By Rafia khan in Latest
6th December 2020
Terrorism, burka, love jihad, triple talaq are the real archetype of Islam or something else behind the cover?
We have been going through a very difficult period in Indian democracy and as a thinker, writer and teacher, sometimes a truth, a thought wounds me, not my body but soul.
This workshop was heartwarming and touched my soul with its profundity. I would like to clarify that this workshop was not only for Islam but somewhere for the integrity of our beloved country where we used to live in without any discrimination. This workshop is not only connected with Islam but also with the extensive issues, which have their own significance in day-to-day life. It covered issues like History of Islam, Relation of Islam with India, Incidents of Karbala, Equality of women in Quran, Sufism, Chishtī Order, Ganga Jamuna Tehzib of Hindustan, Democracy and Islam and literature.
It lasted for six days, for three hours each, and the most significant fact is we did not get jaded for a second. The content had been designed in a way that it added fun while learning.
Day 1
It started with an introductory session where we all introduced each other since then till today, we all connected in a beautiful relation without any discrimination and hard feeling. Islamic history and life of prophet were deliberated interestingly, including all the misconceptions that have been dominant in our society and infuriating to the upgradation of the society.
We devoted six days to it and trust me, every day was just like a new morning of the new journey of enlightenment about how society affects religion and costumes and languages. I realized the intersection and depth of these relations. Here, Syyada Aapa and Mr Riyaz thew light on some very important incidents, which are an integral part of Islam.
Day 2
Women in Islam have got equal rights but due to patriarchy, they have not been treated well. Women related issues demand more attention and they provide great insights on these sensitive issues. Patriarchy has targeted and created lots of misunderstanding regarding women. There are several women prominent figures in Islam but most respectable are mentioned below:
Khadija Salamun Alaya
Fatima Salamun Alayha
Zainab Salamun Alayha
There is an equal right for men and women and there is no halala is mentioned in the Quran. Due to some people, they have established these sort of issues for their personnel gain. Talaq is misinterpreted everywhere.
Day 3
On this day, we tried to define all the Islamic surahs and their importance. Some surahs of the Quran and their explanation were discussed to clear all the concept.
Surah Al Fatiha
Surah Al Rahman
There are four aspects of Islam that were also discussed in detail: Shariah, Hadith, Sunnah and Islamic jurisprudence.
Day 4
Muslim architecture we are tagging each and everything rather taking it in integrity.
Suhail Quraishi, who is a writer and historian and also called a true ‘Dilliwala’, gave his incalculable vision to the architecture as guest faculty. There is no presence of Muslim, Hindu and Christian architecture. We must think and relate the tomb with Muslim religion but this has been invented by greeks thousands of years ago. He introduced us that we can also see a temple in the form of a dome and a mosque can be formed without a dome. There is no need to follow some symbol for a religion.
The next guest faculty Server Zaidi also defined the beauty of architecture which is not based on religion but humanity. Moharram, incidents of Karbala are also a sign of Islamic culture which is based on truth justice and sacrifice. Marsiya and nohain are also a part of Moharram for the mourning on the sohdayain-Karbala.
Day 5
It is when I met a beautiful and religious person Aruna Roy. The beauty of Indian social fabric is great. She defined how Islam has helped enhance the thought of democracy. Sheba George, who is also a great social worker and liberal personality, introduced democracy and Islam with a broadening perspective. She loves and respects all the religions and castes equally, We need people who can make our country strong and true emblem of democracy.
Day 6
On this day, we enjoyed Sufism and then everyone recited the poem one by one. All of us participated with zeal. It was a participatory session so each of us enjoyed a lot. They are also given the poetry which also resembles the Ganga Jamuna Tezib of our Indian culture. The poem below has been written for humanity rather than religion or any particular belief.
We apoke about about Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb by some striking poetry such as the on mentioned below.
Currently, we need people who enhance the unity and integrity of our country instead of some evil powers prevailing in our country. Three beasts in our country which are blocking the way of progress are Religious misinterpretations, Political gain and Lust for power.
Misunderstanding and lack of knowledge create fear and disputes. How do we exterminate this? I am trying to find the root cause of this issue and auspiciously, I found the way to overcome this miserable condition which our country is facing nowadays. These workshops have given me the insight to face this terrific situation which leads to destruction. This disaster can be gripped with consciousness and wisdom. There are misinterpretation has been subsidized in the textbook which has been given by Britishers. They left the country with the seeds of clashes which have grown in a tree of hatred in our country in the span of 74 years.
Our current political leadership has involved to accumulates all the acquisitive features of human life rather fixed and eliminate the root of differences which has been offered us by Britishers.
Some Changes We Must Adopt To Free Our Country From Prejudice
Firstly, we need to change all the curriculum which is helping spread hatred. These books and textbooks have not been changed yet. They need to be written again with an integral approach. There are most of the history books that have been written during the time of British rule as per their bias and muddy outlooks towards our country. Textbooks are interconnected with the students who will be the citizen of India as the adults. If they read the wrong interpretation, how we can expect that they will lead their life in the right way?
There are many Muslim rulers that have been presented in a wrong way, It’s not shown that Aurangzeb and other rulers have given land and financial help to build temples and Gurudwaras. But their cruelty has been shown. There are always two faces of a coin and if we are presenting only one, somewhere it is also part of muddy politics.
Secondly, we need to reveal the truth of Ganga Jamuna tehzib which is the soul of our country. India has protected diverse cultures, religious customs and traditions in her heart. We need to keep people aware of using media and technology in the right direction. We can enhance the harmony and fraternity by using these operative and far-reaching tools.
The workshop ended with Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s Nazam Hum dekhenge.
To sum up, I will just say that we need to adopt an assimilated approach to live with love and brotherhood. This workshop was outstanding and this will be held again in the month of December. If somebody is interested, they can register for this remarkable, trustworthy and most steadfast platform to take the boost of knowledge.
