On

LETTER TO A FRIEND BORN IN AN ISLAMIC RELIGION.......

Respected Raghunathan!
You are a learned man and even if you make an assault on me I shall rather be contended to tolerate; so remain free and open to talk about anything and I shall also feel free to talk to you.
You have said about traditional education and dress. These both are things opposite to each other if are considered with the development in society and technical art. One can not teach a child how to ride the bullocks in a line or how to measure the length of land and the direction of sun to conclude the time as was done in the old days. Certainly we have to teach the twelve hours on the clock and the a.m, p.m and the timings of noons and late noons with those of night and the modern instruments and their knowledge. Just as we do not use sticks, maces and spears as weapons. If one does not have a modern knowledge he/she is just like a blind or not a creature of this world. As far as dress is concerned this is obvious that people of the past were not fools or had some shortage or excess of clothings except of those of some Africans. The national dresses best suit to a man of a certain nation. If you see an Indian in Kurta Shalwaar he will lood better and dignified. Three piece or two piece suits well suit to the English while the Americans look better in Jeans and hats similarly if foreign dress is adopted by the people of the other nations they never ever look civilized and better in appearance but rather look foolslike and funny. You may notice that how Indians look in three piece suits and how Turks look . To cover head is also an essential part but if one does not put a cap on head never should be asked or compelled to. You may have been well aware of the proverb ' topi Uchhaal di' used for one to be disgraced. Whenever there was a man of high rank even the Qazi or judge in Islam guilty of any corruption or favour his turban was to be rolled around his neck making his head bare brought before the public as a token of disgrace for him.
This is not a thing to be considered as a religious matter rather to sit and compromise on may have the solution and if there is some compulsion about made by some religious priests then that is totally unfair.
As about the dance I think that even if a girl does not dances and gets to the age of upto sixteen becomes conscious about the art of beauty in her. For a girl the most valuable degree is beauty, even if a girl does not possess other quality except beauty is valued the most in the society while lesser people look on to the other qualities. Being aware of her beauty or the charm one has a girl may not make consealed that and upto some extent reveals to some one even be her mates. This in the case of dance in public gives her the chance and opportunity to show herself to the public and bring about disturbance in her dignity as well as in the society.

DearMd.Ilyas,

Regards.

Thank you for your response.

Still I am not able to come to an understanding of the situation I am presenting as a real-life example. Be assured that I have no preconceived conclusions. I want your evidence or opinion as an insider.

Many old practices or regulations regarding dress or education were evolved centuries back when the social conditions were different in many respects.

I have seen that those old models of dress and decorum are still forcefully insisted by the  Priests of the religion  threatenig excommunication. Covering the head or preventing learning Bharatanatyam to be presented in front of an audience, are instances I know personally.
It was not clear for me even now after reading your latest response. It would be a great service done to my understanding if you respond taking into consideration the point[s] I raise as doubt.
Please dont figure me as a nasty person who naggs on a point. It is unavoidable for my better understanding.

No, Never. Everyone is free to practice his/her religion and even if one is won by love and kindness to the religion Islam. A head of any community may ask others and ban people of his community if they are making something wrong and harm to the society but he is not justified to terrorise people. The head of the community is no authority in Islam, it may be the community for their welfare choose someone.
                The dance is forbidden in Islam to be an act of becoming a woman to make as an object of  pleasure of a woman. As a study and knowledge there is nothing to be denied. Even the art of magic is not forbidden (being a sin is Islam) to be studied and learned but the practice and the show off to make pleasure as the dance is usually done is forbidden.
                Mr.Raghunathan; You have some concept made up in your mind about Islam that is to be altered. There is nothing in the religious teachings in Islam to be imposed on people with some other religion. It is ordered for a Muslim that even if be the father of one as a Non-Muslim to make the utmost respect to him.  There is no compulsion in Islam and if there is being seen making of is ultimately the thing against Islam. You may have seen in India that the former Chatrias of Punjab and the Jats, Gujars etc are mostly Muslims now who were the chief ruling faction. They have not been compelled to become Muslims but they have been attracted to the simple and straightaway philosophy of Islam. 
Here I define the basic principle or code of Islam in short;
1..God is one and Mohammad is his last Prophet, praying five times a day, fasting a month in a year, giving alms or Zakat for the rich of the two and a half of the wealth. If have money to visit Makkah in Saudia once. Spread religion and if the Islamic state orders make a Jehad or fight at the time of need. No compulsion in religion which is strictly prohibited.
2..The Islamic Law is simple, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. The killer should be killed before the public and the theif will have the hand cut off. The rapist must be stoned to be killed and if there in a case of adultery both be stoned to death if are married and if not be lashed. All be done in public. The chief judge or Qazi must be most indifferent as well as a brave and pious person who may have a voice in the court of the ruler also. Many a times in history of Islam corrupt Qazis have been humiliated and many a times they have been even summoning and questioning  the rulers of the time.
3..Islamic financial system is against the modern theory and that which has prevailed for long in history , there is no interest in loans in Islam and the profit must be shared according to the loss and gain in market.   
4..The Non-muslims subjects in an Islamic country will have to pay a special tax called 'Jazya' as they are not called for the defence of the country but if they take part in the defence and fight alongwith the Muslims are exempted from this.
           There are many concepts others have spread about the Jehad or Holy war. Jehad or fighting in Islam is as a duty imposed on every soul capable or taking up arms in the following cases;
1- to preach and take the teachings of Islam to other non-believers and into their lands, 
(this is the duty of the Muslim state which has further conditions)
2- if some one attacks the country 
3- in the defence of your life, honour and property 
4- to defend other people in trouble or in doing good to other people in trouble irrespectable of religion.
               while in fight not to harm the children, women, old, trees, houses and animals of the enemy. Also must not be harmed those who do not take part in the fight.
After reading this kindly ask any question freely about anything you have a doubt about.

Dead Md. Ilyas,
Regards.
Sorry for this delayed response. These days even I am busy! I have a weekly TV programme and for the past one month I got opportunity to continue with my old profession- teaching Physics to students- and I am continuing to do it.
I got your point and do appreciate it. Would you mind answering my question specifically, please:
Are the religious or community heads justified in prescribing [ no harm in peacefully propogating the idea] dress decorums to those who follow that religion and create a threatenning situation for those who have their own ideas about these?.
Can a head of a religious community order a member family that they will have to face dare consequences if the teen age girl in the family continues her persuit of the study of Bharatha Nattyam and Mohini Aattam?
I would be very much happy if you can give a direct answer. i KNOW i HAVE NO RIGHT TO ASK YOU WHAT WAY YOU SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT ANSWER.

Dear Md.Elyas,
Regards.
Thank you for your response. Because your response which was wanted most then, was not forthcoming., The other responses though good could not substitute your direct one. I was disillusioned. I thought people like you are not doing what they should, for better understanding. I practically stopped going through Sulekha even.
But now, after going through your delayed response, I am encouraged to continue the discussion.
This is simply an acknowledgement of your response Detailed comment follows.
"Better late, than Never" gets its full meaning here.
Thank you..

O.K Sir, I did not see your note about this as there might have been some drawbacks in the former page of Sulekha; it had been too heavy to open but now it is better than its last web page. 
In Islam there is no compulsion in veiling the face of a woman but it is ordered to conceal for a woman the parts of her body attracting others. A woman is directed to cover her body but to cover face is upon her choice. If she feels that she may wear that but is never compelled to. Women are more strongly advised to have education in Islam as it is directed to teach to a woman is like to teach a whole clan. That is directed to a woman to obey her husband and to give more attention to her children and home which is totally according to the nature of a woman. It is totally her right and if there is not preserved the dignity of a woman as a sister, mother or daughter then she remains just like a toy to play with and use. It is the teaching of apathy to make a woman free for being her right. It is not her right but a great injustice is being done to her. Moreover, a man needs a kind soul and a charming company in house so that he might be given a relief in home and on the other hand the man is a great defence and the power on what the woman relies. In my own opinion such jobs like that of police and military in which a woman remains out for long should not be recommended because these are not according to the nature and dignity of a woman to keep up her honour. Nudity as it  is considered by the mass in west to be the right of a woman is actually the injustice made to a woman. 
             As far as the type of dress is concerned the Indian culture and society except those of the belief are more like the Islamic traditions. The Kurta Shalvar, Kurta Pajama  Dopatta/Chunri  and caps like that of Nehru are alike as Islamic. There in India Hindu-Muslim differences had not appeared in history till the time of Aurangzeb Alamgir who produced the thing with his shorsightedness and narrowly mind. Why is Islam being not shown in its real form is because of three reasons; 
1.. The Mullahs or religious rigid priests when are being given political power do not understand it and being mostly not aware of other knowledge and learnings go beyond the extent and make others suffer thus emerging hatred. This is all because they are not given proper education in its correct form from their religious schools. 
2.. The Muslim political powers are mostly meakly and obliged to other Non-muslim countries so cannot reveal their desires and are indulged in conspiracies, cunning activities and plots trying to remain in cover. They can not claim openly what they desire. 
3.. The Unites States did rely on the Muslim fighters to end the giant of communism of Russia and made its best to help these fighters. Now, when the communism was off road, Unites States remained the only mighty power on earth thus wanted to capture the earth making it a great United Countries of Pentagon. It considered the same Muslim religious fighters who wre  formerly supported in Afghanistan war its formidable enemy; so started hunting them after the fall of Communism which is still on way. It is the part of this game that United States with its allies is making utmost effort in propaganda against Islam.

Dear Asho,
Regards.
Sorry I delayed my response to your comments. I hoped I will get a reply from my unrevealed Islam friend. He even gave a hint that he saw my letter blog. But he chose not to comment for his own reasons. It would have been nice to hear his views. He seemed to be open minded in some of his comments. I wonder whether in his set-up it is not wise for individuals to have their OWN opinion on religious matters. ...Only mob-opinion can stand with strength.
Now coming to your comment:
 I agree with your observation that there were differences between the two communities. Having differences is one thing and hating each other whole heartedly is some other thing.
I have differences with myself of the past. Members of the same family, neighbours, playmates, classmates, collegues.................will have silly to serious differences. But this difference is different. It will attain peak happiness in the annihilation of the THE DIFFERENT. Will such a feeling have centuries of history?

I feel that the idea "Mine is the only correct one worthy of existance" is propogated not by discussing about it but being dogmatic about it. One can encourage a discussion by initiating one. But as we have seen here , almost all ignore the invitation. It is mainly due to fear of being singled out. It is real fear, no doubt. Those who have grown up in a liberal atmosphere would not be able to imagine it.
But even for them practical life situations will be there where the dogmas are suffocating them. Then some bold and sincere one may take a suicidal but correct stand.
One example: Malappuram is a Muslim dominated district in Keralam. All the dogma and mobocracy of the medival age is at the command of the religious fanatics who are feared by the heads of spiritual and political organizations.
They objected to a girl who got top position from school in classical dance in School Arts Festival to continue with the competition in the sub-district, district and state level. The family and some relatives and neighbours supported the girl in this. Though the expulsion threat was there, it was not effective in stopping  the girl. May be such examples are not many. But they are there. 
I got your point in the matter of personal dress.
There were diffences among the subject people. It is natural for the imposed ruler, British, to use it to strengthen his power. And our historians and politicians cried against the "dirty" divide and rule policy of the Imperialist "blood suckers".
What happened after attaining political freedom, you have described in part. Pleasing the minorities going out of all bounds, has become a political strategy of all Parties that can afford to dream of the Power.
This vote bank strategy has played in the common way by the "hinduthwa" party as well. But then it was called a " broad-minded" approach! They are bothered about the ensuing general elections only. .......And the minorities are dealt whole-sale by the power brokers who seldom represent the majority of that community.
I understood and appreciate your reference to my crying for  "common man". But I think both of us mean the same which will be clear when the AIMS, ENDS and MEANS
are considered.
I know I have not "answered" you. It was not my intention. I tried to express myself in the light of the points raised by you.

Dear ASHO,

Regards.

Glad that I got such a learned response. What ever be the conclusion we arrive at, I am elated very much when the comments and responses are thought provoking and presented well balanced.. Though the number of Sulekhites who joined this dicussion were much less than usual, those who did made us proud of their background.
I am waiting for that unnamed Friend to comment on the blog and comments. [In fact I know the friend by the Sulekha id....].I have reason to believe that the friend will comment on my blog.
Meanwhile consider this response as an acknowledgement of your latest comment which in every way is an authentic Blog by itself. I have read it to appreciate it. More time is required to comment on it. I shall do so at my earliest. Please excuse for the delay. 

Mr. Raghunathan
Firstly banish the myth that there was constant amity between the two groups for centuries before the British came. There was not. It was always marked by intermittent flareups and wars. 
It is also not true that all Muslim rulers were despotic towards Indians. They were despotic towards all. Many of them were pragmatic in that they knew how to share power to keep the stability. No monarch- unless he is completely stupid- wants to wage a war all the time. But stability did not mean all was peachy. 
One must also note that there is casteism among Indian Muslims too. The Royalty often descended from the Afghans (or mixed Persian_Afghan)  or the Mongols, and they were racially different from the indigenous converted lot. So the equality principle of Islam stopped at the boundary between HIndu and Muslim groups. Within the Muslim group, there has always been discrimination, hierarchy and status differentiation. 
Finally, no one today denies that Ghauri and Ghazni were extremely greedy to the extent that they did not respect other people's religious sentiments. They were hoping to find gold inside the idols, and used the infidel excuse to destroy HIndu temples etc. 

Given this background, how could you imagine that the two groups were living in peace until the British came? 
In fact the Minto-Morley acts were based on the British perception that the two groups are not compatible, a perception they used for furthering their own aims. 
No one divided the two groups. They were always divided. 

With this intro, let me respond to some of your points:
In a democracy, you can gain support for your ideas by canvassing for them. You are right. By the same token, I can also gain support for my idea that a particular group is evil by canvassing for the idea.  The same freedoms are allowing certain other groups to spread the idea that everyone else is evil, and that modern education will take you to hell. So tell me, did you say democratic process?

I did not say their lifestyle collided with mine. I said if it does not, I dont care whether the woman chooses to wear a Burkha or does a striptease (actually I prefer the latter but I cannot coerce her alas).  With regard to demands, what about minority quotas, hajj and the recent christian pilgrimage funds etc. Some wise guy here said that the government arranges for security during Hindu pilgrimages. Such security is within the country whenever there are crowds just like in Mecca, and is the government's duty regardless of religion. It is another matter when you pay them money to go do something personal called religion.

And, Mr. Raghunathan, please dont cry for the common man so much. Many of us do, and it has become platitudinous. It is not you and me, the middle class clowns who burn buses or murder people during riots (well, our middle class brethren in the police do oversee some of those murders I understand). It is the common man who does those; and it is the common who refuses to say "I will not do this and I will not comply with your demands" to a venal politician. IN the end, it is you and I who end up paying the price because  our security and our happiness is diminished by that.

So, please be concerned for the common man but don't cry for him. He seems to be taking pretty good care of himself.

Dear Fita,
Regards.
Thank you for giving opportunity to read "Jesus is ravana". I shall give you my opinion about it in the proper forum.
Here I would like to get your comment on the issues raised in this blog. Please do the needful.