FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The Quran states: “Surely with every hardship there is ease; surely, with every hardship there is ease.” (94:5-6)
According to the above verses, the Quran teaches that there is also relief and ease in the world alongside every difficulty. God has created the world, so unfavourable events cannot eliminate favourable circumstances. This principle applies to various situations, including the case of Salman Rushdie.
In history, a person with a bad character named Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salul existed in ancient Madinah. He once exaggerated a minor incident and falsely accused Hazrat Ayesha of adultery. This false story spread rapidly in Madinah, causing a state of emergency for a month. However, the Quran refuted these accusations in Chapter 24, verses 11-20.
One of the messages conveyed in these verses is: “(O Muslims,) do not perceive this storm brought upon you as detrimental, but rather consider it beneficial.” (24:11) The favourable conditions mentioned in the verse are called “yusr.” One manifestation of these conditions occurs when false propaganda is disseminated about the believer, causing discussions among the people and sparking curiosity. This enables the believer to refute the false claims and clarify the situation, presenting the truth more clearly.
On the one hand, it becomes evident to people that the opponents are deceptive, while on the other hand, it becomes apparent that the caller upholds the truth. Consequently, new individuals become acquainted with the divine message through the ensuing discussions. Throughout this process, those who were initially sceptical became companions of the caller after attaining a level of certainty. People can witness firsthand that the proponent of truth stands firmly on solid ground, whereas the opponents have nothing but false and unfounded accusations to offer. This serves as an illustration of finding ease amidst hardship.
The Real Problem
Upon closer examination, we discover that the real issue lies not in the existence of individuals like Rushdie, who write and speak against Islam. Instead, the genuine concern we should focus on is the underlying situation that permits them to express their views against Islam.
To illustrate this point, let us consider an example. In Britain, there has been a law in place since the 17th century that criminalizes blasphemy against Christianity, specifically the Anglican Church. However, despite the existence of this legal code, a film titled ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’ has been produced in the UK, which directly contradicts the provisions of this law. This movie portrays explicit scenes involving the sexual life of Jesus Christ and depicts him and his mother, Mary, engaging in acts that desecrate their revered status. Remarkably, this film continues to be openly screened in the UK, and neither the film itself nor its creators have faced any legal repercussions despite the existence of the law.
Now, let us consider another example from the same country. Peter Wright, an Englishman who retired and now resides in Australia, held a high-ranking position in the British Intelligence Service. Following his retirement, he authored a book recounting his experiences titled ‘Spy Catcher.’ This memoir unveils numerous secrets pertaining to the British Intelligence Service.
Peter Wright sold the rights to his book to a publisher in London; however, the British Government became aware of its content before its publication. Consequently, they swiftly banned the book, citing its contradiction with government policies. Despite the author’s and publisher’s efforts, the book could not be published in London. Eventually, in 1988, it was published in a foreign country. However, its entry into the UK remains strictly prohibited.
This incident highlights a case of “blasphemy against prophets,” where despite the presence of a law, the film was not banned. Conversely, in another incident categorized as “blasphemy against the state,” the government promptly took action, and the entire country refused to allow the book within its borders. What accounts for this disparity? There is only one explanation for this distinction. Britain recognizes the significance of treason against the state but does not exhibit the same level of sensitivity towards blasphemy against prophets.
From this, it becomes evident what the underlying issue for Islam is in contemporary times. The actual problem faced by Islam today is the diminishing perception of its greatness and significance in the minds of modern individuals. Islam is increasingly viewed as something devoid of value and unnecessary in the context of today’s world. These circumstances have emboldened people to criticize Islam openly. This phenomenon is not limited to non-Muslims alone but also extends to the educated, modern generation of Muslims. Many individuals harbour these misconceptions and persist in writing and speaking against Islam.
The primary objective at this juncture is to dispel the misconceptions held by modern individuals about Islam and establish its importance as a recognized reality in their eyes. The image of Islam must be elevated to such a degree that no one would dare speak ill of it. If such a positive environment is cultivated, and if someone does commit an offence against Islam, their words will carry no weight. For example, in the current atmosphere, if someone speaks against democracy, their words automatically lose credibility.
Islamic Literature to Address Modern Minds
In the present day, when individuals like Salman Rushdie propagate evil, it remains solely as such, without any good arising from it. The primary reason for this lies in the negative response of Muslim writers. Consequently, readers find no appeal in an Islam based on hatred and vengeance. However, such challenges also present an opportunity, as people naturally become curious about Islam during such occasions, creating a favourable atmosphere for studying it. Unfortunately, the existing libraries lack literature presenting Islam’s noble teachings in a language accessible and understandable to readers, addressing their intellects. While anti-Islamic literature is abundant today, there is a lack of Islamic literature that resonates logically and relates to the lives of modern individuals.
Recognizing this need decades ago, the writer embarked on a detailed study of Islam while simultaneously delving into various aspects of modern sciences. Subsequently, the writer began producing Islamic literature that meets contemporary requirements, aiming to establish the ideological superiority of Islam and engage with modern minds. Devoting his life to this endeavour to the best of his abilities, the writer responded to this specific need by compiling a book titled “Islam: Daur e Jadid Ka Khaliq” (Urdu: 1989), which was translated into English under the title “Islam: Creator of the Modern Age” (published in 1993). This book, published by the Islamic Center, New Delhi, spans over one hundred pages. Grounded in actual events and facts, it illustrates how modern science and the advancements of the present age are gifts bestowed by Islam through the Prophet Muhammad and his Companions. The Islamic revolution marked the first transformative change in human history, laying the foundation for all the progress witnessed in the modern era.
