowed upon him were indescribable. Thus, there is no burden on you (RA) and that you (RA) can take your testimonial back. Because it is not needed now. And when you (RA) woke up in the morning, that testimonial was in your hand.

11 Episode 68 – February, 2012

Hazrat Imran bin Hassain (may Allah be pleased with him) describes an account of a journey that on a night we stayed somewhere. In the morning everyone fell asleep. The prayer was missed. That was offered immediately afterwards. We had run short of water. And we were extremely thirsty. The prophet of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) sent me with some riders in search of water. When we went out we saw a woman taking two skins of water on her camel. We asked her as to where could the water be found? She said that water was not available in the vicinity. That she had traveled away from her tribe for a day and a night to fetch water. She told that she was a widow and that she had small orphaned children. We took her to the prophet of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). Upon your (PBUH) order the camel was sat down. You (PBUH) put your hand on the skin. Took a little bit of water and gargled with it. After this Your (PBUH) this miracle was observed that were were 40 people. All of us drank water from it. And whatever, big or small, utensils we had, we filled them all. One person had the need for taking shower. He was given water for that. Despite that it felt that the skins were so full that they were tearing apart. He (PBUH) told that woman, ”look we have not lessened your water.” Then due to Your (PBUH) command we gave her pieces of leftover bread and dates. You (peace be upon you) said, ”go and feed these to your children.” She went to her tribe and told about this incident and everyone accepted Islam.
It is said about Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that during his journey of Syria he took water from the house of a christian woman and performed ablution with it. Imam Shaafi (RA) has quoted this incident that Hazrat Umar (RA) performed ablution by taking water from the pitcher of a christian woman.

12 Episode 69 – March, 2012

Khawaja Moin-ud-din Chishti (may Allah’s blessings be upon him) was in reality Sultan-ul-hind and a bringer of prosperity sage. You were the one who spread light of Islam in the infidel land of India. And for spreading the religion you spread a network of your caliphs and scholars of spiritual knowledge in every corner of India. They started brining non-Muslims under the shadow of the teachings of Islam. You were not only a dignified wali (friend of Allah) rather you were India’s biggest and first Muslim leader with whose leadership not only that in the dark and infidel-nourishing corners of the land of India Islamic lights were lit, rather a Muslim dynasty was also established.

When Khawaja Moin-ud-din Chishti (RA) came to Delhi in the beginning, a person, hiding a knife under his armpit, attacked with the intention of killing him. Hazrat Khawaja Moin-ud-din Chishti (RA) lovingly said, ”since you have come, finish your job.” The infidel started quivering as soon as he heard these words. He fell in the feet and accepted Islam instantaneously. Seeing this wonder many other people also became Muslims.

13 Episode 70 – April, 2012

A fire worshipper named Behram used to live in the neighborhood of Hazrat Ahmad bin Hizb (RA). He was a big merchant. Once in the way robbers looted all of his property. When you heard about this you felt very sad. He said to his disciples, ”what if he is a non-Muslim. He is our neighbor. It is mandatory for us to console him. Let’s go and and console him. He is very sad.” Thus, you went to his house. He also respected you (RA) a lot. And took you (RA) in the house and sat you in a well decorated room. Since it was a time of severe famine, formalities were made, but he thought that may be you (RA) have come to eat something. You (RA) understood from your enlightened self and said, ”Behram, be comfortable. We have not come here to eat and drink. We have just come here to console you. We heard about your great loss.” He said, ”indeed my belongings were looted and I had a grave loss. But still there are three things for which it is mandatory for me to be thankful.” Firstly, I was looted but I did not loot anyone. Secondly, half of my belongings are still left with me. Thirdly, that worldly belongings were looted, belongings of the afterlife were saved.” You (RA) said to your disciples that his sayings have a smell of friendship. Then you (RA) asked that tell us that why do you people worship fire? He said that only so that on the day of judgement I remain safe from it. You (RA) said, ”you are worshipping it since a long time. And I could not understand its significance even for a single day. Come! let’s both of us put hands in it. We will get to know as to how much it spares you.” This suggestion struck Behram’s heart a little bit. He said, ”Ok explain four affairs to me. Why did Allah brought to life His creation?” You (RA) said, ”Creation was given birth so that it could recognize its creator. Sustenance was given so that they could know Him due to it. Death was given so that they could recognize Him by the virtue of His (Qahaari?). Then brought back to life so that they could recognize him by the virtue of His nature.” Behram said, ”Ok bring forward this fire and let’s test it too.” You (RA) put your hand in it and no harm happened. Behram embraced Islam at that point.

14 Episode 71 – May, 2012

Hazrat Kabeer-ul-Aulia, Sheikh Jalal-ud-din (RA) was very wealthy and a rich person of his time. And your father, Khawaja Mehmood (RA)’s wealth also did not have any measure. You (RA) were renowned for your knowledge and benevolence. From childhood you (RA) used to get upset about anyone’s problem. And till the time you (RA) would not solve his problem you (RA) would remain restless. You (RA) used to help poor and the needy a lot. You (RA) were very charitable and you had this habit till the end. You belonged to Paani Patt. You (RA) had not reached adolescence yet that you started developing mystic states. You (RA) would go to jungles and remain busy in worships there. When hazrat Sheikh Shams-ud-din (RA) made you a caliph he (RA) prayed for you (RA), ”Jalali! I give you this and that.” This meant that blessings of both life and afterlife were prayed to be bestowed upon him.

Thousands of people benefited from you (RA). Islam and the purpose of Islam benefited a lot. Plenty of hindus accepted Islam on your hands. You (RA) reached a mountain while touring, you (RA) saw that a hindu yogi was sitting still while his eyes were closed. When you (RA) reached near you gave movement to his heart. He opened his eyes. And gave you a piece of Paaras? (a gem) happily. You (RA) threw it in water while smiling. He did not like this act. He said, ”you (RA) did not value this priceless thing. I do not know give me my stone back. Otherwise I will not let you lift even a single foot from here.” And he behaved with severe insolence in front of you (RA). But you (RA) while exhibiting a good behavior went down into the spring and said, ”come pick your stone up.” What he saw was that there thousands of such stones (gems) were lying. You (RA) smiled and said, ”When respectful people of Allah look at any stone it becomes paaras (gem).” When he saw this wonder and the beautiful behavior he converted to Islam instantaneously. Then in his vicinity all of his disciples also converted to Islam. This yogi became a firm and a complete believer.

15 Episode 72 – June, 2012

15.1 The Beauty of Treatment of Saaien Tawakkal Shah Anbaalwi

In the character of Hazrat Shah Sahib (RA) many incidents can be found that show that he used to have a lot of affection on the creation of Allah. This did not have any discrimination of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian. A part of this affection was hadayet (guidance) too. He would meet everyone openheartedly. And he had a catch phrase, ”O banday Allah dai” (O man of Allah). He used to address the others with this.

Care for a Hindu Neighbor: You had so much regard for the punctuality of sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) that once in the neighborhood a Hindu died. You did not eat food till the time he was taken out for cremation. He said that he was a neighbor and when the neighbors are in sorrow food should be eaten by getting separate from them. This, he went to the mosque and ate a little bit of rice over there.

16 Episode 73 – July, 2012

The inhabitants of Egypt were given complete independence in the matters of religious affairs. They were assured about the safety of life, property and personal respect. So much so that the great bishop of christians, Benjamin, who was in hiding due to the fear of the Romans, Hazrat Amar bin Alaas (may Allah be pleased with Him) invited him and appointed him on his designation. And about churches whatever concessions were asked were granted. On gaining religious independence Christians celebrated a lot and speeches were made in the churches. Asqaf Baasili said, ”After a long oppression of Romans, I am seeing an era of redemption and peace in Alexandria today.” In the eyes of the Muslims jews, christians, polytheists and fire-worshippers were all equal. And muslims used to treat everyone with sympathy and love. After seeing the beauty of behavior of Muslims, myriads of non-Muslims adopted Islam and by the passage of time they started adopting Arabic language too. The result of this was this that in future eras Egypt became a center of Islamic culture and civilization. When Muslims conquered Alexandria, an arrow of a person belonging to the Muslim Army accidentally broke an eye of the statue of Hazrat Isa (may Allah’s peace be upon Him) (Jesus Christ). This incident deeply agonized the Christians. They went to the chief of the Muslim Army, Hazrat Amar-bin-Alaas (may Allah be pleased with Him), and said, ”your man has broke an eye of the statue of Jesus Christ (Hazrat Isa (AS)). You should also make a statue of your prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon Him). And we would break an eye of that statue in return.” The chief of the Muslims said, ”this sounds like a foolish idea. It would be better that instead of breaking the eye of the statue, you should break the eye of a Muslim soldier.” A christian agreed to do this. The chief of the muslims himself gave him his dagger and said, ”my eye is presented here, you can break it.” Seeing this justice of the chief of Muslims the dagger dropped down from the hands of the christian and he refrained from this act.

17 Episode 74 – August, 2012

It is described in Israr-at-Tauheed that one day Abu-Saeed Abu-Al-Khair (RA) was passing through a street with a group of people. A woman was throwing the ash of her stove from the top of her roof. Some ash fell on Sheikh’s clothes. Sheikh was not affected by this incident at all. But his companions became severely angry. And they felt about asking the man of the house. Sheikh said that they should not become angry. Only ash has fallen on the person who deserved fire. This time is appropriate for thanking Allah instead. Everyone became quiet by listening to this. And no one harmed any one.

Hazrat Ba-Yazeed (RA) was passing through a graveyard. A Bistaami young man was playing a musical instrument. You recite Laa-hola-waala after seeing him. That young man struck his instrument so severely on hazrat’s head that his head got wounded. And the instrument also broke. You came back to your house and sent to him the price of the instrument and a little bit of sweet. And also sent this message to buy a new instrument from that money and eat sweet so that the sorrow of broken instrument may go away. When the young man got this message he felt very ashamed. He came back to sheikh and asked for forgiveness.

18 Episode 75, September, 2012

The historian of Islam ibn-e-Khuldoon writes that Hazrat Amar bin Al-Aas (RA) used to sit on the floor with the common people of his palace in Egypt. When Maqooqas (king of Egypt) used to come to him (RA), potters used to carry former’s throne. And he used to sit on his throne like kings with Hazrat Amar bin Al-Aas (RA). Because Maqsoos was a zimmi? (non-Muslim) and the Muslims used to care about their truces and pacts. And worldly glory so far had not gained any value in their eyes. So on this act of Maqsoos nobody criticized.

Hazrat Abu-Ubaida (RA) took bait-al-maqdas under siege. On getting anxious about the siege the priests of bait-al-maqdas made a truce on this condition that the conditions for truce be set through the caliph himself. Thus, on invitation of Hazrat Abu Ubaida (RA) Ameer-ul-momineen Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) went to bait-al-maqdas. When ameer-ul-momineen went close to the city of Jerusalem, a christian came to you. And said, ”I am a zimmi (a non-Muslim living in a Muslim country) and this is my garden in front. Some people of your army are harming.” Ameer-ul-momineen went close to the garden and saw that some people were taking grapes away from the garden. Ameer-ul-momineen stopped those people. They said that they were hungry. Hazrat Umar (RA) went inside the garden and found some people there too. He (RA) called that zimmi (non-Muslim) to himself and asked about the price of the garden and paid him the price.

19 Episode 77 – November, 2012

When Ameer-ul-momineen hazrat Umar (RA) went to the church of Kaneesa and the time of prayers approached there, he said to Venice Batareeq, ”I want to offer my prayers.” Batareeq replied, ”Ameer-ul-momineen, you can offer your prayers here.” You (RA) refused to do so. Batareeq went to the church of Constantinople, but you (RA) did not offer your prayers there too. You (RA) offered your prayers outside the church in front of the door. And said to Batareeque that I did not offer the prayers inside the church so that in future Muslims do not capture the church following the logic that Umar (RA) had prayed there. After that you (RA) wrote a letter and gave it to Batareeque. In which it was written, ”Any Muslim cannot pray in the church with Azaan and jamaa (as a group prayer), although he can pray alone.”

Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) made a peace agreement with the priest of Ghaanaat on the following conditions. (1) Their temples not be destroyed. (2) They should be able to ring their bells and display crosses on their religious festivals whenever they like, during the day or night, but not during the times of the prayers.

While playing polo a rich Qatbi man advanced his horse further from that of governor of Egypt, hazrat Amar bin Alaas (RA). The son of Hazrat Amar bin Alaas (RA) angrily beat the rich man with a whip. The rich man went to Madina Munawara and complained about it to ameer-ul-momineen hazrat Umar (RA). Ameer-ul-momineen (RA) called both the father and the son from Egypt and gave a whip in the hands of the rich man and said, whoever of these has beaten you, you can also beat him. The rich man whipped hazrat Abullah (RA). Hazrat Umar (RA) pointed towards Hazrat Amar-bin-Alaas (RA) and said, ”on him too”. The rich man said, ”no, he is my mentor.”

20 Episode 76, October, 2012

The peace treaty that was written through Ameer-ul-Momineen, Hazrat Umar Farooq (may Allah be pleased with him) for the inhabitants of Bayt al-Muqdis (Jerusalem) had written in it: ”The life, property, churches, cross, sick, healthy of inhabitants of Aelya and Bayt al-Muqdis all are given peace . Habitation in their temples is forbidden. And neither should they be demolished. So much so that even their enclosures would not be harmed. Nor would any deficiency be made in their crosses or properties. Nor would any torture be done as regards their religion.

Misho? writes about the history of crusades that, ”When Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) conquered Bayt -al-Muqdus he didnot give any hardship to the christians. Contrary to this when crusaders conquered this city they extremely ruthlessly committed genocide of Muslims and burnt the Jews.

Renowned English Historian Gibbon writes: ”Caliph Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) indeed conquered Bayt al-Muqdus, but neither did he torture the inhabitants of the city nor did he interfere in their religion. A part of the city was set aside for christians, priests, and cardinal bishop(?). For the security of this christians only had to pay 2 Dinaar annually. Instead of stopping the pilgrimage to Bayt al-Muqdus, Muslims facilitated it so that due to visiting business could be flourished. After 460 years of this when this sacred city went back into the hands of European Christians, the eastern Christians used to miss and remember the tolerant governance of the Arab Caliphs.

21 Episode 78 – December, 2012

21.1 Treatment of Non-Muslims in the Time of Treason and Revolt

Foreign nations are complete strangers. In the time of treason and revolt even the most civilized of the empires cannot do any favors even to its own people. But Sahaaba (friends of Prophet of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)) (may Allah be pleased with them) treated the minorities even under such circumstances with extreme politeness. On the extreme border of Syria there was a city Areesus. The Muslims had signed a peace treaty with the Christians living there. But these Christians conspired covertly with the roman and used to convey the news of Muslims to them. When Hazrat Umair bin Saad (may Allah be pleased with him), who was the governor of that place, informed about it to Hazrat Umar-e-Farooq (may Allah be pleased with him), he replied back in writing that the inhabitants be given twice the worth of their property and belongings and then they should be exiled. If they do not agree to this, they should be given a time of one year. Thus, after one year they were sent in to exile. These favors and amenities had such an effect on the minorities that they became supporters of Muslims themselves. Although Romans were themselves of the same religion as the Christians, when Romans made preparations for a great and decisive battle against the Muslims, these minority Christians sent their spies from all over to gain information about the Romans. The governors, that Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (may Allah be pleased with him) had appointed in every city, were approached by affluent christians from every city and reported about this bellicose preparation. When all the governors reported about this news to Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah (may Allah be pleased with him), he wrote back that all the tax that had been collected by the minorities be returned, because according to the treaty the security of latter was a responsibility of the Muslims and that they did not possess the means to do so at that time. When these officials returned these amounts back, the minorities were deeply impressed and exclaimed that, ”May God bring you back, if Romans had themselves been in this situation they would not have returned the tax back, rather they would have taken whatever was ours” When the Muslims won the christians themselves returned the money so that they could come under the shade of this blissful rain again.

22 Episode 79 – February, 2013

22.1 Forgiveness and Mercy and Benevolence Towards Enemies

Sufia-e-karaam (may Allah shower His blessings on them) have always adopted the attitude of forgiveness with the creation of Allah, muslim and non-muslim. This had a very good effect on the social environment. Once hazrat Malik bin Deenaar (RA) rented a house in the neighborhood of a jew. Your cottage was adjoining with the door of the jew. Thus, the jew made such a pipe out of enmity through which through which he used to pour all the filth in to your house. And the place of your prayer used to become dirty. You (RA) never complained. Once day the jew himself started saying, ”Do you have a problem due to my pipe?” You (RA) said, ”I clean the filth that comes out of the pipe every day. So I do not have any problem.” The jew said, ”You do not get angry even after bearing with so much filth. Your religion is definitely true.” (Tazkira-tul-Aulia, p, 27).

One of the guests of hazrat Nizam-ud-din Aulia (RA) said, ”Some ill-religious, your ill-wishers bad mouth about you everywhere, which we cannot listen.” You (RA) said, ”I have forgiven everyone, you should also forgive them. Do not argue with such people.”

Encouragement and Affection: In front of Sufia-e-karam (RA) there no better deed than encouragement, affection, and to provide happiness to others. Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (RA) went to a person with a few dirhams. He said that he did not need them. You (RA) said, ”You do not need them but I am a Muslim. If you will accept them I will feel happy. So you should accept them to make me happy.” (kitab-ul-Alhuma, p, 263).

Please follow Ubqari for more on Islamic spirituality.