“Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers” Voltaire
Reflecting on linear development in human history, as viewed by some Western philosophers, the human progress had been derailed. Postmodernity is a subjective reality. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are identified as the final episode in the modernity epic. Thereafter, people have lost a sense of direction and the post colonial world has given birth to the new confused nationalistic identities.
Who are we and what makes us different? One of the major concerns in the Postmodern world is the question of one’s identity. Religious, political, national, and social identities are consistently being revised in order to present a clearer picture. Who are fundamentalists, terrorists, nationalists, capitalists, Marxists… The discussion continues.
Another feature of postmodernity is mass exploitation. There is mass media, mass production, mass consumerism, mass radicalization, mass communication, mass destruction, etc. Everything is one size fits all in this mass mess. Individualism is lost in digital mass production.
Whereas rationalism and science gave hope in modernity, postmodernity is daunted with cynicism and pessimism. With all the technological and scientific advancements, unfortunately we have created tools for mass destruction. Suicide is surely not an enlightened idea.
Two major features of postmodernity are:
1. Anti-war Movement
2. Environmentalism
Muslims can contribute in both movements in a substantial way. Islam forbids pollution and war making. Humans are to live in a dignified way. War (harb) and pollution (israf) are
unholy and irrational demonic behaviors. In the coming years, scholars, imams, rabbis, ministers, and masses must take a firm stand against war and pollution.
Humanity deserves better.
May God guide us to the truth.
faraz
continue…
1 Response
From Riyadhus Saaliheen…
Chapter 234
Obligation of Jihad
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“And fight against the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) collectively as they fight against you collectively. But know that Allah is with those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious).” (9:36)
“Jihad (holy fighting in Allah’s Cause) is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.” (2:216)
“March forth, whether you are light (being healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (being ill, old and poor), and strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the Cause of Allah” (9:41)
“Verily, Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties for (the price) that theirs shall be the Jannah. They fight in Allah’s Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed. It is a promise in truth which is binding on Him in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and the Qur’an. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded. That is the supreme success.” (9:111)
“Not equal are those of the believers who sit (at home), except those who are disabled (by injury or are blind or lame), and those who strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has preferred in grades those who strive hard and fight with their wealth and their lives above those who sit (at home). Unto each, Allah has promised good (Jannah), but Allah has preferred those who strive hard and fight, above those who sit (at home) by a huge reward. Degrees of (higher) grades from Him, and forgiveness and mercy. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (4:95, 96)
“O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment? That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH)), and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives: that will be better for you, if you but know! (If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in `Adn (Eden) Jannah; that is indeed the great success. And also (He will give you) another (blessing) which you love: help from Allah (against your enemies) and a near victory. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad (PBUH)) to the believers.” (61:10-13)
Why do we continue to deny that fighting is permissible in some cases. Im not talking about suicide bombings, oppressing the weak and innocent, or shedding the blood of civilians, women and/or children, but there are instances in which we must fight!!!
Posted on September 9th, 2007 at 10:25 am
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