by JULFIKAR ALI MANIK and MUKTASREE CHAKMA SATHI
Syed Haider Farooq Maudoodi, son of Jamaat-e-Islami founder Syed Abul A’la Maudoodi
If a state holds any religion, then it is practicing something else, not democracy’
What do you think about “Islam in politics,” particularly in this sub-continent?
Whenever religion was interpreted in a political way, it killed humans and it ruined humanity. Religion helps a person to become better. Every religion Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam they taught individuals to be a better person. Religion also taught us to understand that all of our forefather is one and we should not hate one another. The holy Quran does not talk about politics, it rather talks for the person so that one can become better.
Political interpretation of religion always brings destruction in the society. Nowhere in the holy Quran does it talk about administrating others. The holy Quran talks about individuals. It is about a person, not about administration or a system. If it was about regulating others then it would have talked about nine things how Khalifa would be appointed, how Khalifa would be removed from their power, what power they should posses, how Shura would be formed, how Shura would be dissolve, what kind of power Shura would hold, what would be the relation between Khalifa and Shura, when Khalifa would exercise power and when Shura would, who would prevail over whom when any disputes arise. But does the Quran talk about these things? No. If almighty Allah can take care of Holy Quran then he could have taken care of Khilafat (successors in politics) also. Religion is being interpreted in a wrong way. Religion’s aim is not about running a country.
Religion is being used here in politics so that politicians can take benefits of religious sentiment. They want people to cast votes out of that sentiment. The only reason for using religion in politics is to exploit people’s emotion. They gain sympathy from the religious minded people.
Jinnah Saheb (Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the founder of Pakistan) was a congress member before the partisan. In 1931, during the Khilafat Movement, Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi) supported Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad’s movement. But Jinnah resigned from Congress. At that time, Jinnah Saheb wrote a letter to Gandhi ji. He wrote: “You are using religion in politics and it will bring bloodshed only.” He also wrote: “Such usage would divide Hindustan (Before partition of Pakistan and India).” But sadly, what Jinnah opposed, he did the same at one point. He formed the Muslim League. What was the result? India and Pakistan separated.
Only based on two religions, these countries were formed. But was that fair? In Hindustan there were/are at least 17 religions. Then it should have divided into 17 parts, isn’t it? Was it not a dangerous step? So, it was divided based on who is Muslim and who is not. Hindu, Budhdhist, Shikh, Parsi they all were Hindu? It is indeed very very dangerous when such division took place based on some shallow speculation of religion, using religion. Such division in fact bring destruction of Islam.
All religion-based political parties are same. Look at the Muslim League. Their point is if you are a Muslim then join the Muslim League. Doesn’t that mean they are claiming that you are not a Muslim until you are joining them? That is how they (religion-based political parties) always exploit religious sentiments of people. People still are supporting them, because whenever one points out any flaws of theirs, they claim it is not a criticism of themselves (politicians), rather the person is criticising Islam! Have you ever seen any Moulavi (Islamic preacher) admitting their flaws? They use religion as a shield. They are the ones who are in Jahannam (hell) already. Not the ones who criticise such usage of Islam in religion.
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(via SACW)