Now the title might give enough fodder for the critics of Islam and for some it could be an opportunity of life time. Sorry to disappoint you guys because I am not interested in discussing them either. This post of mine is inspired by observations of last 15 years and a class room discussion on the concept of Triple Talaaq. Though it has been mentioned umpteen times that there is a process to be followed for Triple Talaaq….logically, yet it is projected as the loop hole in the principles of Islam. What my observation says is that people (many non muslims & considerable no. of muslims) think that Islam is all about Triple Talaaq, Enforcing Burqas & Jehad. So here I would like to highlight few more things to enlighten my friends what else Islam has to offer. Mind you that this will not be an exhaustive list.
1. There are 5 important tenets of Islam
a. Imaan – The Belief that there is none but Allah who is alone and capable of doing anything and everything in the world. This doesn’t imply that it be considered derogatory by other religions as the faith doesn’t interfere with other religions and its followers
b. Namaz – Should be offered 5 times a day, no matter what. Offering Friday noon prayers is extremely important since one cannot make up if you missed it. Only women in their periods are exempted and people who are seriously ill and cant move. However, they have to make it up once they are fine. If you are not well, you can offer it by sitting or in worst case through gestures.
c. Roza – It is mandatory for every muslim to fast in the month of Ramzan. What follows is Eid-ul-Fitr. Due to similar reasons mentioned above, one is exempted from Roza temporarily but there has to be a make up for it. That is either donate certain amount or fast later.
d. Zakat – Islam believes in distributing the wealth among all and recommends to reduce the gap between the “Haves” and “Have Nots”. People who have certain amount of wealth accumulated on his name in the form of Cash, Gold, Silver, Animals, Worth of goods etc should give alms to anyone except their own family members.
e. Haj – Haj is another once in a year activity in which people spend atleast 5 days in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and perform the rituals there. What follows is Eid-Ul-Azha (Bakrid) on the 5th day. This is again mandatory for those who have piled up the wealth and can afford it.
2. In a typical Non Muslim family, it is impossible for a daughter to inherit her father’s wealth and everything would go to sons. However, Islam had a provision that allows both sons and daughters to inherit their father’s wealth (not necessarily in same proportions)
3. In a marriage, if husband dies…the widow is allowed to marry again after a brief period of 4-5 months from the day of funeral. This is another example of how Woman is safeguarded and empowered in Islam.
4. Islam encourages its followers to learn, educate themselves and their families including women for a better society. It doesn’t imply the other things like the tenets of Islam are compromised.
5. Fatwas have been the most important things for the English Media to raise their TRPs. Anyways, Fatwas are not judgements but opinions expressed in the light of Quran & Hadiths. It is purely the prerogative of people to follow it or not. Eg: Salman Khan was issued a Fatwa for Idol Worship. Does it affect him? NO. So there is no need to make such a hue & cry about Fatwas since they are mere opinions and not judgements.
I have tried to put in few points to start with so that every one gets to know of Islam..beyond Talaaq, Burqa and Jehad.
Thank You
