hi folks,
Its been days since I haven't written on anything serious as such. The other day my dad was enquiring about my blog and asked whether I was writing serious stuff or otherwise. I somehow managed to ward off his questions!! Though my blog is still not popular with my friends, but those who follow it have appreciated. I was looking for a source of inspiration and right this moment I am before you with my words straight from my heart.
Religion has always been a double edged sword. It has taught us compassion and also misled us. I just now remembered the 192 nation conference on Global Warming presently going in in Copenhagen where nations are set out to come to a consensus about how much emissions to reduce and whether to transfer the technology knowhow to poorer countries so that they at least get a chance to develop. A lot has been said about Global Warming being the greatest threat ever to the existence of humankind. And I too would like to believe so especially after seeing with my eyes what with the billowing smoke coming out from the chimneys doing to the beautiful clouds. This view from the window of a jet plane seemed to me like an aberration in the otherwise scenic earth I was watching. I realised how big our mother planet is. I realised that my outlook of the world is very skewed and narrow. I realised that nature knows no boundaries, no religion, no borders, no caste, no languages. It only knows the language of love. I instantly fell in love with her. And as my blog's welcome quote rightfully says "I am the citizen of the world". But the one thing that keeps bothering me is the fact that Global Warming is not that threatening as 'IT' is.
'IT' is TERRORISM. And before you think terrorism refers to the fighters fighting for JIHAD against the West, you are grossly mistaken. I mentioned the word JIHAD because terrorism is commonly associated with a MUSALMAN. Muslim religion is one of the most admired faith's for me. Similarly Christianity is a faith I admire. So let me quote the true interpretation of the word JIHAD
According to Beliefnet, 2 Al-Hajj Talib 'Abdur-Rashid, imam of the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood in Harlem, NY, defines three levels of jihad -- personal, verbal and physical. Considering each in turn:
 | Personal Jihad: This is the most important form. This type of jihad, called the Jihadun-Nafs, is the intimate struggle to purify one's soul of evil influences -- both subtle and overt. It is the struggle to cleanse one's spirit of sin. In a brochure, the Institute of Islamic Information & Education describes several different contexts in which The Qur'an (the Islamic Holy Book) and the Hadith (the collected sayings of Muhammad) use the word "jihad" to refer to personal struggles:
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| Verbal Jihad: To strive for justice through words and non-violent actions. Muhammad encouraged Muslims to demand justice in the name of Allah. When asked: "'What kind of jihad is better?' Muhammad replied, 'A word of truth in front of an oppressive ruler!'" 3 According to the Institute of Islamic Information and Education: "The life of the Prophet Muhammad was full of striving to gain the freedom to inform and convey the message of Islam. During his stay in Makkah [Mecca] he used non-violent methods and after the establishment of his government in Madinah [Medina], by the permission of Allah, he used armed struggle against his enemies whenever he found it inevitable." 1 | ||||||||||
| Physical Jihad: This relates to the use of physical force in defense of Muslims against oppression and transgression by the enemies of Allah, Islam and Muslims. Allah commands that Muslims lead peaceful lives and not transgress against anyone. If they are persecuted and oppressed, the Qur'an recommends that they migrate to a more peaceful and tolerant land: "Lo! Those who believe, and those who emigrate (to escape persecution) and strive (Jahadu) in the way of Allah, these have hope of Allah's mercy..."(Quran, 2:218). If relocation is not possible, then Allah also requires Muslims to defend themselves against oppression by "fighting against those who fight against us." 2 The Qur'an states: "To those against whom war is made, permission is given [to defend themselves], because they are wronged - and verily, Allah is Most Powerful to give them victory." (22:39) The defensive nature of physical jihad (or "jihad with the hand") is frequently lost among many, Muslims, Christians, secularists and others. |
In her book "Muhammed," author Karen Armstrong writes: "Fighting and warfare might sometimes be necessary, but it was only a minor part of the whole jihad or struggle. A well-known tradition (hadith) has Muhammad say on returning from a battle, ' We return from the little jihad to the greater jihad,' the more difficult and crucial effort to conquer the forces of evil in oneself and and in one's own society in all the details of daily life."
JIHAD is a sacred word and is misused by the Media and a few people who were born good but turned evil due to circumstances. Terrorism refers to the atrocities committed by the CIA, it also refers to the atrocities committed by religious hardcore militants. And that is the reason why I believe terrorism is the biggest threat to humankind now. And its we who are at fault for this. When you point a finger at George Bush or Osama Bin Laden, remember three fingers point towards the self. How many of us would dare to adopt a small kid begging at the roadside?
If you ask me whats the link, here it is: You don't even bother to look at him leave alone giving a rupee or two, and instead curse him. What you get, the kid curses you and develops a grudge against the rich. Poor kid doesn't know that all rich are not like that. He grows up, becomes a man and in need of money he does things he oughtn't to. He goes on to become a hardcore criminal and ultimately ends up being a Terrorist. Dawood Ibrahim, Tiger Memon, Veerappan, Osama Bin Laden etc.
Even the imperialistic so called sons of the Anti-Aryan Race as proclaimed by the greatest dictator humankind has ever seen HITLER, are inadvertently being terrorists with their acts of inhumane tortures against suspects whose only fault is either being BLACK or being a MUSLIM.
If you ask me the only solution to this problem is LOVE. "Love and be loved". Even I am guilty because at times I have not done what I ought to or what I have asked you to. But at least I realise that the solution wrests on our actions and deeds. And I am trying my best. Are You??
PS: I hate the word TERRORIST but there was no other option but to use it so many times in this post!!
regards,
taureansandy
1 comment:
Nice Article Sandy...This is IIM Stuff. With great powers comes great responsibility and thats where IIM matches i believe. Coming to Subject, It's definetly a sensitive matter but with a simple solution. I dont believe in love but an act of kindness to fellow personal can certainly do change in each individuals. When Kindness misses, hard feelings creep in, poverty, uneducation mixes up the child has no option than to survive himself and make his livelihood for him and his/her family. We cant right away change the poverty and uneducation but we can spread Kindness which can touch that poor childs heart somehow. But here comes a big challenge in this world to grow fast ,quick, selfishness, lies, corruption, contacts, references, all the things which we know are not corect and still ought to do to keep the pace up. But still we can manage to change, thats where family comes, friends comes, society comes and ultimaely entire world. We start with an act of kindness to ourselves and our surroundings and when every person realizes this..we dont see Terrorism nor any bad elements in the society nor the world. Good luck and looking forward to more articles like these.
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