VIEWPOINT
Dr. Fakhar Qureshi

DON'T INSULT THEIR FALSE GOD'S

As the Roman historian Tacitus observed: "Rare is the felicity of the times when a man can think what he likes and speak what he thinks..." We are still not living in such times and it looks unlikely that we can approach the birth of a new century without "chains" on our hearts, meeting each new Holocaust with silence or helpless inaction in the face of unimaginable oppression suffering.

Against the backdrop of the New World "Order," we Muslims are faced with a stark dilemma-follow the Qur'an and its clearly stated dictates-or, face the consequences of your own actions.

In this background, I read with great interest the editions of "Signs" magazine that were loaned to me by a friend. I believe that the publication can be made even better by a short "mission, vision and values" statement that can be clearly written on the inside page stating the aid and objectives of "Signs".

Some of the points that have been raised require some contemplation. I feel that I need a deeper understanding of the Qur'an, reading verses in the light of the whole Qur'an and also in the context of the quoted Surah. Additionally, I realise that I should study verses before and after that, which is under scrutiny to analyse why a particular emphasis is being placed upon a certain verse, i.e. I would study the verses in real "natural" settings within a Surah.

The tone set by some of the articles towards those Muslims who follow the hadith and Sunnah is critical and, occasionally, chooses to ridicule. However, if you insult their "False Gods" do you consider that they will respond to and accept the message of the Qur'an as the best hadith? Obviously they will not do so. They will defend their own position thereby ignoring the Qur'an and achieving the opposite of what is intended by your intelligent scribes.

However, I am certain that "Signs" will lead the way forward by informing people in a positive way of the paradigm that has been set by the Ummah of the apostle Muhammad. The Qur'an, as a consequence, must be understood to the point that personal interpretation becomes minimized (depending on the particular level of comprehension achieved). Otherwise, each person will follow a different interpretation, for example, praying 3 times a day, 5 times a day or as many times as is felt necessary. Christianity has strayed very far from the path of Allah due to excessive personal interpretation and we cannot allow our people to wander in a search for "Paradise Lost".

If I am right, the actions of Mumins is predictable due to the degree with which they are attained to the Will (or Laws) of Allah. Consequently, they will perform their social obligations as a centre point to their religious life. Personal fulfillment therefore is dependent upon the practical completion of obligations to our fellow human beings.

Therein lies the true measure of success or failure in religion. "It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards the East or West: but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day; and the angels and the Book and the Messengers; to spend out of your substance out of love for Him; for your kin, for orphans... To practice regular charity, to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient in pain and adversity... Such are the people of truth, the God fearing." (Qur'an 2:177).

Please confirm to our Muslim brothers the actions required of those who believe; enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and engender a positive view to our equally weak fellow human beings who are being led astray.

Perhaps this will take "Signs" on to a new, greater destiny and the publication may carry forward a laudable aim, mobilizing masses to practical action as a result of good intentions. Because good thoughts without subsequent practical action are as insubstantial as dust in the wind.