[Reader-list] Mohammad Yousuf Naqash: Violence No Answer

[Yogi Sikand]

*Mohammad Yousuf Naqash: Violence No Answer*



Armed offensive conflict is not the answer to the problems confronting the
world. Islamic principles show us the right path in this regard. As a matter
of fact, Islam totally rejects extremism in whatsoever form and
manifestation. We need to make a difference and draw a clear line between
right and wrong and choose between the Islamic and the non-Islamic. Masked
faces with double standards within our community have to be identified,
exposed and isolated so as to help stop misinterpretation and
misrepresentation of Islam.



It is wrong to argue that Islam allows for ruthless, offensive war. This
argument has no footing. Illiteracy about Islamic teachings and vested
interests within our community have given the likes of Al-Qaeda and the
Taliban to exploit Islam and give it a bad name. The Holy Quran and the
Sirah and Sunnah (the life and sayings) of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)
allow violence to the extent of self-defence and in such an event they
prescribe certain norms and conditions whose observance is obligatory.
Firstly, the struggle (or what in Arabic language is called Jihad) should be
against those who carry out massacres and cause damage to Muslims. Secondly,
it should be against those who conspire to destabilize or overthrow an
Islamic state, using military might. Thirdly, the defense should not inflict
any type of damage to non-combatants, including the elderly, the ailing,
women, children and those who surrender to or seek refuge with the Muslims.
Fourthly, there must be no damage to property, animals, plantations and
orchards. Fifthly, those arrested and imprisoned should not be subjected to
third-degree methods for confession. Prisoners of all types should be
treated well and humanely.



Being a universal religion based on values such as tolerance, patience,
compassion, brotherhood, nobility and civility, Islam cannot be blamed for
savagery and terrorism. No such inhuman act can be justified or considered
as legitimate in any way, regardless of who perpetrates it and on what
pretext it is done. People with Muslim names who perpetrate crimes against
humanity on the pretext of safeguarding Islam are actually damaging the
Islamic cause, which upholds peaceful mutual co-existence of human beings,
irrespective of religion and ideology. It is un-Islamic to seek to effect
reformation of society and conversion of non-Muslims by force. Everyone has
the right to follow and preserve his or her own religion, but not the right
to force it on others. Muslims have the right to work for a genuine Islamic
state, provided the majority favors this, but one's political ideology
cannot be forced on others. This must be done through convincing others,
using persuasive arguments and other peaceful methods, devoid of any type of
threat.



We first need to reform our own selves, to cleanse ourselves of immorality.
In Islam this is the highest degree of Jihad. Yet, we often forget this, and
with all our evils and ills and vested interests intact within, seek to take
up the second degree of Jihad, armed struggle, forgetting the major Jihad
relates to motivation by argument, dialogue and peaceful persuasion. Our
quest for self-interest takes us towards inhuman intentions and actions. As
is said, every action has its reaction, and so we face the wrath of others
in return and also the damage and desecration of our religion. What purpose
do our men serve for Islam by killing innocents in India, America, or
elsewhere? Islam forbids us such in-human acts directed against innocent
civilians and non-combatants.



Such a mindset reflects jingoistic extremism and revengeful madness, not the
Islamic values and objectives. True, there must be reaction to oppression,
but it should be directed only against those who are directly involved and
responsible for this oppression, and that too it should be strictly
defensive, not offensive, reaction. And in reacting through self-defence,
strict observance of a code of conduct in conformity with Islamic principles
is mandatory.



Certain non-Muslim forces are in occupation of some Muslim countries and
territories and have let loose a reign of terror there. This is a bitter
reality. But this does not justify Muslims acting against non-combatant
citizens of these countries. Whatever the provocations by non-Islamic
governments and ideologies against Islam and Muslims, Islam considers the
killing of civilians and non-combatants irrespective of religion and
ideology a dreadful sin, indeed the most heinous crime after polytheism.
That this can never be condoned is the word of Allah Almighty. To take
revenge against oppression, some Muslims have resorted to suicidal attacks
and grenade blasts that cause naked death and destruction. Where does Islam
allow such inhuman and savage acts in the name of Jihad? This is obviously a
gross violation of Islam. Despite this, we witness these un-Islamic, inhuman
and intolerable incidents occurring daily, in which hundreds and thousands
get killed. This misguided understanding of Islam developed by some people
with Muslim names needs to be countered to project and demonstrate Islam in
its right perspective.



True, conspiring against Islam and Muslims is the persistent policy of
certain non-Islamic governments and ideologies. However, many Muslims
mishandle their reaction to this and seek to take recourse to only violence
for a way out and for their salvation from subjugation and persecution,
avoiding peaceful means like dialogue, arguments and protests. It is here
that we get confronted with more problems due to our own willful
misinterpretation of Islam. Such a devilish behavior and attitude gives a
pretext to non-Islamic governments and ideologies to carry forward their
ill-intentions against Muslims and Islam.



It is unfortunate to note that we are doing the reverse of what has been
commanded to us by Allah Almighty and demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad (
p.b.u.h). We Muslims are mainly responsible for undermining the importance
of Islam due to our own misdeeds and un-Islamic blunders.

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*Mohammad Yousuf Naqash*

*Chairman *

*Islamic Political Party* (JK)

*Head *

*Human Rights Committee*

*Hurriyat Conference*

*Rajbagh *

*Srinagar***

*Kashmir***

*Email:    *ipp_55 at yahoo.com
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