International Politics and Bin Laden Chapter

Former Al-Qaida Chief Osama Bin Laden chapter in the international politics had come to an end in May 2011. Bin Laden is now dead. He is now part of history. Many painful stories and incidents of deaths are involved with this history. He had given a new interpretation of the religion of Islam. His interpretation was controversial and it cannot be said Muslims across the world had accepted the version. But it is fact that he produced hundreds of "jihadists" in the Muslim world. These jihadists were ready to embrace "martyrdom" in the name of Islam. Bin Laden wanted to revert to the ancient course of Islam. The "Wahabi" doctrine has this ancient course. Some people prefer identifying the course as the 'Salafi' ideology. The Saudi Royal family is the follower of this ideology.
One Saudi Islamic pundit, Mohammad Bin Abad Al Wahab, is the exponent of this ideology. He was born in 1703. Once the founder of Saudi Royal family, Ibne Saud, was attracted by this philosophy. The family is still following the ideology. It is being told that Saudi Arabia is promoting this doctrine. The Wahabi doctrine gives highest importance to jihad. The followers of Wahabi ideology do not believe in worshipping pir (spiritual leader), mazar (grave), holding milad (a kind of meeting to glorify the Prophet Mohammad), visiting grave, shirk and bidat. Bin Laden used to believe that Islam could be established in the world through jihad.
Significance of Islam
Islam is a religion of peace. Islam has spread to various countries of the world. But in nowhere it expanded through terrorism. The people, who come to our region of the world thousands of years back for preaching Islam, did not resorted to terror activities. They had preached the messages of peace and choose to stay here because of love for the land.
However, for preaching which Islam Bin Laden had stepped into the field? He had inspired hundreds of youths to take part in "jihadist" activities. Bin Laden was an owner of billion of dollars. He spent the money for terror activities. He had developed a big network in the Arab world from Iraq to Algeria. Al-Qaida has a strong base in Yemen. Bin Laden had given birth to the organization named -- Al-Qaida. Allegation has been raised that Al-Qaida was involved with the destruction of World Trade Center on 11 September 2001. Since then the name of Bin Laden has spread to everywhere in the world. He became the "No 1 terrorist of the world." The United States had been on the hunt of Bin Laden since 11 September. After long 10 years he was detected in the Abbottabad City of Pakistan.
Bin Laden has undoubtedly committed crimes. He could be hanged in trials. It would have been normal, if he was tried. But the United States has given rise to many questions by killing Bin Laden. A dead Bin Laden has emerged a more risky man for the United States. Rather the killing of Bin Laden will enhance his popularity. But the question that has assumed prominence to me is that whether this role of the United States would create a big threat to the developing world? The Muslim world is gripped with agitation. One type of hegemony has been created in the name of globalization. In this regard some Islamic pundits (for example Sayyid Qutb of Egypt) think Islam is the solution.
Palestinian Problem
A leader like Bin Laden gives the call for jihad when the Palestinian problem is not solved year after year. The Israeli commandoes kill the Palestinian leaders. And no trails are being held for the killings. It is true that this so called jihad did not get massive support in the Muslim world. But at the same time it is natural that some sorts of agitations and hatred are simmering in the Muslim world as the innocent people are being killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The United States had conducted aggression against Afghanistan on the plea that the Taliban gave shelter to Bin Laden. The US forces have been in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2011. US President Barack Obama also won Nobel Prize for peace. But his hands are tainted with blood. He had a given a promise that the US soldiers will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by 2011. Now the deadline has been extended to 2014. But security experts believe the United States has a big interest in Afghanistan. They will have stay in this country. The Central Asia is abundant with huge energy resources, gas and oil. The US companies have huge investment here. The United States does not want other powers (particularly China and Russia) have a share of these resources.
The energy resources of Central Asia will be controlled from Afghanistan. For this reason this "Islamic militancy" has been born to Tajikistan or Uzbekistan. This militancy is also a threat to the security of the Central Asia. The Asiaism of NATO will centre round this region. As a result, there is a remote possibility of withdrawing force from Afghanistan. In case of Iraq it was told that the country had Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). It had been further told the WMD was posing threat to the security of the region. Under this pretext the United States captured Iraq in 2003. We all know the next stories. The WMD was not found in Iraq. But Saddam Hussein was hanged. Iraq was destroyed. Some US companies are reconstructing Iraq by selling the oil resources of that country. The United States is now searching the path of military intervention in Libya in the name of humanitarian intervention. The oil of Libya is the target of the United States. Libya is the gateway to North Africa. The control of Libya will mean controlling the North African countries having huge resource. The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) was established with this target.
Terrorism in the name of Islam is acceptable. This is not Islam also. But it equally not acceptable to attack any independent country or violating its sovereignty in the name of suppressing terrorism. This role of the US is the violation of the Clause 4 ( 1) and 4( 4) of the UN Charter that deal with "sovereignty" and "territorial integrity." The United States has involved itself with terror activities in the name of curbing terrorism. The concept of "preemptive strike" that US President Bush had used and Obama now using will not at all help America to galvanize its image. History says the United States is committing such incidents time and again.
Violation of International Law
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague in 1986 ruled that the United States violated the international law by using force illegally in Nicaragua and providing help to Contra guerrillas (fighting the leftist government of that country at that time). The United States did not accept the verdict of the international court. But the UN secretary general in a resolution adopted by 94-2 votes had urged the United States to accept the verdict international court. The United States and Israel voted against the resolution.
In the death of Bin Laden a new chapter has been ushered in. It is to be observed what impact this 'death' creates in the Muslim world. But the Obama administration has more responsibility at this moment to enhance the US image in the Muslim world. President Obama's Cairo address had created a prospect in this regard. But a little progress has so far been achieved. Smaller Islamic militant groups like Al-Qaida have been born to a quite good number of Islamic countries. These groups have much influence in the countries like Algeria, Mauritania, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia. The Islamic militants in Somalia directly or indirectly control the state power. The organization named Al Sadarb has introduced Shari'ah in the area controlled by them.
Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Salafist Group of Preaching and Combat had called for suicide bombing and worldwide jihad. The AQIM is active in the entire Maghreb region. The responsibility of the Obama administration at this moment is taking initiatives for bringing these militant groups in the mainstream of the society.
Moreover, it is very urgent to start "dialogue" with the militants in Afghanistan.
Existence of Mullah Omar
After Bin Laden, Mullah Omar is the target of the United States. The existence of Mullah Omar could not be found anywhere in Afghanistan in the long last 10 years of hectic searching. The solution to the Afghan problem will not be possible without initiating dialog with the Taliban. However, the Taliban movement and Al-Qaida are not the same. There are differences between the two.
Al-Qaida had given a call for jihad across the world, but the Taliban wanted to establish Islamic rule only in Afghanistan. It is very urgent for President Obama to withdraw soldiers from Afghanistan. The responsibility of the US President has further increased. The problem could not be solved by engraving the body of Bin Laden in the Arabian Sea from the US warship-Karl Vinson, patrolling in that sea. Obama himself will have to take the initiatives to earn confidence of the Muslim world. The death of Bin Laden has given birth to this possibility. President Obama has ensured his victory in the 2012 US President election by killing Bin Laden. Nobody has doubt about this. But various complexities have been created in the Muslim world, Pakistan-US relations and India-Pakistan relations. The complexities will increase regional tension. These will also create tension in the world politics. And the same will be the main obstacle in the way of establishing peace in the world.

Palestinian's Statehood Bid

The establishment of the State of Palestine is not an option. But it is a must. Democracy and human rights dictate that. There is no bargaining about it. In fact, globalization becomes the standing partner of independence.
Democracy fighters -- from the United States, the United Kingdom, India, China and Indonesia -- strongly believe that independence is the basic right of every man. All forms of colonization, arbitrary control by one nation over the other and all crimes against humanity must be erased from earth.
Nation's Independence
Everyone in the world is born with a basic right to equal treatment regardless of ethnicity, religion, education, hobby and domicile. World figures such as Prophet Abraham, Prophet Moses, Prophet Jesus, Prophet Mohammad, Aristotle, Abraham Lincoln and even Mother Teresa lived to fight for the important meaning of a nation's independence. Basically, people must be free.
The Palestinian nation deserves it all. No more pleas should be proposed to take side with Israel over Palestine's bid for independence. China and Russia -- two countries known to be undemocratic and repressive - fully support the Palestinian nation's aspiration to be sovereign.
All citizens of the world show full support for Palestine's independence which was fought for on 23 September 2011 at the UN Security Council's meeting, in New York. BBC made polls in 19 countries that showed 49 percent of respondents support the establishment of the State of Palestine. People of China, among those who gave the response, gave their support.
Israeli Government’s Betrayal
Palestine has been tired of being Israel's victim. Palestine has had enough being dictated in negotiations which should have been equal in talking about the issues that are always betrayed by the Israeli Government. They want to advance. They no longer want to talk about being free. They have wanted to discuss borders, state sovereignty, Palestinian nation's pride currency, and the State of Palestine which is a member of the UN and internationally acknowledged.
We are grateful that there are still many citizens and governments of the world that are sane, who give their sympathy for the fulfillment of Palestine's aspiration from being an observer in the UN to being its member. We salute the attention of the world citizens who give democratic support through social networks and blogs to urge the UN to grant Palestine's proposal. Democracy and human rights must be respected in Palestine.
US Attitude
However, we do not see such sympathetic attitude coming from the US Government under the leadership of Barack Obama. As a matter or fact, we still remember Obama's promise during his visit to the West Bank a year ago who wanted to see Palestine as free country, like other countries in the world. This is very ironic considering that the United States has been the global administrator of the spreading of democratization wave all over the world. And in Palestine, Obama still betrays that.
We urge the US not use its veto against the inclusion of Palestine as a UN member. Israel is certainly angry, but the suffering of Palestinian people is more than enough to not be the victim of the prolonged conflict.
We call on the Indonesian Government to play a more active role in supporting the ideal of a free state of Palestine which will have East Jerusalem as its capital city.

Democracy and Afghanistan

Afghanistan is an ancient and historical country facing a number of problems. This country has always chased others or it has faced invasion by others. This country has spent most of its time in dominance or wars. It has seen very few good days. The courageous people of this country have never given in to any foreigners on their soil. Afghans can never accept presence of foreigners and aliens on their soil.

Although other forces of the world provide every kind of support under the pretext of population welfare and development, the Afghans still prefer their independence and sovereignty. This nation loves independence and sovereignty. It has Ghazni that has beautiful forests, rich natural resources, vast green meadows, and various mineral deposits. Its dry farming lands also produce crops and fruits.
Islamic Spirit and Temperament
The courageous people of this country have always been victimized through wars. However, it is such a nation that is used to sustaining loss but its temperament is courageous. The dear and courageous nation of this country possesses a great Islamic spirit. Whatsoever problems and difficulties this nation faces, it remains patient by relying on God. Nevertheless, it cannot tolerate any foreigners in the country. It is the Islamic and national culture of this nation.
The ideological Afghans have shown great courage whenever it came across any resistance. It is the principle of this nation that if the head of government or king is to surrender, he never surrenders to the foreigners or their organizations. He fights against the foreigners in every town, village, tribe, and home until they collapse and find their way to their own home and village. How can democracy not face problems in this country?
Meaning and Background
Democracy is a Latin word that is combination of two words demos and kratos. In Latin, demos means people and kratos means power. Democracy means power of people. Democracy means authority. It is said that Greece is a country of very ancient and historical governments. That is why political terminology, names, and titles have been taken from Latin language. It is said that Greece has remained a country with absolute monarchy in the past where king had the absolute authority. Decisions about war, governance, justice, and grants were taken exclusively by the king.
The people became fed up with that system and started protests against it. After a long prevalence of protests and rallies by people, the Greek regime was compelled to pass a resolution for change of system. The Greek regime decided that the royal system would be replaced by government that is democracy. It was decided that Greek administration would be established according to its people's wishes and it would be run by their representatives. Similarly, it was decided that the resolution would be converted into a law and national covenant. Every citizen would respect the law that would have supremacy over all. Law would be equally binding on everybody. An environment for respectable living of people would be ensured and they would receive equal rights.
Favorable Environment
After 770 years of monarchy in Greece, democracy and government were established. Later in 1212, democracy also reached the United Kingdom during the regime of King John. In this way, after 400 years of civil war, the United Kingdom also established democracy in 1815. Later, democracy reached Switzerland also. In this country, there was favorable environment for democracy as its people had no national ideology.
Political awareness of people was very high and they recognized democracy very soon. In this way, when democracy reached the United States it was applied very soon as the United States was a country made through federation of various states. It is worth mentioning that democracy got more growth in the United States and ten more clauses were added to its design. It is worth mentioning that, in Asia, democracy reached Iran in 1906 but it could not be implemented because of environmental constraints. In the same way, the thought of democracy reached India later but it was implemented very well there. It is worth mentioning that democracy is progressing in India very well for the past 60 years.
Bringing Parliamentary System
The holy religion of Islam has been sent by God as a perfect system. The system of Islam serves as a law in every sphere of life. Rights of every citizen are protected in Islam. Everybody has equal rights according to the holy religion of Islam; for example rights of husband and wife, parents, customers, shopkeepers, traders, teachers, students, officials and officers, judicial and security officials are clearly shown in Islam.
The Islamic system possesses institutes for head of the state, deputies, advisers, parliament, courts, and many other organizations. Islam possesses every such system and it does not require any of the other worldly systems. If there is any deficiency in Islamic world, that is our ignorance. We do not have knowledge or we are ignorant of Islam; or else we deny Islam or we do not want its implementation. Another issue is that non-Muslim countries are trying to promote democracy in the Islamic world. If the purpose of democracy is to bring a parliamentary system and public government then it is good. The enlightening religion of Islam also focuses on this. If democracy means equal rights for all then according to Islam all people are equal before law.
In Afghanistan, all tribes and clans have equal rights. It should not be forgotten that according to law every person's rights are known, not like an unknown collection where right and wrong are indistinguishable. If we establish a system other than Islam, we would decide about right and wrong and we would include in law what we like and exclude or amend what we do not like. Nevertheless, the holy religion of Islam has come not only for the guidance of an individual but also for the guidance of the entire humanity and all rights are clear and equal for all.
Recognition and Implementation
The country needs a government to implement the religion. A true Muslim always follows the leader who respects Islam, brings peace, teaches his followers the knowledge and culture of Islam, and paves the way for recognition and implementation of Islam. In case every government manages justice, then no one can ask the tribes of Shikri, Barakzai, and Karokhel that Islam is not the right religion and that we need democracy.
The supporters of democracy are facing some financial constraints and have greed for achieving some status. The devil is not letting them work for the hereafter. Afghan Muslims are suffering because of the enmity among them because of their ignorance, rivalry, and improper education. They oppress their women and deprive them of their rights. By doing this, other opponents and ignorant people have started their armed struggle against Islam.
Knowledge and Wisdom
If Afghan Muslims act on the framework of the holy religion of Islam in their internal relations and also in family, husband and wife, brother and sister, father and daughter, and other relations, you will see that even one percent of people would not be found preferring any other regime over Islam. Because of ignorance about Islam, both sides are in opposition to each other and considering other reforms; and consequently, the name of Islam is being pointed out.
In fact, democracy is not what some people expect as hilarity, obscenity, and nudity like the West. Such kind of democracy has neither any legal worth nor it can make any government. Obscenity and nudity are such devilish forces that cause human senses not to work for a limited time and they ruin the discipline and affairs of life. Similarly, obscenity and nudity cause demise of knowledge and wisdom and trigger illiteracy.
The people wish for all of this because of the blasphemous constraints and this is rejected in the Islamic as well as the worldly law. Afghanistan is a country, with a few leaders, where illiteracy is high, ethnicity has its roots, language is honored, and minority and majority have existence. Eighty-two percent of the country's population is rural and only 18 percent are urban citizens. Almost all of its people are farmers and nomads possessing livestock. A young class of people in Afghanistan is officials who live in cities. Every class of people honors its history, culture, and regional traditions. They live according to their culture and everybody's course of life and character are obvious. They know how to continue their life.
Nobody wonders that what he or she would be doing next day. It is better that everybody knows his or her future responsibilities; life seems transparent, and everybody is continuing it in his own way and according to his own traditions. Elders, ulema, chieftains, and spirituality are respectable in this community and they have authority and influence. They are considered the leaders and protectors of the majority of people. They are cherished by special as well as common people. How can democracy be implemented in such a country where power remains with mullah (religious scholar), chieftain, syed (descendant of the Prophet Mohammad), and mujaddid (according to the popular Muslim tradition, a person who appears at turn of every century of the Islamic calendar to revive Islam, remove from it any extraneous elements and restore it to its pristine purity). If, in such circumstances, someone desires implementation of democracy, a situation would arise where a daughter would be hugging other man in the presence of her father; or a wife would be hugging a non-mahram (stranger) in presence of her husband. Because of these obscenities, mosques would become vacant; or God forbid, they would be locked. None of these actions is possible in Afghanistan.
Assessment
Therefore, on the aforementioned grounds, the recent world laws do not correspond to democracy because democracy is a political form of government. These actions are, in fact, because of enmity with Islam and Afghan; moreover, it is a struggle to bring obscenity in Afghanistan and God willing, none of these undesirable wishes would come true. The majority of Afghans would become united against this struggle to stop its realization. If anybody wanted to realize these wishes, Afghans would take him to grave along with them.

Islam and Extremism: An Overview

Islam is the universal religion of peace, humanity, and welfare of the mankind. In fact, Islam is not a religion of mere formalities and performance of a set of general or traditional rituals. Rather Islam is an eternal and universal religion and the only recognized and selected religion by Allah. It has clearly mentioned in the holy Quran that 'Surely, Islam is the only recognized religion and acceptable life-process (Sura Al-Imran, Verse 19 of the Quran).

Welfare of Mankind

The religion that is approved by Allah, selected by Allah, and respected by Allah cannot be a religion for destruction of evil purposes. It cannot be against the welfare of mankind. Similarly, it cannot be the source of terrorism or extremism. It is not a one-sided version, or an exaggerated statement, or any whimsical or emotional expression. Neither is it a communal feeling. Rather it is definitely a biggest truth and realistic utterances. This is the reason for which being a non-Muslim Guru Dutta Sing, Bar-at-Law (Lahore) was circumstanced to say: 'On principle, Islam is not in favor of war. Moreover, in consideration of manpower and military might, Muslims were never in a position to play the role of an aggressor. They were never in offensive but always played the defensive role.

So, it is a mere laughing matter if somebody wants to put aspersion on Islam as an attacker and warmonger for grabbing others' land in the name of the Prophet Mohammad or Allah. It was not possible for a wise and intelligent man like the Prophet Mohammad to even think of making a big nation like the Arab hostile against Muslim that was a very tiny entity in the Arab world. Under the then prevailing circumstances during the Prophet's era, Islam was a very tiny, unarmed and helpless community in the Arab world.'

Oppressions and Repression

However, there is a saying that when the back of any person dashed with the wall behind, he has no option but to jump forward. In that case it has become indispensable to take up arms in hand for the sake of self-existence and survival. Right to self-defense is a recognized human right. There is a limit of oppression, repression, and annihilation in this world. It is not a sign of gentility or decency if some one remains silent if that limit is crossed or violated. This is rather sign of cowardice and weakness. Heat of fire not only makes water hot but at the same time the flame of fire also makes other heated. The conditions of Muslims were also like that water. Muslims had to undergo inhuman and barbaric tortures in the hands of non-Muslim Arabs for their offence of embracing Islam.

The atrocities, tortures, and cruelty the Arab Muslim experienced for mere accepting the religion of Islam were unprecedented in the world history. In the world history, there is no such instance for believers of any other religions other than Muslims who had to suffer such severe magnitude of tortures by their fellow countrymen only for accepting religion. Rather the patience, and sacrifices made by Muslims in the face of grave oppressions and repression of the cruel Qurayish dynasty was also unprecedented in the world history.

Under such a situation when oppression and repression of the Qurayish dynasty exceeded all limits and the weaker Muslims had attained minimum strength, they picked up arms for mere self-defense. History is the best witness that Muslims under the dynamic commending of the Prophet Mohammad demonstrated highest restrained and patience in the armed clashes against their adversaries. The main objectives of military operations of the Prophet Mohammad were for self-defense and establishing religion of Allah.

Allegiance to Allah

Narrating the tales of conquering Mecca by Mohammad, Barrister Guru Dutta Singh said: 'There is no smile of victory in the lips of the Prophet -- there is only sublime sparkles of forgiveness throughout his face. Tears were rolling down his cheeks -- those drops of tears were dedicated to Almighty Allah as a sign of gratefulness.' Guru Dutta went on saying, 'There are many things to learn from Prophet for those who burst into wild laughter after wining a war, or who feels wild pleasures by torturing the defeated enemies after an armed conflict.' Barrister Dutta says: 'Those of you who have just defeated your adversaries in a war appear before the Prophet, the conqueror of Mecca and ask him why there is a war, take lesion how you should behave with your defeated foes. In addition, ask the Prophet how you will enjoy your victory -- do not pride over your victory; rather express your total allegiance to Allah who has given you power and might to win the battle. Only in that case there will be no aspersion on the mankind and human civilization; only then such victory might be of glory and pride for the victors.'

Islam has come to this world to establish peace, equality, and justice and not for patronizing unjust, corruption, wrong doings, unrest, terrorism, extremism, and other vices. The softness of heart, kindness, fellow feelings and sympathy to all human beings in the character of the Prophet Mohammad has been written in the letters of gold in the pages of history of human civilization. Nobody could ever deny this truth or make any slightest controversy over it.

Personal Magnanimity and Richness of Heart

The personal magnanimity and richness of heart of the Prophet Mohammad could be found in the statements and observations of some non-Muslim sages of the world. Noted British historian Gibbon said: 'Although the Prophet Mohammad attained highest level of spiritual power, he could easily forgive even his biggest enemy. The woman who poured poison in his food, the Prophet Mohammad also forgave her. The women who pulled out the liver of the Prophet Mohammad's grand father and chew it for retaliation, the Prophet Mohammad also pardoned her. The man who was the cause of death of one of his relatives (daughter) was also exonerated by the Prophet Mohammad. Even the Prophet Mohammad forgot and forgave those religious opponents who tortured his followers and disciples and made their lives hales. There is no second instance in the world history of such personal magnanimity and forgiveness that were demonstrated by the Prophet Mohammad toward his defeated enemies in the battle fields.'

Islam always teaches his believers to be gentle, police, honest, and magnanimous -- it never teaches anybody to be terrorists or extremists. There is no scope to be terrorists or extremist by any one if the country is run under Islamic command. Rather, Islam has closed the door of terrorism and extremism once for all under Shari'ah. Nonetheless, Islam has closed the doors of all illegal and immoral activities. Islam is a celestial religion; here there is no scope for any kind of fascism or cruelty. Here one comment made by world famous scholar Dr Gustavo William is very pertinent. He said: 'The Prophet Mohammad has enunciated holy laws and judicial systems instead of blood sucking policy and rules of tyrants. He was such a person who propagated universal laws. He was such a person who made comfortable the hellish lives of the slaves. He was such a person who showed the poor, orphans and widows sublime ray of affection, love and fondness. He used to demonstrate fatherly affection to the downtrodden people.'

World famous non-Muslim scholar Stanley Lane Poole said when the Prophet Mohammad used to send troops in any war field; he gave some instructions and inspirations: 'Go ahead in the name of Allah, have confidence on Allah creator and do not kill any aged persons, women or children who have no ability to take part in war. Do not misappropriate wealth and resources that you collect in the war fields. You rather preserve those and deposit it to the national exchequer. Do not lock in any internecine feuds or quarrel with each others. Be sympathetic to each others and try to love and adorn the creations of Allah.'

Famous Indian Pundit Achariya Profullah Chanda Roy said: ' In this world Islam is the best administrative system that attaches highest importance on democratic norms and values. Islam had succeeded to bring people right from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Sea under the same umbrella with amity and harmony among people of all faiths. Through flourishing liberal policy, Islam rose at the peak of advancement and development by tying people with a same rope.'

A very prestigious book entitled the Islam and Prophet Mohammad was jointly written by Sree Nagendra Nath Bandopaddya and Dr M. Zahurul Haque. The book was published by Makhdumi Library of Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1934. In the preamble of this book, Profullah Chandra Roy wrote: 'Islam is a religion of pace, not a religion of vandalism or muscle power. The Prophet Mohammad took birth only to establish peace in this trouble-torn world.' This truth was established in this book with sufficient documents and arguments.

True Picture of Islam

It is not possible to glorify Islam and its believers by merely such one or two books. An epic or a world almanac can be written on the qualities and good sides of Islam and its true followers. But this is not our objectives. We want to convey to the world community only one message about Islam. We want to unveil the true picture of Islam and Muslims before the international community.

Needless to say that the comments made by the non-Muslim pundits, scholars, historian, and research activists about Islam, the religion of peace are enough to give befitting replies to the critics of Islam. But it is exceptional in case of those who can see bright sun lights in the deep darkness of midnight. There is a universal saying that there are some exceptions in everything of this world. In Islam also there may be some thing exceptional. But exception is always an exception -- it is not an example ever.

Communalism and Narrowness

The holy Quran, Hadith, and observations of non-Muslim scholars have sufficiently proved that there can be no relations of Islam with extremism. Nonetheless, Islam has the strongest position than any other religion of the world against terrorism and extremism. Rather it is the Islam religion, which can give protection against all forms of extremism, terrorism, arson, genocide, and all other forms of destructive designs.

So, raising over all debates sand controversies we can tell it boldly that Islam has no slightest relations with extremism. Islam is the most liberal religion in this world. There is no room for communalism and narrowness in Islam. Sooner this realization came to our minds better it would be for the entire mankind.

Natural Disasters: Lesson for People

The recent tsunami and earthquake in Japan have once again sent a wave of horror among the nations of the world. As a result of this devastating quake, hundreds of thousands of people have lost their homes, thousands of bodies have already been discovered and search is going on to find more. The international community is seriously concerned because the recent quakes have also affected the nuclear reactors and there are reports of radiation leaks from some of these reactors. Japan has asked the World Commission for assistance in handling the crisis, so that any possible crisis can be prevented in time.

The way tsunamis and earthquakes have frequently caused destruction in numerous countries around the world during the past few years is something very worrying. The Western scientists and people under their influence have established big research centers and institutions to find out the reasons and causes of natural disasters. Based on their knowledge and ability, they have discovered some of the causes and have also come up with ways to prevent such disasters.

Modern Technology vs Natural Disasters

The surprising thing is that Japan, a country that has made great progress in the field of science and technology, has been hit by an earthquake. All the coastal areas of Japan were made "earthquake-proof" and they even had equipment that can provide advance warning when a quake is on its way. But when devastating earthquake hit Japan, neither were the quake-proof buildings and houses able to survive nor was the equipment able to give any warning. This incident has once again exposed the weaknesses in modern technology and has forced people to think that human wisdom and knowledge is still not as powerful as the forces of nature.

We are not saying that finding out the reasons and causes of these earthquakes and tsunamis is useless or pointless. But what we mean is that in addition to finding out about the worldly causes of such disasters, we should also pay attention to the spiritual factors behind these tragedies that often go beyond human wisdom and knowledge. In simple words, we need to find out the worldly factors that lead to such disasters and take effective measures to avoid those factors.

God and his messenger -- Prophet Mohammad -- has told us everything about when and why such disasters strike humans. The most significant of these reasons are the wicked deeds that bring the wrath of God. We can find a lot of examples of these deeds among the nations that came before us. Earthquakes, storms, floods, and other natural disasters have destroyed countless powerful nations, erasing all signs of their existence. All this was a result of disobedience of God by these nations.

Impact of Vulgarity and Immorality

As far as earthquakes are concerned, it has been said that they occur when vulgarity and immorality are widespread on earth. Now we can see this truth with our own eyes. The "naked" culture of Europe and the West has promoted vulgarity and immorality. Under these circumstances, the occurrence of earthquakes and tsunamis is not something to be surprised about. In fact, it gives us a glimpse of the kind of punishment we will get for our sins.

All of this means that along with worldly causes of natural disasters, we also need to address the spiritual factors behind such tragedies and make sure we follow the commandments of God and his messenger.

Performing Good Deeds

Moreover, such disasters and tragedies are a warning from the nature that no matter how hard the humans work, they can never reverse the unwavering decisions of the nature. When a minor natural disaster can cause so much damage and destruction, is it something hard for the creator of this universe to destroy the entire world? All these incidents take place, so that we can have faith in the day of judgment.

The people who still do not believe in the hereafter or show ignorance in this matter should learn their lessons from such incidents. They should prepare for the life after death before another horrible tragedy takes place and perform some good deeds that can help them avoid God's wrath. Otherwise, natural disasters can have an effect on anyone, anytime. Intelligent people will learn their lessons from such incidents rather than themselves being part of the lessons of history.

Protection of Minorities in Pakistan

The Pakistani rulers had presented deceased Minorities Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti on a platter before the assassins. A certain section has pushed forward the cause of assassination as violation of the laws of derogation of Prophet-hood, as if their blame on the slain. Bhatti was certain to be slain, but the government did not pay any attention. Bhatti had never uttered a single derogatory word to any prophet, whereas, numerous people heard him praising the holy Prophet Mohammad . He had only asked for such an amendment in the dignity of Prophet-hood laws, through which no innocent person could falsely be implicated.

Adequate Security Arrangements
Bhatti got threats not for his personal opinions but for the sensitive task of collecting diverse opinions from Muslim clerics and minority leaders without providing him adequate security arrangements, in spite of his repeated requests. This assignment entrusted on the directions of President Asif Ali Zardari pleased Western powers, but endangered his life. The government should have taken more precautions after former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer's murder. Who killed him? Was it the handiwork of Raymond Davis's henchmen, or the Taliban's, or some other Islamic enemy? It has to be ascertained but strongly. No one has claimed responsibility so far.

Religion prescribes strict responsibilities for the protection of life and property of minorities. However, prayer cannot be made for the non-Muslim departed soul, whereas the descendants of Bhatti deserve our sympathy and condolence. His killer should be arrested forthwith. One should also follow the limits prescribed by God. In Muslim jurisprudence, the punishment for killing a non-Muslim subject is the same as the punishment for killing a Muslim subject.

According to the Prophet, if a Muslim persecutes any non-Muslim, or snatches away his rights, or takes away anything away from him without his consent, or put pressure on him beyond the capacity of his tolerance, then on the day of resurrection, he (prophet) will give evidence against him. In the Caliphate period of Hazrat Ali, a non-Muslim was killed by a Muslim. Hazrat Ali prescribed retribution for him, but the brother of the slain said that he had pardoned him. Hazrat Ali was not satisfied with the statement, suspecting intimidation from the assassin's relatives. But his brother emphasized that he has taken the compensation money. Then only Hazrat Ali released the culprit and pronounced that 'the blood of a minority subject in our state is as precious as the blood of a Muslim subject and his compensation is also the same.'

Malicious Propaganda
Agents such as Pervez Musharraf are busy to please their US and the Western masters for an innovative Islam. God willing, they will not be successful in their nefarious plans, but it is our responsibility to introspect and remove the shortcomings in our personality and for the pleasing of the Almighty must strive hard to protect the minorities in Pakistan.

Communal Riots in Bareilly

Communal riots taking place in Bareilly raises several uncomfortable questions before us. The first point is that Uttar Pradesh has been free of communal riots for a long time. There were attempts in the past to increase communal polarization and enmity, and religious sentiments were continuously being used in politics, but this state was spared from communal violence.

Immediate Reasons
The riot that took place in Bareilly started with the skirmish during the procession of Barawafat (birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad), but the ground for it was being prepared for long. No matter what the immediate reasons for communal riots are, preparations for them are made much in advance, and if eyes of the administration and society are sharp, they could see these signs floating in the air.

It is also a strange thing that the riot took place in the city of Bareilly, which has been Ala Hazarat or Ahmed Raza Khan's place of work, and even today his tomb is a place of worship for all.

Culture and Tolerance
Ahmed Raza Khan was a Muslim religious cleric who was the propagator of that sect of Islam, which is known as "Barelavi" sect. As opposed to pure fundamentalist Salafi or Wahabi sect, Barelavi is a liberal and coordinating sect and it is believed that most Muslims in the world believe in this sect. In the Barelavi sect, local culture and tolerance has been accepted. Ala Hazarat was a scholar of Islamic scriptures and Islamic scholars around the world respected him. In fact, Ala Hazarat defined the liberality and peace-loving qualities of Islam on the basis of religious scriptures, which is being easily followed by most of the Muslim community. Therefore, it should be considered as regrettable that communal violence spreads in a city that has such tolerance.

Otherwise also, the path that India is treading now, there should be no scope for quarrels on the basis of religion and caste. But communal riots are taking place in Karnataka in the South and in Bareilly in the North. During riots, none of the parties wins or loses, only those people win whose selfish motives are achieved by inciting communal violence, and common people no matter what community they belong to always lose.

Target of Terrorism
India has continuously been a target of terrorism and terrorists consider themselves as the real followers of a particular religion but despite that there is no tendency of communal polarization and violence among the Indian people. Wherever there have been communal riots, local vested interests have started them in a well-planned manner, be it in Gujarat or Karnataka. In Bareilly too, such elements could be identified and the administration should take strict action against them and the society should boycott them.

Issues like food, clothes, power, water, development, and security are more important to common man, no matter what community he belongs to. While solving these problems, the society should have no time to fight in the name of religion. Let us hope that the spark of Bareilly would be extinguished there itself and this blaze would not spread further.

Publications of Prophet Mohammad's Caricatures and Responsibilities of Muslim World

The republishing of caricatures of the holy Prophet Mohammad Mohammad in Norway and Denmark is an evidence of the Western circles, specially the media's dirty conspiracy against the entire Muslim world. Its basic plan is achieve their targets against the Muslim world by declaring Islam as the religion of the terrorists and the Muslims as terrorists and extremists on the basis of the reaction emitting out in the Islamic world through this condemnable act. This would provide an opportunity to the anti-Islam forces to unite and it would be possible to open a grand front against the Muslim world.
As far as the republication of the caricatures of the holy Prophet Mohammad in Norway and Denmark is concerned, it cannot be described as purposeless and without any reason. Proving its legality in the name of freedom of expression is also a shameful and cruel act of adding salt to the Muslim's injury.

Freedom of Expression
If this is a display of freedom of expression and freedom of press then why this shameful act is only committed against the Muslims. Until today, why the western mediums of communication and media have not committed such a condemnable act, although there is no dearth of the unrevealed religions and their believers.
And the most important thing is that to-date no Muslim country, media, communication medium and government has not staged any insulting act or demonstration against any religion, or non-Muslim religious leader. Rather giving positive response to the poisonous revelations by the Western circles and some intellectuals, no Muslim scholar or intellectual has targeted their religion or religious leader, which shows Islam's broadness and respect for other religions as well as it reflects the saying of the holy Koran, there is no compulsion in religion. And this saying negates the stand regarding forceful spreading of Islam.
But the anti-Islam elements, especially not only the religious circles and intellectuals rather some non-Muslims of the subcontinent have also in the past hurt the emotions of the Muslims, and several incidents have been seen. In Lahore, with reference to Ghazi Ilm Din's martyrdom, a condemnable act of a Hindu and a shameful tale of dishonoring the holy Prophet Mohammad has become a part of our history. And Ilm Din's sacrifice to take revenge will not be forgotten by the nation till the judgment day. Ilm Din murdered a Hindu when he published a book to insult Prophet Mohammad.

Feelings of Muslims
The western circles' behavior and manners against Islam and the Muslim world is not restricted to the media and some intellectuals, rather the governments also not only encourage such persons, but their involvement in this crime is not a secret. Its proof is that Salman Rushdie was awarded with honor and he was invited to attend an official award distribution ceremony. If the British rulers would have considered the feelings of only the Muslims of the subcontinent against this cursed man, they would not have allowed him to stay in their country, rather they would not have awarded him honor that hurt the feelings of the entire Muslim world.
On the other, India has also provided an evidence of Islam's enemy by allowing the Bangladesh writer Taslima Nasreen. Nevertheless, after the republication of the caricatures in Denmark and Norway, the Pakistani nation, especially the religious circles' reaction is an example for the entire Muslim world and is also a guiding principle. This fact is not only regrettable but also of concern that unlike Pakistan, the other Muslim countries did not react so violently rather they did not show their concern at all.
The government of Pakistan considering the national reaction and pressure presented a resolution in the Parliament against the publication of these caricatures. But the action demanded by the religious and political circles against the two concerned countries for the publication of these caricatures has not been appreciated by the government and there seems no possibility of its appreciation.

Faith of Muslim Community
The protection of the honor of the Holy Prophet Mohammad Mohammad is the basic part of the faith of every Muslim, and the faith of any Muslim remains incomplete without it. This emotion creates interest for martyrdom in Muslims and no force in the world, no power, no wealth, no greediness can fade this emotion of the Muslims. Nor they can remain silent on this cruel and condemnable act.
Those western circles and countries which are committing this act, they are, in fact, in the guise of journalism and freedom of expression are committing the worst kind of terrorism. Their actions are threatening the global peace, and their conspiracy is not only against only Islam and Muslims, rather it is such a condemnable act against entire humanity, which is grave danger for global peace and existence, because its reaction can spread all over the world.

Giving Wrong Color to Islam
It is an unfortunate fact that the silence of the Muslim rulers has encouraged the newspapers of two countries to republish the insulting caricatures. To date the United Nations and Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) have not expressed any reaction against them. The Western media is controlled by Zionist forces and their Islam and Muslim enemy needs not explanation. These forces are deliberately committing such acts against the Muslims and by giving wrong color to Islam they want to convert the global community to anti-Islam forces. In this regard, Pakistan's religious circles and prominent religious leaders' demand special attention of the government that death penalty law be formulated for those who insult The holy Prophet Mohammad, and a meeting of the OIC be immediately convened against the caricatures. Because the western countries, which are blaming Pakistan and Islam for terrorism are themself committing the worst kind of terrorism.
The publication of these caricatures is no doubt an open challenge for the entire Muslim world. And the silence of the Muslim world on banning construction of mosques minarets in Switzerland and
the republication of the insulting caricatures indicates the senselessness of the Muslim rulers, which will further encourage them. In this connection, the resolutions passed at the Ulema convention of all the schools of thought in Karachi, and the addresses of Ulema at the convention represent the feelings of the 170 million people and ignoring it would be a big mistake, because the attack on the character of the most sacred personality of the world is counted among the worst type of terrorism.

Demand of Situation
In fact, only after the Muslim world and Muslim leaders kept silent on publication of these caricatures that Switzerland has banned construction of minarets and some western countries have started banning the construction of mosques, because these countries have taken the total silence of Muslim world on the action of Denmark and Norway as their weakness. And more steps can be expected from them against the Muslims.
If under the international law, if somebody can be held responsible and reprimanded for insulting an individual then what is the logic for ignoring the insult to The last Prophet Mohammad. Even the death penalty cannot satisfy the Muslims for those persons who commit this. To call this an opinion and religious freedom makes it the worst enemy of the humanity.